Madhya Pradesh Experience
Madhya Pradesh, a large central state in India is the center of multiple tourist destinations and experiences. Right from ancient temples including the famous Khajuraho temple to the wild and beautiful national parks that is inhabited by rich flora and fauna. A great find for any traveler yearning to explore the unexplored.
Overview
Experience
Madhya Pradesh is a large state in central India and is well connected by air and rail. The state has many places to visit and many things to do depending on what your interests could be. You would need more than a week to explore these places in the state. If you are traveling to and exploring India, Madhya Pradesh definitely needs to be a part of your itinerary and you would definitely keep on coming back to explore more ☺.
Following are some of the places and experiences we have listed. Based on your interests and time we could curate a personalized itinerary for you.
BHOPAL
The capital city is also home to many lakes, museums, wildlife reserves and old palaces.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Upper lake, lower lake, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, State Museum, Birla Museum, Van Vihar National Park, Bharat Bhavan, Tribal Habitat, Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya.
How To Get There: By Air (Bhopal Airport), Rail and Road.
SANCHI
In ancient times Sanchi was a popular educational and Buddhist pilgrimage centre also known for its Stupa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Sanchi Stupa, Toranas, Monasteries, Ashoka Pillars, Buddhist Vihara, Gupta Temple, and Sanchi Museum
How To Get There: Sanchi has its own railway station but doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport from Sanchi is in Bhopal, which is 46 km. You can take a taxi or a bus from Bhopal to reach Sanchi. Bhopal is very well connected with the rest of India by both air and rail.
INDORE
The gastronomic delight of the state known for it delicious snacks and street food. Located on the back of River Saraswati, the city boasts for its rich heritage and historical monuments with unique architecture.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Lal Bagh Palace, Sarafa bazar at night, Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Central Museum, Patalpani Waterfall, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Tincha Waterfall and Indore White Church.
How To Get There: By Air (Indore Airport), Rail and Road.
MANDU
The city of Mandu is adorned with spell-binding Afghan architecture surrounded by baobab trees, native to Africa. The grand palaces are still alive with royal romance while the gateways (darwazas) speak of a history of imperial conquests. A walk through Mandu will leave you awe-struck, the way you used to be listening to stories from grandparents.
Floating over it’s own reflection, the Jahaz Mahal in Mandu looks like a ship that’s about to sail. However, for centuries this ship made of stone and mortar never did. Instead, it stood floating over the twin lakes, bearing a silent witness to Mandu’s long, rich and varied history. It is witness to the legendary romance of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Jahaz Mahal, Taveli Mahal, Hindola Mahal, House & Shop of Gada Shah, Mosques of Dilawar Khan, Turkish Bath and Champa Baodi, Hoshangs tomb, Ashrafi Mahal, Jain Temple, Baz Bahadurs Palace, Roopmatis Palace and Dariya Khans tomb & Haathi Mahal.
How To Get There: Mandu is 82 kms from Indore. There are plenty of buses available or you can conveniently drive down.
OMKARESHWAR
It can only be termed as a blessing, by Lords and mother nature, that Omkareshwar, the sacred island, is shaped like Om – the holiest symbol of Hinduism. Not surprising then that this serene town is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India. Pilgrims in unimaginable numbers visit the shrine every year, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Omkareshwar is adorned with lofty hills, between which the river Narmada forms a serene pool. Above this pool runs a cantilever type bridge which further enhances the scenic beauty of this island.
The beauty and divinity that reside in this town work like a magic spell, transporting you back to childhood moments of sheer wonder.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places to Visit: Shri Omkara Mandhata, 24 Avatars, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri SIddhanath Temple, Kajal Rani Cave.
How To Get There: Omkareshwar is 78 kms from Indore. There are plenty of buses available or you can conveniently drive down.
MAHESHWAR
Situated on the banks of river Narmada, Maheshwar appeals to both, the pilgrim as well as the tourist in you. The town possesses a treasure trove of beautiful temples that calm the soul, alongside man-made creations that please the eyes.
A centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century, Maheshwar has been producing the exquisite Maheshwari saris and fabric. The town also holds the distinction of being the capital of Rajmata Ahilya Devi Holkar’s empire during the 18th century.
This historic town weaves spirituality and folklore with the beauty of nature and Maheshwari saris, bringing alive child-like awe in you.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Places to Visit: Ahilyabai Ghats, Queens Fort, Ahilyeshwar temple, Tana Bana Maheshwari Handloom, Rajwada
How to reach there: 91 kms from Indore by road.
UJJAIN
Located by the Shipra River, Ujjain is an ancient city. It is also know as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh as it houses numerous temples with Bundela art and architecture. The city is also known for hosting the mega Kumbha Mela.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ram Ghat, Kal Bhairav Temple, Jantar Mantar, Kalideh Palace, and Vikram Kirti Mandir Museum.
How To Get There: Ujjain railway station connects the city of Ujjian with the neighboring cities. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is the nearest airport to the city of Ujjain. Passengers can easily get to Airport by buses as it is only 55 km away from the main city of Ujjain.
GWALIOR
The city is a cultural hub rich in art, culture and history with an amazing mix of historical monuments with unique architecture.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Gwalior Fort, Mansingh Palace, Tansen Tomb, Tiger Dam, Gopachal Parvat, Sun Temple, Jai Vilas Palace, Scindia Museum and Madhav National Park.
How To Get There: By Air (Gwalior Airport), Rail and Road.
ORCHHA
The erstwhile capital of the Rajputs of Bundela, the city has beautiful forts and temples with splendid Rajputana architecture. Lately Orchha is promoted as the cultural capital of the state with many events taking place here.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Orchha Fort, Raja Ram Temple, Raja Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, Palki Mahal, and Dinman Hardaul’s Palace
How To Get There: Orchha is within easy reach from Delhi. Visitors often combine it with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the erotic temples of Khajuraho. Jhansi is the nearest railway station and Gwalior the nearest airport. The distance between Jhansi and Orchha is 18 kilometres.
JABALPUR
Located by the Narmada river, the city has natural beauty surrounded by granite and sandstone hills, with spectacular waterfalls, marble rocky outcrops, majestic forts and dams.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Dhuandhar Waterfall, Bhedaghat, Marble Rocks, Bargi Dam, Madan Mahal Fort, Dumna Nature Reserve, Rani Durgavati Memorial & Museum, and Pisan Hari Jain Temple.
How To Get There: By Air (Jabalpur Airport), Rail and Road.
AMARKANTAK
The Holy River Narmada originates here. Situated at an altitude of 1000 m, Amarkantak is a well frequented Hindu pilgrimage center that is popularly known as ‘Teerthraj’ – ‘the king of pilgrimages’.
The Amarkantak region has a rich natural heritage. It is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. Three rivers – the holy Narmada, the Sone and the Johila – emerge here.
The forests surrounding Amarkantak have a rich variety of plants with medicinal properties, which make it extremely significant from an ecological point of view.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Kapila Dhara Fall, Narmada Udgam and Kund, Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Dugdh Dhara Waterfalls, Kabir Kothi. Royal Bandhavgarh National Park is 170 kms away while Kanha National Park is 157 kms away.
How To Get There: Jabalpur Airport is the nearest airport to Amarkantak that is located at a distance of 245 km. Pendra Road is the nearest railhead to Amarkantak, which is located at a distance of 17 km from this holy town. Tourists can also come down to this place via Anuppur, which is just 48 km away. From both of these places, one can get regular transport facility including taxis and buses. From Pendra Road, Shahdol and Bilaspur, One can easily find state buses to Amarkantak. It is also well connected by buses to Jabalpur, Rewa and Shahdol, which are located at a distance of 245 km, 261 km and 67 km to the town. One of the biggest metropolises in the region, Nagpur, is situated about 450 km from the town. There are good services of Buses and Cabs available.
KHAJURAHO
Of all the places in Madhya Pradesh Khajuraho is the most visited. Known for its intricate carvings, sculptures and fine art specimens that adorns the old temples, along with some ancient erotic art from the Kamasutra. This unique splendor of art and craft has earned it a spot among the seven wonders of India.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Ajaigarh Fort, Panna National Park, Beni Sagar Dam, Archeological Museum, and temples of Kandariya Mahadev, Parsvanath, Visvanath, Devi Jagadamba, Vamana, Duladeo, Chitragupta, and Bijamandala
How To Get There: By Air (Khajuraho Airport), Rail and Road.
PANCHMARHI
It is one of the beautiful yet unexplored hill stations of India, with abundant natural beauty and scenic vistas. A great place to visit to get away from the busy city life.
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Places To Visit: Dhupgarh, Panar pani, Chauragarh, Sangam, Jatashankar & Mahadeo Caves, and Apsara Vihar.
How To Get There: Pachmarhi is 47 km form Pipariya, which is on the Itarsi-Jabalpur rail line, 2 hours from Jabalpur and approximately 1 hour from Itarsi. You can also take a direct bus from Bhopal, which is 210 km away by road.
CHANDERI
Ask any Indian woman and they would’ve known of this place even though they wouldn’t have had visited it. This is because the city is known for it famous Chanderi Silk Sarees. Apart form the silk the city is known for popular historical forts and palaces remains of the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Places To Visit: Kati Ghati Gateway, Koshak Mahal, Purana Madrasa, Shehzadi Ka Rauza, Idgah, Bada Mahal Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and Chandraprabh Temple.
How To Get There:
By Air: The nearest airports to reach Chanderi are in Bhopal, Gwalior, and Khajuraho, that are 220 km, 250 km, and 250 km, respectively from Chanderi.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach Chanderi is at Lalitpur, which is approximately 40 km on Bina-Bhopal track.
BURHANPUR
Founded in 1400 AD on the bank of the Tapti River, the historical city of Burhanpur was once the capital of the Mughal Kingdom. An important outpost of the Mughals, Burhanpur was known as the gateway to southern India for its strategic location.
Ruled by Shah Jahan for a very long period, it is one of the most beautiful symbols of Mughal architecture and Mughal grandeur.
The magnificent mosques, tombs and palaces give you a sense of what Mughal life at its peak was like. Burhanpur’s glorious and rich past will leave you fascinated and engrossed, just like a child.
A painting in Shahi Qila is supposed to have inspired the design of Taj Mahal.
Burhanpur was the originally preferred location of Taj Mahal.
Places To Visit: Jama Masjid, Asirgarh Fort, Hamam or Royal Bath, Paintings of the Shahi Qila, Tapti Ghat, Sikhism in Burhanpur
How To Get There: Its 85 kms from Jalgaon Airport. Jalgaon railway station is on the Mumbai Kolkata route. There are plenty of trains available from Mumbai to Jalgaon. Its 410 kms from Jalgaon.
NATIONAL PARKS OF MADHYA PRADESH:
Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh and Satpura National Parks are among the popular wildlife sanctuaries of India and all of these are in Madhya Pradesh. Known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna, and especially the dense population of Tigers here, these parks are frequently visited by wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Best Time To Visit: October to June. February to June is the best time to spot wildlife.
Things To Do: Safari and other outdoor activities.
How To Get There:
KANHA
Gondia and Jabalpur are the two nearest railway head from Kanha National Park. Gondia Railway Station is located at a distance of 145km and it takes 3 hrs drive from Kanha. 160 Km away from Kanha is Jabalpur Railway Station and it takes a drive of 4 hrs drive.
PENCH
By Air. The Sonegaon airport in Nagpur is 93 kms from the Pench National park.
By Rail. The Seoni Railway Station is about 30 kms from the Pench National Park.
By Road. Buses and jeeps can be taken to the Pench National Park from the bus stand which is at Seoni
BANDHAVGARH
Fly from Delhi, Agra or Varanasi to Khajuraho and drive (7-8 hours) to Tala park entrance at Bandhavgarh. Nearest airport from the park is Khajuraho. By Rail: Nearest railway station is Umaria after Katni railway station, from there it is about 40 minutes drive to Nature Heritage.
SATPURA
In order to reach Satpura National Park, nearest airport is at Bhopal city which is just 200 kms from park. Bhopal Airport has connectivity with Delhi & Mumbai. Nearest railway stations for Satpura National Park are: Itarsi, Sohagpur, Pipariya & Hoshangabad.
Apart from these there are other notable places to visit in Madhya Pradesh such as Panna (the city of diamonds), Shivpuri, Satna, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (with pre-historic cave paintings) and Udayagiri caves (twenty rock cut caves).
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