Madhya Pradesh – the place that gets its name from its geographical location, i.e., Madhya (centre). Also known as the heart of India, the state is well-known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for tourists. There are several tourist places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, ranging from ancient temples, magnificent forts, and spectacular waterfalls to wildlife sanctuaries, each offering a unique experience to the visitors. Whether you are travelling alone or along with your family, here are some top tourist places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, check out these Top 9 Tourist Places in Kozhikode for an Unforgetful Experience
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
1. Bhopal
The capital of the state, Bhopal is a top tourist place to visit in Madhya Pradesh. This city offers a mix of history, culture, and modernity. It is known for its historical sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhimbetka, famous for its rock shelters, and the stunning architecture of places like the Rajwada Palace and Lal Bagh Palace.
Some of the key attractions in Bhopal include:
- Sair Sapata – an entertainment complex on the banks of the Upper Lake. It has several attractions like the suspension bridge, toy train, car dashing, forest hiking, zorbing, and boat ridings.
- Gohar Mahal – Built by Gohar Begum, Gohar Mahal is a palace exuding royalty and impressive artwork.
- Raisen Fort – It is a splendid structure with sturdy fortifications, lofty gateways, huge palaces, domes and temples,
- The New Market – A commercial trading centre to buy almost anything.
- The Bhojpur Temple – Also known as Bhojeshwar Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Travel tips by Tripgala: When travelling to Bhopal, here are some local travel tips to keep in mind
- Bhopal has a decent public transport system, including buses and auto-rickshaws, which can be a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
- Don’t miss out on local cuisines like Poha Jalebi, Bhopali Gosht Korma, Paneer Rezala and Bafla.
2. Patalpani Water Falls
Located in Kekariya Dabri, this waterfall is a popular spot for nature lovers. It is about 35 kilometres away from Indore and falls on the way to Mumbai. With a height of 300 feet, this waterfall is surrounded by lush green forest all around, making it a perfect picnic spot as well.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
Best Time To Visit: During the monsoon season when the waterfall is in full flow.
How To Reach There: The nearest airport is Indore International Airport, which is roughly 40 km from the falls. To reach the waterfall via road, one has to first reach Dr Ambedkar Nagar (MHOW) town and then travel 8 km on internal country roads.
Travel Tips by Tripgala:
- It is best to avoid visiting Patalpani Waterfalls during heavy monsoons due to the high flow and risk of flash floods.
- Wear slip-resistant footwear to avoid accidents.
3. Khajuraho Group of Temples
Khajuraho’s temples are more than sandstone structures; they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site whispering tales of a bygone era. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, these intricately carved monuments celebrate love, sensuality, and spiritual devotion. These temples are living proof of the origin of Kamasutra Ved in India. While the sculptures take your attention, there’s more depth and meaning to them. These monuments, in fact, depict how progressive and modern our historical era was! Today, where sex and sensuality are hush-hush topics in our country, Khajuraho temples celebrate love with dignity.
Timings: The temples remain open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Location: Sevagram, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, 471606, India
Best Time To visit Khajuraho: October to February
Travel Tips by Tripgala:
- Try visiting the Western Group of Temples as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
- There is a Light and Sound show every evening. It starts at 6:30 PM with the English version followed by the Hindi one at 7:30 PM. The entrance fee for Indian tourists is INR 250, while foreigners need to pay INR 750
- Carry a water bottle but not food inside the temple.
4. Fossil National Park
Another top tourist place to visit in Madhya Pradesh is the Fossil Park in the Ghughwa district of M.P. Imagine 65 million years of history fossiled in one place. That’s around the time those giant space rocks wiped out the dinosaurs. Yes, you heard that right. Here, you get the opportunity to see fossil exhibits of plants, leaves, and other creatures live with your naked eyes. Also, you can find fossils of insects, fish, seeds, and shells here. Additionally, the park offers a virtual aquarium, Fossil Lake in a Box. This will make you wonder how the animals may have lived in their era.
You can take a stroll at the museum inside the park and gain insightful insights. You can also interact with Forest officials. The whole tour to exploring the fossil park takes less than 2 hours. Geology and Botany students will surely enjoy this place. While these parks don’t have the roar of tiger reserve, but they offer a unique window into a time long past.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Location: Highway 11 Ghughwa, Dindori 481880, M.P India
Travel Tips by Tripgala:
- Wear comfortable shoes here.
- Don’t miss out on the Dianasour’s egg fossil in the museum.
- Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to get a better understanding of the fossils and the geological history of fossils.
- The park is close to Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks. So, you can conveniently stop by one destination and travel between the two parks.
5. Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park isn’t just a wildlife sanctuary; it’s a haven for the majestic Bengal tiger. Spread across lush forests, Kanha boasts a vibrant ecosystem. So, take a ride on a jeep safari and see if you can spot the magnificent tiger. But keep your eyes peeled – leopards, barasinghas, and a dazzling array of over 300 bird species also call Kanha home.
Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available near Kanha National Park, including Kanha Earth Lodge, Banjaar Tola by Taj, Shergarh, Flame of the Forest, and Soulacia
Travel Tips by Tripgala:
- Don’t litter and throw waste around.
- Follow local guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Maintain a safe distance from animals.
6. Deogarh
Deogarh in Madhya Pradesh is a charming destination known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. The key attraction of Deogarh is the Deogarh Fort, a majestic structure that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The fort showcases intricate carvings and beautiful architecture, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. If you’re an explorer seeking historical gems or interested in experiencing rural life, Deogarh could be a fascinating stop on your Madhya Pradesh adventure.
Best Time to Visit: October to March offers pleasant weather for exploring.
Travel Tips by Tripgala:
- You might not find luxurious hotels here. Look for guesthouses or homestays in nearby towns like Chhindwara.
- Respect local customs while visiting sacred places.
Wrapping Up
Madhya Pradesh isn’t just a location; it’s a journey into the soul of India. From temples to waterfalls and wildlife reserves, Madhya Pradesh is clearly the heart of India.
Have you ever been to Madhya Pradesh? If yes, then How many of these tourist places in Madhya Pradesh have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!
Great share!