Top places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh

Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Kandariya Mahadev Temples was built by Vidyadhara. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest temple in the Khajuraho complex which was built by the Chandela rulers. This temple is dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva. There are 646 statues installed inside the temple’s premises. The entrance of the temple has staircase which has been beautifully adorned with garlands. There is a rectangular hall at the entrance called as ardhamandapa which leads to a central pillared hall called Mandapa. There are niches where erotic sculptures are fitted all round which are the major attraction among visitors. There is also a 50-minute Sound and Light Show organized in the temple premises every evening. 

Lal Bagh Palace in Madhya Pradesh

Lal Bagh Palace was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar in the year 1886-1921. It is a three storey building standing tall on the banks of the River Khan. The palce has a huge garden of roses. The palace also has Indian and Italian paintings and sculptures. The grand ballroom of the palace has wooden floor mounted on springs for extra bounce. The palace has a furnished rooms with the beautiful carvings on the walls

Dupgarh in Madhya Pradesh

Dupgarh is also known as Harvasta Kot. Dupgarh or Dhoopgarh is one of the topmost peak in Satpura range. Dhoopgarh hilltop is a beautiful spot to see marvelous sunsets and sunrises. One can trek through valleys and waterfalls to reach the beautiful place.

Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Prades

Bandhavgarh National Park is located at Vindhya hills. It has major flora and fauna. It has more than 250 species of birds and 22 different species of mammals. Major Mammals of Bandhavgarh is Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wild Cat, Hyena, Wolf, Chital, Sambar, Black Buck, Rojda etc. Bandhavgarh National park has 4 zones names Tala, Panpatha, Khitauli and Magdi. Species of Birds include Plum-headed Parakeet, Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Grey Hornbill, Orange-headed thrush Alexandrine Parakeet, Indian Roller, Oriental Magpie Robin, etc. One can enjoy Wildlife Safari in Bandhavgarh in this four zones. It has Jeep/ Canter Safari and Elephant Safari.

Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior Fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar in 15^th century. It is also referred as Shunyo in Sanskrit. Gwalior Fort is surrounded by concrete walls of sandstone. The Gwalior fort has 3 temples, 6 palaces and many water tanks. The temples are built in Dravidian style. The Man Singh Palace is one of the most amazing palace. Every evening a light and sound show is presented in the Fort’s open amphitheater. Gwalior Annual Trade Fair is famous festival that takes place. Gwalior Carnival is an event that includes various activities like dance, music, food, spiritual camps and sports.

Dhuandhar Waterfall in Madhya Pradesh

Dhuandhar Waterfall is also known as smoke cascade. Dhuandhar falls is a located in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The falls is located on Narmada River in Bhedaghat Dhuandhar is a small water fall where river water cascades down and generates water-fog. The best time to visit the falls is during Sharad Purnima when Narmada Mahotsav gets celebrated. One can see the white marbles when the moon light falls on it.

Jai Vilas Palace in Madhya Pradesh

The Jai Vilas Palace is also known as the Jai Vilas Mahal in Gwalior. It was established in 1874 by Jayajirao Scindia. It serves both as a residence for the royal Maratha Scindia family, as well as a museum stretched over 40 rooms of the palace. It has a Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery and a library that has more than five thousand books. The museum houses a collection of swords which date back to the reign of Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. It also has the original shield of Jhansi Ki Rani.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagara Lake of Ujjain. It is a three storied temple. The corridors’ walls are garlanded with the old statues and sculptures. Mahakaleshwar Temple is a famous shrine that comprises one of the twelve major Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity in the form of lingam. ‘Mahashivratri’ is the major festival in the temple with full gusto and fervor.

Rajawada Palace in Madhya Pradesh

Rajawada Palace is also known as Holkar Palace. Rajawada has palatial structure is built using Mughal, Maratha and French styles of architecture. The Darbal Hall and the Rani Ahilya throne are designed in French style. The entrance of the palace is a lofty wooden gate with iron studs. The lower three floors of the structure are made of stone and the upper three floors are made of wood. There is a Ganesha hall that once served as a major venue for all the important events and religious functions. The hall is where the art exhibitions and classical music concerts are held.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelter in Madhya Pradesh

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains. Bhimbetka has around 243 rock shelters. The paintings found in the rock shelters here have a striking resemblance to the ones discovered in Kakadu National Park in Australia; to the cave paintings of Bushmen in Kalahari Desert and Upper Palaeolithic Lascaux cave paintings in France. These cave paintings show themes such as animals, early evidence of dance and hunting. Various stone tools such as hand-axes, triangles, trapezes, blades, crescents and cleavers are found here.

Marble Rocks in Madhya Pradesh

The Marble Rocks are a gorge on the Narmada River. The river has carved the soft marble, creating a beautiful gorge. The shear limestone rocks create a stunning spectacle giving its name as the marble rocks. The area has many tourist activities like cable car to take visitors across the gorge, row boats for guided tours of the river downstream of the falls, and many small shops filled with crafts made from the local materials. It is believed that there are seven structures representing the three monkeys of Gandhiji or the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh

Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh. The park was created in 1955. The main wildlife attractions in the park are tiger, bison, gaur, sambhar, chital, barasingha, barking deer, black deer, black buck, chousingha, nilgai, mouse deer, sloth bear, jackal fox, porcupine, hyena, jungle cat, python, pea fowl, hare, monkey, mongoose, tiger, and leopard. The bird species in the park include storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridges, quails, ring doves, spotted parakeets, green pigeons, rock pigeons, cuckoos, papihas, rollers, bee-eater, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles, owls, and fly catchers. There is a museum at Kanha with various activities of the park and tribal culture.

Central Museum Indore Madhya Pradesh

Central Museum is also known as the Indore Museum. It is located near the General Post Office in Indore. The Museum exhibits the finest collection of Parmar sculptures. The Central Museum also has the best collections of medieval and pre-medieval Hindu and Jain sculpture in Madhya Pradesh. There are two galleries in the Museum. Gallery I display artifacts from MP’s prehistoric period. Gallery II has all the Hindu mythological carvings have been displayed. The museum is also famous for its collection of coins, arms and armor.

Annapurna Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Annapurna Mandir is dedicated to the Goddess Annapurna. The temple also houses the shrines of Sivan, Hanuman and Kalabhairava. The entrance of the temple is adorned with four-life size statues of elephants. The Pravachan Hall of the temple is also very famous. The outer wall of the temple is brightly decorated with beautiful images of legendary characters. A major attraction of the temple is the 14 ½ ft high statue of Lord Kashi Vishwanath in the lotus position.

Balancing Rocks in Madhya Pradesh

Balancing Rocks is situated at the base of Madan Mahal Fort near Shailparna. The Balancing Rocks was built by Raja Madan Singh. The upper rock balances on the base of the lower rock; the area where the two rocks come in contact with each other is about 6 sq in. This balancing rock has sustained a powerful earthquake of 6.2 on the Richter scale and has not fallen apart.

Bagh Caves in Madhya Pradesh

The Bagh Caves are located by the bank of the Baghini River. The Bagh Caves are rock-cut caves, used by Buddhist monks as residence. The Bagh Caves have a total number of nine caves. The ceilings and walls of these viharas had beautiful paintings various chambers are located within the monument. The most famous features of Bagh Caves are murals made in tempera technique.  Outside the caves stands a colossal image of Yaksharaj.

Apsara vihar in Madhya Pradesh

Apsara Vihar is situated in the hills of Pachmarhi near Pandava Caves. It is also known as Fairy Pool. According to a legend, English ladies used to bathe in this pool during the British rule in India. As the English ladies wore white clothes while bathing, locals thought them to be fairies and hence named the pool as Apsara Vihar or Fairy Pool. Apsara Vihar is naturally formed pool with a beautiful and small waterfall. Water of the pool is perfect for swimming and diving. It is a shallow pool which makes it a perfect picnic spot with children.

Badal Mahal Darwaza in Madhya Pradesh

Badal Mahal is situated in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. The darwaza was built in the 15th century, during the reign of Sultan Mahmood Shah Khilji I. The Badal Mahal Gate is 50 ft. high and 25 ft. wide. The gate itself consists of an arched entrance on either side of which are tall fluted minarets. Above the door is a gap and right on top is another arch, inserted with jaalis of four separate patterns.

Bandhavgarh Fort in Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh Fort is located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh Fort is one of oldest forts located in Bandhavgarh national park. Bandhavgarh Fort was given to brother Laxmana by Lord Rama to keep an eye on the happenings of Lanka. It is surrounded by a large number of smaller hills, separated by sloping valleys which end in small meadows locally known as bohera. Near the fort lies a temple dedicated to Lakshmana. the biggest statue is Shesh Shaiya, which depicts Lord Vishnu in reclining pose.

Bharat Bhavan in Madhya Pradesh

Bharat Bhavan is establishesd and founded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1982. It houses an art gallery which is adorned with a number of splendid art pieces, and if the spectacle manages to grasp your attention you can yourself take a lesson or two at the fine art workshops. An open-air amphitheatre, a studio theatre and an auditorium here in the premises are the perfect places to witness a live performance or better still, perform yourself. History of Indian art forms make an appearance at the museum of tribal and folk art, libraries of Indian poetry, classical music as well as folk music. 

Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh

Bargi Dam is built on Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. Bargi dam construction started in year 1974 and completed in year 1990. It is one of the first completed Dam in chain of 30 proposed dams to be built on Narmada river. Its reserved water is used for Hydropower generation and irrigation purpose. Other facilities like Speed Boating, Water Scooters, Paddle Boating have been provided for the tourists.

Devi Jagadambi Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Devi Jagadambi Temple also known as Jagadambika Temple. Devi Jagadambi Temple was built by the Chandela rulers between 1000 AD to 1025 AD. It is believed that the idol in the temple is an image of Parvati, which was painted black to provide it an appearance of Goddess Kali. The sculptures around the temple are in three bands. Two lower band images are dedicated to Lord Vishnu but the third band of the temple showcase some of the most erotic sculptures in Khajuraho. Temple is famous for its Garbha Griha.

Duladeo Temple in Madhya Pradesh

The Duladeo temple is also known as Kunwar Math. The Duladeo Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has Shivlinga. Apart from the shivalinga, the temple has idols of other Gods and Goddesses like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Goddess Ganga. The main hall of the temple is huge and is in the shape of an octagon. The ceiling is carved with elegant images of apsaras. The pillars and walls of the temple have figures and sculptures of women in erotic poses, and of damsels dancing around the trees.

Hindola Mahal in Madhya Pradesh

Hindola Mahal in Mandu is a very popular tourist attraction which means Swinging Palace. Due to the slopes the walls of this palace seems to be swinging. Hindola mahal essentially was a meeting place during Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji’s time. Hindol Mahal is a T-shaped building which is being used as an audience hall or an open-air theatre. It is a two storey building, the upper storey was reserved for the use of royal ladies. Ground floor consists of cross shaped gallery whose one short entrance to main hall. There are also some subsidiary passages.

Handi Khoh in Madhya Pradesh

Handi Khoh is located in a quaint corner of the hill town of Pachmarhi. Handi Khoh is a viewpoint which provides a beautiful view of the surroundings. Handi Khoh has a 300 feet high incline amidst a thick woods. Handi Khoh serves as a picture-perfect tourists site for enjoying the thrill of trekking and camping. The water flowing below the crag adds more charm to this intriguing site.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Madhya Pradesh

The Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is situated on the Shamla Hills in Bhopal. The museum presents the integrated story of the culture and evolution of mankind. The museum has painted rock shelters with its post-colonial repertoire of tribal folk, art and culture. This building features Kota stone flooring.The open-air exhibitions display Coastal Village, Desert Village, Himalayan Village, Mythological Trail and Traditional Technology Park. There are two indoor galleries, namely Veethi-Sankul and Bhopal Gallery. The building also has exhibition halls, a reference library, indoor and outdoor auditoriums.

Jahaj Mahal in Madhya Pradesh

Jahaz Mahal is also known as the Ship Palace. Jahaz Mahal was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji. This palace is in shape of a ship and is locate between Munj Talao and Kapur Talao. The palace has open pavilions, an open terrace and balconies. All the passages, windows were designed with arches in different designs. The terrace provides great views of the Royal Complex. The Taveli Mahal, situated to the south of the Jahaz Mahal, has an antiquity gallery displaying fragments of vessels and utensils, along with some stone images that were found at this site.

Jahangir Mahal in Madhya Pradesh

Jahangir Mahal built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17^th century. It is Located on the banks of River Betwa. The palace is known by a number of other names too including, Orchha Palace, Rani Mahal, Jahangir Citadel, Citadel of Jahangir, Mahal-e-Jahangir etc. The outside walls of the original gateway to the palace are decorated with turquoise colored tiles. The palace is in red and yellow sandstone. In the evening, a light and sound show is also organized here.

Jantar Mantar in Madhya Pradesh

Jantar Mantar established in the 17th century. The primary purpose behind the construction of Jantar Mantar was to illustrate and compile the data collected by astronomical calculations, the results of which helped in the study of the movement of sun, planets and their moons. There are various instruments like Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash, Ram Yantra and Niyati Chakra in Jantar Mantar. Visiting the place would make you learn about the ways by which time, revolutions, and position of celestial bodies were calculated in the bygone age. 

Kati Ghati Gateway in Madhya Pradesh

Kati Ghati is located in the ancient town of Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Kati Ghati was officially commissioned by Jiman Khan. Kati Ghati gateway is made in the 15th century. Kati Ghati is about 240 feet. Kati Ghati is one of the special gateways of India that is most visited by foreign and local visitors and tourists with great interest. They can feel and experience of the wonderful medieval structure.

Lower Lake in Madhya Pradesh

The lake was built in 1794. The construction was commissioned by Chote Khan, a minister of Nawab Hayat Muhammad Khan Bahadur. The Lower Lake is also known as Chhota Talab. The MP Tourism Boat Club provides exciting trips by sail, paddle boats and motor boats over the Lower Lake.

Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh

Madhav National Park is located in the Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. It was named after Madho Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior belonging to the Scindia dynasty of the Marathas. This National Park has a beautiful Chandpata Lake. Other lakes like Sakhya Sagar Lake and Sailing Club where reptiles like crocodile, python and monitor Lizard are found Park has Animals like tigers, Nilgai, Sambar, hyena, sloth bear, and crocodile are found. Park also offers a rich variety of bird species like white-breasted kingfisher, migratory geese oriole, pochard, cormorant, painted stock, red-wattled lapwing, laggar falcon, Asian paradise flycatcher, and gadwall etc.

Man Singh Palace in Madhya Pradesh

Man Singh Palace was built by Tomar ruler Man Singh between 1486 and 1516. The Gwalior fort encloses six palaces, numerous water tanks and three temples. The Palace has got this name because of the painted and tiled decoration of elephants, peacocks and ducks. This mahal has been converted into the State Archeological Museum which has a large collection of Hindu and Jain sculptures and copies of the Bagh Caves frescoes. The museum also has some rare antiques including the miniature statue of Salabhanjika, Terracotta articles and a beautiful crown.

Patalpani Waterfall in Madhya Pradesh

The Patalpani Waterfall is located in the Mhow Tehsil of Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. It is surrounded by dense forest covers, majestic hills, clear skies and lush green landscapes. Patalpani is a waterfall so during its visit one can enjoy the scenic surrounding nature and can spend some time close to nature in peaceful atmosphere.

Ram Raja Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Ram Raja Temple is located in Orchha. The Queen of Orchha worshipped Lord Ram here. The beautiful wall paintings in this temple, depicting the Queen of Orchha. Marigold and roses were stringed into garlands and decorated the temple premises and courtyard. Hindu festivals like the Makar Sankranti, Vasant Panchami, Shivratri, Ram Navami, Kartik Purnima and Vivaha Panchami are celebrated here.

Sas Bahu temple in Madhya Pradesh

The temple was built in 1093 by King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty. Lord Vishnu is also known as Sahastrabahu. Sas Bahu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The entire temple is covered with carvings, notably 4 idols of Brahma, Vishnu and Saraswati. The sanctum has an image of damaged Vishnu. The temple is made of red sandstone with beautiful carvings of lotus. It has a pyramidal structure without any arches.

Scindia Museum in Madhya Pradesh

Scindia Museum was established in the year 1964. The museum is situated in the premises of Jai Vilas Palace. Scindia Museum is dedicated to Jivaji Rao Scindia. It occupies around 35 rooms of Jai Villas Palace. Scindia Museum is very alluring and attracts loads of tourists. The museum is famous for its collection of manuscripts, sculptures, coins, paintings, weapons, etc. the museum has a collection of articles like the largest pair of chandeliers, a silver carriage, oil paintings, Malabar and crystal furniture, Palanquins, miniature paintings, clothes, footwear etc.

Shri Panch Pandav caves in Madhya Pradesh

Shri Panch Pandav caves is situated in the Satpura range. The five Pandav brothers of Mahabharata, along with their wife ‘Draupadi’, spent a part of their exile here. The place also a beautiful garden. There are total 6 Cave which belongs to all five brothers and their wife named draupadi. The cave which is clean and warm is known as ‘Draupadi Kuti’ and the darkest one, the ‘Bhim Kothari’ after the strongest of five brothers- Bhima.

Taj-ul-Masjid in Madhya Pradesh

The taj-Ul-Masjid literally means ‘ The Crown of Mosques’. It is one of the biggest and most the graceful of the Mosques in India. It is Made of red stone and mosque is situated by the Motia Talab lake.The construction of the mosque was started by Sultan Shah Jahan, Begum of Bhopal (1868-1901). The mosque also has three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars, marble flooring and a spacious courtyard.

Udaigiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh

Udayagiri Caves are located on a hill named Udayagiri near the city of Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. The Udayagiri Caves complex consists of twenty caves, of which one is dedicated to Jainism and all others to Hinduism. They are the only site that can be verifiably associated with a Gupta period monarch from its inscriptions.  Udayagiri caves contain iconography of Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaktism (Durga and Matrikas) and Shaivism (Shiva). The brilliant depiction of Hindu and Jain scriptures and deity images craved out intricately in the caves.