Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh

Split by a pair of lakes, the city of Bhopal, also popularly referred to as the ‘City of Lakes’, is a true paradise for history buffs and art patrons. One of the greenest cities in India, Bhopal was founded by Raja Bhoj and features a number of natural and artificial lakes. The city of Bhopal has a very rich cultural heritage represented by numerous historical monuments, religious places as well as museums.

The city can be divided into two parts, the old city towards the north comprising of mosques, bazaars and old havelis and the modern city towards the south. The two major lakes of the city are ‘Bhojtal’ and ‘Chhota Talab’, also called Upper Lake and the Lower Lake respectively. Apart from tourism, the lakes are also a vital source of water for the residents of the city. Mosques like Taj-Ul-Masjid, built by Shah Jahan Begum is one of the largest in India, showcasing the rich heritage of the city and the classic Mughal architecture.

For the history buffs, Birla Mahal is a place where you can witness a number of prehistoric artifacts and stone sculptures that date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic age.  There is also Archaeological Museum where you can learn more about the vibrant history of the state and appreciate myriad statues of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

When it comes to places of religious significance, Bhopal is famous for having the Moti Masjid and Jama Masjid. Moti Masjid is famous for having a striking resemblance with the grandeur of Jama Masjid in Delhi while the Jama Masjid of Bhopal is known for attracting thousands of devotees from all over the country. Boasting of splendid minarets and elegant hallways, Taj-Ul-Masjid is another popular mosque to see in Bhopal.

Gohar Mahal is another example of the city’s rich heritage. Built by the first woman ruler of Bhopal, it exhibits a blend of both Hindu and Muslim architectures. At a distance of 45 km from the main city is the Raisen Fort which was built in the 6th century. The fort is located atop a hill and is home to a number of palaces, lakes, and temples. Bhojpur Temple, built in 11th century on the banks of Betwa River, though incomplete, is an exquisite piece of architecture. The tallest Shiv Linga is located inside this temple which is carved out of a single rock. The fort also houses the shrine of Muslim saint Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, some temples and various medieval ruins making it an amazing retreat when you are in Bhopal.

Learn about the tribal cultures of various parts of the country at the National Museum of Mankind, also known as Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya. The museum situated on Shyamala Hills takes us through the evolution of mankind. Another museum is the State Museum of Madhya Pradesh which is located in the same building complex, consisting of 16 theme galleries presenting us with sculptures, coins, and manuscripts representing a vivid picture of both the modern and ancient India.

If you are a wildlife lover, then remember to take a walk through the Van Vihar National Park, located in the heart of the city. The national park is home to a number of birds and animals. Animals like a tiger, lion, cheetah can easily be found here along with 200 different species of birds. Situated between the Upper Lake and the Shyamala Hills, it is a picturesque place and a perfect spot to explore a range of wild animals.

Apart from the attractive tourist spots, Bhopal also offers a lot for shopping lovers. The inner city is clustered with many lively, vibrant bazaars offering diverse kinds of products. Zardozi Sarees, Mulberry silk, Tussar silk are few famous items. The markets are also famous for Mandana and Pithora paintings that should be on your bucket list while shopping in Bhopal.

Bhopal will surely not disappoint you if you are a foodie. The cuisine of Bhopal is heavily influenced by both the Hindu and Muslim cultures and includes both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies. Inner Chowks of the city presented us with the authentic Bhopal cuisine, the most popular ones being rogan josh, korma, biryani, pulao, kebabs, etc. Bafla is another popular dish which is served with pulses and is a total delight for one’s taste buds. When you are in Bhopal, you must also try Bhopali Paan which is considered to be an important item representing Bhopal’s culture.

Bhopal also encompasses some superb places in the vicinity of the city to spend some great time with your loved ones on weekends. One of the most popular places to visit from Bhopal is Bhimbetka Rock Shelters that are famous for having the oldest cave paintings in the world. The world heritage site is famous among all the history lovers and is located just 45 kilometers from the city of Bhopal.  

Another famous place you should not miss when you are in Bhopal is the UNESCO world heritage site of Sanchi Stupa. The place houses relics of Buddha and is one of the most important Buddhist sites in India. Tourists in Bhopal can also visit the famous Udayagiri Caves where one can admire the iconographies of Hindu Gods like Vishnu, Durga and Shiva depicting legendary stories of the Gods and their Shrines.

Commemorating the vibrant past of Bhopal, Rani Kamlapati Palace is a wonderful place to see the residence of Rani Kamlapati. For those who are fond of adventure, Halali Dam and Reservoir is an excellent getaway to indulge in boat rides and picnics. The gigantic dam is built on the Halali river and also offers a pristine landscape to enjoy mesmerizing vistas.

With breathtakingly beautiful places to enchant you everywhere, Bhopal is a fascinating destination to check off from your bucket list. Whether you are a backpacker or you like to experience travel in an extravagant style, Bhopal is capable of catering to the travel needs of people with distinctive preferences.

Boasting of rich cultural heritage and well-preserved natural heritage, the city of Indore serves as a wonderful destination for a memorable vacation with your loved ones. The largest city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Indore is known for many things including historic monuments and wonders of nature. The charming city has retained the old-world charm and amalgamated the heritage with modern vibes in a graceful manner. This pretty city will entice you with its cultural nuances and wide array of interesting activity options that can be availed here.

When it comes to the range of sightseeing spots, Indore boasts perfection. The most eminent attractions include the historical seven storied structure made by the Holkars-Rajwada and the grand Lal Bagh Palace. Indore is also replete with various places of religious importance that attract a number of devotees all round the year. Some of the famous temples in Indore are Kanch Mandir, Annapurna Temple, Bada Ganpati, Khajrana Temple, Gomatgiri, etc.

Often called a Mini Mumbai, Indore is a bustling city with a population of more than one million. Having preserved its rich culture, Indore is known for its glorious history of being a stalwart for the Holkar dynasty. There are many buildings in Indore where you can appreciate the Maratha style of architecture. For architecture enthusiasts, there are various fortresses where one can look forward to seeing the brilliance of Maratha style of fortification engineering.

Indore is also a storehouse for various places of historical interest that will excite the curiosity of all culture-vultures. The Central Museum of Indore is a place where you can admire intricate carvings, coins from different ages, arms of various eras and sculptures that date back to the 11th century. Another popular monument that should be on the bucket list of every history buff in Indore is Gandhi Hall that is famous for Indo-Gothic architecture.

There is no dearth of places for nature lovers in and around Indore. The rich natural heritage of the city has many options to amuse nature lovers. There are numerous places that serve as perfect weekend getaways to spend some quality time with family and friends. In the middle of verdant forests, there are many waterfalls that attract herds of tourists. Some of the popular waterfalls near Indore are Patalpani Waterfall, Tincha Fall, etc. And if you seek a getaway from the chaos of cities, there is the serene town of Dharampuri waiting to let you unwind.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, being a major city in Madhya Pradesh, Indore has places to impress you with. Pipliyapala Regional Park is a stunning getaway where you can have loads of fun with your loved ones and engage in activities like pedal boating and motor boating. For the bird watchers, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is known to be the oldest sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the popular fauna which you can witness here are deer, wild hare, tigers and a number of birds.

Nehru Park in Indore is also a popular getaway where one can enjoy buggy rides, pony rides, elephant rides and camel rides along with capturing pictures of interesting carnivores, amazing amphibians, and vibrant avifauna. On your visit, you must also witness the popular white tiger at Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalay. Other popular animals which you can see here are Anacondas, Himalayan Black Bears, Leopards and many endangered amphibians and avifauna.

For foodies, Indore is a paradise boasting of mouth-watering dishes. You can look forward to a divine culinary experience in Indore with varied options available at restaurants and street hawkers. One of the most famous places in Indore for great street food is Chhappan Dukaan. For another diverse experience, Sarafa Bazaar boasts of numerous food stalls where you can enjoy some great food items without spending a lot of money.

Whether it is the famous Indori Poha or Imarti, these delicacies will tickle your taste buds. The bustling city offers a number of famous dishes for the gastronomes to gorge upon like Pani Puri, Vadas, Idlis, Dosas, Sabudana Khichdi, Bhel Puri, Poha, Chaat, Kachori, Samosas, Dal Bafla, Chole Bhature and a huge variety of traditional salty snacks called Namkeen. 

Indore is a wonderful getaway for shopaholics as well. The city has many street markets that are famous for offering a wide range of products at amazing prices. A shopping spree in Indore will not only be light on your pockets but will fill your bag with a number of items. The markets of Indore not only offer local handicrafts but also a number of international clothing brands.

Since Indore is quite famous for its clothing industry, a tour of the city is incomplete without buying fabrics that are adorned with hand block printing, tie, dye and zari work. The most famous item to shop in Indore is the Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees. The popular places to go for shopping in Indore are MT Cloth market for wholesale clothing, the sitlamata Bazar for sarees and buying retail clothes. If you want readymade garments, Topkhana is the best place for you. Besides, a variety of local and international brands can be purchased at malls in Indore.

Offering a complete experience for all kinds of tourists, Indore is a splendid city where the list of interesting activities and places is virtually endless. Being famous for its multiple activities and so many attractions, Indore should be on your bucket list to take back home memories you can cherish forever.

Jabalpur also known as the city of marble rocks and serene natural beauty is a small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Due to its traditional and artistic values, inserted in the majority of the population, the city is known as the capital of cultural influence in India.

Narmada river is the main water source of the city, which leads to beautiful natural rock formations of white marble, and offers various landscapes a beautiful serene look. The city is rewarded with the highest number of lakes in the whole state, offering a perfect balance between technology and nature.

Explore the famous Marble rocks at Bhedaghat and Lord Shiva Statue at Kachnar City, which incorporates all the major aspects of the city within. You can see natural art in white marble rocks, a peaceful environment at the banks of the Narmada river, and traditional and cultural aspects around the Lord Shiva statue. 

Being a natural escapade for tourists the place offers various serene activities, such as the famous Wildlife Safari of Bandhavgarh, night camping at Bhedaghat, etc. You can also indulge in various water sports as the city has many lakes and rivers. 

As a northern-central city, Jabalpur experiences humid subtropical climate in general. Being a green city the best months to visit this place are September to March, when the place sees moderate weather to perform all the activities and explore all the national parks.

Renowned for its historic temples and palaces, Gwalior is a wonderful retreat for tourists to live an overwhelming experience. The city boasts of architectural galore that can be witnessed everywhere when you are in Gwalior. The historic city founded by King Surajesan has been hosting royalty since ages and is known for its regal structures that adorn the city.

One of the most impressive structures of the city is the Gwalior Fort which is often cited as the ‘pearl among the fortresses’ in India. The fort attracts a number of history lovers from all over India and its imposing architecture leaves a lasting impression on the minds. The remarkable fort has seen various events of history and has many temples, water tanks and palaces inside the complex making it a splendid place to visit for everyone.

When it comes to palaces, Gwalior is one of the best places to appreciate the cultural heritage of India. The Jai Vilas Palace is a breathtaking structure where one can look forward to seeing the art extravaganza of Gwalior. The place boasts of showcasing some interesting items like swords from the times when Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived and the library which has a collection of more than five thousand books. Currently serving both as a museum and residence of the royal Maratha Scindia family, Jai Vilas Palace is a fascinating place for culture vultures in Gwalior.

Another palace to enthrall you with its historical ruins in Gwalior is the famous Man Mandir Palace. Associated with many interesting stories, Man Mandir Palace is a must-visit to see the famous place where Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Murad. It also features Jauhar Kund where Rajput women committed mass suicide to avoid rapes by the forces of Iltutmish. Some of the famous monuments which can be visited here are Jahangir Mahal, Shah Jahan Mahal and the Gujari Mahal.

For the lovers of archaeology, Gujari Mahal is a prominent attraction in Gwalior. Built by Man Singh, this place is a must visit to see various sculptures, statues and other remains that are as old as the 1st and 2nd century BC. If you want to enthrall yourself with the excellence of Indian architecture, Padavali is an impressive fort that can be visited about 40 kilometers from Bangalore. Comprising a number of ancient temples that boast of erotic carvings, the archaeological site belonging to the 8th-10th century AD is famous as Mini Khajuraho.

For those who cannot complete a vacation without filling their bags with multiple souvenirs of the city they visited, Gwalior is a wonderful place to be. If you want to indulge in some high-end luxury, Dindayal City Mall is a place where you can find multiple outlets that sell international brands. The place is a popular hangout spot among the people of all generations and one can find the plethora of showrooms, restaurants, bazaars, etc.

Gwalior also offers multiple items for shopping if you are interested in buying from the local markets. Some of the popular items to shop for when you are in Gwalior are traditional handicrafts, artifacts, handlooms and other attractive items. The handloom industry of Gwalior is famous for Maheshwari and Chanderi silk sarees. The best place to look for these attractive sarees is the popular Kothari shop in Sarafa Bazaar. Other famous markets in Gwalior to buy clothes are Naya Bazaar, Dahi Mandi, and Gandhi Bazaar. Gwalior is also known for its wonderful designer jewelry that showcases the vibrant culture of the place. Topi Bazaar is also a great place if you want to shop for sneakers, designer handbags and small purses and leather sandals.

For shopping handicrafts, Jiyaji Chowk Bazaar is a great place to go and spend your money. Another famous market to buy handloom products, carvings, artifacts etc. is Patankar Bazaar. Mrignayani Emporium is also a famous place in Gwalior to buy handicrafts and clothes. For buying Gwalior style silver boxes to add to your collection of souvenirs, Arihant Emporium is a famous shop that is a must visit for all the shopaholics.

One of the popular attractions of Gwalior is the Gwalior Trade Fair. The famous fair draws in a number of tourists and offers many fun memories that you will cherish forever. Usually held in the month of January or February, Gwalior Trade Fair boasts of many interesting activities like hasya kavi sammelan, qawwali, cultural performances, Mushairas, music nights, etc. 

Gastronomes in Gwalior can spice up their taste buds with a number of delicacies like kachoris, Samosas, Poha and bedai, kebabs, bhutte ki kees, Dal Bafla, Jalebi, Imarti, Rogan josh, mawa-bati and Malpua and traditional sweets such as the Morena Gajak. Gwalior also has various places to enjoy some tantalizing nightlife with some notable bars and pubs. A few of the popular ones are DnD Discotheque and Bar, Spectrum Discotheque and Pub and Barcode Discotheque and Bar.

Gwalior is also an amazing destination for those who have an inclination towards spirituality. The Sun Temple is one of the most beautiful shrines in Gwalior where one can admire the striking architecture and spend some peaceful moments in the serene ambiance of the temple. Teli Ka Mandir is another popular temple that dates back to the 9th century and known to be the highest building in Gwalior. Attracting a number of devotees, Saas Bahu Temple is an impressive temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Among offbeat places, Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior is a delight for sports lovers which is known for being the stadium where Sachin Tendulkar hit the first double hundred in the history of ODIs. And, if you are looking to indulge in a serene escape from all the hustle and bustle, boating at Tigra Dam is a wonderful getaway from Gwalior. Gwalior Zoo is a place where you should go to see many rare species and add an adventure with some enthralling wildlife in your holiday experience in Gwalior. It is a must visit if you are planning a vacation with kids and family.

One of the popular places to not miss while sightseeing in Gwalior is Sarod Ghar that is the ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. Another interesting attraction of the city is Shyam Vatika that boasts of having the world’s largest indoor mural. For those looking to treat themselves with some luxury, Usha Kiran Palace Hotel deserves a visit to feel like a royal and bask in the regal ambiance.

Full of interesting attractions and heritage places, Gwalior will captivate you every single minute on your vacation. Especially those who are history fanatics, Gwalior will not fail to leave them mesmerized.

Ujjain is one of the most important centers for pilgrims and is also known for hosting the Kumbh Mela. It is the place that holds high religious values for the Hindus and is dotted with temples that give a glimpse of the divinity and spirituality of this city.

There are a plethora of stunning architectural marvels and excursions that are quite prominent all around India. The Kaliadeh temple is one such example of India’s glorious and historic architecture, which is a must-visit for all travel enthusiasts. For all those visitors who prefer something more intriguing, a visit to Vedh Shala would be an ideal one. Getting into the insights of the Indian astrology and space as well would be a treat for all the visitors.

If you are in Ujjain, then boat riding would be a great way to start your trip. The tranquil and calm experience of witnessing the glorious temples and shrines at the bank of the Shipra river is one incredible experience. Ram Ghat is also a place that you must visit while your trip to Ujjain as it holds the immensely popular Kumbh Mela.

Maharshi Sandipani Ashram is amongst the prominent ashrams in Ujjain as it is believed to be a place where Lord Krishna and Lord Balram took their primary lessons from Sandipani Muni. The Statue of Nandi here would certainly leave a mark in your memories for a lifetime.

Gomti Kund is another important place that holds immense significance from the mythological era of Hindu culture. Located near Sandipani Ashram, the sacred water of the Gomti Kund was believed to be carried by Lord Krishna for assisting his Guru. This serene and tranquil place would surely give anyone an incredible experience.

The visit to Kumbh Mela is also something you shouldn’t miss as it showcases the massive spectacle of legendary Hindu culture, and as this Iconic occasion takes 12 years to come, the wait becomes even sweeter.