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Places to Visit near Bhopal

Sanchi Stupa is a Buddhist complex which is one of the oldest stone structures in India, originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

The edifice is dominated by a central hemispherical chamber encompassing relics of Buddha. Famous as one of the best conserved ancient Stupas of central India and the most scenic road trip to take near Bhopal, Sanchi Stupa joined the list of  UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 10 for Indian nationals and SAARC nationals.

Location: Sanchi, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 50 Km.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelter is a popular archaeological site which intrigues visitors with the evidential painting and artwork belonging to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. One of the most fascinating places to visit near Bhopal commands your attention as a testament to human and cultural evolution.

This heritage site is a series of 750 rock shelters distributed over seven hills within a span of 10 kilometres. Featuring cave paintings of hunter-gatherers, agricultural practices, and expressions of spirituality, giving a rare glimpse in the prehistoric periods it is counted as one of the best cave to explore in Madhya Pradesh.

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 10 per person (Indian).

Location: Bhimbetka caves and rock shelters, Bhimbetka, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 45 Km.

Sprawling across an area of  524 square km. Satpura National Park is a perfect place to explore the unique central Indian highland ecosystem. Together with Bori and Pachmarhi wildlife sanctuary, the entire biosphere covers an area of 2,200 square km. of Madhya Pradesh.

Peppered with sandstone peaks, dotted with narrow ravines and gorges; the rugged terrain of this national park is home to Tiger, Leopard, Black Buck, Wild Dogs, Hornbills, Indian Bison, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Peafowls, Crocodiles, and Four Horn Antelope, etc. It is one of the tourist places near Bhopal which are hard to miss on a wildlife sojourn in Central India.

Safari Timings:
Summer:
- Morning: 6:00 am to 10:00 am
- Evening: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Winter:
- Morning: 6:30 am to 10:30 am
- Evening: 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Safari Cost:
- INR 3050 per vehicle (for Indians)
- INR 4500 per vehicle (for Foreigners).

Location: Madai, Sarangpur, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 150 Km.

Vidisha is a city in the heart of India which is tucked away somewhere between the Betwa and Bes rivers, around 9 kilometres from Sanchi. As mentioned in the Pali scripture, Vidisha was a significant trade center between the 5th and 6th centuries BCE.

This old town is rich in historical monuments in forms of archaeological sites, ruins, inscriptions, and sculptures; mostly exhibiting the excellent artwork of Gupta period. Merely an hour away from the state capital, it is said to be one of the perfect weekend getaways from Bhopal.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season (November, December, January, and February) for pleasant weather.

Points of Interest: Bija Mandal, Lohangi Pir, Udayagiri, Maladevi Temple, Khambha Baba, Bajramath Temple, Girdhari Temple, Udeshwara Temple, Dashavatara Temple.

Location: Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 55 Km.

Established in 1865 along the Tewa river, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of the 518-kilometre square. Together with Pachmarhi Sanctuary, it makes the Pachmarhi Biosphere reserve.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 400 per person (Indian), INR 1500 per foreign national.

Location: Ratibandar, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 170 Km.

Islamnagar Fort lies in ruins today yet it casts a charm of its grandeur on every visitor. Constructed during the reign of Afghan commander Dost Mohammad Khan in 1715, Islamnagar fort is an imposing structure which speaks of its glorious past and the time to time invasions. It is one of the offbeat tourist places near Bhopal that has a very intriguing past which makes the best stories today.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Islamnagar Fort, Berasiya Road, Islamnagar, Madhya Pradesh 462038.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 15 Km.

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Set up between 1010 BC and 1055 BC by the famous Raja Bhoj, Bhojeshwar temple is an unfinished building. Had it been a complete construction, it would have been one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam inside the temple is 18-feet tall and is made of single stone.

One of the prominent tourist places near Bhopal which need utter attention as the local builders are constantly acquiring the temple stones. The slope found behind the temple is said to have been used for rolling the stones up for construction during that era and this technique is highly praised as ‘one of a kind.’

Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Bhojpur Temple, Bhojpur Rd, Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 30 Km.

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Raisen city is settled at the foot of the humongous Raisen Fort which is made of sandstone and is perched atop a hill. The name is assumed as the mere alteration of  Rajavasini or Rajasayan, the royal residence. The UNESCO world heritage site Sanchi is situated in the Raisen district along with many other significant monuments.

Best Time to Visit: Post monsoon, Winter season (October, November, December, January, and February) for pleasant weather.

Points of Interest: Raisen Fort, Tirupati Balaji, Bhojeshwar Temple, Chouki Garh fort, Hinglaj Devi temple, and  Barna Dam etc.

Location: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 45 Km.

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Often famous as the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, Indore has a character that engages all types of travelers. The food lanes like Sarafa and Chowpatty are a foodie’s paradise while the various bazaars selling antiques and Zari-Zardozi work are not to be missed.

Monuments like Rajwada and Lalbagh palaces bear testimony to the rich architectural heritage brought by the Holkar dynasty before the British took over. Indore is one of the easily accessible places to visit near Bhopal by train or a bus.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season (November, December, January, and February) for pleasant weather.

Point of Interests: Lalbagh, Kanch Palace, Central Museum, Chhatris, and Rajwada.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 200 Km.

Where to Stay: Best luxurious resorts and places to stay in Indore.

Apart from the delicious food this city offers, there are few amazing things to do in Indore one must not miss.

Established in the year 1989, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest wildlife parks in Madhya Pradesh, located close to Indore. You can traverse around the park on a private vehicle or a rented car.

The main flora and fauna species found in the sanctuary are Eucalyptus, Teak, Saja, and Babul Bamboo- Blue Bull, Jarak Leopard, Sambhar, and Barking Deer, etc.  If you plan to stay amid the green expanse of the jungle, there is also a guesthouse available to spend a night.

Timings: 8:30 PM to 6:30 PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 5 per person.

Location: Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mirzapur, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 195 Km.

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Ujjain is a city of temples where the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Mandir attracts hordes of devotees from all over the country besides the Ganesh and Harsiddhi Temples. Ujjain was once the residence of emperor Ashoka and is one of the Hinduism’s seven sacred cities fringed with temples on every bend.

It is one of the best places to visit near Bhopal for a peaceful and spiritual vacation as it encompasses dozens of important temple complexes. Situated next to Shipra river, the town dates back to 600 BC.

Best Time to Visit: During Hindu festivals like Shivratri, Diwali, Nag Panchmi to witness the comprehensive worship rituals.

Point of Interests: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kal-Bhairav Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Jantar Mantar, Ram Ghat, and Chintaman Ganesh Temple.

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 190 Km.

Attractions in Ujjain: Temples and ghats are the major attractions of Ujjain.

Another name for  Bajrangarh Fort is Jharokon which is famous for its ancient Hanuman Temple. The construction of the fort dates back to the year 1775. The fort is believed to have been built by the Maratha rulers.

As the monument is in ruins, it requires special attention to preserve the brilliant edifice inside the fort complex such as the Rang Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Gunnery together with the big step well which catches everyone’s eyes. The fort is nestled at a height of 92.3 meters atop a hill and it makes for one of the best weekend getaways from Bhopal.

Timings: Open from 5 AM to 11 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Bajrangarh Fort, Bajrangarh, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: 190 Km.

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Tucked away at an altitude of 1100 meters, Pachmarhi is a popular hill station of Central India. Discovered by Captain James Forsyth in 1857, Pachmarhi is also believed to have been an abode to the Pandavas during their exile.

One of the tourist places near Bhopal which was the summer capital of Britishers because of its pleasant weather and green vegetation. Pachmarhi is a ‘must-go’ place in Madhya Pradesh to see the charm of Satpura hills blanketed in lush meadows and jungles.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.

Location: Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 195 Km.

Places to Visit in Pachmarhi: Rajat Prapat waterfall, Pandava Cave, Bee falls, Apsara pool, Jata Shankar Cave, Handi Khoh, Dhoopgarh, Satpura National Park, Bison Lodge and Chota Mahadev.

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The breath-taking Afghan architecture in almost all the monuments of Mandu is praiseworthy. Mandu is an ancient town shrouded in romantic love-stories of kings, and their royalty.

A small dot on the map of Madhya Pradesh, yet Mandu encompasses grand palaces and historical edifices in a huge number. A walk through the galleries of these monumental buildings can leave you engrossed for a while.

It is one of those places to visit near Bhopal which you cannot resist after listening to several stories from the bygone eras. The town is close to Indore and can be easily accessed by train, bus or private mode of transport.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season (November, December, January, and February) for pleasant weather.

Location: Mandu, Mandav, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 300 Km.

Tourist Attractions in Mandu: Mandu fort, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Baz Bahadur Quilla, Jama Masjid, Rani Rupmati Pavilion, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, and Darwaza.

Sailana Palace of Ratlam opens up to a sprawling garden known as Cactus Garden which is famous for a wide variety of cacti lined according to their stages of growth and colours. While the palace was constructed more than 200 years ago, the garden is said to be just 50 years old.

There are over 1200 species of cacti grown in this garden, out of which, 50 are Indian species. The garden is one of the interesting tourist places to visit near Bhopal which mostly attract botanist and other science enthusiasts.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Cactus Garden of Sailana, NH927A, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 320 Km.

The town of Maheshwar is the centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century. The revered temple Maheshwar housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India is located along the banks of the holy river Narmada. It is flocked by pilgrims who come to worship the shivling from all around the country.

Timings: 7 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 300 Km.

Madhav National Park near Shivpuri town is a part of the upper Vindhyan hills on the northern fringe of the Central Highlands of India. Sprawling across an area of 355 sq. km., the forest has both lakes and forest ecosystems peppered with plateau slopes and wriggling narrow and wide nallas.

A safari ride into the wilderness of this park can bring you face to face with Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer and you can also have a distant view of Jackal, Wild Dog, Leopard, Wolf, Fox, Wild Pig, Marsh Crocodile, Python, and Porcupine.

Timings: Morning safaris start from 6:30 AM to 10 AM, and evening safaris from 2:30 PM to 6 PM.

Price: Entry ticket costs INR 15 per person (Indian).

Location: Madhav National Park, Shivpuri - Jhansi Road, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 310 Km.

Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India and attracts hordes of pilgrims from all over India. Omkareshwar island is adorned by the sacred river Narmada and is believed to have a shape of ‘OM’ in Devanagari script.

The 60 huge 14 feet high stone pillars support the roof of the Grand Sabha where the Shiva Lingam sits. The temple is 5 storeyed where each floor has a different deity. Omkareshwar is coupled with Maheshwar on most devotees’ tour itinerary as both are important centres of faith.

Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Shri Omkareshwar Temple Jyotirlinga, Omkareshwar Mandir Road, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 260 Km.

Places to Visit in Omkareshwar: Ghats & Various temples are the major attractions of Omkareshwar.

Chanderi Fort is adorned with 9th and 10th-century Jain temples and is encircled by lakes, hills, and forests. The fort stands out because of the intricate carvings and designs with numerous large and small pillars holding the structure.

Also, it is situated on a hill with an elevation of 71 meters which makes it more visible from anywhere in the city. The fort was built by the Mughal dynasty and the main gate is known as “Khooni Darwaza.”

Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM on all days of the week.

Location: Chanderi Fort Palace, Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 225 Km.

Indira Sagar Dam is built on river Narmada in Khandwa in Narmada Nagar. The multipurpose project was mainly aimed at providing fresh water for drinking and household purposes to the nearby villages and towns but soon it became a picnic spot and people frequently visit the dam on a day outing.

Boating, zip-lining, and other water sports are offered by the bank of the lake. It is one of the places to visit near Bhopal for a day picnic.

Location: Indira Sagar Dam (Punasa Dam), Unnamed Road, Narmada Nagar, Mundi, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 195 Km.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho which celebrates the rich historical art based on love and life in its temples. The series of temples and places to visit in Khajuraho date back to 950 to 1050 AD.

The sculptures depict meditation, royalty, erotic postures, wrestling, kingship and spiritual teachings. The brilliant artwork easily made its entry in the UNESCO world heritage site lists in India and is one of the tourist places near Bhopal which should not be missed.

Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM on all days of the week. For light and sound show- 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (English), and 7:40 PM - 8:35 PM (Hindi).

Price: Entry fee is INR 10 per person (Indian), INR 75 per person for light and sound show.

Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 376 Km.

Looking for places to stay? We have compiled a list of best resorts to stay in Khajuraho. Click to know more.

The spell-binding architectural town was established in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap.

Situated along the bank of river Betwa, Orchha is a town that speaks of timeless monuments which maintain to cast a spell on the travellers even to this day. Orchha is best known for heritage tours where the eye-stopping palaces and temples will stun you in your first glance.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season (November to February) for pleasant weather.

Points of Interest: Jahangir Mahal, Raja Mahal, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chhattris, Ram Raja Temple, and Orchha Bird Sanctuary.

Location: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 340 Km.

Where to Stay: Best heritage resorts and places to stay in Orchha.

Bhedaghat has been a shooting ground for many Bollywood films, one of which is the Shahrukh Khan starer ‘Ashoka.’ The graceful sight of the Narmada chiseling between the magnificent marble rock in full swing is spectacular.

The 98 ft. a high cascade of Dhuandhar Fall is also located in this small town located in Jabalpur district.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season ( October to March) for pleasant weather.

Points of Interest: Dhuandhar Fall, Marble Rocks, and Chausath Yogini temple.

Location: Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 320 Km.

Jabalpur district is blessed with the untamed watercourse of River Narmada edged with huge marble mountains which are so scenic that you wouldn't stop clicking pictures.

Besides the natural splendour, Jabalpur is also gifted with some of the most stunning forts and palaces.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season ( October to March) for pleasant weather.

Location: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 330 Km.

Points of Interest: Balancing rock, Rani Durgavati Museum, Madan Mahal Fort, Dhuandhar Fall, Pisanhari Ki Madiya, Dumna Nature Park.

What to see in Jabalpur: Iconic places to visit in Jabalpur which you should not miss.

What to do in Jabalpur: Best activities and things to do in Jabalpur.

Looking for places to Stay in Jabalpur: Best resorts and places to stay in Jabalpur.

Bengal Tiger being the main cat species, Pench National Park is rich in sloth bear, leopard, wold, chital, four-horned antelope, jackal, etc.

The teak mixed forest is covered in Bamboo trees, a maze of long grasses and bushes amidst which you can spot wild animals on a safari ride. The famous character Mowgli of Jungle book is described in the forest of Pench. The park gained popularity after it was declared a tiger reserve in 1992.

Safari Timings:
Summer:
- Morning: 6:30 am to 9:30 am
- Evening: 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Winter:
- Morning: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
- Evening: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Safari Cost:
- INR 1500 per vehicle (for Indians)
- INR 3000 per vehicle (for Foreigners).

Location: Pench National Park, Near Turia Gate, Turia Post, Kurai Tehsil, Seoni Dist., Kurai, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 422 Km.

Where to Stay: Best jungle resorts in Pench National Park.

Another safe haven of Royal Bengal Tiger in central India, Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district and can be easily accessed by Bhopal.

Besides having the highest density of Bengal Tigers, Bandhavgarh is also home to many bird species and animals like deer, sloth bear, leopard, and eagles. The grassy swamps and the widespread forested valleys are best toured on an electrifying safari ride.

Timings: Morning safaris start from 5:30 AM to 11 AM, and evening safaris from 3 PM to 5:30 PM.

Safari Timings:
Summer:
- Morning: 5:30 am to 10:00 am
- Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Winter:
- Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am
- Evening: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Safari Cost:
- INR 5550 per vehicle (for Indians)
- INR 7550 per vehicle (for Foreigners).

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 460 Km.

Where to Stay in Bandhavgarh: Amazing jungle resorts in Bandhavgarh National Park.

To witness the amber eyes of the Royal Bengal Tigers, head to the ghost silent jungles of Kanha National Park which is spread over an area of 940 sq .km.

The park became popular for its rescue mission that saved Barasingha from near extinction and Project Tiger helped in growing a population of Tigers significantly. Embark on a jungle safari to see it prowl the Jungle along with other big cats. It is one of the perfect weekend getaways from Bhopal for adventure enthusiasts.

Safari Timings:
Summer:
- Morning: 6:30 am to 11:00 am
- Evening: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Winter:
- Morning: 6:00 am to 11:00 am
- Evening: 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Safari Cost:
- INR 6500 per vehicle (for Indians)
- INR 9500 per vehicle (for Foreigners).

Location: Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 410 Km.

Where to Stay: Best luxurious resorts in Kanha National Park.

The massive hill fort was one of the most impenetrable forts in India which were often commended as 'the pearl amongst fortresses in India' by the Mughal emperor Babur.

Perched atop a rocky hill near Gwalior, this fort is a testimony to an excellent and skilful defensive architecture. The fort dominates the skyline of the entire town and can be seen from every nook and corner of Gwalior. It is one of the marvellous places to visit near Bhopal if you have time to couple up the two cities.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 75 per person (Indian); free for kids below 15 years of age.

Location: Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 415 Km.

Looking for places to stay in Gwalior? We have compiled a list of best resorts to stay in Gwalior. Click to know more.

Apart from the fort of Gwalior, there are many interesting places to visit in Gwalior which will leave you awestruck.

Famous as the only city with diamond reserves, Panna is a former Gond settlement which is now popular among the wildlife enthusiasts for Panna National Park.

It has an area of 542.67 km square and was ranked as the 22nd Tiger reserve of India in 1994. Chital, chinkara, leopards, sloth bear, vultures, parakeets, etc. are few of the animals and birds found beside tigers.

Best Time to Visit: To encounter the best of wildlife, the months of February and March are highly recommended. Summer months can be excruciatingly hot, so winter months starting from November to March is the best time.

Points of Interest: Panna National Park, Diamond Mines, Pandav falls and caves, Raneh Falls and Ken Crocodile sanctuary, Padmavatipuri Dham, and Jugal Kishore Ji Temple.

Location: Panna, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Approximately 385 Km.

Where to Stay: Jungle Resorts & places to stay in Panna National Park.

The historical town of Burhanpur is situated on the North Bank of river Tapti near the border of Maharashtra. The town was established somewhere in 1400 AD by king Nasir Khan Farukhi in the Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh.

It is famous for mosques, tombs and palaces giving a true sense of Mughal architecture.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season (November, December, January, and February) for pleasant weather.

Points of Interest: Asirgarh Fort, Jama Masjid, Shahi Qila, Dargah-E-Hakimi, Tapti Ghat, Hammam of the Royal Bath and Ahukhana.

Location: Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Bhopal: Around 330 Km.