Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh – The heart of Incredible India.

Welcome to the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, a state which exudes timelessness in every way. The exotic land is an intoxicating mixture of rich history, vibrant sights, awe inspiring art and shrines. From north to south, east to west, Madhya Pradesh is adorned with beautiful tourist attractions. On the state's rugged northern side, there are the famous temples of Khajuraho. Never before was sensuality and spirituality depicted as artistically as here. Two of India's most famous wildlife sanctuaries- Kanha and Bandhavgarh are embracing the state's area. Towards the southwest are the Buddhist stupas of Sanchi and 15th-century citadels of Mandu. Madhya Pradesh tourism offers you a wonderful mix of nature, heritage, wildlife and spirituality.

Madhya Pradesh - this historical land shares its boundaries with five states of India – Chhattisgarh towards south-east, south-west border touches "Maharashtra", western border touches "Gujarat", north-west border touches "Rajasthan", and north-east border touches "Uttar Pradesh". The state is also called - heart of India. The thrilling land is powerful mixture of rich history, vibrant sights, awe inspiring art and shrines. Madhya Pradesh is known for its religious hubs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, Khajuraho temples, impregnable forts, exquisitely carved Jain temples, palaces, which are the glorious sagas of the royal Rajas and Maharajas of the state.

Madhya Pradeshstate shares its borders with 06 states of India – Chhattisgarh towards south-east, south-west border touches Maharashtra, western border touches Gujarat, north-west border touches Rajasthan, and north-east border touches Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is religious states comprising Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, Khajuraho temples, intricately carved Jain temples. There are 05 UNESCO Heritage Sites: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, The Buddhist Group of Monuments at Sanchi, the two cities, Gwalior and Orchha, are UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Gwalior Fort, Bateshwar and Jai Vilas Palace are famous tourist’s attractions of Gwalior. In Orchha, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Laxmi Narayan Temple are famous heritage attractions.

The state is not only famous for its vivaciouslegacy and architectural works, but is also known for other natural attractions like hill stations, beautiful landscapes, wild life sanctuaries and national parks. Wildlife is a major part of Madhya Pradesh tourism. It is India’s “Tiger State'', with more than 526 tigers. Some of the famous wildlife parks are Kanha and Pench National, Bandhavgarh National Park and Panna National Park. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh are Bori, Bagdara, Phen, Ghatigaon, Ken Gharial and Pachmarhi.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism is an important part of Madhya Pradesh tourism. It is India’s “Tiger State'', with more than 526 tigers. The famous Bandhavgarh National Park has the highest density of tiger population in whole India. You can spot a tiger here easily while you are on a jungle safari. The other famous national parks Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Panna National Park and Pench National Park. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh are Bori, Bagdara, Phen, Ghatigaon, Ken Gharial and Pachmarhi.

Heritage Tourism

The state of Madhya Pradesh is endowed with rich heritage in form of palaces, forts, caves and monuments. There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh. The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters - a UNESCO World Heritage Site have the cave paintings in these rock shelters are believed to be more than 30,000 years old. Another famous site is at Khajuraho. The Khajuraho Group of Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed that these temples were built between 950-1050 AD, represent spirituality, meditation and wrestling. Human sensuality is also depicted in the most artistic manner.

Third, UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Buddhist Group of Monuments at Sanchi. You can explore the monasteries, stupas and an Ashokan pillar. The two cities, Gwalior and Orchha, are UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Gwalior Fort, Bateshwar and Jai Vilas Palace are top tourist attractions of Gwalior. In Orchha, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple and Laxmi Narayan Temple are some must visit heritage attractions. There are some other famous heritage tourist attractions are located in Mandu, Burhanpur and Chanderi.

Adventure Tourism

The state has many adventure activities to offer such as parasailing, river rafting, trekking, camping and mountain climbing. Mountaineering can be enjoyed in the Maikal Hills region from January-May & October-December. Other famous place for mountaineering is LanjeeGiri in Pachmarhi, best time to do climb up is from November to December & January to April. River rafting is a water sports activity which is extremely popular in Madhya Pradesh. The entire rafting expedition takes about 3 hours.

River rafting takes you across Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary and further downstream to Kanchan Ghat. Trekking is another adventure activity in Madhya Pradesh. The most famous treks in Madhya Pradesh are Kanha Trek, Pachmarhi Trek and Amarkantak Trek. The trekking routes takes you through the diverse landscape & natural beauty of the state.

Natural Beauty

Madhya Pradesh is full with natural richness be it waterfalls, caves and gigantic marble rocks. Bhedaghat is famous for enormous marble rocks stand alongside the River Narmada. There is a 10thcentury Chaunsath Yogini Temple.

Parsili - stretched out on the banks of River Banas, is famous for its soft moist sand bed, which runs to almost 4 kilometers. Also visit Sanjay Dubri National Park is located just 10 kilometers from Parsili.

Bhopal – Lake city is surrounded by Bhojtal Lake, Lower Lake, Moti Lake and Sharangpani. Famous waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh are Bahuti Falls in Rewa (466 feet), Kapildhara Waterfalls in Anuppur (100 feet), Pandav falls in Panna (98 feet), Shambudhara Falls in Anuppur (114 feet) and DoodhDhara Falls in Amarkantak (10 feet).

Pilgrimage Tourism

Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its pilgrimage destinations. Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, famous among Hindus. Ujjain is also one of the seven sacred sites which host the Kumbh Mela. The city of Maheswar, situated on the banks of the holy River Narmada, is called the “Varanasi of Central India.” Located in the district of Khargaon, it has numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other famous Hindu pilgrimage sites are Amarkantak, Omkareshwar, Orchha and Chitrakoot.

The famous mosques are Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid and Taj-ul-Masjid.

Sanchi - a UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for Buddhist pilgrimage. Here you will find the oldest temples, monasteries and the great Sanchi Stupa. Built in 262 BC, by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

There are many Sikh religion gurudwaras namely Gurudwara Shri Badi SangatPatshahiDasvin Sahib in Burhanpur, Gurudwara Shri Gwarighat Sahib in Jabalpur and Gurudwara Shri Data Bandichod Sahib in Gwalior.

Top 12 Most Visited Tourist Destinations of Madhya Pradesh

• Bhopal : Bhopal is the most visited tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh for its natural & artificial lakes, exotic havelis, crowded bazaars, Lakshmi Narayana Temple & Moti Masjid.
• Sanchi : Sanchi is a must visit religious attraction because it’s home to the Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire region is dotted with stupas, temples and monasteries.
• Kanha National Park : Kanha National Park is a most visited wildlife destinations in India because it’s the largest park with a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers. You can spot the Barasingha, leopards and other animals as well.
• Bandhavgarh National Park : If you want to see white tigers in their natural habitat, Bandhavgarh National Park is a must visit tourist place in Madhya Pradesh. It’s also home to Royal Bengal Tigers, birds, reptiles and other mammals.
• Panna National Park : What makes Panna National Park the most visited national parks in Madhya Pradesh because: it has one of the highest waterfalls in India, ghariyal& 7 vulture species which are seen only in Panna.
• Pachmarhi : Pachamarhi is a treasure trove of flora and fauna & is included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Raja Prapart waterfall of 351 feet, is a major attraction. It’s believed that the Pandavas visited it during their exile.
• Khajuraho : Khajuraho is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh because of the Khajuraho Temple with its exotic sculptures, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Ujjain : Ujjain is the temple city for its numerous temples and among the most visited in Madhya Pradesh. Shri Ram Ghat, the most ancient bathing ghat, is also found here. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, is located in Ujjain.
• Amarkantak : Amarkantak is known as “Teerthraj: the king of pilgrimages.” It’s the meeting point of Maikal, Vindhya and Satpura ranges. Amarkantak, the starting point of River Narmada, originates here.
• Omkareshwar : Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and visited by a large number of pilgrims each year. The 270 feet hanging bridge is a major attraction.
• Orchha : Orchha is included among the most visited tourist places in Madhya Pradesh because of the Raja Ram Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, beautiful chhatris and Orchha Bird Sanctuary.
• Bhedaghat : What makes Bhedaghat the most visited place to visit are the Dhuandhar Falls, Balancing Rocks, Chausath Yogini Temple & huge marble rocks lining the River Narmada
• Mandu : Mandu is visited a lot by tourists because it is an ancient city, dating back to the 6th century. The Mandu Fort, biggest fort in India, is located here. Numerous afghan architectural marvels can be found.

Capital: Bhopal, Location: Central India

Best time to visit:

You can visit Madhya Pradesh round the year except Monsoon season.

Why visit Madhya Pradesh?

For its rich culture, heritage, ancient history, palaces and wildlife.