Occupying a quintessential place in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is the pride of the country. Right from sprawling wildlife reserves to innumerable natural and man-made wonders, there are many gorgeous tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. While the timeless beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Khajuraho and Sanchi fascinate history buffs, the enchanting beauty of waterfalls and lakes attracts nature lovers, culturally vibrant and buzzing with life, Madhya Pradesh is rightly reckoned as a multifaceted paradise for every kind of traveler.
So if you are hustling to pick up destinations from the vast choice, here’s the hand-picked list of 18 Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh that will ease bucket listing your favorites. Take a dekko!
Famous around the world for its intricately carved group of temples, Khajuraho is a paradise for art lovers and history buffs. Built by Chandela Rajputs, the marvelous carvings and erotic sculptures in these temples are epitome of Indian art. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vindhya mountain ranges and home to 2 pristine lakes, the beauty of this tourist place in Madhya Pradesh is worth witnessing.
Tourist Attractions of Khajuraho: Khajuraho group of temples, Archaeological Museum, Lakes
An excellent specimen of the Mauryan Dynasty, Sanchi is famous for its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanchi Stupa. Also known as the Buddhist hub, the place holds the legacy of significant Buddhist monuments and monasteries. Located in the Raisen district, it is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Tourist Attractions of Sanchi: Sanchi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Archaeological Museum, The Gupta Temple, Monasteries, Sanchi Bazaar
A temple town of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is an ideal place for spiritual seekers. Being one of the places where the massive Kumbh Mela is held, Ujjain is reckoned as the significant religious destination in India. Dotted around with the holy temples of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, the temples here were built during the Bundela Dynasty.
Tourist Attractions of Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Gopal Mandir, Ram Ghat, Gomti Kund, Clock Mandir, Indira Gandhi Statue
The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is a perfect blend of conventional and contemporary India. Divided by lakes, one side of the city reflects the old world charm of narrow alleys, walled city, bustling bazaars while the other side buzzes with malls, luxurious amenities, and posh bungalows. One of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal pleases every kind of traveler with its charming vibe.
Tourist Attractions of Bhopal: Taj-Ul-Masjid, Jama Masjid, Boat Club, Tribal Museum, Moti Masjid, Idgah, Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil, Bharat Bhawan, Museum of Man, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Van Vihar and Gufa Mandir
Named after the 18th-century old Indreshwar Temple, the city of Indore was founded by Rao Nandlal Choudhary. Being the commercial hub of Madhya Pradesh and studded with many beautiful gems, the city is perfect for shopaholics and travelers alike. Famous for mouth-watering Indori Poha and many exotic savories, it's a place where one can have the most amazing culinary experience.
Tourist Attractions of Indore: Muhadi Falls, Central Museum, Lalbagh Palace, Kanch Mandir, Town Hall, Nehru Park, Military Headquarters of War
Reckoned as the historic city of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is a gem when it comes to preserving the rich architecture and heritage of the country. One of the most iconic attractions of this historic city is Gwalior Fort which is called the pearl of fortresses because of its grand architecture and undeniable beauty.
Tourist Attractions of Gwalior: Man Singh Palace, Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, and Scindia Museum, Saas Bahu Temples, Tomb of Tansen, Teli ka Mandir, State Archaeological Museum, Gwalior Darshan on MP Tourism bus
Located in the Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is the largest biodiversity park that is home to tigers, birds, aquatic animals, and many other species. Spread over 446 sq km, it is considered to be one of the best national parks for tiger tourism in India. With thrilling encounters at every corner, Bandhavgarh National Park is the best place to visit in Madhya Pradesh especially for wildlife enthusiasts and tree huggers.
Tourist Attractions of Bandhavgarh National Park: Bandhavgarh Fort, Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Bandhavgarh Market
One of the most stunning hill stations in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a perfect place to get respite from the scorching summer. Famous for cave paintings, waterfalls, lakes, and spectacular vantage points, the beauty of Pachmarhi is undeniable. It is also a famous spot for shooting films in Madhya Pradesh which makes it an exciting destination for tourists.
Tourist Attractions in Pachmarhi: Jatashankar, Mahadeo Caves, Silver Falls, Dhupgarh, Chauragarh, Panar Pani, Pandav Caves, Apsara Vihar
An ideal destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure junkies, Orchha is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in MP. Replete with historical sites and many fascinating places, visiting this place is an enriching experience. Boasting exotic species of flora and fauna, one can enjoy a view of a stunning landscape.
Tourist Attraction of Orchha: Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Betwa River, Chaturbhuj Temple, Raja Ram Temple, Raja Mahal, Lakshmi Temple, Sawan Bhado Pillars, Phool Bagh, Palki Mahal, Dinman Hardaul Palace
Known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, the meadows of Kanha are inhabited by a large number of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, Sloth bears, Barasingha, and Wild dogs. One of the largest national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is spread across Mandla and Balaghat districts. The expansive forests of Kanha are so stunning that their beauty is captured in The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.
Tourist Attraction of Kanha: Jeep Safari, Spotting Tigers, Barasingha and other wild animals, Kanha Museum, Sunset Point
The historical town of Madhya Pradesh, Vidisha is replete with ancient monuments and majestic ruins dating back to the 2nd century. Reflecting architectural marvels from the Gupta Empire, this small city is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical monuments that are a point of interest for many heritage seekers who visit Vidisha from around the world.
Tourist Attractions of Vidisha: Udayagiri caves, Bija Mandal, Betwa River, Sola-Kambi Temple, Dashavatara Temple, Khamba Baba aka Heliodorus Pillar, Girdhari Temple, Gadarmal Temple
Located at a distance of about 46kms from Bhopal, Bhimbetka is an interesting place to visit in Madhya Pradesh as it offers a breathtaking view of the rock shelters from the prehistoric era. An ideal place for history lovers, the natural caves in Bhimbetka are like well-preserved galleries showcasing wall paintings from the Upper Paleolithic era to the medieval period and the remnants of the citadel and mini stupas that suggest Buddhist influence over the region.
Tourist Attractions of Bhimbetka: Cave paintings, dancing figures from the Mesolithic period, huge figures of bison, tigers, and rhinoceroses
Home to exotic flora and fauna, Pench National Park lies on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Located in the Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, Pench is one of the significant tiger
habitats of the world and is also an important bird nesting area in India. Ideal place for bird watching and wildlife safari, Pench National Park is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Tourist Attractions of Pench National Park: Indian Bison, Sambar, Jungle Cat, Jeep Safari
The cultural capital of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur offers a wide spectrum of diversity. Gateway to Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh National Parks, is one of the important cities of Madhya Pradesh. With the serenity of the river Narmada and the magnificence of granite and sandstone hills, the land of Jabalpur is believed to be blessed by the great saint Jabali Rishi.
Tourist Attractions of Jabalpur: Madan Mahal Fort, Dhuandhar Falls, Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum, Bhedaghat, Dumna Nature Reserve Park, Bargi Dam, Sangram Sagar, and Bajnamath
The erstwhile capital of Bundela Kingdom, Panna is the famous place to visit in Madhya Pradesh that has everything to please your senses. Famous for thrilling wildlife, Panna National Park is home to many endangered species including tigers. Apart from rich wildlife, Panna houses ancient temples and architectural marvels that are absolutely worth visiting. Also known as the City of Diamonds, Panna is the only city in Madhya Pradesh that has diamond reserves.
Tourist Attractions of Panna: Panna National Park, Pandava Falls and Caves, Diamond Mines, Jugal Kishoreji Temple, Mahamati Prannath ji Temple, Canyons of Rewa, Raneh Falls, and Ken Crocodile Sanctuary
Right from rolling hills, pristine lakes, verdant forests, and rich historical past, Chanderi is totally worth visiting if you are planning a trip to Madhya Pradesh. The quintessential hub of Bundela Rajputs and Malwa Sultans, this historic town of Madhya Pradesh has many fascinating monuments that are evidence of its rich heritage and culture. You can also buy gorgeous Chanderi sarees and fabric that is famous around the globe.
Tourist Attractions of Chanderi: Koshak Mahal, Shehzadi Ka Rauza, Ramnagar Palace and Museum, Purana Madarsa, Kati Ghati Gateway, Behti Math, Nanuan Rock Paintings, Idgah, Khandagiri Temple, Bada Mahal Darwaza, Singhpur Palace, Kirti Durg, Jama Masjid, Jageshwari Temple, Nizamuddin Family Tombs, Chandraprabh Temple
An ancient fort city in the heart of India, Mandu is reckoned as Hampi of the central state of India. Replete with architectural marvels and historical monuments of the bygone eras, Mandu is a treasure trove for history buffs. This majestic city in Madhya Pradesh also has deep resonance with the eternal love between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The historic city of Mandu also opens to nature’s bliss of cascading waterfalls and gurgling lakes making it a must-visit destination in Madhya Pradesh.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh
Tourist Attractions of Mandu: Royal Enclave, Rupmati’s Pavilion, Nil Kanth Palace, Hoshang’s Tomb, Jahaz Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal, Rewa Kund Group