Known to the world as the “heart of India”, the state of Madhya Pradesh is a landlocked area. Yet it is a very famous vacation spot in the sub-continent. Being the second-largest state in terms of land area, Madhya Pradesh offers a very diverse array of activities and sights for every traveller. It is known for its very rich history, culture, art, craft, tradition and heritage that exhibits the diversity of the whole country. When you visit Madhya Pradesh, it will be like you have already explored the whole of India. If you are interested in travelling to Madhya Pradesh then here are some of the best historical places in Madhya Pradesh, India.
1. Sanchi Stupa
One of the most significant landmarks in Buddhist architecture and art is the Grand Stupa at Sanchi. This stupa is an ancient stone building constructed in India during the Mauryan era. It can be found at the town of Sanchi. The enormous stupa was built by Emperor Ashok during the 3rd century BC. Even today, the Sanchi Stupa attracts a lot of visitors, especially foreigners. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site way back in 1989. It is also one of the most conserved ancient stupas in the whole of central India.
Sanchi Stupa
Address: Sanchi Town, Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
2. The Khajuraho Complex of Temples
Known as the “Sexiest Temples in India”, the Khajuraho temples are a group of ancient buildings that are known for its beautiful and intricate decorations. It was originally built between 900 and 1130 AD by the Chandela dynasty. A total of 85 temples were originally built. However, only 25 survived the test of time. Now, the Khajuraho temples are enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thousands of tourists from all over the world, flock to see it. What makes the Kharujaho temples unique from other temples is its intricate erotic carvings which you can see on the facade and the interiors of the temples.
Tip from tour guide
I recommend covering Khajuraho's temples in one day. This means in the morning, you'll visit the western group of temples (Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Devi Jagdamba Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Lakshmi & Varha Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple). In the afternoon, you can go to the eastern group of temples. This is also divided into two groups: Jain temples (Parshvnath Temple, Adinath Temple, Ghantai Temple) and Hindu temples (Brahma Temple, Vamana Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, and Hanuman Temple). My favorite is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, which is dedicated to the famous Hindu god, Shiva. It has a lingam in the main sanctum. The temple is a masterpiece of Hindu architectural style, decorated with 870 erotic sculptures with intricate carvings of different kamasutra positions. It's also a replica of Mount Meru, which is considered the place of the world's creation. It is believed that these kamasutra panels display common tantric practices of the era.
In the evening, you can enjoy Khajuraho Light and Sound Show.
If you have more time, visit Panna National Park for tiger safaris, alongside Raneh Falls and Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary. Try some local snacks, such as mangodi, which is made of lentil flour, and jalebi for dessert, in between exploring. You can also try sugarcane juice, which is quite refreshing in the hot weather.
For your stay, I recommend 4-star hotels such as Bundela Resort, Ramada Hotel, and Clarks Hotel, and 5-star hotels such as Chandela Hotel and The Lalit Temple View Hotel. These properties offer very pleasant stays and a very romantic feel. It's best to hire a private vehicle according to your group's size, such as Innova, tempo travelers, or big/small coach, especially if you're visiting the temples.
Tip from Content Creator
This UNESCO site wasn’t discovered until the 1930s, thus there was no damage to the temple structures by any invaders. The sculptures here actually reflect the daily life of a soldier or a peasant. If you are planning on visiting this hidden gem, don't forget to explore some of the other attractions in the area. Here are some must-visit places in Khajuraho:
- Raneh Falls, which is also known as the Grand Canyon of India
- Pandav Falls, a picturesque 30 m high (98.4 ft) waterfall surrounded by lush forests
- Bhimkund, a natural water tank with a depth that's still unknown and a mystery
Traveler's tips
Do make sure to hire a tour guide while visiting the Khajuraho building complex. This will help you better understand the meaning and the stories behind the structures. It is best to seek the services of a guide licensed by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. Charges for hiring a tour guide for a day are around 2000 INR. Also, make it a point to see the light and sound show held every day at sunset.
3. Omkareshwar Temple
Situated on the Mandhata island adjacent to the Narmada River, the Omkareshwar Temple is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage centres. One of the holy 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva can be found at this temple. The island is considered a sacred one and has been drawing a lot of tourists, both local and foreign, all year round. Another thing that makes it unique among other historical places is that it is strategically located right at the intersection of Narmada and Kaveri River. That is why both leisure-seeking and devoted travellers flock this historical site. It is also bordered by mountains, which makes it also a hit among nature lovers.
Omkareshwar Temple
Address: Ward No 11, 12, Khandwa - Indore Road, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh 450554, India
Website: Omkareshwar Temple
4. Rock shelters of Bhimbetka
Right at the bottom of the southern edge of the Vindhyan Mountains lies the breathtaking rock shelters of Bhimbetka. It is a well-known archaeological site that features artefacts from the prehistoric Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods. It features the earliest pieces of evidence of human life on the Indian territory and depicts life during the Stone Age. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka is now known as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. Some of the Bhimbetka rock shelters exhibit cave paintings from the prehistoric times. There is even a painting that is already 30,000 years old and has been carefully preserved.
Madhya Pradesh Tour Guide
Narender Kumar
I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Rus... Read more
Tours by Narender
5. Jehangir Mahal
Jehangir Mahal is known to be one of the most famous historical places in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. It was built in honour of the Badshah Jahangir, one of the Mughal rulers. It was commissioned by King Vir Singh Deo. Construction of the temple commenced in the 17th century. Today, the Jehangir Mahal still stands proudly after all those years. It is made up of a number of courtyards, balconies, roofs and domes. The best time to visit the palace is during the months of October and March when it is cooler.
Jehangir Mahal
Address: Paryatan Bhawan, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh 462003, India
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
6. Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal
Everyone in India knows that the Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest mosque in the whole country. However, the true largest mosque in India is the Taj-Ul-Masajid, or the “Crown of Mosques” in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It covers a total land area of 430,000 sq. ft. (4 hectares) and can accommodate up to 175,000 people. Construction of the masjid started between 1868 and 1901 on the orders of Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal. Aside from being the largest mosque in the whole of India, it is also the second-largest mosque in Asia. It is also strategically located right beside a lake called the Motia Talab.
Book Tours : Private Tour: Bhopal City Day Tour
7. Bir Singh Palace
The Bir Singh Palace, now known as the Datia Palace, is a seven-storey palace. It is located 75 kilometres (46 miles) from the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. The palace is known for showcasing the rich Mughal and Rajput architecture. Among all the palaces built by Raja Bir Singh Deo, The Bir Singh Palace is the biggest and the most popular among them. The palace can be seen from a long distance.
Bir Singh Palace
Address: Datia, Madhya Pradesh 475661, India
Website: Bir Singh Palace
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
8. Lal Bagh Palace
The Lal Bagh Palace is a very picturesque palace that is located right outside Indore city. Built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar in the late 1800s to early 1900s, the palace stands three-storeys tall and is located right beside Khan River. The palace occupies a land space of 113,311.98 square meters (28 acres). Today, the palace is home to a coin collection from the Muslim period. It also features a grand gate which looks like the gates of the Buckingham Palace in London.
Lal Bagh Palace
Address: Nai Duniya, Revenue Colony, Indira nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452007, India
Opening hours: 10:15am - 5pm (daily)
9. Gwalior Fort
Situated on the top of a hill, the Gwalior Fort is known to be one of the best fortresses in India. It is also known to be one of the forts in India that can’t be penetrated. Its amazing architecture and rich history are some of the reasons why you need to stop by this attraction when you visit Madhya Pradesh. There are several monuments and inscriptions inside the fort to let everyone know that it had been built way back in the 6th century. The fort has withstood many attacks, especially by the Muslim invaders. But it has stood against the test of time and continues to amaze everyone in this modern generation.
Book Tours : Private Tour: Grandeur Day Tour in Gwalior
10. Orchha
Orchha is a historic town that is located right at the heart of Betwa River. It was founded by Rudra Pratap, a Bundela Rajput Chief in the 16th century. The town is where the river splits into seven smaller channels. The locals believe that the seven channels represent the seven former chiefs of Orchha. Despite the modernity of today’s world, Orchha seems to be frozen in time. There are a lot of old monuments and buildings in the city. There are also several fun adventures and activities that tourists can enjoy here.
Tip from tour guide
Vandna
Among the must-visit places in Orchha is Orchha Fort, which is a massive structure with a beautiful facade for you to admire. It has multiple levels for you to explore. Go to the rooftop so you can appreciate all the levels, including the inner courtyard, at once. You can also stroll through the lawn or take pictures with the view of the town below.
Book Tours : Exploring the Hidden Beauty of Orchha Day Tour
11. Sri Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga
Contributed by Content Creator, Rohit Singh
Sri Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated around 80 km (49.71 mi) away from Indore and dates back to the 10th century. The ancient name of Mamleshwar Jyothirlinga is Amareshwar. Both Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar are forms of the same Jyotirlinga. The latter is on the south bank of the Narmada River, and Omkareshwar sits on the Omkar Mountain on the north bank of the river. It is believed that a pilgrimage to Omkareshwar isn’t complete without paying obeisance to the Mamleshwar temple, as it is believed to house half of the Jyotirlinga.
Explore the historic side of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is indeed a very historic place especially with its number of ancient temples, palaces and mosques across the state. If you want to explore the ancient remnants of its past, then Madhya Pradesh is definitely for you.
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