Top travel Destinations & Best places to see - Madhya Pradesh Tour

Madhya Pradesh the heart of India has numerous exotic places sitting across 119,017 square miles of vast area. It will take months to explore all of them however, if you are short on time you must visit places that offer maximum in terms of scenic beauty and unforgettable experience. Based on my journeys though out my home state here are the must visit locations in Madhya Pradesh.

1. Amarkantak ( TeerthRaj - The King of Pilgrimages)

I preferred to visit Amarkantak for  wonderful scenic beauty with rich natural heritage. This is the place where two big mountain ranges of the region Vindhya and the Satpura converge. The biggest and the holiest river of the region Narmada and Sone emerge here. I got to see Kapil Dhara, Dugdh Dhara, Narmada-Udgam and Son Udgam (Origin) Kund and  various temples. Jain temple with the biggest statue of Lord Mahavir with eight-alloy metals was imposing apart from the overall jain architecture. Shri Yantra temple which is also known as "Tantrik Temple"is surrounded by scenic beauty.

I also went to see "Mai ki bagiya" as it is known for a garden which is 5 kms from Narmada Udgam (Origin of River Narmada). Here some medicinal plants are cultivated and are on display along with a fruit orchard. Amarkantak is also the host of the first tribal university in India - Indira Gandhi National Tribal University which signifies the rich tribal heritage of the region.

Best Routes to reach - 1. New Delhi/Mumbai to Raipur via Flight and then by Road (4-5 Hr Journey -200 Kms Apprax) 2. New Delhi/Mumbai to Bilaspur via train and then by Road (3 Hrs Journey)

Cost of Stay - Rs. 500 to 2500 based on the accommodation type
Nearby Point Of Interest  - Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh Fort and National Park

2. Bhopal ( BhimBetka, Sanchi Stupas)
Apart from being the capital city which is known for beautiful lakes, old heritage mosques and landscapes. Van Vihar, Jain Temple, Bhojpur Temple, Taj Ul Masjid, Birla Museum, Kerawa Dam, Upper and Lower Lakes given you ample joy while you are in the city. It has multiple beautiful locations in the close proximity. Bhimbetka Caves and rock shelters, Sanchi Stupas are about an hour distance whereas  the queen of Satpura Hills - Pachmarhi is at about 4.5 Hour Distance. Being in the city you can relax, enjoy the great food and rejuvenate yourself by beautiful lakes and dams. Shopping and eating is also an absolute pleasure and you can also visit sair sapata for leisure time.

Best Routes to reach - Via Flight from New Delhi/Mumbai or via India Railway (Best Option: Bhopal Shatabdi-12002 that starts at 6 AM and reaches Bhopal around 2 PM and costs-1635 for AC chair car)
Cost of Stay - Rs. 450 - 4000 based on the accommodation type
Nearby Point Of Interest: Bhim Betka Caves, Sanchi Stupas, Pachmarhi

3. Pachmarhi & Satpura National Park: 
Situated at 1100 meter height queen of Satpura Hills pachmarhi offers you one of the most beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and caves and trekking experiences. The peak of Satpura Hills Dhoopgarh would make you observe the marvelous sunset and sunrise. you can reach to Dhoopgarh by a wonderful trekking route that has small waterfalls and valleys to enrich your journey through to the Hill top. Satpura National Park, Beefalls, Pandava Caves and Jata Shankar caves are other attractions sitting beautifully in the lap of nature.

Do visit my Pachmarhi travelogue for detailed information

Best Routes to reach - 1. New Delhi/Mumbai to Bhopal via Flight and then by Road (4-4.5 Hr Journey) 2. India Railway ( Direct Train till Piparia which is the nearest railway station & 50 kms away)

Cost of Stay - Rs. 500 - 3500 based on the accommodation type
Nearby Point Of Interest:  Tawa Dam, Tamia Hill station

4. Jabalpur  
A Day Trip to Jabalpur
The high court city is a must visit locations for being the host of one of the most exotic waterfalls and mesmerizing white marble rocks. Bhedaghat-Dhuandhar waterfall provides you a lifetime experience of waterfalls where river Narmada takes a dive from 98 feet to create a water-smoke scenery. River stream is surrounded by white marble rocks that will make you spellbound. Boating is highly recommended for exquisite experience amid marble rocks. Gwari Ghat, Dumna Nature Reserve park, Chausath Yogini temple, Balancing rock and Bargi dam also offer unique experience that expand your imaginations. Museums and multiple parks across the city offer you great comfort while you roam around the city. Bhaisaghat is another unexplored location at about 20 kms with great scenic beauty.

Best Routes to reach - 1. Direct flight from most major cities in India 2. Direct Train from most major cities in India

Cost of Stay - Rs 350 to 7500 based on the accommodation type

Nearby Point Of Interest:  Bandhavgarh National Park / Bhandavgarh Fort







5. Bandhavgarh 
Bandhavgarh is a place of historical and mythological significance due to rich heritage associated with its fort, caves and forests. With a history of about 2000 years old it has multiple man made caves with inscriptions and wall paintings. It used to be the capital of old princely state of Rewa. It is believed that Bandhavgarh fort was gifted to younger Brother Laxman by mythological God Ram and thats why it is known as Bandhavgarh (Brother's fort). Bandhavgarh National park is a tiger reserve and boasts of the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers along with 37 species of mammals. You may get to have one of the most amazing jungle safari experience when you enter Bandhavgarh forests. Shesh Shaiya (Grand Laying 65 ft statue of lord vishnu), three caves and badi gufa are some other attractions in this area.

Best Routes to reach     - 1. New Delhi/Mumbai to Jabalpur/Khajuraho via Flight and then by Road (3-4 Hr Journey) 2. Via India railway till Katni/Jabalpur and then via road 100 kms from Katni & 190 kms from Jabalpur
Cost of Stay - Rs. 500 to 60000 based on the accommodation as this area has some high end resorts
Nearby Point Of Interest: Amarkantak, Jabalpur

6. Kanha National Park
A Day Trip to Kanha National Park
It is one of the best and largest parks in India with vast grassland and forests. Kanha has one of the richest flora and fauna with good number of royal Bengal Tigers and over 350 species. Barasingha, jackals and wild pigs can be easily spotted during jungle safari and you are bound to get an exotic safari experience within this amazing park spread across 940 sq. Km. Meadows, Shravan tal and Kanha Museum are other attraction within the area.

Best Routes to reach - 1. New Delhi/Mumbai to Raipur/Jabalpur via Flight and then by Road (165 kms from Jabalpur & 185 from Raipur ) 2. New Delhi/Mumbai to Bilaspur/Jabalpur via India railway and then by Road (2.5 to 3.5 Hrs Journey)
Cost of Stay - Rs. 750 to 35000 based on accommodation
Nearby Point Of Interest - Jabalpur, Amarkantak

7. Khajuraho
Khajuraho temples are one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in India and most frequently visited by foreign tourist to witness the stunning Indian sculpture. These ancient temples belong to Chandela Dynasty of medieval India and they showcase huge array of meditation, wrestling, companionship, royalty and the most notably the erotic art. The Khajuraho sculptures are stunning display of skill of artisan of that time.

Best Routes to reach - 1. Direct flight from most major cities in India 2. Direct Train from connecting locations
Cost of Stay - Rs. 500 - 15000 based on accommodation
Nearby Point Of Interest - Orcha, Panna National Park

8 - Ujjain
Situated at the bank of sacred river Kshipra Ujjain is one of the most ancient and sacred cities in India . Ujjain is famous for centuries old Mahakaleshwar temple which is one of the twelve joytirlingam (Sacred shrines) of Lord Shiva. Ujjain is also one of the hosts to the largest religious gathering in the world -Maha Kumbh which is organized across four different locations in India ( In Haridwar, Allahabad and Nasik respectively at the gap of four years). Kumbha Fare is held on the bank of river Kshipra and witnesses plethora of religious activities and fanfare of pilgrimages during and around Kumbha gathering. Harsidhhi Temple, Ved Shala, Mangalnath temple, Kal Bhairav Temple and Ram Ghat are other major attractions in this holy city that take you to spiritual journey through its ambiance and culture.

Best Routes to reach - 1. Via flight to Indore and then by Road/train (50 kms)  2. Via  Indian railway - direct Train from most major cities in India
Cost of Stay - Rs 150 to 45000 based on accommodation
Nearby Point Of Interest - Indore City, Maheshwar


9. Gwalior
A Day Trip to Gwalior

Gwalior is city known for its medieval history, hilltop fort and musical heritage that boasts of many "Sangeet Gharanas". The hill top Gwalior fort is known as "pearl among the fortresses" and you get to see so many beautiful jain statues in-craved in hills on the way to this beautiful and imposing fort. It was most recently ruled by the Schindias of Maratha dynasty and has their imprints all over the city. Jaivilas Palace is the living testimony of the glorious history and you must visit to witness the luxury from the history books. This city hold an incredible reputation in the field of music and art. Every year Gwalior hosts the Tansen music festival at Tansen's tomb. Light and sound show during night around Mansingh Palace & Gujri Mahal provides an amazing experience. Jaivilas Palace, Tansen's Tomb, Sarod Ghar and Tigra Dam are other attractions within the city.

Best Routes to reach  - 1. Direct flight from most major cities in India 2. Direct Train from most major cities in India. If you are coming via Delhi you can take Bhopal Shatabdi
Cost of Stay - Rs. 350 to 20000 based on accommodation
Nearby Point Of Interest  - Orcha, Agra

Please do read my separate posts for below locations that are mostly unexplored by outside visitors however,  are more exotic, serene and beautiful that you may want to visit them again and again.

10. A trip to Chitrakoot - Divine beauty in the nature's lap

11 -Parsili

12 -Hanuwantiya Water Festival

13 -Sharda Mata Shrine Maihar,

14 - Dharkundi

15 -  Purwa waterfall

16 - Chachai Waterfall

17-  Mada Forest & Rakasganda Waterfall