66 Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh (2024)

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 121 km from Agra, 174 km from Mathura, 268 km from Kanpur, 330 km from New Delhi, 334 km from Lucknow, 346 km from Jaipur, 448 km from Bhopal and 459 km from Allahabad, Gwalior is a historical city situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the important tourist places near Agra and also one of the top tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

One of the most beautiful cities of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is very famous for its glorious history and rich cultural heritage. After being founded by Maharaja Suraj Sen in 8th century AD, Gwalior Fort was described as the pearl amongst fortresses in India. The city and its fortress have been ruled by several historic northern Indian kingdoms. From the Tomars in the 13th century, it was passed on to the Mughal Empire, then to the Maratha in 1754, followed by the Scindias in 18th century AD.

Well-known for its ancient temples, marvelous palaces and alluring monuments, Gwalior is the tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior is best known for being the birthplace of the great musician, Tansen. And apart from all this, Gwalior was also one among the five princely states that got the honor of 21 gun salute during the British rule. Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Mahal, Teli ka Mandir, Sun Temple, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu Temple, Man Mandir Palace are some of the popular places to visit in Gwalior. Gwalior ...

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

At a distance of 47 km from Chhatarpur, 118 km from Satna, 179 km from Jhansi, 223 km from Kanpur, 265 km from Jabalpur, 283 km from Gwalior, 283 km from Allahabad, 388 km from Bhopal and 624 km from Delhi, Khajuraho is a historical town located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is one of the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh and among the must include places in your Madhya Pradesh tour packages.

Earlier, Khajuraho was the cultural capital of Chandela Rajputs who ruled this part of India during 10th to 12th centuries AD. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela monarchs over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150 AD. After the fall of Chandela rulers, these temples were abandoned and long-forgotten until rediscovered by British Captain T.S. Burt, in 1838 AD. Known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic carvings, the Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the seven wonders of India.

The marvelous architecture and erotic carvings are the best and most notable aspects of Khajuraho temples. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 25 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles. The temples also have numerous other sculptures depicting the life of a common man in that era. Khajuraho ...

Historical & Heritage

Orchha or Urchha is a small ancient town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, India. About 123 km from Gwalior, 237 km from Kanpur, and 352 km from Bhopal, it is one of the popular tourist places in India, and among the must include places in Madhya Pradesh tour packages.

Orchha, means a 'hidden place', is situated on the banks of Betwa River and is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. It is one of the popular heritage places to visit near Gwalior and Kanpur. Orchha was established in 1501 AD by Bundela king Rudra Pratap Singh, who became the first emperor of Orchha, (1501-1531) and also built the Orchha Fort, must visit places as part of Orchha packages.

Besides Orchha Fort, Chaturbhuj Temple, Chhatris, Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the famous tourist places in Orchha. It can be visited along with Jhansi tour packages.

Wildlife

Situated in Vindhya Hills, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the renowned places of wildlife in India, and among the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. It is about 169 km from Jabalpur, and 452 km from Bhopal.

Covering over an area of about 1536 sq. km, Bandhavgarh is known to have the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world and the frequent sightings of royal tigers make this national park a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. One can spot more than 22 species of mammals including Common Langurs, Rhesus Macaque, the Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, and Leopard as part of Bandhavgarh holiday packages.

The park has three gates, namely Tala, Magadhi, and Khitauli. Out of these three, Tala gate is the most popular as it has more chances of tiger spotting. These are closed for visitors during the monsoon months while the buffer zones Dhamokhar, Panpatha, and Johila are opened throughout the year. Jeep safaris are conducted in all zones while Canter Safari is available only in Maghadhi and Khitauli Zones.

Historical & Heritage

Famous worldwide for its Buddhist monuments, Sanchi is one of the popular places of heritage in Madhya Pradesh. It is located about 21 km from Raisen, and 46 km from Bhopal.

Among the top places to visit near Bhopal, the town of Sanchi is the center of a region with innumerable age-old stupas, monasteries, temples, monolithic pillars, and other remnants of the rich Buddhist culture. The monuments of Sanchi are probably the best-preserved group of Buddhist monuments in India, and among the must-visit places as part of Sanchi holiday packages.

A renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was installed by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty in the 3rd century BC. This Greco-Buddhist-style monument is believed to hold the bones and beads of some of the closest disciples of Buddha. Besides, Ashoka Pillar, the Great Bowl, Sanchi Museum, Gupta Temple, and Udayagiri Caves are the other tourist places in Sanchi.

Hill Station

Situated at an altitude of 1,067 m in a valley of the Satpura Range, Pachmarhi is a stunning hill station located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, India. About 194 km from Bhopal, it is one of the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, and among the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh.

Treasured with ancient caves of the Buddhist era, and bewitching forests of the Satpuras with the streams and waterfalls, Pachmarhi is a perfect places to visit as part of Bhopal tour packages. Bee Falls, Jata Shankar Caves, Pandava Caves, Dhoopgarh, Handi Khoh, Mahadeo Hill, Duchess Falls, Priyadarshini Point (Forsyth Point), Chauragarh Temple, Gupt Mahadev, etc., are some of the top and major Pachmarhi tourist places.

Often called 'Satpura ki Rani' or the 'Queen of the Satpura Range', it is also a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. One can also visit Satpura National park along with Pachmarhi holiday packages.

Wildlife

At a distance of 15 km from Mocha, 59 km from Mandla, 106 km from Balaghat, 146 km from Gondia, 184 km from Jabalpur, 224 km from Raipur, 264 km from Nagpur, and 421 km from Bhopal, Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh. Located in Mandla and Balaghat districts, it is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh and among the popular tourist places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Positioned in the central region of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha was established as a sanctuary in the year 1933. It was declared as a National Park in 1955 and eventually made a Tiger Reserve in 1973. Kanha is one of the first Tiger Reserves to work for Project Tiger in India. Sprawling over an area of 2059.7 sq. km, it comprises of 940 sq. km core zone, 1009 sq. km of the buffer zone and 110.79 sq. km of neighbouring Phen Sanctuary. The park encompasses Banjar and Hallon valleys, Sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and winding streams.

Kanha got its name from the texture of the soil found in the park, which is locally called Kanhar. Kanha National Park is one of the most well managed, tourist-friendly & popular tiger reserves of India. Kanha has the highest density of tiger population in the state with around 80 big cats wandering aimlessly in the forest area. Besides its rich tiger population, there are also around 100 leopards, a huge population of deer and antelopes, including some 400 southern ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 4 km from Turiya, 14 km from Khawasa, 58 km from Seoni, 90 km from Chhindwara, 92 km from Nagpur, 196 km from Kanha National Park, 201 km from Jabalpur, 324 km from Raipur, and 410 km from Bhopal, Pench National Park is straddle across two states - Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Located in Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, it is one of the top national parks in India and among the prominent places to visit as part of Madhya Pradesh tour packages.

Named after Pench River that divides the park into two halves, Pench was notified as a sanctuary in 1977. Then in 1983, it was declared as a national park and in 1992, a Tiger Reserve. It became the 19th project tiger reserve in India. The total area of the Pench is about 1179 Sq. km, of which the core area is 411 sq. km while the buffer area is about 768 Sq. km. The terrain of the park is undulating, with most of the area covered by small hills and tropical moist deciduous forests.

Laden with rocky trails, wooded hills, glassy rivers, and gushing streams, the beauty of Pench National Park is so enchanting that it has sparked one of the best creations of Rudyard Kipling- The Jungle Book. The area of the present Pench Tiger Reserve has also been described in Ain-i-Akbari, a 16th-century document written by Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak (the Emperor Akbar's vizier). Renamed as 'Indira Priyadarshini ...

Historical & Heritage

The archaeological site of Bhimbetka is one of the popular places of heritage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the top tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. About 45 km from Bhopal, it is situated inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, embedded in sandstone rocks, in the foothills of the Vindhya Range.

The site consists of around 750 rock shelters distributed over 10 km (6.2 mi) which are the must-visit attractions of Bhimbetka holiday packages. The Bhimbetka group contains 243 of these, while the Lakha Juar group nearby has 178 shelters. The Bhimbetka site has the oldest-known rock art in India. Among all other caves, Auditorium Cave is one of the significant features of the site. Bhimbetka can also be visited along with Bhopal tour packages.

Out of the 750 rock shelters, 500 are adorned with interesting paintings and the earliest are about 30,000 years old. However, only 15 caves are opened for visitors. The paintings in the caves are completely diverse in nature as the caves have been around for millennia, and are executed with themes taken from the everyday events of the people who lived in the caves.

Wildlife

At a distance of 21 km from Panna, 26 km from Khajuraho, 51 km from Chhatarpur, 90 km from Satna, 146 km from Tikamgarh, 180 km from Jhansi, 235 km from Jabalpur, 245 km from Allahabad, 257 km from Kanpur, 287 km from Gwalior, 381 km from Bhopal, 513 km from Nagpur, 567 km from Raipur, and 655 km from Patna, Panna National Park is a national park located in Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh in India. Situated near Madla village, it is one of the top national parks in India and among the best places to visit as part of Madhya Pradesh tour packages.

Spread over an area of 542.67 sq. km, Panna National Park was once the private hunting reserve of erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur & Bijawar states. It was established as a national park by the Government of India in 1981. In 1994, Panna was upgraded into a Tiger Reserve with the inclusion of some other wildlife sanctuaries like Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary, Panna National Park & Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the 22nd Tiger Reserve of India and the 5th in Madhya Pradesh.

Panna National Park was given the Award of Excellence in 2007 as the best maintained national park of India by the Ministry of Tourism of India. Unfortunately, the park lost almost all its tigers in 2009 due to poaching. With the collaboration of WWF and PATA, the park authorities introduced two tigers to Panna, one from Bandhavgarh ...

Hill Station | Pilgrimage

Amarkantak is a hill station and a pilgrim town located in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. About 226 km from Jabalpur, and 549 km from Bhopal, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages.

Popularly known as Teerthraj - the king of pilgrimages, Amarkantak is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site that is frequented by a huge number of devotees. It is located at an altitude of 1065 meters amidst the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges in Madhya Pradesh. One of India's Holy Rivers, the Narmada river originates from Amarkantak rendering this place special and among the must-visit places as part of Amarkantak packages. Besides, Amarkantak also serves as the confluence point for the rivers Narmada, Sone, and Johila.

Narmada Udgam Temple, Ancient Temples of Kalachuri, Kapil Dhara Waterfall, Shri Sarvodaya Digamber Jain Temple, Mrityunjay Ashram, Amareshwar Mahadev Temple, Mai ki Bagiya, Jwaleshwar Temple, Bhrigu Kamandal, Sonmuda, etc., are some of the top tourist places in Amarkantak.

Historical & Heritage | City

Bhopal is the capital city of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of Bhopal district. About 193 km from Indore, it is one of the the must include places in Madhya Pradesh tour packages, and among the best places to visit near Indore.

The city of Bhopal is often called the 'City of Lakes' as it features a pair of artificial lakes - Upper Lake and Lower Lake, among the must include places in Bhopal packages. Bhopal is a true paradise for history buffs as it boasts numerous historical monuments, religious places, and several museums. Moti Masjid, Upper Lake, Birla Mandir, Shaukat Mahal, Van Vihar National Park are the top and major Bhopal places to visit.

The city is also famous for its Nawabi food that is an absolute delight for foodies. Tragically, Bhopal is also a reminiscence of the world's worst industrial disaster in the chemical plant of Union Carbide that was responsible for at least 8000 deaths from the explosion alone.

Historical & Heritage

Burhanpur is a historical town located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. About 183 km from Indore, and 331 km from Bhopal, it is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must include places in India tour packages.

Situated on the north bank of the Tapti River, Burhanpur is a fabulous destination that tourists love visiting, especially historians and art lovers due to its rich past and significant history. This historical city is well-known for its magnificent structures and architectural remains that draw people from different parts of the country as part of Burhanpur packages. The most interesting fact about Burhanpur is that Mumtaz Begum, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan died here while giving birth to her fourteenth child. It can be visited along with indore tour packages.

The city is blessed with many mosques, tombs, Gurudwaras, forts, and gardens that make sure that it offers the best holidaying experience for all tourists. Asirgarh Fort, Shahi Qila, Jama Masjid, Black Taj Mahal, Moti Mahal, Raja Jai Singh Ki Chhatri, Dargah-E-Hakimi, Khuni Bhandara, etc., are some of the best Burhanpur tourist places.

Historical & Heritage

Chanderi is a historical town positioned beautifully along the River Betwa in Madhya Pradesh. About 207 km from Gwalior, and 218 km from Bhopal, it is one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages.

Surrounded by magnificent hills, forests, and beautiful lakes, Chanderi boasts of a kind of scenic beauty that should be experienced by travellers of all sorts as part of Chanderi packages. This small town is located along the Betwa river, further, making it an amazing option to explore. Chanderi is also famous for its vibrant weaving industry and one can find a variety of weaves right from Chanderi cotton-silk to pure Chanderi silk here and every weave is exemplary in itself. It is one of the top places to visit near Bhopal.

Tourism in Chanderi consists of a mix of forts, monuments, lakes, and temples. Chanderi Fort, Koshak Mahal, Badal Mahal Gate, Kati Ghati Gateway, Chanderi Museum, Rajghat Dam, Jauhar Monument, etc. are some of the prominent tourist places in Chanderi.

City

Situated on the Malwa plateau, Indore is the largest and the most populous city of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must include places in India tour packages. It is about 56 km from Ujjain, and 191 km from Bhopal.

Indore city presents a happy blend of historical past and promises of rapid future modernization. The city of Indore gets its name from Indreshwar Mahadev temple, among the must-include places in Indore packages. Rajwada Palace, Lal Bagh Palace, Chhatris Bagh, Chokhi Dhani, Kanch Mandir, Central Museum, Mahatma Gandhi Hall, Nehru Park, Chhapan Dukaan, Patalpani Waterfalls, Tincha Waterfalls, Bijasan Mata, and Bada Ganpati Temple are some of the prominent tourist places in Indore.

Indore is one of the educational hubs in the country and is also the cleanest city in India. Indore is also known for its wide variety of Namkeens. Indore can be visited as part of Bhopal tour packages.

City

Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, Jabalpur is one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages. It is about 315 km from Bhopal, 447 km from Gwalior, and 515 km from Indore.

Formerly known as Jubbulpore, Jabalpur is an important industrial and business hub of Madhya Pradesh. The city is known for the marble rocks on the river Narmada at Bhedaghat, among the must-visit places as part of Jabalpur packages. Jabalpur is sure to amaze you with its diverse range of attractions. From historical structures standing as proof of the city's imperial past to some of nature's most breathtaking spectacles, it has something for everyone. It is one of the top places to visit near Bhopal.

Dhuandhar Falls, Marble Rocks, Madan Mahal Fort, Balancing Rocks, Bargi Dam, Chausath Yogini Temple, Lord Shiva Statue, Sangram Sagar Lake, etc., are some of the top tourist places in Jabalpur. Besides, the city is famous for its durry designs which is a craft form where carpets are handmade from cotton and wool.

Historical & Heritage

Mandu is an ancient fort city located in the present-day Mandav area of the Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Also called Mandavgad, it is one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh and among the must-include places in India tour packages. It is about 98 km from Indore, and 286 km from Bhopal.

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Mandu or Mandavgad , the epitome of architectural excellence,is one of the prominent places to visit near Indore. The city sits over a plateau and is surrounded by walls of stones and dotted with 12 gateways. The beauty of Mandu is visible in its palaces, monuments, and widespread lawns, among the prime attractions of Mandu packages.

Dotted with palaces, mosques, tombs, and gardens, Mandu was a pleasure resort under the Mughal empire and is a testament to the romance between Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavillion, Hindola Mahal, Hoshang Shah's Tomb, Baz Bahadur's Palace, Hathi Mahal, Bagh Caves, Jami Masjid, Rewa Kund, etc., are some of the major and top tourist places in Mandu.

Historical & Heritage | Pilgrimage

Maheshwar is a temple town located in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. About 90 km from Indore, and 279 km from Bhopal, it is one of the popular places to visit near Indore and among the must-include places in India tour packages.

Maheshwar is largely referred to as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh,and one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. The town is famous as the place ruled by the legendary Maratha Malwa queen Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar. Situated on the banks of river Narmada, the town possesses a treasure trove of beautiful temples, gorgeous ghats, and forts. Rajeshwar temple is the main. Narmada Ghat, Kaleshwara Temple, Rajarajeshwara Temple, Ahalyeshwar Temple, and Maheshwar Fort are some of the top tourist places in Maheshwar. Besides, the town is famous for Maheshwari Sarees, and locally manufactured brass utensils.

Nimar Utsav is one of the major events held every year at Maheshwar around Kartik Purnima (November). Apart, Maha Shivratri is also an important festival where thousands of people spend the night on the Ghats and worship the multitude of Shivalinga's as part of Maheshwar packages.

Pilgrimage

Omkareshwar is a famous pilgrimage center located on the island of Mandhata in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. About 76 km from Indore, and 256 km from Bhopal, it is one of the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-include places in India tour packages.

The holy town of Omkareshwar consists of two ancient shrines- one is Omkareshwar and the other is Amareshwar or Mamleshwar, among the must include places in Omkareshwar packages. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Omkareshwar Temple is considered to be fourth among the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Besides, Kedareshwar Temple, Siddhanath Temple, Gauri Somnath Temple, Nagar Ghat, Abhay Ghat and OMkar Ghat are some of the prominent tourist places in Omkareshwar.

Maha Shivratri is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Omkareshwar when the whole island is decorated with lights and many pilgrims visit the temple. It can be visited along with Indore tour packages.

Wildlife

Cradled in the Satpura Range, Satpura National Park, also known as Satpura Tiger Reserve, is one of the popular national parks in India, and among the popular Madhya Pradesh tour packages. It is situated about 93 km from Pachmarhi, and 140 km from Bhopal.

Covering an area of about 524 sq. km, Satpura National Park was established in 1981 and got the Tiger Reserve status in the year 1999. Divided into 4 zones, it has a large and diversified population of wildlife due to its unique ecosystem and a long history of wildlife conservation. The fauna here includes Indian Bison, Spotted Dear, Leopards, Tigers, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Blackbuck, etc. A jeep safari is the must experience things to do here as part of Satpura tour packages.

Madhai gate is the main entry point from which all safari activities are operated. The park authorities offered two types of safaris to its visitors - Jeep Safari, and Elephant Safari. One can indulge in activities like nature walks, cycling & night Safari, canoeing & boat safaris here. It can also be visited along with Bhopal tour packages.

Pilgrimage

Ujjain is an ancient city situated in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. About 56 km from Indore, and 197 km from Bhopal, it is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, and among the best places to visit near Bhopal.

Situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, the ancient city is known as the temple city for its numerous temples from different eras including one of the 12 Jyotirlingas the Mahakaleshwar Temple, among the must-include places in Ujjain packages. Kal Bhairava Temple, Ram Ghat, Harsiddhi Temple, Kalideh Palace, Pir Matsyendranath, Jantar Mantar, Bhartrihari Caves, ISKCON Temple, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, etc., are some other tourist paces in Ujjain.

Ujjain is among the top places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. Also, Ujjain is one of the four sacred sites in India, where the famous 'Kumbh Mela', one of the largest religious festivals in the world, is organized once in 12 years. Ujjain is considered the Greenwich of India, with the first meridian of longitude passing through it.

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 24 km from Sanchi, and 44 km from Bhopal Junction, Raisen Fort is a historical edifice located in the town of Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. Situated atop a hill, it is one of the ancient forts in Madhya Pradesh, and among the popular places to visit near Bhopal.

Built-in 11th Century AD, Raisen Fort was an important center of administration from the period of its foundation from Hindu times. In the 15th century CE, this fort was ruled by the Sultans of Mandu, from whom it passed to the Rajputs. In 1543, Shershah Suri captured th fort from Puranmal. In Akbar's time, Raisen was the headquarter of a Sarkar in the Subah of Ujjain in Malwa. Fiaz Mohammad Khan, the third Nawab of Bhopal State occupied the fort in about 1760, later got himself recognized as Faujdar of Raisen by Emperor Alamgir II. Now, this fort is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Raisen Fort is spread over ten sq. km on a hill of more than 1500 high. The fort has a massive stone wall pierced with nine gateways. Adorned with a large courtyard and a beautiful pool in the middle, the Raisen Fort has four palaces namely Badal Mahal, Rohini Mahal, Itradaan Mahal & Hawa Mahal within its boundaries. The ancient fort also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a shrine dedicated to Muslim saint Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba. The doors of the temple open every year on the occasion of Shivratri. The fort also had ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 39 km from Bhopal, Halali Dam is a manmade reservoir located at Khoha village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the famous picnic spots near Bhopal, and among the best places to visit near Bhopal.

Also known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project, Halali Dam is constructed in 1973 across Halali River, a tributary of the Betwa river. The river was earlier known as the Thal River. According to local legends, Dost Muhamad Khan a Nawab ruler killed a rival force from Rajput near Jagdishpur on the bank of the tributary. In consequence, since it appeared red with the victim's blood, hence the name Halali which means the river of slaughter.

The dam is 945 m long with a maximum height of 29.57 m above the foundation level. With a catchment area of around 699 sq. km, the colossal dam is quite popular among the locals of Bhopal as an excellent spot for picnics and boat rides. Apart from this, the reservoir is home to aquatic life. Mainly used for irrigation and fishery, the reservoir attracts a large number of birds during winter. The dam has an MP tourism hotel - Halali Retreat that has about 6 - 8 rooms with nice ambiance, a restaurant, playground for children, Meeting and Party Hall.

Timings: 8 AM - 4 PM

Entry: Free

Lake & Backwater


At a distance of 20 km from Gwalior, Tighra Dam or Tigra Dam is a fresh water reservoir situated at Tighra near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. It is the primary source of drinking water to the city of Gwalior and also one of the popular picnic places to visit near Gwalior.

Tighra Dam was constructed in 1916 on the Sank River and is a major source of water for the city of Gwalior. This dam has been constructed in the vicinity of eleven villages. The villagers depend on this dam for their irrigation, drinking and domestic purpose. The dam is an engineering marvel and is 24 meters high at its crest, and 1341 m long. The reservoir has a capacity of 4.8 million cubic meters. The dam was failed twice due to infiltration in 1917 & in 1970 respectively. However, today it has emerged as a favourite destination for families to spend some good time together.

As tourism gained popularity, the tourist department started a boating club here. One can enjoy speed boating, jalpari boat, paddle boating and water scooty rides at Tighra Dam. Apart from adventure, it also offers serenity with the picturesque view that surrounds the dam. After the construction of the dam, the area became a suitable habitat for several birds and this area was later declared as a Bird Sanctuary. The reservoir is home to many crocodiles and many different fishes can be seen during boating.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Boating Cost: Rs. 50 per person for Speed Boat, Rs. 50 per person for Jalpari Boat, ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 5 km from Shivpuri, 89 km from Jhansi and 116 km from Gwalior, Madhav National Park, one of the oldest parks in India, is situated in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh and among prime place to visit on a Gwalior tour.

The park was established as Madhya Bharat National Park in 1955. It was declared as a National Park in the year 1959 and renamed as Madhav National Park after Madhav Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior. It was originally the shooting reserve of the Maharaja. Even before this, during the reign of the Mughals, its dense forests were the hunting grounds of the Mughal emperors. It is also believed that from the dense forests of Madhav National Park, Akbar once captured elephants for his stables in the year 1564 CE. Since the area was a royal shooting reserve, it was well protected and flourished with wild life and was famous for its tigers.

Spread over an area of 375 sq. km, the park offers amazing views of lush greenery and architectural wonders, edified by the erstwhile rulers of Gwalior. Madhav National Park fascinates tourists with its unique surroundings that comprise lakes, dense woodlands, & castles. Madhav National Park is a combination of dry deciduous & dry thorn forests that make home for different variety of antelopes like Nilgai, Chinkara, Deer, and predatory animals such as Tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, ...

Pilgrimage

At a distance of 23 km from Gwalior and 29 km from Morena, Shanischara Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Aiti village in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the well-known ancient temples in Madhya Pradesh and also one of the popular attraction not to miss in a Gwalior tour packages.

Shanischara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shani Dev. According to legend, the place is the mark where Shani Dev fell, when he was thrown by Sri Hanuman from Lanka to be rescued from Ravana. The Hindus consider Shani or Saturn in great awe and respect. In fact, Saturn is the only deity whose kind glance is believed to bestow prosperity, while a fierce look can cause unparalleled misfortune on the object of its attention.

The temple houses the original black idol of Shani brought from Lanka. The main offering to Lord Shani is mustard oil. The statue of Hanuman ji is also installed outside the temple. A grand prayer is organized on every Saturday and on every Amavasya Shanivar at this temple, which attracts a large number of devotees from different parts of the district as well as from various other parts of the state and outside. It is believed that Parikrama of 'Shani Parvat', a mountain of 14 km perimeter, relieved people from the curse of Shani Dev.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 35 km from Gwalior Junction and 28 km from Morena, Bateshwar Temples are a group of historical temples situated in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. Bateshwar is one of best heritage place in Madhya Pradesh and also one of the prominent places to visit in Gwalior. It is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.

Bateshwar complex is home to about 200 sandstone temples. Spread over an area of 25 acres in the ravines of Chambal, Bateshwar Temples were constructed during 8th to 11th century CE by the Kings of Gurjara - Pratihara dynasty. Most temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva while some are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple complex was ruined due to the earthquake in the area.

The Archaeological Survey has begun the restoration work in 2005. More than 100 temples have been restored till now. Bateshwar Temple Complex is wonderful with its stone architectures, intricate sculptures and overall design shows their passion towards art. It is more amazing to see so many temples spread in one place.

Padhavali temple is another historical temple situated about 2 km from famous Bateshwar temple complex. Located inside an old fort, this magnificent temple is known purely for its classic architecture and exquisite stonework. The temple, particularly its roof, depicts ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Ram Leela, Krishna Leela, marriage of Lord Shiva, samudra manthan ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 8 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Mandleshwar is a town and Nagar panchayat in the Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, it is one of the popular heritage places in Madhya Pradesh, and among the top places to visit near Indore.

Mandleshwar is a 'Pavitra Nagri' as termed by the government of Madhya Pradesh, as it is an ancient town. It is the education center as well as the political center of Maheshwar block, the location of the district court and district jail of Khargone. The 8th-century philosopher Mandana Misra reportedly lived in the town and debated with Aadya Guru Shankaracharya at the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple. Mandleshwar was the headquarters for the Nimar Agency and cantonment from 1819 to 1864.

The town is well-known for its temples, fort complex, and bathing Ghats. The temples and fort of Mandleshwar have a remarkable charm due to the grandeur of its wonderful architecture that attracts many tourists. Shree Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Chhappan-Dev, Shree Ram Temple, Shree Datta Temple, Ganga-Zira, and Kaashi Vishweshwar Temple are the popular temples situated in Mandleshwar. Dhawal-kunda and Hathani (islands), Sahastradhara, and Ram Kund are other places of historical significance. A flight of 123 steps leads down to the river and expands into the Ram Ghat, where the Ram, Hanuman, Dattatraya, and Ratneshwar Temples are located.

Besides, ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 21 km from Khajuraho and 43 km from Panna, the Raneh Falls is a natural waterfall located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the popular waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh and also one of the best Khajuraho tourist places.

Raneh Falls is an exquisite waterfall formed by River Ken running over one of the oldest rocks on earth, the Vindhya basalt. The falls is named after King Rane Pratap, the erstwhile ruler of the region. Situated in the close vicinity of Khajuraho, the waterfall emerged at the confluence of Ken and Khudar Rivers. Raneh Falls mark the edge of the Rewa plateau in Madhya Pradesh. The cascading waterfall is surrounded by wonderful rock formations.

The Ken River forms a 5 km long, and 30 m deep canyon made of pure crystalline granite in varying shades of colours ranging from pink and red to grey. It is popularly called 'The Grand Canyon of India' by the tourists, who have paid a visit to this cascade. There is a series of waterfalls in the canyon. Apart from a few large and small falls which are formed at the assemblage, some of the seasonal falls also appear during monsoons. The place has well laid platforms and watch towers to view the canyons.

The Ken Gharial Sanctuary is located near the confluence of Ken and Khudar Rivers. The Gharial, chief attraction of the Ken Gharial Sanctuary is a rare breed of reptiles which shares the same evolutionary line as the crocodiles. The sanctuary is closed during monsoons ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 14 km from Panna and 34 km from Khajuraho, the Pandav Falls is a serene waterfall located inside the Panna National Park in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. Located on Khajuraho - Panna Highway, Pandav Falls is one of the scenic waterfalls in Panna and also one of the top places of Khajuraho sightseeing.

Pandav Falls is a perennial fall fed by a tributary of the river Ken in Madhya Pradesh. The falls cascades down from a height of about 30 meters into a heart shaped pool. Surrounded by lush green forests, the falls is spectacular and accessed even during peak monsoon season. The serenity, purity and mystic atmosphere of the Pandav Falls attract both the locals and tourists. At the foot of falls there are some ancient caves overlooking a large pool of water. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata are believed to have spent a part of their exile here.

The place is ideal for an enjoyable family picnic at the sparkling pool. Smoking and swimming is not allowed at the falls due to the presence of bee-hives. A steep climb up and down the falls is the prime attraction of the falls, with 166 steps! However, one needs to beware of the monkeys and bears around the falls, as paw marks of the bears can be seen on the trees surrounding the cascade.

Pandav Fall lies in Panna tiger reserve area thus commercial activities are not allowed here. For visiting this waterfall, tourists are required to pay fixed fee as per number of visitors and also vehicle fee. It ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 7 km from Maheshwar Bus Station, Sahastradhara Waterfall is a wonderful waterfall located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in Jalkoti, it is one of the popular waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-visit Maheshwar tourist places.

Sahastradhara literally means a thousand streams. Narmada river flows over a rocky patch here and so the main flow breaks down into many streams. With sunlight falling over the streams, it creates a silvery and gleaming river. Visitors won't see this sight in the monsoon as the river will have a lot more water to break down. Hence, winter is the best season to visit the waterfall where one gets totally engrossed in the mesmerizing play of the streams of Maa Narmada.

Besides, there are numerous streams of crystal clear water, and it is very pleasant to sit by the side of the water and enjoy the peace. One can visit this place by boat ride or by road. A 15-20 minute boat ride away from Ahilyabai Ghat and then one should walk in the river towards water over the rocks for some distance. Since the place does not require climbing, it can be visited by elders also.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 33 km from Panna and 65 km from Khajuraho, Ajaygarh Fort is an ancient fort situated at Ajaygarh in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. Ajaygarh Fort is listed among the top attractions of the region.

Built at a height of 688 meters, Ajaigarh or Ajaygarh Fort stands on a flat-topped projection of Vindhya ranges. It was the capital of the Chandelas in their declining years. The fort is bordered by beautiful Vindhya Hills and provides absolutely stunning views of the Ken River. This grand fort is noted for its rich historical past and architectural beauty, which speaks volumes about the Chandela dynasty.

There is plenty to explore in the fort, which makes it a treat for history lovers. Ajaigarh Fort originally had five gates, but now only two gates are survived. There are two temples and two rock-cut tanks present inside the fort. These tanks have been named as Ganga and Yamuna. Close to it is a ruined Chandela temple, dedicated to Raja Parmardi deva. Three ruined Jain temples built in Khajuraho style have been traced here. The fort walls have been constructed with large, dressed, stones and no visible mortar.

One has to climb 500 steep steps to reach the fort entrance. There are no signboards, maps, info sources, human habitation at the top. It is not a well-developed place so one needs to carry water and food.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 58 km from Panna and 104 km from Khajuraho, Kalinjar Fort is a historical fort situated at Kalinjar in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the ancient forts in Madhya Pradesh and also one of the popular attraction not to miss in a Khajuraho tour Packages.

Kalinjar Fort is located on an isolated flat-topped hill in the Vindhya Range, with a height of 244 m above the plains. It is one of the eight famous forts built by Chandela kings. It served many ruling dynasties in the region, from Guptas to Solankis to the Chandela dynasty. Although many rulers fought fierce battles to win this fort, the Chandelas managed to control it for a long time. Mughal invader Babur was the only commander in history to have captured the fort in 1526 CE. It was also the place where Sher Shah Suri met his death in 1545 CE. Kalinjar played a prominent part in history down to the time of the Revolt of 1857, when it was held by a small British garrison.

Kalinjar Fort is a treasure trove for history lovers with its rich collection of monuments, temples and artefacts. The main body of the fort lies from east to west, oblong in form, being nearly a mile in length by half a mile in breadth. The fort has a height of 30-35 meter and 8 meter wide. Big sand stone and granite pieces are used to build the fort. The name of the fort was coined by using Kalinjar, which is related to the incident of Lord Shiva consuming the ...

Museum & Gallery

At a distance of 15 km from Chhatarpur and 62 km from Khajuraho, Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum is a museum located at Dhubela on the Chhatarpur-Nowgaon highway in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Popularly known as Dhubela Museum, Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum is housed in a palace built by Maharaja Chhatrasal on the banks of Dhubela Lake. Established in 1955, the museum houses a rich collection of artefacts from the ancient as well as from the modern era. The collection displayed in the museum helps tourists to know more about the history, development and decline of the famous Bundela dynasty of Khajuraho.

The museum has 8 galleries, displaying inscriptions, plates, sculptures, paintings, arms and armours etc. The museum houses a wide range of sculptures of the Shakti cult. The first two galleries exhibit belongings from the Gupta and Kalchuri dynasties. Next is the Jain Gallery that features beautiful artwork like images of Rishabhnath, Gomedh Ambika, Sarvatobhadrika and Chakreshwari. The Shaiva and Shakti galleries are known for sculptures that reflect Chandela and Kalchuri arts. The highlights of these galleries are the images of Suryaputra Revanta, Ekmukhlinga and Gajasurvadh.

Besides there are theme based paintings, prominent work related to the emperors of Rewa, Panna and Charkhari. Inside the museum, there is an Amusement gallery that has eight huge convex-concave mirrors that entertain tourist by their funny images. It also displays the garments, ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 24 km from Maheshwar, Navdatoli is an archaeological site located in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the opposite side of the shores of River Narmada, it is one of the important places of heritage near Indore, and among the top places of sightseeing in Maheshwar.

Discovered in 1950, it is regarded as a pre-historic site, which used to be the home for the various cultures starting from the Paleolithic period till the 18th century. The third period of occupation has been dated between 1500 BC and 1200 BC. Artifacts such as painted pottery of a forgotten age as well as many microliths were found on this site during the excavation. The site was excavated between 1957 and 1959 over two seasons.

The ruins of the ancient houses found here were either rectangle in shape or circular of around 3 m in circumference. These houses had bamboo walls and the roof was made of mud. Most houses had a fireplace and a stone slab that was used for grinding and mashing grain. Pottery of varying styles including Malwa, Jorwe, Black and Red Ware, Cream-Slipped Ware, and Grey-Ware were also commonly found within the houses. Similarities between Navdatoli pottery and certain Iranian ceramics have led some to believe the area was colonized by immigrants from the Northwest. It is estimated that on average roughly 150 individuals lived in the village in its earliest stage. Evidence of domestic ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 29 km from Khajuraho and 50 km from Panna, Gangau Dam is a natural dam situated at the confluence of the Ken and Simiri rivers, in Madhya Pradesh. Situated inside the Panna Tiger Reserve, Gangau Dam is one of the popular picnic places for the people of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

The Gangau Dam is an engineering marvel of the British Era in India built between 1909 - 1915 at the confluence of Ken and Simiri rivers in the deep forests of Panna Tiger Reserve. There is a tunnel from one end to the other. Walking through the tunnel is once in a lifetime experience. The dam is abandoned but the condition is still great.

Offering beautiful views of surroundings, this place is an ideal destination for nature lovers, anglers and the adventure lovers. Surrounded by Panna National Park and Gangau Sanctuary, this dam is thronged by various species of migratory birds during winter season. The land in the surrounding areas of the dam are very fertile, hence, the revenue authorities offer irrigation facilities to the local villagers for cultivation of the land. As the flow of water in the Ken River is stopped by this dam, tourists can enjoy water sports activities such as angling and boating.

The best time to visit is during the monsoons when the rivers are in full flow.

Waterfall

At a distance of 35 km from Indore Junction, Patalpani is a scenic waterfall located in the Mhow Tehsil of Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh, and among the most visited tourist places in Indore.

Formed by the Choral River, the Pataipani Waterfall is cascading down from a height of about 91 meters (300 ft). The depth of the pond that forms at the bottom of the waterfall is unknown and legend has it that it goes as deep as patal. Therefore, the falls are called Patal-Pani, where Patal means the underworld and Pani means water in Hindi.

Surrounded by dense forest covers, majestic hills, and lush green landscapes, it is one of the popular picnics spots near Indore, and an ideal photography spot too. The waterflow is magnanimous during the monsoons and the area is prone to flash floods. It is best to maintain a cautious distance from the waterfall during the rain. However, the waterfall goes almost dry in the summer season, and the stream is reduced to a trickle. A railway line passing along the area adds to the charm of the place.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Waterfall

At a distance of 30 km from Indore Junction, Tincha Waterfalls is a seasonal waterfall situated at Tincha village near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the scenic waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh, and among ideal weekend getaways from Indore.

Tincha Fall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Indore. The water drops from a height of about 300 feet and is a season waterfall. From a distance, the waterfall appears like streams of milk rushing down the mountainside. The falls also have a small pond near the foot of the falls. You might not be able to go in the plunge pool because of government restrictions, but you can still get pleasure from trekking and photography at this place.

This is a popular scenic destination for locals as well as outsiders who need relief from their stressful city life. If you want to catch the most stunning views of the place, visit during monsoon season when the waterfall comes alive with gushing water and a sea of green that envelops all the surrounding hills. With the abundance of natural beauty, Tincha Falls captivate the hearts of photography lovers & adventure seekers.

There are several vendors selling eatables like roasted corn and vegetable fritters along with tea and coffee near the falls. So, better to pack your lunch.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free, Rs. 20 for Car

Waterfall

At a distance of 40 km from Indore Junction, Gidiya Khoh waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located at Shiwni village near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the tallest waterfalls near Indore.

Cascading down from a height of 600 ft, the Gidiya Kho waterfall is a monsoon-fed waterfall. The whole region is picture flawless as it is encompassed by a lavish green valley. From the top of the hill, the 600 feet smoky fluent flow of water is just recalling the memory of Bhedaghat of Jabalpur. Surrounded by lush greenery and forests, the waterfall and the area around it are considered as one of the most beautiful places for a picnic near Indore that attracts many people.

To reach the waterfalls, one needs to go to Double Chowki from there the waterfall is 9 km away. There is a steep trek to the waterfall and the whole trek is full of beautiful flora and fauna and the path is lush green. To reach the main path that starts about 2 km before the waterfall, you have to cross a stream and you should carry a stick with you to gauge the depth of the stream in some areas. The splashes of water that greet you when you arrive at the place are just one of the many amazing things that you can experience here.

The most ideal time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season when the gurgling rush of water is in all its glory and splendor.

Timings: 10 AM - 5.30 PM

Entry: Free

Waterfall

At a distance of 32 km from Maheshwar Bus Stand, and 64 km from Indore Junction, Jogi Bhadak Waterfall is a mesmerizing waterfall situated at Dhal near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Located on the Indore-Mumbai Highway, it is one of the picturesque waterfalls near Indore, and among the must-visit places as part of the Maheshwar Trip.

Jogi Bhadak Waterfall is falling from a height of about 400 feet and is a sight to behold. The base of the falls has many streams that together form a large pool amidst the beautiful green valley. This place is perfect for hangout with friends and family where one can enjoy the amazing views of waterfalls and can relax for hours in the river water. Besides, the waterfalls also provide various trekking and hiking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

One can easily take road transport to reach the starting point of the trek, which will be Dhal village. From here, visitors need to trek for about an hour on a 4 km long route to reach the waterfall. The hour-long trekking from the Dhal village to the waterfall will sure make you fall in love with the place, as the trail passes through the dense jungle. The sight of the waterfall and the roar with which it falls will be welcoming, while the splashes of water on your faces will surely entice you into having a splash in the pool.

The rainy season is the best time to visit the ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 12 km from Indore Junction, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected reserve situated at Ralamandal in the outskirts of Indore city. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, and among the most visited tourist places as part of Indore tour packages.

Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular places of wildlife in India. Earlier, it was the hunting ground for the royal family members of Holkars as it had a huge population of tigers, leopards, and deers. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1989 for the conservation of plants and animals. The holy River Narmada graces the sanctuary with its presence. It has an ancient palace built by Holkars which was primarily used as a hunting lodge also known as shikargah.

Spread over 5 sq. km, the sanctuary is home to different species of birds and other wildlife like Leopards, Black Bucks, Chitals, Blue bulls, Hyena, Barking deers, Peacock, Palm-civet, Porcupine and Hare. To protect animals and birds from noise and air pollution emanating from the nearby highway, a green wall of about 8,000 trees was created. There are several trails present in the Wildlife Sanctuary which are ideal for trekking, by both amateurs and professionals. There is also the facility of camel rides inside the sanctuary, which is one of the top highlights among the tourists.

There are several trails present in the Wildlife Sanctuary ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 40 km from Indore, Bamniya Kund is a picturesque waterfall located at Melendi near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls in MP, and among the best waterfalls near Indore.

Bamniya Kund is a captivating waterfall falling from a height of 300 feet. The water here spouts down making a beautiful pool of clear blue water surrounded by brown rocks and verdant green bushes. The waterfall settled in the profundity of thick woodlands and is an ideal place for nature lovers. The water here is cool and the nature around is sound quiet. Besides, Bamniya Kund waterfall makes for a perfect site for several activities like trekking, rappelling, flying fox, camping, and great photography.

Visitors will have to take road transport from Indore to reach the Badgonda Village. From here, one needs to walk about 4 km to the Nakheri Dam, which is the starting point of the trek. Walk for about 7 to 8 km to finally reach the waterfalls amid all the wilderness. The trekking trail, however, is marked through the beautiful woods and you can spot several birds, animals, and exotic plants native to the region.

This place remains evergreen and magnificently worth visiting all around the year but it is best suitable to visit the Bamniya Kund waterfalls from September-December. The rains can make the terrain extremely slippery and thus, unsafe and inconvenient to walk. Also, there is an increase in mosquitoes and other insects during monsoons.

Timings: ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 9 km from Bamniya Kund, and 41 km from Indore Junction, Choral Dam is an earthen dam situated at Mhow near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the ideal places to visit near Indore for a picnic.

Choral Dam was built across the Choral river, a tributary of the holy Narmada River. This dam water is mainly used for irrigation as well as drinking purposes. A large number of lush green trees and small hills surround the place making it even more attractive. Sunrises and sunsets are quite beautiful at the dam when different hues of the sky make for an amazing backdrop for the lush green trees.

Choral Dam is the perfect place to spend some time relaxing and unwinding. The clear blue water, lush green trees, and the endless cloudy sky provide a great backdrop to have a picnic. You can sit by this enchanting water body with your feet dangling in the cool water and enjoy a scrumptious meal in the lap of nature, a perfect way to relax and enjoy the tranquility. Visitors can also enjoy a ride in a speed boat or paddle boat. The boating experience will let you witness the beauty of the water more closely and help you appreciate it better. This place also has a resort where you can spend some quality time with your friends and family and a picturesque view of the pious River Choral.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

At a distance of 50 km from Indore, Janapav also known as Janapav Kuti is a mountain located near Janapav Kuti village in the Mhow Tehsil of Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. Situated in Mumbai-Agra National Highway, it is one of the popular places for trekking in Madhya Pradesh, and among the scenic places to visit near Indore.

Situated at an altitude of 881 m, Janapav is the highest peak in the entire Vindhayanchal range. As per the legend, it is the birthplace of Lord Parshurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is considered sacred by the Brahmin community. At the top of the hill, there is an ashram of Jamadagni, the father of Parashurama who used to live here with Renuka, the mother of Parshurama. It is said that the variety of medicinal herbs and plants found here were actually first grown by her. As per some reports, even today, many Ayurvedic doctors from across the country arrive at the hill in search of herbs.

As per the folklore, twelve rivers originate from the tank situated on this hill, including Chambal, Saraswati & Nakheri. Surrounded by dense forest, the place is quite popular among trekkers for its scenic beauty and adventurous routes. Besides, Janapav Kuti also happens to be the place of a colorful fair organized every year on Kartik Purnima, which is the first full moon after Diwali.

With its amazing view from the top and its cultural importance, the government of Madhya ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 4 km from Tincha Waterfall, and 28 km from Indore, Mohadi Falls is a picturesque waterfall located at Berchha near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the beautiful waterfalls near Indore, and among the scenic places to visit as part of Indore sightseeing packages.

Located on the Indore-Khandwa road, Mohadi Falls offers a breathtaking sight of water falling from a height of about 250 feet amid a verdant valley. Untouched by commercialization, this spectacular waterfall near Indore is a treat to your senses and is a sight to behold. The lush green valley surrounding this mighty waterfall adds grace to the sight and makes it an amazing place for nature and landscape photography.

One can easily visit the falls on a one or even a half-day trip from Indore. The location of this divine waterfall also makes for an exemplary trekking route for adventure junkies. Though the trek looks fun, it is advisable to take necessary precautions. You must not hike through grassy roads, as they are often slippery and filled with water. Visitors can walk around the waterfall reaching close to the flowing water. However, do not try to cross the river as it is not safe.

To reach this place you have to go to Tinchafall via Khandwa road or the Ralamandal route. This place is 4 km from Tincha Falls. With the pleasant breeze and smooth roads, the ride to Mohadi waterfall is quick and easy. However, when the highway ends, there is no direct road to Mohadi. Travellers ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 30 km from Indore, Mohadi Falls is a stunning waterfall located at Telyakhedi village near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the best waterfalls near Indore, and among the scenic places to visit near Indore.

Hatyari Khoh Waterfall is something that you should not miss out on your Indore trip. Dropping from a great height of about 600 feet, the waterfall is famed for the serenity and tranquility that is spread all around them. Due to the water falling from such a great height, a mystical fog-like effect is generated which makes the waterfall look even more magical. The amazing pool that is formed at the bottom of the waterfall is perfect to take a plunge into.

Hatyari Khoh translates to Killer Gorge in English. There are several myths behind the unique name of this waterfall. One legend says that a monarch held people captive here during a war and buried them alive in this valley while the other says that it was a secret passageway used by the kings. There is also another tale that claims that at night, pigs fell into the valley and their shrieking voices echoed throughout the place.

To reach this place you have to go to Telyakhedi village. This place is 2 km from the village, and one can reach Hatyari Khoh in 15 minutes through the muddy road of the village. This place is still untouched by industrialization which makes it even more beautiful. This is an amazing place to break ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 55 km from Indore Junction, Sheetla Mata or Sitlamata Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located at Rampuriya Bujrg village near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the scenic places to visit near Indore.

Sitlamata Waterfall is cascading down from a height of about 500 feet and is one of the most famous waterfalls near Indore. It is visited by a large number of tourists as well as devotees due to the presence of Sheetla Mata Temple. Various folk tales revolve around the existence of the fall. This place also has 3 beautiful caves, and it is also believed that Holkar state Pindaris hid there.

The popularity of the waterfall is owed to the mesmerizing aura that it creates, combined with plentiful greenery around it. The waterfall is in its full glory in the monsoon season. The water depth here is about 3 to 6 feet, and is safe for bathing, and swimming. One has to trek around 1-2 km to reach the waterfall from the parking area. Stairs are available to go down to fall. There were lots of monkeys on the way.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 94 km from Dhar, 102 km from Mandu, 117 km from Maheshwar, and 153 km from Indore, the Bagh Caves are ancient rock-cut caves situated along the southern slopes of the Vindhyas in Bagh town of Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. These are among the popular heritage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the major places to visit near Indore, and Mandu.

Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments renowned for mural paintings. Like Ajanta Caves, these caves were excavated by master craftsmen on the perpendicular sandstone rock face of a hill on the far bank of a seasonal stream, the Baghni. These caves are believed to have been built during the 5-6th century CE. A copper plate inscription of 416-17 CE by Maharaja Subandhu of Mahishmati, which is identified as the modern Maheshwar, talks about a grant for this Vihara. It is called Kalyana Vihara in the inscription. It is believed that a Buddhist monk named Dataka established Bagh Caves. The caves were probably abandoned with a fall in Buddhism, by 10th CE and later these caves became the abode of tigers of the region, hence getting the name Bagh.

Of the nine Buddhist caves, only five have survived. All of them are 'viharas' or resting places of monks' monasteries having a quadrangular plan. A small chamber, usually at the back, forms the 'chaitya', the prayer hall. Of the 5 better-preserved ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 36 km from Mandu, and 65 km from Indore, Dhar Fort is a historical fort situated in the Dhar city of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the top heritage sites near Indore, and among the must-visit places as part of Mandu holiday packages.

Dhar is an important medieval town and the erstwhile capital of Malwa Kingdom ruled by the Parmar dynasty from 800 - 1327 AD. Raja Bhoj, the most illustrious of the Parmaras shifted his capital from Ujjain to Dhar, where he established a university for Sanskrit studies, known as the Bhoja Shala. During the time of King Bhojdev (1010-1055), this fort was known as Dhar Giri Lilodyan. When Alauddin Khalji ascended the throne of Delhi, Islamic influence began to spread in Dhar, as a result of which in 1305 Ainul Mulk Multani, the general of Alauddin Khalji, attacked Malwa and killed the Parmara ruler Mahalakdev and ended the Parmar dynasty. Captured later, he renovated the fort and completed the work of fortification. In 1346, Muhammad bin Tughlaq also stayed for some time in this fort while going to Devgiri.

The Pawar dynasty captured this fort in 1732 AD and used it as a royal palace. During the Maratha struggle, Raghunath Rao's wife Anandi Bai took shelter here, and she gave birth to Peshwa Bajirao II at this place. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, also took refuge in this fort during the war with Aurangzeb. During the Revolt of 1857, Dhar ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 19 km from Chanderi, Budhi Chanderi is a historical site located at Nidanpur near Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most popular places of heritage in Madhya Pradesh, and among the must-visit tourist places near Chanderi.

Situated on the right bank of the Urr River, Boodhi Chanderi was a large settlement of the Gurjara Pratiharas and possibly their capital. Earlier called Chandrapuri, it was first discovered in 1865 by Alexander Cunningham, the first director of the Archaeological Survey of India. Later, the German traveler Claus Boone also visited the place. The ASI Museum of Chanderi was associated with the place of Budhi Chanderi.

The site consists of the ruins of around 55 Jain temples, most of which are in ruins. The temples here are believed to have been built between the 9th - 11th centuries by the Pratihara kings. The architecture is similar to that of the Badoh Pathari Jain temple. Surprisingly, some of the structures possibly saw restoration during the Bundela period as some of the superstructures have features of the Bundela architectural style. One inscription, dated to the beginning of the 16th century, has been found carved on a sati pillar which mentions the name of the place as Nasirabad, after the ruler Nasiruddin Khilji. This implies that a small settlement might have existed even during the Muslim rule and it might not have been as abandoned as it is today.

The ASI has collected more than 2500 artifacts from Budhi ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 20 km from Jabalpur, Dhuandhar Falls is a scenic waterfall located at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Smoke Cascade, it is one of the stunning waterfalls in India, and among the must-visit places as part of Jabalpur tour packages.

Formed by the holy Narmada River, Dhuandhar falls is one of the major attractions in Jabalpur. The waterfall cascades from a height of 98 feet that gives mesmerizing views to the tourists. The word Dhuandhar is derived from two Hindi words- Dhuan means smoke and Dhar means flow meaning a waterfall where we get a smoke flow-like feeling. The tremendous force with which the waters of Narmada cascade down the rocky surface lends the fall its name Smoke Cascade.

The sight of the Narmada River cascading down from a great height is a sight to behold. The white water pummels down to form a gorge known as the Marble Rocks, one of the must-visit Jabalpur tourist places. One can take a dip in the cool water along the banks upstream, roam around the viewpoints, click photographs or just sit back and enjoy nature's tranquility. Visitors never miss out on the shopping aspect, as marble artifacts, jewelry and soap-stone carvings from the local vendors close to the waterfalls make for great souvenirs.

Boating here is an amazing ...

Nature & Scenic

At a distance of 21 km from Jabalpur, the Marble Rocks is a natural site along the Narmada River in Bhedaghat near the city of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the scenic natural places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the most popular places to visit in Jabalpur.

The Marble Rocks is a gorge along the Narmada River's 1,077 km path through Madhya Pradesh and is one of the most spectacular natural sites in India. The marble rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a height of 100 feet and spread across 25 km. These marbles stones reflect sunlight and cast shadows on the pristine water of Narmada, creating a serene and spellbinding environment. Much like magnesium limestone rocks, these marble rocks cast different colours in different lights and look especially beautiful in the moonlight.

A boat ride to Marble Rocks from Panchvati ghat on the Narmada River is an experience one cannot forget as you get to sail between the beautiful marble rocks that stand tall on either side of River Narmada. You will find the lustrous rocks changing their shapes even as you look at them in awe. What's more enchanting is rowing along the river with silence filling your ears as your eyes take in the moonshine on the marble rocks is a lifetime experience, which you cannot afford to miss.

Besides, there are a couple of points around the canyon that should not be missed, like Bandar Kudni. Earlier, this ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 21 km from Jabalpur, Chausath Yogini Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Bhedagaht near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Dhuandhar Falls, it is one of the oldest heritage sites in India, and among the must-visit places as part of Jabalpur packages.

Mainly dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Chausath Yogini Temple was built in the 10th century by the Kalachuris kings and it still stands tall atop a hill, enticing tourists and devotees from different parts of India. As the name ('Chausath' meaning sixty-four) suggests, the temple has 64 shrines built along the walls of its circular premises, each containing a carved figure of a Yogini, and a central shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The Kalachuri-built structure had only the Yoginis while the central shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati was built around two years later. According to the inscriptions, Queen Alhanadevi, the widowed wife of Kalachuri King Gayakarna built the Gauri-Shankara temple in 1155 CE during the rule of her son Narasimhadeva. However, in the later centuries, with the advent of Islamic rulers, like many other Hindu temples of India, the Chausath Yogini Temple also went through partial destruction and disfiguration of idols. However, the central shrine remains unblemished.

The architecture of the temple is simple and bears a similar ...

Lake & Backwater

At a distance of 33 km from Jabalpur, Bargi Dam is an earthen dam situated at Bargi near Jabalpur. It is one of the biggest dams in Madhya Pradesh and among the major tourist places to visit near Jabalpur.

Bargi Dam is a massive dam constructed on the river Narmada near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The construction of the dam started in 1974 and was completed in 1990. Bargi Dam is one of the first dams built on the Narmada River, out of the 30 proposed dams. The dam has a height of 226 feet and it extends over a length of 5.4 km. The dam holds great significance as it is one of the major sources of water supply in Jabalpur and the surrounding areas. Two major irrigation projects, named Bargi Diversion Project and Rani Avantibai Lodhi Sagar Project, have been developed by the Bargi Dam administration.

Besides irrigation projects and power generation, the dam is also used for tourism purposes. The backwater of the dam has been converted into a lake that offers various water activities like speed boating, water scooters, and paddle boating. Besides, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken the initiative and opened a resort facing the dam which gives a breathtaking view of the entire dam and the reservoir. The dam is also popular for bird-watching activities, especially in the evenings during the migratory season.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 10 for Person, Rs. 100 for Speed Boat, Rs. 80 for Mechanized Boat, Rs. 500 for Water Scooter

Cruise ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 8 km from Jabalpur Junction, Dumna Nature Reserve is an eco-tourism site located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Jabalpur Airport, it is one of the beautiful Jabalpur tourist places.

Spread over an area of 1058 hectares, Dumna Nature Reserve Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Dumna is among the most well preserved ecological habitats in an urban area and it is also a catchment area for the Khandari Lake which is an important source of drinking water supply to the city of Jabalpur. The Khandari Dam was constructed in the year 1883 under J.H. Morris, Chief Commissioner of the Central Provinces and Berar. Since then, the forested area provides rainwater to feed the Khandari Reservoir. The place, along with Lower Gaur forest, is described in Captain James Forsyth's 'Highlands of Central India' as a favored place for tiger shoots for British officers.

The park boasts of diverse ecosystems - woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, etc. It has a population of nine leopards, more than 2,000 deer, a host of other wildlife such as cheetal, barking deer, four-horned antelope, jungle cat, Asiatic wild cat, wild boar, crocodile, and more than 300 species of birds (both migrant and resident). A walk through the park provides a feeling of walking in a forest as it is a forest area with lots of plants and trees. There are many trails here that lead you to various ...

Waterfall

At a distance of 40 km from Jabalpur, Nidan Falls is an amazing waterfall located at Katangi near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Often referred to as Katangi Waterfall, it is one of the scenic waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh, and among the best places to visit near Jabalpur.

Nidan Falls is an eye-catching waterfall flowing down between the high black rocks which fall from a height of more than 100 feet. This fall is also called Nidan Kund. The black stones have an irregular surface and form step-like apparition which makes the view of the waterfall even more breathtakingly beautiful. Here you get to see two waterfalls. These waterfalls are present in lush green surroundings providing picturesque scenery.

During the monsoon, there will be a rise in the water levels which makes the falls a perfect spot to spend some time with family and friends. Visitors can soothe themselves by taking a plunge in the freshwater of the falls. Also, it is an ideal place for all nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Adventure activities like trekking can be taken up by interested visitors to track the entire distance of the falls. However, there is no water during the summer season.

These waterfalls can be located at a distance of 2 km distance from the main road and can be covered by foot.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 27 km from Burhanpur, Asirgarh Fort is a historical fort situated at Asirgarh village near Burhanpur. Located on Asha Devi Road, it is one of the major places of heritage near Indore, and among the prime places to visit as part of Burhanpur packages.

Stands impregnable in the Satpura Ranges, Asirgarh Fort is said to have been built by a king named Asa Ahir in the early 15th century. He was murdered by Nasir Khan of Khandesh. Nasir Khan's descendant Miran Bahadur Khan (1596-1600) declared independence and refused to pay homage to Mughal emperor Akbar. Enraged, Akbar marched Burhanpur in 1599 and captured the entire city. He then also besieged the fort and captured it in 1601. The fortress was later held by the Marathas, and it was twice captured, in 1803 and 1819, by the British. This fort has been deserted following the departure of the British.

This is the fort where Mughal Emperor Jahangir imprisoned his eldest son, the rebellious Prince Khusraw after blinding him, and he was allegedly murdered by Prince Khurram, the third son of Emperor Jahangir. History came haunting back when Shah Jahan's beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal died here while giving birth to her fourteenth child. Mumtaz Mahal was first buried in Burhanpur, before ultimately finding a place to rest at the inimitable Taj Mahal. Asirgarh was also the seat of Emperor ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 6 km from Asirgarh Fort, and 25 km from Burhanpur, Moti Mahal is an ancient structure located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Asirgarh Fort, it is one of the must-visit places as part of Burhanpur holiday packages.

Moti Mahal is located on the bank of Pondhari river to the south-east of village Moti Mahal. This beautiful two-storeyed monument was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Moti Begum. The architecture of the palace represents an amalgamation of Mughal-Rajput styles. The lower portion of the palace was made of stones while the second story was made of bricks and lime with a flight of steps to reach there.

There are four large rooms with balconies on the first floor of the building. Two huge domes on top of two rooms gave it the shape of a mahal. Chhajjas are built-in north-south portion on the second storey. There is a courtyard in the center with rooms built on both sides. One of the lawns has the grave of Shahjehan's lover Moti Begum. Due to environmental factors, many portions of the palace had been badly damaged especially wall plaster and flooring. To arrest further damage or deterioration the department took up a restoration drive. Moti Mahal can be visited along with Asirgarh fort and is located around 3.5 Km away from the highway on the other side of the Asirgarh fort.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 13 km from Burhanpur Railway Station, Ahukhana is an ancient monument located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the banks of River Tapti, it is one of the best sightseeing places in Burhanpur.

The grandeur of the Taj Mahal and the love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and empress Mumtaz Mahal are well-known throughout the world. This white marble mausoleum attracts seven to eight million people each year. However, barely any tourist knows that it is not the original place where the mortal remains of Mumtaz Mahal, the most beloved queen of Emperor Shah Jahan, were kept. History has it that towards the south-west of Agra, in the slow-paced town of Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, is located the original mausoleum of Mumtaz, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan.

During the Deccan campaign, Shah Jahan had shifted base from Delhi to Burhanpur. He settled down at the Shahi Quila close to the Tapti River in Burhanpur sometime in the late 1620s. The Ahukhana was built in the 16th century as a deer park for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The garden sprawled over six miles, with two main structures, a small palace adorned with traceries, and a pillared pavilion known as the baradari. On the north, there is a tank in which a raised platform was constructed. The area is enclosed by a compound wall and a big garden.

As per the historians, on her deathbed, after giving birth to ...

Wildlife

At a distance of 8 km from Bhimbetka, and 51 km from Bhopal, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected reserve located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in India, and among the major places to visit as part of Bhimbetka Tour Packages.

Situated in Vindhya Range in central India, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary stretches across 823 sq. km in the Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh. The area was declared as a sanctuary in 1976 and got the status of tiger reserve under the Project Tiger by the Government of India recently. The landscape is undulating, with hills, plateaus, valleys, and plains. Many seasonal streams irrigate the site in the monsoon, and water is retained in some pools along these streams even in the summer. Two large reservoirs, namely Barna Reservoir and Ratapani Dam (Barrusot lake) are among the major water bodies adjacent to or inside the sanctuary.

The forest of Ratapani is a dry deciduous and moist deciduous type, with teak (Tectona grandis) as the main tree species. About 55% of the area is covered by teak, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest teak forests in Madhya Pradesh. The regal striped cat is the apex predator here and estimates suggest that 40 tigers roam these forests. Besides, the sanctuary is also home to animals like Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Black Buck, Chausingha, Spotted Deer, ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 30 km from Bhopal Junction, and 34 km from Bhimbetka, Bhojpur Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Bhojpur in Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Bhojeshwar Temple, it is one of the beautiful shrines located near Bhimbetka and among the popular places to visit as part of Bhopal Tour Packages.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Bhojeshwar Temple is an incomplete Hindu temple believed to have started in the 11th century CE, during the reign of the Paramara king Bhoja. The Jain writer Merutunga, in his Prabandha-Chintamani, states that Bhoja constructed 104 temples in his capital city of Dhara alone. However, the Bhojpur temple is the only surviving shrine that can be attributed to Bhoja with some certainty. The construction was abandoned for unknown reasons, with the architectural plans engraved on the surrounding rocks. The temple has been protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Bhojpur Mandir is a simple square with an outside portion of 66 feet. Although the temple is incomplete, it has a magnificent soaring strength of line and is supported by four pillars. The doorway is richly carved and, has two exquisitely sculpted figures on either side. The other three sides are balconies each supported by massive brackets and four intricately carved pillars.

Also known as the 'Somnath of North India', the Bhojpur Temple houses a 7.5 feet (2.3 m) high Shivalingam, carved out of a single rock. Set upon a massive platform of ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 7 km from Vidisha, and 10 km from Sanchi Railway Station, Udayagiri Caves or Udaigiri Caves are a group of rock-cut caves located at Udaigiri village in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in India, and among the must include places in Sanchi Tour Packages.

Udayagiri, literally means the 'sunrise mountain', was a Buddhist and Hindu site by the 2nd century BCE. The place is also referred to as Visnupadagiri which means the hill at 'the feet of Vishnu'. The Udayagiri Caves are a group of 20 rock-cut caves near Vidisha from the early years of the 5th century CE. They contain some of the oldest surviving Hindu temples and iconography in India. Besides, these caves have rock-cut water tanks, and some have shrines and monuments on top.

Out of 20 caves, one is dedicated to Jainism, while others to Hinduism including Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Shaivism. The Jain Cave is notable for one of the oldest known Jaina inscriptions from 425 CE, while the Hindu caves feature inscriptions from 401 CE. Cave 1 is the southernmost cave which is also considered to be a false cave since the side and the front were added later on. There are four pillars and the back wall has a deity carved onto it. Cave 2 is located north of Cave 1 but is still in the southern group and has traces of two pilasters. And there is also evidence of a structural mandapa underneath its roof.

Cave 3, also known as Skanda Temple, is the first one of the ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 11 km from Sanchi, Sonari is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. Positioned on a hill, it is one of the must include places in the Buddhist Circuit of Central India, and among the top places to visit near Sanchi.

Like Sanchi, Sonari is again a complex of Buddhist stupas comprising two large and five smaller stupas. The stupas were excavated around 1850 by Alexander Cunningham, who discovered two boxes containing relics. One of the reliquaries, which is very ornate, is visible nowadays at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The date of construction of Stupa 1 and Stupa 2 must therefore be equivalent to those of Sanchi Stupa No.2, i.e. 125-100 BCE. About 15 meters in diameter, Stupa No.1 is a solid hemisphere of dry masonry and is the largest stupa in the complex. It is made over a cylindrical plinth of about four feet high with fragments indicating traces of railings. The stupa contained a miniature soapstone reliquary.

Alexander Cunningham and FC Maisey searched Stupa No.2 in 1851. The stupa contained three miniature reliquaries, two in soapstone and one in rock crystal, as well as a certain amount of bone ash and a piece of wood. The main reliquary is shaped to resemble a lotus bud, with incised petals decorating the lower half of the reliquary. It was turned on a lathe and then carved in bas-relief. The reliquary of Stupa No.2 presents has inscriptions in Brahmi mentioning the ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 14 km from Sanchi, Satdahara is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. Overlooking Halali River, it is one of the must include places in the Buddhist Circuit of Central India, and among the top places to visit near Sanchi.

As the Buddhist community flourished around Sanchi, new settlements of worshippers appeared in the region. Although these settlements had a physical and spiritual link to Sanchi, they also built their stupas and monasteries. There are four groups of stupas surrounding Sanchi within a radius of 20 km - Bhojpur and Andher to the southeast, Sonari to the southwest, and Satdhara in the west. Further south, about 100 km away, is Saru Maru.

There are 8 stupas spread across 28 acres of land on the banks of Halali River. The main stupa is almost as large as the Great Stupa of Sanchi and would have also been built during Emperor Ashoka's reign. The main Stupa of the site is similar to that of Sanchi having remains of railings. It is 13.65 m high excluding the platform with a diameter of 32.80 m. Recent excavations have revealed brick pradakshinapatha & staircase of the Stupa.

There are some ruins near the stupa comprising a monastery and temple remains which are collectively called siddh ka makaan which is indicative of Satdhara's most enlightened monks once having lived there.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 19 km from Sanchi, Murel Khurd is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Bhojpur Stupas, it is one of the must include places in Buddhist Circuit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the top places to visit near Sanchi.

As the Buddhist community flourished around Sanchi, new settlements of worshippers appeared in the region. Although these settlements had a physical and spiritual link to Sanchi, they also built their own stupas and monasteries. There are four groups of stupas surrounding Sanchi within a radius of 20 km - Bhojpur / Murel Khurd and Andher to the southeast, Sonari to the southwest, and Satdhara in the west. Further south, about 100 km away, is Saru Maru.

The Bhojpur Stupas, also called Murelkhurd Stupas are a group of about 37 stupas located at Bhojpur (Pipalia) near Murelkhurd on the top of a hill. All these stupas were discovered in the 19th century by Major Cunningham. The biggest stupa at the site has a 2.3 m hemisphere. The center of the stupas was hollow to accommodate small relics, and the stupa would have been wearing an umbrella. These stupas probably date from the 1st century BCE.

The stupas have had adorned relic caskets with relics of Buddhist educators and senior disciples. One of the reliquaries is made of rock crystal and comes in the form of a Buddhist stupa. Rock crystal, a material of extreme purity, was often used to make containers for sacred relics. ...

Historical & Heritage

At a distance of 13 km from Murel Khurd, and 30 km from Sanchi, Andher is an archaeological site of an ancient monastic complex of Buddhist stupas in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the must include places in Buddhist Circuit in Madhya Pradesh, and among the top places to visit near Sanchi.

As the Buddhist community flourished around Sanchi, new settlements of worshippers appeared in the region. Although these settlements had a physical and spiritual link to Sanchi, they also built their own stupas and monasteries. There are four groups of stupas surrounding Sanchi within a radius of 20 km - Bhojpur / Murel Khurd and Andher to the southeast, Sonari to the southwest, and Satdhara in the west. Further south, about 100 km away, is Saru Maru.

The Andher Stupas are a group of three stupas perched atop a hill near Karhod village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The site overlooks the magnificent Murel Khurd Stupas or Bhojpur Stupas. The Stupa No. 1 is dated to about 150 BCE and is the largest of the 3 stupas. This stupa has a railing that now has the remains of a barrier of stone surrounding it. Stupas No. 2 and No. 3 have inscriptions in the Brahmi script with the names of the same monks whose relics were found in Sanchi Stupa No. 2 and Sonari. Just like other Buddhist sites, stupas here also revealed the inscribed relic caskets but surprisingly all were empty.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

No Destinations found for the selected filters