7 Best Pilgrimage Sites in Madhya Pradesh

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ...