Things To Do In Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a land full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and captivating monuments. With its history soaked in rich culture and traditions, and the present as a bustling and beautiful state, Madhya Pradesh is ideal for your next vacation. From the breathtaking temples at Khajuraho, to the plentiful wildlife found in the numerous National Parks, the state offers a huge range of attractions. The entire state is akin to a pandora box of India's history where visiting just a few of the monuments is never enough. Take a look at the top things to do when in the state of Madhya Pradesh - dubbed as the Heart of India.

The intricately carved temples of Khajuraho are the rare gems that Madhya Pradesh boasts of. Almost all surfaces of the temples are carved with astounding attention to detail and are a photographer's delight. These temples have been here for over a 1000 years and speak volumes about the culture and craftsmanship of the bygone era. There used to be a sum total of 85 temples in the main complex, out of which 25 have been able to stand the test of time. 

Bhedhaghat is one of the most scenic and quaint places Madhya Pradesh has to offer, and is best explored by sailing through the winding Narmada river. The beauty of the magnificent marble cliffs and the details of all nooks and crannies can be appreciated while sailing leisurely in a quiet boat. In addition to experiencing a sense of adventure, the place also provides a great way to unwind and soak in the artistry of Mother Nature. 

The 1000-year-old Pandav Caves in Pachmarhi are your best bet to uncover the sense of stillness and mystery that the caves hold within them. There are a number of caves in Pachmarhi to explore, but the Pandav Caves definitely stand out as the highlight. The rock cliffs seem to dwarf the people around and also fill them with a sense of wonder and amazement. The Pandav Caves are a series of five caves carved out of sandstone. These caves are believed to have a strong association with the Pandav brothers from Mahabharata, and hence the name.

The glory of the grand Gwalior Fort in incomparable. This massive fort contains palaces, archeological museums, temples, sculpture sites and many more places with unparalleled charm. Anyone who has a fascination for art, history, or architecture is sure to find this magnificent fort supremely appealing. Believed to be constructed sometime around the 10th century, the fort has stood the test of time and has its heritage and beauty preserved. This hilltop fort can be viewed from every corner of Gwalior city and is a testament to the opulent charm of ruling dynasties that resided here. 

The historical town of Orchha has been the cradle to the heritage and culture of the area over thousands of years. This is a must-visit spot for those with an obsession for culture and history. The town was established by the ruler Rudra Pratap Singh sometime around the year 1501. With the beautiful backdrop of the river Betwa, stand multiple Hindu temples and prominent palaces. These monuments speak volumes about the grandeur of the Bundela Rajput dynasty that once ruled this region.

Bandhavgarh National Park is an expansive park located in Tala, Madhya Pradesh. This beautiful national park boasts of a tiger density higher than many of the other tiger reserves of India. The park is situated 197 kilometers north-east of Jabalpur and measures an impressive 820 square kilometers in area. The park features large biodiversity. Aside from tigers, the park has a large population of leopards and numerous species of deer. These jungles of Umaria and Katni are also believed to be home to the elusive white tigers. Visitors can take a tour of the park in jeeps and explore the flora and fauna of the region. 

Ujjain, also known as the city of temples for its abundance of temples from different eras, is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. Kumbha Mela, which is the world's biggest religious gathering, is held along the banks of the river Shipra in the city once every twelve years. It is one of Hinduism's seven sacred cities and boasts of a wealth of cultural heritage. The most notable temples of the city are the Bhaironath temple, the Mangalnath temple, Chintaman Ganesh, Har Siddhi Mata, and Gopal Mandir. The city has a spiritual charm that is incomparable to any other. The many temples and ghats give travellers an idea of the glorious past of Ujjain. 

The Jai Vilas Palace was built in Gwalior in 1874 under the rule of Maharaja Jayaji Rao Scindia at the cost of 1 crore rupees. Designed by Sir Michael Filose, it is a stunning illustration of European architecture in the heart of India. The palace has become a symbol of opulence and Indian culture over the years. Today, it serves as the residence for descendants of the royal Scindia family. The massive palace covers a floor area of 75 acres and houses the most exquisite antiques and rare artifacts. The renowned Durbar hall is particularly impressive with its rows of colossal chandeliers and gilt furnishings.

Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest surviving stone structures in the country and well known for its elaborate architecture. It was built in the era of the great ruler King Ashok and connects the dots to the subsequent rise of Buddhism. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best-conserved stupas. Sanchi lies about 46 kilometers away from the state capital of Bhopal and has become synonymous with the legendary stupa. The beautiful hemispherical structure contains the relics of Buddha and his followers. Numerous temples, monasteries, pillars, and stupas adorn the town of Sanchi and have been the focus of Global Tourism in the state for decades.