Are you looking for must visit places in Madhya Pradesh? Searching for the important cities in Madhya Pradesh to visit, with better connectivity and amenities? In search of things to do in Indore, Maheshwar and Omakareshwar? Want to know more about the Jal Mahotsav? Fret not! You have come to the right place
For, we have you all covered with our in-depth guide on the must visit places, and important cities to visit in Madhya Pradesh. This list also includes sightseeing options, and things to do and experience at these places.
Honestly, to compile just a list of 5 must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh is pretty difficult. Let me tell you why…
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The heart of India : Madhya Pradesh
Often considered the heart of India, the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India is one of the ancient regions of the Indian sub-continent.
As a state with rich culture and heritage, it has a plethora of must-visit destinations for both solo and family travellers.
Steeped deep in culture, history and wildlife, it might also come as a surprise that the state of Madhya Pradesh is host to India’s first and only water carnival named the Jal Mahotsav.
So, when a state has such varied places offering a bouquet of experiences and places to explore, how can someone do justice to it, by boxing it in a listicle.
Nevertheless, I have tried to restrict this list just to five places in Madhya Pradesh, as they are easily accessible from one another, and it sort of becomes a nice tourist circuit to follow on a Madhya Pradesh itinerary.
Important cities to visit in Madhya Pradesh
Many years back, I had criss-crossed Madhya Pradesh for a few months.
However, the state at large has always eluded me; until recently, when I had the privilege to be hosted by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, on a trip to some of the places rich in culture and architecture.
During this recent trip, an aspect about Madhya Pradesh that stood out, is the impeccable hospitality and sense of cleanliness among people, especially in the city of Indore. Undoubtedly then, Indore is one of the top-cities in Madhya Pradesh to visit.
Khajuraho, Gwalior and Kanha might strike a chord with people not much familiar with the state. However, there is much more to explore and experience across this heart of India.
So, here are the 5 must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh with a bit of focus on their history, things to do, how to reach and where to stay.
Hope this write-up helps in planning your next trip to this wonderful state in India.
Must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh
This list of must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh has been compiled especially for culture, heritage, food and adventure enthusiasts.
Indore: Tops my list of cities to visit in Madhya Pradesh
Located in Malwa region surrounded by the Vindhyas, the city of Indore gets its name from Hindu God Indra – the presiding deity of the Indreshwar Mahadev temple in Indore, who had at one time performed a penance here.
In medieval centuries, Indore acted as a trading hub between either side of the Vindhyas, connecting Delhi and Deccan.
Later, from the 17th century onwards, it came under the rule of the Marathas, who in turn appointed the Holkars to hold power in the region, until Ahilyabai Holkar moved her capital to Maheshwar.
Popular for its ubiquitous Poha and namkeen (savouries), Indore is supposedly the most populous and largest city of Madhya Pradesh, and an emerging educational hub of India.
Crowned the ‘cleanest city in India’ four times in a row, and a well-deserved one at that, Indore is also the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh.
Must-see places in Indore
With vibrant street art and eclectic temples like Kanch mandir, Annapurna mandir, Khajrana temple and Bada Ganpati mandir; a rich repository of antiques and sculptures at its Central museum and Lalbagh Palace; and a gastronomical feast awaiting inside the alleyways of the Sarafa Bazar and Chappan Dukan, Indore is a must-visit family destination.
You might want to read my listicle post on the Top 15 Things to do in Indore , that I had put-together for TripSavvy.
How to reach Indore
By Air: Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport at Indore has daily flights connecting to major cities of India. You might want to utilise this private taxi service to drop you at your hotel in Indore from the airport.
By Rail: Well connected to all major Indian cities.
Where to stay in Indore
On our recent trip to Indore, we stayed at a four-star property by the name Effotel, which is almost 18 km from the airport.
The in-house restaurant at Effotel dishes out amazing lip-smacking varieties, while the rooms are quite comfortable and compact!
Of course, there are other innumerable stay options across the city for all price ranges, you might want to consider on your trip to Indore.Check the below hotel deals to instantly book your stay:
Booking.comHow to explore Indore
Indore is a well-connected city, with a robust public transport system of buses, shared autorickshaws and cab-services.
You may choose to explore Indore on your own , or opt for a guided tour of Indore.
Doesn’t matter which mode you utilise to explore Indore, do not forget to visit Sarafa for sure:))
Maheshwar: Must visit historical place in Madhya Pradesh
Once the capital of the glorious Holkar dynasty under the aegis of the saintly Ahilyabai Holkar, the now Maheshwar town oozes with an old-world charm.
A town popular for its namesake handloom sarees – revived due to efforts of the saintly Queen and the Holkars at large, Maheshwar also takes pride in its pristine ghats along banks of the revered River Narmada.
Maheshwar Fort
A simple Rajgaddi with the life-statue of Ahilya Bai adorns the Rajwada complex, while a massive Maheshwar fort is richly adorned with sculptures and carvings, as it stands perched majestically on a small-hillock overlooking River Narmada.
Some historians believe that the fort was constructed by the Parmar dynasty, while others are of the opinion that a local ruler by the name Subandhu constructed the Maheshwar fort.
Nevertheless, what is indisputable is the fact that Queen Ahilyabai Holkar reconstructed a large portion of the fort as we see it now.
Tip : Do not miss indulging in a boat ride along the River Narmada to catch the captivating sunrise and sunsets.
How to reach Maheshwar
By Air: The nearest airport is at Indore (91km)
By Rail: Nearest railway stations are at Barwaha (39km), Khandwa (110km), Indore(91km) and Mhow.
By Road: Regular government-run buses are available from Barwaha, Khandwa, Dhar and Dhamnod.
Best Season: July to March
Where to stay
Narmada Retreat overlooking the river Narmada has the best rooms in town. They also dish out decent local fare, sandwiches, as well as hot beverages.
You could also check out the below hotel deals available in the Maheshwar town as of today:
Booking.com
Omkareshwar: Top religious destination in MP
Situated on the banks of the westward flowing river Narmada – holiest of the five Indian rivers, 78 km away from the cleanest city of Indore, Omkareshwar is a sacred town in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.
Home to the Shri Omkar Mandhata temple that enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlinga, this small town with innumerable temples, an old yet majestic palace surrounded by lofty hills and a cantilever type bridge reverberates with divinity and humanity all around the year.
Shri Omkar Mandatha temple is a five storeyed modern complex with stairs and columns, and a must-visit temple while in Omkareshwar.
The main temple tower is built in the Nagara style north-Indian architecture with spires. Adorned with granite pillars and sculptures, the interiors of the temple ooze of old-world charm.
Nearby is the Mamaleswar temple complex dedicated to various gods and goddesses, and adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
It is on the mainland, unlike the Shri Omkar Mandatha temple which is accessible only by a crossing a bridge on foot or ride on a small ferry ride. The Mamaleshwar temple complex is divine and spotless!
You may want to read more about Omkareshwar and Mamaleshwar in my detailed write-up on the sanctified island rock of Lord Shiva at Omkareshwar.
How to reach Omkareshwar
By Air: The nearest airport is Indore at 77km.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is 12km away at Omkareshwar Road.
By Road: Well connected by bus services from Indore, Khandwa and Omkareshwar road.
You could also book a guided tour of Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Ujjain, from Indore instead of travelling to these pilgrim destinations on your own.
Best Season to visit Omkareshwar: July to March
Where to Stay in Omakareshwar
MPT Temple View at Omkareshwar is an ideal property run by MPTDC.
Mandu: A historical place in Madhya Pradesh
Perched along the Vindhyas and looking out at the Malwa Plateau beneath is Mandu – the fort-capital of the yesteryear Parmar rulers of Malwa.
Although, in the 13-century it came under the Sultans, Mandu subsequently was under the Mughals —when it was converted to a pleasure resort.
Mandu is a treat to heritage and architecture enthusiasts, while its manicured lawns, quirky step-wells, and mysteries surrounding the stones and structures, makes it a perfect destination for a family day-trip from Indore.
Places to see in Mandu
The architectural structures and monuments in Mandu could be grouped under three categories for our convenience – The Central Group consisting of the Royal Palace, Rewa Kund Group and Other Monuments.
While the famed Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal falls in the first category, the mystic Roopmati Pavilion and Rewa Kund fall in the Rewa Kund category.
Moreover, the Hoshang Shah’s tomb is India’s first marble edifice and is of Afghan architecture. This later inspired the design of the Taj Mahal!
How to reach Mandu
By Air: Mandu is just 98 km from the nearest airport at Indore, which is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and others.
By Road: Pre-paid taxis are available from Indore airport and railway station. State-run buses ply from Indore, Dhar, Maheshwar to Mandu, frequently.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Indore.
How to explore Mandu
Instead of travelling to Mandu on your own, you could also book a guided tour from Indore to Mandu.
Did you know that there is also availability of a guided tour from Mumbai to Indore ! Do check them out. Hope you find it useful.
Where to stay in Mandu
- Do check MP Tourism’s property MPT Malwa Retreat
- The food at the restaurant of MPT Malwa Retreat is praise-worthy.
- You could also check the below hotel deals and book your stay instantly.
Must-visit place in Madhya Pradesh: Hanuwantiya Tapu
Host to India’s very first and only water carnival – Jal Mahotsav, on the banks Narmada [ a catchment backwater of the river owing to the Indira Sagar Dam], Hanuwantiya campsite in Khandwa district is a wonderful endeavour of MP tourism.
Already home to an MP Tourism resort, the adjoining Hanuwantiya tent city is a perfect family destination to indulge in adventure and water sports, apart from cultural activities and island hopping.
Hanuwantiya Tent City
With 104 luxurious Swiss tents, a multi-cuisine dining hall and a conference hall, the Hanuwantiya tent city is a self-sustainable model of tourism – providing recreation to tourists, as well as livelihood to the local people of Madhya Dweep islands.
While at the Hanuwantiya tent city during the Jal Mahotsav, you may want to indulge in hot air ballooning, water parasailing, para motoring, overnight camping and other adventure activities.
The Jal Mahotsav fest also offers island hopping, cruises and village visits, making it one of the must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh.
How to reach Hanuwantiya
By Air: Indore Airport is the nearest to the Madhya Dweep group of islands that houses the Hanuwantiya Tent city.
By Rail: At 50km away, Khandwa has the nearest railway station.
By Road: Buses from Indore, Bhopal and Khandwa ply till Mundi village post, from where taxis are available for hire.
Where to stay in Hanuwantiya
Hanuwantiya tent city in itself is the best place to stay.
Although, you may also opt for the adjoining MPT Hanuwantiya Resort that has non-tent accommodations.
However, some times, if the accommodations are full at Hanuwantiya, you could also opt to stay at Khandwa, that is just an hour’s drive and has the nearest railway station as well.
You can check the available hotel deals at Khandwa, as of today :
Booking.com
Hope you plan to visit these beautiful must-visit places on your next trip to Madhya Pradesh.
Look out for detailed posts on each of these destinations in the coming weeks. Until then, stay safe. Ciao!
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I had visited and the experience was so beautiful. The atmosphere of madhya pradesh is so chill. The boating experience was beautiful and worth taking. The river there is breathtaking.
Wonderful post. This blog has an amazing information about the destination places of Madhya Pradesh beautiful visiting spot……and captures very impressive photos.
Although I have had the privilege of traveling most parts of India on either work or pleasure, there are only few places that I have visited in Madhya Pradesh. They being Indore, Bhopal and Gwalior. Would love to visit Hanuwantiya for the hot air ballooning experience.
Madhya Pradesh has eluded me too since a very long time. A couple of my planned trips just flopped and somehow I still haven’t been there. Its a place that I adore and there’s a long list of places that I want to go there! Maheshwar is definitely in the list, want to get some sarees there as well as walk on the ‘Alaipayudhe’ shooting spot! I haven’t heard much about Mandu…. you’ve just added one more place to my list. The architecture there is amazing!
Madhya Pradesh was on my September to-do list. I hope these hard times pass soon. Your post is so going into bookmark… this aptly points out the not-to-miss destinations.
I’d really like to see Holkar Palace in Maheswar and the Maheswar Fort. They both look lovely! Hot air ballooning in Hanuwantiya also looks like a bucket-list item! The grounds at the Jahaz Mahal are additionally very stunning.
How nice to be able to return to Madhya Pradesh as a guest of the tourism board. And to get a view of all there was to see and do. There is so much history in this area to explore. And some great sunrises and sunsets to capture. The architecture detail continues to amaze me. The Jal Mahotsav water festival sounds like a great time to visit.
Your post is a complete reference guide Meenu. Subscribed to your blog to keep myself updated.
Maheshwar Fort looks incredible! I love visiting places like this when traveling. That and food. With so many neat places to visit, I’m not sure where to start. Maybe the water carnival in Hanuwantiya, maybe Maheshwar? Looks like I need to plan a trip to India soon!
Madya Pradesh sounds like a perfect mix of culture, cuisine and adventure! Omkareshwar looks stunning overlooking the river Narmada and home to the Shri Omkar Mandatha complex. The architecture in Manda looks exquisite. You’ve introduced me to many new places for my bucketlist.
I love to see posts and photos from India. So colourful and cultural and full with heritage. I have to say Maheshwar Fort at dawn and the steps are so beautiful.
What an inspiring post. I have never thought there are so many interesting historical places to see in Madhya Pradesh. I loved Maheswar Fort, especially how you presented it at sunset, but Mandu looks great too with so many gardens and pure defensive architecture. I have postponed India until now but step by step I’ll make courage to come and see all these beauties by myself. Thank you for sharing this with us.