Madhya Pradesh Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh

If you are tired of your daily routine and want to be away from the noise of the bustling city, Choral Dam is just the place for you. Located in  Madhya Pradesh, 45 km from Indore city, Choral Dam is one of MP's tourism development projects. Constructed throughout the backwaters of River Narmada, surrounded by small hills and lush green trees, Choral Dam is home to several flora and faunas with calm and clear water. 

Kuno National Park in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most loved destinations for wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts. A part of the Central Indian Vindhyan Hills, Kuno National Park is situated in the Sheopur district and covered with dense forest of Kadhai, Khair, and Salai that houses Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Scrub, Southern Tropical Very Dry Teak Forest, Anogeissus pendula Scrub – “Kardhai Scrub, Dry Savannah Forest, Tropical Riverine Forest, Zizyphus Scrub. The national park also gives shelter to 123 species of trees, 71 species of shrubs, 32 species of climbers and exotic species and 34 species of bamboos and grasses, and a variety of fauna. Kuno has unique combinations of forest and vegetation in the entire Madhya Pradesh. Situated at 180 meters at its lowest and 500 meters above mean sea level at its highest point, Kuno National Park comes under the Tropical regions having 24.7 degrees Celcius mean temperature.

The Pench National Park lies in the lower Southern areas of Satpuda hills. This place is referred to after the Pench River which twists through the Pench National Park from North to South. This park is situated on the Southern border of Madhya Pradesh, neighboring Maharashtra.

It was confirmed as a national park in the year 1983 and in 1992, the place was officially declared as the nineteenth Tiger reserve of India. This park is rich in shrubs, climbers, trees, herbs, weeds and grasses. There are above 1200 plant species that are found in this place. The park is a dwelling for 164 species of birds, 10 species of amphibians, 33 species of mammals, 30 reptile species and 50 fish species. Moreover, an extensive range of insects can also be found here.

The park has a rich flora and fauna. Apart from panthers and tigers, the Pench National Park also accommodates chital, black buck, black-naped hares, hyenas, flying squirrels, sambar, foxes, wild boar, porcupines, jackals, chausingha and nilgai. The park also abounds with plenty of birds (including migratory as well as resident) like Indian pitas, white eyed buzzards, waterfowls, Malabar pied hornbills, storks, green pigeon and ospreys.

Nature and wildlife lovers always seek adventure in the lap of mother nature. Adventure buffs are always up for jungle safari and wildlife experiences. Putting a rest to their quest, the Ralamandal wildlife sanctuary, a paradise for adventure fanciers, welcomes visitors with all its natural glory.

Shaurya Smarak is a war memorial set by the government of Madhya Pradesh. Situated in Bhopal, in the heart of Arera Hills, it is the first war memorial of the country built in the memory of martyrs and now holds a rank among all tourist places. An accrescent to the pride of the city, this memorial is fanned out over 2 acres. With all the architectural installations depicting the sacrifice of the soldiers, this public park has a 37 feet high bronze statue of Bharat Mata and a 62-feet high sculpture rising from the ground called Shaurya Stambh that delineated the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Army is represented by Granite color, The Navy in Grey color, and the Air Force in White color. Names of the martyred soldiers inscribed on glass boards with a Smarak Jyoti lit in holographic flame honoring the martyrs are built around the Smarak. An attractive red sculpture in the park appears as a hand, doing 'Namaskar' from the entrance and as a 'Drop of Blood' from the other side.

One of the most famous places in Bhopal, The Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, is the only museum in the world that comes under the category of living museums. This museum is established with a focus on the life, indigenous knowledge, art tradition, and beauty of the tribes of Madhya Pradesh.

Serving as a bridge of dialogue between two streams of life (tribal & modern philosophy of life), this museum attracts tourists from all the lengths and widths of the country. Visitors can either download or collect the brochure at the entrance that introduces them to the tribal life exhibited in the museum. The decorated six galleries, each dedicated to the tribal culture, life, art, mythology, sports, Devlok, etc., are worked out by 1000 local artists. One of its kind, this museum provides a platform where different parts of the same society come together. 

Indore is not only famous for its historical monuments but also for places having religious values. White church is one such place that is a tourist place, located on the well-known AB road in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Holkar Fort, built in the 18th century is an amazing tourist attraction in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Located on the beautiful banks of river Narmada, Holkar Fort is also famous as Ahilya Fort. The Ahilya Fort was then the residence of the queen of Malwa, Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar.

Tourists, in the fort’s premises, can see various Chhatris and a seat which the queen used to occupy during her stay in the fort. This ancient monument also consists of temples dedicated to several incarnations of lord Shiva. The fort owes its appreciation to Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar who was a powerful ruler and had made efforts to protect her kingdom.

Presently, the fort is a heritage hotel maintained by Prince Shivaji Rao Holkar, the son of the last Maharaja of Indore. The hotel was, however, founded by Prince Richard Holkar. With its splendid architecture of the Maratha period, this fort stands apart as among the prior preferences for tourists.

Apsara Vihar is a small waterfall with a shallow pool below it. It is also known as the Fairy Pool. It is an ideal place for safe swimming, diving and natural open bath. The pool is not so deep. Hence, families with children find this a nice place for fun. This pool is located near the Pandava Caves.

The story behind the name of the pool is interesting. During the British regime the wives of British officers used to come here to take bath. Local people used to peep through the bushes to see them. Seeing the fair skinned ladies they thought that they were celestial women or Apsaras who had descended from heaven to take a bath.

Hence they called it Apsara Vihar or Fairy Pool. For anybody who visits Pachmarhi, taking a bath in Apsara Vihar will be a delightful experience.

Asirgarh Fort or Asigarh Qila was built by Assa Ahir of the Ahir dynasty. The fort was initially called Asa Ahir Garh, but with time was shortened to the present day name. According to local legends, it is believed that this fort can never be conquered by force.

History tells us that even Akbar the Great wanted to conquer the fort, but couldn’t execute the attack because of the security of the fort and also the way it was constructed. The fort is situated in the Satpura Range, and is 69 km away from Khandwa.

Built right at the heart of the valleys, the Asirgarh Fort is connected to the Narmada Valley and Tapti river through a pass via the Satpura Hills. The design of the Asirgarh Fort follows Mughal style which is a blend of Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian styles. One can see balconies, minars and tombs inside the fort.

Badal Mahal Darwaza is basically a singular structure of a gate that doesn’t lead to any palace or mahal. This historic gate enjoys a central location in Chanderi, near the Jama Masjid. This imposing gate was constructed by Sultan Mehmood Shah Khilji, the King of Malwa, in the 15th century.

It was built to mark a significant victory. Badal Mahal Darwaza has a height of 100 ft. The structure features elaborate carvings and impressive motifs. The top of the gate features an arched design and two tall minarets stand guard on both sides.

The specialty of the structural design is that a gap exists above the arched top of the gate, which is followed by another arch, which brings up the end of the gate. This gate served the purpose of welcoming and honouring the state guests and visiting kings in a grand manner.

 Located approximately 97 km from Dhar town, Bagh Caves are a must visit for tourists visitng Madhya Pradesh. The Bagh Caves hold an uncanny resemblance to the Ajanta Caves with its painting and sculptures.

Bagh Caves are a group of nine monuments that are possibly built by cutting the rocks. Known for the famous mural paintings, the Bagh Caves of Dhar is conveniently known as one of the greatest examples of the India's rock-cut architectures.

Just like the famous Ajanta Caves, the Bagh Caves too have been excavated by craftsmen in the bank of a stream. Most of the inspirations in the Bagh Caves are from the Bhagini and the Buddhist lifestyles during the Gupta period. The caves are like viharas or monasteries, with small chambers and a prayer hall. Without any doubt, this place is a must visit for people who love history and archeology.

Bajrangarh Fort is also famous as Jharkon. This fort is located on the road of Guna Aron. It stands at about 8 km to the south-western direction of Guna. This fort was erected in the year 1775 by the emperors of Maratha. Moreover, the compound of this fort includes Gunnery, Rangmahal and Motimahal. Although the fort has been completely destroyed, it still looks stunning and continues to amaze its visitors.

Bajrangarh Fort stands at an altitude of around 92.3 metres. Inside the fort, there used to be a large stepwell in the vicinity of the gunnery. The well was used to store water mainly for the horses. There is also an old temple inside the fort which is visited by the local residents on a regular basis.

There are no records mentioning the historical dates of the construction of the Bandhavgarh Fort. It is assumed that the fort must be 2,000 years old. The reason behind this is that the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana, talk of this fort. Not to mention that these are ancient relics more than 2000 years old.

This fort holds stories of many dynasties, for example, the Maghas, to the Vakatakas from the 3rd Century; the Sengars from the 5th Century to the Kalchuris from the 10th Century. Maharajah Vikramaditya Singh of the Baghel dynasty made Rewa their capital city, and moved from Bandhavgarh deserting the fort in 1635.

The Bandhavgarh Fort is indeed a popular tourist place that sits atop the Bandhavgarh Hill. Once you are in the fort, the very sight of this place with its rich flora and fauna will take your breath away. As of now the Bandhavgarh fort and Tiger Reserve are interwoven. The fort has become the visiting place of the tigress and their cubs.

Bharhut Stupa lies in the erstwhile state of Nagod and present-day Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. Built in the year 150 BC, the Bharhut Stupa is marvellously built with meticulousness and stands as testimony to the rich culture of ancient India.

The stupa narrates momentous tales from the period when it was constructed. It tells the tale of Lord Buddha’s journey to enlightenment, the yakshas, details everyday life during this period and many such minute details.

The railings of the Bharhut Stupa were carved impressively out of red stone and add beauty to it. Today all that is left are the relics of this exemplary site. Some remains of the Bharhut Stupa are being preserved at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. However, the Bharhut Art Gallery showcases the splendour of the stupa through imitations and pictorial depictions.