Madhya Pradesh is called “Heart of India” not only for its location but also for its great contribution to historical temples, which is mentioned in epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. This makes the town very popular and is frequently visited by foreigners. Besides historical sites, the central state is famous for tourist places such as regal forts, national parks, national reserves, caves and has also won the best tourism state award in 2012. Indore, Mandu, and Maheshwar are three important cities for its infrastructure, Afghan architecture, and extremely beautiful temples. Though there is a wide range of tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh, here we discuss famous top ten tourist places in Madhya Pradesh.
Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho is one of the famous tourist places in Madhya Pradesh known for its stunning erotic temples back from the medieval period. Both the Hindu and Jain magnificent temples, built between 950 – 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty, were built together and dedicated to two different religions to respect diversity. These temples talk about Indian architecture and culture and are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The erotic sculptures and carving with the nagara style of architecture prove that Kama sutra is originated in India, and this is a must place to visit.
Kanha National Park
The park is one of the largest and among famous top ten tourist places in India, with a wide range of sal and bamboo forests, lakes, streams, and open grasslands. Though it is one of the tiger reserves in India, it is also famous for a wide variety of animals, birds including the barasingha. The famous Jungle Book novel was inspired by Kanha National park. It’s rich in lush. The best time to visit here is from November to December, and March and April as it will be very hot and the animals come out.
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain and is one of the most sacred abodes out of the twelve Jyotirlingams. The lingam is believed to be Swayambhu lingam and is situated on the banks of Rudra Sagar Lake. It is also thought to be one of the Shakthi peetams as the Upper Lip of Sati Devi has fallen here, and the goddess here is called Mahakali. Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish destroyed the temple complex during his period, and later it was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Scindia in 1736 CE. Many developments were made during their dynasty. The temple is now under the collectorate office of the Ujjain district.
Pachmarhi
If you are an adventurist who loves trekking and hiking, Pachmarhi is a must watch hill station. Parasailing is another special sport here. Pachmarhi has been a cantonment during the British period and is often called “Queen of Satpura Ranges” situated at an altitude of 1067 feet with lofty mountains and dazzling waterfalls. The Pandav caves are historical importance, which was the shelter of Pandavas during the twelve years of exile.
Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa, one of the famous Buddhist shrines, was built by Asoka in the 3rd century after he welcomed Buddhism. The well-preserved stupa in central India is ranked in world heritage.
The stupa contains footprints of Lord Buddha, wheels, and thrones along with an archaeological museum featuring various relics of Stupa.
Gwalior Fort
Gwalior Fort is one of the most powerful and invulnerable forts in India from the 8th century, which is situated on top of the Rocky Mountains. The Mughal emperor Babur referred the Gwalior Fort as ‘the pearl amongst fortresses in India.’ There are many palaces and temples and water tanks inside the fort. Teli-Ka-Mandir and Man Singh Palace inside the fort are among the famous top ten tourist places in Madhya Pradesh. Other palaces are the Gujari, the Jahangir, the Karan, and the Shah Jahan.
Pench National Park
Pench is a name derived from the river flowing through the park dividing the western and eastern halves equally and is another tiger reserve. This park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, and in 2011, they received the “Best management award.” The main species of the part is the Bengal tiger and can be seen every day. Apart from tigers, there are chital, sambar, Nilgiri, wild pig, and jackal and different species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park is also famous for more than 200 species of birds, including the migratory birds. Few are peafowl, jungle fowl, crow pheasant, Indian roller, pintail, shoveller, egret and herons, minivet.
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Bhimbetka is a must watch place for art lovers in Bhopal. In 2003, it was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is located in the south of the capital city inside the Ratapani wildlife sanctuary. There are over 760 rock caves out of which 500 are carved with paintings dating back from the Palaeolithic age. The oldest paintings are believed to be 30000 years old, and the colors used are vegetable colors.
Jehangir Mahal
Jehangir Mahal is one of the grand palaces in Orchha fort. This Mahal is a classic example of Mughal architecture. The domes and Iwans are constructed in a way for the war elephants to enter inside. It is situated on the banks of river Betwa. Orchha is one of the famous top ten tourist places in Madhya Pradesh for its palaces and temples.
Marble Rocks
The marble rocks of Bhedaghat are situated in the Jabalpur district. This famous top ten tourist place in Madhya Pradesh is a breathtaking sight by the side of the Narmada River. The rocks with green and black volcanic ridges shine in the light and look amazing in the moonlight. These rocks are marble-like magnesium limestone rocks and hard to soapstone, which can reflect in sunlight and also cast shadows on the pristine water. People are mostly attracted to this place is traveling in the moonlit night. Tourists take a boat ride in between the marble rock mountains on the river Narmada which is most popular. Bhedaghat is also famous for the other sightseeing places like the Dhuandhar Falls and the Chaunsath Yogini temple.
Madhya Pradesh is an ideal place for a memorable vacation that has world heritage sites, extraordinary wildlife, stunning forts, and many spiritual places.