Places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

The heart of India: temples, tigers and forts.

Capital BhopalPlaces in this guide 13

Colour Madhya Pradesh on my map Plan a trip here

Places to see

Khajuraho

Chhatarpur

Chandela temples famous for their sculpture, a UNESCO site.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Sanchi Stupa

Raisen

Great Stupa commissioned by Ashoka, with carved gateways.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Kanha National Park

Mandla

Sal forests and meadows that inspired The Jungle Book; home of the barasingha.

Best time: Oct–Jun

Bandhavgarh National Park

Umaria

Known for one of India’s highest densities of tigers.

Best time: Oct–Jun

Pachmarhi

Narmadapuram

Satpura hill station of waterfalls, caves and forest trails.

Best time: Oct–Jun

Orchha

Niwari

Riverside Bundela palaces and cenotaphs on the Betwa.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain

Ujjain

Jyotirlinga temple known for the early-morning Bhasma Aarti.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Mandu

Dhar

Hilltop Afghan-era city of palaces, best green in the monsoon.

Best time: Jul–Mar

Bhedaghat

Jabalpur

Boat rides through marble gorges of the Narmada and Dhuandhar Falls.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Gwalior Fort

Gwalior

Massive hill fort with palaces, Jain rock carvings and temples.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Maheshwar

Khargone

Ahilyabai's riverside fort town, home of Maheshwari handloom.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Omkareshwar

Khandwa

Jyotirlinga temple on an om-shaped island in the Narmada.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Chitrakoot

Satna

Ramghat on the Mandakini and hills linked to the Ramayana, on the MP–UP border.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Food to try in Madhya Pradesh

Poha jalebi, Bhutte ka kees, Dal bafla.

Crafts and products

Chanderi saree, Maheshwari saree.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.