Looking for the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh for monsoon holidays? Nestled right in the centre of India, the word Madhya Pradesh means The Centre-State. Known for its vibrant culture, food, nature and wildlife, historical monuments and local attractions, Madhya Pradesh is called the ‘Heart of India’.
Over the years, Madhya Pradesh has done well in terms of tourism attracting domestic and international visitors. As per the 2020 Ministry of Tourism records, Madhya Pradesh is the eighth most visited state in India. The record states that 23.52 million domestic tourists visit Madhya Pradesh annually. Madhya Pradesh has won the Best Tourism State National award for three consecutive years from 2015 to 2017.
During the monsoon season, there are many places to visit in MP. These landscapes and historical monuments in Madhya Pradesh look more beautiful. Hence, they can provide you with excellent holiday experiences especially when you are looking for a break.
If you are planning an outdoor trip this monsoon season there are many places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
Mandu
If you are fascinated by history, Madhya Pradesh is one of the best states that you can visit in India. Mandu also known as Mandavgad is one of the unique places to visit in Madhya Pradesh, especially during the monsoon season. Known for its ancient monuments, palaces and structures, Mandu is a historian’s delight.
One of the top local attractions in Mandu is the Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) as seen in the image. This 15th-century palace is a unique combination of various architectural styles including Hindu, Mughal, Afghan and Mesopotamian.
Apart from the Jahaz Mahal, Mandu is also home to many other palaces and temples including Hindola Mahal, Lohani Caves, and many others. During the monsoon season, the surroundings turn green and that elevates the architectural beauty of this place.
The best part about Mandu is its accessibility. Being just 2 hours away from Indore you can reach here quickly even if you are from another state or country. Mandu is approximately 100 km (60 miles) from Indore and this means that you can stay in Indore and visit Mandu for a day trip.
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is a revered pilgrimage site that attracts a lot of people who come to pay respects at the Omkareshwar Temple. The temple of Lord Shiva is the main attraction of this place. Apart from being the place of worship, Omkareshwar Temple is also known for its architecture and natural beauty.
When you are around the temple you can enjoy panoramic views of the Narmada River and the surrounding hills.
Even if you are not into temple expedition you can still enjoy the natural landscape during the monsoon season. This is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh with family during the monsoon season.
Indore
Welcome to India’s cleanest city – Indore. While the city might have a name Indore (indoor) you can surely enjoy the cleanest outdoors here. Voted as the Cleanest City in India for seven consecutive years, Indore is a must visit place to visit in MP. This city can provide you with a great holiday experience during the rainy season.
Being a developed city, you can enjoy some excellent accommodation options here which is essential when you are holidaying with family and friends. Overall Indore is one of the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh for all.
Apart from its cleanliness ranking, Indore is also a city known for its culture, history and art. While you are here you can explore the Rajwada Palace built by the Holkars of the Maratha Empire. You can also visit various museums and art galleries in the city.
Indore is a place for foodies and when you are here you can get your hands on the best poha jalebis, immarti, malpua and other foods. Here are some reasons why you should start travelling for food.
Bhopal
With its fascinating lakes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and plenty of history, Bhopal is among the top tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. During the monsoon season, Bhopal can offer you the right break you need.
If you are a history person you can browse through a list of palaces and monuments like the Moti Masjid, the Taj Palace, the Gauhar Manzil and the Shaukat Mahal. These old buildings and palatial homes still narrate the tales of the royals who once lived here.
The capital city is a delight for meat lovers as you can find a huge list of items on the menu. However, you can still find ample vegetarian dishes that can tickle your taste buds.
If you are a museophile (one who loves museums) Bhopal is nothing short of paradise for you. The city is packed with some of the finest museums in the country which you can explore. Also, Bhopal is one of the most beautiful cities in India that must be on your list.
Panchmarhi
Nestled close to Satpura National Park, Panchmarhi is among the most popular hill stations in Madhya Pradesh. Known as the Queen of the Satpura, Panchmarhi is known for its natural beauty. If you are already bored of visiting Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra you can choose Panchmarhi as an alternative.
Panchmarhi derives its name from two words: Panch (five) and Marhi (caves). If you are looking for places to visit in Madhya Pradesh with family this is among the best options for you.
On the other hand, the natural landscape and beauty of this place attract plenty of nature and wildlife photographers. You can capture some stunning shots of mountains and wildlife here. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can put on their shoes and look for some interesting hikes that will lead them to hilltop caves which they can explore. You can explore local attractions like Rajat Prapat, Bee Fall, Dutchess Fall, and Mount Dhupgarh.
Bhedaghat
One of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh during monsoon is Bhedaghat. Located approximately 500 km (300 miles) east of Bhopal Bhedaghat is a great place to explore. During the monsoon, this place transforms into a lush green space with amazing waterfalls.
This is an ideal place for those who are looking for more adventure and outdoor activities during the monsoon season. For hikers, this is one of the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh for sure.
While you are here you should not miss the Dhuandhar Fall which is one of the main attractions here. This is a great place for shutterbugs to capture the charm and unspoiled natural landscape that Bhedaghat has to offer. The high marble rocks are quite appealing but make sure that you are careful when exploring them during the monsoon. You can also take pictures around Madan Mahal Fort and the famous Balancing Rock.
If you have spare time, you can explore the city of Jabalpur just 40 minutes from Bhedaghat. Also, if you want to spend more days in Bhedaghat and enjoy the monsoon here you can find accommodations in Jabalpur. However, make sure you know how to plan for a rainy trip.
Amarkantak
If you are looking for a spot that combines religion and natural landscape in one you should head to Amarkantak. This is one of the popular hill stations in Madhya Pradesh that also has a lot of religious significance. Located right in the middle of Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges you can explore various temples here.
Also known as Teerthraj, Amarkantak is popular for its Shri Yantra Mandir which is visited by most of the visitors visiting this place. While you are here you can also explore other local attractions like Narmada Udgam which remains the most visited place in Amarkantak. You can also spend time exploring the Dugdh Dhara Fall and Kapila Dhara Fall.
Khajuraho
Known for its magnificent temples and intricate sculptures Khajuraho is the most visited place in Madhya Pradesh. Built by the Chandela Dynasty in its Nagara-style architecture, Khajuraho is a place for historians and art lovers. This is where you can spend hours exploring the 25 temples that have stood the test of time.
The temple is decorated with graceful sculptures of Hindu nayikas (mythological female protagonists) and deities. The level of craftsmanship and architectural skill that went into making these temples and sculptures makes Khajuraho one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh.
The temples are further divided into three groups: Eastern, Western and Southern which makes them easier to explore at one time. When you are done exploring them you can look for other local attractions like Panna National Park, Raneh Fall, Pandav Fall and Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum.
Orchha
If you are looking for a destination that can take you back in time Orchha is the right place to explore. Nestled along the Betwa River, Orchha is a town that reflects the culture and stories of the Bundela Dynasty. This is one of the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh with friends and family. You can have a great time exploring the different areas of this town and feel like you are in a completely different era.
One of the important attractions here is Raja Mahal constructed during the 16th century by the Rajput king of Orchha, Rudra Pratap Singh. You can explore the Laxmi Narayan Temple and the fifteen cenotaphs known as Chhatris. These cenotaphs honour the kings and their family members and their cremated remains are kept in the sanctums. The town also has Chaturbhuj Temple which focuses on the four-armed Lord Vishnu.
Apart from exploring this town, visitors can have a good time exploring the Orchha Bird Sanctuary and even head out for some rafting activities in the nearby Betwa River.
Gwalior
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is something you should not miss during the monsoon. This is when the city wraps itself in a green blanket and the weather only makes it better.
Legend has it that this city dates back to the eighth century during the rule of Chieftain Suraj Sen. However; he contracted leprosy during his rule. He was cured by a saint hermit named Gwalipa. As a gesture of gratitude, he built a new city and named it Gwalior. Over the next many centuries, Gwalior became the city producing brave warriors and freedom fighters like Tatya Tope and the heroic Rani of Jhansi.
Of course, when you are visiting Gwalior, you have to visit the iconic Gwalior Fort. The fort holds the reputation of one of the most impregnable forts in India’s history. Apart from this, you can explore Teli ka Mandir, Jai Vilas Palace, Moti Mahal, Gujari Mahal and the Sun Temple. With plenty of historical places this is one of the best tourist places in Madhya Pradesh.
Burhanpur
Nestled on the north bank of Tapti River, Burhanpur is a hidden gem of Madhya Pradesh. If you are looking for unique places to visit in Madhya Pradesh this should be it. This city is certainly not a very touristy place but it offers a great history that most people overlook.
For instance, we all know that the iconic Taj Mahal is located in Agra. However, did you know that Agra was not the first choice of location for the Taj Mahal? Burhanpur was originally the preferred location of the Taj Mahal. When Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal died she was buried here for six months while the Taj Mahal was under construction. The original grave today called the Aahukhana is in a state of disrepair.
Apart from this, The Hammam is another local attraction that you can explore here. This royal bathing area was built exclusively for Mumtaz Mahal so that she could enjoy a luxurious bath. Burhanpur is also home to Shahi Qila (The Royal Fort) and the Jama Masjid. It is the only mosque in India that contains inscriptions both in Arabic and Sanskrit.
Conclusion
If you are planning a monsoon holiday with your friends or family Madhya Pradesh is an ideal place to explore. With a variety of destinations you can choose from you can have a great time here. You can explore India’s cleanest city, go hiking the hill stations of Madhya Pradesh, or you can walk the most beautiful cities in Madhya Pradesh. With plenty of tourist places in Madhya Pradesh for monsoon, you can make the most of your holidays.
3 comments
Mandu was mesmerizing and the other places mentioned in your post are on my list . I hope to experience their beauty soon . Lovely pictures .
This is another exciting and beautiful post, Sharukh. It would be amazing to visit Jahaz Mahal or the Khajuraho temples. I love the domed structures all along Gwalior Fort. Of course, here in the “high desert” that waterfall looks wonderfully refreshing. Hugs to you and Sarah.
I love forts, Teagan. In fact, I and Sarah went hiking up one back in 2015. I wrote a three-part series on it with tons of images. Yeah, Khajuraho temples are already on UNESCO World Heritage Site list and they attract plenty of tourists. Thank you for visiting and commenting. Hugs.