Madhya Pradesh Tourism (2024) > MP India Travel Guide, Best Places

Madhya Pradesh Travel Essentials

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3.5 /5 Rate This State

Ideal duration: 4 - 12 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

Major Airports: Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur

"The Heart of Incredible India"

Madhya Pradesh, India

Madhya Pradesh got its name because of its geographical position, being located in the centre of India. However, it's tagline 'The Heart of Incredible India' has more to do with the fact that it houses facets of the whole of India into this state. From the historical monuments to modern amenities, culture, food and people- this state gives a taste of entire India packed within its geographical boundaries.

Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states that is surrounded by other states on all its sides. It lies in the plain regions of the country and occupies one of the oldest parts of the Indian Subcontinent which was once the land of the Gonds called the Gondwana. Every twelve years the grand fair of Kumbh Mela is organised here. Madhya Pradesh has some spectacular historical places in its region, of which a temple made of glass in Indore is quite famous. Ujjain, a sacred city for the Hindus, is a renowned place in the world as it is one of 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Madhya Pradesh is particularly famous for its Khajuraho temples which exhibit the erotic sculptures depicting the ancient India Kama Sutra text. The great Sanchi Stupa constructed during King Ashoka's reign is situated here in Bhopal. The Bandhavgarh National Park which houses the Barasingha and the Tigers reserve is also located here.

Top Places to Visit In Madhya Pradesh

4.3

Khajuraho

130 Stay options

Packages from $239

4.0

Bhedaghat

67 Stay options

4.1

Pachmarhi

93 Stay options

Packages from $126

4.1

Gwalior

206 Stay options

4.8

Kanha National Park

81 Stay options

Packages from $2,057

4.7

Orchha

106 Stay options

Packages from $140

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MP Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

10 Days / 9 Nights

Best-Selling Pachmarhi Package - Jyotirlinga Da...

Indore(1N) → Maheshwar(1N) → Ujjain(1N) → Pachmarhi(3N) → Jabalpur(1N) → Khajuraho(2N)

$315/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

Divine Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar Tour with ...

Ujjain(1N) → Omkareshwar(1N) → Maheshwar(1N) → Indore(1N)

$ 190

7% off

$176/person

4 Days / 3 Nights

Ujjain Temple Tour with Mahakaleshwar Darshan

Ujjain(3N)

$146/person

4 Days / 3 Nights

Mahakaleshwar Temple Darshan Tour with Ujjain

Maheshwar(1N) → Ujjain (2N)

$151/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Central India Tour: Ujjain, Indore, Maheshwar, ...

Ujjain(1N) → Indore(1N) → Maheshwar(1N) → Pachmarhi(2N) → Jabalpur(1N) → Khajuraho(2N)

$292/person

2 Days / 1 Nights

Explore Ujjain with Bhasmarti Darshan Package

Indore(0N) → Ujjain(1N)

$ 70

17% off

$58/person

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Top Attractions In MP

Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Bee falls

Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort

Gwalior Fort

Jahaz Mahal

Lakshman Temple

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FAQs on Madhya Pradesh

What are the major festivals celebrated in Madhya Pradesh?

Many vibrant festivals take place in Madhya Pradesh that showcases its rich culture and history. Some of them are Lokrang Festival- Held in Bhopal in January, this is a cultural festival which portrays the folk dance and music. You can also see the fantastic handicrafts made by the tribal communities. Khajuraho Festival- A one-week-long celebration, it is a demonstration of all the Indian dance forms like Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. They are performed opposite the Chitragupta and Vishwanatha Temple. It is held in February to pay tribute to the creators of this temple and to celebrate the dancing spirit of India. Bhagoria Haat- It is the colourful festival of the Bhils and the Bhilalas. This is a fascinating and unique festival. Held in March, it is a celebration of young girls and boys where they elope after choosing their partners and are later on accepted as husband and wife by the society through prearranged customs. According to the tradition, the boy applies gulal, red powder, on the face of the girl whom he chooses as his wife. Ujjain Kumbh Mela- Thousands of devotees attend this mela. The activities during the mela include bathing in rivers, mass feeding of the people and debate about mythology. Other festivals of India like Holi, Deepawali and Dusshera are also celebrated with great pomp.

What is the traditional dress of Madhya Pradesh?

Men are seen wearing a Dhoti and Safa or Turban. Mirzai and Bandi are either black or white traditional jackets for men. They are in a black or white coat. Women mostly wear the most common conventional dress- Lehenga and Choli, with Odhni to cover their head or shoulders. Bandhani dresses are also famous in Ujjain, Indore and Maundsar. The tribal folk mostly wear silver jewellery.

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What are the best adventure activities to do in Madhya Pradesh?

Madhya Pradesh is filled with many places that offer thrilling adventures. River Rafting in the wild and turbulent waters can be best experienced on Betwa River. The 3 hours river rafting expedition will take one to the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary to the Kanchan Ghat. Kanha National Park, the largest national park offers an exciting wildlife safari. Since MP is bestowed with a myriad of landscapes and historical architecture, trekking is always fun here. Best treks in Madhya Pradesh are Kanha Trek, Pachmarhi Trek and Amarkantak Trek. For rock climbers, Lanjee Giri in Panchmarhi serves as the perfect place.

What are the popular handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh?

The state is well known for its handicrafts and different art forms. Some of them are- Bamboo and Cane work- It is used for producing various utility articles like baskets, fishing traps and agricultural implements. The community manufacturing and selling these handcrafted items in weekly bazaars are called as Basod or Basor. Carpets- Gwalior is known for carpet weaving since the period of the Mughal empire. Vibrant woollen rugs with floral prints should be added to your shopping list. Durries- They are mainly manufactured in Sironj, Jabalpur, Jhabua, Raigarh and Shahdol by rural women using the Punja technique. The prints give your house a very refreshing look. Folk Paintings- Rural women from home-made colours make these. They depict the local festivals of the state. Jute Works- Various items from Jute such as baskets, hanging lamps, flower vases, hammocks, swings, purses etc. are made. These items are widely available throughout the state.

How are the local people of Madhya Pradesh?

Most of the people in Madhya Pradesh lead a relaxed, slow-paced life. Different tribal communities mostly inhabit it. Apart from them, the population mainly comprises of people belonging to the religions of Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Zoroastrianism. Among them, Hindus form the majority. The most popular tribal groups residing in the state are Baigas, Bhilals, Bhils, Gonds, Halba, Kamaras, Kols, Korkens, Murias, Oraons and Sahariya. Some of these tribes have even moved towards the city and are nowadays, found to be working as labourers in factories or as shopkeepers or street hawkers. The caring, warm and welcoming nature of these people of Madhya Pradesh makes them stand unique from others.

What is the history of Madhya Pradesh?

Many great empires of India have ruled the state of Madhya Pradesh. Dynasties like that of Sungas, Andhras, Satavahanas, Ksaptrapas, Nagas and the Guptas ruled over this place. It was also governed by the Mughals and later by the Britishers. In the earlier times, the influence of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam are still evident in the historical places here.

After the British took over the state, it was declared as the central province. After Independence, under the provision of the State Reorganisation Act of 1956, Madhya Pradesh was given the status of a proper state on 1st November 1956. Chattisgarh was carved out as a new state in November 2000 to fulfil a demand that was long due.

What is the landscape of Madhya Pradesh?

Madhya Pradesh lies in the middle of India and therefore is called the 'Heart of India'. It shares its borders with five neighbouring states namely Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. The state covers a wide area of the Indian plateau region. Some significant rivers flow through this land like the Betwa River, Chambal, Indravati, Mahanadi, and Sone River. Bhils, Gonds, Korkus mostly inhabit Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges. Bhopal is the capital of the state.

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