When you hear Madhya Pradesh, what comes to your mind? Natural beauty, waterfalls, temples, palaces and a rich and diverse culture, and other famous things of Madhya Pradesh, right?
MP is every history buff’s paradise, known for ancient temples, tranquillity, and a perfect blend of nature, history, wildlife, and spirituality to make the most of your India Tours.
Here are some of the famous things of Madhya Pradesh that you should not miss out on when you are exploring this beautiful state.
Things To See In Madhya Pradesh
There are plenty of things to see in Madhya Pradesh, here are a few Madhya Pradesh tourism attractions that draw tourists from all across the world:
1. Khajuraho Group Of Temples
The Khajuraho group of temples is one of the most famous things of Madhya Pradesh that you cannot miss. These temples are renowned all over the world for the exquisite carvings and intricately detailed sculptures that will sweep the ground off your floor.
The sculptures depict the everyday life of celestial beings and mythological figures. Built during the 9th and 10th centuries, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the top tourist places in Madhya Pradesh.
- Location: Madhya Pradesh 471606
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees: ₹40 for Indians; ₹600 for foreigners
Sanchi Stupa is another popular attraction, which is one of the famous things of Madhya Pradesh, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most well-preserved stupas in India.
The Sanchi Stupa dates back to the 3rd century BCE, the monument was commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka and holds significant importance in Buddhist history, making it one of the Madhya Pradesh famous things to visit.
If you are looking for Madhya Pradesh famous things, then you should head to the Kanha National Park, a famous wildlife sanctuary in the state that draws a lot of tourists, making it one of Madhya Pradesh famous places to visit.
The most interesting part about this park is that it served as an inspiration for The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, making the national park, one of the famous things to see in Madhya Pradesh. It is among the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
4. Bandhavgarh National Park
There are plenty of tourist places in Madhya Pradesh, and the state is popular for its rich wildlife. One such tourist places in Madhya Pradesh includes Bandhavgarh National Park, which is home to the highest numbers of Bengal tigers in India, and is a paradise of nature lovers.
- Location: Tala, Madhya Pradesh 484661
- Safari Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Safari Prices: ₹7500 to ₹8500 for Indians
If you are looking for a spiritually famous things of Madhya Pradesh, then head straight to Ujjain. It is one of the seven sacred cities for the followers of Hinduism and is home to a significant pilgrimage site.
You can find the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mahakaleshwar is one of MP famous temple and one should definitely visit, especially during the Kumbh Mela, which is held every twelve years.
- Location: Ujjain
- Temple Timings: 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Entry: Free Entry
Orchha is one of the historical towns, and also one of Madhya Pradesh famous places, popular for its stunning palaces, beautiful temples, and cenotaphs along the banks of River Betwa. You can explore the fort complex of Orchha, which includes the Jahangir Mahal and Raj Mahal, which features grand architecture and beautiful murals.
The peaceful environment, the rich history, and stunning architectural beauty make Orchha one of the popular Madhya Pradesh tourism attractions.
Mandu is Madhya Pradesh famous things to see, and is also called the city of joy that boasts ancient Afghan architecture, intricate Jain temples, beautiful palaces, etc.
You can witness another one of Madhya Pradesh famous things, the Jahaz Mahal, which resembles a ship floating in water, and the Rani Roopmati Pavilion, which is an iconic structure symbolising the rich history of Mandu city.
- Location: Mandav
- Attractions: Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavilion
While looking for famous things in Madhya Pradesh, you cannot rule out Panchmarhi, also known as the Queen of Satpura. It is the only hill station that allows unique things to do in Madhya Pradesh, and indulge in several activities.
One of the most famous things of Madhya Pradesh is the Gwalior Fort, the most formidable fort of India, often referred to as the Gibraltar of India, offering magnificent architecture. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the majestic city views.
The complex of the Gwalior Fort includes several historic buildings, palaces, and the MP famous temple, such as Sas Bahu Temple, which is one of the famous things of Madhya Pradesh.
Unique Things To Do In Madhya Pradesh
Besides famous things of Madhya Pradesh, there are plenty of things to do in Madhya Pradesh to make the most of your trip.
Madhya Pradesh is one of the best places in India for tiger spotting and jungle safaris. The state boasts iconic national parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, and Satpura. These offer jeep safaris, nature walks, bird-watching, and luxury jungle lodges. Bandhavgarh has one of the highest tiger densities in the world, while Satpura allows walking safaris, which is not only one of the unique things to do in Madhya Pradesh but also in India. Advance booking is essential, especially from October to March.
The Wildlife Safari is one of the famous things of Madhya Pradesh that will let you enjoy your trip to MP, making it adventurous as well as memorable.
- Safari price (Indian nationals): ₹1,500-₹2,500 per person per jeep (shared)
- Safari price (foreign nationals): ₹3,500-₹4,500 per person
- Entry fee: ₹250–₹500 (varies by park)
2. Marble Rocks Boat Ride
Near Jabalpur, the Marble Rocks form a dramatic 3-km gorge along the Narmada River. You can take a peaceful boat ride, especially enchanting at sunset or during moonlight. The area also features Dhuandhar Falls, adding to the charm. During high water (monsoon), boat rides may be suspended.
- Boat ride (shared): ₹100-₹150 per person
- Private boat ride: ₹800-₹1,200 for a group (negotiable)
3. Trekking and Waterfalls in Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi, known as the "Queen of Satpura," is a hill station filled with natural wonders. Popular trails include Bee Falls, Duchess Falls, Rajat Prapat, and caves like Jata Shankar and Pandava Caves. This area is great for nature lovers and also offers parasailing, ATV rides, and camping options.
- Trekking permit: ₹100-₹250 per day (eco-fee)
- Jeep hire (mandatory for remote points): ₹1,200-₹2,000 per day
4. Temple Tours and Light Shows
The temples of Khajuraho are world-famous for their intricate carvings, blending spirituality and sensuality. These 10th–12th-century temples are now a UNESCO site and also host a Sound and Light Show that narrates their history. In Orchha, the temple complex and the Ram Raja Temple are must-visits, especially at evening aarti time. The light shows are one of the best things to see in Madhya Pradesh.
- Khajuraho temple entry: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners)
- Sound & light show: ₹200 (Hindi), ₹250 (English)
5. See Ancient Rock Art at Bhimbetka
The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is another popular attraction that falls in our list of famous things of Madhya Pradesh. Located near Bhopal, the rock shelters contain prehistoric cave paintings over 30,000 years old, depicting hunting scenes, animals, and early life. It’s a short drive from the city and makes for a great cultural day trip. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hidden gem for history lovers, and is also one of the famous things of Madhya Pradesh that you cannot miss out on.
- Entry fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)
- Guide fee (optional): ₹300-₹500
Madhya Pradesh Famous Things To Buy
Looking for famous things of Madhya Pradesh that you can take as a souvenir?
Here are a few suggestions for you:
- Indori Namkeen
- Jute and Cotton Bags
- Gond Paintings
- Chanderi Sarees
- Bhopali Biryani Masala
- Bagh Prints