Madhya Pradesh is known as the heart of India as it is the state that is geographically located right in the middle of the country. Madhya Pradesh has seen the rise and fall of many kings and kingdoms with cities like Ujjain playing a pivotal role in bringing prosperity to the city. The state attracts a flock of tourists every year due to the presence of many historical monuments like the Khajuraho temple and Sanchi Stupa. Being the state with the highest forest cover in India, Madhya Pradesh is also home to a lot of rare and indigenous species of flora and fauna. But these are facts that you already know. For travellers who are looking for more, here are 9 Offbeat Locations in Madhya Pradesh That Will Fascinate You.
1. Orchha
The historic town of Orchha lies on the banks of Betwa River was founded in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap Singh, who was the ruler of the princely state of Central India. The town still holds the grandeur of the fallen kingdoms with a lot of temples and monuments that will take you travel back in time. Orchha fort is a visual treat due to its location on the islands of Betwa River. Chhatris, Dinman Hardul’s Palace and Jhansi Fort are the nearby places to visit. The architecture and wall paintings in Laxminarayan Temple, which was constructed in 1662 is a wonder of its own. Read more about Orchha...
2. Mandu
Mandu is a ruin city that is protected by the plateau of Malwa to the north and the valley of the Narmada River to the south. Jahaz Mahal or the Ship Mahal was a construction by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. The palace looks like a ship that is about to set sail leaving its reflection on the water. Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Hindola Mahal show the influence of foreign architecture in India. Champa Baoli is a step well that draws inspiration from the construction of Turkish Baths. Read about Mandu.
3. Panna
Panna National Park situated on the banks of River Ken is a home of many animals and one of the best maintained national parks in the country. Just near the Panna National Park is Pandava Caves and Falls. This place is said to be the location where the Pandavas stayed during their exile. The copious vegetation entwined with the whispering rills is a sight to behold. Other attractions in Panna are the diamond mines and Raneh Falls. Panna is also a place with a lot of temples such as the Padmavati Devi temple and Jugal Kishoreji Temple. The Baldeoji temple with its Roman-style architecture is a unique construction that stands out.
4. Burhanpur
Burhanpur was a city that flourished under the Rashtrakuta Dynasty and there are many forts and towers that still carry pages from the history. The Asigarh Fort and Shahi Kila are located along the banks of river Tapti. The Zanana Hammam in the Shahi Fort is a construction that is a smooth portrayal of Persian architecture which inspired the Mughals. Burhanpur is also a major Muslim Pilgrim Center. Jama Majid and Dargah-E-Hakimi are visited by thousands of devotees every year.
5. Shivpuri
Shivpuri is a place where nature’s colors are at its best. The Bhadaiya Kund is a natural spring for a refreshing journey. The water in Panihar is considered to be holy and meant to wash away your sins. Karera Bird Sanctuary and Madhav National Park add much to animal lovers rejoice. Banganga temple and Siddeshwar temple are some of the oldest temples in the city known for its sacred kunds and idols depicting the various Hindu Gods.
6. Tikamgarh Fort
Tikamgarh Fort or Garh Kundar Fort as it is locally known is situated on the hilltop on a village in Tikamgarh district. The watch towers and citadels stand tall among the granite flooring and fallen masonry. The Fort is visible from far but appears to vanish as you get closer to it much adding to its clever construction. Rock Pillar inscriptions that tell the tales of Khangar kings can be seen on the walls.
7. Maheshwar
Maheshwar Temple on the banks of Narmada River finds mention in the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Maheshwar is home to the best looms and fabric in the country and Maheshwari sarees are famous for its color and intricate details in the weaves. There are many shopping sites where you will get the best Maheshwari cotton sarees. Maheshwar is a major pilgrim centre for Hindus with places such as Ahilyeshwar temple and Jaleshwar temple that are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
8. Chanderi
Although Chanderi sarees have been famous for a long time among the womenfolk in the country, this small town is slowly earning a place in the popular destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Chanderi Fort and Koshak Mahal are epitomes of Afghan and Mughal architecture in the country. Kati Ghati, a gateway which was cut out of a single rock forms the entry to Chanderi from Malwa and Bundelkhand regions. The view from the place is spectacular with Ram Nagar Museum and Ram Nagar Lake on one side and the Jain Temple and the fort on the other side
9. Tincha Falls
Tincha Falls is located near the city of Indore and is a place for a picnic for families. The waterfalls are opulent during the monsoon. You can just pack some food and spend an evening with the family gazing at the water. Kaligarh Fort near the Tincha Falls and Kajligarh Mahadev Temple surrounds the place. On the way to the falls, you will find wildlife being in harmony with nature with birds like peacocks wandering seamlessly along the place.
If you are looking for new sites to explore upon in Madhya Pradesh, then this list will not disappoint you. Far from the troop of too many tourists, you can find peace in a quirky and peaceful location.
Author Bio
Rohit: A travel enthusiast and blogger, Rohit loves embarking new journeys across India. Read more of his eccentric experiences in his blog Trans India Travels.