Madhya Pradesh: Temples, Rock Art and Wildlife

Temple complexes, rock art, national parks and waterfalls give Madhya Pradesh a range of travel experiences. For your planning, it is worth first deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay: historic architecture, religious sites, wildlife watching or landscapes.

Temples, Monuments and Rock Art

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments comprises 23 temples in western, eastern and southern groups. They were built during the height of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050. The Kandariya Temple is adorned with a wealth of sculptures; there are approximately 870 sculptures on the inner and outer walls of the temple complex. The western temple group is very close to the Archaeological Museum. Khajuraho also has a domestic airport two kilometres from the temple complex. Flight connections may change; check them before your trip.

Sanchi sits on a hill overlooking the plain, about 40 kilometres from Bhopal. Its Buddhist monuments include monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries. The intricately carved gateways tell stories from the life of the Buddha and from Buddhist Jataka tales. Construction of the Sanchi Stupa began in the 3rd century BCE under the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Bhopal Junction (BPL) is listed as the nearest railway station to Sanchi; check current train connections when planning your trip.

Bhimbetka offers a different perspective on early history: the area includes seven hills and more than 750 rock shelters spread over ten kilometres. The rock paintings are nearly 30,000 years old and are attributed to the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The Auditorium Cave is considered the largest rock shelter or refuge in Bhimbetka. Those interested in rock art will find both individual paintings and an extensive landscape with numerous natural shelters here.

Architecture and Religious Sites in Orchha and Ujjain

Orchha is a UNESCO World Heritage city in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The Orchha Fort complex comprises three palaces. Jahangir Mahal combines elements of Mughal and Bundela architecture; the Chaturbhuj Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At the Ram Raja Temple, Lord Rama is worshipped as a king rather than as a god. According to the official description, it is the only temple of its kind in India. Orchha can also be explored by bicycle along quiet roads by the Betwa River near Kanchan Ghat. Check local bicycle arrangements before setting out, as they may change.

In Ujjain, religious rituals and astronomical heritage come together. The Bhasma Aarti is a daily ritual at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. If you are interested in attending, find out in advance what options are currently available; participation requirements may change. The Mahakal Lok Corridor features 108 pillars, around 200 statues and murals depicting stories about Shiva. The Vedh Shala, also known as Jantar Mantar, comprises 13 architectural astronomical instruments and was built in 1725 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Simhastha, also known as Kumbh Mela, takes place every twelve years on the banks of the Shipra River. Specific future dates and arrangements vary, so check the dates before planning your trip.

National Parks, Wildlife and Waterfalls

Kanha National Park extends across the districts of Mandla and Balaghat. Around 22 mammal species live there, including Bengal tigers, leopards, dhole, chital, barasingha and sambar. Kanha Tiger Reserve is explored in open four-wheel-drive jeeps; safaris take place in the morning and afternoon and can be booked online. Booking options and operating zones may change. Check current options before your trip.

Panna National Park lies in the Vindhya Range in northern Madhya Pradesh; the Ken River winds through its protected area. Leopards, wild dogs, wolves, hyenas and smaller cat species live here. More than 200 bird species, including migratory birds, have also been recorded. The Pandav Falls in Panna National Park plunge 30 metres into a heart-shaped pool. The Ken Gharial Sanctuary lies at the confluence of the Ken and Khudar rivers. Established in 1985, it protects the rare, six-metre-long, fish-eating gharial, an endangered crocodile species.

Pachmarhi lies at an altitude of 1,607 metres and offers scenic views, waterfalls, natural pools and lush green forests. Silver Falls, also known as Rajat Prapat, plunges from a height of 350 feet. These details offer different starting points for choosing the focus of your trip: from temple architecture and rock art to wildlife watching and landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Paraswada, Gopalgarh, Khawasa, Dewas, Bilkisganj, Bheda Ghat, Mandsaur, Rewa, Gwalior, Raisen, Katni, Bhopal, Umaria, Ramgarh, Sagar, Satna, Damoh, Vidisha, Panna, Dhar, Sehore, Khargone, Dewas, Datia, Tikamgarh, Sheopur, Shahdol, Harda, Ratlam, Orchha, Jamdar, Seoni, Pindwara, Pachmarhi, Mandla, Ujjain, Ambaja, Jhabua, Rajgarh, Narsinghpur, Neemuch, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Behrai, Anuppur, Chhindwara, Singrauli, Hoshangabad, Barwani, Dindori, Tala, Badnoor, Maheshwar, Amayan, Gangiwara, DewanGanj, Jirapur, Pipardahi, Kila Bandhogarh, Balaghat, Shivpuri, Indore, Betul, Guna, Chhatarpur.

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