Historical Places in Madhya Pradesh For A Heritage Vacation

Known For : Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Khajuraho is known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. A small historical place in Madhya Pradesh located in the Bundelkhand region in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a brilliant example of Indian architecture and its culture back in the medieval period. The architecture of these Hindu and Jain temples depict the innocent form of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most erotic yet aesthetic ways.

Best Time: July to March

56 kms north-west of Bhopal city lies the historical architecture Sanchi Stupa, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1989. It's home to the relics of Buddha and his followers. Built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE; it is a remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture. Sanchi's uniqueness lies in the fact that Buddha isn't represented by figures but through symbols.

Referred to as 'the pearl amongst fortresses in India' by Mughal emperor Babur, the Gwalior Fort is one of the most impenetrable fortresses located in the entire northern and southern India and is a place you definitely must visit. Situated on the top of a vast rocky mountain near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh in central India, this imposing structure dominates the entire city of Gwalior. An inseparable part of the identity and architecture of the city, evidence suggests that it has been around since 6th Century. It is also the places where the second oldest reference of the number 'zero' has been found in the form of a carving inside a temple on the top of the fort.

The splendid architecture of Jahaz Mahal occupies an expense in the Mandu region of Madhya Pradesh. It was built during the reign of Mandu Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji, who is believed to have as many as 15,000 women as his consorts. In order to accommodate the women belonging to the royal consortium, Jahaz Mahal was built in second-half of the 15th century. It is a stunning historical place in Madhya Pradesh.

The Jai Vilas Palace, also known as the Jai Vilas Mahal is situated in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh and is a symbol of age-old Indian culture and opulence, preserved in the modern day. The Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayaji Rao Scindia, had this magnificent edifice built to ensure a grand welcome for King Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales in 1874. Today this historical place in Madhya Pradesh serves as a residence for the descendants of the royal Maratha Scindia family.

Known For : The Rock Caves Hoshangabad Bhojpur

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site and historical place in Madhya Pradesh, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003.

Best Time: October to April

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Known For : Asirgarh Fort Jama Masjid, Burhanpur Dargah-E-Hakimi

Burhanpur is a historical town based on the banks of the Tapti River in Madhya Pradesh. The most interesting piece of trivia would be that Mumtaz Begum, the reason why the Taj Mahal was built, died in Burhanpur while giving birth to her fourteenth child.

Best Time: October to March

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Rajwada is a magnificent and historical palace that is located in the city of Indore and was constructed by the Holkars more than 200 years ago. It is a seven-storied structure located near the Chhatris and serves as an excellent example of royal grandeur and architectural skills. Located near the famous Kajuri Market in Indore, Rajwada stands out from the surroundings. However, there are two parts to this architectural landmark - The newer one lies in the northern part of the city while the older one, lies in the old town place.

Known For : Holkar Fort Mandleshwar Rajwada

Based on the banks of the River Narmada, this gorgeous town is largely referred to as the temple town of Madhya Pradesh. It also holds a lot of mythological as this historical place in Madhya Pradesh has found a mention in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Best Time: October to March

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Wrapped in elegance and magnificence that only befits the royalty, the Rani Mahal of Orccha is an enchanting fortification right from the pages of the history bygone. The fort is beautifully embellished with intricate carvings and colourful paintings which make quite the statement about the art and artists of Uttar Pradesh. Translating to 'the queen's palace', this destination once served as the royal quarters for the wife of Raja Madhukar Singh, and its last occupant was Rani Laxmi Bai herself. The palace has now been converted into a museum.

Built as be a garrison and citadel for the Mughals to allow greater control over the Bundela region, this historical place in Madhya Pradesh was completed in 1598 by Bharath Bhushan after he defeated Vir Deo Singh of Bundela.

Built during the 17th century, the Raja Mahal has withstood the test of time without losing its charm that transports you back to one of the golden eras of history.

Known For : Gwalior Fort Jai Vilas Palace Gujari Mahal (State Archaeological Museum)

A historic city founded by king Surajesan, Gwalior is galore with beautiful monuments, palaces and temples, giving this city a majestic charm which speaks volumes of this glorious historical place in Madhya Pradesh.

Best Time: July to March

Resided by the rulers of the Holkar dynasty, the Lal Bagh Palace is class and grandeur personified. The palace is spread on a sprawling area of 28 acres and reflects the taste of the rulers of the Holkar dynasty.

Located at the North-east end of the fort, Man mandir palace was built between 1486 and 1516 by the Tomar ruler, Man Singh Tomar. The palace couldn't survive with time, however the remains of the palace still showcases the beautiful carvings and designs of that era.

Known For : Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort Ram Raja Temple Raja Mahal, Orchha Fort

Known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples and striking forts, situated on banks of river Betwa Orchha is a city with a lot of historical significance and a photographers' paradise.

Best Time: July to March

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Located in the historical place in Madhya Pradesh, Asirgarh Fort stands impregnable in the Satpura Ranges. It was built by the a zamidar (Land owner) knwon as Asa Ahir of the Ahir dynasty in the 15th Century. The fort, spread over a total area of more than 60 acres, is situated about 20 kilometres to the north of Burhanpur. It may appear to be a single large fort, but is, in fact, a colleon of 3 forts known as called Asirgarh,  Karmargarh, whereas the third part is called Malaygarh.

Legend has it that this splendid architectural wonder was constructed for the last independent leader of Mandu, Baz Bahadur much before he came into power in the year 1509.

As the name precisely suggests, this was the opulent palace of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar which the reason why it is also known as the Queen's fort. This fort was also the administrative headquarter of Rani Ahilyabai during her reign and currently it has been converted into a guesthouse, which is managed by the son of the last Maharaja of Indore, Prince Shivaji Rao Holkar.

Known For : Jahaz Mahal Rani Rupmati's Pavilion Baz Bahadur's Palace

Mandu is the epitome of architectural excellence that our ancestors seemed to have achieved. This city is testament to the unconditional love between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. Mandu also boasts of the oldest erected monument of India making it an exciting historical place in Madhya Pradesh.

Best Time: October to March

The centre of trading activities, Orchha gave birth to a new class of people- the Merchants. Intelligent and influential as they were, they used their wealth to build stunning monuments which were replicas of the palaces in which the royalty lived.

Hindola Mahal in Mandu is a very popular tourist attraction which means Swinging Palace as per its English translation. The grandeur of the Durbar halls can be seen in the opulent palace which served as a royal court to Ghiyas-al-Din Sultan during his reign. It perfectly portrays the Malwa-Sultanate architecture. The innovative structure of the sculpture combined with the superb technique attracts thousands of tourists to pay a visit to this historical place in Madhya Pradesh. The Mahal was constructed from sandstone with exquisitely carved columns with the provision of hot and cold water connected with the rooms situated underground.

The Madhav Vilas Palace is just that run-of-the-mill yet immensely sophisticated edifice that every rule once built during his reign to show his wealth and clout.