15 Things To Do In Madhya Pradesh: Popular Activities For Adventure And Culture Vultures

There are a bevy of activities to indulge in that keep you engaged throughout the journey.

Madhya Pradesh offers a great combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From visiting old temples to hopping on thrilling safaris, there are countless things to do in Madhya Pradesh for every kind of traveller. From the intricate carvings of Khajuraho to the wild jungles of Bandhavgarh, every destination has a unique experience to unfold. For an adventurer, it is trekking, boating, and jungle safaris; while for a culture enthusiast, it is unravelling the rich history and heritage of the state. Know why Madhya Pradesh is a must-visit destination through its diverse and exciting activities.

15 Exciting Things To Do In Madhya Pradesh For An Amazing Trip

Madhya Pradesh is an indispensable destination for both heritage and natural wonders. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh to make your journey a great experience.

1. Visit The Historic Khajuraho Temples

Exploring the Khajuraho temples is one of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

Photo: Adzac5848 / Wikimedia Commons

Among the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh is visiting the stunning Khajuraho temples. Iconic for their intricate and erotic sculptures, these temples display the artistry of ancient India. Built in the 9th and 11th centuries, these reflect the Hindu and Jain cultures intermixing. Visiting Khajuraho proves to be the best activity in the state for culture lovers, letting people dig deep into history and the spiritual world. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is to be noticed by any visitor to the state.

Location: Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Discover The Spiritual Wonders Of Bhopal Temples

2. Explore The Marble Rocks Of Bhedaghat

Exploring the marble rocks at Bhedaghat leaves you with an amazing experience.

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A ride through the Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat is one of the most exquisite things to do in the region. This surreal experience leaves the observer caught in the hypnotic hug of the Narmada River flowing into the massive white marble cliffs at night, all the more dramatically so when under the lunar glow. It ranks among the top choices for what to do in Madhya Pradesh, especially for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Apart from boat rides, there’s a ropeway ride, and the visitors get to see the majestic Dhuandhar Waterfall.

Location: Near 64 Yogini Temple, Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹50

3. Visit The Bandhavgarh National Park

Exploring the Bandhavgarh National Park is among the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

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For wildlife enthusiasts, one of the fun things to do here is to explore the Bandhavgarh National Park. Replete with the majesty of Bengal tigers, here you can roam around the thick forests via a jeep safari. It makes for an exciting adventure with a density of tigers and many other species like leopards, deer, and birds. This park has incredible biodiversity and excellent scenic beauty, making it a perfect destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Location: Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians and ₹1500 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Exploring Madhav National Park

4. Stop By The Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa, a significant historical site, is one of the best spiritual sites to explore.

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The old Sanchi Stupa is a religious spot, and one of the most enlightening places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 3rd century BCE and is one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Among the things to see in Madhya Pradesh, the Sanchi Stupa has scenes of the life and teachings of Lord Buddha on display. The place, with its excellent gateways and stupas, unfolds a story of India’s Buddhist history, thus being an enriching experience in the cultural department for any visitor.

Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners

5. Climb To The Pachmarhi

Climbing to the Pachmarhi hill station is one of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

Photo: Pateljay2603 / Wikimedia Commons

For nature enthusiasts, exploring Pachmarhi, the only hill station in the state, is a must-visit. Pachmarhi is a fragrant retreat from the crush of the Satpura Range, offering waterfalls, caves, and greenery. It is quite a suitable place for trekking, sightseeing, and relaxation; and for people seeking adventure with serenity. Popularly termed “Satpura ki Rani,” or the Queen of Satpuras, Pachmarhi offers a cool climate and exquisite scenic beauty for thrill-seekers and peace lovers alike.

Location: Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Pachmarhi For Nature Lovers

6. Marvel At The Grandeur Of Gwalior Fort

Gwalior Fort's hilltop structure, representing centuries of Indian historical architecture.

Photo: Anuppyr007 / Wikimedia Commons

History enthusiasts would surely love to see the mighty Gwalior Fort, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh. This colossal hilltop fort has been a silent witness to Indian history for centuries, thanks to the contributions of several dynasties. Gwalior Fort is yet another top attraction to explore if you are wondering what to do in Madhya Pradesh. It will not disappoint you as it allows visitors to explore India’s rich heritage at a very significant site.

Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹75 for Indians and ₹250 for foreigners

7. Explore The Kanha National Park

 Visiting the Kanha National Park is among the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

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Among the most thrilling things for nature lovers is exploring and being at a place such as Kanha National Park, inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s book, The Jungle Book. Holding the epitome of Bengal tigers, it is one of the biggest national parks in India, providing a rich diversity of flora and fauna. One of the best activities to do here is the famous jungle safaris, where you can spot not only tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, and even more than 300 species of birds. It is a famous national park in Madhya Pradesh, offering incredible experiences to every visitor.

Location: Balaghat and Mandla districts, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians and ₹1500 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Panna National Park

8. Visit The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

 The ancient Bhimbetka Rock Shelters feature cave paintings from prehistoric civilisations.

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One of the exciting things to do in the region is to discover the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, which are attractive to those fascinated with ancient civilisation. The rock shelters, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, contain prehistoric paintings dating over 30,000 years. For anyone who loves history or art, Bhimbetka gives a glimpse into the lives of early humans through cave paintings.

Location: Raisen, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners

9. Wander Around Ujjain City

Visiting the sacred Ujjain city is among the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

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One of the most spiritual things to do in Madhya Pradesh is to visit the sacred city of Ujjain and explore the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple. Ujjain is one of the holy cities of India, where Kumbh Mela is present, and there are many ancient temples around it. It’s one of the major tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh for devoted culture enthusiasts who want to gain insightful knowledge of Hindu rituals, spirituality, and the history of ancient times.

Location: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Ujjain To Experience The City’s Rich Heritage In Madhya Pradesh

10. Visit The Pench National Park

The sprawling Pench National Park is one of the best places to explore around the state.

Photo: Thomas B. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

One of the most thrilling things to do here is exploring the Pench National Park, a great place known for its tigers, a reserve, and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s the place of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. You will enjoy an exciting variety of wildlife here: tigers, leopards, and wild boars. One of the best experiences for an adventure freak who loves Madhya Pradesh is a jeep safari in Pench. It offers excellent excitement, covering dense forests and rare species of wildlife.

Location: Seoni and Chhindwara districts, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹1500

11. Explore Orchha’s Heritage Monuments

Exploring Orchha’s monuments is one of the exciting things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

Photo: Yann / Wikimedia Commons

Orchha is a beautiful town where history comes alive through its stunning monuments and peaceful riverside setting. You can visit the grand Jahangir Mahal with its impressive Mughal-style architecture, explore the royal Raj Mahal, and stop by the unique Ram Raja Temple, where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king. The riverside chhatris (cenotaphs) offer lovely views and photo spots. Orchha is quiet, less crowded, and perfect for anyone who enjoys historical places, scenic surroundings, and peaceful walks.

Location: Orchha, Niwari, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians and ₹250 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Madhya Pradesh

12. Cruise On Upper Lake In Bhopal

Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal, is one of the popular lakes for relaxation and boating.

Photo: Abhishek727 / Wikimedia Commons

Upper Lake, or Bhojtal, is a peaceful and popular spot in Bhopal, ideal for boating and enjoying quiet moments by the water. You can ride a paddle boat or speedboat while soaking in views of the sunset, surrounding trees, and city skyline. There’s a beautiful garden nearby, and Van Vihar National Park is just across the lake. Locals love it for evening walks, and visitors enjoy the calming vibe. Enjoying a peaceful boat ride here is one of the popular things to do in Madhya Pradesh for locals and tourists alike.

Location: Bhojtal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: Free

13. Experience Tribal Art At Bharat Bhavan

Explore and learn about the tribal art styles and heritage at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal.

Photo: Suyash Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons

Bharat Bhavan is a great place to see the creative side of Madhya Pradesh. Located by Upper Lake in Bhopal, it has colourful tribal paintings, folk art displays, and live performances like music and theatre. The space is open and peaceful, making it enjoyable to walk through the galleries at your own pace. You can even catch a play or poetry reading if you’re lucky. It’s perfect for those who enjoy art, culture, and local traditions in a calm setting.

Location: 2nd floor, 53, J, Harshavardhan Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Shymala Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹10 – ₹20

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Bhopal

14. Visit The Jain Temples At Sonagiri

Visiting the Jain temples of Sonagiri is one of the best things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

Photo: Pratyk321 / Wikipedia

Sonagiri is a peaceful hill filled with white Jain temples, attracting pilgrims and travellers looking for quiet and spiritual places. There are more than 70 temples on the hill, with the main one dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu. The walk uphill is calm, and the view from the top is beautiful. Many people visit to pray, meditate, or simply enjoy the clean, spiritual surroundings. Visiting these historic and peaceful temples is among the unique things to do in Madhya Pradesh, especially for those who like less crowded, significant places during their travels.

Location: Sonagiri, Datia, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: Free

15. Explore Mandu’s Ruins And Love Legends

Discovering the historic Mandu ruins is one of the top things to do in Madhya Pradesh.

Photo: Squirealll / Wikimedia Commons

Mandu is a small town with fascinating old ruins, quiet roads, and stories of love and royalty. You can visit Jahaz Mahal, a palace that looks like a ship floating between two lakes, and the elegant Hindola Mahal. Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Roopmati’s Pavilion tell the tale of a famous love story. The place is surrounded by green hills and calm views, making it perfect for a relaxed visit. It’s one of the great places to visit in Madhya Pradesh for history lovers or anyone looking for a peaceful escape.

Location: Mandav, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
Entry Fee: ₹5 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Explore The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum

Madhya Pradesh is where history, culture, and adventure are all mixed into one destination. From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites to thrill wildlife safaris and relaxing hill stations, there are a lot of things to do in Madhya Pradesh. So, be it an adventurer, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, the state will give you a jumble of experiences. So, get in touch with TripXL now, and hop on an unforgettable journey through Madhya Pradesh to discover its absolute best attractions.

Cover Photo: Nikhil Kumar Pal / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Pachmarhi offers adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, boating, scenic beauty, and serenity.
On average, it takes at least 3 to 4 hours to tour the famous attractions of Gwalior Fort, which include its temples, palaces, and museums.
Try to book your jeep safari as much in advance as you can. This is advisable, especially when you visit during peak tourist seasons.
Every 12 years, the city hosts one of the most excellent congregational rallies of the Kumbh Mela, and millions of pilgrims seeking a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience attend.
Many operators offer guided tours for significant attractions, including historical sites and national parks.
Some famous things to buy in Madhya Pradesh include Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, tribal handicrafts, Gond paintings, bell metal items, and local leather goods.
Mandu, with its love legends and scenic ruins, and Orchha, with its riverside charm, are ideal romantic getaways in Madhya Pradesh.
Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival, explore tribal art at Bharat Bhavan, visit heritage towns, and experience local fairs and temple rituals.

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