Time to explore what the ‘Heart of India’ has in store for you! The popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh showcase a mini-India with a rich heritage, serene pilgrimages, varied cultures, enthralling wildlife, and much more. One of the largest states in India is bestowed with two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a city that hosts Kumbh Mela
every twelve years. From history buffs to adrenaline junkies, the incredible state welcomes all!
Let’s take a tour of the popular attractions in Madhya Pradesh and enjoy a matchless experience of innumerable stories and uncountable mysteries.
Gwalior
The royalty and chivalry of the glorious past of the state are better experienced at Gwalior. Dominated by a massive fort perched on a hill, the city is dotted with many other historical monuments of Madhya Pradesh. Artists, musicians, holidaymakers, and poets automatically get lured to the land of the Scindia Dynasty. Legendary musicians belonged to Gwalior, helping it to enjoy a matchless reputation in Music.
Bhopal
A pair of lakes separate the city of Bhopal. The striking contrast between the old and new will amuse you from North to South. The city is also famous for its intricate Zari work and Zardosi crafts that are admired by everybody in the world. Savor the Nawabi food, which offers perfect respite to the foodies who which to satiate their hunger.
Ujjain
The pious land of Ujjain is the holy abode of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas at Mahakaleshwar Temple. Reckoned as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, Ujjainis thus one of the must-visit places in Madhya Pradesh. Positioned along the bank of River Shipra, devotees throng the ancient city during the Kumbh Mela, which is held here every 12 years. People searching for serenity and Moksha should not miss planninga tour to Ujjain.
Sanchi
Imbued in tranquility, Sanchi is home to the famous Sanchi Stupa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Great Mughal Emperor Ashoka installed the Great Stupa in the 3rd century BC. Countless temples, monasteries, an Ashokan pillar, and Buddhist monuments at Sanchi Madhya Pradesh are the head-turners here. Regarded as one of the important Buddhist pilgrimages, the quaint town of Sanchi greets Buddhist pilgrims, avid tourists, and history buffs alike.
Chitrakoot
The sublime beauty of Chitrakoot brings lots of tourists to the popular tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh. The majestic city finds mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the dwelling place of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita during their exile. It is due to this reason that many people consider it to be a sacred town. Holding the title of the ‘Place of Many Wonders’, the city got its name from the presence of Cheetal (Deer) in the area.
Maharashtra is famous all around the country for its various tourist attractions and the people here are known for their welcoming conduct towards the tourists. There are many places here that can be explored on your visit to this Indian state.
This is one of the highly populated cities in the country and is considered to be the financial capital of India. One of the highlights of this city is Gateway of India and people from all over the world come to marvel at its British architecture that holds historical significance. This is one of the best Maharashtra destinations also because of the fact that it is a home to the Bollywood industry and many movie actors reside here. Marine Drive in Mumbai will simply steal your heart and will make you never want to leave, as it is lying around the coast and the view here is simply mesmerising!
Mahabaleshwar
Lying in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is well known for various natural wonders that one would love to witness here. There are a huge number of rivers, awe-striking mountain peaks, and mesmerising waterfalls. If you want to experience tranquility in the state of Maharashtra, it is suggested that you plan a visit to this hill town and get a chance to be closer to nature. Apart from the rivers and mountains, you also would love going to the strawberry farms and dense forests here! Located in Satara district, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places for Maharashtra sightseeing.
Panchgani
If you love traveling to the mountains, then a visit to Panchgani is a must. The name itself has been originated from the fact that it is surrounded by five hills. Located near Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is loved for the various points of sunset and sunrise. The picturesque view of the valley will definitely steal your heart. Owing to the pleasant weather that stays round the year, Panchgani is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Summer in Maharashtra.
Shirdi
If you’re traveling to Maharashtra to witness the religious aspects of this state, then a visit to Shirdi should definitely be a part of your plan! This place is the land of Sai Baba. Apart from the renowned temple of Sai Baba, there are a number of historical sites. Many devotees from India come to this place to seek spiritual peace, as it has a strong significance. Many places in Shirdi can be visited for an ultimate travel experience like Samadhi Mandir, Chavadi, Shani Shignapur, Dwarkamai Masjid, and more.
Nashik
The Indian state of Maharashtra is home to amazing cities and Nashik is one of them. This city is known for various aspects. The name has come from Ramayana and the city is located at the banks of Godavari. Every 12 years, the place becomes a host to the well-known Kumbh Mela. There are many mythological stories attached to this city of Maharashtra. Interestingly, the city is also considered to be the best wine-tasting place in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
People in some parts of the country worship demon King Ravana and have also built temples for him. Here are 5 temples of Ravana in India.
When devotees mark the triumph of good over evil on Dussehra by burning effigy of Ravana in India today, people in some parts of the country will instead be thronging to temples dedicated to the demon king.
These worshippers believe Ravana to be a learned scholar and pay tribute to him on this day.
Dussehra is regarded as the day when Lord Ram defeated Ravana and rescued his abducted wife, Sita. As per the tradition, the effigy of the demon king Ravana is burnt in most parts of the country.
Apart from Ravana, the gigantic effigies of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnath are also burnt.
Here are five temples dedicated to Ravana where his worshippers gather to worship him:
1- Dashanan Temple, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Ravana temple in Kanpur is 125 years old
The 125-year-old Dashanan Mandir in Shivala area of Kanpur was reportedly constructed in 1890 by King Guru Prasad Shukl. The temple opens its door for devotees annually on Dussehra.
"A day when most of the people burn effigies of Ravana, we worship the demon king. Dashanan temple was constructed in around 1890 by Maharaj Guru Prasad Shukl. It opens its doors for devotees once in a year on Dussehra," organiser of the temple functions, K K Tiwari said.
Tiwari said the motive behind the construction of temple was that Ravana was a learned scholar and the biggest devotee of Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed in the premises of Lord Shiva temple in Shivala area of the district.
On the occasion of Dussehra, he said the idol of 'Dashanan' (Ravana - or the one with ten heads) was decorated following 'aarti' by the devotees.
He said people light earthen lamps and perform religious rituals to celebrate the festival at the temple.
Around 15,000 devotees are expected to throng the temple today, Tiwari said.
2- Ravana Mandir, Bisrakh, (Greater Noida, UP)
Bisrakh is believed to be birthplace of Ravana
Bisrakh is believed to be the birthplace of Ravana and a temple is dedicated to the Lankan King here. This is one of the most famous and well-known temples of the demon king in the country.
Ravana is regarded as a God in the region and Dussehra is not celebrated here by burning Ravana effigies. The nine days of Navratri is a period of mourning in the tow n of Bisrakh.
The temple has faced wrath of people who believe in Lord Ram but Ravana’s devotees have fought them off to protect the temple.
3- Kakinada Ravana temple, Andhra Pradesh
It is believed that Ravana chose Kakinada to build a temple of Lord Shiva
The city in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh houses one of the most famous temples of Ravana. It is believed that Ravana chose the site to build a temple of Lord Shiva.
The sight has a gigantic Shivling mural, evidence of Ravana’s admiration for Lord Shiva.
The temple is located close to the beach and is a famous tourist spot. Kakinada is the only place in Andhra Pradesh where Ravana is worshipped.
Ravana’s wife Mandodari is believed to be from Vidisha
The village Ravangram, named after Ravana himself, houses one of the most famous temple of the Lankan King. Ravana’s wife Mandodari is believed to be from Vidisha.
Vidisha has a number of Ravana worshipers who visit the temple to worship him. The temple has a 10-foot-long statue of the Lankan King.
The temple was just like any other temple which people visited on wedding days and other important occasions. But recently, Ravana worshipping has taken grand shape during Dussehra.
5- Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh)
Wedding of Ravana and Mandodari took place at an old temple in Mandsaur
Madhya Pradesh has its fare share of Ravana worshippers who have built temples for the Lankan King. The temple in Mandsaur is believed to be the place where the wedding of Ravana and Mandodari took place.
The temple has statues of various female deities who are regularly worshipped. The temple is believed to be extremely old as texts in the script from Harappan civilisation is found next to the deities.
Goa has a lot to indulge in and enjoy, so a trip to Goa is worth it. There are so many interesting things to do in Goa, especially for those who love beaches and knowing new cultures. That being said, it is also true that Goa is for the party lovers, but that is not the only point to consider! Goa is for adventure seekers as well, and even for those who are deeply in love with nature and history.
The city also houses amazing beaches that will blow your mind, and the seafood here is a must try. Goa is not just famous for its beaches but it is well-known for a vibrant night life too. Whether you are with your family or friends, your trip to Goa will surely be one of a kind, worth cherishing for sure!
Check out the top 5 places to visit in Goa
1. Calangute: Enjoy the beach experience like never before
Beaches are the key tourist attractions in Goa. Therefore, millions of people visit Goa from around the world every year. Among many, Calangute beach is one of the popular beaches located in North Goa. It is a perfect place to rejuvenate yourself.
Not just known for its beauty, but this beach is well-known for being busy, crowds and commercialisation. It has a beautiful and long coastline, with great sea view. The front of the beach is stacked up with restaurants, shacks, clubs, where you can grab your beer and dance all night long! You will also find a large number of shops here. Book into one of the hotels in Goa near Calangute beach & enjoy time with friends.
2. Baga Beach: For some romantic moments
There are more or less 26 beaches in Goa! So, you are never out of options when it comes to spending some time at beaches with your family or friends. If you are on your honeymoon and want to plan a romantic dinner with your beloved, Baga Beach is your final stop. The best thing about this beach is that there is always something exciting in the air, and there is no chance of getting bored. Moreover, there are some amazing water sports to get your adrenaline pumping. Find a hotel in baga for a romantic dinner with your loved one.
3. Museum of Christian Art: Know history
So much for the beaches and sun tanning! It is time to actually learn a bit more about the golden history, which Goa has. You can get a glimpse of it at the Museum of Christian Art. As defined by the name, this museum is all about Christianity and art. It dates back to the 17th century and located at Santa Monica, which is in Old Goa.
It is one of the first ever museums in Asia, which houses objects exclusively associated with Christian art. This museum houses a wide collection of Indo-Portuguese artworks, most of which have been donated for the benefit of education of people. The mission of this museum is to preserve, show and highlight Goa’s amazing Christian art and culture!
4. Fort Aguada: History at its best
Often termed as the 17th century Portuguese fort, this monument is located on Sinquerim Beach, in North Goa. It was primarily built as chief defense of Portuguese against Marathas and Dutch and was once the crucial and prized possession of Portuguese. There are primarily two major things, which are a must see when you are in the fort. One happens to be the lighthouse which was constructed in the year 1864 and another one is the vaulted cistern, designed to hold around 10 million liters of water.
5. Grand Island: Perfect location for water adventure
Grande Island or Bat Island is a great location in Goa where you can reach through a boat. If you love water sports, then this place is for you! As you know there is no end to adventure activities in Goa, as you can experience several water sports in Goa! Grand Island is said to be the nirvana of the water sports in Goa. Right from fishing to snorkeling, you can do every fun activity here. If you buy a package, it will most likely include snorkeling, fishing and a nice lunch. Enjoy smoking hot BBQ and local Goan cuisine. This is a perfect picnic spot. You can also spot dolphins here. You can even enjoy swimming mid-sea here and fishing too.
Whenever you plan your visit to Goa, be a sport and do some water sports apart from sightseeing and enjoying the local Goan food. Just be sure to plan your itinerary well in advance, and book various goan experiences as per your interest.
has several tourist hubs that provide different attractions for travelers. The major tourist places are Mysore palace, Coorg hill station, Hampi heritage site, Gokarna beach, Jog Falls, Nandi Hills, and many more. The city also stands out with its malls, multiplexes, parks, lakes, gardens, cafes, bars, palaces, museums, and other attractions. I tried my efforts to include the best tourist places in Karnataka. I hope you like these places during your visit to the state.
Coorg Hill Station
Coorg is excellent for a short getaway in Karnataka, lies 1525m above sea level. The hill station is quite known for its coffee plantations, and a favored summer retreat to the state. The fascinating landscape and the green hills in Coorg are perfect for trekking and camping options, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. It also attains a popular destination tag because of its culture and people.
A local clan(Kodavas) specialized in martial arts and distinguished for their keen hospitality. Foggy hills, green forest, tea and coffee plantation, orange copses, surging streets, and breathtaking landscapes have made Coorg an exceptional holiday destination. Madikeri is the heartland of the Coorg area and was the seat of the ruling dynasty. Other famous hill stations are Nandi Hills, Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Ramnagaram, Agumbe, BR Hills, Kudremukh, and Kotagiri.
Mysore
Mysore is one of the oldest cities and the second largest in Karnataka. It is one of the very few cities that has managed to maintain its old-world charm, well known as the City of Palaces. It has numerous tourist attractions that include impressive palaces, heritage structures, museums, temples, gardens, etc. Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill Temple are the most popular places to visit in Mysore and due to this reason, we have also included this place in the best tourist places in Karnataka.
According to ancient story in the mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was dictated by the demon-king Mahishasura. He was called Mahishasura because he was a buffalo-headed beast. Hence, this place came to be known as Mahishuru, which later became Maisuru and Mysore.
The Mysore Kingdom, ruled by the Wodeyar family was initially served as a servant state of the Vijayanagara Empire. After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, the control of Mysore moved into the hands of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan between 1761 and 1799. After the death of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, then the control was given over back to the Wodeyar family.
The nearest airport is in Bangalore, around 184 km from Mysore. It has frequent flights from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Goa, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram. Mysore has also pleasant weather throughout the year, though October to March is the best season to visit. It usually takes about 2 full days to visit the all-important places in Mysore.
Gokarna Beach
Gokarna is a small and less populated town situated in the north Kannad district of Karnataka. It is around 150 km from the Vasco Da Gama airport and around 60 km from the Karwar rail station. This place is of the best tourist places in Karnataka due to its peaceful ambiance. Your trip surely will be incompleted without a visit to the famous Mahabaleshwara temple and Om beach. Gokarna is just like a Goa. The beaches in this town are fantastic and perfect for a day out in the sun. You can also indulge in a few water sports at the beaches.
The main attraction of the Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple, which houses the Atmalinga. Gokarna has considered being the Mukti Sthala, where Hindus perform funeral rituals. Followers visit the Gokarna temple in large numbers during Mahashivratri and Kartika Purnima festivals. The whole town gets decorated during the four days of the Mahashivratri festival.
Apart from being a spiritual town, Gokarna appreciated for its beaches. You will find beautiful beaches nearby, which have small shacks serving as accommodation along with many small shops and modern eateries. The five famous beaches are Om, Kudle, Gokarna, Half Moon, and Paradise Beaches. Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om beach is usually popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol.
Hampi
Hampi is one of the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has located at a distance of 340 km from Bangalore and around 377 km from Hyderabad. The place is also home to many historical sites and the Vijayanagar Empire. The Nearest airport is Hubli, about 74 km. It is one of the best tourist places in Karnataka which you should not miss during your South India tour. The popular tourist spots are the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapur.
Hampi is an extremely famous place in terms of history and architecture. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and an integral part of the Empire in 1500AD. They had created a large army to protect it from other kingdoms. In addition, Hampi grew as a trade center for cotton, spices, and gemstones. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur means The Land of the Younger Daughter. The nearest airport is Mangalore, at a distance of 158 km from Chikmagalur. If you love the fragrance of freshly fermented coffee in the mornings, then you are going to love this place, which has a perpetual smell of coffee lingering in the air. Chikmagalur is at an altitude of 3400 feet in the foothills of Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka. Above all, it is also renowned for high mountains, dense green forests, and its peaceful environment.
This hill state in Karnataka is very well known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee did cultivate for the first time in India. A Muslim saint Baba Budan who brought coffee seeds from Yemen around 1600 year. Later, during the Europeans came to India, they took control over the plantations and started selling coffee and tea.
In addition, Many festivals celebrated in Chikmagalur for instance Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepavali, Ugadi, Dusshera. The climate of Chikmagalur is pleasant throughout the year.
