1. Patalpani Falls, Indore
A must-see attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the 300-feet high Talapani waterfall is a great spot for camping, trekking and picnicking. Locals believe that the depth of the kunda reaches below the underground level or Patala . No matter how tempting the waterfall looks to take a dip, keep yourself away from getting into the pool for safety reasons.
- Best time to visit – June to October
- Ideal duration – 2-3 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (37 km away) is the nearest option. Hire a cab from there.
- By Train: Reach Indore Junction (33 km away) and take a taxi.
- By Road: Take a state or private bus to Gangwal Bus Stand (30 km away) in Indore and then hire a taxi.
2. Palace, Indore
Also known as Holkar Palace, Rajwada is a popular tourist destination in Madhya Pradesh . Built over 200 years ago, this seven-storied structure boasts of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and is a fine example of royal grandeur. A well-maintained garden with a statue of Rani Ahilyabai, beautiful fountains and an artificial waterfall add to the royal ambience of the palace.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (9 km away) and hire a cab.
- By Train: Reach Indore Junction (2 km away) and take a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Indore is well connected to nearby places by a network of roads and national highways. The nearest bus stop is 2 km from the palace.
3. Choral Dam, Indore
City dwellers flock to Choral Dam to spend a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The dam is surrounded by small hills and green trees which add to its pleasant appearance. Apart from enjoying the breathtaking views of the surroundings, you can try boating and other water activities here.
- Best time to visit – July to November
- Ideal duration – 2-3 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (45 km away) and take a cab.
- By Train: Take a train to Indore Junction (41 km away) and then hire a taxi.
- By Road: Several state and private buses ply between Indore and nearby cities like Ujjain and Bhopal. You can reach Gangwal Bus Stand (39 km away) and then take a taxi.
4. Upper Lake, Bhopal
Upper Lake or Bhojtal is an important attraction in Bhopal city. According to folklore, King Bhoja built the lake in the 11th century to cure his skin disease. Near the pond you can also see a pillar with a statue of the king. Fun seekers can visit the Eastern Boat Club and enjoy kayaking, parasailing, rafting and other adventurous water sports.
- Best time to visit – June to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Take a flight to Raja Bhoj Airport (11 km away) in Bhopal and hire a cab.
- By Rail: Bhopal Junction is 12 km from Upper Lake. Auto rickshaws and taxis are easily available.
- By Road: You can take a cab or bus to reach the city. The nearest bus stand is about 2 km from Upper Lake.
5. Lotus Lake, Indore
If you are looking for places to visit in Madhya Pradesh with family , then include Lotus Lake in your itinerary. Also known as Gulawat Talab, this lake looks breath-taking with thousands of lotuses on its surface. Apart from soaking in the natural beauty of this place, you can enjoy boating, bird watching and nature photography here.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Ideal duration – 2-3 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (28 km away) and take a taxi.
- By Rail: Indore Junction is 35 km from the lake. Hire a taxi to cover the distance.
- By Road: You can take a bus from nearby villages and towns to Gangwal Bus Stand and then book a taxi to the lake.
6. Goldsmiths Bazaar, Indore
Known as the street food hub of Indore, Sarafa Bazaar is a must for food lovers. From Kachori Chaat and Gulab Jamun to Shikanji and Faluda , the number of food and drinks at the stalls here will leave you spoiled for choice. Remember to indulge your taste buds in Indore’s traditional snacks and sweets including Pohe Jalebi and Khatta Samosa .
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore (10 km away) and hire a taxi.
- By Train: Indore Junction is just 2 km away, so you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi.
- By Road: Board a government or private bus or book a cab from nearby towns. Gangwal bus stand in Indore is just 2 km away.
7. Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone structures in India; Sanchi Stupa near Bhopal is a world famous attraction. Built by King Ashoka, this magnificent Buddhist monument preserves important relics of Lord Buddha and is a sacred place for Buddhists worldwide. If history and grand architecture fascinate you, Sanchi Stupa is a must visit!
- Best time to visit – November to March
- Ideal duration – 2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport (55 km away) in Bhopal is the nearest option. Take a taxi from there.
- By Train: Sanchi has a railway station (2 km away), but with limited connectivity. Bhopal Railway Station (46 km away) is a good option.
- By Road: From Indore, Ujjain and other cities reach Nadra Bus Stand (47 km away) in Bhopal and then take a taxi.
8. Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal
The Taj-ul-Masjid or “Crown of Mosques” is considered one of the largest and most well-equipped mosques in the country. With its vast pink facade, spacious courtyard, two majestic minarets and smooth marble floors, the mosque reflects the brilliance of Mughal architecture and attracts tourists from all over the world. Many hotels in Bhopal are conveniently located near this sprawling holy place.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Reach Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal (9 km away) and take a cab.
- By Train: Take a train to Bhopal Junction (4 km away), then hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Regular buses run between Bhopal and nearby places like Ujjain, Indore and Sanchi. Nadra bus stand is just 2 km from the mosque.
9. Lower Lake, Bhopal
Chhota Talab or Lower Lake is another peaceful place near the upper lake in Bhopal. An over-bridge separates the upper and lower lakes. The surrounding hills and the magnificent Kamala Gardens add to the beauty of the lake and make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Paddle-boating, sailing and motorboat rides are special features of the lake.
- Best time to visit – June to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj International Airport is 13 km away. You can take a taxi.
- By Train: Reach Bhopal Junction (6 km away) and take a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- By Road: Board a bus from nearby towns and then hire a taxi to reach Nadara Bus Stand (4 km away).
10. Bhimbetka Cave, Amcha Khurd, Bhopal
A famous tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bhimbetka Caves or Rock Shelters will take you back to the early South Asian Stone Age. These caves are frequented by history buffs interested in learning about the early traces of human life in the Indian subcontinent. You can see many paintings in the oldest caves which are more than 30,000 years old.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Fly to Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal (58 km away) and take a bus or taxi.
- By Rail : Bhopal Junction is 47 km away. Hire a cab from there to reach Bhimbetka Caves.
- By Road: Private and government buses ply from Bhimbetka and connect to nearby villages and towns. You can also book a taxi.
11. Bhojpur Shiva Temple, Bhopal
Located in Bhojpur village of Bhopal, this 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an important place for the religious minded. Although the construction of the temple was not completed due to some unknown reasons, its grand architecture and 7.5 feet Shivlinga (with a base platform) attract tourists from all over. For more on the history of the temple, visit the attached museum.
- Best time to visit – October to April
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Hire a taxi after reaching Raja Bhoj International Airport (41 km away) in Bhopal.
- By Train: Reach Habibganj Railway Station (22 km away) or Bhopal Junction (30 km away) and then take a taxi.
- By Road: Take a bus from nearby towns to Bhopal Nadra Bus Stand (25 km away). Then hire a taxi to reach the temple.
12. State Tribal Museum, Bhopal
The State Tribal Museum in Bhopal showcases the tribal heritage of the city. Large colorful displays and well-planned art galleries with various themes depict the tribal lifestyle of the region. From full-size models of their homes to artifacts from everyday life, there’s plenty to see here. The museum hosts dance, music and drama performances every Friday and Sunday evening.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Ideal duration – 1-2 hours
- How to reach –
- By Air: Take a flight to Raja Bhoj International Airport (14 km away) in Bhopal and then hire a cab.
- By Rail: Bhopal Junction is 8 km away, from where you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Road: A well-organized network of roads and national highways connects Bhopal to Ujjain, Indore and other nearby places. Depot Chaurah Bus Stop is just 800 meters away.