Top 10 Historical Monuments of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh also called as the “Heart of India,” is very rich in history and heritage, housing list of remarkable old monuments that reflect its diverse cultural legacy. Here are the top 10 historical monuments of Madhya Pradesh:

1. Khajuraho Group of Monuments

• Location: Chhatarpur District
• Highlights: Famous for their intricate and erotic sculptures, these Hindu and Jain temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to medieval Indian art and architecture.

2. Sanchi Stupa

• Location: Raisen District
• Highlights: One of the oldest stone structures in India, built by Emperor Ashoka, the stupa is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Gwalior Fort

• Location: Gwalior
• Highlights: Known as the “Gibraltar of India,” the fort is a colossal structure with beautiful palaces, temples, and a unique architectural style.

Datia is also an ancient town, mentioned in the Mahabharata, situated near Gwalior and home to gorgeous buildings, structures and forts.

4. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

• Location: Raisen District
• Era: Paleolithic Period (over 100,000 years old)
• Highlights: This UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient rock art and prehistoric cave paintings, offering insights into early human life in India.

5. Orchha Fort Complex

• Location: Niwari District
• Highlights: A magnificent fort with palaces and temples like Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, and the Ram Raja Temple, reflecting the grandeur of Bundela architecture.

6. Mandu

• Location: Dhar District
• Highlights: An ancient city known for its palaces, mosques, and tombs, including Jahaz Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, and the Hindola Mahal, showcasing Afghan architecture.

7. Maheshwar

• Location: Khargone District
• Highlights: An ancient town on the north bank of the Narmada River, Famous for Ahilya Fort, Royal Palace, Ek Mukhi Datta Temple and famous Lord Shiva Maheshwar Mandir along with near by Mandleshwar and Omkareshwar – one of the Two jyotirlingas of Shiva in MP.

8. Chanderi

• Location: Ashoknagar District
• Highlights: An ancient town of historical importance, surrounded by hills southwest of the Betwa River and spotted with several monuments of the Bundela Rajputs and famous for Jain Temples and Chanderi Saree.

9. Burhanpur

• Location: Burhanpur District
• Highlights: A historical city of Madhya Pradesh on the bank of the Tapti River, known for its Asirgarh Fort, Mosques, and Qila along with tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan.

10. Jabalpur

• Location: Jabalpur District 
• Highlights: The City of Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, Dhuandhar Falls, Madan Mahal Fort, Chausath Yogini Temple and renowned tiger reserves like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Pench National Park.

Other famous places to visit in Madhya Pradesh are Vidisha for terracotta objects, Datia for seven storey hilltop palace, Bhojpur for magnificient shiva temple, Bateshwar Hindu temples in Morena, Bhopal and Indore city.