Pay homage to almighty at these 6 best pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh. Establish a spiritual connection to cultivate positivity and enlightenment. Whether you are a confused mind, weary soul, or broken heart, a well-spent holiday at the sacred and religious sites of Madhya Pradesh is a soul-stirring experience.
On your Madhya Pradesh tour, meet the Aghori Sadhu baba with lotus flowers crowned on their heads at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar and Harsiddhi temples. Re-examine the reminiscent of Hindu epic Ramayana at Chitrakoot.
Visit the Ram Raja Temple (India’s only temple), where Lord Rama is worshiped as King that too in a palace. Personally speaking, the “Heart of India” – Madhya Pradesh has a strong and unparalleled spiritual quotient.
For instance, the pilgrimage destinations in Madhya Pradesh are spiritually rewarding and largely hassle-free to explore. They all constitute an important reason behind the Madhya Pradesh tourism rise.
Ujjain is one of the Sapta Puris (known to grant Moksha). Alongside it, the Shipra River, Narmada, and Some are sacred rivers where devotees perform religious activities. The eastern part of Madhya Pradesh has UNESCO Heritage Khajuraho Group of Monuments known for their intricate erotic carvings. Unquestionably, it’s not hard to wonder why millions of tourists flock to Madhya Pradesh’s sacred and religious sites annually.
Here is the list of 6 Pilgrimage Sites in Madhya Pradesh
Pilgrimage Sites in Madhya Pradesh | Nearest Airport | Nearest Railway Station | Religious festivals |
Ujjain | Indore (56 km/1 hours 10 minutes) | Ujjain Junction (2 km/10 minutes) | Kumbh Mela, Kartik Mela, Mahashivratri |
Orchha | Gwalior (130 km/2 hours 30 minutes) | Jhansi Junction (16 km/35 minutes) | Diwali, Dussehra, Ram Navi |
Maheshwar | Bhopal (283 km/5 hours 10 minutes) | Barwaha Junction (50 km/1 hours) | Teez, Nag Panchami, Gudi Padava |
Amarkantak | Jabalpur (216 km/7 hours 10 minutes) | Jabalpur Junction (227 km/5 hours) | Narmada Jayanti, Makar Sankranti |
Omkareshwar | Indore (84 km/3 hour 10 minutes) | Omkareshwar Junction (12 km/18 minutes) | Omkar Mohotsav, Mahashivratri, Kartik Poornima |
Chitrakoot | Khajuraho (153 km/3 hours 30 minutes) | Khajuraho Junction (148 km/3 hours) | Shravan Jhoola Mela, Amavasya Fair, Navratri |
One needs to have sorted information on where to experience spirituality in Madhya Pradesh. Check out my pick of 6 pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh that allow the heart of India to proudly flaunt itself as one of the best pilgrimage destinations of India.
1. Ujjain – The Spiritual Capital of Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain is the spiritual capital of Madhya Pradesh and is one of the ideal sites for spiritual tourism in India. It is famous for hosting Kumbh Mela held every 12 years along with three other different cities of India.
Hence, Ujjain is one of the famous pilgrimage places in Madhya Pradesh. The temples here are throng with devotees the most during the Shravan month. The most famous aspect of Ujjain tourism is its Jyotirlingas (Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple) – one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
There are several ghats dotted around Ujjain as it is situated on the banks of the sacred Shipra River. If you have visited the holy cities like Hardiwar, Nasik, and Prayagraj, bookmark Ujjain to join the Hindu pilgrims taking baths on ghats. Feel timeless in Ujjain as you explore the temple trails from morning to dusk and get rewarded with the incense drifting around.
- Ideal Duration for Ujjain: 2 days maximum
- Places to Visit in Ujjain for Pilgrims: Kal Bhairav Temple, Gadikala Temple, Chintaman Ganesh Temple
- Top Hotels in Ujjain: Hotel Midland, Hotel King Palace, Hotel Abika Elite
Explore our Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Tour Package
2. Orchha – Admire the Stunning Temples and Cenotaphs
Amongst the lush forests of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa River. This city was established in the 16th century by the Rudra Pratap Singh – Bundela Rajput ruler and attained much hype because of Orchha Fort Complex.
There are palaces, temples, gardens, and pavilions inside the fort complex. During the Orchha day trip, visitors or devotees get enticed with many fairs and festivals celebrated across the town.
While you are in Orchha town, you must visit sacred and religious sites, including Laxminarayan Temple (dedicated to Goddess Laxmi) and Chaturbhuj Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). You must bond over at the funerary temples (known as Chhatris or Cenotaphs).
- Ideal Duration for Orchha: 2 days maximum
- Places to Visit in Orchha for Pilgrims: Laxmi Temple, Chatturbhuj Temple, Ram Raja Temple
- Top Hotels in Orchha: Amar Mahal Hotel, Orchha Palace Hotel, MPT Sheesh Mahal
Check out our Best of Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages
3. Maheshwar – Temple Town of Lord Shiva
Unfurl the reason why Madhya Pradesh Government has listed Maheshwar as one of their holy cities. Maheshwar has several ghats and temples, which is why it is often referred to as the mini Varanasi of Central India.
Since its setting is on the banks of the Narmada River, tourists can enjoy a boat ride in the morning or evening. Mythologically, Maheswar has its mention in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Therefore, there are many temples of Lord Shiva in Maheshwar.
The town got a new lease during the 18th century when the Maharani Ahilya Bai commissioned a pace and distinct Hindu Temples. Now Maheswar town bills itself as an important pilgrimage circuit of Madhya Pradesh. Maheshwar is another must-visit pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh. Women must shop for silk and cotton handloom sarees from Maheshwar.
- Ideal Duration for Maheshwar Tour: 2-3 days (approx.)
- Places to Visit in Maheshwar for Pilgrims: Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple, Ahilyabai Temple, Kaleshwar Temple
- Hotels to Stay in Maheshwar: Ahilya Fort Hotel, Hotel Raj Palace, Narmada Resort
Explore the heart of India with our 19 Days Madhya Pradesh tour package
4. Amarkantak – Where Sant Kabir Meditated
At an elevation of 1,048 m (3,438 ft), Amarkantak is one of the important Hindu pilgrimage centers as it is located on the convergence of the two hill ranges – Satpura and Vindhya. Alongside, the two sacred rivers Narmada and Son originate from here. One can discover many stories of Amarkantak like; Sanskrit poet Kalidas named this place because profound mangoes (Amra) trees are found here.
Other mythological stories say that Amarkantak is the same place where Lord Shiva destroyed Tripura through the fire, and his ashes fell here. Since it’s a hill station, the lush green environs, waterfalls are icing on the cake once you finish off the temple trail of Trimukhi Temple, Sonakshi Shaktipeeth Temple, Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev, Mai ki Bagiya. In quest for peace, Amarkantak is a good place amidst nature’s beauty.
- Ideal Duration for Amarkantak: 2 days maximum
- Places to Visit in Amarkantak for Pilgrims: Shiv Mandir, Narmada Temple, Shri Yantra Mandir
- Hotels to Stay in Amarkantak: MPT Holiday Homes, Hotel Shree Mata Sadan, Narmada Anandam Family Resort
5. Omkareshwar – Holy Town at the Sangam of Narmada & Kaveri
Mesmerizing landscape and invigorating spirituality are the traits of this other temple town. Omakareshwar is another important pilgrimage place in Madhya Pradesh because it is one of the two Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh. This temple town is positioned on the bisection of the Narmada and Kaveri River (both are sacred).
During their visit to December annually, Devotees can attend Omkar Mahotsav with full zest. Additionally, the Kartik Poornima is another travel highlight for Lord Shiva devotees. What’s unique about Omkareshwar Temple is its Hindu symbol ‘OM’ which is formed due to the placement of Omkareshwar town on Mandhata or Shivpuri Island.
- Ideal Duration for Omkareshwar: 2-3 days (approx.)
- Places to Visit in Omkareshwar for Pilgrims: Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Ahilya Ghat, Avatar Group of Temple
- Hotels to Stay in Omkareshwar: Hotel Om Shiva · Hotel New Geetashree · Hotel Ujjwal Palace
6. Chitrakoot – Where Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxmana Took Refuge
Trace Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Laxmana trail at Chitrakoot region. Many mythological stories and even fascinating legends depict that the forests of the Chitrakoot served the residing place to the trio (Lord Rama, his wife, and his brother) when they embarked on the exile of 14 years from the Ayodhya Kingdom.
Furthermore, Chitrakoot’s forested setting was the same place where the trio lived for 11 years out of 14 years of exile. Even more, Lord Lakshmana was a clever workman, and he also built a cottage for his brother, his wife, and himself to live in. Enlighten yourself on a trip to Chitrakoot Ram Ghats, Bharata Mandir, Yagya Vedi, Param Kutir, Sati Anasuya, Janaki Kund.
- Ideal Duration for Chitrakoot Tour: 2 days (approx.)
- Places to Visit in Chitrakoot for Pilgrims: Ram Ghat, Sati Anusuya Temple, Hanuman Dhara Temple, Sphatik Shila
- Hotels to Stay in Chitrakoot: Shree Jee Bhawan, MPT Tourist Bungalow, Chitrakoot, The River Front Resort
What’s Invigorating About Pilgrimage Sites in Madhya Pradesh?
One can cope up with change or uncertainty at the top pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh all year round. The spiritual head of Central India, Madhya Pradesh’s 7 towns are accorded with holy tag – Orchha, Maihar, Amarkantak, Ujjain, Chitrakoot, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar.
Over and above that, two out of 12 Jyotirlingas in India are in Madhya Pradesh – Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain district) and Omkareshwar (Khandwa district). Chitrakoot in Satna district belongs to Lord Rama and Ramayana, where he spent 11 out of 14 years in exile.
Furthermore, irrespective of the religion people follow, there is a vast range of spiritual attractions for Hindus, Jain, Buddhists, Muslims. Looking upon local’s perspective, the Narmada River, manicured Chitrakoot forest has had a spiritual aura since time immemorial. Traveling through the Madhya Pradesh sacred and religious sites is rewarding as all of them guarantee to bewitch the bevy of spirituality seekers.
Wrapping Up the Best Pilgrimage Places in Madhya Pradesh
Spiritual encounters in Madhya Pradesh sacred and religious places to visit could be clubbed with tiger sightseeings at Pench National Park. If you are enticed to read about the pilgrimage destinations of Madhya Pradesh, also read our Madhya Pradesh travel guide to unlock adventure, wildlife safari, culinary experiences, history tours, and much more!
Questions People Also Ask About Sacred and Religious Sites in Madhya Pradesh
Q. What are some must-visit temples in Madhya Pradesh? -
Ans: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, (Ujjain) · Saas Bahu Temple, (Gwalior), Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir (Ujjain), Kandariya Mahadeo Temple (Khajuraho)
Q. Which river flows through Orchha? -
Ans: Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa River, and hence, the same river flows through the town.
Q. When is the best time to visit pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh? -
Ans: October to March is the best time to visit pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh as the sun is cool above the head. Even more, the early summer months (April to May) and monsoon (July to September) are another great time to go to Madhya Pradesh's sacred and religious sites.
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