15 Best Unexplored & Lesser Known Places in Madhya Pradesh

Fossil National Park 

One of the most interesting and lesser known places in Madhya Pradesh, Ghughua Fossil National Park is a treasure of plant fossils. It is extimated that some of these fossils are over 65 million years old.

If you are interested in archaeology, you must visit this place located in Dindori district, near Shahpura in Madhya Pradesh. This national park featuring fossils of plants, trees, fruits, and seeds was founded in 1983 and has been an attraction to tourists from India and foreign countries since then. 

Famous For: Plant fossils dating as far back as 65 million years.

Location: Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 76 km from Jabalpur.

Bhojpur Shiv Temple 

Frequented by thousands of devotees every month, this renowned temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the construction of the temple was started somewhere in the 11th century but was abandoned midway through due to reasons unknown.

The temple has been built out of sandstone blocks and features brilliant architecture along with intricate carvings and sculptures of various gods and goddesses. There is also a Shivalingam in the sanctum. Moreover, there is a small museum dedicated to the temple where you can get more details about the temple.

Famous For: Architecture and religious significance.

Location: Bhojpur Town, Raisen District.

Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 28 km from Bhopal.

Udaygiri Caves 

Udaygiri Caves is a chain of 20 rock-cut caves and is one of the unexplored places in Madhya Pradesh. The caves are believed to have been originated in the 5th century CE. The major factor making these caves a must-visit offbeat place is the presence of some of the oldest Hindu temples.

If you are interested in archaeology, do not skip this place on your visit to Madhya Pradesh as it is one of the most significant archaeological sites in India. The caves also feature iconography of Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism.

Famous For: an Important archaeological site featuring iconography.

Location: Vidisha District.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 56 km from Bhopal.

Temples of Panna 

The town of Panna is among the unexplored places in Madhya Pradesh that have a lot to explore. Panna is dotted with many prominent religious sites, majorly ancient Hindu temples.

If you want to explore Hinduism and take a closer look at its culture, a visit to Panna is a must. Some of the most famous temples of Madhya Pradesh here are Jugal Kishoreji Temple, Baldeoji Temple, and Mahamati Prannathji Temple.

These temples exhibit the blended splendor of Mughal and Hindu architectures.

Famous For: Hindu temples featuring brilliant architectures.

Location: Panna District.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 40 km from Khajuraho.

Ken Gharial Sanctuary 

Madhya Pradesh boasts a wide range of wildlife sanctuaries and Ken Gharial Sanctuary is one of the lesser known places in Madhya Pradesh, ideal for wildlife adventure. As the name suggests, the star attraction at the sanctuary is Gharial.

Besides, other species like Chinkara, Cheetal, and Wild Boar can also be spotted here. The sanctuary also houses a vast range of flora species including Lagerstroemia parvis flora, Teak, Sal, Saja and many more. Many nature and wildlife photographers also frequent Ken Gharial Sanctuary.

Famous For: Flora and fauna species, especially Gharial.

Location: Chhatarpur District.

Boating Timings: 7 AM to 9 Am and 4 PM to 5 PM.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 25 km from Khajuraho.

Burahnpur 

Please the history buff in you by visiting the historical places on your visit to Madhya Pradesh. The town of Burhanpur, which once served as the capital of Mughal Kingdom, features a range of specimens of brilliant Mughal architecture including mosques, tombs, and palaces.

Situated on the banks of Tapti River, Burhanpur was known as “The Gateway to Southern India” due to its geographical location. It is also a perfect place if you enjoy capturing the culture of a place in your camera as this town will give you a lot of opportunities for photography when you are here.

Famous For: Historical monuments exhibiting Mughal architecture.

Location: Nimar Region of Madhya Pradesh

Timings: Open 24 hours.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 181 km from Indore.

Chanderi 

The town of Chanderi is famous for two major reasons – Chanderi sarees and the forts and palaces it is home to. The town boasts a great historical significance through various historical forts of Madhya Pradesh.

Besides, it is also a very scenic destination like hills, lakes, and monuments dot its land and peripheries. It is believed that Chanderi housed 1200 bavlis or stepwells in the past.

It is also a significant religious center of the Jain community. Some of the most exquisite sites in the town are Koshak Mahal, Jama Masjid, Shehzadi Ka Roza, and Chanderi Fort.

Famous For: The town has an impressive collection of forts, mosques, and temples.

Location: Ashoknagar District, Madhya Pradesh.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 127 km from Shivpuri.

Bateshwar 

If you wish to experience the best blend of spirituality and history in one place, there are few places like Bateshwar in India. Housing a collection of about 200 ancient Hindu temples made of sandstone, Bateshwar is among the unexplored places in Madhya Pradesh which you should definitely explore on your visit to this state delivering old world charm.

These gorgeous temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti, and make this site a revered one not only among the followers of Hinduism but also among explorers and photographers.

These temples were built between the 8th and the 10th century.

Famous For: A collection of 200 ancient Hindu temples and their brilliant architecture.

Location: Morena District.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 35 km from Gwalior.

Kuno National Park 

Among the most underrated wildlife parks in the state, Kuno National Park is an absolute delight for any traveller interested in exploring the lesser known places in Madhya Pradesh. Apart from housing a wide range of animals and exotic plants, this national park is preparing to become the second home for Asiatic lions in India after Gir National Park.

Along with a range of avifauna, the national park houses animal species like Tiger, Leopard, Blue Bull, Barking Deer, etc. This abode of wildlife is a perfect place for wildlife adventure and nature photography. 

Famous For: Besides existing biota, lions and cheetahs are being planned to be introduced to the park.

Location: Sheopur District.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 102 km from Gwalior.

Pagara Dam

Not too many people, especially tourists, know about this scenic site which is apt for adventurous camping in Madhya Pradesh. Pagara Dam is one of the hidden gems in Madhya Pradesh, made on Asan River, not too far from Gwalior.

The beautiful views of sunset and sunrise that you can witness here make it an excellent spot for shutterbugs too. You can plan a weekend getaway with your friends to Pagara Dam and take back with you memories worth treasuring. You can also indulge in cycling and boating at Pagara Dam.

Famous For: A campsite featuring beautiful scenery and activities.

Location: Joura Town, Morena.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 75 km from Gwalior.

Patalkot 

If you are on a hunt to discover places in Madhya Pradesh that are off the beaten path, Patalkot – Village From Netherworld – awaits your visit with its surprisingly beautiful terrains and breathtaking views.

It is a valley that lies buried in the plush green covers of vegetation in Satpura range at an elevation of over 3000 feet and was not known to too many people a couple of decades ago. The valley is majorly inhabited by Gonds and Bharias, which are tribal communities.

You can visit this place in Madhya Pradesh for landscape photography or satiate your wanderlust.

Famous For: Unexplored valley featuring picturesque landscapes.

Location: Chhindwara District.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 78 km from Chhindwara.

Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

If the famed wildlife sanctuaries have not satisfied the jungle enthusiast in you, a visit to Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary is the choice you must make. The sanctuary, cradled in Vindhya Range, houses a wide range of flora and fauna species including Royal Bengal Tiger in its deep jungles. Besides, Leopard, Jackal, Hyena, etc. can also be sighted here.

The sanctuary spanning over an area of 823 sq. km encompasses valleys, hills and plains and plateaus. Include Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in your Madhya Pradesh itinerary to elate the fun.

Famous For: Wide range of flora, fauna, and avifauna. Ideal for nature photography.

Location: Raisen District.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 50 km from Bhopal.

Asirgarh Fort 

There is no dearth of places in Madhya Pradesh that exhibit the glory of the state’s rich past. Asirgarh Fort ideally located on the lush green hills of Satpura Range is one of the unexplored places in Madhya Pradesh.

This 15th-century fort was built by emperor Asi Ahir. The Mughal architecture of the fort displays a blend of Afghan, Turkish, Persian and Indian architectural elements. The fort is a visual treat for any history lover.

The fort is also believed to be haunted by many, which makes it all the more exciting to visit it. This fort is among one of the must place to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Famous For: The fort is famous for its architecture and the history pertaining to the phases it stood witness to.

Location: Burhanpur.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 21 km from Burhanpur. 

Sagar

A picturesque town, Sagar is situated on the spur of the Vindhya Range. Sagar is one of the lesser known places in Madhya Pradesh and is located in the heart of it. It is acknowledged for its contribution towards Hindi literature being the home to many writers and poets.

It magnetizes people who have a soft spot in their hearts for ancient history, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil places. Lakha Banjara Lake is a stunning lake with lush green mountains standing behind it. Witnessing Sagar has become one of the most prominent tourist things to do when you are in Madhya Pradesh.

Other prominent places to visit here are Varun Smriti Park, Jama Masjid, Hanuman Temple, Makronia and many other religious sites to get drenched into the colors of spirituality.

Famous For: Cultural heritage.

Timings: Open 24 hours.

Location: Sagar District.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 170 km from Bhopal.

Chambal Sanctuary 

Madhya Pradesh boasts about numerous natural parks, tiger reserves, and sanctuaries. One gem of a sanctuary that is unexplored is National Chambal Sanctuary, also known as National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

It is located at the Chambal River close to a tripoint of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This sanctuary is home for the critically endangered species such as red-crowned roof turtle and endangered Ganges river dolphin. Besides, Crocodile, Indian Wolf, Bengal Fox, Wild Boar, and Striped Hyena can also be found here.

The sanctuary houses and hosts at least 320 avifauna species. You can explore the biota here on a jungle safari.

Famous For: Home to many endangered species and famous for safaris.

Location: Palghat, Madhya Pradesh.

Distance from Major City: It is located at a distance of 70 km from Agra.