13 Historical Places You Should Visit In Central India

With the richness of great culture, traditions and a historical past, Central India is the ideal place for archaeologists and history buffs. From magnificent forts to majestic palaces and palatial temples, the region makes for a must-visit historical site. If you are someone always curious to explore history and architecture, then check out these amazing places to visit.

Indore – The land of Holkars

Indore is known to be the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, and also the largest city of the state. The city hugely prospered during the reign of Malhar Rao Holkar. The greatest tourist attraction is the Rajwada Palace situated in the center of the city. Here you get to see the unique blend of European, Mughal and Hindu-Rajputana architecture. Other historic places to visit include the Lal Baag Palace, and the Kaanch Mandir, which is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir, and built entirely out of mirrors and glass.

Rajwada Palace, Rajwada, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, +91 1800 233 7777

Lal Baag Palace, Triveni Colony, Indore, India

Kaanch Mandir, Itwariya Bazaar, Indore, India

The Rajwada Palace near the bustling Khajuri Bazaar

The remains of Mandu

The city of Mandu is a testimony to the love between Rani Roopmati and Prince Baaz Bahadur. The city has exotic remains of ancient palaces, tombs, and reservoirs. The most popular tourist attraction of Mandu is the Jahaz Mahal, which was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji. The palace is built between two artificial lakes called Munj and Kapur Talao, at a height of 110 meters, on slender land, and therefore looks like a floating structure or Jahaz (ship). Other interesting places include Hindola Mahal or Swinging Palace, and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, which is India’s first marble structure and also known to have inspired the Taj Mahal.

Jahaz Mahal, Sulibardi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Hindola Mahal, Sulibardi, Madhya Pradesh, India,+91 79996 84105

Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Mandu, Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India,+91 72922 63225

The city of Rani Lakshmibai, Jhansi

Jhansi is known to be the most famous historic town of India. It is the city where the first Independence war against the British took place in 1857. Jhansi Fort is the most popular tourist attraction here, which was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo of Bundel. Such is the architecture, that to enter the walls of the fort, you have to cross the 10 gates that are spread across the outer edge of the city. The Jhansi Fort is a mix of Jain, Rajputana and Indo-Islamic style of architectures. The Rani Mahal near the fort has been converted into an archeological museum which houses a great collection of ancient artifacts.

Jhansi Fort, Jhokan Bagh, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India,+91 510 244 2325

Rani Mahal. Manik Chowk, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India,+91 510 232 8220

The historic town of Burhanpur

Burhanpur is situated on the bank of river Tapti and was discovered as well as named by the Sultan of Khandesh. The most impressive of all monuments is the Shahi Qila. Built inside the Qila is the Zenana Shahi Hammam, which was a royal and luxurious bath built for Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz. Just opposite to the fort lies the Ahukhana or the deer park which was the hunting ground of Shah Jahan. Other places to explore include Aasirgarh Fort, Dargah-e-Hakimi and the Burhanpur Gurudwara.

Shahi Qila, Rajpura Road, Monin Pura, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India,+91 96172 74414

Dargah-e-Hakimi, Shah Colony, Lodhipura, Burhanpur, India,+91 73252 45152

Aasirgarh Fort, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India