Quick answer: The top things to do in Madhya Pradesh are a tiger safari in Bandhavgarh or Kanha, the Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain, the Bhedaghat ropeway, treks in Pachmarhi, sunrise at Khajuraho and the Sarafa night food market in Indore.
Want these in one trip? See our Madhya Pradesh tour packages. Looking for the places first? See our list of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
- 🐅 Tiger safari – Bandhavgarh or Kanha
- 🔥 Bhasma Aarti – Ujjain, at dawn
- 🚡 Ropeway – Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur
- 🥾 Trek – Pachmarhi caves and falls
- 🌅 Sunrise temples – Khajuraho
- 🍲 Night food walk – Sarafa, Indore
| Activity type | Best for |
|---|---|
| 🐅 Wildlife (1–6) | Families, photographers |
| 🕉 Spiritual (7–12) | Elders, pilgrims |
| 🥾 Adventure (13–17) | Friends, couples |
| 🏛 History and culture (18–22) | Everyone |
| 🛍 Food and shopping (23–28) | Everyone |
Wildlife Things to Do in MP
1Go on a Tiger Safari
Book at least 2 safaris. The morning safari gives the best chance.
2See the Barasingha in Kanha
The only place in the world to see the hard-ground Barasingha in the wild.
3Spot Cheetahs at Kuno
India brought cheetahs back from Africa here. A sighting is a bonus, not a promise.
4Walk or Canoe in Satpura
Walk in the jungle with a forest guide. Quiet, with few jeeps.
5Watch Birds
Winter brings many migrant birds. Carry binoculars.
6Stay in a Jungle Resort
Ask for a cottage facing the forest and enjoy the night sounds.
Spiritual Things to Do in MP
7Attend the Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain
Book only on the official temple website, and carry the same ID.
8Walk Through Mahakal Lok at Night
The statues and murals are lit up beautifully at night.
9Do the Omkareshwar Parikrama
A 7 km walk round the island, past small temples and ghats.
10See the Narmada Aarti
Float a small leaf lamp on the river after the aarti.
11Visit the Source of the Narmada
Amarkantak is cool even in summer. Carry a light jacket.
12Join the Ram Raja Aarti in Orchha
Here Lord Ram is a king and gets a police guard of honour every day.
Adventure Things to Do in MP
13Trek in Pachmarhi
Chauragarh has about 1,300 steps. Start early, carry water.
14Ride the Ropeway at Dhuandhar Falls
The best view of the falling "smoke" is from the middle of the ride.
15Boat Between the Marble Rocks
Go on a full moon night if the boats are running.
16Try Water Sports
Hanuwantiya's winter Jal Mahotsav has parasailing, jet ski and tents.
17Go Camping
Book only with approved camps.
History and Culture Things to Do in MP
18Watch a Light and Sound Show
Shows run in Hindi and English. Check the English show time.
19See Khajuraho at Sunrise
Hire a licensed guide. The carvings tell stories you will miss alone.
20See the Cave Paintings at Bhimbetka
Look for hunters, horses and dancers painted on the rock walls.
21Visit the Tribal Museum in Bhopal
One of the most colourful museums in India. Kids love it.
22Enjoy a Festival
Hotels fill up in festival weeks, so book early.
- Khajuraho Dance Festival – February
- Tansen Music Festival, Gwalior – December
- Lokrang, Bhopal – January
- Bhagoria tribal fair, Jhabua – before Holi
- Chauragarh Mela, Pachmarhi – Mahashivratri
Food and Shopping Things to Do in MP
23Buy a Saree From the Weavers
Buy from weaver societies or government shops to get real handloom.
24Take a Night Food Walk in Indore
Go hungry: poha, bhutte ka kees, garadu, jalebi, malpua.
25Shop for Local Crafts
Mrignayanee, the MP government shop, has fair prices.
- Gond paintings, dhokra metal work, Bagh print cloth, marble gifts
26Go River Rafting on the Betwa
A gentle float past the royal chhatris. Check locally first.
27Walk Through a Grand Fort
Hire a local guide at Gwalior and Mandu.
28. Shop in the Old Bazaars
| City | Market | What to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Indore | Sarafa, Rajwada, MT Cloth Market | Namkeen, sweets, fabric |
| Bhopal | Chowk Bazaar, New Market | Zari bags (batua), silver, attar |
| Gwalior | Sarafa, Patankar Bazaar | Gajak, carpets, stone work |
| Jabalpur | Bhedaghat stalls | Small marble gifts |
| Maheshwar | Weaver societies | Maheshwari sarees |
| Chanderi | Weaver lanes | Chanderi sarees |
Tip: bargain at street stalls, but not at government shops.
Which Season Suits Which Activity?
- ❄ Winter (Oct – Mar): safaris, festivals, forts
- ☀ Summer (Apr – Jun): tiger sightings, Pachmarhi
- 🌧 Monsoon (Jul – Sep): waterfalls, Mandu, Amarkantak
For a month-by-month guide, see the best time to visit Madhya Pradesh.
Want these experiences in one trip? Call or WhatsApp us, or send the enquiry form on this page. We book the safaris, hotels and car.
Ready-made packages:
- Kanha tour packages and Bandhavgarh tour packages
- Ujjain tour packages and Ujjain Omkareshwar tour
- Pachmarhi adventure tour
- Jabalpur tour packages
- Amarkantak tour packages
- Khajuraho tour packages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular thing to do in Madhya Pradesh?
A tiger safari in Bandhavgarh or Kanha, and the Bhasma Aarti in Ujjain.
What are fun things to do in MP with kids?
The Dhuandhar ropeway, Pachmarhi waterfalls, Van Vihar in Bhopal, the Tribal Museum and a morning safari.
What adventure activities are there in MP?
Treks in Pachmarhi, canoe and walking safari in Satpura, water sports at Hanuwantiya and camping.
What can I buy in Madhya Pradesh?
Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees, Bagh print cloth, Gond paintings, dhokra metal work and marble items.
Where can I shop in Madhya Pradesh?
Sarafa and Rajwada in Indore, Chowk Bazaar and New Market in Bhopal, Sarafa Bazaar in Gwalior, and the weaver lanes of Maheshwar and Chanderi.
Can I do river rafting in MP?
Yes, on the Betwa river at Orchha, when the water level allows. Check locally before you plan.
What can I do in MP at night?
Food walk at Sarafa Bazaar, Mahakal Lok lights, light and sound shows at forts and temples.
