“Incredible India” as a slogan for the tourism department is really appropriate for our country has beautiful destinations in every other corner. While some of the places are very commercialized, even though they completely deserve to be, there are those places in every state which deserve the attention of people more. Some such places in central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh) are -

1. Bhimbetka

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhimbetka is considered as the place of origin of the South Asian Stone Age. 30,000-year-old rock paintings have been found here with proof of first life in the Indian subcontinent over here as well. It’s just a 45km drive away from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

2. Mandu

A beautiful city which claims to have the oldest standing monument in India, Mandu has both historical and architectural splendour. It has the shrine which is the witness of the love between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The nearest big city is that of Indore. 

3. Bhedaghat

Marble rocks on both sides of the Narmada river and a boat ride through it under the moonlit sky – this place is simply gorgeous. It is one of those places you would want to experience as something on your bucket list. It is located 20kms from Jabalpur.

4. Mainpat

Excepting Dharamshala, Mainpat is another Tibetan settlement in India. The gomoas (temples) are major attractions here. The beauty to look out for lies in the wall murals in the monasteries. People with cholesterol and high blood pressure can visit the farms of tau as it is said to have healing properties. The nearest city is that of Ranchi from where trains leave to this destination 288kms away.

5. Sirpur

A place containing Hindu, Buddhist and Jain heritage, Sirpur was once a more honoured Buddhist destination (in the 6th to 10th century AD) than Nalanda. The richly carved and symmetrical temples contain idols of all the aforementioned religions alike. Panchatantra carvings can also be seen on the walls of the Teevardeo-sanctioned monastery here. It is 83kms away from Raipur.

6. Vidisha

If you are around Sanchi, do visit the historical city of Vidisha. The structures in this area are from Chandragupta II’s times. There are monuments as old as the 2nd century BC which has proof of the use of the lime mortar. From Hindu temples, the place now has Jain digambars. Vidisha is 57kms away from Bhopal. 

7. Maihar

Another destination close to Jabalpur, Maihar is the place where the collarbone of Sati fell in the great episode regarding her. It is, therefore, the seat of Sharada Devi on Trikuta Hill which reaches up to 1063 steps. Prithviraj Chauhan is a local hero from this area. While the history of this place traces back to the Paleolithic Era, it is also the home to Maihar music gharana instituted by Ustad Allauddin Khan.