5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh

Blessed with rich culture, the opulence of historical sites and diverse wildlife, Madhya Pradesh, the "Heart of India", has a plethora of treats for both seasoned and new tourists. Therefore, whether your vacation goal is an adventure or a cultural extravaganza, Madhya Pradesh will charm you unexpectedly.

However, what truly fascinates tourists across the globe is the UNESCO world heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh. Keep scrolling to know about them in detail.

1. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)

Built by the Chandela Dynasty in the mediaeval age, Khajuraho is an enormously rich cultural heritage of India. The temples built in the 10th and 12th centuries exhibit profound and intrinsic aspects of the history, culture and social evolution of the bygone era.

• Location: Chhatarpur District
• Ideal Time to Explore: October to March
• Hours of Operation: 8 AM to 6 PM; stays open every day a week
• Entry Fee: For Indians ₹40/person, free for children below 15 years, for foreigners ₹600/person and for tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries ₹40/person. You will have to pay extra to explore museums and watch shows.

2. Sanchi Stupa (1989)

The stupas (hemispherical structures), viharas, temples, and stambha (pillar) at Sanchi are among the most stunning aniconic arts in India. The free-standing architecture comprehensively depicts the Buddhism philosophy between the 3rd century BCE and the 12th century CE.

• Location: Sanchi Town, Raisen District
• Ideal Time to Explore: October to March
• Hours of Operation: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM; stays open every day of a week
• Entry Fee: For Indians ₹40/person, for children below 15 years free, for foreigners ₹600/person and for tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries ₹40/person.

3. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (2003)

An archaeological treasure and UNESCO world heritage site in Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters have been standing since the Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic eras. There are approximately 750 rock shelters and 7 hills spanning 10 km. Out of this 500 are canvases of the oldest paintings in India adorned by many.

• Location: Bhojpur Raisen, Bhopal District
• Ideal Time to Explore: October to April
• Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: For Indians ₹10/person and for foreigners ₹100/person

4. Bhedaghat (2021)

Bhedaghat is famous for its incredible natural beauty, marble rocks and the several morphological glittering forms on both sides of the Narmada River which flows through the gorge. Bhedaghat is also home to the famous Dhuandhar Falls. However, Bhedaghat has been on UNESCO’s tentative list of natural world heritage sites.

• Location: Jabalpur district
• Ideal Time to Explore: September to March
• Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Entry Fee: ₹30 per head per side for boat

5. Satpura Tiger Reserve (2021)

Satpura Tiger Reserve is one of the famous national parks in Madhya Pradesh, profoundly known for its diverse wildlife population and exciting safaris. Additionally, it has rich biological diversity with more than 1300 species of plant. This site also offers mesmerising views of several caves, waterfalls and other landscape features.

• Location: Narmadapuram District
• Ideal Time to Explore: October to June
• Hours of Operation: 10:30 AM to 5:30 AM (office hours); 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM (safari timings during the summer season); 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM (safari timings during winters)
• Entry Fee: For Indians ₹3800/person and foreigners ₹5800/person

Note: Prices are updated as of April 2023 and may vary

As per UNESCO, a site must meet the following 9 natural and cultural criteria to be listed as a World Heritage Site.

• A site with notable examples of ongoing prominent ecological and biological procedures resulting in the development and evolution of nature has a chance to be a World Heritage Site.
• It should certify aesthetic genius.
• The site must exhibit natural habitats of biological diversity, including extinct species of notable universal importance.
• It must bear significant examples of landscapes or buildings that potentially hold a place in history, architecture or technology.
• The place should be tangibly or directly associated with existing events, beliefs, traditions, ideas, artistry and literary traits of universal importance. The Committee assess this parameter with the other criteria.
• It must exchange human values related to monumental arts, town planning and landscape design, technology or architecture.
• If a site was a haven for endangered tradition, human settlement occurred due to irreversible changes and represents a human interaction or culture with nature, the Committee may list it as a Heritage Site.
• A place possessing an exceptional testimony of any existing or extinct civilisation or culture is often regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the Committee.
• A site must embellish remarkable stages of the earth's history. It can be related to any geomorphic or physiological aspects, any distinct geological process that develops ongoing landforms and a record of life.

These UNESCO world heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh mentioned above exude timelessness in every possible way. From north to south, east to west, the "Heart of India" is an intoxicating blend of awe-inspiring arts, incredible history and picturesque sights.