Located in the heart of India, Bhopal is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. If you’re planning a quick escape from the city, you’re in luck. From serene Buddhist sites to grand royal forts, there’s no shortage of destinations to explore. Here’s a guide to the best weekend getaways from Bhopal, each offering a unique experience.
Top Weekend Getaways From Bhopal
Within 100 km
- Bhimbetka (46.4 km)
- Highlights: Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock shelters featuring prehistoric cave paintings. The site, nestled at the base of the Vindhya Range, offers a glimpse into early human life.
- Must-See: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Turtle Rock, Auditorium Cave, Bhojpur Temple
- How to Reach: Via NH 46
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Average Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 per person
- Sanchi (48.5 km)
- Highlights: Famous for its Buddhist stupas and monuments, Sanchi is a treasure trove of Buddhist art and architecture. It’s a perfect spot for those interested in Buddhism and ancient history.
- Must-See: Great Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sanchi Museum, Udayagiri Caves
- How to Reach: Bhopal-Vidisha Highway
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 per person
- Ratnapani (53.1 km)
- Highlights: Known for its wildlife sanctuary, Ratnapani is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. The sanctuary, located in the Vindhya Range, offers diverse flora and fauna.
- Must-See: Ratnapani Wildlife Sanctuary
- How to Reach: Via NH 46
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Average Cost: ₹600 per person (Car rental)
- Udayagiri (56.8 km)
- Highlights: Udayagiri is famous for its rock-cut caves, some of which date back to the 4th-5th century. These caves are significant for both Jain and Hindu heritage.
- Must-See: Skanda Temple, Udayagiri Cave sites
- How to Reach: Via Bhopal-Vidisha Highway
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Cost: ₹5,000 per person
- Vidisha (57.3 km)
- Highlights: A historical gem from the Gupta Empire, Vidisha offers a rich collection of temples and ancient ruins. It’s ideal for those interested in exploring historical sites.
- Must-See: Maladevi Temple, Vidisha District Museum, Udayeshwara Temple
- How to Reach: Via Bhopal-Vidisha Highway
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
- Average Cost: ₹1,500 to ₹1,900 per person (Car rental)
Within 100-300 km
- Hoshangabad (77.4 km)
- Highlights: Located on the banks of the Narmada River, Hoshangabad offers attractions like Satpura National Park and scenic spots like Bee Falls and Dhoopgarh.
- Must-See: Satpura National Park, Dhoopgarh, Chauragarh Peak
- How to Reach: Via NH 46
- Best Time to Visit: October to December
- Average Cost: ₹500 to ₹600 per person (Car rental)
- Ujjain (191 km)
- Highlights: Ujjain is one of the seven Moksha-puris and is known for the Kumbh Mela. The city’s rich spiritual heritage and historic temples make it a fascinating destination.
- Must-See: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ram Ghat, Jantar Mantar
- How to Reach: Via NH 86
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Average Cost: ₹900 to ₹1,000 per person (Car rental)
- Gidiya Khoh (193 km)
- Highlights: A hidden gem near Indore, Gidiya Khoh is ideal for trekking and nature lovers. The area transforms beautifully during the monsoon season.
- Must-See: Bhairav Kund, Mohadi Falls, Tincha Waterfalls
- How to Reach: Via NH 86 and NH 87
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Average Cost: ₹900 to ₹1,000 per person (Car rental)
- Indore (193 km)
- Highlights: Indore, a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and educational institutions, offers attractions such as Rajwada, Patalpani Waterfalls, and Sarafa Bazaar.
- Must-See: Rajwada, Khajrana Temple, Sarafa Bazaar
- How to Reach: Via NH 86
- Best Time to Visit: July to March
- Average Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 per person
- Pachmarhi (210 km)
- Highlights: Known as the queen of the Satpura Range, Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh’s only hill station. Its scenic beauty and cool climate make it an ideal retreat.
- Must-See: Pandav Caves, Jata Shankar Cave Temples, Duchess Falls
- How to Reach: Via NH 45 and MP SH 19
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Average Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Chanderi (214 km)
- Highlights: Famous for its Chanderi silk, this town is surrounded by hills and forests. The vibrant weaving industry and historical sites make it a unique destination.
- Must-See: Chanderi Fort, Koshak Mahal, Jageshwari Mata Temple
- How to Reach: Via Ashoknagar-Vidisha Road
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Average Cost: ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Mandu (291 km)
- Highlights: Known for its stunning architecture, Mandu features a blend of palaces, mosques, and tombs. It’s a great destination for history enthusiasts.
- Must-See: Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavilion
- How to Reach: Via NH 86 and NH 52
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Cost: ₹2,000 per person for a day tour
Within 300-500 km
- Jabalpur (321 km)
- Highlights: Located on the banks of the Narmada River, Jabalpur is known for its Marble Rocks and beautiful natural scenery.
- Must-See: Marble Rocks, Chausath Yogini Temple, Nidan Falls
- How to Reach: Via NH 45
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Average Cost: ₹9,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Khajuraho (373 km)
- Highlights: Known for its stunning temples, Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricate carvings and historical significance.
- Must-See: Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Vishwanatha Temple
- How to Reach: Via NH 146
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Average Cost: ₹9,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Gwalior (429 km)
- Highlights: Gwalior is renowned for its majestic fort and rich history. The city offers a mix of architectural wonders and cultural heritage.
- Must-See: Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Sun Temple
- How to Reach: Via NH 46
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Average Cost: ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per person
- Kanha (439 km)
- Highlights: Kanha National Park is one of India’s premier tiger reserves. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience India’s natural beauty.
- Must-See: Kanha National Park
- How to Reach: Via NH 45 and NH 30
- Best Time to Visit: October to June
- Average Cost: ₹16,000 to ₹17,000 per person
Explore these destinations for a refreshing break from Bhopal, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply escaping the hustle and bustle, there’s a getaway to suit every taste.
List of best weekend getaways Places from Bhopal
Places | Distance From Bhopal |
Bhimbetka | 46.4 kms |
Sanchi | 48.5 kms |
Ratnapani | 53.1 kms |
Udayagiri | 56.8 kms |
Vidisha | 57.3 kms |
Hoshangabad | 77.4 kms |
Ujjain | 191 kms |
Gidiya Khoh | 193 kms |
Indore | 193 kms |
Pachmarhi | 210kms |
Chanderi | 214 kms |
Mandu | 291 kms |
Jabalpur | 321 kms |
Khajuraho | 373 kms |
Gwalior | 429 kms |
Kanha | 439 kms |