Located in the heart of India, Bhopal is one of the most admired places by travellers. The city has carefully preserved some of the unique architectural marvels from the pages of history. So, if you are planning for a short trip from Bhopal, you have a ton of options to choose from.

Moreover, the best thing about these weekend getaways from Bhopal is that it ranges from peaceful Buddhist monuments to majestic royal forts. This write-up is going to enlighten you with every basic detail you need to know for this short trip.

If you have been planning to take a short break from your busy schedule, check out these places near Bhopal for a weekend trip.

1. Bhimbetka | 46.4 kms

Bhimbetka is the most popular heritage site in Madhya Pradesh. As the archaeological sources suggest, the caves in Bhimbetka have the oldest evidence of human existence. Situated at the foothills of Vindhya Range, the site consists of 750 rock shelters. Most of these caves contain paintings of their era. So, if you find these archaeological facts fascinating, visit this site and explore more.

• How to Reach: Via NH 46
• Places to Visit: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Cave Paintings, Turtle Rock, Auditorium Cave, Bhojpur Temple and many more.
• Average Cost: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 9,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to April

2. Sanchi | 48.5 kms

Another popular weekend getaway from Bhopal is Sanchi. This place is known as an UNESCO world heritage site of Madhya Pradesh. Here you will find numerous Buddhist Stupas, monasteries and other monuments. For those who would like to explore the unknown facts of Buddhism, this is an ideal place to start.

• How to Reach: Bhopal-Vidisha Highway
• Places to Visit: Great Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, the Great Bowl, Sanchi Museum, Gupta Temple and Udayagiri Caves and many more.
• Average Cost: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 9,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

3. Ratnapani | 53.1 kms

At Ratnapani, the only attraction is its popular wildlife sanctuary which is one of the prominent ones in India. This natural reserve is based in the Vindhya Range and spread across more than 800 sq ft area. The landscape of this region is vast and varied. Those with a knack for wildlife photography must visit this place at least once to capture some amazing creatures amidst nature.

• How to Reach: Via NH 46
• Places to Visit: Ratnapani Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Average Cost: ₹ 600 per person (Car rental)
• Best Time to Visit: October to April.

4. Udayagiri | 56.8 kms

While planning weekend getaways from Bhopal, you must include Udayagiri in your list. These rock-cut caves are one of the popular archaeological sites in India, which is why you must not miss them. An interesting fact about this site is that, among the 20 caves, one of them is dedicated to Jainism, while others are dedicated to Hindu cults.

• How to Reach: Via Bhopal-Vidisha Highway
• Places to Visit: Skanda Temple, Udayagiri Cave sites
• Average Cost: ₹ 5,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

5. Vidisha | 57.3 kms

Historically, Vidisha was an important cultural heritage site of the Gupta Empire. Every year, thousands of people visit this place to explore the historical remains of the caves and temples. Therefore, you can find plenty of weekend resorts near Bhopal if you are planning to drive down to Vidisha.

• How to Reach: Via Bhopal-Vidisha Highway
• Places to Visit: Maladevi Temple, Vidisha District Museum, Hindola Torana, Udayeshwara Temple, Lohangi Pir, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 1,500 to ₹ 1,900 per person (Car rental)
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

6. Hoshangabad | 77.4 kms

The other name of the Hoshangabad district is Narmadapuram. Since it lies on the northern bank of the Narmada River, it got the name. If you choose to visit this place, you can either drive to the location or even avail of local transport.

• How to Reach: Via NH 46 
• Places to Visit: Satpura National Park, Dhoopgarh, Chauragarh Peak, Reechgarh, Pandav Caves, Handi Khoh, Bee Falls etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 500 to ₹ 600 per person (Car rentall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to December

7. Ujjain | 191 kms

The city of Ujjain existed even before the Mahabharata era. This beautiful city is situated on the banks of the Kshipra River. Besides being a part of the important centres of the Mauryan dynasty, this place is mostly known as the site of Kumbh Mela. If you manage to sneak out a weekend during this festival, it would be a great treat to experience.

• How to Reach: Via NH 86
• Places to Visit: Mahakaleshwar Temple, Kal Bhairava Temple, Ram Ghat, Jantar Mantar, Chaubis Khamba Temple, Vikram Kirti Mandir, Mangalnath Temple and many more.
• Average Cost: ₹ 900 ₹ 1,000 per person (Car rental)
• Best Time to Visit: November to February

8. Gidiya Khoh | 193 kms

A lesser-known weekend getaway from Bhopal is Gidiya Khoh. This is a trekking route from Indore. The place completely changes its colour during the rainy seasons. With the splashing sound of the waterfalls and the serene view, this can be a perfect place to escape from the mundane schedule.

• How to Reach: Via NH 86 and NH 87
• Places to Visit: Bhairav Kund, Mohadi Falls, Hatyari Khoh, Tincha Waterfalls, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 900 to ₹ 1,000 per person  (Car rental)
• Best Time to Visit: June to September

9. Indore | 193 kms

Indore is the most populous city in Madhya Pradesh. The main attraction of this city is its charming nature and rich cultural heritage. As it is also an educational hub of India, every weekend, students embark on a journey to explore the nooks and corners of the city.

• How to Reach: Via NH 86
• Places to Visit: Rajwada, Lal Bagh Palace, Khajrana Temple, Sarafa Bazaar, Patalpani Waterfalls, Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary, Choral Dam, Tincha Falls, Indore White Church, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 9,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: July to March

10. Pachmarhi | 210 kms

Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, and it is termed the queen of the Satpura Range. This can be your ideal weekend getaway near Bhopal. However, you must stay here for at least one night or two days to completely immerse yourself in the scenic beauty.

• How to Reach: Via NH 45 and MP SH 19
• Places to Visit: Pandav Caves, Jata Shankar Cave temples, Gupt Mahadev Cave, Rajendragiri Sunset Point, Apsara Vihara Waterfall, Duchess Falls, Reechgarh Cave, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 10,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: September to March

11. Chanderi | 214 kms

This small town, situated between Malwa and Bundelkhand, is bordered by innumerable hills, deep forests, and lakes. The vibrant weaving industry is one of the major attractions that draw people to this place. Many people visit this town on weekends to explore and shop for pure Chanderi silks.

• How to Reach: Via Ashoknagar-Vidisha Road
• Places to Visit: Chanderi Fort, Koshak Mahal, Badal Mahal Gate, Jageshwari Mata Temple, Jama Masjid, Ramnagar Palace, Khandargiri, Battisi Bawri, Parameshwar Tal etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 10,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.

12. Mandu | 291 kms

Mandu is an excellent example of architectural brilliance. Situated in the Malwa and Nimar regions, the city dates back to the 6th century. The unique feature of this place is the blend of palaces, mosques, tombs, and gardens, owing to the rich cultural heritage of our nation. This is also a great choice as another weekend getaways from Bhopal.

• How to Reach: Via NH 86 and NH 52
• Places to Visit: Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Baz Bahadur Palace, Jami Masjid, Hoshang Shah Tomb, Ashrafi Mahal, Kakda Kho Waterfalls, Chappan Mahal Museum, and many more.
• Average Cost: ₹ 2,000 per person for a day tour (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

13. Jabalpur | 321 kms

One of the many popular places near Bhopal for the weekend is Jabalpur. Its location, on the banks of the Narmada River, acts as a major attraction for tourists to visit this place. Moreover, it has several attractions, from historical monuments to breathtaking natural sceneries.

• How to Reach: Via NH 45
• Places to Visit: Marble Rocks, Chausath Yogini Temple, Balancing Rock, Rani Durgavati Museum, Gwarighat, Dumna Nature Reserve Park, Tilwara Ghat, Nidan Falls, Bargi Dam, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 9,000 to  ₹ 10,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: September to March

14. Khajuraho | 373 kms

Khajuraho is among the most popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Once, this city was the capital of the Chandela Rajputs but was later abandoned. It was only during the 1800s that the famous Khajuraho temples were rediscovered. If you find Indian art and architecture interesting, it is highly recommended to visit Khajuraho.

• How to Reach: Via NH 146
• Places to Visit: Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Vishwanatha Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Vamana Temple, Jain Group of Temples, Raneh Falls, Archaeological Museum, Brahma Temple, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 10,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: September to March

15. Gwalior | 429 kms

You can consider Gwalior the most beautiful city in Madhya Pradesh. The famous Gwalior Fort was described as the pearl among the other fortress in India. Another identity of this city is that it is the tourist capital of Madhya Pradesh. So, if you live nearby, plan a fun weekend trip to Gwalior.

• How to Reach: Via NH 46
• Places to Visit: Gwalior Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Sun Temple, Gwalior Zoo, Chhatris of Scindia Dynasty, Toms of Mohammed Ghaus and Tansen, Tigra Dam, Italian Garden, Dargah Hazrat Khwaja Khanoon Sahib, etc.
• Average Cost: ₹ 6,000 to ₹ 10,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

16. Kanha | 439 kms

Kanha is settled in the central region of Madhya Pradesh and ranks among the most popular tiger reserves in the country. It is also the most well-preserved and managed wildlife sanctuary. Every year many tourists visit Kanha to dive into the wilderness and be a witness to the incredible natural habitat. If you are also keen on adventure, this can be the best weekend getaway from Bhopal.

• How to Reach: Via NH 45 and NH 30
• Places to Visit: Kanha National Park
• Average Cost: ₹ 16,000 to ₹ 17,000 per person (Overall)
• Best Time to Visit: October to June