Burhanpur

Tomb of Shah Nawaz Khan, Burhanpur

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Weather: Pleasant winters, hot summers
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Gateway to the South, Mughal Heritage City

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore, ~190 km from Burhanpur
By Train: Burhanpur Railway Station connects to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal, Agra, and Varanasi
By Road: Well-connected via NH53; regular buses from Indore, Bhopal, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, and Khandwa

Where to Stay?

Gandhi Chowk and Tapti Retreat Area – central location near historical sites, budget to mid-range hotels
Near Railway Station – convenient for transit travelers, affordable guesthouses and hotels

Packing List

  • Light cotton clothing for daytime
  • Light woolens for winter evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
  • Reusable water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Asirgarh Fort

A historic fort atop the Satpura hills, known as the Key of Deccan. Features a mosque, Shiva temple, and stunning panoramic views from 701 meters above sea level.

Shahi Qila

A majestic Mughal palace on the banks of Tapti River. Houses the royal Hamam bath built for Mumtaz Mahal and showcases exquisite Mughal architecture and paintings.

Jama Masjid

A 16th-century mosque completed by Emperor Akbar, featuring unique Sanskrit and Urdu inscriptions. Known for its impressive architecture and towering minarets.

Dargah-e-Hakimi

A beautiful marble mausoleum and pilgrimage site for Dawoodi Bohras, surrounded by sprawling gardens. Features intricate marble carvings and peaceful ambiance.

Kundi Bhandara

An ancient underground water supply system built by Mughal engineers in 1615. Features 108 interconnected wells showcasing remarkable medieval engineering.

Ahukhana

A historic deer park across the Tapti River, used as a royal hunting ground. The site where Mumtaz Mahal was temporarily buried for six months.

Shah Nawaz Khan’s Tomb

Known as the Black Taj Mahal, this striking monument features dark stone architecture and beautiful Persian-style design elements.

Ichhadevi Temple

A hilltop temple dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess, located 23 km from Burhanpur near the Maharashtra border. Offers scenic views and spiritual atmosphere.

Must-Try Experiences

Taste the Famous Mawa Jalebi

Indulge in Burhanpur’s signature sweet, thick dark jalebis made with mawa, sandalwood powder, and rose water, known as the King of Jalebis.

Walk Along Tapti River

Enjoy peaceful evening walks along the historic river that flows through the heart of the city, offering scenic views and cool breezes.

Explore Mughal Water Engineering

Take a guided tour of the Kundi Bhandara system to understand the ingenious water supply network that still functions today.

Visit Local Textile Markets

Shop for traditional Kalabattu-jari work, Mashru and Maheshwari sarees, showcasing Burhanpur’s rich textile heritage.

Attend Evening Prayers

Experience the spiritual atmosphere at Jama Masjid or Dargah-e-Hakimi during evening prayers and ceremonies.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Poha with jalebi, samosas, kachori with spicy chutney
Lunch: Dal bafla, biryani, kebabs with naan
Snacks: Mawa jalebi, bhutte ki kees, batla kachori

Culture & Local Life

Burhanpur is known as the Gateway to the South and served as the Mughal capital for a brief period. The city celebrates diverse festivals including Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Moharram, and Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti with equal fervor, reflecting its multicultural heritage. Local bazaars near Gandhi Chowk offer glimpses into daily life, while the Tapti riverbanks remain popular spots for evening gatherings. The city is famous for its textile industry, particularly power loom products and handwoven fabrics.

Local Insights

Languages: Hindi (primary), Urdu, English understood in tourist areas
Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, shared autos, local buses, and app-based cabs; horse-drawn carriages available for local tours
Safety Tips: The city is generally safe; avoid isolated areas after dark, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and keep valuables secure in crowded markets

Enjoy Your Yatra!

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