Sehore

Saru-Maru Caves

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Weather: Cold winters, hot summers, monsoon rains
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Ancient Buddhist caves, heritage temples, spiritual hilltop shrines

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal, ~37 km from Sehore
By Train: Sehore Railway Station connects to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, and Bhopal
By Road: Well-connected via NH 46; regular buses from Bhopal, Indore, and nearby cities

Where to Stay?

Sehore City Center – budget hotels and guesthouses, local market access
Bhopal – wider accommodation options, just 37 km away

Packing List

  • Light cotton clothing for summer
  • Warm layers for winter evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Rain gear during monsoon

Top Places to Visit

Salkanpur Temple (Vindhyawasini Mata Temple)

A sacred hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, situated at 800 feet elevation. Climb 1,400 steps or take the ropeway for breathtaking views.

Saru-Maru Caves

Ancient Buddhist monastic complex with rock shelters and stupas dating back to the Ashokan period, showcasing inscriptions and historical significance.

Kolar Dam

A scenic dam 35 km from Sehore, perfect for boating, bird watching, and nature photography surrounded by lush greenery.

All Saints’ Church

Built in 1838 by British political agent, this Neo-Gothic church on the banks of River Siwan is a replica of a Scottish church with beautiful stained glass windows.

Chintaman Siddha Ganesh Mandir

An ancient Ganesh temple 3 km from Sehore in Gopalpura village, attracting thousands of devotees especially on Wednesdays.

Cenotaphs of Kunwar Chain Singh

A 15th-century memorial featuring Indo-Islamic architecture made of red sandstone, dedicated to a minister in Sultan Mahmud Khilji’s court.

Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary

Spanning across Sehore and Raisen districts, this sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and houses the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.

Crescent Water Park

One of Madhya Pradesh’s largest water parks, offering family-friendly fun with multiple pools, slides, and an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant.

Must-Try Experiences

Climb to Salkanpur Temple

Experience the spiritual journey of climbing 1,400 steps to the hilltop temple during Navratri when thousands of devotees make the pilgrimage.

Explore Ancient Buddhist Caves

Visit Saru-Maru Caves to witness rock inscriptions from the Ashokan era and understand the region’s Buddhist monastic history.

Boating at Kolar Dam

Enjoy peaceful boat rides surrounded by Vindhyachal hills, especially beautiful at sunset.

Wildlife Safari at Ratapani

Take a safari through teak forests to spot tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

Visit Heritage Architecture

Explore the colonial-era All Saints’ Church and the Indo-Islamic Cenotaphs showcasing Sehore’s architectural diversity.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Poha-jalebi combo, kachori with chutney
Lunch: Dal bafla with churma and ghee, bhutte ka kees
Snacks: Samosa, namkeen, sev, mawa bati

Culture & Local Life

Sehore stands at the foothills of the Vindhya Range in the heart of the Malwa region. The city has a rich spiritual heritage with influences from Shaiva, Shakta, Jain, Vaishnav, Buddhist, and Nath traditions. Ancient lore suggests that Maharshi Patanjali spent time here in meditation.

The district celebrates grand festivals, especially during Navratri at Salkanpur Temple when lakhs of devotees visit. Local markets offer a glimpse into traditional Malwa culture, while the presence of ancient caves, colonial churches, and Hindu temples reflects the region’s diverse religious harmony.

Local Insights

Languages: Hindi (primary), English widely understood
Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, buses, and hired taxis; Bhopal metro accessible from nearby
Safety Tips: Carry water during temple visits, wear comfortable shoes for climbing, respect religious sites, avoid peak afternoon heat in summer

Enjoy Your Yatra!

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