Leisure tourism in Madhya Pradesh offers a glimpse of the rich historical background and cultural heritage of the state. There are several places of historical interest in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Like for instance, Gwalior is one of the historically significant places of the state.

History says that it was established in the 8th century AD and named after Saint Gwalipa. Rajput valour and chivalry are redolent in the very stones of 15th century palace of Raja Man Singh, located in the citadel. The fort also houses the Teli-ka-Mandir, and ancient temple. Gujri Mahal located at the foothill of the fort has one of the finest museums of sculpture in the country. The Priencely State of Orchha and Shivpuri are other places worth visiting.

Indore, Ujjain, and Mandu are three historically significant places of Madhya Pradesh. Indore and Mandu have historical characteristics while Ujjain possesses historical-cum-religious importance. Ujjain is a religious place; there are many holy shrines in this city. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Shipra River, is known the world over. Bhimbetka, Bhojpur District, Sanchi and Bhopal are popular tourist places having historical characteristics. Further, Gwalior, Shivpuri and Chanderi are the places, which also have references in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Before independence, these places were under the princely states, particularly under the Scindia dynasty.

Further, the tourist places of Madhya Pradesh can be further classified according to their nature, such as historical set-up, cultural imprints, and cultural-cum-historical background. According to the nature of tourist places, it has been found that historical places have outnumbered the natural and religious places in Madhya Pradesh. Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela king, Rudra Pratap. The landscape of Orchha is dotted with palace and fortress, ruling temple and cenotaph. The architecture is a synthesis Indian and Saracenic and ornate Mughal styles. Further, Madhya Pradesh State Archaeological Museum has a fine assortment of 12th century Jain bronzes. It has also a series of stone sculptures mostly from the 6th to 10th centuries.

There is also a black granite figure of standing Gautama Buddha preserved in the museum. Bharat Bhavan at the capital Bhopal has a museum of tribal art, which gives a representative picture of the crafts of these woodsmen. Another popular historical place of Madhya Pradesh is the Rajwada palace in Indore. Except these places, this central land of the country was a battlefield, having historical sagas, monuments, cultural imprints, etc. Truly, the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh offers the ideal tourist package.