Khandwa: Temples, River Landscapes and Hanuwantiya

Khandwa brings together religious sites and historic buildings in the city with a varied landscape and water experiences in the district. In Khandwa Town, temples and a historic kund take centre stage; Hanuwantiya is a destination for water tourism on the backwaters of the Indira Sagar Reservoir. The area also features natural contrasts between the Narmada Valley and the Satpura Range. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these different highlights and choosing your holiday apartment according to the kind of stay you want.

Landscape between the Narmada and Satpura

The Narmada Valley and the main ranges of the Satpura Range are the two major natural regions of Khandwa District. Its drainage belongs to the river systems of the Narmada and Tapti.

Boriyamal Island, on the right bank of the Narmada Sagar Dam, is a special nature destination. The island is home to diverse flora and fauna in its mixed forests. If you would like your trip to include nature as well as religious sites, you can make Boriyamal Island a separate focus when planning your itinerary.

Historic and religious sites in Khandwa Town

In the city of Khandwa, Suraj Kunda is one of the four historic kunds of Khandwa Town. Other Hindu sites of faith and worship include Dada Dhuni wale ki samadhi, the Turja-Bhavani Temple and Nav-chandi Devi Dham. The Collector’s Office is also among the city’s ancient architectural monuments. Together, these places represent different aspects of the city’s cultural heritage, from religious destinations to historic architecture.

A special religious celebration takes place at Dadaji Darbar on Guru Purnima. Swami Keshvanand Ji Maharaj, “Bade Dadaji,” and Swami Hariharanand Ji Maharaj, “Chhote Dadaji Maharaj,” are worshipped there. The Guru Purnima celebration is a two-day festival attended by pilgrims. For travellers interested in religious traditions, this festival is a distinct part of Khandwa’s culture.

Water experiences and nature watching in Hanuwantiya

Hanuwantiya is a destination for water tourism in the district. The Indira Sagar Tourist Complex there has a boating club, and boat rides are offered on the backwaters of the Indira Sagar Reservoir. Jet skiing is also available on Hanuwantiya Tapu. This offers two different experiences: boat trips and a motorised water activity. The area around the dam is also suitable for birdwatching.

The Jal Mahotsav in Hanuwantiya takes place every year from November to January. If this festival is relevant to your trip, this period is an important point of reference. Hanuwantiya can also be included in the Indore tourist circuit.

Other cultural destinations nearby

Omkareshwar-Mandhata is about 75 km from Khandwa. The Omkareshwar Temple is on an ॐ-shaped island in the Narmada. The Mamaleshwar Temple, whose ancient name is Amareshwar, lies on the southern bank. The Govind Ji Cave and the ruins of the large Siddhnath Temple are also in Omkareshwar-Mandhata.

Festivals in the surrounding area also shape regional culture. Sant Singhji’s Sharad Purnima festival takes place in October or November in the village of Pipliya-Singaji near Beer, close to Khandwa, and draws more than two and a half million devotees to the sacred tomb of Singaji Maharaj. The Singaji festival near Khandwa offers an insight into Nimar’s culture and traditions.

Plan your stay to suit your interests

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first decide what you would like to focus on: Khandwa Town offers kunds, temples and historic buildings; Hanuwantiya offers water activities and birdwatching. Omkareshwar-Mandhata, about 75 km from Khandwa, is another cultural destination to consider separately. Khandwa Junction is on the Mumbai–Bhusawal–Itarsi–Delhi railway line and provides another geographical reference point for planning your trip. Other places you may also want to consider: Betul, Gwalior, Neemuch, Khargone, Harda, Panna, Bhopal.

For the broader travel overview: Madhya Pradesh.