Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and the surrounding Ratapani Wildlife Refuge offer numerous walking and hiking trails.

Trekking and Exploring

Go for a hike in one of the forested areas around Bhopal to see the best scenery and hilltop fortresses the region has to offer.

Hike up to the ruins Ginnorgarh Fort from the village of Delawadi, about 50km south of Bhopal. – © ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock

The trek from Delawadi to Ginnorgarh Fort is about 3km through dense forest. – © ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock

Ginnorgarh (Ginnor) Fort was the hilltop fortress of Nizam Shah a powerful warlord of the Gond tribe who ruled the area until the early 1700's when it fell under the rule of Dost Mohammad Khan and the princely state of Bhopal. – © ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock

The caves of Kathotiya feature prehistoric, ancient, and medieval rock art, in the midst of a beautiful forest landscape. – © MP Ecotourism Development Board

Just 25 km south of Sanchi, Raisen Fort is a large medieval hilltop fortress containing the remnants of four palaces, a Hindu temple, a mosque, and a large reservior. – © Vijay Tiwari09 / Wikimedia Foundation

You pass through impressive gates in the climb up to Raisen Fort. – © Vijay Tiwari09 / Wikimedia Foundation

Exploring the fort is like stepping back in time. – © Vijay Tiwari09 / Wikimedia Foundation

Raisen Fort offers a sweeping view of the town and district of Raisen, to which it gives its name. – © Hansallumia Verma / Wikimedia Foundation

There are many interesting buildings and structures contained within the walls of Raisen Fort. – © Vijay Tiwari09 / Wikimedia Foundation

Hike up to the ruins Ginnorgarh Fort from the village of Delawadi, about 50km south of Bhopal. – © ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock

Around Bhopal, the nature of Madhya Pradesh offers plenty of opportunities for trekking. With forests, caves, lakes, rivers, and abandoned forts, there’s a range of incredible scenery to explore.

One of the most popular spots for trekking is around Ratapani, about 40 kilometres from Bhopal and close to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. Here you can walk amongst caves at Kathotiya, follow the shore of the Kolar Reservoir, or hike up to Ginnorgarh Fort. There’s lots of wildlife in the area, including leopards and tigers, and you may be lucky enough to spot some.

Kathotiya, near Bhimbetka, south of Bhopal is a nice area for hiking, climbing, and exploring prehistoric and historic rock art. – © MP Ecotourism Development Board

Closer to the city, there are also great places for trekking around Lower Lake and Kerwa Dam, which offers the chance to see some of the scenery and wildlife and have an adventure without travelling too far.

Kerwa Dam just outside Bhopal is a place to hike and see wildlife, go boating and experience the longest twin zipline in Asia. – © Neeraj0109 / Shutterstock

Near Sanchi, a lovely trekking option is at Raisen, where the route includes a visit to the incredible Raisen Fort. The fort is in ruins on a hill but you can see the large sandstone walls with nine gateways and 13 bastions. History and nature combine for an excellent hike here.

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