Madhya Pradesh’s Glorious Heritage Moves Towards Inclusive Tourism
Work underway in Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha to make historic sites accessible for all
Every monument has a story, every ruin whispers history, and every ancient wall echoes the soul of a civilization. This World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh is not just celebrating its rich cultural legacy, but also ensuring that its heritage is experienced by everyone — regardless of ability.
In a remarkable initiative to make tourism more inclusive, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is executing the ‘Accessibility Infrastructure and Development’ project across four prominent heritage sites — Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha. The move is aimed at making these culturally significant destinations accessible to persons with disabilities through thoughtfully designed infrastructure like ramps, Braille signage, accessible washrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pathways.
“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and the leadership of Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, we are working to have more of Madhya Pradesh’s iconic locations added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Our goal is to make these destinations not only more visited, but more inclusive. This is a step towards enabling every individual, regardless of physical ability, to experience the timeless beauty of our heritage,”
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Heritage for All: What the Project Entails
Designed with a people-first approach, the project will enhance facilities for those with locomotor disabilities, visual and auditory impairments, intellectual and multiple disabilities. Modern features like audio guides, tactile paths, and signboards in Braille will offer a more immersive experience to visitors.
Major Site-Wise Interventions:
• Maheshwar: Improvements at Narmada Resort, Ram Kund, Devi Museum, Kaleshwar Temple, Jaleshwar Temple, and Kamani Gate.
• Mandu: Development at Seven-Chamber Temple, Delhi Darwaza, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Baz Bahadur Palace and others.
• Dhar: Upgrades at the ancient Bagh Caves and Bagh Museum.
• Orchha: Infrastructure for accessibility at Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, Chhatris, Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple, and Tamirat ki Kothi.
The detailed project plan is ready, and financial support is proposed under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Once implemented, this will further position Madhya Pradesh as India’s most inclusive tourism state, enabling a larger, more diverse group of travelers to engage with its timeless heritage.
A UNESCO-Rich State
Madhya Pradesh currently has 18 sites recognized by UNESCO, with 3 on the permanent list — Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and Sanchi Stupa — and 15 on the tentative list, including:
• Ashokan Rock Edicts, dating back 2,200 years
• The mystical Chausath Yogini Temples (Khajuraho, Mitaoli, and others)
• Ancient Gupta-era temples that showcase India’s temple architecture at its early zenith
• Grand Bundela palaces and forts in Orchha, Datia, and Gadhkundar
• Gwalior Fort, Bhojeshwar Temple, the Bhedaghat-Marble Rocks in Narmada Valley, and more
These recognitions reaffirm Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as the heart of India’s heritage landscape — where every stone is steeped in stories, and every initiative is a step towards preserving those stories for all.