Things to Do in Morena Madhya Pradesh

Day Trip to Morena from Gwalior City

Morena makes an ideal day trip destination from Gwalior. Distance from Gwalior to Morena is 39.6 km and takes around an hour via Mumbai – Agra National Hwy. Ideally Morena region of Madhya Pradesh (MP) deserves two full days to tour the region well. However, if you are facing time constraints here is a well scripted one day itinerary for Morena MP with a focus on ancient and medieval architectural gems of the region.

Morena was once a centre for Hindu temple architecture. If you are a keen lover of architectural heritage then Morena in MP is a must visit. The heritage gems that we get to see today were built by Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Kachhapaghata dynasties. They ruled during the 7th to 12th centuries, when Morena flourished in its golden age of temple building.

However, it is sad to note that in the 20th century, the ravines of Morena became a perfect ground for guerrilla activity and became famous for its legendary dacoits.

History of Morena

The history of Morena spans several centuries during which it was under the rule of several dynasties. During the 3rd and 4th centuries, it was under the dominion of the Naga Kings. Subsequently, the Guptas, Hoons, Vardhans, Gurjaras, Pratihars, Chandellas, and Kachchhapaghata held sway over this territory, each leaving their mark on the land.

Notably, during the reign of King Kirtiraja from the Kachchhapaghata dynasty, the iconic temples of Sihonia were erected, showcasing their architectural prowess and cultural significance.

Following the era of the Kachchhapaghata, various clans, including the Tomar Rajputs, took turns ruling this region until 1526. The region’s history took a significant turn with the advent of Mughal hegemony.

The place gets its name from mor (peacock) and raina – which means a place where peacocks are found in abundance. Morena is home to the largest number of peacocks in India.

Morena MP Google Map

Things to Do in Morena MP

Here is a rough itinerary for things to do in Morena MP in one day. You can add this list of tourist attractions in Morena to the Itinerary of Gwalior I have prepared. Check this: Best Things to Do in Gwalior City.

Arrive early and plan to visit Bateshwar first when it is not too hot for the day yet. Padhavali Temple and Mitaoli Temple have some shade so can be done forenoon and afternoon. Plan Kakanmath Temple towards the end of the day for good photos of the temple reflecting off the last rays of sun.

Bateshwar Temple Complex

Bateshwar Temple complex has the largest cluster of temples in India, around 200. Aihole in Karnataka comes next with 120 temples. Scattered around 25 acres of land, keep aside at least half a day to appreciate and absorb the restoration work in progress here.

Temples here are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti Devi that represent the three major traditions of Hinduism. The name Bateshwar is believed to have been derived from Bhooteshwar, another name for Lord Shiva.

The Bateshwar temples were built of sandstone by the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty in Nagada architectural style between the 8th and the 10th century. It is believed these small temples were constructed as an act of thanksgiving by well-known personalities during that period. This region was devastated by an 18th-century earthquake and was overgrown with dense foliage. For many years this place served as a refuge for dacoits from the notorious Chambal Valley, a legacy that persisted until the early 2000s.

Serious renovation and restoration work is under guidance of renowned archaeologist KK Muhammed Padma Shri and ASI. When last visited, the numbers stood at 84 temples restored, work in progress on others.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM.
Time required: Between 2 to 3 hours.

Bateshwar Temple Complex in Morena MP

Padhavali Shiva Temple

Padhavali Shiva temple is a hidden gem of Morena region Madhya Pradesh. Arriving at the spot I got to see a robust fortress. This, we were told, was built in 18^th century to protect the Shiva temple which was ruthlessly damaged by Mughal invaders.

Climbing the flight of stairs, we got to see only the Mukha Mandapa of the temple. The Garbha Griha is completely flattened out. The surrounding bare enclosures have only Shiv ling inside. The ceiling, panels and pillars are profusely carved with 3 dimensional figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. One of the rare temples to have such 3D carvings. It looks as if the figures would emerge from the surface right away.

A fortress built in 18^th century protects the 9^th century Shiva temple inside. Large statues of a lion and lioness guard the entrance. Garbha Griha of this temple is completely flattened out, only the Mukha Mandapa remains. Whatever remains is a treasure house of sculptures speaking volumes about Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

The panels on the ceilings, lentils and beams of the roof have 3D sculptures. It looks as if the figures would emerge out of surface right away. A small portion has erotic figures too that predates the more famous Khajuraho sculptures by a couple of centuries. To quote Muhammed sir who guided us during the trip – “This can be rightly called as mini Khajuraho.”

Padhavali is just 1.2 km away by road from Bateshwar.
Time required: Half an hour to one hour.

Padhawali Shiva Temple

Mitaoli in Morena MP

The circular Chausath Yogini temple situated on a rocky hill top is worth a visit. In spite of all the damages, defacement and destruction that it has undergone the frame of the temple still stands strong drawing hordes of devotees to it. The temple has withstood earthquake shocks, without any damage to its circular structural features.

Mitaoli Chausath Yogini Temple is also known by the name Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple because of the presence of several Shivling inside the 64 shrines.

The climb to the top is a steep but short one with 100 rock cut steps. Once up, you will be charmed by the scenic sights all around and also the peaceful vibes within its walls. Take your leisure time to explore the temples.

The central shrine Mitaoli temple is designed in circular pattern; it is said India’s old parliament building was modelled on this temple. A layer of 64 shrines in a circular manner go around the temple. This reminded me so much of the 108 Shiva Temples in Kalna West Bengal.

The original sculptures of the 64 yoginis that were once worshipped in these shrines don’t exist anymore, instead the 64 shrines now house Shivling. The central shrine too has a Shiv ling. Around 100m away from this temple, on the same hilltop there is a Kali Temple.

Mitaoli is located 4.1 km east of Padawali.

Timings: Open on all days – 6 AM to 7 PM.
Tickets: It is a free sight.
Time required: One to one and half hours.

Mataoli Chausath Yogini Temple

Kakanmath Temple

Kakanmath Temple – a ruined 11th century Shiva Temple, located at Sihoniya in Madhya Pradesh, Trust me, this temple will sweep you off your feet! It seems like a stack of building blocks of stones that defies gravity!

Only the inner sanctum of the temple remains. The remaining structure lies in ruins, strewn haphazardly throughout the temple grounds. Plans are underway to carefully disassemble the existing structure, stone by stone, with each block meticulously numbered. The aim is to embark on a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire temple. But before that do plan to visit as there wouldn’t be another like this in our lifetime.

If you have followed the above order of visits to the temples then chances are you will reach here in the evening. A good opportunity for all photo enthusiasts to capture the temple silhouettes.

Timings: Open from 6 AM to 6 PM
Tickets: Free entry
Time required: One to two hours

Kakanmath Temple – Places to visit in Morena MP

Other Places to Visit in Morena MP

Offbeat places to visit in Morena – Besides the above 4 top tourist places in Morena you can also visit the Naresar group of temples which were built by Yashovarman of Kannauj and Sabalgarh Fort. Morena is also home to several smaller temples and shrines that are equally fascinating. These include the Bihariji Temple, the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Baba, and the Sheetla Mata Temple.

Chambal Safari – Morena district has flourished on the banks of Chambal River. You can take a boat safari to explore the scenic beauty and wildlife of the region. Chambal Safari is an opportunity to spot various species of birds, crocodiles, and critically endangered gharials. The first safari starts at 8 AM and the last one takes place at 5 PM. The main focus of Chambal Gharial wildlife sanctuary is to protect critically endangered Gharial, Red crowned roof turtle and endangered Ganges dolphin.

Beehad Safari – Take a Beehad Safari with family and friends to explore the Chambal ravines and river landscape. Ride in a powerful 4X4 / SUV/ MUV vehicle with assistance and full security arranged by administration. A 10 km ride into ravines opens at white sand beach next to the river.

FAQs about Things to Do in Morena

Where is Morena located?

Morena is one of the 52 districts of Madhya Pradesh state of India. It is located in the Chambal division in the northernmost region of MP.

How to reach Morena MP?

Nearest airport to Morena is Gwalior at a distance of 39.6 km. Morena railway station is a main railway station in Morena district under the North Central zone. If you are on a road trip you can access Morena on NH-3 Highway on NH-3 Agra-Bombay Road.

Where to stay in Morena

Hotel Rajshree and Restaurant: Located close to Morena railway station
Indralok Palace Hotel and Resort: Near RTO Check Post, Morena-Agra Highway AB ROAD, 476001 Morena.

Where to eat in Morena

Padawali Retreat is an ideal place to have food if you are touring the region of Morena. We had a sumptuous lunch here after our tour of Bateshwar Temples and Padhavali Temple.

What to eat in Morena?

Gajak, made of sesame and jaggery specially during the winter season, is a well-known sweet originating in Morena. You can buy Gajak as a food souvenir from Morena, as they are dry sweets and last for a long time.
Another very famous dessert in Morena (Tanwarghar) region is Malpuaa which is made with jaggery and flour.

Is Morena safe?

The crime rate in the district is 419.59 for the year 2021. Always take precautions and tell your near and dear ones about your location if you are solo traveling.

Conclusion

This trip to Morena was courtesy MP Tourism and Times Passion Trails. Opinions are completely mine.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.