Madhya Pradesh currently has 55 districts, organized into 10 administrative divisions.
Agar Malwa, Alirajpur, Anuppur, Ashoknagar, Balaghat, Barwani, Betul, Bhind, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Datia, Dewas, Dhar, Dindori, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Hoshangabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhabua, Katni, Khandwa, Khargone, Maihar, Mauganj, Mandla, Mandsaur, Morena, Narsinghpur, Neemuch, Niwari, Panna, Pandhurna, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Sehore, Seoni, Shahdol, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh, Ujjain, Umaria, Vidisha.
One of the most recent districts is Agar Malwa which was separated of Shajapur in 2013. It is also famous with the religious places, specifically in the temple of Jai Baba Baijnath Mahadev. The plateau on which the district is located is the Malwa plateau and agriculture is the main economic activity there. It is also the land of numerous small lakes and a very rich cultural heritage that exists with references to Malwa traditions.
Alirajpur is a tribal domineering district and inhabited by native Bhil and Bhilala. A former princely state that perpetuates fairs and all the traditional customs of the tribes. Local economy comprises of agriculture and forest based livelihood. Vibrant tribal art and culture are also synonymous with that district.
Anuppur lies on the eastern side of Madhya Pradesh, and it is endowed with lots of natural resources particularly coal. It hosts coal mines of Amlai and Chirimiri and a large thermal power production. Narmada River is the origin point of the river that starts in a pilgrimage town known as Amarkantak found in this district. It is also a destination of eco-tourism and religious tourism.
Historical and religious monuments found in the city of Ashoknagar include Karila Mata Mandir and old town of Chanderi. This is the place of production of Chanderi silk sarees which are renowned throughout India. The economy of the district is mostly agricultural and some of the crops that are dominant include wheat and soybean. It is also becoming an historic tourism destination.
Balaghat is situated in the south eastern region of the state and is famous due to its thick forest cover and abundant mineral reserves particularly of manganese and bauxite. Kanha national park which is one of the finest tiger reserves in India, is located here. The district has the Wainganga River which helps in agriculture and forestry. There is an added flavour to the identity of the district with the influence of the local tribal culture.
Barwani is situated in the Nimar area and the region is very rugged and hilly. The district is multicultural with a higher population of tribes. It is renowned because of the shrine of Bawangaja Jains, which is a monolithic statue. Agriculture prevails, but irrigation is a problem to hilly regions.
Betul lies to the South of Madhya Pradesh and has been known as Gateway to Maharashtra. It is a dual terrain of plain and hills and it is agriculturally active and also favors forest based industries. Tapti River has its origins here. The Betul is also relevant in terms of forest bio-diversity and tribals.
Bhind falls in the region called Chambal area and is thus synonymous with Chambal ravines and tales of bandits. It is a very rich agricultural area producing wheat, mustard and gram as main crops. The Ater Fort is one of the historical places in Bhind. Political weight and vigorous civic interest is also a part of it.
The capital city of Madhya Pradesh and the greenest city of India is Bhopal. It has lovely lakes and parks besides modern infrastructure and rich heritage. It is one of the significant learning and administrative centers. The gas tragedy of 1984, one of the worst industrial accidents throughout the world, took place in Bhopal too.
Burhanpur is a city with historical background and it lies on Tapti River. It is famous by Mughal architecture, like Shahi Qila and Jama Mosque. It was an important centre in the Mughal times and today it is related strongly with the death of Mumtaz Mahal. Banana, cotton and textile are other important production undertaken in Burhanpur.
Chhatarpur has close vicinity to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as ancient temples and complex sculptures. The district is located in Bundelkhand area and it has a semi-arid topography. The predominant activity is agriculture although there is a water shortage. The stone mining and granite carving is also popular in Chhatarpur.
It is an area with lots of forest and is a mineral and high forest resource rich district of Madhya Pradesh, one of the largest districts of the state. It is a coal mining center as well as an industrialized one with the big plant of Hindustan Unilever. The district forms a part of Satpura range and has a comfortable climate. Chhindwara does not have any Muslims. The political stronghold of Kamal Nath, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is located here.
Damoh is found in Bundelkhand region and has Singrampur sanctuary and Jatashankar caves. The area contains limestone and other minerals which facilitate cement production and stone bulk. The major crops grown here are wheat, pulses and oilseeds. There are also the spiritual places such as Kundalpur- famous Jain pilgrimage place.
Datia is an old town with fort and temples in particular a seven-storeyed Datia Palace. It is situated at the northern part of the state of Madhya Pradesh and is religiously and culturally identified. The Peetambra Peeth was a popular temple of the Shakti and thousands of people come to worship there. The economy is agrarian and mustard and wheat are staple crops.
Dewas is an industrial area well known to have pharmaceutical, manufacturing and food processing units. The city is named after the word Devi Vas, or abode of goddess and it has a sacred temple known as Tekri Mata Temple on a hill. It also plays significant role in agriculture and wind energy in the state. Here is the Government Mint, one of four in India.
Historically, Dhar is famous to have a lot of forts, Indo-Islamic architecture and to name most notable, the magnificent Dhar Fort. It is the area of Malwa, and there are diverse people in the district. It is agricultural and famous in terms of cotton and soybean culture. Mandu is a major tourist attraction that possessed medieval monuments in the immediate geographical setting.
Dindori is an eastern district of Madhya Pradesh occupying the hilly tribal region of forest-dominated districts. It is famous by biodiversity and its closeness to Kanha National Park. The district is historically relevant as the ancient temples and tribal tradition is found here. The major sources of livelihood include Agriculture, forest produce and eco-tourism.
Guna lies in a central position and is a large hub of roads as well as railways. It possesses both tribal and non-tribal population and agriculture and textile trade is also famous in it. Other expanding industries are located in the district and one of them is the Jaypee Cement. Guna boasts of very old temples, forts and religious shrines such as the Hanuman Tekri.
Gwalior is one of the historic cities with its Gwalior fort, Scindia royal dynasty and the contribution to classical Indian music. It is an educational and a primary industrial hub in northern Madhya Pradesh. The city is cultural hot spot and a mix of the traditional and modern infrastructure. Other epitomes in Gwalior include the renowned Scindia School as well as defense institutions.
Harda is a town and a municipal council in the Narmadapuram division and commonly known as Rice Bowl of Madhya Pradesh. The soil of the district is good and there is a well developed irrigation mechanism which allows the cultivation of paddy and wheat. It is located in the banks of the river Narmada. Agro-industries and warehousing also thrives at Harda.
Narmadapuram which was previously called Hoshangabad is known due to the river of Narmada and its spiritual value. It is one of the major agricultural regions with the prevalent farm products like wheat and soybean. Tawa Dam and Tawa Reservoir have significance as irrigation as well as tourist destinations. It is also endowed with forest reserves and industries such as paper mills, agro-processing etc.
The city of Indore is the Ootkaar of Madhya Pradesh state and it is known as the cleanest city of India for the past few years. It is a big educational center and a center of information technologies, which contains such prestigious institutions as IIM and IIT. It has a vibrant startup culture and a foodie one. Indore is a highly growing metro because it has a real estate and retail industry as well.
Jabalpur is characterized by marble rocks, water falls that can be found at Bhedaghat, and the flowing river known as Narmada. This city forms an intense administrative, military, and industrial centre in central India. There are also other cultural and historical places that include Madan Mahal Fort and Rani Durgavati Memorial. The Gun Carriage Factory is one of the main defense manufacturing companies found in Jabalpur.
Jhabua is one of the tribal dominated districts found in the western region of Madhya Pradesh. It has unique folklore dancing and folk music and a tribal culture. The district is underdeveloped with a lot of cultural endowment. The major part of its rural economy is based on agriculture and government plans.
Katni is a rich district which is full of minerals like limestone and bauxite. It is a large rail junction and trade point in central India. In this district, you will find the Katni River as a tributary of the river, Mahanadi. Its economy is boosted through industries such as cement and mining.
The city of Khandwa (formerly called East Nimar) is known as a hometown of a legendary singer Kishore Kuman. It is an agriculture zone and is located along the river Narmada district. It is also a place of pilgrimage where the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga which is one of the 12 sacred places of Lord Shiva is located. The city of Khandwa is a hydropower hub because it hosts Indirasagar Dam.
Khargone lies in the Nimar region with very good quality cotton and chili production. It is located on the banks of the river Narmada that sustains its agricultural economy. The area is also blessed with a good number of historical temples and forts. Farming activities are boasted in this region by irrigation schemes such as Jobat Dam.
Maihar is a latest district made out of Satna in 2023 and is famous after its Maihar Devi Temple which is a sacred Shaktipeeth. It is a space of great religious visit and attracts thousands of pilgrims. There is much classical music heritage connected to the Maihar Gharana of the region. Its local economy is based on cement industries and mining too.
In 2023 Mauganj was plotted off Rewa as an independent district. It is located in Vindhya and boasts of a majorly agrarian and rural economy. The region is slowly coming up with facilities and local government services. It also has small temples, hilly geography resembling the plateau of Vindhyas.
Mandla is an affluent tribal region and a biodiversity area that is closely adjacent to the Kanha Tiger Reserve. It is located in the Satpura mountains and the river Narmada is the one that supplies its water. The district also has historic influences of Gond dynasty and displays traditional arts and way of life. It has a forest-based livelihood and eco-tourism as an important area of its economy.
Mandsaur is renowned due to the Pashupatinath Temple as well as the historical background that dates back into the Gupta era. It produces large amount of opium and it is also a well known producer of garlic. The district is found in the Malwa region and it is characterized by a mix of a small industry and agriculture. Mandsaur contains ancient ruins and inscriptions as well that represent its culture.
The town of Morena is located on the northern-most end of Madhya Pradesh and falls under the Chambal division. It used to be a bangit country but is currently an agricultural zone with mustard and wheat as the main crop. Temples such as the Bateshwar temple complex are some of the archaeological sites rich in the area. There are also wildlife reserves along Chambal River, ghariel sanctuaries in Morena.
Narsinghpur is a centrally located district and among the most fertile district in the state which is also called a Rice Bowl of Madhya Pradesh. It produces high crops such as wheat, pulses and sugarcane. The district harbor the old Narsimha Temple and the Satpura mountain ranges. Sugar mills and agro based processing units are some of the industries.
The town of Neemuch is an ancient cantonment town and it has the first training academy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It is among the biggest opium producers in the country under the government. It is also a developing solar energy industry in the district that also has one of the largest solar power stations in the Asian continent. The economy is supported through agriculture and small-scale industries.
As of 2018, Niwari is the smallest district in Madhya Pradesh carved out of Tikamgarh. It is located in Bundelkhand area and mostly a rural area. Historical and religious sites in the district are Prithvipur Fort and old temples. The major activity is agriculture with seasonal streams and traditional sources of water.
Panna is one of the most widely known places in the world due to its diamond mines and beautiful topography, both in terms of water fall as well as wildlife. It hosts the Panna Tiger Reserve that is a very vital reserve in the conservation of the tiger in India. Its district is blessed with the presence of Ken River that highlights its natural beauty. Panna is also spiritually significant as there are several temples including Mahamati Prannathji Temple which sees pilgrims.
Pandhurna is a new fashioned district, established in 2023, bifurcated out of Chhindwara. it is not a barren region in terms of agriculture, being noted particularly in terms of corn and pulses. It has a rich culture, some tribes have their customs and they have their festivals such as Gotmar Mela, where they preserve their local heritage. The district is coming up with its infrastructure so as to administer itself independently.
Raisen are the seat of splendid Raisen Fort and a dargah of Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba. There is religious diversity and architectural tradition in the district. It is situated on a fertile belt and it can accommodate the growth of soybean, wheat and pulses. Raisen is also advantagely located nearby Bhopal that helps in its urban development.
Rajgarh is a picturesque district in Malwa plateau and it is hilly with forests on it. It is a major agricultural zone that produces soybean, gram and wheat. There are religious sites too in the district such as the Jalpamata Temple and the Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Rajgarh is in the Catchment Development Programme because it has different topographies and water sources.
A well established trade and industry centre, Ratlam is the centre of well known gold jewellery, Ratlami Sev (snack) and rail junction. It is a significant business hub in the western Madhya Pradesh. The economy is a mixed economy with a combination of farming, industries and retailing activities in the district. Local tourism also occurs in cultural fairs and temples as well as Kalka Mata Temple.
Rewa has a historical background of being the origin of the white tiger with close affability to the royal heritage. It is situated in the Vindhya region and it serves as a huge educational and cultural center in the eastern Madhya Pradesh. Some of the waterfalls found in the district are Keoti and Bahuti Falls. Rewa being a princely state has architectural sites of historical significance in the form of palaces and temples.
Sagar is a major town in Bundelkhand region and is the home to one of the oldest universiities of the state, the Dr. Harisingh Gour University. The district is well established in academic and cultural aspects. The major economic activity is agriculture, furthermore, trade is a leading economic activity in the area; this is due to good rainfall and advantageous soil. There are also historical temples and forts in Sagar.
Satna is a huge center of cement making as a result of its limestone wealth. Religious tourism is also associated with it as it is the stepping stone to Chitrakoot and Maihar. Satna is the city with a high rate of growth of industries and rich transportation system. The city has got a historical connection as it was also a part of the ancient Baghelkhand region.
Sehore is situated close to Bhopal and it has a good historical background, as well as several freedom fighters cropped up in the area. It is agriculturally productive and major crops are wheat, soybean, pulses. The district boasts of great religious places such as the Hanuman Phatak and the Siddh Ganesh temples. There is well developed irrigation including canal systems and reservoirs.
Seoni is however most popular as the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write the book the Jungle Book. It is a wildlife endowed district and located near Pench Tiger Reserve, a renowned conservation area. The focus of its economy is on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Tribal culture and clean environment are also the characteristics of the district.
Shahdol falls under the northeastern corner of Madhya Pradesh having its abundance of coal and forest mines. A thermal power station is supported by the district and it has a number of government and privately-run mining projects. It hosts tribal folks and also has an amalgamation of old and new development. One can add religious shrines such as Virateshwar Temple to its culture.
Shajapur is a district of Malwa region of the state of Madhya Pradesh scarcely considered as an agricultural region which is involved in production of soybean, pulses and wheat. Temples, tanks and stepwells sprinkle the district and remind about its historic importance. It has some trace of Maratha architecture and used to be governed by Scindia dynasty. Shajapur too has been blessed by better road and rail connectivity.
The Kuno National Park is located in Sheopur, which may get Asiatic lions and newly reintroduced African cheetahs. It belongs to the Chambal division and is typified of dry land and ravines. Most of the occupations are agriculture and forestry; it has a massive number of tribal population. Traditional wooden craft industries also help in the economy of Sheopur.
Shivpuri is the scenic place which contains the lakes as well as the Madhav National Park. It used to be a summer capital of Scindia rulers of Gwalior. The Chhatris (cenotaphs) and ancient palaces are also historical monuments found within the district. Tourism, agriculture and forest produce are the drivers of Shivpuri economy.
Sidhi is located in the northeastern part of Madhya Pradesh and is harnessed with many reserves of coal, which forms fortune row of energy Singrauli. It is characterized by hilly land and forests and its population is dominated by tribal population. Cultural aspects also have their share in the district in form of temples and the festivals. Sidhi helps the power supply of the state due to the presence of the adjacent thermal power plants.
Singrauli is referred to as Energy Capital of India because this region has enormous coal reserves as well as numerous thermal power plants. It has significant power producers such as Northern Coalfields Limited, Reliance Power and NTPC operating there. It has also been blessed with a lot of natural beauty in the natural waterfalls and hills with forests. Although the country has been industrialized, rural communities continue to depend on the traditional method of agriculture and forest-based economic activities.
Tikamgarh is situated in Bundelkhand area and the place boasts of long history right with a lot of forts and temples. There is the Orchha heritage site, a UNESCO candidate around it which attracts a good number of visitors. One of the most important economic activities is agriculture and the region is regarded as pulses and oilseeds. Bundeli culture is also maintained in the district in terms of music, art and festival.
Ujjain is ranked as one of the seven most holy places in Hinduism and it is the place where Kumbh Mela is celebrated once after 12 years. It houses the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga making millions of pilgrims visit it throughout the year. Set in the banks of the Shipra River, Ujjain is a mixture of spiritual and city development. It is also a very learning and cultural center of western Madhya Pradesh.
Closest to Umaria is the renowned Bandhavgarh National Park which is a tiger reserve considered to be one of the most known in India. The area is a forest-covered district with high population of the tribal population. Other than tourism, coal mining is a key economic generator in the area. The place has ancient ruins and also the old Bandhavgarh Fort, which has archaeological worth as well.
Vidisha is an old city and has very rich archaeological importance such as Heliodorus Pillar and Udayagiri Caves etc. It was a large urbanized centre of Maurya and Gupta period. The economy of the region is agriculture-based with the support of Betwa and Bes rivers. The historical and religious value of Vidisha has made it a site, which continues to interest historians, tourists and pilgrims.
The 52nd district is Maihar. It’s not just known for being declared a district, but also for the Sharda Devi Temple and its deep connection to Indian classical music. If you've heard of the Maihar Gharana, that's where it began!
That would be Nagda. It was carved out from Ujjain, and honestly, locals had been demanding it for years. Nagda is industrially strong and also culturally rich — a win-win for a full-fledged district.
Agar Malwa was announced as the 50th district. It’s quite a spiritual place with several temples, and many people associate it with peaceful vibes and greenery. It split off from Shajapur in 2013 to better serve the people administratively.
Niwari holds that title. It's the smallest district of MP but has a big heart — especially with places like Orchha, which looks like something out of a royal photo album with its palaces and temples.
Locals often refer to Neemuch as the “Golden District.” Why? Because it has it all — defence history, opium farming, and a booming herbal industry. It’s like MP’s hidden powerhouse.
MP-53 is the RTO code for Dindori. So, if you spot a vehicle with that number, it’s most likely rolling out of the scenic and tribal-rich lands of Dindori.
Madhya Pradesh has 55 districts as of now. Over the years, the state has added new ones to improve local administration. So yes, the list keeps growing as the state evolves!
That would be Chhindwara. It’s not just big in size — it’s packed with forests, tribal culture, and a cool climate. If you’re into nature and slow travel, this place is a gem.
Niwari takes the title here. It may be the smallest, but it’s home to Orchha, a town that feels like a step back in time with its forts and temples.
Indore is the most populated — and it shows! It’s bustling, modern, clean, and full of life. From food to fashion to startups, Indore is where everything’s happening.
That’s Bhopal. The city is right in the middle of the state and blends old-world charm with modern planning. Lakes, hills, history — it has a bit of everything.
The Malwa region includes Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Ratlam, and Mandsaur, among others. This area is known for its black soil, agriculture, and cultural heritage — plus, the food here is a treat!
Districts like Jhabua, Alirajpur, Barwani, Mandla, and Dindori have a strong tribal population. These areas give you a real feel of MP’s indigenous roots, traditions, and folk art.
The latest to be announced was Maihar. It’s not just a town with a famous temple — now it’s stepping up as a district too, to make administration smoother in the region.
Quite a few, actually! Khajuraho is famous for its temples, Pachmarhi for its hill station vibes, Gwalior for forts, and Kanha for wildlife. If you're into travel, MP won’t disappoint.
The Narmada River flows through places like Jabalpur and Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram), while the Chambal River cuts through Morena and Bhind. These rivers are lifelines for farming and culture here.
That’s Katni. If you’ve seen glossy marble tiles, there’s a good chance they came from here. It’s a hub for marble mining and processing.
Oh, lots! Think Sanchi with its stupas, Gwalior Fort, Khajuraho temples, or Orchha’s palaces. MP is pretty much a history lover’s paradise.
MP is divided into 10 administrative divisions, each handling a group of districts. Think of them as zones that help the state manage things more efficiently — like a regional control center.
Sagar, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Niwari fall under Bundelkhand. This region has a dry, rocky landscape but is loaded with history and warrior tales.
Every district is headed by a District Collector who oversees development, revenue, and government schemes. They're backed by the Superintendent of Police and other officers to keep things running smoothly.
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