Sailanaa is a small yet culturally rich town in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by hills, forests, and tribal villages, Sailanaa is known for its peaceful environment, historical temples, and unique traditions. It is an ideal destination for travelers who love offbeat places, spirituality, and nature.
There are many beautiful places to visit in Sailana, which are very attractive and you can go there and spend time peacefully with your family and friends. Sailanaa is about 20 km from Ratlam city headquarters and 350 km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
About Sailana
Sailanaa was once a princely state and still reflects its royal past through old palaces, temples, and traditions. The town is especially famous for the Sailana Khichdi tradition, where food is prepared without tasting and offered to deities before being served to devotees.
Sailanaa is also known for its strong tribal culture, particularly of the Bhil community.
Best Places to Visit in Sailana
Cactus Garden, Sailana
The Sailana Cactus Garden is one of the most unique attractions in Madhya Pradesh. It houses hundreds of rare cactus and succulent species collected from across the world. Nature lovers and photographers will find this garden fascinating and peaceful.
There is only one such place in all of India, which is in Sailana. This place is very beautiful and has a variety of cactus plants to see. The atmosphere here is peaceful.
The Cactus Garden is located in the middle of the city and is easily accessible by car. There is an entry fee to enter this place. This palace is well-managed and clean. It houses an old palace that was once the residence of the royal family.
This palace is known as the Sailanaa Palace. Behind the palace is cactus garden, where you can see a variety of cacti. Most of the cacti were planted more than 150 years ago. Their size, scale, and variety are amazing.
There’s a small museum where you can see rare exhibits, but the entry ticket is separate. This is a must-visit in Sailanaa.
Kirti Stambha Sailana
The Kirti Stambh in Sailanaa is a major historical landmark in Ratlam city. The Stambh is located outside the Sailana city limits, near the Sailanaa Wildlife Sanctuary, and is easily accessible. The Stambh is also visible from afar. It is still magnificent and beautifully constructed, but it has not been properly maintained.
This pillar was constructed by Jaswant Singh, the then king of Sailana State, between 1859 and 1919. It is made of Kirti Stambh stone and limestone. It was built as a memorial to mark the completion of 100 years of British rule.
Its construction was completed on January 5, 1919. The tower has two inscriptions: the first in English and Hindi, and the second in the local language.
It is approximately 47 meters high from ground level. The tower has a total of 122 steps. It is built in four sections. Vents for ventilation and light are provided on each stage. Ratlam and other nearby areas can be seen from this tower during clear weather.
If you are visiting Sailana, you can come here and see this historical monument.
Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary
Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and natural place in Sailanaa. It is located outside the city limits and covers a large area. This area is small but beautiful. It has a beautiful forest and a large lake.
It is a great place for nature lovers and birdwatchers. There are many birds to see here. Many migratory birds come here in winter and stay for a long time. You can go for nature walks, bird watching and witness the serene nature here
The best time to visit this sanctuary is during the monsoon season, when the vegetation is lush and the number of birds is high. You can come and explore the entire sanctuary. It is a very attractive and beautiful place. This sanctuary offers natural beauty to everyone.
Kedareshwar Temple
Kedareshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in a scenic natural setting near Sailanaa. The temple is surrounded by hills and greenery, making it a serene spiritual spot.
Kedareshwar Dham is about 7 km from the main town of Sailana, and is easily accessible. It is located on the Ratlam-Banswara Road. It is a spiritual place, and naturally beautiful.
There is a natural waterfall that cascades over a high cliff. Below the waterfall is a naturally formed cave, which houses a Shivalinga, which looks very beautiful. During the rainy season, this place is truly amazing, and many people visit it.
Read more : Best Places to Visit in Ujjain
Sailana Khichdi Tradition Site
Sailanaa is famous for its centuries-old Khichdi tradition, where food is prepared daily for thousands without tasting it. Visitors can observe and sometimes participate in this unique cultural and spiritual practice.
Tribal Villages Around Sailana
The villages surrounding Sailana offer a glimpse into authentic tribal life. Traditional homes, folk music, local art, and festivals reflect the deep cultural roots of the region.
This is a great experience for travelers interested in rural tourism.
Best Time to Visit Sailana
The best time to visit Sailanaa is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. October to March is the winter season and winter is a great time to visit Sailana, so you can come here and visit all the places of Sailanaa.
Monsoon season enhances the greenery and is ideal for nature photography, though roads may be slippery. Summers in Central India are very hot. It is not good to travel there, so you should not go there in summer.
How to Reach Sailana
- By Road: Well connected to Ratlam and Ujjain. It is easy to come by road.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Ratlam.
- By Air: Nearest airport is Indore (approx. 150 km)
Why Visit Sailana?
Sailanaa is perfect for travelers who seek peace, culture, and offbeat experiences. Its cactus garden, tribal heritage, and spiritual traditions make it one of the most unique destinations in western Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion
Sailanaa is a hidden cultural gem of Madhya Pradesh. With its rare cactus garden, ancient temples, tribal villages, and living traditions, Sailanaa offers an enriching and soulful travel experience away from crowded tourist spots.