Murwara, commonly known as Katni, is a significant industrial and railway hub in Madhya Pradesh, often serving as the gateway to famous wildlife destinations like Bandhavgarh. While it is a bustling commercial city, it offers rich historical and religious sites for visitors.
Below is a detailed guide to local tour operators, guides, and essential visitor information to ensure a seamless trip.
1. Top Rated Tour Operators & Travel Agencies
These agencies specialize in local sightseeing, car rentals, and outstation trips (especially to Bandhavgarh, Maihar, and Jabalpur).
| Agency Name | Location / Area | Key Services |
| M N Tour & Travels | Main Bazar, Madhav Nagar | Corporate travel, local sightseeing, bus services. |
| KK Tour Packages | Civil Line Road | Comprehensive holiday packages and car rentals. |
| Jitendra Singh Tour Services | Near Bus Stand, Madhav Nagar | Highly rated for reliable taxi services and safe drivers. |
| Jas Tour And Travels | Madhav Nagar | Domestic tour packages and railway/flight bookings. |
| Patel Tours & Travels | Station Road, Mohas | Specialized in car rentals (Swift, Dzire, Innova). |
| Shiv Tours & Travels | New Bus Stand | Group travel and local city tours. |
| New Maharaj Tour & Travels | Railway Junction Road | Train ticket assistance and local transit. |
2. Local Guides & Information Centers
While Katni doesn’t have a large “standalone” guide association like Agra or Varanasi, you can find assistance at these points:
- MP Tourism Information Centre: Located at the Katni Railway Station or via the nearby MPT Kalchuri Residency in Jabalpur (approx. 1.5 hours away), which manages the regional circuit.
- The Ashoka Pillar Centre: Located in Karaundi (the geographical center of India). Local staff at the site often act as informal guides.
- Hotel Desks: Most reliable “guides” for the city are provided through hotels like Hotel Grand Katni or Hotel Arindum, which have tie-ups with verified local experts.
3. Must-Visit Attractions in & Around Katni
Use this list to plan your itinerary with your chosen tour operator:
- Vijayraghavgarh Fort: A historic 19th-century fort known for its beautiful architecture and the Rang Mahal.
- Roopnath (Bahoriband): A significant pilgrimage site featuring a 1,000-year-old Shantinath statue and the famous “Roopnath Dham” dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Centre Point of India (Karaundi): A monument marking the exact geographical center of undivided India.
- Basudha Waterfall: A scenic spot perfect for nature lovers (best visited post-monsoon).
- Badera Chaturyug Dham: A unique temple complex representing the four eras of Hindu mythology.
- Surkhi Dam: Located about 8 km from the city, it is a haven for migratory birds during winter.
4. Transport & Connectivity
- Railway: Katni is a major junction (KTE, KMZ, NKJ). Most tour operators have offices right outside the Murwara Station Road.
- Local Taxi Rates: Expect to pay between ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 for a full-day local city tour in an AC sedan, depending on the distance (e.g., if including Vijayraghavgarh).
- Auto Rickshaws: Readily available for short distances within the city (e.g., from Katni Junction to Madhav Nagar).
5. Useful Contacts for Emergencies
- District Collector Office: 07622-220009
- Superintendent of Police: 07622-222786
- MP Tourism Head Office (Bhopal): 0755-2422443
Pro-Tip for Visitors:
If you are planning to visit Bandhavgarh National Park (approx. 100 km from Katni), it is highly recommended to book your safari and taxi through a Katni-based operator like Singh Tours & Travels or MP Holiday Tours, as they offer better rates than booking directly at the park gates.
