Kishore Kumar Samadhi Memorial, Khandwa
Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹0
In the busy railway town of Khandwa, roughly 70 kilometres north of Omkareshwar, a modest walled memorial marks the spot where one of India's most beloved voices came home for the last time. Kishore Kumar — born Abhas Kumar Ganguly on 4 August 1929 in Khandwa — became a defining playback singer, actor, composer and film-maker of Hindi cinema before his death in Mumbai on 13 October 1987. By his own wish, his body was brought back to his birthplace for cremation, and the samadhi that stands here has since become a place of quiet pilgrimage for fans who grew up on his songs.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg Nimari–Malwa thali houses in Khandwa's main bazaar
- ✦Station-area pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas serving daal-baati and poha
- ✦Market sweet shops for fresh jalebi, kachori and mawa sweets
About
In the busy railway town of Khandwa, roughly 70 kilometres north of Omkareshwar, a modest walled memorial marks the spot where one of India's most beloved voices came home for the last time.
- Kishore Kumar — born Abhas Kumar Ganguly on 4 August 1929 in Khandwa — became a defining playback singer, actor, composer and film-maker of Hindi cinema before his death in Mumbai on 13 October 1987.
- By his own wish, his body was brought back to his birthplace for cremation, and the samadhi that stands here has since become a place of quiet pilgrimage for fans who grew up on his songs.
- The memorial itself is unpretentious: a raised platform or chhatri-style canopy, plaques and a portrait honouring the singer, set within a small enclosure that the local community and admirers tend.
- There is little grand architecture to see; the draw is entirely emotional and cultural.
- Visitors linger, hum a favourite number, leave flowers, and take photographs.
- The site comes most alive each August, when Khandwa marks Kishore Kumar's birth anniversary with music gatherings and tributes, drawing devotees of his voice from across the country.
- A modest scale of upkeep means the memorial is best appreciated as a heartfelt detour rather than a monumental one.
- For travellers on the Omkareshwar–Maheshwar–Mandu circuit, Khandwa is an easy add-on thanks to its major railway junction, and the samadhi pairs naturally with a stroll through the old town.
- It is a secular cultural landmark, not a religious shrine, and can be visited respectfully by anyone.
- Allow half an hour to pay your respects and read the plaques.
- For food, Khandwa's bazaars and station-area lanes have several pure-vegetarian options.
- Look for the town's pure-veg Nimari–Malwa thali houses and simple bhojanalayas serving unlimited daal-baati, poha-jalebi breakfasts, and hot sabudana and samosa snacks.
- Sweet shops around the main market turn out fresh jalebi, mawa sweets and kachori — a satisfying, fully vegetarian pause before you continue toward the Narmada.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Kishore Kumar Samadhi, near Bombay Bazaar, Khandwa, Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, 450001
How to Reach: Khandwa is a major junction on the Central Railway with direct trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Indore and Bhopal; the memorial is a short auto-rickshaw ride from Khandwa railway station. By road it is roughly 70 km from Omkareshwar and about 130 km from Indore, both reachable by taxi or bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kishore Kumar and why is his samadhi in Khandwa?
Kishore Kumar (1929–1987) was one of Hindi cinema's greatest playback singers, actors and film-makers. He was born in Khandwa, and by his own wish his body was brought back to his hometown for cremation, where the samadhi memorial now stands.
Is there an entry fee to visit the memorial?
No. It is an open, community-tended memorial with no ticket. Visitors simply come to pay their respects, read the plaques and take photographs.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler months from October to March are most comfortable. Early August, around Kishore Kumar's birth anniversary on 4 August, sees music gatherings and tributes by fans.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the Kishore Kumar Samadhi?
Khandwa's bazaar and railway-station lanes have several pure-vegetarian thali houses and bhojanalayas serving Nimari–Malwa fare like daal-baati, poha-jalebi and sabudana snacks, plus sweet shops with fresh jalebi and kachori. All the recommended options are fully vegetarian.
How do I combine this with an Omkareshwar trip?
Khandwa is roughly 70 km from Omkareshwar and a major railway junction, so it makes an easy half-day cultural detour on the Omkareshwar–Maheshwar circuit, best paired with a walk through the old town.
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