The district of Betul is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The city of Betul serves as its administrative headquarters. It is a part of Narmadapuram Division. The district lies towards the southern region of Madhya Pradesh. It occupies almost the whole width of the satpura range, the valley of River Narmada on the north and the bearer plains on the south. Its the southernmost part of the Bhopal Division. The two tiny enclaves the Batla blocks of the Govt. forests is situated at the west threshold of Nimar and Amaraoti districts and Northern bank of River Tapti.

The District is surrounded by Hoshangabad in the north, by Amaroti of Maharastra on the south, by Chhindwara District on the east and by the district of Hoshangabad, East Nimar and Amaroti on the west; The Southern frontier of the district touches the southern foothills of the melghat range, excluding the hattighat and Chikalda hills in Amaroti district. The Western frontier runs beside the Ganjal River, a tributary of River Tapti, and the watershed line amid the Morand and the Ganjal, the tributaries of River Narmada. The Northern frontier lies near Morand River, and by the tawa River beyond Dhodra Mohar Railway station. The Eastern Boundary runs along the Khurpura and Rotia Nala in the form of small streams and hills.

History of Betul

The British troops resided at Multai, Betul and Shahpur to curb the entry of Appa Sahib, the Maratha general, till June 1862. The city of Kherla was ruined under the Gonds and the previous rulerst, still it got established as a government seat, and until the time of invasion of the British authority, the district was called as the "Kherla Sarkar." River Tapti is said to be originated from the center of an artificial tank located at Multai; the place is worshipped and temples are built in its honor.

This district suffered severe famine in 1896-1897, in the year 1897 the death-rate rose to 73 per 1000 inhabitants. In the year 1900 number of deaths rose to one-third of the total population. Famine hit the place again in 1901 and the population fell down to 285,363, indicating the decrease of 12% in that decade, The administrative headquarters was shifted by 3 miles north in the town of Badnur. At the commencement of the 20th century, the principal crops constituted of wheat, millet, other food-grains, pulse, oil-seeds, and a portion of sugar-cane and cotton.

Culture of Betul

People of different creed, religion and cultures reside in Betul. The district encompasses a mosque which as per the age old belief was built by Aziz clan who held a prominent post prior independence. Sheikh Hakim Hanafi, a member Aziz clan still resides in Betul Bazaar and practice medicine.

Betul Tourism

Betul bazaar- This town with abundant greenery is also blessed with the sacred temple of Lord Balaji Balajipuram, the temple is the primary tourist attraction in Betul since 2001 when the visitors gained access to the temple. On the occasion of Basant Panchami every year a Mela is organized with great pomp and show.