There are several theories about the origin of the name Mhow. Some believe it stands for Military Headquarters of War, while others expand it as Military Headquarters of Western India. Another explanation is linked to the nearby village called Mahu Gaon, which, after the establishment of the cantonment in 1818, came to be known as Mhow Cantt. A further belief connects the name to the Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) tree, found in abundance in the forests around Mhow.

According to Hindu mythology, Mhow is said to be the birthplace of Vishnu's avatar Parshurama, the Hindu God of Sustenance. In modern history, the town was renamed in 2003 as Dr Ambedkar Nagar, in honour of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, who was born here. Dr Ambedkar's father had also served as a Subedar in the British Indian Army.

About 60 km from Mhow, on the Mhow–Dhar road, lies Mandu, a popular monsoon resort surrounded by lush greenery. Established as a fortress in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj, it was later captured by the Delhi rulers in 1304 and subsequently by Afghan ruler Dilawar Khan. His son, Hoshang Shah, shifted the capital to Mandu. In 1561, Akbar defeated Baz Bahadur, and under the Marathas the capital shifted back to Dhar, leaving Mandu as a ghost city. The town is home to several historic monuments such as the Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace), built by Ghiyas-ud-din and designed like a ship between two lakes; the Hindola Mahal (Swing Palace), with sloping walls that create a swaying effect; the Jama Masjid, a grand mosque built in 1454 and one of the finest examples of Afghan architecture in India; Hoshang's Tomb, constructed in 1435 as India's oldest marble structure that later inspired the architects of the Taj Mahal; and the romantic Rupmati's Pavilion, associated with the tragic love story of Rupmati and Baz Bahadur.

• Berchha Lake: Scenic picnic spot 8 km from Mhow with boating, sailing and kayaking.
• Patal Pani Falls: Waterfall 10 km from Mhow, near a heritage railway station.
• Choral Dam: Picnic spot 16 km from Mhow, developed by MP Tourism.
• Janapao: Temple 17 km from Mhow, associated with saint Jamdagni and Parshuram.
• Pipliyapala Tank (Regional Park): Picnic spot 23 km from Mhow, towards Indore.
• Sitlamata Falls: 27 km from Mhow near Manpur, ideal for bathing.
• Jaam Gate: Ancient fort 28 km from Mhow, overlooking Narmada Valley.
• Wanchu Point: Viewpoint near Manpur (22 km), overlooking Narmada plains.

• Indore blends history and modernity, tracing its legacy to Malhar Rao Holkar, founder of the Holkar dynasty.
• Gomatgiri: 24 marble temples and Gomateshwar statue.
• Khajrana: Famous Ganesh temple.
• Bijasan Tekri: Hilltop temple with BSF arms museum.
• Rajwada: Architectural wonder built by Holkar kings.

• Located 65 km from Mhow on the Narmada.
• Fort complex houses statue of Rani Ahilyabai and Holkar museum.
• Boat ride on Narmada is a highlight.
• Renowned for Maheshwari sarees in cotton and silk.

• Sacred island shaped like Om on the Narmada.
• Home to Shri Omkar Mandhata, one of the 12 Jyotirlings.
• Connected by suspension bridge, dotted with temples.

• Forms Golden Triangle with Mandu & Omkareshwar.
• One of India's seven holiest cities, home of Mahakal.
• Hosts Simhastha Kumbh mela on river Kshipra.

• Raj Kumar Mills: Dohars, bedcovers, linens, sarees.
• Diamond Collection: Leather goods store.
• Fakhri Traders: Baking ware & kitchen items.
• Chanchal Sarees: Chiffons, crepes, embroidery.
• Manju's Shadow-work: Boutique near Swimming Pool.
• Florist: Near Malwa Complex, only florist in Mhow.
• Framing Workshop: Art framing (Tin Gali).
• Soni & Balchand Tailors: Formal suits, uniforms.
• Apsara Ladies Tailor: Famous for blouse stitching.
• Nawal's Grocery: Well-stocked shop in market.
• Agarwal's Grocery: In MCTE shopping complex.
• Malwa Chemist: Pharmacy in market.
• R&A Collections: Exclusive Parsi-work sarees.
• Shaila Embroidery: Exquisite hand embroidery.
• Sanjeri: Known for fashionable blouses.
• B Kishanlal: Smocking & ladies' wear.

Note: Mhow market remains closed on Mondays.