Pachmarhi
A saucer shaped hill resort, Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh is often called as the queen of Satpura Ranges. Situated at an altitude of 1,067 feet, Pachmarhi offers a variety of attractions ranging from ancient caves to beautiful monuments. A famous hill station in the Satpura Range, Pachmarhi is greatly indebted to the highly innovative officer of the British reign, Captain Forsyth for its all round development. It was on the recommendation of this great officer Pachmarhi has been converted to a famous Sanatorium and later to a hill station. The single hill station in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a large flat terrain, circled by the snooty knolls of the Satpura range. Its countryside is characterized by rocky hills, woody forests and deep canyons. The lustrous greenery combined with the majestic hills and the cascading waterfalls presents eye-catching scenery to the observer. One among the main attractions of this hilly resort is the spectacular sight it provides when the sun sets in the horizon. In Pachmarhi, the magnificence of nature is well complimented by the hands of man. Large-scale excavations in this hilly terrain reveal so many ancient caves that are of great value on an archaeological point of view. Nature is at its best in Pachmarhi. Renowned as the most luxuriant gem of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a place where nature has found delicate appearance in numerous charming ways. Green shades cuddle the mountains and everywhere one can hear the placid mutter of flowing water. Bristle paths lead into peaceful forest basins, orchards of jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets. With all its marvelous spectacles and natural beauty, Pachmarhi is a viewers delight.
When To Go
Climate during summers from May to June remain highly bracing and pleasant. Maximum temperature during summers does not exceed 35C. Winters starting by November and extending up to February are very cold and minimum temperature can cross 4C. Monsoons during July to September offer moderate rain in Pachmarhi. Post monsoons are very fresh and attractive. The Bastar Dussehra is a festival during September-October, which is celebrated with much pomp and show. Navaratri celebrations during this period last for nine days and culminate in attractive procession. The period to visit this place is all through year, but best period is from October to June.
Travel within city
Pachmarhi is a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The city of Pachmarhi is quite well known in the tourist circles, as it is the only rare hill station present in the region of Central India.
Taxi
You can travel around the city of Pachmarhi through a variety of options, and the most popular option that tourists normally go for is hiring or renting out a car or four wheeler. Renting out a four wheeler is the most expensive option, as you will need to shell out around Rs 1000 to 1500 in order to rent out a Gypsy for a day.
On Foot
Pachmarhi is a very small hill station, so most of the must see places can be easily covered by foot. You can opt to walk around the hill station in case you do not have any qualms.
Bus
Buses are available in the hill station of Pachmarhi, and these local buses, run by the government, are very few in number and do not provide good service. So being dependent on buses for travelling around Pachmarhi is not a very ideal option. Bus fares range within Rs 3 to 5, though.
Rented Bicycle
You can also rent out a bicycle in order to travel around the hill station of Pachmarhi in an effective way. Renting out a
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You can also rent out a bicycle in order to travel around the hill station of Pachmarhi in an effective way. Renting out a Pachmarhi will cost your around Rs 100 to 120 per day.
Attractions
Bee Falls (Jamuna Prapat)
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A spectacular fall in the stream, which provides drinking water to Pachmarhi, Bee Falls presents a picturesque look. One of the most beautiful waterfalls of Pachmarhi, this charming water stream, which is also called as Jamuna Prapat, flows and jumps into the valley and makes a buzzing sound. This magnificient cascade fills ever-lasting memories when one stays under its cold, fresh and pure water. Adventure buffs can enjoy a challenging walk over the rocks and stones from Apsara Vihar to the bathing pools at the top of Rajat Prapat through Jamuna Prapat. Other interesting attraction of this magnificient waterfall is the bathing pools that lie above the falls. This spectacular fall offers a wonderful holidaying in a solitary ambience.
Mahadeo Hill
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Sandstone hills situated in the northern part of the Satpura Range at an altitude of 1363 m, Mahadeo hill in southern Madhya Pradesh is famous for the ancient shrine of Lord Shiva. This holy shrine holds an imposing idol of Lord Shiva and a fabulous Shivalingam. A hill with deep gorges and steep, Mahadeo hill is regarded as a holy place over centuries. A cave on the eastern portion of this majestic hill presents beautiful cave paintings. Inside the cave is located a holy pond, where the devotees take a religious dip. The serene premises of this holy shrine will be crowded with millions of devotees on Mahashivaratri day.
Tridhara (Picadilly Circus)
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Vanashree Vihar (Pansy Pool) Apsara Vihar (Fairy Pool)
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A natural bathing pool formed by a tiny waterfall, Apsara Vihar in Pachmarhi is located near to the Pandav Caves. Though near the fall the pool is deeper, at the end it is shallow and this particular feature makes it a favourite picnic spot of tourists. The pool is easily accessible and an ideal place for safe swimming and diving. This pool is also known as 'Fairy Pool'. There is an interesting story behind this cute name. During the British reign, the English ladies used to come here for a good bathe and the locals used to peep through from the nearby bushes. Since the ladies are of white colour, the locals thought them to be fairy queens or apsaras and hence the name Apsara Vihar or Fairy Pool. Apsara Vihar is a lovely little shallow bathing pool and it is a recommended place for families with children.
Bhrant Neer (Dorothy Deep) Chauragarh Peak
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Situated at an altitude of 1326 m, Chauragarh Peak presents beautiful scenes of dense forest, valleys and hills. Chauragarh is one of the famous pilgrim centers in Pachmarhi. On the top of the hill is situated a holy shrine of lord Mahadev. To reach the top of the summit, one has to climb 1250 steps. On the day of Maha Shivratri, which depicts the holy matrimony of Lord Shiva with Parvathi, this temple will be full of devotees. People attending this festival carry trishuls with them as a mark of respect to Lord Mahadev. After a strenuous journey, one can relax at the Dharmasala by watching the beautiful landscape and the pretty surroundings.
Chhota Mahadeo
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Dhupgarh
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Dhupgarh is the highest point in the Satpura range, which commands the beautiful view of the surrounding range. It is a very popular spot for viewing the sunset. Situated at a height of 4,429 feet, Dhupgarh is one among the fascinating picnic spots in Pachmarhi. Standing at this majestic point at a time when the landscape is covered with the thin drizzle of the monsoon clouds definitely wins ones heart. The valleys and ravines radiate a breath taking beauty of their own. Sunset and sunrise at Dhupgarh is spectacular. One can even spend a whole day at Dhupgarh by watching the stunning splendors.
Duchess Falls
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One among the beautiful cascades in Pachmarhi, Duchess Falls lies in the lap of the majestic Satpura range. The gorgeous waterfalls stumble down in three different cascades and a strenuous trek of 4 km is required to reach at the base of the first cataract. The descent is steep and the trek strenuous for almost all of its stretch. The awe inspiring Duchess Falls feverishly crashes down over hundred meters creating a raucous roar. The surrounding area of the waterfalls provides a number of clear puddles where swimming is quite safe and enjoyable.
Handi Khoh
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An imposing canyon with a 300 feet high crag amidst a dense forest, Handi Khoh in Panchmarhi is endowed with marvelous scenery. The clinging rock face of this gulch is a haven of large beehives. Bounded by a deep woody forest, this lovely place is closely associated with Lord Shiva. The popular belief is that Handi Khoh was a lake earlier. An evil snake, which actually was a demon, was guarding the lake. Lord Shiva killed the snake and the fury of the divine battle dried up the water in the lake and the empty space assumed the shape of a handi (pot). The locals used to call it Andhi Kho that later took its present name. A magnificient ravine, Handi Khoh is a recommended place for those who love to be in a lonely place, where one could hear only the buzz of gushing water.
Jata Shankar Caves
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A holy place of Shaivite tradition, Jata Shankar in Panchmarhi is a natural Cavern which houses a natural Shivalingam under the shadow of massive rock. The stone formation in the cave resembles the hundred headed divine snake Seshnag. Jata Shankar cave is the place where Lord Shiva supposed to have concealed himself from Bhasmasur. It is from the loose boulders of this cave that the Jambu Dwip stream originates. The loose rocks of this sacred cave looks like the matted hair of Lord Shiva, hence this place is renowned as Jata Shankar. A gigantic rock lynching perilously between the wobbly walls of the cave is an unforgettable scene. This marvelous place is a feast for devotees as well as picnickers.
Pandava Caves
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Located on a small hillock, Pandava caves in Panchmarhi are believed to have been a shelter point of the Pandavas during their period of exile. Now a protected monument, Pandav caves have been carved out of a low hummock. These five caves also became a refuge to Buddhist monks in 1st century. Among the five caves, 'Draupadi Kuti' is the cleanest and most airy, and the dark one is called as the 'Bhim Kothari'. Though the archaeologist are of the view that these caves must have been constructed by Buddhist monks during the Gupta period, but the legend that the Pandavas had lived here has the popular appeal.
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Priyadarshini Point (Forsyth Point)
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This is the point from where Captian Forsyth discovered Panchamarhi in the year 1857. After that the British developed Panchmarhi as a resort. The churches and other structures of this hill station are the clear evidence of the colonial influence. Formerly known as Forsyth point, this vantage point provides the panoramic view of Panchmarhi and its splendid surroundings. The most spectacular vision from this vantage point is that of the Handi Khoh ravine. One of the eye-catching sights from this vantage point is viewing the sunset, when the predominant peaks in the Satpura range presents a radiant and sizzling look in the setting sun against the amethyst backdrop of the sky.
Raj Prapat (Big Fall) Reechhgarh
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Sangam (Fuller's Kund)
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Sunder Kund (Saunder's Pool) The Cave Shelters Trekking
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Panchmarhi is loved by the adventure enthusiasts for its excellent trails. The place gives an opportunity to indulge in treks which vary from short and easy to very difficult and strenuous ones. A small trek to the Jatashankar caves will itself make one realize the panoramic beauty of the place. The hill top of Chauragarh is another interesting option for the trekkers. Rajat pratap is also one of the avenues which can be reached through trekking. This gushing waterfall will mesmerize you with its natural beauty. Dhoopgarh hilltop also forms an interesting destination. The trek to the place is comparatively tough and passes through gushing waterfall and wondrous valleys. For those who crave for real adventure should make their way from Tridhara near Dhupgarh till Sangam which passes through streams and deep gorges. The trek gives a spectacular view of rocks of unusual shapes and breathtaking sunset. Abundant with natural environs, Panchmarhi is rightly known as trekkers paradise.
Astachal (Monte Rosa) Bison Lodge
The oldest house in Pachmarhi, Bison Lodge is constructed in 1862 by Captain Forsyth. It was used by Captain to survey and explore the surrounding forests. Now this building houses a museum, which exhibits the rich flora and fauna of Pachmarhi. One can also seen stuffed tigers and a huge stuffed bison inside the lodge. Marvelous photographs of Pachmarhi and samples of wood from the neighboring forests also are put on show in this beautiful museum. A film on the wildlife will provide oneself with a deep knowledge of the same. A visit to the museum will bring oneself very close to nature.
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Catholic Church
It was in 1857 that Captain James Forsyth recommended the development of the saucer-shaped valley as a resort. Development of Pachmarhi as a fast emerging hill station and tourist resort are the advantageous of the English reign. The Catholic Church in Pachmarhi is built during this period. A classic example of colonial era, this fabulous church allures the tourists with its exceptional beauty. A beautiful blend of the French and Irish architecture, the Catholic Church brings back memories of the colonial past of Pachmarhi. The Belgium stained glass windows gives a special charm to this beautiful shrine. The cemetery of the church has graves dating back 1859, and is the final resting place of many soldiers of first and second world war.
Chieftain's Cave Harper's Cave Irene Pool Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh in India. Established in 1981, Satpura National Park covers a wide area of 524 sq km. A part of the central Indian Highland Ecosystem, it spreads through the dense woody forest of evergreen sal, teak and bamboo. This National Park is extremely rocky and it is bestowed with sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, and ravines. Being a part of a unique ecosystem, Satpura National Park is very rich in biodiversity and it houses some of the rare species of the animal kingdom and a large verity of birds. Thick woody forest, high peaks, and rich collection of animal and bird species Satpura National Park offers most diverse attractions. Jeep safari and boat ride along the reservoir banks to explore the huge park. Besides, elephant safari is also an excellent way to experience the jungle. Best time to visit is during the months of November to March and during monsoons the park remains closed (tentatively June to October).
Distances
Bhopal 199 km 3h, 20m Nagpur 271 km 5h, 10m Indore 360 km 7h
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