PACHMARHI

 

 Adorned with a hilly terrain and natural foliage, Pachmarhi’s stunning beauty has gained her a prominent place in the tourism sector. Pachmarhi’s serene, calm topography and tranquillity offers a soothing effect to the onlookers. This place is greatly esteemed as the ‘Treasure’ of Madhya Pradesh. 

 

 Curled in the arms of Satpura Ranges, these vibrant hills are further beautified with the plantations of wild bamboo, jamun, dense sal trees and bamboo bushes. Apart from being a fabulous jewel of marvellous natural beauty, Pachmarhi is also well renowned for its antique archaeological sites. A group of pre-historic caves were discovered in the Mahadeo hills with beautiful paintings depicting the life of the cave dwellers. The oldest painting dates back to about 10000 years ago whereas the recent one is estimated to be painted in about 600 AD. 

 

 Few colonial mansions and palatial buildings remind the visitor about the richness of the British culture. Panchmarhi is a safe home for the people belonging to different cultures and following many traditions. 

 

 One has to take a long walk in the serene atmosphere to feast on the nature’s bounty and explore places. The well laid roads fringed by trees on either sides, open meadows, illuminating waterfalls and old gardens with fresh fill of oxygen offers heavenly experience. 

 Pachmarhi is spotted with many attractive colonial period cottages with all luxurious facilities for the tourists to spend their vacation in perfect seclusion and enjoyment.

                                                 PLACES TO SEE

Priyadarshini (Forsyth Point) : It is a tiny eyelet from where Captain Forsyth found Pachmarhi in the year 1857. Many palatial buildings, cottages and churches depict the true British culture. 

Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall) : This enthralling waterfall is 5 kms from Pachmarhi offers. With its milky water the falls fall from a height of 150 feet. This waterfall is a source of drinking water for Pachmarhi. The bathing spot above the water fall is the prime attraction. 

Handi Khoh : This deep valley is about 4 kms away from the main city. This place with steep ridges, deep gorges and meadows offer stunning views of the nature. 

Apsara Vihar : Also called the fairy pool is the best place to hangout for kids. The pool with not so deep water, offers a best chance to the kids to play and enjoy in the water.

Rajat Prapat : Rajat Prapat is the big waterfalls which can be reached by adventure freaks by climbing over rocks and cliffs. It lies at close distane to Apsara Vihar. 

Pandav caves : Legends believe that the Pandava brothers along with Draupadi dwelled here for quite some time.  It is now a place of cultural interest.

Vanshree Vihar : This picnic spot located on the Denwa stream. The place with cool waters, shady trees and green vegetation produces enchanting effect.

Reechhgarh : Reechhgarh is about 4 km from the from the main city and is famous for its 3-side open cave. This place also houses a natural auditorium.

Catholic Church : This church built in 1892 is the combo of Irish and French styles. Church looks stunning with Belgium glass panes. There is also a cemetery in this church.

Pachmarhi Lake : After a tiresome trek, the trekkers can cool off in the sparkling waters of the Pachmarhi lake. This lake is 1.5 kms away from the city and boating facility can be availed.

Chauragarh Shrine : Chauragarh is one of the prime holy places of Pachmarhi. It requires great courage in visiting this temple as it is located on a peak, one must climb 1300 narrow steps ie around 4 kms to reach the temple. Devotees carry trishulas on their back to gift their favourite god. Devotees take rest in the Dharmashala located in the temple premises. The place offer  bird eye view of the entire city.

Mahadev Temple : Is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is situated on the Mahadev hills which is about 10kms from Pachmarhi. The Shiv ling in this temple is swayambhu and there is a natural kund nearby. Recent excavations show some caves whose existence dates back to the Mahabharat period. Shivrathi mela an annual fair is held by the temple. 

Bada Mahadev : Baba Mahadev temple is an exploring spot and is located in a cave. Water droplets from top of the cave fall to form a kund.

Jata Shankar : Jata Shankar is a fabulous temple that is beautifully placed in the cave on a natural setting.  The placing of the rocks resembles the matted hair of Lord Shiva. Hence the place gets its name. One should travel 1.5 km by bus and about half a kilometre walk to reach this cave.

Bori and Pachmarhi Sanctuaries : Gaur (bison), barking deer, sambar and wild boar are among the animals found here. 

By Air : Bhopal (195 km)  is the nearest airport. It has regular flights to Delhi, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Indore and Mumbai. 

By Rail : Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Taxis are available at Pipariya. 

By Road : The most convenient railhead is located at Pipariya (47 km),