One of the most beautiful states in central India is Madhya Pradesh, which is renowned for its abundant wildlife population and remarkable natural beauty. It also alludes to some of the topography of Africa with its lovely low-lying plateau, valleys, variety of fauna, and surrounding environment.
The Pachmarhi Hill Station, with its breathtaking vistas, many activities, and thrilling experiences, is one of the state’s most beautiful locations. With so many things to see and see, it is one of Madhya Pradesh’s most popular tourist attractions. Take a weekend visit to this lovely hill town to enjoy nature at its finest.
See the Pachmarhi Hill Station travel guide down below:
Pachmarhi Tourism
Pachmarhi, also known as the “Queen of the Satpuras” or “Satpura ki Rani”, is both the sole hill station and the highest peak in Madhya Pradesh. For a weekend break, many couples on their honeymoon and families from different Madhya Pradesh cities and nearby Maharashtra states travel to Pachmarhi.
Also, due to its high elevation of 1,067 metres, it offers amazing vistas. Not to mention, Pachmarhi was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its leopard and bison populations. The five sandstone caverns on a mountaintop in Pachmarhi are the main draw. These are thought to have been among the places the exiled Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata resided.
Consequently, it becomes an amazing location. In addition, lots of nature enthusiasts come here to unwind amidst the waterfalls and streams. Also, many churches were built in the colonial style because Captain James Forsyth of the British Army was responsible for the town’s discovery and development.
Top Destinations & Activities In Pachmarhi
Any lover of nature would be captivated by the serene Pachmarhi plateau. Those who truly value tranquilly, quiet, and seclusion are welcome to visit this tapestry of breathtaking scenery. A visitor would never get bored thanks to the abundance of places to explore, the all-pervasive lush greenery, and the availability of diverse activities and adventures.
1. Pandava Caves
One of the top attractions of Pachmarhi is the Pandava Caves. Five Buddhist temples carved out of rock make up Pandava Cave, which is surrounded by the stunning Satpura hills.
According to mythological traditions, these temples were given to the five Pandavas as a place of refuge during their exile, thus the name. These temples date back to the ninth century and are decorated with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
2. Bee Falls
There are numerous beautiful waterfalls in Pachmarhi, but Bee Falls is unquestionably the most beautiful. One of Pachmarhi’s most well-liked tourist destinations in this area is also known as Jamuna Prapat.
Also, Bee Falls is renowned for providing water to the entire town of Pachmarhi. It is mostly used as a swimming area but is a beloved picnic location for both locals and visitors. Everyone wonders as they watch the waterfall cascade down the lush valley.
3. Jata Shankar Cave
Among the tourist attractions, one of the best sites to visit in Pachmarhi is the Jata Sankar cave. According to spiritual sources, Lord Shiva hid here to avoid Bhashmasur’s anger.
This stunning limestone cave, which bears the name Jata Sankar cave, contains stalactites and stalagmites that resemble Lord Shiva’s matted hair. This location is a favourite among devotees since it has a natural shiva lingam and a large rock that resembles 100-headed Sheshnaga.
4. Chauragarh Temple
Chauragarh Temple, another place of worship in Pachmarhi, is at 1326 metres. This ancient temple, which honours Lord Shiva, is surrounded by stunning hills and lush valleys. To get to this sacred site, which includes the main temple, a Dharamshala, and a natural pond, devotees must ascend 1300 stairs.
During the Maha Shivratri and Nag Panchami celebrations, devotees can be seen ascending this steep road while carrying large Trishuls as required by their religion.
5. Chieftain’s Cave
Visit the Chieftain’s cave, situated within the Satpura Forest Reserve, to see the ancient rock paintings. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pachmarhi and is surrounded by numerous stone caverns.
Travelling with a tour guide is advisable because the cave is hidden deep within a forest. Numerous drawings of hunting animals or stone age subjects are incredibly fascinating to capture.
6. Dhoopgarh
If you enjoy watching sunsets, you must include Dhoopgarh on your itinerary for Pachmarhi. Dhoopgarh, the highest peak in the Satpura Ranges, is the greatest site to view the sunset in Pachmarhi.
The neighbouring landscapes may be seen 360 degrees from Dhoopgarh. We went to Dhoopgarh to see the sunset, which was packed and hectic. Witnessing the orange and red tint over the green mountains would be beautiful.
7. Handi Khoh
Usually, Handi Khoh is a stunning cliff or canyon with a deep crevasse below it. Without a doubt, the location is hazardous for selfie enthusiasts. Handi Khoh is a stunning 300-foot-deep valley that two forested hills carved out.
The area is pretty lovely, and you can distantly make out the lush Satpura hills. Now, horseback riding and photography have made the location well-known.
8. Satpura National Park
The name Satpura, which means “seven hills” in Sanskrit, refers to a group of hills in central India’s highlands. It occupies an area of 524 square kilometres and is a part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
Also, if you want a closer look at the colourful wildlife, you may go on a safari in Satpura National Park. There, you will find deep gorges, unexplored forests, and wiggling rivulets that are home to a variety of species.
9. Mahadeo Hills
The Mahadeo hills separate the Narmada basin from the rivers Wardha and Wainganga. One of Pachmarhi’s three highest elevations, this summit offers access to the cave temple of Gupt Mahadev, which houses the holy shrine of Lord Shiva.
In addition to the Gupt Mahadev sanctum, this temple also contains the Bade Mahadev shrine, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. The unobscured, natural view and the surrounding greenery will calm your senses.10
10. Ziplining At Satpura Adventure Club
Satpura Adventure Club, one of the forerunners in Madhya Pradesh’s adventure sports and activities, captures the excitement and wilderness while assuring the security of its guests.
While zip lining, you will be attached to a pulley and cable, suspended in the air, and sliding from end to end. You experience an untamed sense as you fly through the air, and your inner child bursts into screeching life.
11. Apsara Vihar Falls
The Apsara Vihar Falls are a further stunning waterfall that you should see during your journey to Pachmarhi. You may reach the waterfall by taking a 10-minute downhill walk. A fascinating piece of information surrounds the Apsara Vihar or Fairy Pool.
British women are said to have frequented this location for baths during the British era. Due to the women’s light skin tones, the villagers believed them fairies or apsaras. The pool was thus given the name “Apsara Vihar”! Fairies? Not so much!
12. Gupt Mahadeo
It’s interesting to visit Gupt Mahadeo. Actually, the location is a Lord Shiva shrine. Shiva lingam and Ganesha idols are revered in the 40-foot-long, cramped cave. We had to enter the cave from the side because it was so small.
The caves can only accommodate eight visitors at once. Arriving inside Gupt Mahadeo, everything was gloomy and chilly, giving the impression that we had travelled back in time.
The Ideal Season For Visiting Pachmarhi
Regardless of the season, tourists gather in Pachmarhi. It is a constant location where lovers of all four seasons can properly appreciate this tranquil hill station’s wealth.
- From Mid-October to February, tourists that enjoy the winter season can come and take in the frigid climate. You will be in awe of the surrounding scenery, and it is a great location to unwind alone, with loved ones, or with friends.
- Pachmarhi experiences summer from mid-April to June. It is the ideal time to investigate a location and thoroughly engage in activities or sightseeing.
- At Pachmarhi, the monsoon season lasts from mid-June until mid-August. The natural beauty is unmatched and gives the area a surreal appearance. The region is a fantastic place to hang out for pluviophile’s because of the petrichor that follows the first shower, the pristine surroundings, and the greenery.
From March through April, there is a beautiful period known as the call of spring. One can feel the radiance of the entire hill station blooming and waking up.
How To Get To Pachmarhi
By Flight
The closest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, the state capital, which is around 222 kilometres away and has daily airline services from 13 important Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. From Bhopal to Pachmarhi, a taxi is simple to find.
There is also the option of taking the 300 km trip from Jabalpur to Pachmarhi. Instead, connecting flights to Jabalpur or Bhopal are available from other Indian cities like Raipur, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
By Train
The distance via the road between Pipariya and Pachmarhi is only 54 kilometres. Pipariya has connected to significant cities such as Surat, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Kanpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, etc., via several direct trains.
Although Pipariya is the closest city to Pachmarhi, taking a taxi, there is simple and convenient.
By Road
Numerous public and private buses travel to Pachmarhi from surrounding towns like Bhopal, Nagpur, Jabalpur, and Indore and from popular tourist destinations like Pench National Park and Kanha National Park. Since this town is a military base, the roads are in good shape.
Places to Stay Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a great location for a peaceful retreat in the arms of nature because of its lovely surroundings. Here, travellers may enjoy beautiful green scenery at one of the lively mountain hotels and resorts. It offers a wide range of beautiful and well-kept lodgings, both expensive and cheap, to provide you with a pleasant stay and a few homestays tucked away in the centre of lush forests.
The Bottom Line
The experience of seeing some of nature’s most astounding treasures can be had by visiting Pachmarhi. It completely disproves the myth that hill stations are primarily desirable for their scenery. This tiny hill town offers a singular fusion of tradition, beauty, adventure, and history. Thus, you had best decide and don’t forget to cross Pachmarhi off your travel wish list!
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