“Satpura ki rani: Pachmarhi” is an amalgamation of plains, hills, plateaus, forests, lakes and what not. Madhya Pradesh is a state located in the center of India, making it a major part of the Indian heartland. At the center of some culturally diverse states, this state has a vast majority of cultural influences yet stands unique in its own heritage and historical prominence since so many years. As a state with almost every kind of landform, Madhya Pradesh holds importance in terms of flora and fauna. Pachmarhi is a special place as it is a major hotspot lying in the region of the Western Ghats, this place is much known for its tiger reserve expanding to a large area.
The word “Pachmarhi” is derived from two Hindi words; ‘Panch’ means ‘five’ and ‘Marhi’ means ‘caves’. This place is famous for its caves that were built by the Pandavas during their 13-year long exile as stated in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The area of Pachmarhi is surprisingly the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, hence being superseding the summer capital of central kingdoms during British rule. Holding such historical and geographical importance, this place is widely visited by tourists from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
This town comes under the Hoshangabad district and the nearest city is Pipariya, about 50kms away. The nearest railway station is also located in Pipariya. Most of the localites worship Lord Shiva and believe in the story of Pandava Caves. Pachmarhi lies in the Satpura Biosphere Reserve, hence the place is well-maintained, clean and cordial. One might also spot a tiger or two, near the forest areas. Many a times, people have spotted tigers roaming near the town of Pachmarhi. This place has a pride in being the most filmed region in Madhya Pradesh. Shah Rukh Khan starrer Asoka was shot in Pachmarhi.
The waterfalls of this region are a sight to behold. Water resembling milk falling magnificently on the water laden ground, the sight has its own worth. Bee Falls, Apsara Vihar, Rajat Prapat, Dutchess Fall, Forsyth point, etc. All these waterfalls are grand, having their own unique scenic beauty, increasing in every angle. Want to click good photographs? Come along, these waterfalls are the best spot for your ‘close-to-nature’ photographs.
Pachmarhi is a one stop spot for all those nature lovers who want their time close to the gifts of natural things. A break from their monotonous lives, the exhausting running marathons of a life. “A day spent near nature, is a lifetime of fresh air and pure love”. Pachmarhi gives us the vibes of a hill station, a valley, hamlet, town amidst the growing palms of a forest reserve. This place has richness in terms of history, mythology, traditions, heritage, geography, flora, fauna and food.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PACHMARHI:
BEE FALLS: Chilly water, windy air, a nature walk, water as chilled as ice, a magnificently grand heighted waterfall. You need to walk for a few minutes to this waterfall, but trust me it is worth it. Many people take bath in the falling water, its drops touching our cheeks, makes us even closer to the nature. Bee falls are the most famous place in Pachmarhi.
JATA SHANKAR: Deep down the road level, lies the precious Lord Shiva statue. That walk down to see the ‘Jata Shankar’ is much more than just a walk, it is a magical feeling. This temple stands huge importance in Hindu mythology.
HANDI KHOH: Called ‘Handi’ because it is shaped like a deep down under view cliff hill, it offers excellent view and lush green scenic views. The best part about this destination is that it is at a height and provides wonderful views and chilly winds flow out here.
SATPURA FOREST RESERVE: The forest houses members from the cat family including tigers, leopards etc. The Satpura range is an actual biodiversity hotspot of India. The forest gnawing to the roads makes it a ‘live-in-wilderness’ experience.
DHOOPGARH: At 4,430ft stands as the highest point of the Satpura range, Dhoopgarh is the most favourable spot for most tourists who actually crave for a sunset view like never before. The whole Satpura range is unstoppably visible from this point.
PANDAVA CAVES: These caves are known to be a living example of mythology and Hindu beliefs in India. These caves are beautifully carved and sculpted. They see a major footfall every summer vacation.
DUTCHESS FALL: This is a 100m heighted waterfall just about 30 minutes away from the main road. This waterfall is aesthetically beautiful, a hidden gem in the laps of nature. No wonder this is an actual nature gift.
GUPT MAHADEV: ‘Gupt’ means ‘hidden’. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is a temple actually inside a cave. Tourists walk to the cave squatted and bent.
PACHMARHI CATHOLIC CHURCH: A place inhabited by 90% Hindus, there is this church which actually looks beauty beyond words, just like the ones shown in ancient paintings. Every year, Hindus perform a special over here. Caste is no obstacle, it is just faith and love.
