A few days ago, Abhinav called out to find if I was interested in going to a trip for our anniversary. My brother has also come from Canada due to pandemic and all of us were looking forward for some excitement in the monotonous day routine /lockdown life. And guess what can be the best place to go which is just few hours drive from Bhopal than “Queen of Satpura a.k.a. PACHMARHI”.
So yes, we kinda rolled everyone in the family and went to explore the so called “Summer Capital of M.P.” or “Lord Shiva’s Second Home”. We started from our place early in the morning and took the different route via one of the biggest dams in Bhopal, “Kolar Dam” through the mystical jungle of “Ratapani”.
As, its clearly said,Sometimes, it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” From the moment we started till we touched the feet of “Queen of Satpura” the journey came with bouquet of moments while we took many 5 mins pitstop to stretch ourself and also, by stopping near the fruit vendors who sits beside the highway selling the “King of Fruit, MANGOOO”, Jamun and more. It’s worth a visit Pachmarhi during the commencement of Monsoon season too because you get to experience flora and fauna of all kinds, via serene view of the Satpura Ghats during your drive over blind turns or may be around the zig-zig tracks, and also the cutest monkey family siting on or besides the road while they have gala family brunch over fresh fruits direct from the trees.
After driving through the jungle, dam, highway, some secret route (there is a pass which makes you cross Pipariya City way faster) and Satpura Ghats, we finally reached in 5 hours drive and straight headed to our resort. Well, it’s very important to book the stay in advance and specially if you are going to any destination for the first time with all family. We booked the resort in advance and it was worth the decision because the moment we reached the “Glen View” it was an unbelievable feeling altogether. Our tiredness went for a toss after we saw the location, it was all filled with huge trees, beautiful landscape, birds singing all around and we were headed to our lovely cottages in middle of this beautiful experience. Glen View is one of the best hotels with relaxed, and enjoyable quality accommodation, delicious food, enclosed parking, children-play equipments & beautiful plantations all around the property. We were served with amazing food since we reached the property during the lunch and after taking a power nap for an hour we started chilling out.
Pachmarhi satisfies both the adventurous and religious expectations to the fullest. As when we talk about religion then there are places like Chauragarh, Jata Shankar, Bade Mahadev, Gupt Mahadev and many more. Also, for adventure enthusiast there are places like Bee fall, Dhoopgarh, Reechgarh, Apsara Fall, Duchess Fall and many more. So, in this blog, I will list out some of the no-miss places to visit in Pachmarhi if you are there for a weekend with family or friends.
Rajendra Giri Point
It was evening at Pachmarhi, we did our google search and went straight to Rajendra Giri Point. It is a popular sunset point in Pachmarhi named after Dr. Rajendra Prasad – the first President of India since he visited this place often.
The spot was just 15 mins away from our hotel and what can be the best place to visit after a long drive and good food then to just chill out by strolling in the beautiful garden and looking at the sun diving into the deep sky with all orange and yellow splashes of light across the sky. The monsoon spins it magic in the place when the whole valley offers a refreshing view of lush greenery and makes for an idyllic experience in itself.
The place and the lightings were so beautiful that none of the family member could control themself from getting photographed. Honestly, it was very hilarious that we took thousands of pictures whereas both of us ended with just few shots of ourself.
Also, there is a small trail which starts just beside the Rajendra Giri’s gate. Well, if you want a secluded and spectacular experience of the sunset, then do not miss out this trail. Most of the people just visit the park and leave, this trail is for someone who wants to experience the beauty of sunset with the serenity.
Timing: Sunrise to sunset
Best Time to Visit: During sunset
Entry Fee: Free of cost
Time Required: 1 hour
Conveyance: Personal or Hired Gypsy
While returning back to hotel, I could not control the driving instinct inside me and I took the car from Abhinav, to drive the sway routes of Pachmarhi to the amazing dinner waiting for us at the hotel.
Bison Lodge Museum
Next morning while everyone was busy in having the breakfast, me and Abhinav went to Bison Lodge Museum to book the gypsy and entry tickets to places which are under forest department. It costed us approx. Rs 3700/- for 2 gypsy + entry ticket. We had to book 2 gypsy as maximum 6 people are allowed in one.
Bison Lodge once used to be the resident of British man Captain Forsyth and is one of the oldest buildings in Panchmarhi (built in 1862). The lodge now caters to tourists visiting the forests of Satpura hills, while the Museum displays the flora and fauna of Panchmarhi via pictures, models and samples. Also, there are few collectable shops from there you can purchase stuff you like. After hiring gypsies, we went straight to hotel to pick up our family.
Pandav Caves
Almost at 10 AM, we started our trip over gypsy and the first spot which we explored was Pandav Caves. We hired a local guide who charged us Rs 80/- for narrating the history of Pandav Caves. According to him, the Pandavas – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, were believed to stay here during their exile with Draupadi. The caves are not only famous for Pandavas but also for Buddhism. It is also said that monks used to stay here for meditation. From the top of the Caves, you can look at the famous 3 spots of Pachmarhi i.e., Dhoopgarh, Bade Mahadev and Chauragarh. One can also look at the very beautiful landscaping done in front of the caves.
You can also enjoy riding the mini version of Harley and Super Bikes which you get right outside the gate.
Timing: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: In the morning as afternoons are little harsh
Entry Fee: Free of cost.
Time Required: 2 hours
Conveyance: Personal or Hired Gypsy
Bee Fall
It was very hot outside and yes, we decided to head towards the very famous waterfall i.e., Bee Fall. Bee Fall at Pachmarhi is a major tourist attraction and one of the most spectacular Waterfalls where the water falls from the various corners/upstreams/downstreams of the jungle from a height of almost 35 meters. One very interesting concept we came across after reaching at the spot was that throughout the year, the waterfall does not dry out because of the water stored inside the sandstones. These sandstones form the huge hills/ mountains which makes Pachmarhi the “Queen of Satpura”.
It took almost an hour to reach down to the waterfall and believe me, once you reach down and when you look the at the huge size of waterfall, you will be awestruck after seeing the beauty when water falls form the cliff on the stones, and the sun rays are teasing the water droplets with the shadow effect of leaves from the huge tress upon the waterfalls, which in order forms the beautiful rainbow in the air giving a splendid view. And yes, who can stop us while taking a jet speed shower under the waterfall. But you really have to be careful as the rocks are super slippery.
Timing: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM (entry)
Entrance Ticket: You need Forest Ticket which you get from Bison Lodge
Time Required: 3 to 4 hours
Conveyance: Hired Gypsy (There is a toll after which personal vehicles are not allowed)
Travel Tip: Carry drinking water and snacks. A towel and extra pair of clothes if you are planning to take shower in the fall. And don’t forget to wear shoes for the hike.
Dhoopgarh
As they say, if you are in a beautiful place where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset, then you are living like a lord. Yes, it’s time for Dhoopgarh,
Dhoopgarh is the highest point in the Mahadeo Hills, from one side of the hill you can see the sunrise and from the other side sunset. Dhoopgarh, originally known as Harvatsa Kot, is the tallest peak of Madhya Pradesh, and so they give undoubtedly the best views of the entire town of Pachmarhi along with the beauty of Satpura and Vindhyachal Range.
The best way to reach Dhoopgarh is by hiring a jeep/gypsy followed by trekking because one should be enjoying the journey while going through valleys, waterfalls and experiencing the beautiful ecosystem here. The calm and serene ecosystem of this place makes it the huge attraction for tourist. During the evening time this place is no less than a theatre where everyone gathers to witness the drama of nature, i.e., the story of sun diving down in the sky and flaring its colours all over the places.
Tip: Wait 15 to 20 mins after the sunset to take the million-dollar pictures with your loved ones.
Timing: Entry till 6 PM (depending upon weather/ season)
Best Time to Visit: During sunset, preferably go around 4PM
Entry Fee: Forest Ticket
Time Required: 3 to 3.5 hours
Conveyance: Gypsy
Gupt Mahadev and Bade Mahadev Caves
Any guess, which is the second home of Lord Shiva? Yes, its Pachmarhi. The 40 feet long cave is a revered shrine of Lord Shiva which is narrow and can only accommodate around 5 to 8 devotees at once. The cave has an idol of Lord Ganesha and Shiva Lingam enshrined in the most natural form. Following a path as tough as the one that leads to Gupt Mahadev and Bade Mahadev Caves is an adventure in itself worth remembering.
Timing: Till sunset
Best Time to Visit: In the morning (traffic is less)
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested time required: 1.5 to 2 hours
Conveyance: Personal / or Hire Gypsy
Handi Khoh
The grand gorge of Handi Khoh or echo point, shaped like a horseshoe or V- Shape, with falling edges from a height of 300 feet constituted by two massive hills in the middle of a dense forest. A nature lover’s paradise, its landscapes range from dense woodland to the river flowing far below, the murmuring sound of water can be heard standing the edge of the cliff. This place is famous for trekking, hiking, photography, and horse riding.
Timing: Till sunset.
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Conveyance: Personal / or Hire Gypsy
Priyadarshini Point
Priyadarshini Point lies on the way to Mahadeo hills. The Google may mention this point as sunset point which is actually not. However, this point gives the panoramic view of town Pachmarhi. It is one of the most spectacular ravines, and among the best places to visit in Pachmarhi. You need to trek for 10 to 15 mins for reaching this point.
Timing: Till sunset.
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Conveyance: Personal / or Hire Gypsy
Lovers Point
The serendipity, or luck by chance…. Well, Abhinav and I were just roaming around while our families were resting in the hotel and we come across this point a.k.a. LOVERS POINT. This is the most beautiful spot for the couples because of the huge trees standing in a straight line like soldiers in one queue and a grand lake just besides the green grassland / landscapes. This spot actually resembles the Patni Top in the Upper part of India and is the No-miss spot for couples and specially for newly-wed ones.
Timing: Any time during day light to take amazing pictures
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested time required: Your time / We Time 😉
Conveyance: Personal
Jatashankar Temple
This was the very last place we visited and it was late evening we reached here. Honestly, we were scared as everyone tried to scare us from the trek downhill. It started raining slowly – slowly but we were still walking to reach the temple of Lord Shiva. Jatashankar is situated in a deep ravine and are considered as sacred place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the wrath of Bhasmasur. This is a beautiful limestone cave comprising stalactites and stalagmites that look like the matted hair of Lord Shiva, hence named “Jata Shankar Cave”. Besides, the ceiling of this famous shrine has a formation that closely resembles the mythological hundred-headed snake Seshnag. There are 108 such natural lingams present in this cave. You can find two different types of ponds fed by springs, found in the locality, one of cold water and the other one of hot water. Water in the cave flows from an unknown point as no one has ever seen or reached that starting point and hence this stream of water is popularly known as ‘Gupt Ganga’. There are idols of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati enshrined at a platform on the upper section of the cave. We almost walked about 1km and then climb down 150 steps leading to the cave temple. Besides, one can buy the local ayurvedic oils that are being sold by vendors all along the route. Also, while returning it was full dark and still raining. Guess what? We saw the FIREFLIESSSSS all around…. It was the most mesmerising moment for all of us. As this was the very first time, we have seen such a beautiful creature together.
Timing: 24 hrs (preferable before sunset)
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested time required: 1 to 2 hours
Conveyance : Personal / or Hire Gypsy
Chauragarh Temple
Chauragarh Temple is a temple of Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of 1,330 meters, atop the Chauragarh peak, the temple is accessible only by a 3.4 km long trek that begins at Mahadeo cave. You have to climb nearly 1300 steps to reach the temple.
Well, we were very excited to go for the hike but considering the elders in our family, we decided to explore this place next time. The shrine is known for the thousands of tridents stuck in the temple premises, offered by devotees over the years. On reaching the very top, you get a magnificent view of dense forest, valleys, and hills.
Timing: During sunrise or in the morning
Entry Fee: Free
Conveyance: Personal / or Hire Gypsy
Reech Garh
It is completely off-beat path. You can find the huge majestic terrain with a canyon that is home to caves, caverns and rock formations, make trekking here unique. The canyon was formed by ancient rivers which are dried over the years. The movie ‘Asoka’ was shot here owing to its untouched appeal. For nature lovers, a hike here is almost surreal! Do observe the sandstone formations along the way and don’t miss out on the ‘Echo Point’.
Timing: Till 4 PM entry
Entry Fee: Jungle Entry Pass
Suggested Time Required: 1.5 to 2 hours
Conveyance: Personal / or Hire Gypsy
Ramya Kund
Ramya Kund is a natural pool situated about a kilometer ahead of Reechgarh, it is also known as Irene Pool. Ramya Kund is a crystal-clear natural pool and is one of the lesser-known getaways in Pachmarhi. It is a perfect place to spend a couple of hours, just lazing around in the cool water. You need to walk for approximately 10 minutes on the plain ground followed by a 300 m long steep trek that ends at the mouth of this spring. It is a picturesque hilltop pool that can be best visited during or post-monsoon. One can see remains of beehives, colourful butterflies, and lush green environs of Satpura hills all around the passage.
Timing: Till 4 PM.
Entry Fee: Jungle Entry Pass
Suggested time required: 1.5 to 2 hours
Conveyance: Gypsy
Apsara Vihar
Do you remember the Movie Asoka starring Sharukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor? The song, “san sanana san sanana nan ja ja re ja re ja re ja re pawan” was shot here.
Apsara Vihar is stunning waterfalls situated near Silver Fall / Rajat Prapat fall, it is one of the waterfalls in Pachmarhi, and among the best places to visit in Pachmarhi especially for adventure enthusiasts. Located deep inside the Jungle, one has to stroll through the jungle paths to reach the beautiful waterfall. During the British rule, the English females were found bathing in the pool often who seemed like fairies to the locals and hence they called the falls “Apsara Vihar or Fairy Pool”.
Timing: Till 5 PM.
Entry Fee: Jungle Entry Pass
Suggested time required: 3 to 4 hours
Conveyance: Gypsy
Duchess Waterfall
Longing to see and capture mind-boggling steep and deep waterfall? Then your search ends here at Duchess Fall. It is supposed to one of the most striking waterfalls of Pachmarhi and is well situated at the Satpura Range. The beautiful waterfall bifurcates into three different cascades. The majestic falls call for a scenic trek of about 4 kms through the rocks and boulders of the hills. This trek leads you to the base of the first cascade, where the splashes and mists welcome you.
As this place is deep in the jungle, just be cautious as you have to go through thick forest and it is little deserted as very few dare to go to this place. The climb is quite strenuous and is not advisable for elderly people as well as people having low stamina. One will need a core zone permit and guide from Bison Lodge to visit the place.
Timing: 7AM – 5 PM.
Entry Fee: Jungle Entry Pass
TRAVEL TIPS
- Carry bottled drinking water and snacks.
- Do wear sturdy shoes for the hike.
- Wearing sunscreen will help to protect from the sun.
- Google Maps works perfectly here.
- Carry good camera and enough memory space and battery life.
- Do not believe in the gypsy drivers all the time because they tend to misguide you to save on petrol and waste time.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING PACHMARHI
Which are the popular spots can be visited using personal transport?
Handi Khoh, Jatashankar, Bade Mahadev, Gupt Mahadev, Lovers Point, Priyadarshini Point, Pachmarhi Lake, Local Market and city tour, Prakrit – silk emporium, Reech Garh, Nursery, and Bison Museum
Which are the popular spots requiring Jungle Entry pass and Gypsy/guide?
Bee Fall, Dhoopgarh, Apsara Fall, Silver Fall, Ramya Kund, Chauragarh Temple, and Duchess Fall.
What is the most popular time to visit pachmarhi?
Oct to Feb or June-end to July-mid (during the commencement of monsoon)
How many days should be planned for Pachmarhi?
2 nights and 3 days will be enough.
Which is the nearest Railway Station?
Pipariya Railway Station
Which is the nearest Airport?
Bhopal Airport
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