Blanketed in lush greenery, Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, one of the most popular travel destinations in Central India. The state is famous for its rich history, heritage sites and dense forests, and Pachmarhi adds yet another flavour to the tourism experience in Madhya Pradesh. Mostly preferred by tourists during the summer and monsoon seasons, Pachmarhi lies within the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, which is recognised under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, making it an important natural asset for Madhya Pradesh tourism.
And that’s not all, Pachmarhi boasts of housing Rajat Prapat (Silver Fall), one of the highest waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh, along with ancient caves that are associated with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. The hill station in Madhya Pradesh is nestled amidst the Satpura Range and is known for its rich biodiversity and wide variety of trees and plant species. Trust me, if a family tour or a honeymoon trip is on your mind, Pachmarhi is a perfect place to visit. Though there are many beautiful sites to explore in Pachmarhi, here are 6 top must-visit places in this best-kept secret of Central India that I would certainly recommend.
- Dhoopgarh
- Bee Falls
- Jata Shankar Caves
- Pandav Caves
- Apsara Vihar
- Chauragarh Temple
Also Check Out: Popular Madhya Pradesh Tourism Packages
Dhoopgarh
Probably the most important tourist attraction in Pachmarhi, Dhoopgarh is a mountain peak situated at an elevation of approximately 1,350 m. Dhoopgarh is not only the highest peak in the Satpura Range but also the highest point in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The place is ideal for enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is also popular for family picnics. It is particularly famous as one of the best places in Pachmarhi to witness a spectacular sunset.
Bee Falls
Among the most popular waterfalls in Pachmarhi, Bee Falls is a beautiful cascade that drops from a height of approximately 35 m. Also known as Jamuna Prapat or Jamuna Falls, it is reckoned to be one of the best tourist attractions in Pachmarhi. Apart from offering picturesque views to tourists and being one of the popular nature sightseeing spots, this waterfall also serves as an important source of water for Pachmarhi town. For adventure seekers, exploring the scenic trail around Bee Falls and nearby attractions such as Apsara Vihar can be an exciting experience.
Jata Shankar Temple Caves
One of the major religious sites in Pachmarhi is the Jata Shankar Cave Temple. Situated inside a natural cave, the shrine is known for its numerous naturally formed stalagmites, many of which are worshipped as Shivalingas. According to local belief, the cave houses around 108 Shivalingas. One of the unique formations here resembles the matted hair (jata) of Lord Shiva, while another is believed to resemble the hood of Sheshnaag. During Mahashivratri, a large number of devotees throng the Jata Shankar Cave Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Pandav Caves
Pandav Caves are a group of five ancient rock-cut dwellings located in Pachmarhi. The exact date of their construction is not firmly established, although they are considered to be ancient and are associated with Buddhist monks in some historical accounts. However, local tradition strongly connects the caves with the Pandavas, who are believed to have taken refuge here during their exile.
The legend also has it that one of the Pandava brothers, Arjuna, taught music to Nagpati and married the daughter of Nagraj Vasuki, who is believed to have lived in Nagdwari, around 15 km from Pachmarhi. These caves are simple but attractive, with relatively uncomplicated rock-cut features. Some of the caves are also noted for their unusual acoustic effect.
The Pandav Caves are among the prominent tourist attractions in Pachmarhi and offer an interesting glimpse into the area’s history, legends and cultural traditions.
Apsara Vihar
On the way to Rajat Prapat, Apsara Vihar is a beautiful natural pool formed by a small cascade. The place is ideal for stopping by and spending some quiet time amidst nature. It is also a popular spot for visitors exploring the attractions around Rajat Prapat and Bee Falls in Pachmarhi.
Chauragarh Temple
Chauragarh Temple is situated on top of a hill at an altitude of around 1,330 m. This popular shrine in Pachmarhi is accessible by trekking up the hill, with the route involving more than 1,000 steps. The final stretch can be a difficult hike, especially for those who are not accustomed to climbing.
Devotees of Lord Shiva are usually seen trekking with Trishuls (tridents, a symbol associated with Lord Shiva) in their hands during Mahashivratri. At the top of the peak stands the temple, along with an area where numerous Trishuls have been erected by devotees over the years, creating a striking sight. The view of the surrounding Satpura forests from the temple is also quite stunning.
Chauragarh holds an important place among the top tourist attractions of Pachmarhi, especially for religious visitors and hiking enthusiasts.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
Apart from the above-mentioned sightseeing places, Pachmarhi also has several other attractions, including Patharchatta, Crumps Crag, Lady Robertson’s View, Colletin Crag, Mount Rosa and Irene Pool. Truly, Pachmarhi is a great place to enjoy a holiday in Madhya Pradesh. The best time to visit is generally from October to June, while the monsoon season, from July to September, offers lush green landscapes and a different experience, although heavy rainfall can affect outdoor activities.
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About the author
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
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