Pachmarhi sits in the lap of nature and is blessed with amazing hills, beautiful waterfalls and a variety of flora and fauna. It is preferred by tourists travelling to Bhopal, as well as Indore.

Located in the Satpura range of mountains, it is rightly nicknamed The queen of Satpura, as it is the tallest place in this range. 

It is serene and peaceful and the most remarkable tourist destination in recent times with many sightseeing options. Not only nature lovers and photographers but also adventure lovers can make the most out of their trip to Pachmarhi.

About Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi was a lesser-known and hidden place until Capt James Forsythe, a British Army officer, founded it in 1857. It is placed at a height of 1067 metres and has a divine connection with Lord Shiva the shrines of whom have been located in the caves here. It is also said that Pandavas came here to spend their days of exile with their wife Draupadi. So, backpackers and travel enthusiasts dig into the realms of Pachmarhi tourism. 

Places to visit in Pachmarhi

Bison Lodge Interpretation Centre

The name of Capt Fedrick Forsythe is very significant to Pachmarhi. 

Bison Lodge and Interpretation Centre was once his house which is now converted into a museum and depicts life-size models of the flora and fauna. 

It also houses various pictures, models, graphs and maps which give an exact impression of the actual animals and birds found here. It has marked its place in history as it is one of the oldest museums in Madhya Pradesh. 

Located around 2 km away from the main Bus Station, this is the first place in Pachmarhi to visit to obtain tourist permits for various Pachmarhi tourist places. One can also book jeeps and guides for the Pachmarhi sightseeing. The tour guides take visitors to all the places to visit in Pachmarhi guiding you for the full course of the day. 

Bison Lodge Interpretation Centre is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day.

Pandav Caves

If you are a history buff and legends interest you, then this is a place for you. 

According to a legend, Pandavas came to this place along with their wife, Draupadi. During their exile, they excavated five caves meaning ‘Panch’ in Hindi, for them to lay low and to pass their time in anonymity.

Along the premises of this place is a beautifully done-up garden with all the seasonal flowers and other local flora. The greenery here is a treat to watch. 

Pandav Caves are open from 7 am to 7 pm, every day.

Dhoopgarh

Dhoopgarh is the highest point in Pachmarhi at a height of 1350 metres and the views from here are breathtaking. 

People come here for the picturesque views of Sunrise and Sunsets. 

At night, the lights of neighbouring towns like Itarsi are visible from here which gives a mesmerising look and is a photographer’s delight. This place looks beautiful all year through however the best season to visit is monsoons as the place gets filled up with soft cottony clouds and engulfs itself in the greens. 

It is possible to trek to Dhoopgarh or reach it by vehicle. 

Dhoppgarh is open from 8 am to 6 pm, all days of the week. 

Jata Shankar Caves

One gets enchanted with the beauty and gets mesmerised by the magnificence of Jata Shankar Caves. 

In order to reach the caves, there is a flight of steps going into the depth of a ravine between the huge rocks. Moving towards the end of the steps is Trishul of Lord Shiva and naturally formed Lingam. 

I have visited caves having a Shiva lingam at Badami Cave Temples which also has beautiful sculptures and carvings.

If you are interested in Geology and are interested in various formations on the surface and beneath the earth, this place is a must-visit as the caves house the stalactites. I have seen stalactites formation in Meghalaya in India and Halong Bay in Vietnam and the formations are breathtaking!

As per the legend, Lord Shiva hid in this place from Bhramasur. One can find two ponds here, which are enriched by seasonal springs, one with cold water and the other with hot water. The structure of this cave resembles Sheshnag which is a Snake god with 1000 heads. This shrine holds great importance for the locals and the people staying around.

Rajat Pratap Falls

Emerging from the trek of a small Apsara Vihar waterfall through the rocky terrain is a tall waterfall of height 350 feet and stands 30th in India for its height. 

Raja Parapat Waterfalls seems like a silver lining emerging from beautiful greens which is why it is also called Silver Falls. 

This place is best for photography, videography, trekking and bird watching too. It is open throughout the day and the best time to visit is during or after monsoons. This fall is one of the biggest of the many waterfalls Pachmarhi tourism is blessed with which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Pachmarhi.

Bee Falls 

The name itself suggests a connection with the Bees. 

It is named Bee Falls as it sounds like a buzzing bee from a distance. It is the most visited waterfall in Pachmarhi, highly subscribed by locals and tourists. 

This natural waterfall is sourced by nearby perennial small streams which are in full during monsoons. The place is very scenic. Not only is the waterfall beautiful but also the trek to reach the place is very beautiful. One can even reach the pool of this waterfall and a take dip there. 

There are other waterfalls in Pachmarhi as well like the Duchess Fall and Apsara Falls which also form an important part of Pachmarhi famous places.

Reechgarh

Reech means Bear.

The name itself suggests it’s an abode of Bears.

With its huge rock-like and cave-like shelters, it boasts of being home to the magnificent animal, the Bear. One has to hike around a kilometre to reach this place. One has to go up and down huge boulders to move around this place which reminds us of our Bollywood movies. One can click lots of photographs here as the views are outstanding.

Chauragarh Temple

Chauragarh temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

There is a tradition to offer Trishul to the Lord in this temple. On the day of Shivratri, many devotees come here and offer Trishul as heavy as 150 kg and as long as 15 feet in height. 

These offerings on Shivratri are considered to be auspicious and a thanksgiving gesture to the Lord for fulfilling their wishes. The trek is tough however the scenes from the temple are breathtaking and photography worthy.

Priyadarshini Point/ Forsythe Point  

Places to visit in Pachmarhi are all close to nature – green clad mountains, waterfalls and numerous nature trails. 

Forsythe Point gets its name as Capt Forsythe first came to this place and discovered Pachmarhi. It’s a beautiful viewpoint with various ranges of hills overlapping each other and clad with soft clouds creating a mist in the area. 

Taking a camera to this point is a must. One can reach this point after a trek of about 400 metres and view one of the most exquisite sites in Pachmarhi.

Mahadeo Hills & Gupt Mahadev 

Pachmarhi in monsoon is breathtakingly beautiful and serene. 

Located at around 10-12 km from the Pachmarhi town, Mahadeo Hills is the northern part of the Satpura range. 

These hills are one of the three highest peaks in Pachmarhi and house two ancient temples of Bada Mahadev and Gupt Mahadev. It is 40 feet long and happens to be one of the ancient cave temples in Pachmarhi. 

The inner Sanctorum of this temple is very narrow, one has to actually squeeze in to get there and can accommodate only 7-8 people at a time.  This is a place where spirituality and adventure go hand in hand.

Best Places to visit near Pachmarhi 

There are two places which cannot be ignored when we talk about Pachmarhi sightseeing. They are Tawa Dam and Satpura National Park in Madhai.

Tawa Dam and Reservoir

Tawa Dam has been constructed on the confluence of two rivers Tawa and Denwa. 

Tawa river is a tributary of the Narmada river and Denwa is a tributary of the Tawa river. This dam was constructed keeping in mind the water and hydropower supply to the people of Madhya Pradesh. The confluence is encircled by the Satpura ranges making it extremely panoramic. This reservoir is always full as the rivers that feed it are perennial rivers. 

Sunsets viewed from the dam site are loved by tourists and photographers. Adjacent to the dam is a beautiful resort of Madhya Pradesh Tourism. 

One can also go for a cruise on the river which is organised by them. While cruising, one can spot marsh crocodiles. Boating and bird watching are other attractions here which keep tourists glued to the property. 

Satpura National Park, Madhai

Also known as Satpura Tiger Reserve, it is included in Project Tiger since the year 2000. 

It covers both Bori and Pachmarhi National Parks and covers Hoshangabad and Chinnwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. 

It is home to various animals like Leopard, Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Bear, Black Buck etc. It is also home to various birds and innumerable plant species. One can approach the Park from Madhai which is a part of Satpura Bioreserve. 

There is a Madhya Pradesh Tourism resort at the edge of Denwa River in Madhai. Tickets for Jungle Safari can be booked here. One has to boat across to reach the National Park and stay at the Forest resort there as well. The calm and serene water, scenic beauty and the location of this place rightly explain why it is on the top of the tourism map of Pachmarhi as also Madhya Pradesh.  

Pachmarhi as a whole gives peace and ensures rejuvenation from the hustle and bustle of a city. One gets transformed after experiencing the beautiful escapades of nature and refreshes to take on new challenges.

Experiencing Adventure in Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi sightseeing is not only about nature and photography but also about adventure and thrill. Adventure tourism is possible and one of the best things to do in Pachmarhi. 

Cycling 

Properties of Madhya Pradesh Tourism like Champak Bungalows and Amaltas provide cycles to their guests to go on a cycle ride from the lake within the city to the Catholic Church which is of the Britisher’s era. The lake here is housed within the city limits and gives a calming experience sitting beside it.

Trekking

One can go trekking en route to various waterfalls in Pachmarhi which are its lifeline. The scenery here becomes breathtaking during the monsoon.

Ziplining & Parasailing 

Satpura Adventure Club offers various adventure activities like Zip Lining and Parasailing. They also offer various other activities like Jungle camping and Bungee Jumping.

Satpura Adventure Club is an adventure institute recognised by Madhya Pradesh Tourism located at Patel Road in Pachmarhi. It offers all kinds of adventure activities from water adventure, Jungle safari and camping and aero activities as well. 

Best season to visit Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi hill station is one of its kind in Madhya Pradesh. Owing to its restorative and rehabilitative weather, any season is great to visit. 

However, if you want to enjoy all the waterfalls and the engulfed greens, monsoons are the time. Pachmarhi monsoon gives the best scenery that one may have seen only in pictures and paintings.  

Summers are very pleasant and the temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. When the whole country is troubled by rising in temperatures and heat waves, Pachmarhi offers cool and pleasant weather with blue skies and fresh breathable air. 

Pachmarhi is located at a height, winters are chilly here and tourists are advised to carry thick woollens to protect themselves from the cold. Temperature ranges from 4 to 14 degrees Celsius during this time.

How to reach Pachmarhi 

See below the distance chart of Pachmarhi in kilometres from various important cities of Madhya Pradesh.

By Road 

Pachmarhi is connected with all major cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi to Bhopal is 210 km away and can be reached by bus. Pachmarhi’s bus service is also connected to Nagpur, Hoshangabad, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra State Transport Development Corporation have regular bus services to Pachmarhi from both states. 

By Train

The shortest distance from Pachmarhi is Pipariya. From there, one can get taxis which take approximately 50 minutes to reach Pachmarhi. Pipariya is an important railway station on Itarsi – Jabalpur Mainline in Madhya Pradesh and can be reached through all the above stations which are in turn well connected to the metros and other big cities. 

By Flight

Bhopal and Jabalpur are the nearest airports to Pachmarhi. Flights in and out of these places are available from all leading metros as also from class A cities. 

One can also take a combination of rail, road and air to reach this splendid place. 

Where to stay in Pachmarhi

MP Tourism hotels are the best places to stay in Panchmarhi not only because of their hospitality but also for their beautiful locations.

The WelcomHeritage Golf View is the most beautiful and high-end property there.

There are also many private hotels available in the market area.

FAQs about Places to visit in Pachmarhi

Is Pachmarhi worth visiting?

Yes! Pachmarhi is a charming hill station away from the city. It is a perfect weekend destination. Being home to a number of waterfalls and several trekking routes it is a must-visit in Madhya Pradesh.

How many days are required to visit Pachmarhi?

Ideally, 2 days are enough to cover the entire stretch. 

Is mobile connectivity available in Pachmarhi?

Yes! All major network providers have decent connectivity. There won’t be any lag to post photos and videos on social media.

Which month is best for Pachmarhi?

Depending upon tourist preference Pachmarhi is an all-season destination. Pachmarhi is especially beautiful during the monsoon because of the waterfalls and greenery all around. The best time to visit Pachmarhi is October to March for the pleasant and enjoyable weather.

How can I reach Pachmarhi from Pipariya?

Visitors can take a bus or shared taxi from Pipariya to Panchmarhi, which is 50 km away and the duration is 2 hours. One can also rent a cab for the journey.

Why is Pachmarhi famous?

Pachmarhi is a hill station in central India. It is also famous for Satpura Tiger Reserve, Satpura National Park, waterfalls, treks and temples.

Is Pachmarhi safe?

Yes, it is safe. 

Sustainable Tips for Places to visit in Pachmarhi

• Respect the ancient structures of temples, caves and mosques by not sitting on them.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on them.
• Do not litter any of the tourist areas.

Read More Blogs from Madhya Pradesh

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The post 10 Lovely places to visit in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh appeared first on Explore with Ecokats.

Daringbadi, Odisha by Anwesha Guha

When planning a trip to Odisha, the first thing that comes to your mind is its famous temple or sea beaches. But many don’t know that Odisha has a hill station whose beauty is often compared to that of Kashmir. I am talking about Daringbadi which is an offbeat hill station, situated at an altitude of 3000 feet, in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It is the only knowing place in Odisha which receives snowfall in extreme weather.

The hill station’s name originated from two words “Daring” and “Badi”. During the British era, an officer called Mr. Daring oversaw the village. And “Badi” means village in Oriya. Over time, the hill station became popular as the village of Daring and grow into a regular spot for the Britishers to spend the summer seasons.

There are a lot of interesting spots in and around Daringbadi which will surely excite you. The colourful paddocks of Daringbadi, make a perfect spot for family picnics. The major places to visit are Hill View Park, Lover’s Point, Mudubandha waterfall, Rushukulya River and Belghar Nature Camp and Wildlife Sanctuary. Trekkers will love the hiking trails around the area and camp in the lush green pine forest areas.

One can find good accommodation and many food options in the nearest city of Baliguda. The scenic land of Daringbadi is only 250 km away from Bhubaneshwar which has the nearest airport. You can reach Daringbadi by taking a flight or train from Howrah station to Bhubaneshwar or via public bus or private cab.

Darap, Sikkim by Mohana & Aninda

Sikkim is popular for having India’s highest mountain – Kangchenjunga and is also home to luscious mountains, alpine meadows and varieties of wildflowers.  The scenic village of Darap is 14 km from Pelling, but not many know about it. It’s on the road to Yuksom yet hidden in plain sight, a cluster of colourful houses adorned with the prettiest potted plants and trees brimming with magenta magnolias and bright red petunias. Book yourself a room at one of the homestays and wake up to mornings of mist and fog or witness a gleaming Khangchendzonga peeking from behind whispering clouds at this offbeat hill station. Immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the history and traditions of the Limboo community and about Yumaism, a unique religion whose followers worship a living goddess.

Most households in Darap are vegetarian and grow their own vegetables; so, eat your weight in organic home-grown and home-cooked produce, wash it all down with some Hit beer, then go huffing and puffing up the mountainside for a lesson in local life. Say hello to passers-by and their silky goats or lend a hand in planting or harvesting crops in the small terraced fields. Strike up conversations, share stories and wild berries (or, maybe some local cheese!). If you can’t keep still, opt for a hike up Rani Dhunga or go on a half-day trip to the magnificent Khecheopalri Lake. On the way back, stop by the orange orchards at Rimbi or take a detour to the Alpine Cheese Factory at Dentam. Should religion and history fascinate you, visit the ancient Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sangachoeling Monastery, and the Rabdentse Ruins and when the solitude feels a little too much for your urbane souls, hit the streets of touristy Pelling where, after digging into countless momos and bowls of piping hot thukpa, you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs and Tibetan curios.

Note that Darap is part of Sikkim’s eco-tourism circuit and plastics are banned which means that you may not have access to mineral water bottles; your homestay will provide filtered drinking water, so please remember to carry a reusable water bottle.

Darap is 144 km from the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri and 146 km from the nearest airport at Bagdogra. You can either reserve a taxi for anywhere between INR 3000 to INR 4000 or take a shared cab to Pelling or Geyzing and then onwards to Darap.

Accommodation for Darap, an offbeat hill station

We stayed at the rustic Daragaon Village Retreat. For INR 1200 per head, you get a basic but cosy double-sharing room, a fantastic breakfast of organic millet pancakes and other local dishes, and a delicious dinner. Plus free cuddles from the two Lhasa dogs who live on the premises! Shiva Gurung, the owner, is a wonderful guy and can help you plan trips and hikes around the region.

Other options include the Sukhim Limboo Homestay and the Cherry Village Resort. Please note that access to the Daragaon Village Retreat and the Sukhim Limboo Homestay requires climbing a flight of stairs.

Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh by Soujanya Rai 

Chitkul is a village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh in India. This offbeat hill station in India is particularly famous as the last village of India on the Indo-Tiber border. Moreover, since Chitkul village hasn’t popped up on the tourist radar just yet, people visiting Chitkul enjoy the secluded location and the scarcity of people. Chitkul village is situated on one bank of the river Beas. What makes this place appealing is its location – there’s no other civilisation near Chitkul for many kilometres. Secondly, the picturesque setting is great for photography, short hikes and fun activities like rock climbing. One can even go down to the river and enjoy a nice picnic. Do keep in mind that Chitkul does not have petrol pumps or ATMs. The nearest city where you would find those is Reckong Peo.

Zostel Chitkul is the most popular accommodation that includes dorm rooms, private rooms, Swiss alpine tents and regular tents. Other than that, there are many other hotels, riverside camps and homestays at Chitkul.

In order to reach Chitkul, one has to first reach Delhi, which is the closest major city to Chitkul. From Delhi, make your way to Shimla by flight, train or road. Shimla to Chitkul is a distance of roughly 243 kilometre which can only be covered by road. You can hire a taxi from Shimla itself or take a bus from the new Shimla bus stand, an option which many backpackers choose to take. There’s no direct bus from Shimla to Chitkul. You will first have to take a bus to Reckong Peo and consequently, take another bus from Reckong Peo to Chitkul. Nonetheless, bus journeys in this region are fun and you’re likely to meet lots of other travellers along the way.

Sarmoli Village, Uttarakhand by Shruti Verma

An offbeat hill station – Sarmoli is a quaint village near Munsyari amidst the Panchauli mountain ranges in the Kumaon belt of Uttarakhand. On any clear day, the view of these ranges is breathtaking along with the music of the river Gori-Ganga flowing right next to the village.

There are 15 homestays listed for availability in Sarmoli village which cost around INR 1500 -2000 per person inclusive of all the meals and accommodation. The range varies with the amount of work carried out by the villagers to give an aesthetic touch to the rooms. The one in my room had a huge window to enjoy the view of the mountains and village from the room. The interiors of the room are blended with the rural touch like mud-covered walls and are also equipped with modern amenities to lend the comfort of a cosy home. Apart from this, rooms do have kitchens if guests want to cook something on their own. Otherwise, the villagers (hosts) provide the local and organic food right from the farm to the table (depending upon the harvest time).

The women in this village are highly encouraged to work for their own financial independence and Maati Sangathan helps in bringing employment to these women. Not only do they rely on farming and selling their crops but also they make woollen accessories which are available for tourists to buy from the shop in the village. Local fairs keep happening in the village or nearby villages throughout the year.

Sarmoli is around 590 km from Delhi and shared cabs operate from Kathgodam railway station. Either one can break the journey and cover a place or two en route or these shared cabs commence early morning and take around 10-12 hours to reach Sarmoli village.

Sarmoli can be visited at any time of the year except for the rainy season when the view of the mountain range is also clouded. But one should always pack extra warm clothes and an umbrella in case of unseasonable rainfall.

Shangarh, Himachal Pradesh by Suchi Ta

Surrounded by pine trees, hills and snow-clad mountains, and Shanchul Mahadev Temple situated in the middle of all the natural habitat, is another offbeat hill station – Shangarh which is crowned with wonders. Nature itself is the most charming thing in Shangarh, even the water here is pristine. The land is blessed by the Gods and flora and fauna co-exist here freely. The quiet environment gives you time to enjoy the natural beauty, get in sync with nature. Here, the wind sings and rainbows frequently visit.

Shangarh’s main attraction is the valley, which is surrounded by deodar forest; it offers panoramic views of many Himalayan layers. Domestic cattle, kids and oldies are often seen enjoying these meadows, spending leisure time here in the calmness and observing nature is a unique and serene experience.

Shangarh isn’t called a paradise for nothing. The air here is clean, the water is clear and nature here is at peace. What makes this village worth visiting is its very own environment. You’ll know what we’re talking about once you’ve breathed in the meadow and gazed at the snow-covered mountaintops. An offbeat hill station like this should be enjoyed living at a homestay. Shaneghar gives you the cosy homestay option overlooking these beautiful views.

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