Places To Visit In Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Places To Visit In Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India – The Queen of The Satpura

“Yet in the very center of India there exists a considerable region to which the term Highlands, which I have adopted for a title, is strictly applicable; and in which are numerous peaks and ranges, for which the term ‘mountain’ would in any other country be used. Several of the great rivers have their first sources in this elevated region and pour their waters into the sea”.

This is an excerpt from a book titled “The Highlands of Central India“, by Captain James Forsyth who was a Britisher who traveled widely across central India and was in the British Army.

It is said that Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, India was discovered by Captain James Forsyth in the year 1857 when on a mission to hunt for the noted Indian freedom fighter Tatya Tope for the British Army. James Forsyth could well have been talking about Pachmarhi and its vicinity in the excerpt above.

The Pachmarhi Hill Station like many other hill stations across the country soon developed into a thriving British settlement and a sanatorium for the British soldiers. The Pachmarhi weather and its lush greenery enamored the British and it became a popular getaway from the heat of the plains.

We woke up to a cool morning and the chirping of birds in Pachmarhi. We had reached Pachmarhi from Bhopal late in the night and had not seen anything of it as we arrived in total darkness. But the morning promised to delight us with the same enchanting beauty of Pachmarhi which had once enamored the likes of James Forsyth way back in the mid 19th century.

We were staying in the Highlands Hotel in Pachmarhi which is run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. The hotel is spread over a huge expanse of gardens and has individual cottages for accommodation. We looked forward to a busy day as there were so many places to visit in Pachmarhi.

We were delighted to see open jeeps lined up to take us to all the places to visit in Pachmarhi. It would also enable us to get a close and immersive view of the landscapes and the terrain.

Places to Visit in Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh that has many natural attractions in the form of waterfalls, viewpoints, wildlife and much more. Ancient temples and heritage British bungalows also dot the vicinity and cast an aura of vintage and old world charm over the region.

Here is a list of places to visit in Pachmarhi which we experienced, but this list is not exhaustive as there are many other places that we could not visit owing to time constraints.

Bison Lodge – Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

Bison Lodge is the oldest building in Pachmarhi. This was the first building that came up in Pachmarhi says the guide who gives us a low down on the history of the place. A visual inside the Bison Lodge which is today a museum, a Wildlife and Culture Interpretation Centre says that Bison Lodge is the first building built in Pachmarhi in 1862 by Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers of the British Army. He named the first building that took shape in Pachmarhi in MP as Bison lodge after he saw a herd of Bison or Gaur from the spot on which the building came up.

The Bison Lodge is set in serene environs and is one of the important places to visit in Pachmarhi. It is not only a heritage building with a rich and fascinating history but also a goldmine of information about the region, its wildlife, flora and fauna, the tribals, and important places to visit in Pachmarhi.

The Museum itself is very well maintained with galleries depicting the various birds and animals of the region depicted through colorful and vibrant visuals.

Dhoopgarh – Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

One of the best experiences that we had in Pachmarhi was the drive to Dhoopgarh which is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pachmarhi. The drive took us deep into the Satpura National Park covered by lush green forest dominated by Sal and Teak trees.

The region is termed as the meeting point of Sal and Teak as Teak trees are found in the southern part of India while Sal trees are found in the northern parts of India. Traveling in an open jeep the forest atmosphere was enchanting, to say the least. Dhoopgarh is situated within the Pachmarhi Sanctuary which is a rugged terrain that consists of rocky outcrops, waterfalls, gorges, and many rivulets.

The excitement grew amongst us as we approached Dhoopgarh on the winding road. We could see a massive rock formation that looked like a fort. But of course, it was a natural rock formation that looked like a fort. Dhoopgarh is the highest point in the whole of Madhya Pradesh and stands at an elevation of 4500 feet. It is indeed one of the most important places to visit in Pachmarhi.

We had a surprise in store even before we could reach the peak at Dhoopgarh. We spotted a herd of Gaur or Bison grazing in a valley by the side of the road. What was really interesting to note was the fact that some of the massively built bison stopped what they were doing to actually pose for our cameras! The Gaur weighs a massive 750 to 1000 Kgs.with a height of over 2 meters. A herd is led by a mature and strong bull and consists of about 40 Gaur.

We reached the top of the peak from where one needs to walk about a kilometer to the sunset point.

It is interesting to note that at Dhoopgarh there is a sunrise as well as sunset point. The views of the valley below and the hills of the region are mesmerizing from the vantage point of Dhoopgarh.

The evening turned magical as the sun slowly went down and disappeared into the clouds in a glowing ball of orange.

Dhoopgarh is so named because it is said that the place receives sunlight or dhup in Hindi for the maximum time period in the region.

Also as it was an observation point, the suffix of Garh was added which refers to a fort or observation point.

Jata Shankar – Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

Another intriguing, as well as a mystical place in Pachmarhi, is Jata Shankar.

This is a place which would rank high in anyone’s list of places to visit in Pachmarhi.

It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of a naturally formed Shivaling inside a cave situated beneath massive rocks.

The natural rock formations inside the cave look like the hood of Sheshnag as well as the matted locks of Shiva.

Legend has it that the Jatashankar cave is the place where Lord Shiva took refuge to hide from the demon Bhasmasur.

On the descent down to the cave temple, there are formations in the surrounding rocks which have an uncanny resemblance to Hindu Gods like Hanuman and Ganesh.

One needs to descend steep steps to reach the temple and also the same steps need to be used for climbing back. Hence care should be exercised before visiting the temple by senior citizens and those with knee or leg issues.

Bee Falls – Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

The Bee falls is one of the most spectacular of the places to visit in Pachmarhi. It is a favorite tourist spot and on the list of top places to visit in Pachmarhi. We reached by an open jeep to the spot from where one needs to walk down to the base of the falls.

The path to the falls is a steep descent with steep steps and quite tiring to and definitely not recommended for those not physically fit. On the way to the falls, there is an enchanting stream with a small bridge which is a nice and refreshing place to halt, especially on the way back.

One of the most relaxing experience was to put our feet in the cool waters of the stream and feel hundreds of small fish nibbling at them. A natural Fish Spa absolutely free of cost!

Once you reach the base of the falls, all the effort and strain seems worth it as you perceive silvery waters cascading down from a height of 35 meters. If you stand below the falls the little drops of water hit you with a high velocity simulating the stinging of bees. Hence the name Bee falls.

One noteworthy point about the Bee falls is that the water is the lifeline of Pachmarhi. The water is supplied to the Pachmarhi through a pipeline which was laid by the British.

Pandav Caves – Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

Another of the interesting places to visit in Pachmarhi, the Pandava Caves is in many ways an emblem in its own right.

After all, Pachmarhi owes its name to the Pandava Caves. Pachmarhi in Hindi means five caves. Legend has it that the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata fame had stayed in these caves during their exile. However, this is a myth and there is no proof as our guide pointed out.

Later with the passage of history, the caves were the refuge of Buddhist monks and it is believed that even a Stupa existed at the location in those times. Today the caves are protected monuments and situated on top of a huge rock. the caves have been cut into the rocks. The caves are not open and can be viewed through grilled doors only.

One gets a nice view of the surrounding region from atop the rock. There is also a nice park at the base of the Pandava Caves.

Church – Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

We spotted an exquisite looking but an ancient church in Pachmarhi during our outings. Further inquiry revealed that this was the oldest church in Pachmarhi. The Church was built by the British way back in the year 1892 and is a beautiful blend of Irish and French architecture. The Church opens its doors only on Sundays and also has a graveyard that has graves dating back to 1859. For those interested in heritage and architecture the Church is one of the places to visit in Pachmarhi.

Other Places to Visit In Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

Pachmarhi makes for a nice family getaway in the hills with its pleasant climate and enchanting landscapes. There is a range of experiences Pachmarhi offers that includes the best of nature, culture, heritage, history, and adventure. There are adventure activities like parasailing, ziplining, Bungee Jumping, and ATV riding at Pachmarhi. In addition, there are some other places to visit in Pachmarhi that we were not able to visit. These places are listed below:

Reechgarh

A natural amphitheater that has been cut into the rock by millions of years of erosion of the rocks makes Reechgarh unique among the places to visit in Pachmarhi. One reaches the amphitheater through a cave entrance.

Priyadarshini Point of Forsyth Point

This is a nice viewpoint and one of the important places to visit in Pachmarhi for nature lovers. The point offers some excellent views of the Mahadev and Chauragarh peaks and is a great place to watch a magical sunset.

Apsara Vihar

Apsara Vihar is a picturesque natural pool in the midst of rocky terrain and offers a cool and inviting dip to visitors. The presence of rare medicinal plants in the vicinity adds to the charm of the place.

Rajat Prapat

Rajat Prapat is the highest waterfall in Central India with water cascading down from a height of 350 feet. The falls make for a spectacular sight and are definitely one of the places to visit in Pachmarhi.

Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India is a gold mine of varied and rare treasures that range from the wonders of wildlife and nature to the enigmatic mysteries of history and heritage. Pachmarhi stands out as a jewel in the crown of Madhya Pradesh with its enchanting old world charm and rustic beauty blended with the charm of the colonial era. Pachmarhi lives up to its sobriquet of, “The Queen of The Satpura”.

Pachmarhi Map

Pachmarhi Tourism

How to Reach Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh

Book cheap flights, hotels, bus tickets and cars on rent here. Pachmarhi is well connected by road to the cities of Bhopal, Indore, Nagpur and Jabalpur.

Where To Stay in Pachmarhi

There are a whole clutch of Pachmarhi hotels and Pachmarhi resorts to choose from if planning a holiday there. The options range from budget to luxury. Some of the hotels that offer good accommodation options are:

Hotel Highlands that is run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

Hotel Amaltas that is run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is a converted heritage British Bungalow.

Champak Bungalow that is run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

Apart from MPSTDC hotels in Pachmarhi, if you are looking for more options to suit your budget and taste, we suggest checking out our favorite sites to book here. We always use these sites to book our stay. Pachmarhi hotel booking can be done through Hotels.com or  Booking.com to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay in Pachmarhi area.

Driving around Pachmarhi area

If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental, then look no further. You can rent a car in Mumbai or Pune if you have an Indian driving license to explore and experience amazing Madhya Pradesh, and in and around areas and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery of beautiful Madhya Pradesh.

Travel, Explore and Enjoy with peace

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Quick Facts About Pachmarhi

• Pachmarhi is a hill station located at an altitude of 1067 meters above sea level in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh
• Pachmarhi is located about 230 kilometers from the Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal
• Pachmarhi is well connected by road to the cities of Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Nagpur
• It is a place that can be visited throughout the year as Pachmarhi temperatures do not fluctuate and it has a pleasant and temperate weather, the best time to visit Pachmarhi though is between October to June
• Pachmarhi to Bhopal by road takes about 5 hours of driving time

We hope that you have enough information if you are planning a perfect family getaway in the hill station of Pachmarhi and looking for a Pachmarhi travel guide. We hope you have found answers to questions like:

How to find Pachmarhi best hotels?

Which are the Pachmarhi MP Tourism hotels?

What to see during the Pachmarhi tour?

What are the highlights of Pachmarhi tourism?

Where is Pachmarhi India located?

How to get to Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh?

However, if you still need any information about Pachmarhi do feel free to give us a shout and do let us know your thoughts through our comments section.

We were hosted by Madhya Pradesh Tourism / MPTM. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

You might want to check out our other posts related to Madhya Pradesh:

Pench National Park – Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India
Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh

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