17 Top Places to Visit in Pachmarhi

Blanketed in lush greenery, Pachmarhi– the only hill station of one of the most visited travel destinations in India, Madhya Pradesh. The state is famous for its rich history, heritage sites and dense forest, and Pachmarhi does add yet another flavour to this Central Indian curry. Mostly preferred to be visited by tourists in Summer and Monsoon season, Pachmarhi has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and thus is an asset to Madhya Pradesh tourism. And that’s not all, it boasts of housing one of the tallest waterfalls in India and ancient caves that were once inhabited by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame. The hill station in Madhya Pradesh is nestled in the Satpura Range of Forests and is known for its wide variety of trees as well. Trust me, if a family tour or a honeymoon trip is in your head, Pachmarhi is the perfect place for you then. Here are some of the must visit places in this best kept secret of Central India.

Rajat Prapat (Big Fall)

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A pretty waterfall, Rajat Prapat or Big Fall is Pachmarhi’s tallest waterfall. This 106 m high waterfall is amongst the best sightseeing places in Pachmarhi. Cascading straight into the gorge in the form of a narrow yet breathtaking silver streak, the waterfall looks quite a sight to behold.

Bee Fall

Amongst the most popular waterfall in Pachmarhi, Bee Fall is a 35 m cascade that looks utterly pretty. The waterfall is also known as Jamuna Falls and is reckoned to be one of the best tourist attractions in Pachmarhi. Apart from offering picturesque view to the tourists and being amongst the popular nature sightseeing places, this waterfall is also the source of drinking water for the locals. For adventure seekers, a trek from Bee Fall to Prapaat Kund via Apsara Vihar is a must thing to do.

Pandav Caves

Pandav Caves are five rock-cut temples inside the town of Pachmarhi. The history of these caves dates back to 1st Century AD. and it is said the caves were inhabited by the Buddhist monks. However, the locals believe that the caves existed even when the exiled Pandavas took refuge in them. The legend has it that one of the Pandav brothers, Arjuna, taught music to Nagpati and married the daughter of Nagraj Vasu who lived in Nagdwari around 15 kms from Panchmarhi. The caves are simple but attractive and have uncomplicated carvings. One of the caves even has echo effect and yet another worth noticing here is devoted to Buddhist god of wealth, Kubera. Pandav Caves are certainly the prime places for tourism in Pachmarhi.

Bada Mahadev

Some 10 kms away from Pachmarhi, Bada Mahadev as the name suggests is the cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In fact it is a 60 m long cave that is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu took form of celestial nymph, Mohini to kill the demon, Bhasmasur. Bada Mahadev is also the oldest temple in Pachmarhi and is an important pilgrimage centre as well.

Gupt Mahadev

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A short distance away from Baba Mahadev Temple is Gupt Mahadev shrine. This one is also a cave temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, the cave here is narrower and is 40 m long. One has to enter sideways to the cave and too one person at a time. A flashlight is required if one wants to explore this cave temple.

Chauragarh

Chauragarh Temple is situated on top of hill situated at an altitude of 1330 m. This popular shrine in Pachmarhi is only accessible by trekking 3.6 kms up the hill. The last 1 kilometer can be a difficult hike if you are not much into climbing as there are 1000+ steps that will lead you to the main temple. Devotees of Shiva are usually seen trekking with Trishuls (Trident, a symbol of Lord Shiva) in their hands during Mahashivratri. On top of the peak is a temple and an area that has an area where numerous Trishuls are erected and it looks magnificent. The view from the temple of the Satpura forest is obviously quite stunning. Chauragarh is holds an important places in the list of top tourist attractions of Pachmarhi, especially for religious visitors and hikers.

Dhupgarh

Probably the most important tourist attraction, Dhoopgarh is a mountain peak with a height of 1350 m. Dhoopgarh is not only the highest peak of Satpura Range but is the tallest in the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. The place is ideal to get a panoramic view of Pachmarhi and family picnics. It is a perfect place to view the sunset as well.

Handi Khoh (Deep Valley)

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It is a point en route Chauragarh that offers incredible view of a 100m gorgeous gorge with 300 m towering cliffs.. One can also see Chauragarh in distance along with Priyadarshini or Forsyth Point from here. According to the locals there was once a lake here which dried off and this place came to know as Andhi Khoh, which later turned to Handi Khoh, due to its shape. The verdant gorge is home to large number of bees and a small ravine whose sound can be heard amidst perfect silence. This place is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking some solitude.

Apsara Falls (Fairy Pool)

On the way to Rajat Prapat, Apsara is a small cascade whose water accumulates in a pond. This place is ideal to stop by for some quiet time before making to the most visited tourist place, Bee Fall in Pachmarhi.

Jatashankar

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One of the major religious site in Pachmarhi is Jatashankar Temple. It is a cave that is blessed with around 108 stalagmite Shivalingas. One one unique linga here has on top of the figure which appears to be like the matted hair of Lord Shiva or the hood of Sheshnaag as well. On Mahashivratri, a large number of devotees throng the Jatashankar Cave Temple.

Duchess Fall

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Tucked away in forest, Duchess Fall is a small yet pretty waterfall, something that you would want to witness alone or with a love one. The water from the fall accumulates in a shallow pond by which you can sit and spend sometime enjoying the beauty of the place. A roof of entwined tree branches makes the scenery here ever so perfect.

Pansy Pool

Pansy Pool is located on the Denwa brook in Pachmarhi and is quiet a place to visit in the hill station. The area is arrayed with trees that offer shade and a beautiful view to savour. Pansy pool makes for an amazing family picnic spot in Pachmarhi.

Waters Meet

Also known as Fuller’s Khud, Waters meet is the point on the Denwa brook, where pools of water adorn a small area. This place is yet another picnic place in Pachmarhi as it offers a scenic location and the quietude to enjoy on a holiday in Pachmarhi with loved ones.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus or Tridhara makes for another top tourist attraction in Pachmarhi. One can see the meeting of two waterfalls here which of course looks extremely pretty. Planning a picnic around it on holiday is a great idea for those looking for some good time amidst nature.

Christ Church

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The influence of British architecture can be seen in Pachmarhi in the form of Christ Church. This red sandstone church was built between 1875 and 1923 in the Gothic architecture style that certainly adds to the charm of this lovely hill station. Adorned with stained glasses and pretty walls and altar, the church is said to have not even a single pillar constructed for its support. There is a cemetery in the church which has graves dating back to 1859.

Reechhgarh

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Situated some 6 kms away from Pachmarhi is a natural cavern that has opening at both its ends. One has to scramble up a boulder to enter the cave and to exit from it other end, one should be willing to enter a narrow canyon wherefrom once a stream must have snaked through. Visiting this place is an adventure in itself and it does make one of the top places to visit near Pachmarhi.

Bison Lodge

Reckoned to be the oldest house in Pachmarhi, Bison Lodge is definitely amongst the best places to see in the hill station. One can find a small museum here that curates the belongings of the older times when the lodge was used by Forest Department and flora and fauna of Pachmarhi.

Satpura National Park

Some 208 kms from Pachmarhi is the Satpura National Park. It is an ideal place to witness the flora and fauna of Madhya Pradesh. Unlike Pench and Bandhavgarh National Park, Satpura has not earned a lot of popularity but this extremely wildlife affluent destination is one of the must travel places for every wildlife and nature lover. The park is replete with evergreen sal, teak and bamboo and is home to bison, bear, leopard, tiger four-horned deer, blue-bull and a rich variety of birds. It undoubtedly makes one of the best weekend getaways from Pachmarhi.

Apart these above mentioned sightseeing places, Pachmarhi has Patharchatta, Crumps crag, Lady Robertson’s view, Colletin Crag, Mount Rosa and Irene Pool has its tourist attractions. Truly, Pachmarhi is a great place to enjoy a holiday in Madhya Pradesh and the best time to visit would be either summer or monsoon. If you liked the information given in the blog, SHARE it with others and give us a Big Fat LIKE. And planning a trip to Pachmarhi or a weekend break is what you have in mind, you have all our ears! Just give us a call at +91-9212553106/07 or drop us an email at info@tourmyindia.com for inquiring about our great travel packages that are crafted in a way to provide all round travel satisfaction without you having to splurge.