The queen of
Satpura Ranges, Pachmarhi (at an altitude of 1,067 ft) is a saucer-shaped hill resort, which is 210 km from
Bhopal. It derived its name from Panch-Marhi, which literally means five caves. Pachmarhi is thought to have been the abode of the
Pandava brothers of the
Mahabharata (epic). The beauty of the place was discovered by Captain James Forsyth of Bengal Lancers in 1857 and he recommended its development as a sanatorium. The point first viewed by him is named
Priyadarshini Point.
The unique features are rocks and ravines, which was once the shelter place of hunters and passers by of the late Stone Age. As a result, they left behind a number of significant paintings on rocks including hunting scenes and warriors on horseback. Different styles and colors employed in the paintings have enabled the experts to classify them according to period, the earliest dating back to 10,000 BC. Among the principal caves and ravines are Jata Shankar and Handi Khoh.
The view of sunset from Dhupgarh (between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris), Jampu Dwip, Bee Falls, Apsara Vihar (fairy pool) and Duchess Falls make it a popular tourist destination. Apart, visit to the shrine of Chauragarh, Pandav Caves inscribed during the Buddhist period and walk around Astachal near Reechgarh caves provide memorable experience. Another landmark is the Satpura National Park where rare species such as bison and sambhar are the residents. The Victorian churches and cemeteries, reminiscent of the colonial past, can also be found. Lanjee Giri Hill is ideal for trekkers.
Tridhara or Piccadily Circus is a popular picnic spot in Pachmarhi where two streams meet in a junction. Vanshree Vihar, a beautiful tourist spot in Pachmarhi, has Denwa stream, cool and shady trees, ferns and semi-tropical vegetation. Reechhgarh is a magnificent natural amphitheater in the rock. It is approached through a cave-like entrance on the South-side.
There are tourist offices run by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Center to cater to tourists’ needs. Bison Lodge is an interesting museum nearby. Rock End Manor and Saket Hotel are the accommodation options among many others. Pachmarhi has favorable weather condition throughout. Bhopal Airport (195 km) is the nearest airport. Pipariya Railway Station (47 km) is the nearest railhead.
