'Satpura ki Rani' (Queen of Satpura) is the glorious land called Pachmarhi in the second largest state of India, Madhya Pradesh. Tucked away 1,607 m above sea level, Pachmarhi is a perfect platter for all travel enthusiasts that offer scenic landscapes, gushing waterfalls, pristine pools and lush green forests. The town has pleasant weather throughout the year, which is perfect for travellers. Known for the mighty hills that surround the region, the town is filled with places that can easily take you away from your stressful lives and make your hard-to-get holidays a memorable one.
History
The name Pachmarhi is believed to have originated from the Hindi words "Panch", meaning "five," and "Marhi," meaning "caves." According to legend, these caves were constructed by the five Pandava brothers during their thirteen-year exile in the era of the Mahabharatha. Perched on a hilltop, these caves offer a splendid vantage point.
The region of Pachmarhi was once under the rule of the Bhonsale Kings and later came under the Marathas in the 18th century, specifically under SenaSahebSubha Maharaj Raghuji Raje Bhonsale.
Before the British, the Pachmarhi region was governed by the Gond kingdom of Bhagvat Singh, although it was not an inhabited village or town. In 1857, Captain James Forsyth of the British Army, accompanied by Subhedar Major Nathoo Ramji Powar, who would later become the Kotwal (responsible for the armoury) of Pachmarhi, discovered the plateau in the Pachmarhi region while leading his troops towards Jhansi. Soon after, it transformed into a hill station and sanatorium for British troops in the Central Provinces of India.
Things To Do
Pachmarhi is one of the most popular destinations in Madhya Pradesh and is a treasure trove of rich history and nature's bounty. Some prominent tourist attractions in Pachmarhi include the 'Pandavas Caves', believed to be built by the Pandavas who lived here along with their wife Draupadi during their exile.
To make it an unforgettable vacation, witness the gorgeous sunset at Dhoopgarh, the highest point in the Satpura Range, at 1350 m. This place is a prominent tourist attraction throughout the year, but during monsoon, the experience of visiting Dhoopgarh becomes more magical as puffy monsoon clouds and lush green forests envelop the place.
Another fascinating attraction is the Jata Shankar cave, which gets its name from a unique rock formation resembling the tangled dreadlocks of Lord Shiva. According to local legends, this cave is believed to be the hiding place of Lord Shiva when he escaped from the Demon Bhasmasur. At the cave's far end, visitors can observe an intriguing rock structure resembling the stretched hood of a cobra, which is locally referred to as the 'Sheshnag'.
Finally, if you like waterfalls, include Bee Falls, Apsara Vihar Falls, and Silver Falls in your Pachmarhi itinerary. Silver Falls, also known as Rajat Prapat, descends from a height of 350 feet, sparkling like silver when sunlight touches it. Apsara Vihar Falls, a short 10-minute downhill trail, holds historical charm as it was believed to be a bathing spot for British ladies during the colonial era. Bee Falls, just 5 km from the Pachmarhi bus stand, is a magnificent cascade of 150 feet that emits a buzzing sound, resembling bees, as water flows through the rocks.
How to Reach
By Flight The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in the state's capital Bhopal (around 222 km) which has daily flight services from Delhi and Mumbai and 13 major cities of India. One can easily get a taxi from Bhopal to Pachmarhi. Jabalpur to Pachmarhi is also just 300 km, so one can also opt for this route. Otherwise, connecting flights to Bhopal or Jabalpur from other Indian cities, including Raipur, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, can be availed.
By Train Pachmarhi is just 54 km by road from the Pipariya railway station. Several direct trains link Pipariya with essential cities like Surat, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Patna, Pune, Kolkata, Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, etc. One can easily get a taxi from Pipariya to Pachmarhi as it is the most accessible way of reaching Pachmarhi.
By Road Plenty of state-owned and private buses are available for Pachmarhi from nearby cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Indore and from prominent tourist attractions like Kanha National Park and Pench National Park. Being a cantonment town, the road conditions here are pretty good.
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