Priyadarshini (Forsyth Point)
This vantage viewing point marks the place from where Pachmarhi was discovered by Captain
Forsyth in 1857. The British developed Pachmarhi as a resort and their influence is
embodied in its churches and colonial architecture.
Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall)
A spectacular fall in the stream which provides drinking water to Pachmarhi. The bathing
pools above the fall are very popular.
Handi Khoh
Pachmarhi's most impressive ravine has a 300 feet high precipice and dramatically steep
sides.
Apsara Vihar (Fairy Pool)
Easily accessible from Jai Stambh, this 'fairy pool' is an ideal picnic spot for families
with small children, since the pool is shallow, deepening only towards the base of the
fall.
Rajat Prapat (Big Fall)
Those seeking adventure will find it in this ten-minute walk over rocks and boulders from
Apsara Vihar to the top of Rajat Prapat, the 'big fall'.
Irene Pool
This pool was discovered by Irene Bose, wife of Justice Vivian Bose, and named after her.
The route upstream leads to a cave, through which the stream goes underground and then
over a khud in a series of falls.
Jalawataran (Duchess Falls)
The descent is steep and the trek strenuous for almost all of the 4 km/2 mile to the base
of the fall's first cascade.
Sunder Kund (Saunder's Pool)
Crossing the stream below Duchess Fall and following a footpath about 2.5 km/1.5 mile in a
south-west direction, brings one to a huge rocky pool that is excellent for a refreshing
swim.
Mahadeo
Regarded as holy for countless of generations, Mahadeo hill has a shrine with an idol of
Lord Shiva and an impressive Shivlinga. On the East side of the hill is an excellent cave
shelter with beautiful cave paintings.
Chhota Mahadeo
Revered as a sacred spot, this is a narrow point in the valley with rocks overhanging a
stream and a spring from where water cascades down.
Chauragarh
4 kms/2.5 mile from Mahadeo, it is one of Satpura's prominent land marks, the summit
crowned with emblems of Mahadeo worship.
Jata Shankar
A sacred cave under a mass of loose boulders in which the Jambu Dwip stream has its
source. A rocky formation of this place resembles the matted locks of Lord Shiva, hence
the name.
Dhoopgarh
The highest point in the Satpura range, with a magnificent view of the surrounding ranges.
A very popular spot for viewing sunsets.
Pandav Caves
Five ancient dwellings excavated in the sandstone rock in a low hill. Pachmarhi derives
its name from these caves which, as the legend goes, once provided sanctuary to the five
Pandav brothers. These caves are now protected monuments.
Tridhara (Piccadily Circus)
A popular picnic spot where two streams meet in a junction.
Vanshree Vihar (Pansy Pool)
A beautiful spot on the Denwa stream, cool and shady among trees, ferns and semi-tropical
vegetation.
Reechhgarh
A wonderful natural amphitheater in the rock, approached through a cave-like entrance on
the South-side.
Sangam (Fuller's Khud - Waters Meet)
This is the lowest of the picnic spots on the Denwa and offers fairly good bathing pools
both below and above the meeting of the waters.
Catholic Church
Built in 1892 by the British, the Catholic Church is a blend of the French and Irish
architecture. Its Belgium stained-glass windows add rare attraction and beauty to the
building. The church has a cemetery attached to it and graves date from 1859, World War I
& II.
Christ Church
Built in 1875 by the British, this Church's architecture is fascinating; its
'sanctum-sanctorum' has a hemispherical dome on top with its ribs ending with faces of
angels. The stained glass panes adorning the walls and rear of the altar were imported
from Europe. They present a gorgeous view as the sun rays pass through them. The nave of
the church does not contain even a single pillar for support. The baptismal font is a rare
brass piece and the bell is as old as the church and its chimes can be heard from a long
distance.
Satpura National Park
Set up in 1981, Satpura National Park is 524 sq km in area. It spreads through dense
forest of evergreen sal, teak and bamboo. The high peaks of Dhoopgarh and Mahadeo, Bori's
legendary teak and bamboo forests, Pachmarhi's fascinating natural beauty of deep valleys,
high mountains, rivulets, waterfalls and Tawa's vast reservoir combine to give this park
unique beauty and a breathtaking variety of attractions. The park is home to the bison,
tiger, Leopard, bear, four-horned deer, blue-bull and a rich variety of birds.
Bison Lodge
Constructed in 1862, the Bison Lodge is the oldest house in Pachmarhi. It now houses a
beautiful museum depicting the rich flora and fauna of Pachmarhi.
The Cave Shelters
Some of the best cave shelters and groups of shelters around Pachmarhi are : Dhuandhar,
approached from the footpath to Apsara Vihar, the paintings mostly in white include a
group of archers with the typical Gond bun and hooped earrings. Bharat Neer (Dorothy
Deep), has well executed animal paintings and when excavated in the 1930s yielded many
pottery shards and microliths. Asthachal (Monte Rosa), there are four shelters with
paintings, comparatively early linear drawings.
Along the northern side of Jambu Dwip valley are some six shelters with many
paintings of animals and human figures, including a detailed battle scene.
Harper's Cave, so named because of one of its paintings - a man seated and playing
a harp is close to the Jata Shankar Shrine. The Chieftain's Cave derives its name
from a battle scene showing two chieftains on horses. A terrace that runs the length of
the South, South East and East faces of Kites Crag has some fine cave paintings,
the majority of which are in white or outlined in red.
Important Note : While visiting Pachmarhi's beautiful spots, please avoid
littering. Carry back with you all empty plastic bags and other trash and leave every
point as you found it, spotlessly clean.
Excursions - PACHMARHI
Bori and Pachmarhi Sanctuaries-Being developed as wildlife sanctuary. Gaur (bison),
barking deer, sambar and wild boar are among the animals found here.
Tamia: Overlooking the Narmada valley, Tamia is a picturesque resort on the Satpura
ranges. From the Tamia rest house, the view of the Dudhi plateau from 330 metres of sheer
overhanging cliffs is one of the most spectacular anywhere South of the Vindhyas. Tamia is
78 km/50 mile from Pachmarhi.
Muktagiri: (298 Km/190 mile)-Situated 97 Km/62 mile from Betul are the 52 Jain temples of
Muktagiri. |
