Pachmarhi is the only hill station and is the highest point in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi is also often known as “Satpura ki Rani” or the “Queen of the Satpura Range”. Situated at an altitude of 1,067 metres, the picturesque town is a part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to leopards and bison. Five sandstone cut caves on the hilltop are believed to be the spot where Pandavas stayed in Pachmarhi during their exile, making it a popular spot among religious tourists. Being at an elevated height and surrounded by bewitching forests of the Satpuras with the streams and waterfalls, Pachmarhi is a perfect weekend getaway from the nearby cities of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Since the town was discovered and developed in modern times by Captain James Forsyth of the British Army, it houses charming churches built in colonial style architecture.
Bee falls
Among the many small and big waterfalls in Pachmarhi, Bee Falls is the most popular one which provides drinking water to the entire city. The 35 metres cascading falls can be reached through a short trek and is a famous picnic spot for the town folks.
Jata Shankar caves
The Jata Shankar Caves in Pachmarhi are considered sacred as they are popularly believed to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the wrath of Bhasmasur.
The caves boast of a natural Shivalingam under the shadow of a massive rock and the stone formation in the cave closely resemble the mythological hundred headed snake Seshnag. The rock formation in the caves resemble Lord Shiva’s matted hair, hence the name. These caves are a must-visit for devotees.
Pandava Caves
These caves are believed to provide shelter to the Pandavas during their exile period. It is now a protected monument and tourists flock from all over India to see this place.
These 5 caves also became a shelter to some Buddhist monks in 1st century AD and thereafter it is considered to be religious by Buddhists as well.
Dhoopgarh
The highest point in the Satpura range, Dhoopgarh hilltop is a beautiful spot to see marvelous sunsets and sunrises. However, this point can only be reached by trekking. The trekking route is relatively tough as it passes through some waterfalls and valleys.
Handi Khoh
One of the most beautiful ravines in Central India, Handi Khoh has a 300 feet high precipice in the middle of a dense forest. The place has a mythological history and is believed to be closely associated with Lord Shiva.
Handi Khoh is popularly beileved to have been a lake earlier. An evil devilish snake, which was guarding the lake was annihilated by Lord Shiva and the fury of the battle dried up the entire lake and the empty space took the shape of a handi(pot). Handi Khoh is famous for its quaint serenity and its old-world charm.
Mahadeo hill
Situated at an altitude of 1363m, the Mahadeo hill in southern Madhya Pradesh is famous for an ancient shrine of Lord Shiva. The holy shrine holds a divine idol of Lord Shiva and one of the most beautiful shivalingams in the country. A cave on the eastern portion of this hill houses glorious cave paintings and also a holy pond, where devotees take a dip.
Christ Church
Christ Church is a true-blue colonial architecture of the British era, still standing tall amidst tall trees and greenery. The protestant church clings on to the old-world charm and the tall spire, stone structure and Belgian glass panes will quickly transport you back to the bygone times. There is a small cemetery in the premises, bearing epitaphs dating back to the 1800s up to the World Wars.
Pachmarhi: Queen of the Satpuras
