Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi situated on a large plateau ringed by hills on the evergreen central Satpura ranges, is known as the Queen of Satpura for its spectacular beauty. The hill station at a height 3550 ft. is located in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh. The place is surrounded by low lying rugged hills, ravines, beautiful forests, 12 breathtaking waterfalls, serene pools and quiet glades.

The saucer shaped valley of Pachmarhi, was discovered by Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers in 1857, and was developed as a sanatorium for the British troops. The point where he first sighted the area, was named after him as Forsyth Point but later renamed as Priyadarshini Point. The valley with its not too cold but pleasant

weather served as the summer capital of the central provinces during the British regime. The Victorian churches, bungalows and cemeteries left behind bring back remnants of the colonial past.

Besides its colonial atmosphere, the hill station has archeological relevance as well as religious significance with its ancient rock paintings in cave shelters seen in many locations of the region and the famous Shiva shrine located in the Mahadeo Hills. The rock paintings left behind are seen in different locations in the Satpura hills and the earliest of them dates back to 10,000 BC. The name Pachmarhi itself is derived from Panch- Marhi (five caves) believed to be the abode of the Pandava brothers of the 'Mahabharata' fame, for sometime during their exile. The valley which is home to tribal Gonds and Korkus has a maze of forest tracks apt for pleasant treks. The national park at Pachmarhi has dense forests and is home to the gaur, leopard, bear, bison and other wild animals. The place has a number of interesting tourist spots located at a short distance from each other.  If you are not keen on walking, hiring a jeep or scooter at the bus stand in Pachmarhi town, is the best means of visiting the places.

Places to See in Pachmarhi

Jatasankar : Jatasankar is a sacred cave under a mass of loose boulders situated 1.5 km from the bus stand in Pachmarhi town. Nearly half the distance to the cave can be covered on vehicle while the rest has to be covered on foot. The 'samadhistha Shiva' under a natural formation that resembles the hood of a giant serpent in the cool dark cave is a place of abiding sanctity and the striking rock faces is a wonder of nature. The name 'Jatasankar' itself is derived from a rock formation resembling the matted locks of Lord Shiva. The cool waters of Jambu Dwip stream takes its source from this cave. The overcasting little rocks, many of them hanging precariously between the huge walls of rock cutting changes colour from green to golden yellow when light reflects on them. The place has a serenity about it which could attract tourists. On the way to Jatashankar, there is a temple of lord Hanuman, in which the idol has been carved out of a piece of rock. Very close to the Jata Shankar Shrine is the Harper's Cave, so named because of one of its paintings depicting a man seated, playing a harp.

Pandava Caves : Five ancient caves carved out of a low hillock. The name Pachmarhi itself is derived from these Panch- Marhi (five caves) believed to be the abode of the Pandava brothers of the 'Mahabharata' fame, for a long period  during their exile of 12 years. The cleanest, most airy of them is known as 'Draupadi Kuti' and the dark one, the 'Bhim Kothari'. Some motifs and a brick stupa were discovered above the caves. Archaeologist claim that these caves must have been constructed by Buddhist monks during the Gupta period, in the 9th or 10th century A.D. but the popular belief, that the Pandavas had lived here, still continues.