Monday, March 11, 2019

Pachmarhi Hill Station in Madhya Pradesh

State - Madhya Pradesh

District - Hoshangabad

Location - 210 km from Bhopal

Altitude - 3300 feet

Fondly Known as - Queen of Satpura (Satpura ki Rani), Walker's Paradise

Serves as - Hill Station, Picnic Spot in Madhya Pradesh







About Pachmarhi Hill Station


About 193 km away from Bhopal. one comes across Pachmarhi Hill Station. Pachmarhi is one of the popular hill stations in India known for its pleasant weather, ancient caves and religious importance. Pachmarhi was discovered and explored as a hill station by the British captain James Forsyth who resided in the British Cantonment here in the year 1857. One can find British influence in the architecture of Pachmarhi in form of churches, houses and monuments all around the town. This treasure trove of Pachmarhi unfolded as a summer retreat and attained success in attracting tourists from all around the world. Most importantly the charming town of Pachmarhi is an idyllic picnic spot for the locals and people living in nearby cities.







Located at an altitude of 1000 meters on the Satpura Ranges of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a fine example of beauty and serenity. This hill station is often referred as a Walker's paradise given its long, scenic and curved walking trails through the hill ranges. The quaint little town of Pachmarhi is enveloped by dense forests within the Satpura National Park, and the adjoining scenic forest vegetation within the deep valleys and ravines. Given the lush forest area that occupies the major landscape with wide variety of flora and fauna, the Pachmarhi hill station has been recognized as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.






Perched amidst the dense green environs within the Hoshangabad District, Pachmarhi has its mentions in the Puranas. It is believed that the Pandavas had continued to stay here in the hillocks of Pachmarhi during their period of exile. Within these hills of Satpura Ranges the Pandavas cut and carved five caves which went to give the hill station its name - Pachmarhi means the five caves. The presence of Mahadeo Temple makes Pachmarhi a holiest destinations for Hindu. This Mahadeo Temple was carved in the Mahadeo Hills during 500 - 800 AD. On the occasion of Mahashivratri, Pachmarhi Hill Station witnesses grand festivities with devotees flocking in huge number.






Best Time to Visit Pachmarhi Hill Station


Pachmarhi Hill Station can be enjoyed to fullest from late September to early April. Monsoon can be pleasant too at Pachmarhi but summers can be dry and hot. Monsoon in Pachmarhi is the best with light drizzle of showers that adds beauty to this place and makes it enjoyable. The climate in Pachmarhi is welcoming post monsoon with lush greenery and paradisaical surroundings. Hence the best time to visit Pachmarhi is from late September to early April.







Shopping in Pachmarhi


One of the key element of any travel experience is to collect and buy souvenirs that remind us of the beautiful time we spent. And hence when it comes to a trip to Pachmarhi, shopping is essential. Shopping in Pachmarhi is an noteworthy experience, as one can find rare treasures of handiwork. There are not many big shops for shopping but small local vendors do offer interesting gift options in Pachmarhi. Some of those include -

- Jute handicraft items.

- Marble decoration gift items.

- Vegetable dyed paint works which include historical and prehistoric paintings.

- Handicrafts of metals made by local artists.

- Household bamboo decoration items such as bamboo baskets, woven bamboo balls, bamboo framework and other bamboo craft.

- Wooden jewelry.

- Delicious local honey.

- Herbal products and supplements.






Places of Attractions in and around Pachmarhi


Christ Church in Pachmarhi


Witnessing British Architecture is one way of basking in the glory of Pachmarhi Hill Station.There are many churches and monuments that revive history. Christ Church is one such must visit place in Pachmarhi. The colonial architecture of the Christ Church in Pachmarhi is truly amazing.Christ Church was built during the British era somewhere during the year 1875. The church is built along the Gothic lines and has a red sandstone structure with a hemispherical ribbed dome.  The stained glass panes of the Christ Church add charm to the existing beauty. Christ Church settles amidst green escapade with huge trees and other flora enveloping the amazing this colonial church of Pachmarhi.






Mahadeo Hills



Located on the northern side of the Satpura Range, Mahadeo Hills are one of the most visited places in Pachmarhi. Situated within the Satpura Range, Mahadeo Hills is home to two known temples, one is Gupt Mahadeo Temple and one is the Bada Mahadeo Temple. The shivlingas on this hill are simply fascinating. Both the temples are located within the caves on the Mahadeo Hill. The cave in which the Bada Mahadeo Temple is located is larger whereas the cave within which the Gupt Mahadeo Temple is located is deep and the shrine is hidden deep inside the cave. Further climb on the Mahadeo Hills proceeds one to the famous Chauragarh Temple. Dhoopgarh peak is also located on the Mahadeo Hills. Mahadeo Hills is located a bit far from the Pachmarhi ST stand.






Pachmarhi Caves / Pandav Caves in Pachmarhi



Built ages back during the 1st Century AD, the Pandav Caves are one of the most visited attractions of Pachmarhi. The Pandav Caves in Pachmarhi are located on the Pandav Hills and are said to be rock cut and carved by the Pandavas during their period of exile. Locals even believe that Buddhist monks resided in these caves. There are in all five caves one beside the other. It is these five caves that gave the town of Pachmarhi it's name. Though the caves are more of ruins, yet one can find simple yet attractive carvings adorned on the caves. It is believed that one of the caves that has an amazing echo effect was used to serve the purpose of meditation. One of the cave which is found to be the darkest is believed to be of of Bhima and is named as 'Bhim Kothari'. And one such well ventilated, big and airy cave is named as Draupadi Kuti. Other than the Pachmarhi Caves, one can find many such caves all around the Satpura ranges which are believed to be more ancient and rock cut by the Stone Age dwellers.




Dhoopgarh in Pachmarhi


Situated at an altitude of roughly 4400 feet, Dhoopgarh is one of the most visited place in Pachmarhi, specially known for it's sunset. Located on the Mahadeo Hills, the view from the mountain top of Dhoopgarh in Pachmarhi is spell-bounding given the chirpy environs, breezy climate and breathtaking view of the encompassing hills and forests. Dhoopgarh is usually crowded during weekends as it is one of the popular picnic spots for the locals.






Chauragarh Temple in Pachmarhi


One of the most sought after shrines in Pachmarhi, the Chauragarh Temple perches on top of a hill at an altitude of 4000 feet. It is located on the Chauragarh Peak which is the second largest peak in Pachmarhi. Chauragarh Temple is dedicated to god Shiva. Annual fair of Mahashivaratri is hosted here at Chauragarh. Reaching Chauragarh Temple is one of the popular treks for trek enthusiasts, locals and pilgrims. The Chauragarh Temple trek is a 3.6 km trek with about 1200 plus steps at the final stage of the trek. Deep ravines, rugged mountains, lush green woodland and gushing waterfalls adorn the trek trail of Chauragarh Temple.Most of the devotees that visit the Chauragarh Temple carry a trishul en route the temple. One can find a massive area that holds trishuls right in front of the temple. Right on the mountain top, the Chauragarh Temple displays an amazing view of the dense reserves of the Satpura forest.






Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve



The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a declared UNESCO site spread over an area of more than 1,217,310 acres. It comprises into three reserved area, one is the Bori Sanctuary, the other core area is the Satpura National Park and third is the Pachmarhi Sanctuary. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a dense forest zone abounded by rich flora and fauna. Visit to Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a dream come true with the magnificent vastness of the forests, the natural springs and dense diversity. Some of the wild animals one can spot here at the biosphere reserve include the giant squirrel, tigers, panthers, barking deer, Indian wolf, nilgai and much more.







Reechgarh Pachmarhi


Reechgarh Pachmarhi is a huge, high open cavern from both sides within rocky cliffs. Said to be an natural abode for bears (that is how it gets the name), Reechgarh is very popular among tourists. Locally it is believed that huge number of sloth bears resided in this cavern, though none can be found today. Reechgarh is one of it's kind huge rock formation that allows tourists to clamber over the boulders from one end and enter a narrow canyon towards the other end. It has a large central area and several small caves which are open from both sides. The surrounding area of Reechgarh is simply fascinating.







Where to Stay at Pachmarhi Hill Station


When it comes to accommodation, Pachmarhi has lot to offer ranging from budgetary accommodation to star resorts. Tourists can make accommodation arrangements as per their budget at many of the Pachmarhi hotels.

MPSTDC Hotel Amaltas


The MPSTDC ( Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation ) has made accommodation arrangements for tourists in Pachmarhi Hill Station at MPSTDC Hotel Amaltas. Perched within the dense vegetation amidst a hill, Hotel Amaltas is quite popular among tourists. Hotel Amaltas is a simple yet pleasant stay option arranged by MPSTDC for family travelers as well as couples. The hotel is located strategically about 1 km from the main market and offers best accommodation facilities. Once a British house, Amaltas Hotel Pachmarhi allows its guest to revive the history in modern conditions. All rooms are well furnished and equipped with comfortable modern amenities. This hotel also arranges tours and the room packages are planned including a tour package within for a unique experience. Rooms can be booked online on the MPSTDC site.








Contact Details of MPSTDC Hotel Amaltas


MPSTDC Hotel Amaltas
Jaystamba Chowk
Pachmarhi Cantonment
Pachmarhi
District – Hoshangabad
Madhya Pradesh


Telephone number: +91-7578252098



MPSTDC Rock End Manor Pachmarhi


Rock End Manor is one of the best MPSTDC property located in Pachmarhi. Rock End Manor is a large colonial style hotel settled on the top of a scenic hill. It is known for its picturesque view and enjoyable stays. The rooms of Rock End Manor are luxurious and classic given the old-fashioned style. There are six large, luxurious rooms that are equipped with comfortable amenities. It is a premium stay option in Pachmarhi for those whose wish to revisit and enjoy natural heritage and classy stay. Rooms can be booked online on the MPSTDC site.







Contact Details of Rock End Manor in Pachmarhi:


Rock End Manor
Madhya Pradesh State Highway 19A,
Pachmarhi,
District – Hoshangabad
Madhya Pradesh 461881

Telephone number - +91 - 75782 52079


MPSTDC Nilambar Cottages Pachmarhi


Located within a picturesque hillock, Nilambar Cottages are centrally located and offers comfortable accommodation arrangement in Pachmarhi. Managed by MPSTDC, the Nilambar Cottages are one of the best cottages in Pachmarhi that offer budgetary accommodation and are ideal for families and groups. Each cottage is well-appointed and equipped with modern amenities. They have in-house restaurant that serves sumptuous meals. Rooms can be booked online on the MPSTDC site.






Contact Details of Nilambar Cottages


MPSTDC Nilambar Cottages
Near Jai Stambh
Tehsil Campus
Pachmarhi
Madhya Pradesh - 461881

Contact Number - +91 - 9899554805

E-mail: info@mpstdc.com

MPSTDC Tourist Helpline (Toll Free): 1800 233 7777



How to Reach Pachmarhi Hill Station


Pachmarhi Hill Station is located within the Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh. It is roughly 193 km from Bhopal and is easily accessible by road, rail and air. The nearest airport for Pachmarhi is Raja Bhoj Airport at Bhopal from where one has an option of renting private cars or taxis. State transport buses too ply at regular intervals from Bhopal to Pachmarhi. The nearest railway station for Pachmarhi is Pipariya. Pipariya is located about 47 km from Pachmarhi and is on the Jabalpur rail line. Jabalpur is well connected with passenger trains with most of the cities in India including Mumbai, Delhi, Allahabad and Bhopal. From Pipariya railway station one can get autos, taxis and buses to continue their journey to Pachmarhi. Pachmarhi is easily accessible by road from all the major cities such as Bhopal, Jabalpur, Mumbai, Nagpur via Pipariya.

Distance between Pachmarhi to Pipariya - 54 km

Distance between Pachmarhi to Bhopal - 193 km

Distance between Pachmarhi to Jabalpur - 249 km

Distance between Pachmarhi to Raja Bhoj Airport - 221 km

Distance between Pachmarhi to Mandu - 427 km

Distance between Pachmarhi to Gwalior - 556 km

2 comments:

  1. summers are too hot, but best season is monsoon. I visted in monsoon, too good like mahableshwar

    ReplyDelete
  2. came this article at the right time. very useful and detail information. thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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