One of India’s more unusual getaways, Pachmarhi is not easy to get to, which is
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Pachmarhi has many gorgeous vistas. Dhupgarh (the highest point between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris, at 4,429ft) is known for its famous sunsets. Bee Falls, Fairy Pool and Duchess Falls are also popular destinations. Within the civil area are the Buddhist period rock-hewn Pandava Caves or Panch Mathi, from where Pachmarhi derives its name.
Shrines
Pachmarhi is known for its annual Shivaratri Mela in February/ March when devotees throng the Mahadeo Temple, 10km south of the town, carrying symbolic tridents to plant on the sacred Chauragarh summit. The Jatashankar Cave Temple is also popular.
Prehistoric Rock Paintings
In the cliffs and ravines of Pachmarhi, the soft sandstone of the Satpuras weathered into a profusion of rock shelters. These provided safety to hunters and gatherers, who left behind vibrant compositions depicting hunting scenes, warriors with bows and arrows, soldiers on horseback, demons, magicians, honey-gatherers and so on. You can also wander around forests of sal and jamun trees, clamber down cliffs, and stumble upon brooks and take a refreshing dip. About 50 sites have been surveyed, but only two of the sites are protected monuments with sign-posts leading to them (you still need a guide to find the path). The Dorothy Deep shelter in particular has a stunning location and is less than an hour’s walk from the road.
Churches
Catholic Church, built in 1892, has stained-glass windows from Belgium that create marvellous hues, but is now open only to the army.
Christ Church, built in 1875, is considered one of Madhya Pradesh’s most beautiful churches. It has stained-glass panels that were imported from Europe.
Trekking
For some interesting treks around the area, contact the trekking club set up by the youth of an adivasi tola (hamlet) with the assistance of an NGO. They can be reached through Vinay Sahu (Cell: 09425367365) at his shop in front of Saket Hotel (Tel: 07578-252165, 252317) in the bazaar.
THE INFORMATION
FAST FACTS
When to go October–March is the best time to visit, when the weather is pleasant. Days are cool and nights are chilly. Rains are fun
Tourist offices
MP Tourism, Amaltas Complex, Near Tehsil, Pachmarhi, Tel: 07578-252100
Pachmarhi Tourist Office, Railway Station, Pipariya, Tel: 07576-223499
STD code 07578
GETTING THERE
Air Nearest airport: Bhopal (200km/ 5hrs). Taxi charges ₹3,000–3,500. MP Tourism also has arrangement for transfers
Rail Nearest railhead: Pipariya (52km/ 1.5hrs) is serviced by trains from Mumbai, Delhi and several cities, but Bhopal is more convenient. From Pipariya, a taxi charges approximately ₹700–1,200
Road Pachmarhi is well-connected with cities such as Bhopal, Pipariya and Chhindwara Bus Regular buses are available from Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara
Unmissable India
Panchmarhi
Panchmarhi Catholic Church
