About Panchmarhi
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of the Satpura range, Pachmarhi earns its title as the 'Queen of Satpura', a testament to its natural and historical allure. Discovered in 1857 by Captain James Forsyth, this picturesque hill station in Madhya Pradesh is steeped in antiquity, boasting ancient Buddhist caves harmoniously coexisting with tranquil waterfalls. Legend has it that during their exile, the Pandava brothers, along with their wife, sought refuge in Pachmarhi. Obliged to live incognito for a year, they crafted 'Pachmarhi', derived from 'Pach' meaning 'five' in Hindi and 'marhi' meaning 'caves', as their sanctuary. These caves, still standing today, have become a favored destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into history.
Places to Visit in Panchmarhi
Satpura National Park is situated in Hoshangabad and is renowned for its exquisite flora – the reni pani vines and fauna, namely, tigers, the black buck, sloth bear, leopard, dhole, Indian gaur and giant squirrel.
Apsara Vihar is a set of gushing waterfalls that form a shallow pool of water below. The term ‘Apsara Vihar’ literally translates to a fairy pool. The story goes that when English women would take a bath in the pool, the locals thought they were fairies and hence named it ‘Apsara Vihar’.
Bee Falls are a charming set of big and small waterfalls in Pachmarhi that provide drinking water to the whole city. The falls flow through the lush green forests and are frequented by nature enthusiasts.
The Jatashankar Temple sits inside a cave in Pachmarhi. According to legend, it is believed to be the haunt of Lord Shiva when he was hiding from Bhasmasur. The caves are very popular among pilgrims.
Dhoopgarh is a beautiful hill top and represents the highest point of the Satpura Range. The point is famous for mesmeric views of sunrise and the sunset.
Also known as the Forsyth Point, Priyadarshini Point was discovered by Captain Forsyth in 1857. The point is famous for its incredible scenery that gives a bird’s eye view of the whole city.
Activities To Do
The deepest canyon of Madhya Pradesh, Handi Khoh lies within the rich, forested realm of Pachmarhi. Huddled atop 300 ft., the cliff offers stunning views of the sprawling greenery. The verdant beauty of Handi Khoh is an ideal setting for stimulating activities like hiking, bike riding, and horse riding.
Offering unbeatable deals in adventure sports, Satpura Adventure Club is a place that will get your heart racing! Offering countless different land, water, and air activities, there is not one dull moment here. Parasailing over the stretching, entwining beauty of the canvas of Pachmarhi is unlike anything else.
Draped in a blanket of fresh greenery, Pachmarhi is blessed with numerous thrilling waterfalls, the magnificent roar of which can be heard from miles away! Most of this fall demand a short but challenging hike to reach, but the rewarding views coupled with the roaring lullaby of the falls is worth every bit of exertion.
The highest point of Satpura, Dhoopgarh stands tall at about 4,430 ft., and is the highest peak in the Satpura range. Popular amongst tourists and locals as ‘Sunset Point’, the view from the top is entirely uninterrupted, and runs far and wide with the encapsulating greenery of the Satpura range.
The kingdom of Pachmarhi brims with the unparalleled beauty of the natural bounties. Besides the widely appreciated splendor of nature that it houses, a handful of beautiful old buildings from the bygone ages are sheltered there.
One of the pioneers of adventure sports and activities in Madhya Pradesh, Satpura Adventure Club captures the spirit of thrill and wilderness while ensuring the safety of visitors. Zip lining includes sliding over from end to end, being suspended in air and tethered to a pulley and cable.