Looking for a serene place in central India? Pachmarhi is a perfect place with pleasant weather, waterfalls, lush greenery and adventure activities. Known as the “Queen of Satpura”, it is a beautiful hill station located in Madhya Pradesh amidst the Satpura Range. Due to its high altitude and year-round pleasant weather, it served as the summer capital of the Central Province. The places to visit in Pachmarhi include Tiger Reserves, National Parks, ancient temples, caves and museums.
Located 1,067 meters above sea level, Pachmarhi features several caves, including those situated on the hilltop. It is believed that the city derived its name from the Hindi words Panch (five) and Marchi (caves). These caves also hold a mythological significance, as according to a legend, they were built by the five Pandav brothers of the Mahabharata era during their thirteen years of exile. The region was under the rule of various dynasties, including the Bhonsles, Marathas, Gondis and the British. So, whether you are interested in mythology, history or just want a relaxing getaway, Pachmarhi is one of the best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
This post will help you learn about various places to visit in Pachmarhi, the best time to visit and how to reach your destination.
Amazing Places to Visit in Pachmarhi
1. Jatashankar Caves
Since Pachmarhi has numerous centuries-old caves, it becomes essential to explore some of the significant ones on your trip. One of the best cave places to visit in Pachmarhi is Jatashankar. It is a natural cave and a Hindu shrine located in a deep ravine with gigantic boulders perched above.
The cave serves as a shrine to Lord Shiva and the stalagmites in the cave are worshipped as the naturally formed lingams. According to the legend, it is the place where Lord Shiva is said to have concealed himself from the wrath of Bhasmasura, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Moreover, the cave structure resembles the hundred-headed Shesha, the serpent-mount of Lord Vishnu
2. Pandva Caves:
Another significant cave to visit in Pachmarhi is the Pandva Caves. It is a group of five rock-cut caves located in the dense forests of the Satpura Range. People connect these caves with different legends. Some sources relate them to the legend of the Mahabharata and some believe that they were carved by the Buddhist monks.
The mysterious history of these caves makes them one of the most significant places to visit in Pachmarhi for archaeological enthusiasts.
3. Dhoopgarh:
Originally known as Harvatsa Kot, Dhoopgarh is the highest point in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh. Located at a height of 1352 meters at a distance of 11 kms from the Pachmarhi Bus Station, it is one of the most charming places to visit in Pachmarhi.
The journey to Dhoopgarh is full of adventure and worth all the effort. You can visit it by hiring a jeep, followed by a trek to witness the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the valley. Monsoon season is the best time to visit the place as it gets covered in misty clouds and lush greenery.
4. Handi Khoh:
A 300-feet-deep gorge in V-shape created by two gigantic hills, Handi Khoh, is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Pachmarhi. This place has an interesting story behind its name. It is said that the British officer Handhi committed suicide by jumping into the gorge.
According to local legends, it is also believed that it was a lake that was guarded by a demon in the form of an evil snake. Lord Shiva killed the snake and the fury of the battle resulted in drying up the water of the lake, creating a space which looked like a handi (pot).
5. Satpura National Park
One of the significant national parks in India, Satpura Tiger Reserve, is located in the south of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. Home to various endangered species, it was declared as the first biosphere of the state in 1999. The high ranges of the Pachmarhi plateau are covered with Sal forests and the lower ranges are covered with teak forests, offering shelter to over 26 species of the Himalayan region and 42 species of the Nilgiri areas. For this very reason, the Satpura Tiger Reserve is known as the northern extremity of the Western Ghats.
While visiting the national park, you get to witness tigers, giant squirrel, Indian skimmer, leaf–nosed bat, black bellied tern and the state bird, flycatcher (Doodhraj).
6. Bee Falls:
One of the famous waterfall places to visit in Pachmarhi, Bee Falls, is a natural waterfall falling from a great height of 150 meters. Also known as Jamuna Prapat, the cascading waterfall, which looks like melting silver, is a sight to behold.
The summer season is the best time to visit the Falls to get relief from the heat and enjoy a dip in the pool created at the end of the falls. You can reach the waterfall through a hired jeep, followed by a trek including 400 steps. The journey is moderately difficult; therefore, it is not recommended for kids and senior citizens.
Best Time to Visit Pachmarhi
Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is blessed with pleasant weather, lush greenery and scenic beauty, which you can experience throughout the year. It is one of the best travel photography destinations in the country. The summer months, March to June, are moderately warm with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The place is a popular tourist destination during the season, as the rest of the plains experience intense heat. Additionally, it is the perfect time for adventure activities like rock climbing, paragliding and trekking.
During monsoon season, from July to September, the landscapes in Pachmarhi turn breathtaking with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. With the temperature ranging from 20 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, it is an ideal time to visit the hill station.
From October to February, the temperature dips to a minimum of 4 degrees Celsius and Pachmarhi turns into a winter paradise. The weather during the season is perfect to soak in the beauty of the region and explore places to visit in Pachmarhi. Furthermore, it hosts the annual Pachmarhi Utsav to showcase the rich heritage of Madhya Pradesh, making it the best time to visit Pachmarhi.
Therefore, every season in Pachmarhi has its own charm and the best time to visit the place depends on your personal preferences.
How to Reach Pachmarhi
There are various routes to reach Pachmarhi. The place has excellent connectivity with the neighbouring cities and states by road. If you want to travel by flights and trains, you can book your tickets to the nearest railway station in Pipariya and the airport in Bhopal.
By Road:
If you wish to travel by road to Pachmarhi, there are regular buses from Bhopal, Indore and Nagpur. Whether you want to travel during the day or night, you get various options from state-owned buses to private luxury buses from these cities. You can also take a taxi for a more comfortable travelling experience.
By Rail:
Pipariya Railway Station, at 52 km is the nearest railway station, since there is no station in Pachmarhi. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the hill station.
By Air:
There is no direct air connectivity to Pachmarhi. Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, at 210.9 km is the nearest airport. From there, you can take a direct bus to reach Pachmarhi. However, if you wish to take a break before beginning your journey, there are affordable hotels in Bhopal offering comfortable accommodation with modern amenities. Some of them also offer private cab facilities to make your travelling experience more comfortable.
Another convenient option is Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, around 230 km from Pachmarhi, which offers excellent connectivity with both domestic and international destinations. Travellers arriving here can easily plan a short stay at hotels in Nagpur before heading to the serene hills of Pachmarhi.
So, whether you are looking for one of the mesmerising hill stations in Madhya Pradesh or tourist places to visit in India during summer, Pachmarhi is an ideal destination for you. The places to visit in Pachmarhi are full of history, spirituality and natural bounty.
