The Marvel of Satpura ‘Pachmarhi Hill station’-Geotourism

Pachmarhi Hill station is located in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh amidst the Satpura range. it is known as the Queen of Satpura and is immersed in the biosphere reserve which engulfs its environment with a richly covered green canopy creating a wide range of biodiversity which seems like a paradise to visitors. The place is everything that a weary traveler seeking some solace will desire. Pachmarhi is shrouded in serenity and peace, with numerous waterfalls, canyons, colonial architecture, natural pools, cave temples, and the forested range of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The name Pachmarhi is believed to be derived from the Hindi words Panch (“five”) and Marhi (“caves”). According to the legends, these caves were built by Pandavas of the Mahabharatha era during their thirteen years of exile.

The serene hill station stands at an altitude of 1067 meters. It is a large plateau, ringed by the undulating hills of the Satpura range. The landscape is characterized by rugged hills, forests, and deep ravines. One of its main attractions is the spectacular view it offers at dusk, The red sandstone takes on the color of the sky, in various shades of purple and violet. It offers a great escape from the warm environment of central India. The hill station is ideal for a relaxing, hideaway and Wandering for Geotourist from all across the Wolrd.

The forest around the town is home to many rare varieties of plants. UNESCO added Pachmarhi park to its list of Biosphere Reserves in May 2009. The total area of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is 4981.72 km2. Pachmarhi is also famous for Satpura Tiger Reserve, Satpura National Park, and, Pandavas of Mahabharata.

Geology of the Area

The Satpura basin extends over a large area in central India forming the westernmost part of Gondwana basins in peninsular India. Pachmarhi Formation is constituted entirely of varied types of sandstones developed all over the region, Pachmarhi hills and plateau. It is exposed in a lensoid outcrop on the northern slopes of the Satpuras. At Pachmarhi proper, the formation is arenaceous and consists of crossbedded sandstones, with intervening pebbly layers, dipping mainly towards the north. Its average thickness is about 750m. The overlying Denwa clay was assigned a Middle Triassic age on the basis of vertebrate fossils.

Geologically the region is also very important in the context of the earth’s history. The Gond tribes have given their name to the erstwhile super-continent of ‘Gondwanaland’ which existed from the Neoproterozoic era until it break to give the current form of continents that existed today. Pachmarhi has numerous cave formations which forms probably when the earth was in a state of transmutation to reach its present status. Pachmarhi is also home to the Korku tribe which speaks a certain language belonging to the Austro-Asiatic family.

Captain James Forsyth, a British officer turned this place into a hill station in the 19th century. Madhya Pradesh Tourism department has developed the area to preserve its beauty and persona. Forsyth suggested that Pachmarhi be used as a sanatorium. A cantonment, churches, and bungalows, a road network , clubs, and the golf course made. Horse racing, polo, tennis, snooker playing area is created and A hill station was born. Explore some of the best places in Pachmarhi.

Reechgarh

Reechgarh is one of the most Striking places in Pachmarhi. hiking up in this hilly area through some thick forest and a rocky pathway is a Great experience. Here a Giant amphitheater of rocks forms a famous cave, a pre-historic site. As per the local belief, this cave was once inhabited by bears that are known as Reech in Hindi languages and hence the name. Once you cross it, on the other side is a never-ending beautiful valley which can be traversed only with a local guide.

Dhoopgarh

Dhupgarh is the highest point (1,352 m) in Madhya Pradesh, located in the Satpura range Pachmarhi. The Sun dances here all the time on a cloudless day with all its rays in the surrounding peaks creating a myriad hue of colors.  An Adventurous traveler can spend the entire day here in the viewing, the wind blowing through its ravine.

This is the third highest peak. And a pilgrimage site with Lord Siva’s temple at the top. The Chauragarh fort was built by the king Sangram Shah of the Gond dynasty The sun rising scene seen here is breathtaking and climbing 1365 steps to reach the point makes it worth it. During the festivity of Nagpanchami and Mahashivratri, devotees flock to chauragarh temple in large numbers, heaving up massive near about 2 lakh Trishul as offerings which are kept in front of the temple and also in the way of the temple.

Bada Mahadev, Gupt Mahadev, and Jatashankar Caves

These three cave temples are important spiritual sites for any devotee. Bada Mahadev and Gupt Mahadev are in the same locality while Jatashankar is in a different direction. The Gupt Mahadev cave is extremely narrow and visiting this shrine is quite an adventure. Bada Mahadev cave is close to the Gupt Mahadev where the giant rock formation forms a spot where (as per mythology) the evil Bhasmasura was tricked into killing himself by Lord Vishnu. Jatashankar shrine is also a very sacred site. Lord Shiva supposedly concealed himself here. The place is beautiful with its amazing rock formations.

Also read- 6 Ultimate Geotourism Sites around Rewa City, India

Handi Khoh

Handi Khoh gorge is One of the must-visit places in Pachmarhi with its excellent foliage and eerily beautiful rock formation. As per mythology, it was a lake before where an evil serpent resided, who was finally destroyed by the fury of Lord Shiva, and in the process, the water too dried up and now it looks like a Handi.

Other places

Some other beautiful places of interest in and around Pachmarhi are Denwa View Point, for its amazing view of the Denwa river flowing through its green valle. Bee hills and Bee Falls are an adventurous waterfall where one has to get down around 400 meters to reach its down portion. It is named as such because from a distance the waterfall sounds like a bee. Bee Falls takes its name from bees since this place is famous for honey bees.

Rajendragiri named after our first President, is another beautiful viewpoint, and of course the Pandava Caves which have given the place its etymology. Patalkot Valley , around 2 hrs drive from Pachmarhi, this is a World famous valley known for tribes inhabitate. A number of films have shooted in Pachmarhi- such as Massey Sahib (film 1985) Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaayen (film 1990), Tarkieb (film 2000), and Aśoka (film 2001)

Tourist attraction and Activities

Pachmarhi Hill Station is a tourist attraction Throughout the year. There are numerous cottages and resorts located in the Pachmarhi area. Pachmarhi’s forests are home to numerous cave paintings, some of which are estimated to be 10,000 years old. Pachmarhi offers a variety of activities such as lake boating, paragliding, greenery, views, waterfalls, mountain streams, and wildlife. Pachmarhi is also home to the National Adventure Institute, which hosts a variety of adventure training camps. Bharat Scout & Guides are also located in the Pachmarhi. Dhupgarh is well-known for its sunrise and sunset views. At night, one can see the lights of neighboring towns such as Itarsi.

How to reach

Pachmarhi hill station is well connected to Bhopal, Itarsi, Chhindwara, Gadarwara, Narsinghpur, Indore, and Jabalpur. Pipariya is the nearest railhead, many trains on the Mumbai-Kolkata route stop at Pipariya. Itarsi Junction is also a major railhead near Pachmarhi.