Panchmarhi
The only hill-station in Madhya Pradesh, the central state of India, Panchmarhi is a beautiful holiday destination situated in the saucer-shaped Satpura valley in Hoshangabad district.
Discovered by Captain James Forsyth, a British officer of the Bengal Lancers, Panchmarhi soon became a sanatorium and summer capital of the Central Provinces of India. The town is dotted with nostalgic remains of Colonial architecture in the form of Victorian bungalows, churches and cemeteries.
Surrounded by low-lying red sandstone hills and dense forests, Panchmarhi is an offbeat hilly retreat with unspoiled wilderness and more or less untouched terrains.
However what distinguishes Panchmarhi from other hill-stations is its abundance of water spots. All around you can hear the gurgling sound of the lively streams and cascading waterfalls.
Far away from the madding crowds, Panchmarhi is a calm and pleasant hill-station and also a pilgrimage with shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva hidden in deep ravines and cliffs.
Legend
Panchmarhi is believed to have derived its name from the five Buddhist rock-cut caves which are believed to have provided shelter to the ‘pandavas’ during their exile.
Places to Visit
Pandava caves
Five ancient rock-cut caves, from the Buddhist period, where ‘pandavas’ are believed to have taken shelter during their exile and after which the hill-station is named are definitely worth a visit!
Priyadarshini Point
Previously known as Forsyth point, this point offers magnificent view of whole hill-station and marks the spot from where Panchmarhi was discovered by Capt. Forsyth.
Dhupgarh
The highest point between Himalayas and Nilgiris, Dhupgarh is famous for the mesmerizing sunset views it offers.
Bison Lodge
The oldest house here, constructed way back in 1862, is now a museum. It also provides an insight into the local flora & fauna and runs films on wildlife in an open-air theatre.
Chauragarh
A lingam-shaped peak, which springs to life during the annual Shivratri Mela, is well-worth the climb for the spectacular views it offers.
Jatashankar
A sacred cave, under a mass of loose boulders, has about 108 natural ‘Shivalingams’ and is a Hindu pilgrimage held in deep reverence as its believed that Lord Shiva had reached this place through a tunnel to save himself from the demon Bhasmasur.
The surroundings of the caves are dramatically beautiful and on the way to the shrine there are myriad small shops selling various herbs and medicines.
Youth Centre
Located opposite the Amaltas Tourist complex, it offers various facilities like Skating, Cycling, Badminton and Table-Tennis.
Things to Do
Trek
Walk
Fast Facts
Distance : 200 km from Bhopal
Altitude : 3500 ft above sea level
