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Back to nature

Anil K. Kanungo

Stressed out? Take a break and unwind yourself in a quiet, serene and idyllic hill station. Pachmarhi could be your answer. Originally Panchmarhi, this is a small town set amidst the Satpura mountain ranges of Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi, a peaceful hill s tation, stands at an altitude of 1,067 metres. Its landscape is very picturesque and is characterised by rugged hills, intense forests and deep ravines.

Known as the verdant jewel of the hills, where Nature finds its most exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways, Pachmarhi is situated 210 km South-East of Bhopal. It was discovered in 1857 by Captain Forsyth who realised that this saucer-shaped vall ey had the potential to turn into a health resort.

Pachmarhi, which once enjoyed the status of summer capital of the Central Provinces, remains completely unspoilt and untouched, even today, from the scourge of modernity and commercialism.

To reach Pachmarhi, one can hire a taxi or board a State tourism bus from Bhopal. Hiring a taxi could be exorbitant, whereas going in a State tourism bus is relatively much cheaper. A six-and-a-half hour bus-ride took us to Pachmarhi from Bhopal. The jou rney beyond Pipariya, a major town and the nearest railway junction, gets really tiresome.

Pachmarhi offers opportunities for small excursion trips, in and around the town. Going around shouldnt be problem as a plethora of jeeps are available, which could be hired on a shared basis. The rates arent too high it costs about Rs 300 per couple. A s the plateau nestles amidst the Satpura ranges, sightseeing involves trekking.

Picnic spots aplenty

Another interesting site in Pachmarhi called Handi Khoh (originally Aandhi Khoh), is also known as the suicide point. Handi Khoh is an impressive ravine that has a 300-ft high precipice and dramatically steep sides.

Apsara Vihar, once regarded as the royal bathing pool for queens, is now an ideal picnic spot for families. The pool is shallow, deepening only towards the base of the fall which cascades gently into its waters.

For trekking enthusiasts, Rajat Pratap, a 10-minute walk over rocks and boulders from Apsara Vihar, is an ideal place. Adventurers and trekkers can go down to the base of the Big Fall a trek down 350 ft to the base. It makes for one of the most thrillin g experiences.

Next on our list of must-see destinations were the Pandav Caves. Panchmarhi takes its name from these five caves. According to a legend, the Pandavas are believed to have spent a part of their 12-year exile here. Rock-cut caves, about 1,000 years old, ar e the main attraction here, especially Cave number 2, which has single chaitya arch motifs.

Temples galore

Our trip to temples around Pachmarhi began with Jata Shankar, two km from the bus stand, a revered cave temple with stalagmite and stalactite rock formations. It is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva shrine. Legend has it that Lord Shiva reached this place by a tunnel from Tilak Sindur to save himself from the demon king Bhasmasur. The rocky formation inside the cave resembles the matted locks of Lord Shiva and hence the name, Jata Shankar.

Bada Mahadev is another interesting place, where, according to the locals, Bhasmasur was killed and burnt into ashes by Lord Mahadev or Lord Shiva. There is also Gufa Mahadev, where one has to slide through a narrow deep tunnel to have a darshan of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva was hiding here before he killed Bhasmasur at Bada Mahadev.

Most difficult of all treks in Pachmarhi is (definitely for me) Chauragarh. A shrine of Shiva is located on the hilltop, four km from Gufa Mahadev. To reach the Shiva temple here, one has to climb 1,200 steps. It is one of Satpuras prominent landmarks an d crowned with Lord Shivas trident. From here, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Satpura range.

Nature at its veritable best

Pachmarhi offers a wide array of breathtaking views of rumpled green ridges, frightening gouged valleys and fascinating sunsets. Pachmarhi has abundant flora and fauna, that the entire region has been declared a biosphere reserve.

Dhupgarh is another beautiful place in Pachmarhi, the highest point in the Satpura range. It commands a magnificent view of the surrounding ranges. One can enjoy astonishing sunset here.

Pachmarhi, a unique hill station is tucked amid the Sal trees and beckons you into the serenity and cool fragrance of the forest. No wonder, the Stone Age man chose to live here, in numerous rock caves in the cliffs, in perfect harmony with the environme nt.

Amidst silver cascades

This small town has abundance in store for Nature-lovers. There are many waterfalls near Pachmarhi that leave the visitor enthralled. Prominent among them are the Bee Fall, Duchess Fall and the AC Fall.

The Bee Fall is the most accessible of all these waterfalls in Pachmarhi. It is 450 ft down and the actual trek is just about one km. One has to be extremely careful, as the path leading to the waterfall is deep and steep. One has to literally crawl on t hese rocky paths to reach the base of the waterfall. It is very exciting and the surrounding is extremely enchanting, quiet and thrilling.

Most adventurous and exciting among all waterfalls is the Duchess Fall. Its base is 3500 ft deep and not easily accessible.

Pachmarhi provides an endless list of exciting and adventurous places. It is a resort for all seasons, offering truly a holiday experience.