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Trekking on the hilly terrain

Sarvesh

Mona Dureja

Pachmarhi is a hill-station located in the Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh at 3,600 ft. Pachmarhi has everything that qualifies it to be a hill-station -- valleys, ravines and a maze of gorges -- except for a freezing winter.

With bridle-paths that lead into tranquil forest glades, wild bamboo and jamun grooves, dense sal forests and a variety of fruit-bearing trees, Pachmarhi is best-suited for those interested in trekking and rock-climing. It is said that Pachmarhi got its name from the five caves in which the Pandavas are believed to have lived for a while during their exile.

The region has several beautiful temples, caves, parks, lakes, churches and buildings of historical and architectural importance. Asia's largest Army Music Centre is located in Pachmarhi. Despite all the attractions, the overall development of the resort has been slow. The hills of Pachmarhi too have suffered from deforestation.

The forest at Pachmarhi has been converted into the Satpura National Park. You will need permission to trek in the forest. You can also drive around the park in a car. Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to sightings of langur, sambar, gaur or Indian b ison, barking deer, bear, wild dog and leopard.

There are several places of tourist interest in Pachmarhi. Priyadarshani Point is the vantage place from which the surrounding area was discovered by Captain Forsyth, a Bengal Lancer, in 1857.

Jatashankar Cave, about 1.5 km from Pachmarhi bus stand, is worshipped as the source of the sacred Jambu Dweep stream. Legend has it that Lord Mahadeo took shelter here from the wrath of the demon-king Bhasmasur. This is considered a sacred cave, as its rocky formation resembles the matted locks of Lord Shiva.

Chota Mahadeo, also revered as a holy spot, is a narrow point in the valley and the source of a small spring.

Another local attraction is the Jalawataran or Duchess Fall -- a picturesque waterfall. Apsara Vihar, a small, shallow bathing pool, is an ideal picnic spot for families with small children.

Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure-house. Cave shelters in the Mahadeo hills contain rock paintings, most of which date back to 500-800 A.D. with the earliest works being nearly 10,000 years old.

Some of the other tourist spots in the region include:

* Chauragarh -- a prominent landmark in Satpura and an important place of worship.

* Dhupgarh -- the highest point in the Satpura range which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding ranges and an unparalled view of the sunrise and sunset.

* Pachmarhi Club -- an ideal place for a game of billiards, tennis and other sport.

* Rajgiri -- also known as the Club Hill, it is a short and easy climb from Pachmarhi Club. Situated at 300 ft, the spot offers a panoramic view of Pachmarhi.

Fact file

How to get there

By air: The nearest airport is Bhopal (210 km) which is well connected to Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai.

By rail: Pipariya (47 km) on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline, via Allahabad, is the most convenient rail-head.

By road: Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara.

Where to stay:

Satpura Retreat (MP Tourism)

Ph: 2097.

Amaltas (MP Tourism)

Ph: 2098.

Holiday Homes (MP Tourism)

Ph: 2099.

Nandan Van

Ph: 2018.

Picture: Nature's bounty at Pachmarhi

Picture by Sarvesh.