Pachmarhi-a quaint romantic hill station

Have you read this Hindi poem “Satpura ke ghane jungle neend mein doobe hue se (the dense forests of Satpura are in deep sleep)” ? This used to be a part of our Hindi text book in high school. For us then, Satpura used to be a proxy for anything  which is profound or can’t be found ! After visiting Satpura and Pachmarhi, I am probably clearer about the meaning of that poem.

Pachmarhi-a quaint hill town

Satpura forest reserve is in a quaint hill station called “Satpura ki Rani” or Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. The name Pachmarhi is a hindi word for five (Pach) caves (marhi). As per the legend, the Pandavas, had built these caves during their period of exile. It is around two hours’ drive from Bhopal and it almost looks like one has reached a different place. The landscape changes fron plains to mountains, temperature becomes moderate and the crowded streets are replaced with peaceful lanes. Not literally sleepy as mentioned in the Satpura poem though.

Network problem is quite common here, so nobody gets to disturb you. You can take a break from the external world.

What makes Pachmarhi a romantic destination?

Imagine a place surrounded by Satpura mountain range, with waterfalls, caves, jungle for company, a great local cuisine spicing up the whole experience. Whether you are travelling with your partner or travelling solo, you will get enchanted by the beauty of this place. Let’s take a look at the various things to do in Pachmarhi

Explore the Pandava Caves

Fire up your imagination and visualise how it must have been for those five princes to live in exile like a commoner. Archaeological evidence though suggests that these were constructed by Buddhist monks around 1s century AD. Stories aside, these rock cut caves are beautiful with lovely carvings.

Get refreshed at the Bee Falls

From a distance the waterfalls makes a sound like a humming bee and hence the name.  Amidst the lush green surroundings, water falls from a great height and creates a pool. it is located near the  Pandava caves.

Enjoy the sunset at Dhoopgarh

Dhoopgarh is the highest point of Satpura range, and is great for watching both sunset and sunrise. It is a moderate trek up via waterfalls and valleys. Doesn’t the route itself sound romantic?

Seek the divine blessings at Jata Shankar cave

It is a natural limestone cave and also a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that it is the place where Shiva was hiding from Bhasmasura. The name Jata Shankar means Shiva’s hair and is named because of this unique stalactite and stalagmite rock formation which  looks like the matted hair of Lord Shiva  .  This is also a holy place , so get the blessing of our householder Lord Shiva !

Capture the view from Mahadeo hills

At a height of more than 1300 feet, this sandstone hill is a peaceful stop over for spending some quality time and capturing the panoramic view of Pachmarhi

Hiking at Handi Koh

This is a V-shaped ravine, 300 feet deep, created by two massive hills. A good option for  hiking & photography

Get refreshed at Duchess Falls

Water cascades down from a height of almost 100 metres, makes a roaring sound and creates a three layered pool.  You can opt for a swim in these pools. It is also a UNESCO declared Biosphere reserve.  If you are up for some trekking, then it is a 4 kilometres trek through the dense forests.

Make your way into Reechgarh

Up for some more excitement? Head to Reechgarh ! This is a natural cavern which has an opening at both ends. Scramble amidst the boulders to enter the cave and cross a narrow canyon to get out of the cave.

And finally , wildlife safari at Satpura national park

It is not sleepy at all. On the contrary , there is a lot of action. This huge national park boasts of Sal , Mahua and teak forests, and Denwa river flows through the park. Get ready to meet the bison, spotted deer, elephants, leopards, tigers, sloth bear, four-horned antelopes, and many local & migratory birds.

These are some of my top picks, though if I add everything, the list will keep getting longer. You have a choice of many experiences here. And very few tourists come here compared to other places. This is why it is a good place to spend some quality time with your partner. Or with yourself if you are self-partnered.

How to reach Pachmarhi?

Pachmarchi is a two and a half hours drive from Bhopal, which is well connected with all the major cities of India via flight and train.

Best time to visit Pachmarhi

Being a hill station, it is a round the year destination. Best time to visit Pachmarhi is from October to June. The summers are pleasant and  monsoon is moderate.

If you plan to travel to Pachmarhi, you can take a look at this Madhya Pradesh itinerary and cover Pachmarhi as a part of this .

Check out the other romantic places in India or maybe the unexplored honeymoon destinations in India.

India is not just about romance. There is a lot of history, mystery, culture, nature and wildlife here. Check out these aspects of Incredible India beyond the regular tours and packages.