Pachmarhi Tourist Places: 19 Best Places to Visit

They call Pachmarhi the "Queen of Satpura", and once you're there it's easy to see why. In a small area you'll find waterfalls, ancient caves, cave temples, deep gorges and some of the best sunset points in central India. Most of the sightseeing spots sit inside protected forest, so you visit them in a forest-registered Gypsy rather than your own car.

Here are the 19 best Pachmarhi tourist places, grouped by type so you can plan your days.

Waterfalls

Bee Falls (Jamuna Prapat)

The most famous waterfall in Pachmarhi, and the easiest one to reach. The water comes down in a fine spray that hums like a swarm of bees, which gives it its name. A short walk down a stone path takes you right to the bottom, where you can stand in the cool water. It's also the main water source for the town, so please don't use soap or leave rubbish.

Rajat Prapat (Big Fall)

This is the tallest waterfall in Pachmarhi, more than 100 metres high. In sunlight the falling water shines like silver ("rajat" means silver). It's at its best during and just after the monsoon.

Apsara Vihar (Fairy Pool)

A small waterfall that drops into a shallow, clear pool. It's a favourite with families because children can splash about safely. Legend says fairies used to come and bathe here.

Duchess Falls

A hidden gem for people who don't mind effort. The trail is steep and rocky, but the three-step waterfall at the end is peaceful and usually far less crowded. See all the falls in our Pachmarhi waterfalls guide.

Caves and Ancient Sites

Pandav Caves

Five caves cut into a sandstone hill, and the reason Pachmarhi got its name ("panch" means five, "marhi" means caves). Local belief says the Pandavas stayed here during their exile. Historians think the caves were made by Buddhist monks. Either way, the garden on top and the view around it are lovely.

Jata Shankar

A natural cave temple tucked into a deep, narrow gorge. Huge rocks hang overhead, and the formations look like the matted hair (jata) of Lord Shiva. A natural Shivling sits inside, with a stream running through. Cool and quiet even in summer.

Bada Mahadev and Gupt Mahadev

Bada Mahadev is a large cave with a Shivling and a pool fed by water dripping from the rock. Gupt Mahadev is right beside it, a cave so narrow that only a few people can squeeze in at a time. Both see huge crowds during Mahashivratri.

Viewpoints

Dhupgarh

The highest point in the Satpura range and in Madhya Pradesh, at about 1,350 metres. It's famous for its sunsets: the hills turn layer by layer from gold to blue. Reach at least 30 minutes before sunset to get a good spot.

Priyadarshini Point (Forsyth Point)

This is where Captain James Forsyth first saw the Pachmarhi plateau in 1857. The view across the valley is wide and beautiful, especially in the morning.

Handi Khoh

A deep, steep-sided gorge with thick forest below. Legend says Lord Shiva trapped a demon serpent here. Stand at the railing and listen. On quiet days you can hear the stream far below.

Reechgarh

A large rock formation with cave-like hollows, once home to bears (that's what "reech" means). Kids love exploring the inside.

Green Valley and Rajendra Giri

Green Valley gives a sweeping view of forest-covered hills. Rajendra Giri is a calm garden and sunset spot, named after India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, who stayed here.

Temples and Pilgrimage Spots

Chauragarh

A Shiva temple on one of Pachmarhi's highest peaks, reached by a climb of about 1,300 steps. Devotees leave thousands of tridents (trishuls) at the top as offerings, which is quite a sight. The view from the summit is worth every step.

Heritage and Town

Christ Church

Built in 1875, this small church has British-era architecture, stained glass and a calm atmosphere. Lovely for a short evening visit.

Bison Lodge (Pachmarhi Museum)

The first building in Pachmarhi, built by Captain Forsyth. It is now a museum on the area's wildlife, plants and history. A good place to spend half an hour before your sightseeing.

Pachmarhi Lake

A small lake near the town centre with boating and water activities. A relaxed spot for the evening after a full day of sightseeing.

Nearby

Satpura National Park

Part of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. You can see sloth bears, leopards, gaur (Indian bison), deer and many birds, with a chance of tigers. Jeep safaris usually start from the Madhai gate, about 2 hours from Pachmarhi. The park is closed during the monsoon. See our Pachmarhi Madhai tour package.

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