Geographically, Pachmarhi is a saucer-shaped valley nestled amidst the densely forested Satpuda Hills in Madhya Pradesh. It lies about 210 kilometres from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 3,555 feet, the region enjoys a pleasant and equable climate all through the year. Pachmarhi was discovered in 1857, by Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers. He was so struck by the beauty of this land that he was instrumental in having it developed as a sanatorium.

Ancient sal and bamboo forests, and shady trails winding through jamun and mahua groves, crisscrossed by gurgling forest streams, give Pachmarhi its exceptional verdant charm. Pachmarhi's greatest appeal lies in the fact that it is yet untouched by the frenzy of over-development and commercialisation that plagues many other hill stations and places of natural beauty in India. It provides visitors a splendid opportunity for exploring peace and solitude.

Attractions

While an abundance of forest trails makes this hill station a hiker's paradise, nature lovers can revel in the incredible flora and fauna found in the region. And there is history in the form of old temples, rock cave shelters with prehistoric paintings, and the more recent churches and mansions that constitute a nostalgic relict of the British Raj.

These are some of the attractions in Pachmarhi:

Scenic views

• Dhoopgarh: This highest point in the Satpuda range, commands a panoramic view with stunning sunsets.
  
  
• Priyadarshini: This point provides a stunning view of the valley. It is also known as Forsyth Point in memory of Captain Forsyth who got his first glimpse of Pachmarhi from here.
  
  
• Handi Khoh: A 300-feet high precipice with steep rocky sides makes this ravine quite spectacular.
  
  
• Jamuna Prapat: The waterfall and the stream constitute a scenic location. Pools of water at the source of the fall are used for swimming and bathing.
  
  
• Irene Pool: This forest stream, flowing upstream, enters a rocky cave where it goes underground, before emerging again to form some beautiful waterfalls.
  
  
• Jalawataran: Also known as Duchess Falls, visitors can descend a 4-km trek to its base.
  
  
• Reechhgarh: This natural rock formation makes an amphitheatre with an entrance passage through a cave on its southern slope.

Sacred spaces

• Mahadeo Hill: With a Shiva temple housing an imposing Shivalinga, this hill is sacred to the locals. There are caves with paintings on the eastern slope of this hill.
  
  
• Jata Shankar: This is a holy cave inside a stony hillock from which a stream called Jambu Dwip emerges. Patterns in the rocks resembling the hair locks of Lord Shiva give this place its name.
  
  
• Pandav Caves: This set of five caves shelters are ascribed by legend to have been used by the Pandavas.
  
  
• Catholic Church: Built in 1892, this church boasts good examples of French and Irish architectural styles. An old derelict graveyard provides an evocative backdrop to the church.
  
  
• Christ Church: This church, dating back 1875, is a striking architectural wonder. With its stained glass windows and old bell, it is an interesting relic of the past.

Wildlife

• Satpuda National Park: The stunning natural terrain in this national park, located close to Pachmarhi, comprises hills, ravines, waterfalls, and the expansive Tawa reservoir. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse into some of the local fauna such as the tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, chowsingha or the four-horned antelope, and the neelgai, along with a good number of bird species.
  
  
• Bison Lodge: This is an interesting old structure housing a museum that showcases the flora and fauna of the Satpudas.

Cave shelters

• Dhuandhar: Containing paintings of archers with bows and arrows, these are some of the most interesting caves in Pachmarhi.
  
  
• Jambu Dwip Valley: This set of six caves on the northern face of Jambu Dwip valley has beautiful human and animal paintings.
  
  
• Harper's Cave: This cave includes a beautiful painting of a man playing a harp.
  
  
• Chieftain's Cave: A painting in this cave portrays a battle scene between two chieftains.
  
  
• Kites Crag: The caves along the South and East faces of Kites Crag have some interesting paintings done predominantly in white, or having red outlines.

Tribal life

The indigenous tribal people of Madhya Pradesh, including the Gonds and the Korkus are another reason to visit Pachmarhi. Their joy and laughter is infectious as they celebrate life by singing, dancing, and drinking the local brew made from fermented mahua flowers. A peep into their unique ethnic culture provides interesting nuggets of information on their animistic beliefs, resourceful habits, and enigmatic folklore.

How to Reach

Pachmarhi can be reached by train from the nearest railhead, Pipariya (about 47 kilometres). It can also be reached by air from the nearest airport, Bhopal (about 210 kilometres).

Where to Stay

Pachmarhi has accommodations to suit most tastes and budgets. You can opt for bungalows, holiday homes, cottages, or budget rooms. However, as the number of hotels is somewhat limited, advance booking is recommended.