Among the few exceptions is Panchmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. It is not on the usual beat of hill station buffs and therefore, thankfully, not over-developed. Though considered the state’s hill station it does not offer the predictable mountain fare of awesome heights and spectacular scenery, for the Satpuras are low lying weathered hills. Pachmarhi’s appeal is low key. Peace, seclusion and a quiet unobtrusive beauty are its prime attractions.


Perhaps the beauty and seclusion led people to believe that Pachmarhi was a preferred place of the gods, for the area around abounds in pilgrim spots. The Chota Mahadev, a narrow point in the hills; Maradeo the second highest point in the Satpuras which comes alive during the annual shivratri celebrations; Chauragarh, where a pilgrim path leads to a sacred summit with several images of shiva and the Jata Shankar cave where Shvia is believed to have hidden himself from the demon king Bhasmasur.


There’s more to the legend than this, but that would from another story. Handi Khoh, today a deep ravine, was believed to be a huge lake which was guarded by a snake who terrorized all who came to visit the sacred spots in the vicinity. Shiva came to the rescue and succeeded in imprisoning him in solid rock. The flames of wrath ensuing from this divine battle dried up the waters of the lake and the empty space assumed the saucer-like shape of a handi or pot. Recently, botanists examining the area have reported the evidence of the existence of plants normally found beside large expanses of water. This gives part of the myth credence.


Pachmarhi has a somewhat fateful history. The year that Rani of Jhansi and her Maratha soldiers declared Mutiny, a rather prosaic English officer who had a way with words, was sent to the dense Satpura jungles to quell a rebellion. After walking for 17 miles, Captain Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers found himself 2000 feet above the sea and a saucer-shaped plateau spread out before him. The vegetation had changed. The dry yellow grass and naked tree stems had given way to dense green undergrowth, moist banks of streams were covered with ferns and mosses and clear brooks refreshed the tired troops.


Attractions to Visit

• Jamuna Prapat
• Handi Khoh
• Jatashankar
• Pandav Caves
• Christ Church
• Satpura National Park

How to Reach

• By Air
  The nearest airport is Bhopal (195 km), which is connected by regular flights to Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Bombay.
• By Rail
  Pipariya (47 km), on the Bombay–Howrah mainline via Allahabad, is the most convenient railhead. From Pipariya, there are frequent buses for Bhopal.
• By Road
  Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services to Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chindwara. M.P. Tourism as well private operators ply buses from Pachmarhi to the places listed above. Taxis can also be hired for this journey.