Pachmarhi Trip… January 2018.

 A long weekend and time to celebrate… Pachmarhi has been on our minds since the time we had shifted to Indore. We kept hearing that it is beautiful and serene place and a must visit in state of Madhya Pradesh.

We started very early in the morning ( around 5 am ) as we thought we cover maximum distance , while the kids ( 7 year old daughter and 2 year old son ) are sleeping and of course, in lesser traffic.

After getting our petrol tank full, our journey to Pachmarhi started. From Indore you have to take the highway going to Bhopal… i.e. to Dewas and that turn right towards Bhopal. It is good six lane highway to Bhopal from Dewas. Dodi (Highway retreat restaurant) was our next stop for quick cup of tea and some poha. It took about 2 hours to reach Dodi from Indore. From Dodi, we drove till Sehore and then took a right as soon as we saw a signboard of Crescent water Park (diagonally opposite). Now, this is single lane road, however, good and pothole free. This road takes to you to Nasrullaganj...to Hoshagabad and finally to Pachmarhi. We reached Pachmarhi Cantonment gate by around 2 pm ( a bit slow, as I am a slow driver ). There is ghat section, after the Cantonment gate & before you hit the Pachmarhi town. This road is a bit narrow but quite scenic and safe .

We had booked ourselves into an MP Tourism property…“Champak Bungalow” which was supposed to a Governor house in olden times but now a sprawling tourist stayhouse. A very good , clean and well managed hotel though a bit from the main market.  After check in process, which was quite smooth, our quest for Pachmarhi started. While, there are many points to visit , however, we decided that we shall only visit limited and good tourist points, especially with kids.  

After a lot of deliberation, we decided to visit Bee falls, Jatashanker, Dhoopgarh & Pandava caves. For visiting all these tourist points, it is best advisable to hire a Gypsy and these are easily available. There is any office enroute to Champak Bungalow from Pachmarhi market .The payment of RS. 1425/- for the gypsy has to be made at the Bison lodge (the Gypsy driver would take you there before he starts the tour). This Rs. 1425/- includes a guide, who also accompanies you on the tour.

First, we visited Jatashanker, a place where Lord Shiva concealed/hid himself from the wrath of Bhasmasur. He, apparently, deceived Bhasmasur by leaving behind his long matted hair and you can see a rock formation resembling the same. In addition, there are natural Shiva lings, a rock formation resembling Sheshnaag and much more, to make it worth a visit.  

Next, we visited the Pandava caves, supposedly, a place where the Pandavas hid themselves during the exile period. A lot though, is to be imagined. Bee falls, our next stop, is a beautiful waterfall and it was time to enjoy the pristine waters of the fall. It is definitely a must visit and our kids had great time in the waters. Please do carry spare clothes, as it will difficult to resist not taking/enjoying this natural shower.

Last and the final place in our day’s itinerary was Dhoopgarh, which is bit far and the highest point the Satpura hills. It’s a nice place to watch the sun go down. The place, made like an amphitheater, has ample space to sit and watch. A relaxed evening in the end.

We also spend some time at the Satpura Adventure club, next day, enjoying adventure activities like Land parasailing , Zip lining etc. Good place to unwind.

While, coming back from Pachmarhi do try and pick up some Honey , as you get good quality Honey ,especially, at the Jain Ayurvedic store.

 Bye for now..