Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, located in the Satpura Range. Known as the “Queen of Satpura,” it is famous for its scenic beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and historical significance. With lush green forests, waterfalls, caves, and a pleasant climate, it is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and history buffs. Pachmarhi is also a hub for trekking, wildlife exploration, and discovering ancient temples and cave paintings.

Tourist Attractions in Pachmarhi

1. Bee Fall:

   • Highlights: One of the most popular tourist spots in Pachmarhi, Bee Fall is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It offers a great place to relax, swim, or enjoy a picnic.
   • Opening Hours: Open throughout the day, best visited in the morning or late afternoon.
   • Entrance Fees: No entrance fee.
   • How to Get There: Located 4 km from the town center, accessible by a short trek from the main road.

2. Pandav Caves:

   • Highlights: These ancient rock-cut caves are believed to have been used by the Pandavas during their exile. The caves are a historical marvel and offer a glimpse into ancient architecture.
   • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
   • Entrance Fees: ₹10 for Indian nationals, ₹100 for foreign nationals.
   • How to Get There: The caves are situated 3 km from Pachmarhi town, and a short walk uphill takes visitors to the site.

3. Dhoopgarh:

   • Highlights: Dhoopgarh is the highest point in Pachmarhi and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s an ideal spot for trekking, and the sunset views from here are mesmerizing.
   • Opening Hours: Open throughout the day, best visited in the evening for sunset.
   • Entrance Fees: No entrance fee.
   • How to Get There: Located 10 km from Pachmarhi, accessible by a jeep or a short trek.

4. Satpura National Park:

   • Highlights: The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to tigers, leopards, and a wide range of flora and fauna. The park is also known for its unique landscape of dense forests, waterfalls, and mountains.
   • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
   • Entrance Fees: ₹500-₹1500 for an Indian national, ₹2000 for foreign nationals. Additional safari charges apply (₹2000-₹3000 depending on the safari type).
   • How to Get There: The park is about 10 km from Pachmarhi town. Safari bookings can be made at the park entrance.

5. Jata Shankar Caves:

   • Highlights: A sacred spot for Hindus, these caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves are believed to have been the site of the mythological “Jata” or hair of Lord Shiva. A natural spring and dense forest surroundings make it a peaceful destination.
   • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
   • Entrance Fees: ₹20 for Indian nationals.
   • How to Get There: 3 km from Pachmarhi, located on a hilltop, accessible by a short climb.

6. Apsara Vihar:

   • Highlights: A small but charming waterfall, Apsara Vihar is known for its clear water and scenic surroundings. It’s an ideal spot for a swim or simply to relax by the water.
   • Opening Hours: Open throughout the day.
   • Entrance Fees: No entrance fee.
   • How to Get There: Located about 2 km from Pachmarhi town, accessible via a short trek.

How to Get to Pachmarhi

1. By Air:

   • The nearest airport to Pachmarhi is Jabalpur Airport, about 200 km away. Jabalpur is well connected with major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bhopal.
   • Bhopal Airport is another option, located around 200 km from Pachmarhi, with flights from various cities.

2. By Train:

   • Pachmarhi does not have a railway station, but Pipariya (about 50 km away) is the nearest railway station. You can take a taxi or bus from Pipariya to Pachmarhi.
   • Bhopal and Jabalpur are other major railway stations that can be accessed easily from major Indian cities.

3. By Road:

   • Pachmarhi is well connected by road. Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles operate from nearby cities like Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Pipariya.
   • The road to Pachmarhi is picturesque, passing through dense forests and hilly terrain.

Getting Around in Pachmarhi

1. Jeep or Car Rental:

   • Renting a jeep or car is one of the most convenient ways to get around in Pachmarhi, especially for exploring distant spots like Dhoopgarh or Satpura National Park.

2. Walking or Trekking:

   • Many of Pachmarhi’s attractions, like Bee Fall, Pandav Caves, and Jata Shankar Caves, are best explored on foot. There are several short treks available for nature lovers.

3. Local Taxis:

   • Local taxis are available for hire, and many of them offer packages to visit various tourist spots around the town.

4. Cycling:

   • Some visitors prefer to explore the area by renting bicycles, which can be a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenic views.

Popular Local Food in Pachmarhi

1. Poha:

   • A popular breakfast dish made with flattened rice, spiced with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and served with a side of chutney.

2. Dal Bafla:

   • A traditional dish from Madhya Pradesh, made from wheat flour dough balls, baked and served with dal (lentils) and ghee.

3. Bhutte Ka Kees:

   • A unique dish made from grated corn, spiced with mustard seeds, green chilies, and topped with coconut.

4. Mawa Bati:

   • A sweet dish made from mawa (evaporated milk), flour, sugar, and dry fruits, typically found in local markets.

5. Samosas and Kachori:

   • Popular street foods, samosas are fried pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes, and kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with spicy lentils.

Top Nightlife Spots in Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi is more known for its serene, natural beauty than its nightlife. However, there are a few places where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring:

1. 1. Hotel Misty Meadows:

      • Highlights: One of the popular spots in Pachmarhi for a relaxing evening. It offers a cozy environment with music and a good range of food and drinks.
      • How to Get There: Located near the Pachmarhi bus stand.
      • Happy Hours: Check with the hotel for specific happy hour timings.
      • Entrance Fees: No entrance fee.

   2. Club Mahindra Resort:

      • Highlights: If you’re staying at Club Mahindra, you can enjoy the evenings at the resort with light entertainment, bonfires, and a well-stocked bar.
      • How to Get There: Located around 2 km from the main town.
      • Happy Hours: Resort-specific, check at the reception.
      • Entrance Fees: Only for registered guests.

   3. Bamboo Hut:

      • Highlights: A relaxed, informal bar located in some resorts. Offers a great ambiance for guests to unwind after a long day.
      • How to Get There: Located near Pachmarhi town center.
      • Happy Hours: Check with the specific bar for details.
      • Entrance Fees: Only for guests staying at the resort.

Detailed Itinerary for Pachmarhi

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• • Morning: Arrive in Pachmarhi, check into your hotel/resort.
  • Late Morning: Visit the Pandav Caves, explore the ancient rock-cut architecture.
  • Afternoon: Head to Bee Fall, enjoy a picnic or swim in the waterfall.
  • Evening: Visit Dhoopgarh for panoramic sunset views.
  • Night: Dinner at a local restaurant or your resort.

Day 2: Adventure and Culture

• • Morning: Take an early morning safari at Satpura National Park to spot wildlife.
  • Late Morning: Visit Jata Shankar Caves and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
  • Afternoon: Visit Apsara Vihar for a refreshing swim in the waterfall.
  • Evening: Explore the local markets for souvenirs or relax at your resort.
  • Night: Enjoy dinner and drinks at Misty Meadows or Club Mahindra Resort.

Day 3: Trekking and Relaxation

• • Morning: Early morning trek to Dhoopgarh for a sunrise view.
  • Late Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive or jeep ride through the forest.
  • Afternoon: Visit Pandav Caves again or relax in the town center.
  • Evening: Return to your hotel, have a leisurely dinner, and prepare for departure.

Additional Tips for Visiting Pachmarhi

• Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, camera, insect repellent, and light clothing (along with a jacket in winter months).
• Booking Safaris: It is recommended to book safaris in advance during the peak season (December to February).
• Local Guide Services: Hiring a local guide for safaris or treks can enhance your experience by offering valuable insights into the local wildlife and history.