Panchmarhi Tour & Travel Guide

Indulge in the charming aura of the ‘Queen of Satpura’ with its formation predisposed by the colonial genre architecture

Perched at 1100 meters above mean sea level, Pachmarhi is rightly called the 'Satpura ki Rani' meaning the Queen of Satpura. This picturesque hill town of Madhya Pradesh nestles beautifully in the Satpura range of mountains. Blessed with myriads of natural sightseeing spots like waterfalls, streams, ancient caves and some beautiful relics of the past Pachmarhi is a serene and memorable holiday destination in Madhya Pradesh, India. This place was discovered during the British era and the town is a home to numerous churches, whose design & construct were influenced by the colonial style architecture. The forests of Pachmarhi are marked as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for their abundant & unique flora and fauna. One of India's highest waterfalls, Rajat Prapat and the five caves of the 5 Pandava's brothers of Mahabharata are here, which is believed to be the abode of the Pandavas during their exile of 13 years. Furthermore, Satpura National Park is a delight for nature lovers. The flora & fauna here, attracts visitors from far & near.

It is believed that the name Panchamarhi is derived from the Hindi words Panch – meaning 5 and Marhi - meaning caves. It is those five caves, believed to be built by the five Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha, gave this place its identity. The caves are perched on a hilltop and provide an excellent sightseeing option. Pachmarhi was discovered by Captain James Forsyth of the British Army. Accompanied by Subhedar Major Nathoo Ramji Powar, Captain James Forsyth was leading his troops to Jhansi in 1857, while they came across this virgin hill. The location seemed ideal for a hill town and the place quickly developed. The place was chosen as the summer capital for the Central Provinces.

Panchmarhi is a calm place in the lap of nature. Less commercialized like any other Indian hill station, the town keeps any traveler busy with its beautiful sightseeing options. The prime places of sightseeing here include Priyadarshini Point - the place from where Pachmarhi was discovered by Captain Forsyth.; Jamuna Prapat -. fall in the clear stream, which also provides drinking water to Pachmarhi.; Handi Khoh is an impressive ravine with dramatically steep sides and is also considered as the best hiking path, here.; Apsara Vihar - an ideal picnic spot.; Rajat Prapat is a real big fall, and one of India’s highest water falls.; Mahadeo - a shrine with an idol of Lord Shiva & an impressive Shivlinga.; Other places that attract tourists include cave shelter with cave paintings, Chhota/Gupt Mahadeo, Chauragarh, Dhoopgarh, Pandav Caves, Irene Pool, Jalawataran, Sunder Kund, Jata Shankar, Tridhara, Vanshree Vihar, Reechhgarh, Catholic Church with French and Irish architecture and the famous Satpura National Park.; The Bison Lodge - the oldest house in Pachmarhi. The Cave Shelters like Dhuandhar, Bharat Neer, Jambu Dwip, Harper's Cave that have cave paintings, pottery shards and microliths and ancient remains.

If you love rains then monsoon is the best time to be here in Panchmarh & don't forget to carry your umbrella whenever out. Also a carry change over clothes when visiting those beautiful waterfalls and do not stop yourself from drenching. Owing to its natural resources Pachmarhi is famous for natural honey and many Ayurvedic medicines.