Pachmarhi is a hill station in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as Satpura ki Rani. It has many waterfalls include Apsara Vihar, with its calm pool, and soaring, single-drop Silver Fall nearby. The Bee Fall tumbles over a jagged rock face to the northwest. Leopards and Indian bison live in Satpura National Park. The ancient Pandav Caves are a group of 5 dwellings cut out of sandstone on a hill.

Top attractions in Pachmarhi:-

1. Pandav Caves

Pandav Caves is a group of five-rock cut temples adorned with naturally grown gardens and roughly carved columns and pilasters and is among the most sought-after Pachmarhi places to visit. According to the legend, these caves are believed to provide shelter to the Pandavas during their exile period. These attractive caves are shrouded with many stories belonging to various eras and were lastly hewn by Buddhist monks who used these caves for meditation during the 1st century AD. It is now a protected monument and tourists flock from all over India to see this place.

According to the legend, these five caves were made for each of the brothers – Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakul, Sahdeo, Bhima, and for their wife – Draupadi. Amongst all the five caves, ‘Draupadi Kuti’ is the cleanest and well-ventilated. Bhim Kothari, which was the cave of Bhima, the toughest of five brothers, is the darkest cave. These temples are still adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings. These Caves have even given the name to the town – ‘Panchmarhi’ can be translated like ‘five caves’ or also ‘five huts’.

2. Dhoopgarh

Dhoopgarh is the highest point in the Satpura range. Dhoopgarh hilltop is a beautiful spot to see marvelous sunsets and sunrises. However, this point can only be reached by trekking. The trekking route is relatively tough as it passes through some waterfalls and valleys.

3. Mahadeo Hill

Mahadeo Hill is situated at an altitude of 1363 m. The Mahadeo hill in southern Madhya Pradesh is famous for an ancient shrine of Lord Shiva. The holy shrine holds a divine idol of Lord Shiva and one of the most beautiful shivalingams in the country. A cave on the eastern portion of this hill houses glorious cave paintings and also a holy pond, where devotees take a dip.

4. Chauragarh Temple

Chauragarh Temple is a revered Shiva shrine at top the Chauragarh hill in Pachmarhi, MP. Shaivite devotees have to climb nearly 1300 steps to reach the temple at the crest. The shrine is known for the thousands of tridents stuck in the temple premises, offered by devotees over the years. The view of the sunrise from here is quite breathtaking, so are the surrounding forested valleys.

5. Apsara Vihar

Deep inside the jungle of Pachmarhi, Apsara Vihar is a lovely, serene waterfall, cascading from 30 feet height and forming a pool of cold water below. This is one of the most popular haunts for travellers and picnickers to take a break from the monotony and spend some time splashing in the water and taking in the ambience of the place.

6. Bada Mahadev

In the lap of the rugged nature, the Bada Mahadev cave of Pachmarhi is a shrine for Lord Shiva, with idols of Brahma, Vishnu and Ganesh as well. The 60 feet tall cave is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu killed Demon Bhasmasura. Natural water streams inside the cave forms a holy pool, bathing in which is supposed to wash off one’s sins.

7. Reechgarh

Reechgarh is a huge cave hidden within the folds of the hill of Pachmarhi, which gets its name from a local legend. The myth says that once a giant bear (reech in Hindi) used to live in this cave. The climb up to the cave is covered with lush greenery, and the caves act as natural air conditioners with cool wind blowing through them.

8. Gupt Mahadev

Gupt Mahadev is quite an interesting and mysterious spot near Pachmarhi where spirituality meets adventure. The cave is narrow and meandering, and one has to walk sideways through the 40 feet winding pathways to reach the centre of the Shiva shrine where the lingam is worshipped.

9. Bee Fall

Bee Fall is the most famous and must visit attraction of Pachmarhi. Although you need to go down through stairs but the waterfall from the height of about 150 feet amazed you about this natural beauty.

10. Bison Lodge

Bison Lodge once used to be the resident of British man Captain Forsyth, who came across Pachmarhi in 1857 while leading his troop and settled down here. The lodge now caters to tourists visiting the forests of Satpura hills, while the Museum is a grand display of pictures, models and samples of the flora and fauna of the place.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pachmarhi is October to March for the pleasant and enjoyable weather as well. Pachmarhi is a perfect tourist destination for spending holidays even all through the winter period. Winters at Pachmarhi initiates from November and lasts up to February.

Travel Budget

Pachmarhi is a quaint hill station away from the hustle of the city life. It is a perfect place for a 2-3 days trip. Ideally, a 2 nights 3 days trip to Pachmarhi will cost you anywhere between INR 7000 to 12,000 per person, this will include your sightseeing, accommodation in a 3-star hotel, transfers and food.

Nearest Railway Station

Nearest railway station for Pachmarhi is Pipariya railway station, located at a distance of 50 kms. The time to travel from Pipariya to Pachmarhi is approximately 01:30hrs.

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