Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi - Vision of Paradise
The highest point in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is the most scenic spot in entire central India. Situated amongst the sedate Satpura Range, Pachmarhi is located at an altitude of 3500 ft above sea level and at a distance of 200 km from the capital city Bhopal. This is one of the best getaway for a solitaire who is looking for a quiet, sleepy and subdued place, far from the chaos and clamor of cities. There are numerous walks through the deep Sal and bamboo forests that are mostly untrodden paths. Stride along these forests and deep valleys that enviously guard this pearl. Occasionally stop by for a refreshing dip in the many crisp ponds that you will find scattered through out the hill station. The saucer shaped town has few churches and army buildings that lend a colonial aura to the environment.Visitors have the option to just laze around in their hotel enjoying the nature or they can choose to spend the time actively. There is a small golf course which is maintained by a local club. Engage in a game or two and watch the ball get lost in the splendid backdrop of Satpuras. Adventure doesn't seem to be a part of such a calm place but people who have visited Pachmarhi beg to differ. There are ample of trekking routes along the valleys of the Satpura range that are good enough to keep the trekkers on their toes.
Attractions - High And Handsome
Every part of this hill station is an attraction in itself and you need not go looking for places that are a treat to the eyes. Though there are places you just can't miss that score a bit more than others. Priyadarshini point is definitely the best places that gives you the chance to get a clear view of the entire hill station and the nearby areas.
Mahadeo
Situated just 10 km from the town, this is an important cave shrine for Hindus. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legend behind the shrine is that, this is the place where Lord Shiva came to hide from Bhasmasura, who was rewarded a boon that, whomsoever he touches on the head, will be destroyed. Using this boon, the demon tried to destroy Lord Shiva. There is a Shivalingam in the cave. Shivratri is celebrated here with huge enthusiasm. Reaching here is a bit strenuous as the only way is through deep Sal forests and sharp curves.
Priyadarshini Point
Priyadarshini Point is the highest point in the entire Satpura Range. This is the spot from where this magnificent hill station was discovered by Captain James Forsyth in the year 1857. The point was originally named after him as Forsyth Point but was later named as Priyadarshini Point. If possible, you should visit this point during the late evenings to witness the magnificent sunset from this point. The three major peaks of the Satpura Range, Chauradeo, Mahadeo and Dhupgarh are visible from this point.
Pandav Caves
Pachmarhi got their names from these caves that are said to have been one of the place where the five Pandava brothers stayed during their exile. Pandav caves have been carved out of a low hillock and are now considered as protected monuments. These five caves also became the shelter to Buddhist monks in 1st century.
Apsara Vihar
Apsara Vihar is a scenic pool that is situated just by the side of Pandav caves. The pool is formed by a small fall of height 30ft. The pool is generally shallow and ideal for swimming and bathing. Though the pool gets a bit deep around the fall. The spot is the favorite picnic spots for locals and tourist from nearby areas. One can reach to this pool only by foot.
Satpura National Park
Satpura National Park adds an extras edge to the already picturesque locations in Pachmarhi. The park was established in the year 1981 and covers an area of 524 sq. km. The park is rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forest area is full evergreen Sal trees, teak and bamboo trees. The wildlife of the park has animals like Tigers, Leopards, Bisons, blue bull and many more. Also find a large variety of birds, both migratory and resident, flocking in the park. Jeep safari is the best way to explore the many fascinations of the park. It will take around 3 days to complete the 200 km route. There are good staying options as well in and around Satpura National Park.
Where to Put Up
The market area has many hotels which are good enough for people who are looking for budget hotel with basic facilities. There are private guest houses as well like Evelyn's own. You can also opt for MP Tourism properties located in the civil areas which definitely are a best accommodation. If you are looking for option nearer to nature, go for Satpura Retreat which is also maintained by MP Tourism. Other hotels in the town are Rock End Manor, Panchavati and Hotel Highland.

Kanha National Park - The World of Wildlife

Kanha is home to the magical land of wildlife that stores numerous precious gems of nature. Situated in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha is a small and satisfied town. The town is most famous for the Kanha national Park which is a world of its own. Considered among the best national park in Asia, it is home to few of the most endangered species. Nicely covered by lush Sal and bamboo forests, the park became an inspiration for the famous writer Rudyard Kipling to write the unforgettable Jungle Book that gave life to 'Sher Khan', the king of the jungle. The park is spread in an area of around 940 sq. km. It is a major part of Project Tiger. The area was established as a sanctuary in the year 1933 but was recognized as a national park only in the year 1955. Since Project Tiger was introduced here, the population of the tiger has doubled. Even the rare Barasingha were on the brink of extinction before the authorities woke up and took serious steps. Their population once slid to 66 from around 3000, but now, the number has increased to around 1000.
Wildlife Attractions
The main attraction of the park is without a doubt the King of the Jungle, Tiger. Many flock to this one of a kind national park to get a glimpse of this beautiful animal. And to come near this magnificent beast, and that too in his own lair is really a heart stopping experience. The other main attraction in the park is the Barasingha. You might see a tiger in many other national parks, but you will definitely not see a Barasingha anywhere else, as this is their only home. So its better to take a good look at them here itself. The best time to have a look at them is during the rutting season when the big and bold males fight with each other to win over their females. The season begins in the last week of December and continuous till the middle of January. If you by chance don't get to see any of them, don't get disappointed. To compensate that loss, there are more than 300 varieties of birds, both migratory and resident.
Jungle Safaris
The best way to explore Kanha National Park is by taking a jeep safari or an elephant safari. The jeep safaris are organized in mornings and afternoons. You can hire a jeep for the purpose from MPTDC office. Elephant safari is the other splendid way. Although you can opt for an elephant safari, only if you enlist yourself for the tiger show which are held in the mornings. This is an arranged encounter with the tiger in which a wild cat is kept track of, and its position is communicated to your mahout who drives you to the place where the tiger is present. Though only a put up show, but the excitement of facing the king in his court is always there.
Staying Option
To cover the entire length of Kanha National Park, one requires at least 3-4 days. And for staying you can count on the many jungle resort that are there in and around the national park. Only the state run hotel is inside the park premises. All other resorts are situated in the nearby villages. Most of the Jungle resorts provide facilities of Jungle Safaris along with a guide. They also organize barbecue dinners and folk dance performances by local tribals.
Travel Tips for Kanha National Park
Kanha National park is best visited during the months of November to April. The temperature in this season is the most pleasant and hovers around mid 20s for most of the day. The timing for entry also differs according to the season. From 15th November to 15th February, morning session is from sunrise till 12 noon and evening session is from 3 PM till sunset. From 16th February to 30th April, morning sessions is from sunrise till 12 noon and evening session is from 4 PM till sunset. From 1st May till 30th June, morning sessions are from sunrise till 11 AM and evening sessions are from 5 PM till sunset. The Park is closed from 1st July till mid November due to heavy monsoons. Do not wear loud colors while on safari as they make our jungle friends a bit uncomfortable and turns them away. Thus making a sighting a bit tough.
Beauty of this national park cannot be captured just by mere words. One has to experience it all right in front of his eyes to soak in the real colors of the nature and its residents. So come to Kanha National Park and get glimpses of the most awe inspiring and roaring wonders of the nature.

जबलपुर TOURISIM

Jabalpur - Nowhere Else On Earth
Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is one of the largest and most important cities in the state. It is located on the banks of Holy River of Narmada and is around 336 km from Bhopal. Jabalpur has served as a capital to many ruling dynasties like Kalchuri and Gond. After 1817, Jabalpur was under the control of British who made it the commission headquarters of Narmada territory. The city is covered with mountains from all sides thus deriving its name from an Arab word ‘Jabal’, which means mountain. This shows that there should have been a trade link between Arabs and the city. You will also find many graves of Arab that further strengthens this. Another belief goes that a famous Sage named 'Jabali' lived here giving it the name Jabalpur. Jabalpur covers an area of 154 sq. km. The city has become world famous due to the presence of Marble Rocks on the outskirts. Jabalpur is also the closest to Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park that give the city an extra edge over other parts of Madhya Pradesh. The temperature here in summers in the high thirties making travel in the city a bit uncomfortable for unprepared tourist. However monsoon season and winters are extremely pleasant for exploring the many attractions in the city. Shopping in the city is really an unforgettable experience as you get to buy things that you will probably not get anywhere else in India. The market places in the city have an olden time charm about them. Shop for locally made jute crafts, dress material with stunning zadosi embroidery and silver wares.
Attractions - As Varied As It Gets
Attractions in Jabalpur literally cover everything from natural splendors to imposing monuments, from museums to historically important places. Marble Rocks in the Bhedaghat village turn out to be the biggest tourist puller along with Madan Mahal Fort. Jabalpur is a complete tourist package that mesmerizes one and all who come to this unique city.
Marble Rocks
Just 21 km west of Jabalpur, is a small village called Bhedaghat. The village is world famous for splendid Marble Rocks on the banks of Narmada River. Covered with dark volcanic seams of green and black, they tower to almost 100 ft above the soft flowing Narmada on either side. They are fabulous to look at during the daytime when sun sparkles on the pure white surfaces of these rocks. During the night as well, they give you a mesmerizing view under the moonlit skies. The Marble Rocks have been considered as one of the thousand places that you should see before you die. The best way to enjoy the sheer charm of these rocks is by taking a boat ride in Narmada.
Madan Mahal Fort
Sitting pretty on top of a rocky hill, this 900 year old fort dominates the landscape. A view of the low-lying areas from the fort is scintillating and makes it worth your visit. Madan Mahal fort does not have any fancy artwork or ornamented sculptures, but the location and the simplicity of the fort is spellbinding. The fort was built by Gond king Madan Shah in the year 1116 and since then has become a landmark for Jabalpur City.
Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum
Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum was built as a tribute to the legendary Queen Durgavati in the year 1964. The museum houses impressive collection of ancient sculptures, rare manuscripts. There are 10th century statues of Gods and Goddesses in the museum. There is a separate section in the museum that is completely dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. You can see many photos and portraits related to Mahatma Gandhi.
Tilwara Ghat
The Tilwara Ghat holds a special position in Indian History and in the hearts of followers of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the place from where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in Narmada River. This is also the venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939.
Accommodations
Jabalpur has fair number of luxury hotels along with numerous budget hotels. The city is fast growing into one of the most developed parts of Madhya Pradesh and is visited by many business travelers. And to meet their needs, hotels of Jabalpur provide all modern facilities coupled with unmatched service. The best-known hotels here are The Samdariya, Hotel Satya Ashoka, and Hotel Rishi Regency.
Getting There
By Air
Jabalpur has its own domestic airport and receives regular flights from Delhi, Bhopal and other major cities of India.
By Rail
Jabalpur railhead is situated on the main Mumbai-Howrah line and most trains on this line have a stop here. There are overnight trains running from Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi.
By Road
Transport Buses from almost all cities of Madhya Pradesh frequent to Jabalpur. Some private transport operators also have their luxury and semi-luxury coaches plying in and out of the city.
Local Transport
There are good number of buses running inside the city. You can also hire taxis and three wheeler autos to roam around and explore the city.