Panchmarhi hill (Alt.: 1000 M) widely known as "Satpura ki Rani" (Queen hill of Satpura), is situated in a valley of the Satpura Range in Hoshangabad district. The highest point in the central India region and the Vindhya and Satpura range is Dhupgarh at 1100 M is at Panchmarhi. This part of the mountain range is covered by sylvan forest, water falls & fountains. Between the two mountain ranges shaded by deep green forest, the quiet and calm, somber and tranquil ambience of Panchmarhi is simply overwhelming.

How to reach: The airport is at Bhopal, the State capital (195 km). Nagpur is 258 km and the nearest Railway Station is 47 km away at Piparia which is between Jabalpur and Itarsi on Allahabad –Mumbai rail route. Buses/ taxis are available at Piparia station.

What to see: Panchmarhi began to develop as a city of sanatorium and hill resort during British. It is famous for its pre-historic caves. Initially the place was known as Panch Madhi which has changed to Panchmarhi. 13 km away from the city, a geological crack has been spotted in the hill caused by earthquake. The hill is steep, flanked by a more than 300 ft fall, lapped by streams and falls. The old Forsyth Point (In 1857 Captain Forsyth was charmed by the beauty of Panchmarhi from this Priyadarshini Point) has become the Priyadarshini Point to view the landscape and natural beauty.

Mahadeva cave is enriched with pre-historic rock art some of them are more than 1000 yrs old. It is belongs to the Triassic period. In a forest environment the Parvati cave exists. In front of this the path advances to another wonderful cave of Gupta Mahadeva. One can find a Shiva temple on Chouragarh hill after 4 km trek along this path. Rajendragiri or Rajendra hill houses beautiful garden, and it has been named after the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad.

The tourists gather for a beautiful view of sunshine and sunset from Dhupgarh, 10 km away from the city. Trekking is necessary to go to the peak of Dhupgarh for such viewing.

Opposite to the bus stand 2 km away down about 100ft there is Jata Shankar cave. On the hills about a dozen of wonderful falls exist. From Belleview towards Bhranta Nir, there is the three-faced Dutchess Falls. Further 2.5 km to the South-East, there is a natural water-reservoir made by the hill around –Sundar Kund. Yamuna Falls or Bee Falls is located in Satpura National Park –and that is to be covered getting down 2 km. The Rajat Falls, another romantic spot of Panchmarhi is worth visiting.

To the west of the city, there is Satpura National Park founded in 1981. The Park is built in an area of 247sq km covered with teak, bamboo, sal trees and the forest is full of wild animals. UNESCO added Pachmarhi Park to its list of Biosphere Reserves in May 2009.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 January 2010 20:46