General Information for Tourist Interest
JABALPUR
A Multi-Faceted History
Pleasure Resort and Capital of The Gond Kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks. Today, Jabalpur is an important administrative centre, bustling with commercial activities.
Getting There
By Rail : Jabalpur is on the Mumbai-Howrah (via Allahabad) main line. All mail, express and passenger trains halt here.
By Road : Jabalpur is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Indore, Satna, Raipur and Nagpur among other places.
Best Season : October to March
What to See
| Madan Mahal Fort : Built by the Gond ruler Raja Madan Shah in 1116 atop a rocky hill, the Fort dominates the skyline and provides panoramic view of the town and countryside around it. | |
Sangram Sagar and Bajnamath : These medieval constructions were built by the famous Gond King, Sangram Shah between 1480-1540.
Rani Durgawati Memorial and Museum : Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati is her memorial and a museum which houses a fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics.
Tilwara Ghat : From where Mahatama Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada and which was the venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939. The 12th century Mala Devi Mandir, Pisanhari Ki Madiya Jain Temple and Gwarighat are some of the places in and around Jabalpur which rent a visit.
En route Kanha and Bandhavgarh : Jabalpur is the most convenient base for visits to the famous Kanha (165 km) and Bandhavgarh (164 km) National Parks.
MARBLE ROCKS AT BHERAGHAT
An awesome spectacle of Nature
23 Km from Jabalpur soaring in glittering splendour, the Marble Rocks rise to a hundred feet on either side of Narmada. In the serene lovliness of the scene, the sunlight sparkles on the Marble-white pinnacles and cast dappled shadows on the pellucid waters. In his Highlands of Central India Captain J. Forsyth speaks eloquently about the infinitely varied beauty of the Rocks. "The eye never wearies of the .... effect produced by the broken and reflected sunlight now glancing from a pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue of the sky as from a point of silver, touching here and there with bright lights the pominences of the middle heights and again losing itself in the soft bluish greys of their recesses...
Here and there the white saccharine limestone is seamed by veins of dark green or black volcanic rock; a contrast which only enhances, likes a setting of jet, the purity of surrounding marble.
What to See
| Marble Rocks : Boating facilities are available from November to May and while boating, moonlight is a thrilling experience. The Marble Rocks have recently been floodlit, adding a new dimension to their splendour. |  |
Dhuandhar Falls : The Narmada, making its way through the Marble Rocks, narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar or the smoke cascade so powerful is the plunge that its soar is heard from a far distance. The falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle of nature's power unleashed.
Chausat Yogini Temple : Situated atop a hillock and approached a long flight of steps, the Chausat Yogini Temple command singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged Marble Rocks. Dedicated to the goddess Durga, this 10th century temple has exquisitely carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period. According to a local legend, this ancient temples connected to the Gond Queen Durgavati's palace through an underground passage.
Soapstone Artifacts : The soapstones revealed by the Narmada provides ocupation to the families of carvers of Gods and Goddesses, linga, crosses, madonnas, ashtrays and trinket boxes.
Where to stay at Marble Rocks
(a) MP Tourism Motel
ROOPNATH : Roopnath, 84 km from Jabalpur is famous for a `Lingam' dedicated to Lord Shiva and placed in a cleft rock.
BILHARI : 14km from Katni, many pieces of ancient sculptures have been found here.
MANDLA & RAMNAGAR
95 km south of Jabalpur, Mandla is known for its fort which is situated in a loop of the Narmada river so that the river protects it on three sides, with a ditch on the fourth, built in the late 17th century the fort is now subsiding into the jungle, although some of the towers still stand. ABout 15 km away is Ramnagar with a ruined three-story palace overlooking the Narmada. The palace and then the fort were both built by Gond kings, retreating south before the advance of Moghul power. Near Mandal there is a strectch of the Narmada where many temples dot the riverbank.
Nohta
11 km from Jabalpur, Nohta lies at the confluence of a small stream Guriaya and the river Berma. It is believed to have been the capital of the Chandela kings in the early 12th century. About 2 km from the village of Nohta is a Shiva temple, where a Karti fair is held annually. Few Jain ruins can also be seen in Nohta.
Rookhad
101 km from Nagpur on NH No. 7 (26 km from Seoni) lies Rookhad, a charming retreat in Bison country. Rookhad is a wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the Pench National Park.
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Kanha's Sal and Bamboo Forests, rolling grasslands and meandering streams strectch over 940 sq. km in dramatic natural splendour. This is original Kipling country of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book. The same abundance of wildlife species exists today in this Kanha National Park, which forms the core of Kanha Tiger Reserve created in 1974 under Project Tiger. |
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The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha. In the 1930s the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Halton and Banjar of 250 sq. km and 300 sq. km. each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded, the area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952. Kanha National Park came into being in 1955. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes have given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia. The park is the only habitat of the rare hardground Barasingha. In the 1930s the Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Halton and Banjar of 250 sq. km and 300 sq. km. each. Though one of these was subsequently disbanded, the area remained a protected one until 1947. Depletion of the tiger population led to the area being made an absolute sanctuary in 1952. Kanha National Park came into being in 1955. Since then, a series of stringent conservation programmes have given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered National Parks in Asia.
Getting There
By Air : Nearest airports is at Nagpur (259 km)
By Road : Entry into the park is from Khatia-Kisli and Mukki, state transport buses ply directly from Jabalpur daily to Kisli (165 km) and Mukki (205 km).
Best Season : November to June. The park is closed from 1st July to 31st October.
What to See
Forest Department guides accompany visitors around the park on mapped out circuits which enable viewers to see a good cross section of Kanha's wildlife. The best areas are the meadows around where blackbuck, chital and barasingha can be seen throughout the day.
Bammi Dadar : Known as sunset point, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the park, from where a spectacular sunset can be watched. Animals that can be sighted around this point are typical mixed forest zone, sambar, barking deer, gaur and four-horned antilop.
Mammalian Species : Kanha has some 22 species of mammals. Those that are most spotted are three-striped palm squirrel, common langur, jackal, wild pig, chital, spotted dear, barasingha or swamp deear, sambar and black buck. Less commonly seen species are tiger, Indian hare, dhole or Indian wild dog, barking deer and Indian bison or gaur. Patient watching should reward the visitor with a sight of Indian fox, sloth deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, mouse deer, chausingha or four-horned antelope, nilgai, retel and porcupine.
Very rarely seen are the wolf, which lives in the far east of the park. Chinkara are to be found outside the parks northern boundary, Indian Pangolin, the smooth Indian Otter and the small Indian Civet.
Avian Species : Kanha has some 200 species of birds. Watchers should station themselves in the hills, where the mixed and bamboo forests hide out many species and in the grassy forest clearings/ Water birds can be seen near the Park's many small rivulets and at Sarvanal, a pool that is frequented by water birds and the area in front of the museum. The Sal forests do not normally yield a sight of Kanha's avifauna. Early morning and late afternoon are best for birdwatching; binoculars are an invaluable aid to the watcher.
| Commonly seen species include cattle egret, pond heron, black ibis, common peafowl, crested serpent, racket-tailed grongo, hawk eagle and red-wattled lapwing; various species of flycatcher, woodpecker, pigeon, dove, parakeet, babbler and mynah, Indian roller, white breasted kingfisher and grey hombill. The Kanha Museum is well worth a visit also. |  |
Jeep and Elephant Hire : MPSTDC jeeps are available on hire from the Baghira Log huts, Kisli and from the Kanha Safari Lodge, Mukki. Elephants are used for tiger-tracking.
Where to stay at Kanha
(a) Krishna Jungle Resort (super Dlx)
(b) MP Tourism Resort - 3 different resorts (all catagories)
(c) Indian Adventure Resort (Super Dlx.)
(d) Tiger Resorts Pvt. Ltd. (Super Dlx)
(e) Tuli Tiger Resort (Super Dlx.)
(f) Tigerland Resort
BANDHAVGARH
National Park with a Rich Historical Past
This is a small national park, compact yet full of game. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India. This is also White Tiger country. These have been found in old state of Rewa for many years. The last known was captured by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951. This white tiger, Mohun is now stuffed and on display in the palace of the Maharajas of Rewa.
Bandhavgarh is densly populated with other species; the great gaur or Indian bison, can be seen with ease as they come onto the meadows to graze at dusk; samber and barking dear are a common sight and nilgai are to be seen in the open areas of the park.
The terrain is to great rocky hills rising sharply from the swampy and densly forested valley bottoms. The finest of these hills is Bandhavgarh; sided with great cliffs and erodes rock; on its highest point stands Bandhavgarh fort, thought to be some 2000 years old, scattered through-out the Park and particularly around the fort are numerous caves containing shrines and ancient Sanskriti inscriptions.
Covering 488 sq. km., Bandhavgarh is situated in Shahdol district among the outflying hills of the Vindhya range. AT the centre of the park is the Bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level surrounding it are large number of small hills separated by genty sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known as `bohera'. The lowest point in the park is at Tala (440 meters above sea level).
| The vegetation is chiefly of Sal forest in the valleys and on the lower slopes, gradually changing to mixed decidous forest on the hills and in the hotter drier areas of the Park in the south and west. Prior to becoming a National Park, the forests around Bandhavgarh had long been maintained as a shikargah, or game preserve, of the Maharajas of Rewa. Hunting was carried out by the Maharajas and their guests otherwise the wildlife was relatively well protected. |  |
It was considred a good omen for a Maharaja of Rewa to shoot 109 tigers. His highness Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh shot 111 tigers in 1914.
In 1947 Rewa state was merged with Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh came under the regulations of Madhya Pradesh. The Maharaja of Rewa still retained the hunting rights. No special conservation measures were taken until 1968, when the areas were constituted as National Park, since then numerous steps have been taken to retain Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoilt habitat.
Getting There
By Air : The most convenient route to Bandhavgarh is from Jabalpur from where it is 5 hrs drive (164km).
By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Jabalpur (164 km), Katni (102 km) and Satna (120 km) on the Central Railway and Umaria (35km) on the South Eastern Railway.
By Road : Buses ply between Katni and Umaria and from Satna and Rewa to Tala (Bandhavgarh). Taxis are available at Satna, Jabalpur, Katni, Umaria, Bilaspur and Khajuraho.
What to See
The Fort : No records remain to show when Bandhavgarh fort was constructed. It is thought, however, to be some 2000 years old and there are references to it in the ancient books. The Narad-Panch Ratra and the Shiva Purana various dynasties have ruled the fort; for example, the Mughals from the 3rd century AD; the Sengars from the 5th century AD and the Kalchuris from the 10th century AD; in the 13th century the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharaja Vikramditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants desreted th fort in 1935.
Flora and Fauna
| The forests of Bandhavgarh can be moist deciduous and the National Park holds all those animal species which are typical of this habitat in Central India. Certain areas of the Park (particularly the south and the west) are drier in character and hold such species as the nilgai and the chinkara. |  |
Sal forest occurs throughout the valleys, giving way to mixed forest which occurs where the soil is of relatively poor quality on the upper hill slopes, on rocky outcrops and in the south and west. Grassy meadow patches occur in the valley and along nalas.
Wildlife
There are more than 22 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds. Common langurs and rhesus macaque represent the primate group. Carnivores include the asiatic jackal, bengal fox, sloth bear, ratel, grey mongoose, striped hyena, jungle cat, leopard and tiger. The artiodactlys frequently sighted are wild pig, spooted deer, sambar, chausingha, nilgai, chinkara and gaur. Mammals such as whole, the small civet and lessar bandicoot rat are seen occasionally. Among the herbivores, gaur is the only coarse feeder. The vegetation along streams and marshes is rich in bird-life. The common ones are little grebe, egret, lesser adjutant, sarus crane, black kite, crested serpent eagle, black vulture, egyptian vulture, common peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, parakeet, kingfisher and Indian roller. Reptilian fauna include cobra, krait, viper, rat snake, python, turtle and number of lizard varieties including varanus.
Wildlife viewing
There are two main ways of getting about in the park; in a motor vehicle or an elephant back. Many of the animals are accustomed to both; even so, it is best to talk quietly and not to make rapid movements.
Jeep safaris are best undertaken from dawn until 10 a.m. and from about 4 p.m. until dusk, as the animals are most active during these periods. A forest department guide must always accompany you to direct you and point out wildlife.
Elephants are used every morning by the forest department for tiger tracking. If a tiger is found, then the elephant will take you directly to the tiger.
Where to stay at Bandhavgarh
(a) M.P. Tourism Resorts - Dlx
(b) Indian Adventure Resorts - Super Dlx
(c) Tiger Resorts Pvt. Ltd. - Super Dlx
(d) V. Patel Jungle Resort - Economy
PACHMARI
Verdant Jewel of the Satpura Hills
Pachmari is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel. Each dawn at this lovely hill resort girdled by the Satpura ranges ushers in a day of tranquil beauty. The green shades that embrace the mountains flow quietly into ravines and everywhere is heard the gentle murmur of flowing water. Bridle paths leads into tranquil forest glades, groves of wild bamboo and jamun; dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thikets, the fruit bearing mahua, aonla and gular trees all lend their distinctive colour tones. The valley, ravines and maze of gorges, sculpted in red sandstone by wind and weather ages ago, add their own colouring to this palette of shades and cascading waterfalls flash silver in the sunshine. Deep azure pools are hidden delights which beckon swimmers and paddles, and everywhere, wildlife watchers will be rewarded by fascinating glimpses of the animal and bird kingdoms. Eagles soar in majestic flight over cliffs, coming to rest only when sunset paints the sky in a burst of deep pink and orange.
| Complementing the magnificence of Nature are the works of man, in cave shelters in the Mahadeo hills is an astonishing richness in rock painting. Most of these have been placed in the period 500-800 AD, but the earliest paintings are an estimated 10,000 years old. |  |
Getting There
By Air : The nearest airport is Bhopal (195 km), Nagpur (275 kms)
By Rail : Pipariya (47 kms) on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline via Allahabad, is the most convenient railhead.
By Road : Pachmari is connected by regular bus service with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya, Chhindwara and Jabalpur. Taxis are available at Pipariya
Best Season : Througout the year
Where to stay at Pachmari
(a) M.P. Tourism Resorts at different locations (all classes)
(b) Private Hotels - From delux to economy
KHAJURAHO
Eternal Images of Love
The Temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world representing as they do a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs, under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.
The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years from 950-1050 AD. In a truly inspired burst of creativity of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders.
The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemawati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the Moon God while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravaman, founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother, who sought refuge from a censorious society, Chandravaman, when established as ruler, had a dream visitation from his mother. It is said, that she implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions and in so doing bring about a realisation of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation of nirvana.
Why they chose Khajuraho, even then a small village, as the site if their great complex is also open to speculation. With the decline of the Chandelas, the temples lay forgotten for many centuries, covered by the encroaching forests and victims of the ravages of the elements. Rediscovered only in this century, restored and cleaned, the temples of Khajuraho once again testify to a past glory.
Architecturally too they are unique being very different from the temple prototype of their period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projection to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments mounted by its own rood, grouped so that the highest in the centre, the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas, adobe of the gods.
The three main compartments are the entrance (ardha-mandapa) assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbh griha) with further additions in the more developed temples. Three geographical divisions group the temple, western, eastern and southern.
Getting There
By Air : Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi
By Rail : The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 Km) and Mahoba (61 km). Jhansi (172km) is convenient for those travelling from Delhi and Madras; Satna (117 km) for those coming from Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi.
By Road : Khajuraho is connected by regular buses from Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi, Mahoba and Jabalpur.
Best Season : October to March
Where to stay at Khajuraho
(a) M.P. Tourism ( 5 different hotels for all classes)
(b) 5 Star i.e. Taj, Holiday Inn, Oberoi, ITDC Ashok, Clarks
Photographs courtesy Mr. Sanjeev Choudhary, Jabalpur