Pachmarhi Tour Packages

1. About Pachmarhi
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Pachmarhi
4. Pachmarhi At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Pachmarhi
6. Best Time To Visit Pachmarhi
7. Best Getaways From Pachmarhi
8. Top Things To Do In Pachmarhi
9. Shopping In Pachmarhi
10. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Pachmarhi
11. Foods To Try Out In Pachmarhi
12. Art And Culture In Pachmarhi

The name of the town Pachmarhi comes from the mixture of the words ‘panch’, which means ‘five’ and ‘marhi’, which means ‘caves’. This is in reference to the Pandava Caves, a cluster of five caves that are believed to have provided shelter to the Pandavas from Mahabharat during their years of exile. There are several other intriguing mythological connections to Pachmarhi. It’s believed to be the place Lord Vishnu took on the form of Mohini to bring an end to the terror of the demon Bhasmasur.

According to legend, Lord Shiva gave a blessing to Bhasmasur, saying that every time he touched someone’s head with his hand, that person would turn to ashes or bhasma. Drunk on power, Bhasmasur went on a rampage and started killing rishis. In order to stop this chaos, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of the demon, taking the avatar of a beautiful woman named Mohini. The demon fell in love with her, and Mohini put forward the condition that she would only marry him if he matched her dance moves as she was very fond of dancing. Bhasmasur agreed to this, and while the two of them were dancing, Mohini did a step that required him to place his hand on his head. As he did this, he immediately turned into ashes, thereby ending his terror permanently. Captain James Forsyth, a traveller and explorer, was so mesmerised by the beauty of Pachmarhi that he wrote about it extensively in his book titled The Highlands of Central India.

• The Bee Falls in Pachmarhi is named so because when the waterfall cascades down, it produces a soft humming sound, which is similar to the buzzing of bees.
• The Pandava Caves in Pachmarhi are said to have provided shelter to the Pandavas during their period of exile.
• The Jatashankar Temple in Pachmarhi is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the demon Bhasmasur.
• According to Hindu mythology, the Handi Khoh in Pachmarhi was formed when Lord Shiva annihilated an evil snake that was guarding the location (which was previously a lake), and the battle resulted in the creation of a handi or pot-shaped hole.
• The Apsara Vihar Waterfall or Fairy Pool in Pachmarhi is named so because the British women who took baths in the shallow pool below the waterfall were mostly dressed in white, causing the locals to think of them as fairies.

• The airport located closest to Pachmarhi is the Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal.
• There aren’t too many ATMs in the hill station. Therefore, carry sufficient cash when travelling.
• In case you’re prone to experiencing altitude sickness, carry your medicines accordingly.
• Always carry a bottle of water so as to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated, and also because having tap water is neither safe nor recommended.
• Don’t consume street food from stalls that have unsanitary conditions.
• Only go for licensed taxi services and avoid opting for unlicensed taxis.
• Avoid roaming around alone at night, especially in the forest areas.

Listed below are the multiple reasons why you need to book our Pachmarhi tour packages right away:

The natural landscapes of Pachmarhi will entice you the minute you reach the spellbindingly gorgeous town. There are numerous waterfalls that enhance the beauty of the hill station even further, all of which you can witness with our Pachmarhi tour packages. This includes the Bee Falls, Apsara Vihar Waterfall, and Duchess Falls. Make your way to the highest peak in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, known as Dhoopgarh, and enjoy the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The hill station also has many intriguing caves as a part of its natural beauty, which include the mythologically significant Pandava Caves.

Visiting Pachmarhi with our Pachmarhi tour packages means that you will get to taste its scrumptious cuisine. This includes the culinary staples of Madhya Pradesh, which is a mixture of the Mughal influence on the state’s cuisine and several vegetarian delights. There are well-loved favourites, such as poha, dal bafla, sabudana khichdi, and bhutte ka kees. For lovers of non-vegetarian food, you must taste the Bhopali gosht korma. If you’re in the mood for dessert, order some malpuas for yourself.

When you visit this serene town with our Pachmarhi tour packages, you won’t just get to experience everything that Pachmarhi has to offer, but also go for some very fun getaways. Pachmarhi is well-connected to several other loved destinations, which means that you can visit the many lakes in Bhopal and also the iconic Taj-ul-Masajid in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Breathe in the richness of Jabalpur’s art and culture through its striking architecture, reflecting the dynasties that called the city home back in the day. You can also choose a location that is less explored, which is the town of Pipariya. Remember to make a trip to Nagpur and visit its many tiger reserves and sanctuaries that have earned it the title of the ‘tiger capital of India’.

Pachmarhi is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu took on the form of Mohini so as to destroy the demon named Bhasmasur. The town has several places of religious and mythological significance that you can visit with GT Holidays’ Pachmarhi tour packages. There is the Bada Mahadev Cave Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a Shivalinga along with idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha. Do visit the Jatashankar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be the location where Lord Shiva concealed himself from Bhasmasur. Experience the magnificence of Handi Khoh, a V-shaped ravine which was apparently formed when Lord Shiva battled an evil snake who was guarding the location, which was previously a huge lake, and the lake dried up to create a handi or pot-shaped hole.

Bhopal is known to have a humid subtropical climate. Let’s take a look at what each season in the city brings about so we can accordingly decide when to book GT Holidays’ Bhopal tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range to expect in Pachmarhi is between 22 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The days are warmer at this time, while the evenings and nights are cooler and more comfortable. It often gets breezy and windy, and certain days can also bring about occasional rainfall. Some of the popular spots to visit during this season with our Pachmarhi tour packages are Pandava Caves, Priyadarshini Point, Bharat Neer, Harper’s Cave, and Lanjee Giri. If you’re planning to visit the hill station during the summer months, remember to book in advance as it’s the peak tourist season.

The range of temperatures during the monsoon season in Pachmarhi oscillates between 19 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The rainfall turns the town into a lush green landscape, with fine fog and soft mist engulfing the ambience. Some of the iconic spots to visit during this season with our Pachmarhi tour packages include the Duchess Falls, Apsara Vihar, Bee Falls, Dhoopgarh, and Rajat Prapat. Pack some light layers, comfortable hiking clothes, and an insect repellent for the monsoon months. The Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon takes place at this time.

During the winter months, the temperature range in Pachmarhi usually remains between 4 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Celsius. Given the cool and pleasant climate, this is the perfect time to go trekking, enjoy afternoon walks under the sun, and opt for photography walks. If you choose this peak tourist season to book our Pachmarhi tour packages, then make sure to pack woollen items such as scarves, gloves, sweaters, socks, and so on. Build a bonfire, put on your cosiest woollens, and sip on a cup of hot tea as you enjoy the mesmerising views all around. Some of the best places to visit during the winter season in the hill station are the Chauragarh Peak, Jata Shankar Caves, and Handi Khoh. Various colourful festivals take place in Pachmarhi at this time, such as Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Pachmarhi Utsav.

Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It’s popularly known as the ‘city of lakes’ due to the several natural and artificial lakes situated both in and around the city. Visit the Upper Lake (also known as Bhojtal), which is the literal and metaphorical heart of the city, as serves as one of the primary sources of drinking water for the residents of Bhopal. The city is home to Taj-ul-Masajid, which is renowned as one of the largest mosques in Asia. Some of the other popular tourist attractions to explore in Bhopal with our Pachmarhi tour packages include the Van Vihar National Park, Rani Kamlapati Palace, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, and Sanchi Stupa.

Jabalpur is a city in Madhya Pradesh, situated north of the Narmada River. It is also known as the ‘Sanskar Nagari’ or ‘City of Culture’ due to the amalgamation of cultures and traditions present in the city in the form of historical landmarks, educational institutions, and so on. Various dynasties have ruled Jabalpur over the centuries, such as the Marathas, the Gonds, and the British. The presence of these dynasties and rulers has influenced several aspects of Jabalpur’s culture, such as its cuisine and architecture. When you explore Jabalpur with our Pachmarhi tour packages, make sure to visit the Madan Mahal Fort, Rani Durgavati Museum, Dhuandhar Falls, and Marble Rocks.

Pipariya is a town located in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh. The climate of the town is known to be subtropical. This entails that Pipariya has humid and warm summers, while the winters are pleasant. The average annual rainfall that the town receives during the monsoon season is around 700 mm. Some of the places to visit around Pipariya with our Pachmarhi tour packages are Bee Falls, Satpura National Park, and Jata Shankar Caves.

Nagpur is a city situated in the state of Maharashtra and is the third-largest city in the state. The city is also called the ‘tiger capital of India’ as its central location allows it to act as a gateway to multiple tiger reserves and sanctuaries in Maharashtra, such as the Pench Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and Melghat Tiger Reserve. Known as the ‘winter capital of Maharashtra’, it also holds the title of being the ‘orange city’ and is a major hub for orange cultivation and trade in the country. Nagpur is a culturally rich city and an educational centre as it’s home to numerous educational institutions, such as the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), IIM Nagpur, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), and Ramdeobaba University. Some of the most loved spots to visit in Nagpur with our Pachmarhi tour packages include the Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden, Ambazari Lake, Deekshabhoomi, Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi, and Futala Lake.

Grabbing one of GT Holidays’ Pachmarhi tour packages means getting to explore the unique natural landscapes of the town and participating in the adventurous activities Pachmarhi has to offer. Some of those tourist attractions and activities are as follows:

Bee Falls, which is also known as Jamuna Prapat, is a waterfall in Pachmarhi which is surrounded by rocky cliffs, lush greenery, and dense forests. Falling from a height of 35 metres, the waterfall is named so because, as it cascades down, it produces a soft humming sound, which is similar to the buzzing of bees. There is a pool located both above and below the waterfall. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and for having picnics.

The Pandava Caves in Pachmarhi are a group of five rock-cut caves that were built by Buddhist monks somewhere between the 1st and 10th century AD. Legend says that these caves provided shelter to the Pandavas during their period of exile and that each cave was built for each of the brothers. The cave meant for the Pandava Bhim, which is called Bhima Kothari, is said to be the darkest of all the caves. The name of the caves is derived from the words ‘panch’, meaning ‘five’, and ‘marhi’, meaning ‘caves’.

The Jatashankar Temple in Pachmarhi is situated within a narrow and deep gorge, surrounded by enormous boulders and natural rock formations that resemble the matted hair of Lord Shiva. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is called Jata Shankar, as ‘jata’ means ‘matted hair’ and ‘Shankar’ is one of the many names of Shiva. This location is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the demon Bhasmasur. Within the cave are stalagmites that are worshipped as naturally formed lingams. The cave is known to have 108 such natural lingams.

The Satpura National Park, which forms a part of the bigger Satpura Tiger Reserve, is located in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh. The Satpura Tiger Reserve won the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Award for the most visitor-friendly wildlife destination in 2010. Sprawled over an area of 524 sq km, the location gets its name from the Satpura Range. The Satpura National Park was established in 1981 and is home to a wide array of animals. This includes leopards, tigers, sloth bears, the Indian bison, the spotted deer, wild dogs, wild boars, and sambar deer.

Dhoopgarh, which is also spelt as Dhupgarh, is the highest peak in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh. Previously known as Harvatsa Kot, it’s perched at a height of about 1,350 metres. The peak offers mesmerising views of Pachmarhi along with the Satpura Range and the Vindhya Range. Dhoopgarh is particularly famous among nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers.

Handi Khoh is a V-shaped ravine with a depth of 300 feet. There is an interesting mythological story associated with the location. As per mythology, the spot was once a massive lake, which was guarded by an evil snake. The snake was obliterated by Lord Shiva, and the battle resulted in the lake drying up and leaving a handi or pot-shaped hole.

The Apsara Vihar Waterfall in Pachmarhi, which is also known as Fairy Pool, is a mesmerising waterfall that cascades from a height of 30 feet, with a pool of cold water forming at its base. During the British rule, English women are said to have taken baths in this shallow pool. Since these women usually wore white clothes while bathing, the locals mistook them for fairies, which is how the spot derived its name.

• Trekking to Dhoopgarh
• Swimming in the pool under the Apsara Vihar Waterfall
• Ziplining at Satpura Adventure Club
• Parasailing at Satpura Adventure Club

Here are some of the souvenirs to buy from Pachmarhi and the places to shop from:

• Paintings: The vegetable-dyed paintings found in Pachmarhi are inspired by the ancient cave paintings dating back to the prehistoric era. Natural pigments and materials are used to create these paintings that usually depict scenes from daily life, the Mughal period, and so on.
• Metal items: The skilled craftsmen of the region make intricate items out of metal, which you can take back home for yourself and your loved ones. The items to check out in this category are figurines, home décor pieces, and idols of deities.
• Bamboo products: Not only are bamboo products used by the locals of Pachmarhi, but they are also popular as souvenirs in the region. These are environmentally friendly in addition to being durable and attractive. Some of the bamboo products to buy in Pachmarhi are baskets, hunting tools, and fishing traps.
• Honey: The honey in Pachmarhi is renowned for its top quality and texture. Make sure to carry some of it for yourself. Jars of honey from the town also make perfect gifts for friends and family.

• Kashmir Handicraft Emporium
• ITC Choupal Sagar
• Bhokai Complex
• Khadi Bhandar

• While you negotiate, be respectful towards the shopkeeper and keep negotiating till you reach a price point that suits both parties.
• Always ask for a certificate of authenticity while buying precious souvenirs.
• Not all the stores will accept online payments or debit cards and credit cards, which is why it’s best to carry sufficient cash.

• Always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Don’t click someone’s photograph without asking for their permission first, especially that of a woman.
• While exploring a national park or any place that contains wildlife, make sure to stay quiet and observe the animals from afar.
• Don’t stray away from the designated trails.
• Make sure to keep the surroundings clean. Don’t litter, and if there is anything you need to throw away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin.
• Avoid using plastic items and use recyclable items whenever possible.
• Remember to take off your shoes before going inside a temple or any other holy spot.
• While the tribal communities of the region are warm and welcoming, remember to always respect their cultural integrity and privacy.
• If you go on a wildlife safari, remember not to make loud noises, stay within your jeep, and don’t feed the animals.
• Don’t pluck flowers or disturb the vegetation or natural setting in any manner.
• Dress modestly every time you visit a spiritual or religious place. Ensure that your knees and shoulders are covered if you’re going to a temple.
• Certain areas require tourists and visitors to obtain permission before taking photographs. Therefore, always inquire about the photography rules accordingly.

Let’s suggest to you some of the many scrumptious dishes you absolutely must try out during your trip with our Pachmarhi tour packages:

One can’t leave any part of Madhya Pradesh without trying out poha, which is among the most beloved dishes in Pachmarhi and across the state. Poha is made using flattened rice and is both delicious and healthy. The other ingredients that go into preparing this dish are onions, tomatoes, mustard seeds, curry leaves, coriander, and green chillies. It’s usually topped off with lemon to lend it an extra zest.

When you visit this beautiful hill station with our Pachmarhi tour packages, one of the unique dishes you will get to taste is dal bafla. It is often considered Madhya Pradesh’s version of the popular Rajasthani dish dal baati churma. Baflas are wheat flour dumplings that are boiled, fried, or baked until the exterior turns golden brown. The dumplings are dipped in ghee, which gives them a rich, buttery flavour. Dal bafla is commonly served alongside spicy lentil soup. The dish is particularly comforting to have during the winter months.

When it comes to popular street foods in Pachmarhi, bhutte ka kees is surely one of the most beloved ones. Corn forms the primary ingredient of this dish, and some of the other elements that go into preparing this concoction are milk, mustard seeds, green chillies, and spices. The mildness of the spices and the sweetness and creaminess that come from the milk make this a wholesome dish to consume.

If you’re a lover of non-veg food, then you absolutely can’t leave Pachmarhi without tasting the deliciousness of a well-made Bhopali gosht korma. It’s an example of the Mughal influence on the cuisine of Madhya Pradesh. Made of mutton or goat meat, the meat used in Bhopali gosht korma is slow-cooked till it becomes tender. Onions, yoghurt, cream, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom are used to make the rich and creamy gravy. The dish can be eaten with both rice and naan, and is a particular favourite during parties, gatherings, and special occasions.

Sabudana khichdi is a dish that’s mainly eaten during events and festivals that include religious fasting. Prepared using tapioca pearls, some of the other ingredients that go into preparing this dish are cumin seeds, potatoes, green chillies, roasted peanuts, and coriander.

As you look for something sweet to eat in town with our Pachmarhi tour packages, do have the sugary goodness that is malpua. Known as the Indian version of pancakes, malpua is made with milk, sugar, and flour. Cardamom is added for a distinct flavour, and it’s fried till the exterior turns golden brown. Malpuas are dipped in sugar syrup to give them an extra layer of sweetness, with the interior remaining soft and fluffy. These are particularly popular during festivals such as Holi and Diwali.

The art and culture of Pachmarhi are evident through the many festivals that take place in the town throughout the year. In addition to the glorious festivals of Holi, Dussehra, and Diwali, there are certain celebrations that are unique to Pachmarhi. This includes the Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon, which was started by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) in 2018 to promote health and fitness and bring in more tourists to the hill station during the monsoon season. One of the biggest festivals you could experience in the town with our Pachmarhi tour packages is the Pachmarhi Utsav (or Mahotsav). It’s an annual 6-day festival which usually takes place in December and showcases folk dances, art performances, music, and much more.