Top Places To Visit in Madhya Pradesh During Summers

Madhya Pradesh is a year-round destination with idyllic sites and spots suited for every season. And when the summer sun gets a little overbearing, there are a few locations in the state that offer much-needed respite. Dotted with beautiful waterfalls, serene lakes, lush forest cover, staggering hill tops, vibrant wildlife, revered religious establishments and enveloped in local lore associated with the Pandavas and mystic poet Kabir - the sites of Pachmarhi, lesser-known Tamia and Amarkantak are three of the best places you can escape to this summer.

Pachmarhi

A nature-lover's paradise and an ideal getaway from the din and bustle of the city - the lush environs of Pachmarhi also offers the much-needed respite on a hot and sultry day. Perched at an elevation of about 1,067 m above sea level, it is nestled in the verdant valley of the Satpura range and caters to all kinds of travellers. Keeping the environs cool here are numerous waterfalls, including Rajat Prapat, or Silver Falls, touted to be one of the highest of its kind in India. When here, do not miss Bee Falls and Apsara Vihar Falls!

Of the many activities you can do and experiences you can create at Pachmarhi, witnessing a sunset from Dhoopgarh, the highest point in the Satpura Range (1,350 m), is a must. For those seeking adventure, there are a host of options. From ziplining, paragliding and rock climbing to ATV bike rides and cycling through verdant cover - there are no dearth of activities that will allow you to fully soak in the beauty of this stunning hill station. For more details on adventure options, you may contact/ visit the Satpura Adventure Club. You can also embark on the 150-year-old Forsyth trail trek. This trail was discovered by Captain James Forsyth that led to the discovery of the panoramic plateau called Pachmarhi. 

If you are a history buff, drop by the Pandava Caves. Legend has it that the five (panch in Hindi) Pandava brothers (from the Hindu epic Mahabharata) had visited Pachmarhi during their exile and had carved five caves, which means marhi, for their shelter. These caves are a popular tourist attraction. Also popular among visitors here is the Jata Shankar cave. This stone-formed cave is so named as the rock formation resembles the mated dreadlocks of Lord Shiva (jata in Hindi means matted dreadlocks and Shankar is another name of the lord). Local lore claims that this is where the lord had hid to evade a demon named Bhasmasura. If you visit this cave, do not miss a peculiar rock formation at its end that appears as an open-hooded cobra. Locals revere it as Seshnag, the seat of Lord Vishnu.

Pachmarhi forms a part of the vast Satpura National Park and is also listed in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which makes it a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts too. Spot a host of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, leopards and the Indian bison, and fragrant blackberry plantations and thick clusters of bamboo. The Satpura Tiger Reserve is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Giant squirrel or Indian Giant Squirrel. In fact, the reserve's emblem features a Giant Squirrel. A few years ago, about 16 barasinghas were relocated to the  Satpura Tiger Reserve. 

Along with natural beauty, Pachmarhi also exudes a quaint colonial charm. The Protestant Church of Christ, also known as the Christ Church, is one of the most stunning examples of British era architecture here. Built around 1875 by the British on Gothic lines, this church is a red sandstone structure, with the sanctum - sanctorum surmounted by a hemispherical, ribbed dome.

Tamia

A picture postcard destination, Tamia is a lesser-known gem of MP. Offering astounding vistas of dense forests and mountains, Tamia is a great summer escape hill station. The terrain here is relatively unexplored and untouched as it was inaccessible for a long time, therefore, making it the ideal location to embark on new adventures and create first-of-its kind memories.

One of the most stunning views to take in here is that of the horseshoe-shaped Patalkot Valley and the surrounding dense forests. Spread over an area of 79 sq km, this valley is located about 20 km from Tamia. The Doodhi river flows in the valley. According to locals, the forests house certain medicinal plants and rocks that date back 2,500 million years! The valley is surrounded by hills and there are several pathways to reach the villages located inside the valley. The scenic landscape here offers ample opportunities for eco-tourism.

The valley is also home to a handful of tribal villages huddled next to each other. You can interact with members of the Bharia tribe here.

When here, keep an eye out for the old yet immaculately-maintained houses boasting British era architecture. Marvel at these quaint dwellings that are located at breathtaking spots and edges of cliffs! Those looking for a spot of adventure can embark on a short trek to the hilltop. However, it is advisable to take the help of a local guide. They will not only be able to tell you the best, and safe, route but will also regale you with local lore.

If you admire wildlife and do not mind an excursion, head to the famed Pench Tiger Reserve, approximately 100 km from Tamia. Do not miss the opportunity to spot such animal and bird species as chital, gaur (Indian Bison), leopard, small Indian civet, sambhar, chinkara, barking deer, porcupine and migratory birds like osprey, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian pitta.

Amarkantak

A quintessential pilgrimage destination, Amarkantak is also popular as Teerthraj (the king of pilgrimages). Perched at an elevation of about 1,067 m above mean sea level on the Maikal mountain range, which links the Vindhyachal and Satpura mountain ranges, Amarkantak offers much-needed relief on humid days. Moreover, the forests surrounding the town boast a rich variety of plants with medicinal properties, making it extremely significant from an ecological point of view. 

Although Amarkantak's popularity stems from its revered temple, there are numerous waterfalls that render it an ideal destination during summer. Do not miss the Kapil Dhara, which is associated with the legends of Saint Kapil or Kapila. Legend has it that the saint meditated here for 12 years. A popular one-km trek leads to another one - Dugdh Dhara. It is so named because the froth of the water appears like a stream of milk (dugdh in Hindi).

Devotees can head to the Narmada Udgam Temple. The main attraction of this temple complex is the sacred kund (waterbody). It is believed that River Narmada emanated from this kund. The 18th-century Narmada Temple, commissioned by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur, houses a black stone idol of the river goddess. Every year, on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, the idol is draped in brocade and worshipped by countless devotees. There are about 20 small temples in the premises of the Narmada Mandir.

Although incomplete but the Shri Yantra Mandir is worth a visit. Constructed as a 3D projection of the Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra, this massive sculpture's most striking features are the four heads at the entrance path representing the faces of goddess Laxmi, Saraswati, Kali and Bhuvaneshwari.

A short drive from the town is located a white-washed hut called Kabir Kothi, also known as Kabir Chabutra. Nestled on the edge of the deep, dark woods, it is believed to be the place where the poet had lived and attained enlightenment.