Some of the best places in India are located on higher ground, where one can escape the heat.

Though no one may like this generalization, it is true considering that even the animals are seen in hilly and mountainous areas, such as Pachmarhi.  This is why the town has become a haven for tourists, especially those who love nature and hiking in the woods.

History of Pachmarhi

It was a British captain named James Forsyth who first introduced the area to the attention of the British.  Because of him, the place was converted into a place to rest for the British military.  It later on became the summer capital of the surrounding area.  In 2009, UNESCO added the local forests to its list of biosphere reserves, as the forests around Pachmarhi contain several rare and exotic plant life.

Tourism in Pachmarhi

The majority of the Pachmarhhi area is used by the armed forces of India, but there is a small town that is filled with civilians, and this town is able to answer the needs of the tourists.  Within the village there are already tourist lodges and other facilities that would be able to accommodate the needs of any tourist.

The, associated with Captain James Forsyth, still has most of its original structure but is now a converted museum.  It would be a good idea to go through this museum as it would give any guest an overview of what could be seen in and around town.  At this lodge is an open air theater that shows films about animal life.

One sight close enough for a first day tour would be the Pandav caves.  These are 5 rock caves that are now protected monuments as it is believed that the Pandaves, who are the five sons of Pandu according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, lived in these caves for a time.  Some also believe that Buddhist monks used these caves some 20 centuries ago.

For the nature lovers, one of the first stops of the tour should be the Priyadarshini Point, known previously as Forsythe point.  This is one of the highest points in the area, and it offers a good view of not just the town but the region as well.  One of the eye catching areas that one would notice from Priyadarshini Point would be Handi Khoh ravine, which is a sudden 300 foot drop from the edge.

Some people would think that tourism in high points do not involve water.  Pachmarhi would disapprove this thought because the place has several places where people could enjoy a dip.  For adventurers there is the “Big Fall” of Rajat Prepat, which has a waterfall that is 110 feet high.  For families, there is the Apsara Vihar that has pools for children.

If the target of the vacation is a relaxing travel with a little sightseeing on the side, then tour to Pachmarhi is the perfect choice.  Whether with a loved one or with the whole family, the place will surely delight all tourists.