Other accommodation options include PWD and the Bud-
dhist resthouses.
PACHMARHI
Madhya Pradesh’s only hill resort (210 km from Bhopal by
road) Pachmarhi is a popular destination of nature lovers
and sportspersons. Situated at an altitude of 3,600 ft above
sea level, it is a large plateau ringed by hills of the Satpura
range. Its landscape of rugged hills, forests and ravines
is sculpted in red sandstone by wind and weather which
add their own colours to the palette of shades. Cascading
waterfalls flash silver in the sunshine and azure pools are
hidden everywhere. Pachmarhi is also an archaeological
treasure house with the cave of the Mahadeo Hills rich
with rock paintings, some of which are estimated to be
10,000 years old.
Priyadarshini (Forsyth Point) is a viewing point
from where Pachmarhi was conceptualised by Captain
Forsyth in 1857. The British developed Pachmarhi as
a resort and their influence is embodied in its churches
and colonial architecture. Check out Bison Lodge
constructed in 1862, the oldest house in Pachmarhi and
now a museum depicting the rich flora and fauna of the
region. The Catholic Church was built in 1892 by the
British, and is a blend of French and Irish architecture.
Also worth a visit is Chauragarh, one of Satpura’s
prominent landmarks, and Chhota Mahadeo, a sacred
spot.
Excursions. Satpura National Park declared a
protected area in 1981, sprawls over 524 sq. km with a rich
variety of wildlife and birds; Beni Forest (20 km) which
accounts for much of the country’s supply of teak wood is
being developed as a wildlife sanctuary.
Accommodation. Top-end: Satpura Retreat (Rs.690-
1,790 per night) and Rock End Manor (Rs.1,590-
1,990). Mid-range: Hotel Amaltas, Near Tehsil
(Rs.550-690); Panchvati Cottages (Rs.790 per cottage),
Nilambar Cottage (Rs.500). Budget: D.I. Bungalow
(Rs.175); Holiday Homes, near SADA Barriers (Rs.290);
Dharamshala (Rs.125 per person).UJJAIN
Once one of the greatest cities of India, Ujjain’s links with
its glorious past have endured to this day, making it a city
still renowned for its traditions of spirituality, learning and
culture. Sited on the banks of the river Shipra, Ujjain is
one of the venues of the Kumbh Mela held every 12
years. Easy access is via motorable roads from Indore (53
km) and Bhopal (183 km).
This ancient city is a haven for the devout, dotted with
pilgrim sites and temples including the Mahakaleshwar,
the Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir; and the Chintaman
Ganesh temple. One should definitely visit Devas
(37 km), a town famous for its hill-top temple of Devi
Chamunda.
Accommodation. Top-end: Shipra Hotel (Rs.350-
1,790 per night) and Meghdoot Resorts (Rs.450-1,100).
Mid-range: Hotel Ashray (Rs.330-880); Hotel Atlas
(Rs.350-650); Hotel Siddharth (Rs.350-700).
For further information visit http://www.mptourism.comSanchi stupa
Pachmarhi Marble Rock Kumbh Mela, Ujjain