PANCHMARHI – The Queen of Satpura is one of the most popular hill stations of Madhya Pradesh. The name Panchmarhi comes from the words “Panch” (five) and “Marhi” (caves). It is believed that the five Pandavas brothers stayed here during their exile, and the Pandava Caves stand as a reminder of this mythological connection. This charming hill town is surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, ancient caves, and spiritual sites that make it both refreshing and soulful. The town is well-protected, which helps preserve its natural beauty and peaceful environment.

Nearest railway station: Pipariya (52 km)

Nearest airport: Bhopal (210 km)

Our journey to Panchmarhi, began from Bhopal, one of Madhya Pradesh’s most vibrant cities. Instead of trains or flights, we chose a 16-seater mini bus, which turned out to be the perfect choice for a comfortable and joyful group trip.

We started early morning from Bhopal, full of excitement and travel energy. Traveling together in made the journey lively filled with music, conversations, laughter, and scenic views along the way.

• Distance: Approx. 300 km
• Travel Time: Around 7–8 hours (including breaks)
• Mode of Travel: 16-seater mini bus

As we moved away from the city, the landscape slowly transformed into lush greenery, winding roads, and forest-covered hills, giving us a glimpse of the beauty that awaited us in Panchmarhi.

We visited Panchmarhi in the month of May, and despite it being summer, the weather was pleasant and comfortable, especially in the mornings and evenings. The greenery, cool breeze, and calm atmosphere made it a summer escape from city heat. 

First Glimpse of Panchmarhi

The moment we entered Panchmarhi, the air felt cooler, fresher, and calmer. Tall trees, misty surroundings, and the peaceful vibe instantly made the long road journey worthwhile. Traveling by road allowed us to enjoy the gradual change in scenery from plains to hills which made the trip even more memorable. 

Why a Mini Bus Was the Best Choice:

• Comfortable for group travel
• Cost-effective
• Easy coordination
• Shared experiences throughout the journey
• Perfect for road-trip memories

The mini bus gave us flexibility with breaks, photo stops, and group bonding something public transport can never offer.

Day 1: Arrival, Local Market & Street Food (Evening Vibes)

We reached Panchmarhi around 5:00 PM. After checking into our hotel, we freshened up and relaxed for a bit. Since we were quite hungry after the journey, we decided to step out and explore the local street food scene.

We walked around the local market, soaking in the calm hill-station vibes, browsing small shops, and enjoying the pleasant weather. While roaming around, we searched for a good place for dinner and finally ended up at ZAYKA Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant.

As it was already late, we requested them for the last order. We placed our food order and returned to the hotel. By around 10:00 PM, our dinner arrived and it was absolutely worth the wait. The food was delicious and comforting after a long travel day.

We called it an early night and took proper rest, knowing that day 2 was going to be full of adventure and trekking.

One of the most important parts of exploring Panchmarhi is the local jeep system, and we experienced it firsthand. Since many attractions fall under the forest area, private vehicles are not allowed. So, we rented a local jeep with a driver, which turned out to be the best decision for our trip.

The jeep was comfortable, well-managed, and made traveling between forest spots easy and safe.

Day 2: Jeep Safari, Hills & Adventure Day

Day 2 was the most exciting and action-packed day of our Panchmarhi trip. In the morning, we hired a local jeep, which is mandatory for exploring the forest and hilly regions of Panchmarhi.

With the jeep, we covered all the trekking and hill-area spots in one day, including:

Bee Falls is undoubtedly the most famous and mandatory spot in Panchmarhi. As we walked down towards the waterfall, the sound of gushing water grew louder, building excitement with every step.

Surrounded by greenery and rocky paths, the waterfall was refreshing and lively. The cool mist, flowing water, and fresh air made it the perfect place to relax and click pictures. It’s also a major water source for the town, which makes it even more special.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes the walk involves steps.

 Dhoopgarh – Sunrise & Sunset Magic

Dhoopgarh is the highest point in Madhya Pradesh, and visiting it felt truly magical. The wide-open view of hills stretching endlessly was breathtaking.

We experienced both sunrise and sunset, and both moments were unforgettable. The changing colors of the sky, the cool breeze, and the peaceful silence created a calm and emotional experience. It’s a place where time seems to slow down.

Pandava Caves – History Meets Mythology

The Pandava Caves are deeply connected to the Mahabharata and are believed to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile. These ancient rock-cut caves are surrounded by tall trees, making the environment quiet and peaceful.

Walking through the caves gave us a sense of history and mystery. It’s a perfect place for those who love mythology, architecture, and calm surroundings.

Priyadarshini Point – Views That Calm the Mind

Also known as U Point, Priyadarshini Point offers stunning valley views. The viewpoint is peaceful and not overly crowded, making it a great spot to pause, breathe, and enjoy nature.

It’s ideal for photography and simply sitting quietly, soaking in the natural beauty around.

The jeep dropped us at designated points, from where we walked and trekked to each location. The entire day was filled with scenic views, greenery, fresh air, and unforgettable moments. Watching the sunset at Dhoopgarh after a long day of exploration was truly magical.

By evening, around 8:00–8:30 PM, we returned to the hotel, tired but extremely happy. After taking some rest, we once again ordered dinner from ZAYKA, because their food had impressed us so much the previous night. Once again, the meal was delicious and satisfying.

Day 3: Temples, Museum & Departure Plans

On Day 3, we checked out of the hotel in the morning. Since our return journey from Bhopal to Indore was scheduled for late night, we kept our luggage safely in the mini bus.

With a relaxed mindset, we spent the day visiting spiritual and peaceful places, including:

Panchmarhi Museum – A Glimpse into the Satpura Region

The museum was a refreshing and informative stop. It showcases tribal culture, wildlife, forest life, and the geological history of Panchmarhi and the Satpura range.

We found it well-maintained and educational, especially helpful for understanding the region beyond just sightseeing.

Jatashankar Temple – The Most Powerful Mahadev Experience

Jatashankar Temple was one of the most spiritual places we visited. Located inside a natural cave, the temple is surrounded by flowing water and dense greenery.

The naturally formed Shiva lingam and the cool cave atmosphere create a strong spiritual energy. This place truly stands out as the best Mahadev temple in Panchmarhi.

Chhota Mahadev – Simple Yet Sacred

Chhota Mahadev is a small, naturally formed Shiva temple located amidst nature. The peaceful surroundings and quiet environment made it a soothing place for prayer and reflection.

Bada Mahadev – Strong Spiritual Vibes

Bada Mahadev is another important Shiva temple and feels more open and spacious. Surrounded by rocks and forest views, the temple has a powerful yet calm atmosphere.

Visiting both Chhota and Bada Mahadev gave us a complete spiritual experience.

This day was calm, soulful, and a perfect contrast to the adventurous previous day. Visiting temples surrounded by nature brought a deep sense of peace and closure to our trip.

Local Market – Ending the Day the Right Way

The local market was perfect for evening walks and souvenir shopping. We found local honey, small handicrafts, and snacks. It was also a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing and enjoy the local vibe.

CONCLUSION:

Panchmarhi is not just a destination—it’s an experience of calm, faith, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking spiritual peace, scenic views, or a quiet break from city life, Panchmarhi welcomes you with open arms and timeless charm.

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