Pachmarhi

Located in the highlands of Central India, Pachmarhi is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh and is widely known as Queen of Satpura. It lies in Hoshangabad district  and is located at an elevation of 3500 ft. in valley of Satpura Mountain-Ranges. Its name is derived from presence of 5 ancient caves. “Panch” means five and “marhi” means caves.
It is discovered by British Army Captain James Forsyth in 1857 when he was sent their to suppress famous revolt for freedom by freedom fighters like Rani Jhansi, Tatya Topa who use this area as a safe hideout and inspires local tribal people to participate in fight for freedom.
It is general believe that Pandavs have spend some time in aforesaid 5 caves during exile (Agyatvaas). In Mahadeo hills one can see famous Rock-painting also. There are many scenic point, temples, Picnic spots, water falls etc.

Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways.Green shades embrace the mountains, and everywhere is heard the gentle murmur of flowing water. Bridle paths lead into tranquil forest glades, groves of wild bamboo and jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.

Complementing the magnificence of nature are the works of man; Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure-house. In cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills is an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Most of these have been placed in the period 500-800 AD, but the earliest paintings are an estimated 10,000 years old.

Pachmarhi is a tourist retreat. During the Diwali and winter seasons many tourists visit. Pachmarhi's elevation and the forests of the Satpuras, with their streams and waterfalls, are picturesque and home to much wildlife. Pachmarhi lies within the Pachmarhi Biosphere Preserve, created in 1999 to link two forest reserves into a larger wildlife conservation area at the highest point in Central India. Pachmarhi also has a lot of cave paintings in the forests, some of which have been dated to be as much as 10000 years old. Shown in the picture is the garden at the base of a tourist attraction called Pandava Caves, the caves are actually Buddhist in origin but the name persists. The place has rich timber reserves including teak, but being a part of a reserve no new construction or felling of trees is allowed. Having a rich and rare flora as well as fauna, Pachmarhi needs central and state government approval for any new construction outside the town area.

Some of the places of tourist interest here are:

Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall), Priyadarshini (Forsyth Point), Handi Khoh, Apsara Vihar (Fairy Pool), Rajat Prapat (Big Fall), Irene Pool, Jalawataran (Duchess Falls), Sunder Kund (Saunder's Pool), Mahadeo, Chhota Mahadeo, Chauragarh, Jata Shankar, Vanshree Vihar (Pansy Pool), Reechhgarh, Sangam (Fuller's Khud - Waters Meet), Catholic Church, Christ Church, Satpura National Park, Bison Lodge, The Cave Shelters.