Pachmarhi is one of the most popular hill stations deriving its name from a group of five caves. It is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The cool and tranquil weather and the serenity that reside in Pachmarhi, makes this place a paradise for the holiday makers. It is popularly known as Satpura Ki Rani.
Pachmarhi is a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways. Green shades embrace the mountains, and there is a gentle murmur of flowing water everywhere.
The valley, ravines and maze of gorges, sculpted in red sandstone by the wind and weather, add their own colouring to this palatte of shades, and cascading waterfalls flash silver in the sunshine.You can also find some rare species of orchids in Pachmarchi.
Location:
Located in the Satpura ranges, Pachmarhi is an idyllic hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi is about 210 kilometres from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
Season: April to July, September to May. However the climate is cool and pleasant throughout the year. The pure and fresh air of pachmarhi refreshes the tired souls.
Air: The nearest airport is Bhopal, connected by regular flights with Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai. Rail: Pipariya (47 km), on the Mumbai-Howrah main railway line via Allahabad, is the most convenient railhead. Bhopal is also a mainline railway station with trains to most major destinations. Road: Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Hoshnagabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Taxis are available at Pipariya. Tourist Attractions:
PandavCaves PandavCaves are the famous caves from which Pachmarhi derived its name. According to historians, during Mahabharata era, the five Pandava brothers had spent good part of their exile here. These caves are considered to be carved out during Buddha period.
BeeFalls: It is a spectacular fall in the stream that provides drinking water to Pachmari and is easily accessible. Mahadeo Situated just 10 km from the town, this is an important cave shrine for Hindus. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legend behind the shrine is that, this is the place where Lord Shiva came to hide from Bhasmasura, who was rewarded a boon that, whomsoever he touches on the head, will be destroyed. Using this boon, the demon tried to destroy Lord Shiva. There is a Shivalingam in the cave. Shivratri is celebrated here with huge enthusiasm. Reaching here is a bit strenuous as the only way is through deep Sal forests and sharp curves.
Jatashankaran important rock formation is -a place sanctified by the Shaivite lore. The stones are indeed shaped like the mater hair of the great Hindu god Shiva, and inside a natural Cavern there is a stone formation like the hundred-headed divine snake Seshnag.
SatpuraNational Park: This park is set up in 1981 in around 524 sq. km of area. Fascinating natural valleys, waterfalls and Tawa’s reservoir add beauty to this park. Tourists can come across bisons, tigers, leopards and a rich variety of birds.
Churches: The Christ church and Catholic church were constructed by the British in 1892 and 1875 respectively. The Belgian stained glass windows in Catholic church attracts tourists. The nave of Christ church doesn’t have a single pillar for support.
Apsara Vihar:
A lovely little bathing pool, and easily accessible from Jai Stambh, this pool is an ideal picnic spot for families. The pool is shallow, deepening only towards the base of the fall which cascades gently into it's waters.
Silver Fall (Rajat Prapat)Water Stram of Fairypools falls into a valley making a big fall named Silver fall ,it falls into a depth of around 350 ft.
Cahuragarh Dhupgarh Cahuragarh and Dhupgarh hills are the prominent landmarks of Pachmarhi. The place offers panoramic view of the setting sun. The ancient Shiva temple is also worth seeing. Irene Pool: This pool was discovered by Irene Bose, wife of Justice Vivian Bose, and named after her. The approach to this bathing spot is from the car stop to Reech Garh. The route upstream leads to a cave, through which the stream goes underground and then over a khud in a series of falls.
Jalawataran (DuchessFalls): It is located very close to Irene Pool. This falls is ideal for swimming. The trek is a little difficult as the path is very steep. Such setting makes it one of the picturesque waterfalls.
Sunder Kund (Saunder's Pool): Crossing the stream below Duchess Fall and following a footpath about 2.5 km in a south-west direction, brings one to a huge rocky pool in the Jambu Dwip stream. This is an excellent place for swimming.
Forsyth Point (Priyadarshini Point) Formerly named after Captain Forsyth who discovered this verdant jewel in 1857, Priyadarshini Point commands spectacular sunset views.
Handi Khoh: This is the most impressive small valley of this hill station. It has a 300 ft high cliff with attractive steep sides. Adventurous tourists should visit this spot.
Where to Stay:
Accommodation is easily available in the hill resort of Pachmarhi.
Maldives is a perfect destination for an adventure and romantic holidays. Maldives is a tropical paradise. You can explore the spectacular coral islands, pristine water lagoons, powdery beaches, sunny skies, crystal clear water and lavish resort islands. Maldives provide a matchless experience to the visitors. The people of Maldives extends warm hospitality to visitors because tourism is a crucial business aspect of this nation.. Maldives has over 87 resort islands. Each resort offers a range of water sport facilities, like snorkelling, jet skiing and more. Two very popular activities here are the glass-bottomed boat tours and night fishing. Maldives has some of the best dive sites in world. Diving enthusiasts can explore the Banana Reef, Fish Head, Wreck of the MaldivesVictory and many more such interesting underwater sites. You will have a fun filled and adventurous holiday. . Embark on a Maldives Vacation and enjoy the beauty of this truly wonderful country Location: The country is located in the Indian Ocean, south of India. It is an island country consisting of around 1200 coral islands. Only 200 islands out of the 1200 are inhabited. The islands are known for their beaches and exotic marine life
Quick Facts:
Capital: Male'
Official Language: Dhivehi
Second Language: English
Religion: Islam (100% Sunni Muslim)
Time difference: +5hrs GMT
Currency: Rufiyaa (Notes) and Laari (Coins)
Climate: Tropical
Major Industries: Tourism, Fishing and Shipping
Banking hours: Sunday to Thursday 8.00 am to 1.30 pm
Best Season: The best time to reach Maldives is from the months of April to the beginning of November. Route Map: View Larger Map
Passport and Visa requirements:
Entry to Maldives is not difficult. Travel with your passport, it should be valid up to your take off date to enter in to the republic of Maldives. As per the visa requirement, 30 days visa will be issued when arrived in Maldives. The Department of Immigration and Emigration approves any request for extending tourist's stay up to 90 days, if a person stays in a resort..
Reaching There:
By Air There are a number of international flights that carry the passengers to and from Maldives. The main international airport is situated at Male, the capital city of Maldives. Apart from the typical international flights, also are available the services of various airlines that operate on a regular basis and fly from Dubai, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur and Thiruvananthapuram to Maldives.
BySea For countries like India and Sri Lanka, there is another means of transport to reach Maldives. Infact, Maldives is very well connected with waterways. There is an adequate provision of ships to carry the passengers to the beautiful islands of Maldives.
Sight Seeing Places in Maldives:
Malé, Malé is small, quaint, and densely settled capital city of Maldives. It's clean and tidy, with mosques, markets, a maze of small streets that charm all its own. Malé is packed to the edges with buildings, roads and a few well-used open spaces.
Grand Friday Mosque Grand Friday mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A "z" zam is the biggest mosque of Maldives. This grand architecture of bygone times was constructed by the Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656. Beautiful beaches of Maldives Located on the equator towards the south of Sri Lanka, Maldives is blessed with beaches rich in coconuts and tropical fruits.
Despite so many beautiful beaches in Maldives, the capital is not blessed in this respect. Today the people of Male' can enjoy a good swim at artificial beach. This is a popular place for parents who take their kids for some fresh air and space to enjoy. Today it is not only a popular place for swimmers, but a variety of sports, games shows and other events such as live music shows as well. On a regular day, it is a place for swimmers, children, parents and active sportsman. On special occasions, it is a place for get together, music shows, carnivals, parades and you name it. On Fridays the beach is quite packed, so consider this fact before getting there for a swim.
Mohammed Thakurufaanu Tomb Located in the compound of the Bihuroazu Kamanaa Miskiiy, it has a lot of significance for the people of this country. Mohammad Thakurufaanu tomb in Maldives was built in the memory of Sultan Ghaazee Mohammed Thakurufaanu, a great national hero, who liberated Maldives from the colonial rule of Portuguese. Portuguese established their rule over the country for about 15 years after overthrowing Sultan Ali VI in 1558. It is because of this brave Sultan that the countrymen enjoy their freedom.
The Local Market
The Local Market, just a block away from the Male’ Fish Market on the northern waterfront, is divided into small stalls. Here the pace is slower and the atmosphere peaceful, compared to the hectic activity in the rest of this neighborhood. Each stall is filled with a variety of local produce mainly from the atolls. Here you will find different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of home made sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Another building just next door sells smoked and dried fish.
Jumhooree Maidan Located along the northern waterfront in Male, Jumhoorie Maidan in Maldives was set up in the year 1989. More commonly known as the republic square of Maldives, the Jumhoorie Maidan with its green grass and lush vegetation serves as one of the most popular places for social gatherings. It is the teen's favorite evening hangout place.
Seenu (Addu Atoll) This is the 'second city' of the Maldives, and the resort here is the best base from which to visit traditional Maldivian island communities. The Addu people are fiercely independent, speak differently from folk in the capital.
The Islamic centre : Male's most famous architectural landmark is the three -storey Islamic Centre, opened in November 1984. The centre's Grand Friday Mosque , Majid-al-sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu -al-A''z''am, is the biggest in the Maldives, accommodating more than 5,000 worshippers. The shinning golden dome of the mosque is a standout as are also the interior walls decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy . The centre also houses a library and a conference hall.
MUNNAARU: close to the Friday Mosque is this gleaming white minaret also built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1675 . The chief muezzin of male' called the faithful to prayer from this minaret before the Islamic centre was built
Mulee Aage Palace Located in front of the Friday mosque, Maldives Mulee Aage palace was built in the year 1906. The credit for its construction goes to the Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. It was before World War I that the Sultan built this palace for his son.
The Presidential Palace:
The Presidential Palace has been built on the site of the previous presidential palace "Theemuge", this is one of the most beautiful building in the country, and could easily be counted among the most wonderful examples of modern eclectic architecture in South Asia.
SULTANPARK AND THE NATIONALMUSEUM : The Sultan's Palace was demolished except for a three -storey building and the palace grounds were turned into a public park, known as the SultanPark. The surviving palace building within the park is today the NationalMuseum. Opened on November 19, 1952, the glorious bygone era including stone objects from the pre-Islamic period; royal antiquities like thrones, palanquins, royal sunshades, costumes and shoes, coins and ornaments, arms and armour. Coral stone sculpture, lacquered wooden containers, miniature hand-written Quran, hookahs,sunshades,traditional log drums from the Royal Palace used in the popular music of Bodu Beru, and the very interiors of the museum-retained from the days of Sultanate -are the added attractions. Two of the most significant items on display are the coral stone head of Lord Buddha, a 11th century piece from Alifu Thoddu and a 13th century engraved wooden panel from Timings:9am-3pm.closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Huruku Miskiiy.
The Hukuru Miskiiy or the old Friday Mosque, was built in 1656 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar 1. The interior and exterior walls of this historic mosque, built with coral shores, are intricately curved with Arabic writings and ornamental patters. The roof, window frames, and doors are made of different types of wood including teak, red sandalwood, and redwood. There is an abundance of beautiful coral carvings and expert lacquer work inside the mosque, the latter being most conspicuous in the laage, or domes, built as part of the ceiling. The compound of the mosque also encloses a number of ancient tombstones erected in memory of past sultan's, heroes and nobles
Medhu Ziyaarath
Opposite the Hukuru Miskiiy is the Medhu Ziyaarath, the shrine of Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari, a North African, believed to be responsible for converting the Maldives to Islam way back in AD 1153.
Harbour:
When one approaches Malé from the north, the first thing that strikes the eye would be the number of cargo vessels lying at anchor in the outer harbor (the Maldives imports just about all its basic life requirements!) and the number of speed boats and traditional dhoani in the inner harbor.
The local cuisine revolves around fish and rice. A typical meal will have a helping of rice served with a local fish preparation. Trevallies, barracuda and tuna are the preferred fish here, and are prepared in spicy curries. Most meals begin with a bowl of Garudhya, or tuna soup. The food is usually washed down with a cup of black tea. Being an Islamic country, alcohol and pork is prohibited and only available at tourist resorts
Male, the capital of Maldives is the main shopping hub that provides a real delight to the shoppers. The best picks of this wonderful country include jewelry, cosmetics, apparels, electronic gadgets and gizmos, local handicraft items, perfumes and canned fish.
Maldives Travel Safety Tips
You should avoid visiting areas, where you are likely to be victimized.
Avoid traveling alone.
Never reveal your travel plans to a stranger.
Keep away from strangers trying to be extra friendly with you.
Beware of pickpockets.
Never show that you are new to the area and don't know anything about the place, because someone can take advantage of your innocence.
It is always wise to learn a couple of phrases in the local language of the country, so that you can call upon someone for help in case of a problem.
It is a good practice to keep all your valuables at a safe place and not in the open. Do not leave any valuables behind in your hotel room, when you are going out.
Always hire taxis that bear the official markings on them.
Never accept any kind of favors from strangers.
It is always advisable to inform the concerned authorities, if you feel there is some kind of threat.
While paying your bills, never flash large amounts of money.
For exchange of currency, deal only with authorized agents. Never attempt to exchange money at black market.
Nestled in the lush valleys of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is a perfect getaway for spending some quality time away from the din and rush of the city. It is located in the Statara district of the state of Maharashtra and the British used it as the summer capital of Bombay to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. In the present days, Mahabaleshwar is a popular tourist spot and also a pilgrimage site.The tourists are enthralled by its exotic greenery, beautiful gardens & breath-taking scenery.With a pleasant climate and many things to watch, your trip to Mahabaleshwar will certainly be a memorable one.
Location:
Mahabaleshwar is located at an altitude of 1372 meters.
Season:
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October to June.
Languages Spoken
Marathi, Hindi and English
Clothing Since the climate is pleasant throughout the year, loose cotton attire is preferable. Although during winters light woolen clothes are advisable.
Reaching There: By Air Nearest airport is Pune, 120 kms.
By Rail Nearest railhead is Wather, but Pune, 120 kms is the convenient rail head.
By Road Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar via Pune is 290 kms. Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar is 19 kms. Pune - Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms.
Prime Attractions of Mahabaleshwar:
Lodwick Point - One of the great locations in Mahabaleshwar located at 1,240 meters above the sea level. Protruding towards pratapgardh from Mahabaleshwar plateau you will see the surrounding scenery with awe. Formerly known as SydneyPoint, it was renamed after a monument in honour of General Lodwick . He was the first European to visit Mahabaleshwar.
MountMalcolm It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. It was built in 1829 with magnificent architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has lost a lot of its old charm now.
Pratapgad Fort This is 24 Kms. away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 1656 by Moropant Trimak Pingle under the command of the Maratha ruler shivaji. It was here that the mighty general of Bijapur, Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji. The fort has a great view.
Adventure Sports: Mahabaleshwar offers opportunities and facilities for a complete holiday. At the hill resort you may indulge in activities like boating, fishing, horse riding, trekking et al. You may even try golf at the nine-hole golf course of Mahabaleshwar.
Panchgani
Tucked away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is also amongst the most frequented hill resorts. The name is derived from the fact that it is located at the the centre of the five hills. The place is well known for trekking and other adventure activities. Climb atop "TableLand", a famous flat - mounted top, from where you can have a look at the vast plain below. The berry farms here are another tourist attraction.
Arthur”s Seat:
This place has been compared to the Grand Canyon of Colorado of USA! From this point, you could see the Konkan region to your left and Deccan region to your right!
Elphiston point: located about 10 km from Mahabaleshwar, is a popular picnic spot.
Echo Point: On the way to Arthers point you can see breath-taking scenery of echo point. The deep valleys and sharp cuts of mountains.
Lingmala, Chinaman and Dhobi Waterfalls - These falls are situated at the south side of the Elphinston Point ravine. Lingmala and Chinaman's waterfalls are 6km and 4km respectively from the town and are at the top of VennaValley.
VennaLake - The 2.4km VennaLake is the favourite hangout of most tourists. It offers both boating and fishing facilities with the added attraction of wayside stalls and horse riding. It is also known for its luscious strawberries The lake is spread around 25 acres.The main purpose of this lake is to supply water to Mahabaleshwar. It was built by the King of Satara
HUNTER’S POINT: This point was used by the Britishers during the pre-independence era to hunt tigers when they would come to drink water at a pond situated downside. It provides a good view.
WilsonPoint Also called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point.
Falkland Point Below it the Artists Point also called as lovers point by some nature lover, presents beautiful koyana and valley below you.
MorarjiCastle Also worth a look is this old structure. mahatma Gandhi once lived here in 1945.
MAHABALESHWAR MARKET: The market place in Mahabaleshwar lies in the heart of Mahabaleshwar. It has lots of food stalls, restaurants, shops etc. All the novelties of Mahabaleshwar are available here.
What to buy
In Mahableshwar honey and strawberry crushes and jams are very famous. The place also has a wide variety of chikki (a famous local sweet).
Accommodation and Lodging:
Accommodation is not a problem in the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar. There are accommodation options that suit various budgets
Strawberries and Mulberries are the speciality of Mahabaleshwar. Don’t forget to try the Corn grown locally available in both roasted and boiled form. Corn pattice made from it are delecious. The food prepared with local vegetables have a unique taste and also try the small tomatoes which look like cherries!
Good and hygienic food is easily available at the many hotels and restaurants of Mahabaleshwar. You may feast on the Gujarati vegetarian meals, continental, Chinese and Mughlai specialties
