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Central India's Famous Hill Stations

The panoramic viewpoint of the Narmada River's origin at Priyadarshini Point in Amarkantak.
A vast, forested landscape of the Satpura Range, a major wildlife corridor in central India.

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Wiki Link: Central India’s Famous Hill Stations

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Pachmarhi, the stunning "Queen of Satpura" hill station in Madhya Pradesh.

Pachmarhi

The Queen of Satpura

Era: Discovered in 1857 by Captain James Forsyth
Altitude: 1,067 meters (3,500 ft)
Location: Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh

Pachmarhi, the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh, is a beautiful plateau nestled in the Satpura Range. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is surrounded by lush forests, ancient caves, and stunning waterfalls.

  • The town is named after the Pandava Caves (“Panch Marhi”), believed to have been the abode of the Pandava brothers during their exile.

  • Key attractions include Bee Fall, Duchess Fall, Jata Shankar Cave, and the panoramic view from Dhoopgarh, the highest point in the Satpura range.

  • Its cool climate and colonial-era churches and bungalows make it a perfect summer retreat.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Amarkantak, the serene pilgrim town and source of the Narmada River.

Amarkantak

The Teerthraj (King of Pilgrimages)

Era: Ancient, mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Puranas
Altitude: 1,048 meters (3,438 ft)
Location: Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh

Amarkantak is a unique hill station revered as the source of the holy rivers Narmada and Son. It is a major pilgrimage center set amidst the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.

  • The town is home to ancient temples like the Narmada Udgam Temple and the intricately carved Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple.

  • The dense forests of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve surround the town, offering rich biodiversity.

  • The Kapildhara and Dugdhara waterfalls are sacred sites where the Narmada river cascades through the rocky landscape.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Mainpat, the picturesque "Mini Tibet" of Chhattisgarh with lush tea gardens.

Mainpat

The Shimla of Chhattisgarh

Era: Settled by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s
Altitude: 1,152 meters (3,780 ft)
Location: Surguja district, Chhattisgarh

Often called the “Shimla of Chhattisgarh,” Mainpat is a stunning plateau known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and vibrant Tibetan culture.

  • The plateau offers spectacular viewpoints like Tiger Point and Paradise Point, overlooking deep valleys.

  • It is home to a Tibetan settlement with a beautiful monastery and carpet-weaving centers.

  • Attractions include the mesmerizing Megha Waterfall and the curious magnetic hill that creates an optical illusion.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Chhindwara, a beautiful city surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls.

Chhindwara

The Gateway to Satpura

Era: Developed as a regional administrative center
Altitude: 675 meters (2,215 ft)
Location: Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh

Surrounded by the Satpura Range, Chhindwara is a less-explored scenic town known for its pleasant climate, beautiful parks, and proximity to natural wonders.

  • The town’s landmarks include the Tribal Museum and the serene Deogarh Fort.

  • It serves as a base for visiting the Patalkot valley, a deep, biodiverse gorge inhabited by tribal communities.

  • The Tamia hills offer breathtaking sunset views and picturesque landscapes.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Mandu, the historic city of ruins and romance set on a scenic plateau.

Mandu

The City of Joy

Era: Reached its peak under the Malwa Sultanate in the 15th century
Altitude: 2,000 feet (610 meters)
Location: Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh

Perched on the Vindhya Range, Mandu is less a conventional hill station and more a vast, fortified city of ruins and monuments, offering a unique blend of history and scenic beauty.

  • Famous for the romantic love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati, whose palaces offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • The architectural marvels include the massive Jama Masjid, the intricate Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, and the underground Nilkanth Palace.

  • The lush, green landscape during the monsoon transforms Mandu into a breathtakingly beautiful destination.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Bhedaghat, famous for its dramatic marble rocks along the Narmada River.

Bhedaghat

The Marble Rocks Canyon

Era: Natural formation dating back millions of years
Altitude: 334 meters (1,096 ft)
Location: Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh

Famous for its stunning marble rock formations along the Narmada River, Bhedaghat offers a unique geological wonder and scenic beauty.

  • The marble rocks rise to 100 feet on either side of the Narmada River, creating a spectacular gorge.

  • The Dhuandhar Falls (“Smoke Cascade”) presents a magnificent sight where the Narmada plunges 30 feet.

  • Moonlight boat rides during full moon nights offer an ethereal experience as the marble rocks glow in the moonlight.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Jashpur, a scenic district known for its lush green valleys and tribal culture.

Jashpur

The Scotland of Chhattisgarh

Era: Former princely state
Altitude: 748 meters (2,454 ft)
Location: Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh

Known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant climate, Jashpur is often called the “Scotland of Chhattisgarh” for its rolling hills and green valleys.

  • The town features the stunning Kailash Cave and the sacred Sita-Bahmini River.

  • The dense forests surrounding Jashpur are rich in biodiversity and tribal culture.

  • The region offers numerous waterfalls and natural springs perfect for exploration.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Shivpuri, home to ancient forests, historic hunting lodges, and serene lakes.

Shivpuri

The Forest Retreat

Era: Former summer capital of Scindia rulers
Altitude: 448 meters (1,470 ft)
Location: Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh

Once the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior, Shivpuri is known for its dense forests, beautiful lakes, and historic monuments.

  • The Madhav National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • The Scindia Chhatris (cenotaphs) are magnificent examples of Maratha architecture.

  • The serene Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Lakes are perfect for birdwatching and peaceful walks.

Central India's Famous Hill Stations - Sarguja, a region of lush highlands, deep forests, and rich tribal heritage.

Sarguja

The Tribal Heartland

Era: Ancient tribal region
Altitude: 550 meters (1,804 ft)
Location: Sarguja district, Chhattisgarh

This less-explored hill region offers pristine natural beauty and rich tribal cultural experiences in the heart of Chhattisgarh.

  • The region is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and ancient tribal traditions.

  • The Ramgarh Hills offer spectacular views and trekking opportunities.

  • The weekly tribal markets provide insight into local culture and crafts.

A scenic landscape view of the forests and hills in the Bagdara region.

Bagdara

The Wildlife Sanctuary

Era: Established as wildlife sanctuary in 1978
Altitude: 600 meters (1,968 ft)
Location: Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh

A hidden gem in the Vindhya ranges, Bagdara offers pristine wilderness and stunning natural beauty away from tourist crowds.

  • The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna.

  • The region offers beautiful trekking trails through dense forests.

  • The tranquil environment makes it perfect for nature meditation and birdwatching.

A view of the historic Kanker Palace nestled amidst dense woodlands.

Kanker

The Palace in the Hills

Era: Former princely state
Altitude: 388 meters (1,273 ft)
Location: Kanker district, Chhattisgarh

Nestled in the hills of North Bastar, Kanker offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and royal heritage.

  • The Kanker Palace, perched on a hilltop, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • The dense forests are rich in wildlife and tribal culture.

  • The region features numerous ancient temples and cave paintings.

Central India Travel Guide

  • Scenic Getaways & Nature Retreats
  • India’s Serene Mountain Escapes
  • Explore MP & Chhattisgarh’s Highlands
  • Ultimate Hill Destination Guide