India >> WEST ZONE >> Madhya Pradesh >> Jabalpur
About Jabalpur Jabalpur is situated on the banks of holy river Narmada and is surrounded by rocky hills, hence it is also called as the “the city of the rocks." It got its name from Saint Jabali Pattanam or Jabal (in Arabic meaning rocks). It was the capital of the medieval Gond rulers but later it became the capital of the Kalchuri Kings and the Marathas until the British seized it. Saint Binoba Bhave named it as Sanskardhani (Cultural Capital) of Madhya Pradesh, as it is a major educational & cultural center.
| Area: | 154.21 Sq. Km
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| Best Time to Visit: | October to March
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| Climate: | Climate is generally much less humid for most part of the year
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| Main Languages: | Hindi and English
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| Population: | 15 Lakhs
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| Temperature: | Summer - Max: 41 Min: 21
Winter - Max: 27 Min: 10
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Other Attractions In & Around
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Bandhavgarh Fort (164 km. from Jabalpur)
A fort, believed to be nearly two millennia old and inhabited till the beginning of this century, lies right in the middle of the wilderness on the highest point of Bandhavgarh Hill - the most captivating sight among the 32 hills that dot the unspoilt landscape.
Believed to be some 2000 years old, there are references of it in the ancient books, the Narad Panch-Ratna and the Shiva Purana.
Within the Bandhavgarh park is the ancient Bandhavgarh fort and caves. In the recent past, the Maharaja of Rewa last occupied the fort until it was designated as a National Park in 1968. The Bandhavgarh fort, enclosing an area of 560 acres, is an awesome sight. A visit to this fort is highly recommended for a person of any taste.
Surrounding the fort are a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys, and caves with inscriptions in an indecipherable language.. Legend : This is a fort dating back to the mythological era of Rama and Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that the two monkeys who created the setu, or bridge, between India and Lanka were also the architects of the Bandhavgarh fort. Rama and Hanuman used this fort on their journey back to their kingdom from Lanka, which was later handed over by Rama to his brother Lakshmana who came to be known as the Bandhavdhish - lord of the fort. Till recent years the Rewa rulers used this title for entry into the fort.
At the base of the fort is the monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven-hooded snake, known as Shesh Saya. Statues of all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu are seen in the fort area. 32 man-made caves, having inscriptions, carvings and paintings, surround the fort. In front of the Vishnu statue is located a pool of spring water, said to be the source of the stream known as Charan Ganga. This is one of the three perennial streams flowing through the park.
There are two means of getting to the fort’s entrance. The first being a jeep track which is not recommended for the faint hearted. The second a footpath, rising at quite a sharp gradient, is most preferred. This footpath begins from the left of Shesh Saya.
You will come across many other temples on your way up. There are three temples, belonging to the 12th century. Kabir Das, the famous saint, also lived here in the 16th century. Once inside the fort, you will be amazed at the vastness of the grasslands within. Do keep a look out for the small population of black buck. The view, from the fort, of the surrounding area is just breathtaking! Information for tourists : A walk to each of the numerous lakes within the fort boundaries is a possibility but then keep in mind the exit timings. For those interested in archaeology and other related subjects, this is heaven on earth. The religious minded also have quite a few surprises within the fort. TOP
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Bandhavgarh National Park (164 km. from Jabalpur)
The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India and aptly called White Tiger country. It is densely populated with other species like great gaur, or Indian bison, Sambar, Barking deer and Nilgai.. Introduction : The Bandhavgarh National Park, located within the district of Sahdol in Madhya Pradesh is nestled among the Vindhya hills. It came into existence in 1968 when the Maharaja of Rewa handed over the area to the government for its formation.
These areas consisted primarily of Sal forests, which are the main tree-cover, found in the entire park along with Bamboo. It was finally declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1993. Once this became a protected area, the animal population took a drastic turn and began to flourish. The wild population : The density of the tiger population here is the highest known in India and so aptly called White Tiger country. It is densely populated with other species like great gaur, or Indian bison, Sambar, Barking deer and Nilgai. This path is frequented by a lot of tigers and so check for the pugmarks. Transportation within : Park entry times vary according to season, depending mainly on the time of sunrise and sunset. Traveling within the park is possible in three ways – the first is your own transport with the guide preferable, the second is the numerous authorised 4-wheel drives run by the locals, available from the hotels and rest houses, and the third, and probably the best option, is an elephant ride. These should be booked in advance to avoid disappointments. Vegetation : The Bandhavgarh national park is a jungle consisting mainly of sal trees and it is only in the slightly higher reaches that it changes to a more mixed vegetation of sali, saj, saja, dhobin etc. There are vast stretches of grasslands and bamboo forests. This northern region also consists of a series of rocky ridges with deep crevices cut by perennial streams. The central portion of the park, consisting of the original 106 square kilometers and the fort, is still the main sighting area. This area consists of 32 hills and also some marshy stretches divided by large grasslands and a few water bodies. Best time to visit : The best time to visit the park is between December and February but it is the warmer months of April, May and June that are best for tiger and leopard sightings. Most of the animals are seen around the few precious water bodies during the summer months. Fauna : Bandhavgarh is blessed with a large variety of animals and birds. It is possible to sight tigers, leopards, gaur (Indian Bison), chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Dholes, nilgais, wild boars, chinkaras, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, chausinghas and ratels, among others. It is the density of the big cat population that has made Bandhavgarh famous across the globe.
Bandhavgarh is also a bird lover's paradise. Information for tourists : The park is closed during the monsoon season, which also coincides with the breeding season (June till November). The other reason for closure during this season is the torrential rainfall washing away most of the jungle tracks. TOP
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Bhedaghat
Waterfall at Bheraghat provides an unforgettable experience. The principal attraction here is the marble rocks.
Tradition has it that the famous ancient sage Bhrigu meditated here for many years. Some people equate the word bheda with sangam (confluence), and since the River Bavan joins the Narmada here, this place is named Bhedhaghat. Known locally as Bhedhaghat, this gorge on the Narmada River is 22 km from Jabalpur. Soaring in glittering splendor, they rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The sight is particularly spectacular on the night of full moon, when tourists throng here in large numbers. The best way to see the long gorge is by shared rowboat.
In the serene loveliness of the scene the sunlight sparkles on the marble white pinnacles and casts dappled shadows on the pellucid waters.
The eye never wearies of the startling effect produced by the broken and reflected sunlight glancing from pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue of the sky. Here and there veins of dark green or black volcanic rock seam the white saccharine limestone; contrast which only enhances like setting of jet the purity of the surrounding marble.. TOP
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Ghats
From where Mahatma Gandhi ashes were immersed in the Narmada and the venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939; the 12th century Mala Devi Mandir; Pisan Hari Jain Temples and Roopnath are some of the other places in and around Jabalpur which merit a visit.. Tilwara Ghat : The Tilwara Ghat locality is situated on the banks of the Narmada where Mahatma Gandhi ashes were immersed. There is an old Mahadeva (Tilwadeshwar) temple.
Jabalpur the pleasure resort of the Gond Kings during the 12th century is famous for its natural wonders Bhedaghat (Marble Mountains). They rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. Boating on a moonlit night, when the whole stretch of water is transformed into a sheet of liquid silver is a site to cherish is absolutely magical and enchanting. TOP
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Rani Durgavati Museum
Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati, it is her memorial and museum, which houses a fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics.
The museum has a good collection of artifacts and also has a section dedicated to artifacts and photos related to Mahatma Gandhi.. Collections : Rani Durgavati Museum was founded in 1964. The sculptures are ichnographically excellent and are eloquently executed. A 10th century red sandstone sculpture from Tripuri depicts the story of a gamble between Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. They are seated on the slopes of the Himalayan Mount Kailasha playing Chauser, a gambling sport. Brahma (the Hindu Creator of the Universe) and Vishnu are shown amidst clouds with their consorts Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) and Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) respectively, while Bhairava, Virabhadra, Bhringi, Ganesha, Kartikeya and other devotees look on with great curiosity. The sculpture makes the ultimate result of the game seem more interesting than the game itself. Shiva is made to lose the game, and expressions of delight are visible on the faces of Parvati and all the female attendants.
The cult of goddess Durga (worshipped as Shakti) gained prominence and became very popular in the middle Ages. In the Rani Durgavati Museum is displayed a 36cm high sandstone idol of Durga, a specimen sculpture of Kalchuri art, procured from Doni. Saraswati, the wife of Brahma, is the patron of art, music and letters. A circa 10th century A.D. sandstone sculpture of Saraswati is also on display in this museum.
Yoginis are lesser divinities in the cult of Shakti and this museum has the sculpture of a seated Yogini, portrayed with four hands with a lion at her feet. TOP
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