Incredible India: My visit to Jabalpur

The Indian state of Madya Pradesh is quite famous in the whole world for its natural beauty and historical monuments. Tourists from across the planet flock here to explore and experience the rich flora and fauna besides peeping into the great history and heritage of the land.

There are several places in Madya Pradesh that will woo the soul of wanderlust. But in this article let me provide you some information about Jabalpur- the land of the marble rocks.

Jabalpur may be reached from anywhere of India by road or railway. I had availed the Shaktipunja Express from Howarh (Kolkata) that departs at 2.30 pm, covers a distance of 1152 kilometers and reaches Jabalpur at 3.45 pm the next day. The train passes through West Bengal, Bihar and then enters the rugged highlands of Madya Pradesh. The journey is quite enjoyable as you will come across several terrains and cultures.

Once you reach Jabalpur station, hire a rickshaw or an auto to take you to a hotel nearby. You may stay at Russel Chowk, or near the bus stand which are the main centres of cosmopolitan activities. The hotel tariff starts from Rs 500 onwards. Few of the good hotels to stay at are Hotel Prestige Queen, Hotel Siddharth, and Hotel Utsav. As the place is dominated by Jain culture, most of the restaurants serve only vegetarian food, but believe me you will get a lot of different delicious cuisines.

Keep one day for the city tour. Hire an auto and visit the Durgabati Museum. It has a very good collection of artifacts. You can visit this museum everyday except Monday which is the weekly closure.

After seeing the museum, now visit the Madan Mahal Fort at the outskirts of the city. Climb 200 steps in a rocky hill to reach the ruins of a beautiful fort. The architecture and some of the stone carvings that still remain today will make you travel to the days of the Maharajas and certainly will make you nostalgic. There are a couple of temples around, you may see them too.

Next visit the Jain Temple. Here too you will have to climb many steps to reach the main shrine. As you have to climb the marble steps bare footed, avoid it during the day time as the scorching sun will burn your feet. There is a huge statue of Lord Mahavira inside the temple complex that catches attention.

Keep the next day to witness the marble rocks and the magnificent Dhuadhar water falls. Hire an auto or book a car from the bus stand or your hotel to reach the Vedaghat at a distance of 23 kilometers from the main city. It is better that you first go to the Dhuadhar water falls early in the morning. I bet you will simply be amazed at the beauty of this water falls courtesy River Narmada that originates at Narmada Devi Temple at Amarkantak in the Vindhayas. The grandeur of the waterfall will charm your mind and soul. You may even bath here, a little upstream or downstream.

Experience the beauty from the Ropeway too for a little expenditure of Rs 70 per head. You may buy some memorabilia from the so many road side shops. Vijay Emporium has a huge collection of exotic marble made items from chess board, lamp shades to statues. Take your lunch at the roadside restaurant and now come to Panchabati Ghat. Enjoy a lifetime experience. The boat cruise amidst the marble rocks will take you to a joy ride which you will remember the whole life. A forty minute ride will cost Rs 40 per head. You may book a boat all for yourself too but that may cost you around about Rs 400. While on the cruise you may even remember Phil Collins singing “Another Day in Paradise…” Spend the whole day here and return back to your hotel in the evening. Walk down the streets of the city in the evening and have a glimpse of the lifestyle here.

Jabalpur will indeed make an everlasting impression in your mind. Now you may visit the other places in Madya Pradesh like Khajuraho, Gwalior, Mandu, Indore, Amarkantak, Kanha Forest or simply move to another state in this grand tour of  Incredible India…