Pachmarhi

A good way to begin discovering is by taking a sunrise drive all the way to Dhoopgarh. Walk up to the highest point of this craggy cliff and wait for the dawn to demystify, to remove the hats of clouds and reveal the hills around. Wait for eagles to mark their territory and experience the sunrise magic that is best seen than told. This drive is a rather steep one and you could see a racing leopard, some really muscular wild bison and who knows what other wildlife. Most visitors come here for the sunset but it just doesn’t have the same magic.

There’s a little wayside lake reservoir, wild horses wallowing in their green carpets - a meadowy look to the whole place. Whether you see the place by car or share taxi or cycle or on foot, do take in the honeycomb shaped showers of Bee falls or trudge for a longer trek

to the amazingly located Duchess Falls. And hear your guide tell you stories about the Liril Ad model who died here. The Gond tribals who set up shop here early morning are terrifically well meaning and can regale you with stories of sloth bears and jungle haunts. For the religiously inclined, there’s Chota Mahadev, Jatashankar. Don’t miss the woman singing bhajans here and the man who plays on the flute through his nose.

Pachmarhi is the perfect all season getaway for a long weekend or a long holiday. It can be a quickie of a rejuvenator or a base for more activities. In summer, the forests change color and the winter has wildlife coming out in full bloom and gusto.