About:
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative writings.
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WATERFALLS IN M.P. TOUR
Madhya Pradesh is gifted with large rivers like Narmada, Ken and Betwa. Also, it has the tall Vindhya Mountain Range, thick forests, and plenty of waterfalls. These natural beauties are great attractions for the tourists. We had come across four waterfalls in our trip, and details of it are as under:
(1) THE RANEH WATERFALL:
Unfortunately, not many people know about this beautiful place called 'The Raneh waterfall'. It is one of the hidden destinations of India that people hardly talk about. However, if you have planned to visit the 'Khajuraho Temples', then you must see this place. I recommend that you should not miss the chance to witness one of the wonders of nature called Raneh falls.
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The Raneh waterfall is situated on the way from Khajuraho to Panna. The Raneh waterfall is approximately 22 km from the city of Khajuraho. It is about 44 km from the district of Panna and the last 6 kms of road from waterfall to Panna is narrow and rough. However, the prize at the end makes the ride worth it.
The waterfall marks the starting point of the Panna National Park, a green pristine forest that gives a glimpse of paradise. You are required to pay an entry charge for the vehicle and for the guide. Guide is a useful asset. Waterfall is about 5 km inland from the entrance and thus, a vehicle is essential. The waterfall is open for tourists throughout the year, however, the falls are in the best shape during the winters. The place is in full glory in monsoons but it's amazing in winters. It is closed during heavy rains.
Watch video of the waterfall by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot/videos/881701309495267/
The waterfall emerged at the confluence of Ken and Khudar Rivers. It continues further as the Ken River. It forms a 5 kilometres long, and 98 ft deep 'Grand Indian Canyon' by carving the landscape. The canyon is made of pure crystalline granite formed by volcanic activity. Granite is in varying shades of colours ranging from pink and red to grey. This beautiful colour combination is what makes the place look more stunning. There are a series of waterfalls in the canyon. The larger falls run all through the year. Other seasonal falls appear during monsoons and augment its beauty.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has done a great job to construct a couple of viewing platforms, or else, it would have been pretty risky. There is a forest department canteen which sells basics and souvenirs but please make sure you ask for the rate card.
You can find many adventure sports like cycling, trekking, camping and even enjoy many water sports near waterfalls. I overheard a tourist admiring the waterfall as 'so much better than all the temples of Khajuraho put together'. This is of course his personal view.
Lastly, let me give the bad news that this waterfall will eventually become dry. As suggested by experts, the Raneh Waterfalls may disappear in the future after the construction of another dam on the Ken River. There are already two dams on the river which consume a lot of water and therefore, cut the flow of the waterfall.
So plan out your tour now.
(2) DUNDHWA WATERFALL IN PANNA FOREST:
This is the second waterfall we saw in our current MP tour. It is located within Panna Tiger Reserve, and thus merged as one destination of Safari tour. This is where all safari vehicles halt for about half an hour at about 8-30 am. This thus automatically becomes a break point for breakfast. Clean washroom facility is available here for ladies and gentlemen.
The Dundhwa Seha waterfall inside Panna Tiger Reserve cascades spectacularly over a gorge of the same name. This is an outstanding natural beauty within the Reserve. The approach close to the bottom of the waterfall is restricted. Even reaching near railings was slippery. Our guide was co-operative and helped us, the senior citizen couple.
Watch video of this waterfall by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot/videos/452691696818919/
Watching this waterfall of Ken river was giving me feelings of happiness and sadness together. I was happy because I could see this beautiful fall during my lifetime. I was unhappy because future generations will see it dried out once construction of the linking project between Betwa and Ken river is completed.
I recommend that my friends hurry up if they have any plans to visit Panna forest.
We shared our packed breakfast provided by the MP Tourism hotel and started our onward journey of the forest to explore big cats.
(3) PANDAV FALL PANNA:
On the way to Bandhavgarh from Madla gate of Panna Tiger Reserve, at a distance of 5 km, we arrived at the site of Pandav fall. It is 14 km from Panna city & 34 km from Khajuraho.
Pandav fall is open from 8-00 AM to 6-00 PM every day. The Pandav Falls is a serene waterfall located inside the Panna National Park. Hence, the tourists are required to pay a fixed fee of Rs 50/- per visitor and also Rs. 200 for the vehicle. A guide is not required. Interestingly, if you have done Panna Forest Safari, your entry fees for Pandav Fall visit for persons and vehicles are included and registered. You need not pay anything if the vehicle is not changed.
Pandav falls is about one kilometre inside from the entry gate. Even thereafter, you have to climb down many steps to reach the pool of water where the water of this fall drops. Same number of steps you are required to climb up. This is a difficult job for senior citizens with knee problems.
Pandav Falls is a perennial fall fed by a tributary of the river Ken in Madhya Pradesh. The falls cascades down from a height of about 96 feet into a heart shaped pool. The falls is surrounded by lush green forests which are spectacular and available to watch even during peak monsoon season. The sight of this falling water is simply mesmerizing. The monsoon intensifies the beauty of this place and you can see the waterfall in all its glory. Somehow, the photos don't do full justice to the charm of this place. The serenity, purity and mystic atmosphere of the Pandav Falls attracts both the locals and the tourists. At the bottom of the falls on the opposite side are some ancient caves overlooking a large pool of water. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata are believed to have spent a part of their exile here.
Watch video of this waterfall by clicking this link
The place is ideal for an enjoyable family picnic at the sparkling pool. Swimming is however not allowed. Smoking is also not allowed at the falls due to the presence of bee-hives. However, one needs to be aware of the monkeys and bears around the falls, as paw marks of the bears can be seen on the trees surrounding the cascade.
The water in the pool has plenty of fish which reproduce more fishes and send them forward in the river. This waterfall does not dry up in the summer and so many birds in large groups are found here. Bears are common animals found here at night time.
There are no facilities for food around the Pandav falls, so it is better to carry food for a picnic at the falls.
Unique thing here is the water oozing from the rocks with no water flowing at soil level. It is claimed that the water is very cold and tasty to drink. I tried it myself and was pleased.
I saluted this place before leaving, because the great freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad had conducted a secret meeting here on 4th September 1929.
Dhuandhar Falls, also known as Smoke cascade, is an important place of tourism in the whole of Madhya Pradesh. The shade of this fall falling from a height of 30 feet is unique. The Narmada River, making its way through the world-famous Marble Rocks, narrows down and then plunges into a waterfall known as Dhuandhar. The plunge, which creates a bouncing mass of mist, is so powerful that its roar can be heard from a far distance.
The word 'Dhuandhar' is derived from two Hindi words - Dhuan (smoke) and Dhar (flow), meaning a waterfall where one can feel a smoky atmosphere. This smoke-like appearance of water droplets is formed by water from height on hard rocks. Water droplets or vapour look like smoke cascades. The water falling on hard rock causes the mist formation, and hence the name Dhuandhar or Smoke Cascade. The visuals of the bouncing mass of mist emanating from the river bed is a great sight to watch. The place is full of natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.
The waterfall when looked at a particular angle from the sides, in evening sunlight, shows a rainbow.
The fall is located at a distance of 31 km from the city centre at Bhedaghat, Jabalpur. There is no entry fee for visiting the Dhuandhar Falls. The fall is around 800 meters from the parking lot. Don't take any guide as there is no use. You have to step down many steps and climb upwards the same number while returning. This becomes difficult for senior citizens. Therefore an alternative route is also available where you can go right near the waterfall and park the car. The entry fees per car is Rs. 200/- and no parking charges.
One can access Dhuandhar waterfalls from the east bank as well as the west bank of the Narmada river. To view the other side of Dhuandhar Falls, one requires to take the cable car service available at Bhedaghat. The ropeway facility starts from the east bank of Narmada river, crosses the river and then drops tourists off at the west bank of the river.
Watch video of this waterfall by clicking this link https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot/videos/526622756000432/
We had seen this waterfall by cable car in our last tour of MP. This time we wanted to watch it closely and dip our feet in holy water.
You can come to this place any time of the year. Sharad Purnima is the perfect time to visit Bhedaghat waterfalls when Narmada Mahotsav is celebrated. The Tourists love the white marble that appears silvery when moonlight falls on it, making the place more magical. Boating here in Dhuandhar is a marvelous experience in the valley of the white marble which appears yellow during sunsets.
Narmada is one of the five holy rivers of India. There is a common belief that a dip in the holy river Narmada can wash away one’s sins. You will see some people taking a dip in the river.
This place is always full of tourists and also local people as it is an ideal place for celebrating a picnic with friends and family. There is a large open space in front of the waterfall.
Whether you go alone or with a big crowd, this scenic place is a must visit when you are in Jabalpur. Carrying the marble artefacts sold at Bhedaghat make great souvenirs making the trip more memorable and exciting.
Dear friends, here ends my short tour of Madhya Pradesh.
Watch my photos and videos and you will be inclined to visit these tourist attractions.
Goodbye, till my next tour!
- Dr Bharatkumar Bhate