Spending Interesting Time in Jabalpur

Jabalpur District 

Population: Approx 2 million 

The tropic of Capricorn transacts through Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the Centre of India the agglomeration boasts of a unique profile albeit being the 26th largest town.

Madan Mahal Fort

Picturesque, small and sleepy is how this town was described in the past. It has a history that did not make much impact on the annals nevertheless the seat of Gond Kings who wagered with the Mughals, and it was part of the 1857 rebellion as well as the freedom struggle initiated by Mahatma Gandhi.

The game of snooker originated here at Narmada Club and the tables are still there. Famous actor Premnath was born here. The famous actor brothers Kishor Kumar, Anup Kumar, and Ashok Kumar studied in Robertson College.   

Historic Empire Building

T

Old Hotel in Jabalpur

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Dumna Reservoir

The city is more of a conduit for tiger reserves nearby. Hence many continue onwards without a halt. And miss boating at the splendorous Marble Rocks, Dhuandhar Falls, and Chousath Yogini with ancient idols. They also miss safari at Dumna Nature Reserve, picnic at Pariyat Lake, and Madan Mahal fortress that takes you back in time.

Dhuandhar Falls

Marble Rocks 

Narmada River at Jabalpur 

Visitors who stay for a long time can spend birding in its forest confines or simply laze around the magnificent Bargi Dam. More adventurous would ride a speed boat or take a tour on the cruise.

Much cherished by erstwhile British rulers for its cool weather, natural landscapes, and dense forests with plenty of game. They established operas, bakeries, and small hotels during their heydays for much-needed entertainment. A well-laid infrastructure in terms of defense manufacturing, cantonment, roads, railways, hospitals, and schools was their departing gift.

The opera houses turned into cinemas and entertained the dwellers for a long time. They still do but as more sophisticated E cinemas in the malls. Much before the business hotels arrived with their own desi flavors and modern facilities. Eating out at restaurants became a fashion followed by diving into chunky morsels of fast food joints.

Jabalpur City has a unique flavor and a truly cosmopolitan character. You cannot miss this if you stay for some time. Mega Bazaars and Malls have struck the lifestyle here as at the metros. The desi chaat, samosa, and masala dosa stalls abound for the more traditional. For the emerging jet sets reputed fast food joints, plush bars, pubs, and fine dining restaurants are the places. For those midway Indian Coffee Houses, ideal meeting places are spread all over.

Spas, gymnasiums for quick workouts, clubs, and whatnot are available. Must-visit places are the business hotels with star facilities, Anantara Pub, and the Clock Tower Chinese restaurant the hallmark of the town.

The fast-expanding city still retains vestiges of the colonial era, and age-old structures paint the town with a sober brush. Nevertheless, Jabalpur grows at its own pace retaining flavors old and new. On your next visit spend a day here.

More About Jabalpur City

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve a Veritable Paradise

Quaint and sublime, the forests of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve are a veritable paradise on Earth. Hidden deep inside in remote access of Central India - the park is an amazing biodiversity hub.

Known more for its tigers, one can experience India's enchanting wilderness at best here. Every year thousands of overseas and local visitors arrive here for a tiger safari.

The scattered ruins enhance the esoteric charm of Bandhavgarh suggesting history that dates back 2000 years. A game round takes you way back into a turbulent past of Maharajahs amidst teeming wildlife.

The diverse flora changes landscapes with startling fervor as you move into the bush country, dense forests, and rolling grasslands. The marshy landscape accord immense beauty and it is here that you can see the tiger in the wild.

Known for Sal (Shorea robusta) trees and the moist deciduous types abound along with mixed canopy. Though the reserve encompasses a large area of about eleven hundred km the tourism zone is restricted to four hundred plus km. This is a big enough window to peek into the magnificent wilderness.

Deer, bison, leopard, sloth bear, and wild dogs share the kingdom of magnificent tigers. Birds abound and are a treat to watch as they emerge from the dense canopy in resplendent attire. Bandhavgarh is a bird-watching hot spot in India sadly neglected and suppressed by the enigma of big cats. More than two hundred species can be sighted albeit in different seasons. Migrants arrive in winter and depart before the summer peaks.

The visitor profile changes with the seasons, and nature lovers and holidaymakers arrive in the winter and festive seasons. Wildlife photographers prefer extensive sunlight in the summer months despite the heat. The park is busy throughout but holidays and weekends should be avoided.

The fort is in ruins now, and out of bounds for the visitors but one must drive up to Sesh Shaiyya on the way. This is an enigmatic statue of Lord Visnu carved out of a twenty feet long igneous rock. The ensemble or ruins consisting of temples, stables, caves, and zoo-morphic idols enchant the visitors on a jeep safari.

The reserve is a National Park and a conservation unit, declared a protected area for saving the tiger from the brink of extinction. The efforts have been successful despite many hurdles. You can see the transformation yourself on safaris. Tigers and other mammals are sighted with a greater degree of frequency.

A set of rules apply for tourists which one must follow. A limited number of jeeps are allowed to enter the tourist zones every day. Hence you must book the entry in advance.

Located in the Umaria District of Madhya Pradesh, the connectivity for easy access is excellent. The nearest airport and rail hub is Jabalpur City. The drive from Jabalpur is about 175 km.

At this amazing Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, luxury hotels abound for accommodation. The tourism infrastructure is proper and a good degree of comfort prevails making the destination tourist-friendly. If you are planning a holiday in India do experience the exotic wilderness at its best

here.