Jabalpur, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is a prominent city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s an ideal destination for a fun-filled getaway with friends. This Delhi to Jabalpur trip with friends was a truly enjoyable and memorable one. We typically opt for train travel when journeying in groups, as it allows us to immerse ourselves in scenic beauty, savour diverse cuisines, interact with people from different cultures, and observe the unique aspects of Indian society. Indeed, train travel in India offers an unparalleled and exciting experience.
The Beautiful Jabalpur City
We spent three days in this incredible city of Jabalpur and this is what we found. Jabalpur is a city in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is bordered by Katni to the North, Umaria to the North-East, Dindori to the East, Mandla to the South-East, Seoni to the South, Narsimhapur to the south-west and Damoh to the north-west. Jabalpur is also a District, second most populous District in Madhya Pradesh. The High Court of the state of Madhya Pradesh is located here.
Places of interest in and around Jabalpur
Jabalpur has been accredited as the most favourable city for tourism in Madhya Pradesh as it is gifted with abundant natural beauty having hills, rivers and waterfalls. It also has a number of temples and historical monuments to attract tourists. Some of these places are as follows.
Bhedaghat. Bhedaghat is located 25 km from Jabalpur city and is a major tourist attraction, on the banks of the river Narmada. It is known for its marble rocks. This place is famous for movie shooting also.
Dhuandhar Falls. The Dhuandhar Falls in Bhedaghat is a well-known sight where one witnesses beautiful scenery and complete tranquillity. The beautiful falls is rough yet calm, soft yet loud and undoubtedly breathtaking. The Narmada River after passing the Marble Rocks narrows to become a smoky waterfall thus the name Dhuandhar falls. The boat ride is available from the Panchavti ghat, in which you can see a long marble gorge on the river Narmada, except during the monsoon, when the water level reaches a dangerous mark.
Chausath Yogini Temple. The Chausath-Yogini temple is situated atop a hill rock and is approached by a long flight of steps. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 10th-century temple has carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period, arranged in a circular order. According to local legends, this ancient temple is connected to the Gond Queen-Mother Durgavatis palace of Singaurgarh in Sangrampur as well as to the Maharaja Madansahis Madan-Mahal bastion through underground passages. These passages offered safety to the visiting royalties in addition to allowing an escape route in times of distress. One can see the figures of yogini most of the broken during the Aurangzeb period.
Madan Mahal Bastion. Built by the Gond ruler Maharaja Madan Sahi in c. 1116 CE atop a rocky hill, the bastion dominates the skyline. The building is supposed to have been a part of his pleasure resort cum watch tower. The building is a plain and simple structure without any ornamentation. It stands now like a watch tower on the summit of a hill poised on two gigantic hills, the upper part of which on one side overhangs the base and commands a magnificent view over the rich valley around. Looking at the structure and location of the building, it appears that it indeed served as a watch tower. At a short distance, an Ashwa-Shala (stable) exists and a Hathi-Khana (elephant cell) exists where the LIC office stands today. Close by is a Baoli (step-well) for a constant supply of fresh potable water to the bastion.
How to Reach Jabalpur
How to Reach Jabalpur by Air
Jabalpur has an airport called Dumna Airport which is located about 20 km away from the main city. This airport connects the city with the rest of the country by air. The flights from Delhi and Mumbai to this city is on a regular basis. Tourists and visitors can avail taxi services from the airport to go to any part of the city as well as the tourist attractions. Several airlines operate direct flights from Delhi to Jabalpur Airport. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
How to Reach Jabalpur by Train
The Jabalpur Railway Station lies on Mumbai-Howrah line that runs via Allahabad. Jabalpur Railway Station is an important rail junction of the state as it connects Jabalpur to major Indian cities like Delhi, Nagpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Patna, Bhopal and Lucknow. The Jabalpur Railway Station is located very close to the main city centre. If you are going from Delhi, several trains connect the two cities, with journey times ranging from 14 to 16 hours.
How to Reach Jabalpur by Road
Jabalpur is connected to major Indian cities like Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Aurangabad, Kanha and Bandhavgarh by regular interstate bus service. Passengers can avail Volvo buses to ply between Jabalpur and Nagpur. Also, the city offers direct bus service to attractions like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench National Park, Pachmarhi, Satpura National Park, Amarkantak, Khajuraho, Panna National Park etc.
For the adventurous souls, a road trip from Delhi to Jabalpur is a fantastic option. The journey is around 900 kilometres and takes approximately 15-16 hours. You can enjoy scenic views, stop at historical sites like Agra Fort and Gwalior Fort, and savour delicious local cuisine along the way.
Where to Stay in Jabalpur
Jabalpur offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from budget-friendly guest houses to luxurious hotels. Our stay was at a hotel in the centre of the city from where we could easily go to the important tourist places easily Some popular choices include Hotel Imperial, Hotel Swayam, Arihant Palace, Hotel Green Park and many more. All these are budget hotel and there are luxurious hotels as well as home stays are available. We stayed in a budget hotel in the centre of the city from where the Madan Mohan Fort was very nearby.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jabalpur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
Few Travel Tips
Packing Essentials: Pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
Transportation: Rent a car or hire a taxi to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Budget: Plan your budget in advance, considering accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.
Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially during night outings.
To Sum Up All
Ours was a truly enjoyable trip. In conclusion, a trip from Delhi to Jabalpur offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the magnificent Marble Rocks and Dhuandhar Falls to embarking on wildlife safaris in Kanha and Bandhavgarh, there’s something for everyone. The city’s rich heritage, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway with friends. So, pack your bags, set off on this exciting adventure, and create lasting memories in the heart of India.
