Destination Features

Sited in the geographic near centre of India, Jabalpur (pop. 1.1 million) is one of the major cities of the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh (pop. 39.6 million) and its defence related industries apart, is famous for Marble Rocks, a rocky gorge through which the river Narmada flows in profound silence. The region around Jabalpur is also known as 'Mahakaushal ' and gets its name from history being the native land of the great 'Jabali Rishi'.

Jabalpur’s claim to fame is the Marble Rocks, sited about 22 km from the city at Bhedaghat. Natural rock formations here rise over a hundred feet on either side of the river presenting a fascinating vista during the day when sun’s rays reflect off the smooth and milky white rocks and give it an bright gleam. While on moonlit nights as expert oarsmen row tourists across the silver nightscape transforming a mere boat ride into an experience of a lifetime. The sunlight reflects off the marble-white magnesium limestone pinnacles in the daytime, prompting them to cast dappled shadows on the pellucid waters, while on moonlit nights the white rocks produce a luminous effect, transforming the river waters into a sheet of liquid silver. The Narmada enters the Marble Rocks by dropping several meters, creating the Dhuan Dhar waterfall. To the north and south of Narmada lie the sylvan Vindhayachal and Satpura mountain ranges.

Jabalpur also has a considerable heritage of monuments and sites. Among them: the hilltop Madan Mahal Fort built by the Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116; Tilwaraghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939; Rani  Durgavati Memorial and Museum with its fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics. Also worth a visit is the Chausat Jogini or Sixty-Four Goddesses temple atop a hillock accessible via a steep flight of rock cut steps. The temple offers a singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged Marble Rocks. Dedicated to goddess Durga, this 10th century temple has exquisitely carved stone figures of deities of the Kalchuri era (248-524 AD).

Accommodation. A small town, Jabalpur doesn’t offer many options in terms of hotel accommodation. Among the more popular are: Hotel Kalchuri (Rs.800-1,000 per night), Hotel Vijan Palace (Rs.550-750), Hotel Mayur (Rs.175-225), Hotel Rahul (Rs.125-175).

u can any type of food to eat...poha jalebi as breakfast is very famous

beda ghat is the main offbeat..marble rocks