The Grand Canyon of India
Bhedaghat....A nature treasure!!
Photo: Marble Rock in Narmada at Bhedaghat
Well known for the splendid and magnificent waterfalls, Bhedaghat in
Madhya Pradesh is famous for its striking marble rocks which are 100
feet high and located on either sides of the river Narmada. The place
looks more beautiful when sunlight falls on these marble white rocks and
contrives shadow on the waters. These white rocks with black and dark
green volcanic seams look splendid and create a magical effect on
moonlit nights. The Narmada River flows gently through these lofty
marble rocks and a little distance away, the water becomes roiled as it
plunges in a mighty waterfall famous as Dhuandhar. The waterfalls and
the breach of the water volume at the top offer an excellent vision of
Nature's power set free.
Photo: Dhuandhar waterfall, Narmada River
Nature seekers can also enjoy boat ride activities from November to
May as boating during moonlit night through the marble rocks would
surely give you a memorable experience. A rope way or cable car is also
available here that takes through the gorge making an unforgettable
experience of exploring the marvel of nature and striking sight.
Situated
near the famous Marble Rocks in Jabalpur MP, Chausath Yogini temple
complex is an open sky circular courtyard atop a hill. It is dedicated
to Goddess Durga. Right in circular fashion is a row of idols of
attendants of Goddess Durga called Yoginis. Lord Shiva temple is in the
center. The lawa stone idols were plundered and disfigured by Moghul
invaders.
Photo: Chausath Yogini temple
Chausath Yogini temple complex are ruins of ancient dynasties that ruled Jabalpur. The temple in the center dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati was built by the Kalchuri dynasty in the 10th century AD. The idols of Yoginis are exquisitely carved and exhibit marvelous iconography in spite of being disfigured by the Moghul invaders. There are in total sixty four statues, but most of them have been plundered.About hundred and fifty steps lead to the complex which dates back to 1000 AD. The courtyard offers panoramic view of the Gorge at River Narmada and the surrounding landscape. The Gond Rulers of Central India were regular visitors to the complex during their rule. An inscription commemorating the visit of Gond Queen Durgavati can be seen in the sanctorum. A short distance from Marble Rocks, one can easily visit and observe the marvelous complex while on tour. Most of the visitors to Marble Rocks and Dhuandhar Falls visit the Chausath Yogini Temple.
Interesting facts
- The famous tourist attractions of this place are Dhuandhar Falls, Marble Rocks and the Chaunsath Yogini Temple
- One of the popular song ‘Raat ka Nasha Abhi’ from the bollywood movie ‘Ashoka’ was shot in Bhedaghat amidst the marble rocks by the Narmada River
- In the year 1961, the hit song of the film ‘Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai’, featured by Raj Kapoor and Padmini was also shot here
- Another hindi film ‘Pran Jaye Vachan Na Jaye’ was also shot in Bhedaghat
- Come and explore the most famous marble rocks of Bhedaghat which looks very beautiful on a full-moon night. Viewing Marble Rocks with black and dark green volcanic seams give a unique experience and therefore its worth to visit while you’re on a Bhedaghat tour.
- You can board a rowing boat and enjoy a short boat tour and the view of glistening marble rocks. Lies across the river Narmada, these rocks have been emerged as a famous tourist destination.
- Tourists can enjoy boating on the Narmada River and experience the magnetizing natural beauty.
- The guide narrating a story of love in a comic style is one of the most interesting parts which add more fun to your boat ride on Narmada through Marble Rocks.
- At some point, you may come across the Bandar Kodini Point where the cliffs come closer and from there monkeys are capable enough to jump across.
- Another rock formation like a deer (Miran Kunch), Hanthi ka Paon (Elephant Foot), the horns of a cow and the Horse's footprints that are also worth to visit once.
- Another major tourist attraction to explore here is “Dhuandhar Falls” (smoke cascade), which enthrals every tourist with its breathtaking views. You’ll get thrilled viewing the Narmada River, which passes through narrow passage and makes fog and sound. So, get shuddered by viewing the power of the waterfall and thundering sounds of the falls.
- If you seeking for religious spot in Bhedaghat, then visit Chausat Yogini Temple which stands on the hillock, overlooking the exhilarating view of marble rocks and Dhuandhar Waterfall.
- On arrival at Bhedaghat main road, you’ll come across several shops from where you can buy marble handicrafts and religious icons.
- Never go into water blindly, without knowing the depth and geology, even if you are a finest swimmer. Don`t compare yourself there with the local kids. I had personal experience, i just gone 15meter inside and suddenly one invisible rock hit on my leg, I was flown away by the force of water and thereafter lots of rocks only, and you can not swim there.
Roapway trip Across Waterfall Bhedaghat
A
roapway is built across the Bhedaghat dhunadhar falls suspended from 3
towers and across the 500 meters span. Travel is roapway offers majestic
views of the waterfall and marble rocks from the top. It is an
excellent photo opportunity to shoot the massive volume of narmada river
cascading down the rocks. The roapway return drive costs Rs 75 and is a
recommended option. Roapway connects old Bhedaghat with hill on the new
bhedaghat. You can have snacks on the Gopala restuarant and enjoy the
views. Roapway closes at 6:00 PM, hence ensure to comeback before 6 PM.
Tips for Boating in Jabalpur Bhedaghat Narmada Marble Rocks
If
you visit Jabalpur, the most important activity after visiting the
Bhedaghat dhunadhar waterfall is to do boating in Narmada. Following are
the main points and attractions covered in Boating in Bhedaghat
Boating in Narmada Bhedaghat - Top 10 Attractions Points & Recommendations
1.
It is recommended to go for one hour Boating, which costs Rs 800 + Rs
50 tip, In this one hour boating trip only you witness white marble
rocks, where lots of shootings of movies has taken place. It is a really
amazing place, you pass through pure white marble rocks on both sides
in absolute peace and calm. On a full moon night, the place looks
amazing with moonlight reflecting from the marble rocks and reflection
of mable rocks in water makes the whole place look amazing.
2.
While you navigate, the Mallah sings and does local poetry to tell the
various events, it is fun to listen to them and worth the salt.
3.
The half an hour boating costs Rs 400/- and boat takes you upto a rock
on which shivling is erected. It is said that shivling was esteblished
by a devotee on the rock about 1950s.
4.
Half an hour journey starts with Sky blue rocks on the Left hand side,
then followed by Pink marble rocks, shiva, Ganesh Natural statues.
Where to Stay
Tourists can enjoy a comfortable accommodation near Bhedaghat as there
are few luxury hotels that offer comfortable stay with luxury
facilities. A number of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses are there in the
city that caters to the needs of all kinds of visitors.
A few popular options to stay near Bhedaghat are: - Motel Marble Rocks
- Hotel River View
- Hotel Jabali Palace
- Hotel Narmada Jackso
- Samdariya Hotel
- Hotel Sidharth
- Hotel Vijan Palace
- Hotel Kalchuri Resid
How to Reach
By Air: Jabalpur Airport (34.1 Km) is the nearest airport to reach the destination
By Rail: Jabalpur Railway Station is the nearest railhead, which takes 20.8 Km to reach the destination
By Road: Ranjhi Bus Stand (27.9 Km) is the nearest route to reach the destination.
Best Time to Visit: October to April is the best time to visit here as during this time, a large number of tourists flock here to experience the pleasant views of the Marble Rocks through boating.
Timings
- Boating Time- Day- 8 AM to 6 PM
- Cable Car Timing- 11 AM to 6 PM
- Boating is not allowed during monsoons