FEW UNDER- EXPLORED PLACES AROUND INDORE

 

Indore has much to impress the visitors within its bounds with its Lalbagh Chhatri, the Palace, the bustling bazaars, the special street food markets, but what lies beyond its urban limits is equally impressive. If you are done exploring what it holds within its ambit, it is time for you to set out to explore places in the outskirts of Indore.

The waterfalls cascading amongst the dense green woods, the wildlife adventure, lush green hills, historical monuments and places of pilgrimage are a few options to choose from. Choral dam, Patalpani waterfalls, the fort at Mandav, the temples and Ghats of Maheshwar and Omkareshwar have a beauty of their own. But if you are looking for some respite from the crowd, for some serenity and tranquillity then these places are worth visiting.

 

JANAPAV HILL:

I visited this place in monsoon and the scenic drive up the hill was mesmerizing. The lush green hills and the dense forest were in their full glory. This place is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Parshuram and has a temple dedicated to him. The pond at the top of the hill is said to be the originating point for the Chambal River.

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Janapav hill is the second-highest point of the Malwa plateau and offered us a spellbinding view of the sunset. It is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and trekkers and for those looking for some respite from the hustle-bustle of the city.

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RALAMANDAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

A couple of kilometres away from the concrete jungle, Ralamandal offers the feel of the real jungle. Laden with sandalwood and eucalyptus trees, it is bustling with animals like rabbits, sambar deer, barking deer, blue bull and sometimes if you are lucky you may spot a leopard.

Though biking and camel riding is done here, this sanctuary is better known for its beautiful trekking trail through the forest.

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BAMNIYA KUND:

Nestled away amidst the dense jungle, this beautiful waterfall is located around 50 km from the city. I first visited this falls on a trek organized by a local adventure group. The trek all the way to the falls was absolutely thrilling and tiring as well but the gushing water falling from 300 feet, collecting in a clear pool surrounded by lush green bushes and rocks were a sight for the sore eyes.

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SITLAMATA FALLS:

These falls are located in a village called Manpur about 60 km from the city. I visited the Sitlamata falls on a rainy day and the experience was worth it. There are three falls and three caves here that are believed to have been the hiding place of Holkar state Pindaris.

A well-built stairway leads down the main fall which is a beautiful sight in itself but then we took a narrow trek from there, amongst rocks and mud which lead up to unexplored, spellbinding twin falls.

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CHIDIYA BHADAK FALLS:

Another magnificent wonder of nature, Chidiya Bhadak falls is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. The sound of water plunging from a height and the gushing stream creates music of its own accord. This is one of the most beautiful yet most unexplored and a secret gem of Indore.

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HATYARI KHOH:

Such a lurid name is exactly what I thought too! But this beautiful waterfall turned out to be anything but uncanny. There is a local story that Hatyari khoh or the ‘killer gorge’ was used to imprison prisoners of war during the monarchy. 

This place comes with a package of horror stories and sweet-smelling hillocks and a gorgeous valley. The two falls at the right angle to each other are sure to fill your mind with serenity and peace. This waterfall also provides hiking and trekking opportunities for those looking for some adrenaline rush.

image source: Flickr