Posted 07 November 2022 in Travel wanderlust

Twelve stunning waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh that will have you under a spell

The term ‘Madhya’ means central and ‘Pradesh’ means province. This state, residing in the very heart of the Indian subcontinent, covers about 308,245 sq km. With an average population of 72,626,809, it ranks 5th.

To call this central province bountiful would be a complete understatement. The existence of the Narmada River running east to west across the state makes all the difference.

Madhya Pradesh is famous for a lot of things, but nothing beats the presence of its extraordinary waterfalls. For quite a long time, the falls of Madhya Pradesh have remained secluded from the humdrum of city life.

Here’re the list of 12 waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh -

Patalpani Waterfall

The Patalpani Waterfall marks one of the most vital waterfalls in all of Madhya Pradesh. Located just 35 km from Indore city, it is an attraction for both locals and tourists alike.According to Indian mythology, the term ‘Patal’ means ‘underworld’ and ‘Pani’ means water. Thus, according to folklore, it is believed that the pit of the river runs as deep as the underworld.

Like many of the waterfalls in the province, Patalpani Waterfall acquires its beauty from the seasonal rainfall. The monsoon starting around July up until October marks the best time to visit this wonderful place.Not just this, but the area around the falls is also a perfect spot for a picnic.The heritage train running from Patalpani Railway Station, located only 200 m from the falls, gives the best view possible of the choral river, its ghats and the valley around.

Location: Indore
Best time to visit: July up until October

Dhuandhar Falls

The district of Jabalpur is home to one of the most magical falls in Madhya Pradesh. The Narmada River trying to make its way through the famous Marble Rock leads to the creation of the Dhuandhar Falls. Located in Bhedaghat, this 30 m high fall, when it plunges, creates a mystical ambience. The bouncing mass of mist is said to be so powerful that it can be heard from miles away.

The Narmada Mahotsava, celebrated during Sharad Purnima, is by far the best time to visit this enchanting place. The moonlight, on the Purnima or the Full Moon Day, when clashes with the marble rock is said to give out an appearance of silver aura like none other.

One of the best possible ways to take in the glory of the Dhuandhaar Falls is via the ropeway facility available at the entrance of Bhedaghat. The cable car service takes one from the east bank across the river to the west bank.

Location: Bhedaghat
Best time to visit: September to October

Pandav Falls

Pandav Falls, located in the Panna National Park, is fed by the tributaries of the river Ken in Madhya Pradesh. This 30 m high cascading waterfall is fed by local springs, making it viable throughout the year.The heavy rainfall received during the monsoon, and winter adds to the dense greenery around the falls, making it the best time to visit.

This fall, adjoined by the five caves, has great mythological significance. Legend has it that the Pandavas from Hindu mythology's Mahabharata sought refuge in these caves during their exile period, Agyaatvas.

Because of its beauty combined with mythological significance, the falls are visited by a chorus-full of tourists from across the planet. The distance can easily be commuted either by air, bus, or train. Khajuraho Airport is at a distance of only 30 km from Pandav Falls. For those travelling via bus or car, the Khajuraho-Bandhavgarh route or the Panna-Jhansi route is the best.

Apart from its splendour, one of the major points of interest here is the Panna National Park or Tiger Reserve. The handful of resorts in the park can make your stay quite mesmerising indeed.

Location: Khajuraho
Best time to visit: Monsoon seasons ( July to September)

Bahuti Falls

Bahuti Falls, located about 72 km from the city of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, is the highest among all. The waterfall, also known as the Indian Niagara, is approximately 198 m (650 ft) high.

Created by the Sellar River as it rushes down the edge of the valley of Mauganj into the Bihad River, these falls are truly a sight to behold. Bahuti Falls is a perfect example of a nick point caused by rejuvenation. It refers to the longitudinal slopes of a river caused by rejuvenation.

Adding to this, some of the attractions around Bahuti Falls are Rewa Fort and Govindgarh Palace. For those interested in safari, the white tiger zoo in Mukundpur, near Bahuti provides an experience of a lifetime.

Location: Rewa
Best time to visit: In between July to October months

Tincha Waterfall

Tincha Waterfall is situated in Tillore Tehsil of Indore district in Madhya Pradesh. This combination of a canyon, a valley, and the falls is no doubt a package deal for any visitor.

Like almost every other waterfall in Madhya Pradesh, the water flow in this region is highest during the monsoon. Therefore, the monsoon season from July to September would be the ideal time to visit this state. Conversely, the scorching heat of the summer season brings with it a dry spell, reducing the stream to a trickle.

Owing to its remote location, this beautiful culmination of hiking trails, farms, and ghats requires arranging for one's transport facility. The falls are surrounded by temples like Surya Mandir, Sri Mata Mandir, and Jai Ma Kali Temple.

Rajat Pratap Falls

Rajat Pratap Falls, commonly known as the Silver Fall, is located at Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. Just a small walk away from Apsara Vihar, it is a horse-tail fall with an average height of about 351 ft.

This beautiful go-to place for locals and tourists earns its name owing to the enchanting silver trail created as the sunshine hits the falling water. This scenic view is something to watch out for. Adding to this, the place is said to hold strong links to religious scripts, Hindu mythology, and folklore. Open from 06:00 to 17:00 hours, the distance to the Rajat Pratap Falls is commuted via cabs from the city.

Location: Pachmarhi
Best time to visit: July to October

Bee Falls

Another of the popular falls in Pachmarhi is the Bee Falls. More commonly known as the Jamun Pratap, this flow of water earns its name as it sounds like a bee from afar. With the added advantage of a sunset point, this 35 m high waterfall is only 10 minutes from Apsara Vihar.

Legend has it that this wondrous location was once visited and ruled over by the Pandavas during their exile. One of the most popular things to do here is dive into the bathing pools surrounded by shades of greenery. However, unlike most other falls, it is strongly advised to not visit this region during monsoon season as the water tends to get muddy.

Location: Pachmarhi
Best time to visit: July to October

Pawa Falls

Pawa Falls is found in the small town of Pori, just 40 km away from Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. The waterfall is about 100 ft high and originates from the River Pawa. This ginormous drop into a 500 ft deep tank-like structure, called Pawa Kund, is something one can admire in awe.

For all the adventure lovers and water sports enthusiasts, this site is just the place to be. Adding to the recreation, it holds a religious value because of the presence of Lord Shiva’s statue that is present nearby. Apart from it, some of the other popular visiting spots are the Chhatris (Marble umbrella), Shiva Temple, Madhav National Park, and Madhav Vilas Palace.

Location: Pori
Best time to visit: Late months of October and March

Purwa Falls

Like a gem among the waterfalls, this cascading downpour is situated in the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. Purwa Falls originates from the River Tamsa or Tons.

One can admire the gushing water over the Rewa plateau free of charge 24 hours a day. The falls can be reached using a bus from the Rewa Bus Stop or cabs available from the city centre. About 70 m (230 ft) high, this is another classic example of a nick point created by rejuvenation.

Location: Rewa
Best time to visit: October to March

Gatha Falls

The Gatha Falls in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh are also known as the Gatha Seha. Just off NH 39, this 91m high body of water has a way of luring travellers with its mesmerising beauty.

Gatha Falls, fed by the river Ken, is at its best during the monsoon. Not just this, the surrounding area is stocked with history. Some of the major points of interest around the Gatha Falls are the famous Khajurao Temple, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Panna National Park, Nand-Chand, Brihaspati Kund, and Ajaygarh Fort.

Location: Panna
Best time to visit: During monsoon

Kapildhara Falls

The Kapildhara Falls plunge from a height of 100 ft and originate from the holy Narmada River. Apart from those, two other rivers contribute to it, namely the Kapila and the Erandi. It is located in the Amarkantak district of Madhya Pradesh. Kapildhara Falls is visited by hundreds of tourists around the year owing to its touch of divinity. It is popularly believed that the falls have been named after the famous sage Kapil, who once inhabited the caves in the mountains surrounding them.

This ever-flowing cascade is set amidst low lying hills and heavy forests. However, one needs to be aware of the monkeys in the region. The best way to reach the falls is on foot from Amarkantak. Some of the best lodgings in the area are Sarvodaya Vishram Griha, Sri Ramakrishna Kutir, Ashish Palace, and Sal Valley Resort.

Location: Amarkantak
Best time to visit: September to January

Bhoora Khon Falls

Bhoora Khon Falls is one of the most attractive waterfalls in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. About 82 ft high, the water here is believed to have several restorative powers. Adding to this serenity, the presence of idols of Lord Shiva often gives this place a spiritual aura.

The view of the waterfalls rushing past certainly has the power to leave everyone awestruck. Moreover, for all the adventure lovers, a quick dip into the depth of the pool created by the falls can do wonders.

Location: Shivpuri
Best time to visit: July to September

The climate of Madhya Pradesh

This cultural heart of India has a subtropical climate with three significant seasons, namely summer, monsoon, and winter. The climate here is considered to be influenced by the Tropic of Cancer, which passes through the state, thereby making the summers extremely hot and the winters painfully cold. However, owing to this extremity, the winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal cause heavy downpours all over the state. This monsoon outbreak truly helps feed the innumerable rivers and waterfalls and makes the region permanently lush green.

How to reach Madhya Pradesh?

By Air

IndiGo seems like a superb choice for those travelling via air. The easy accessibility of the flights at regular intervals is truly a bonus to one's trip.

Here's a list of viable airports in Madhya Pradesh:

Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal)
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (Indore)
Jabalpur Airport (Jabalpur)
Gwalior Airport (Gwalior)
Khajuraho Airport (Khajuraho)

By Train

If you are someone who prefers to soak in all the picturesque beauty of the journey, then travelling via train is the best option. The state of Madhya Pradesh has a complete network of railway stations, accepting trains from every corner of the nation. A few of the major ones at one's disposal are:

Bhopal Junction (BPL)
Gwalior Junction (GWL)
Jabalpur Junction (JBP)
Indore Junction (INDP)
Ujjain Junction (UJN)

By Road

Madhya Pradesh offers some of the best-built roadways allowing the free movement of buses in and around the state and its cities. The city of Sarag is the one to aim for when travelling via buses.

The bottom line

Madhya Pradesh has a way of welcoming everyone into its fold. Often known as the cultural head of India, the state's offer of such a vast range of majestic waterfalls is worth one's time. Be it a silent solo trip or a family getaway, this is just the place to be. So, plan your trip and choose to explore the stunning waterfalls of Madhya Pradesh.