Singrauli is a city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is known as the energy capital of India, as it hosts many coal mines and power plants that supply electricity to the country. But Singrauli is not just a hub of industrial activity. It is also a treasure trove of natural and cultural heritage, with ancient rock-cut caves, scenic reservoirs, wildlife sanctuaries, and temples.
If you are looking for a unique and offbeat destination in India, Singrauli is the place for you. In this article, we will explore the best things to do and places to see in Singrauli, and help you plan your trip to this hidden gem.
Mada Caves: The Ancient Rock-Cut Marvels
One of the most fascinating attractions in Singrauli is the group of rock-cut caves dating back to the 7th-8th century AD, located in Mada tehsil of Singrauli district. These caves are carved out of sandstone hills, and showcase the artistic and architectural skills of the ancient people. There are four main caves in the group: Ravan Chhaya, Shankar Cave, Ganesh Cave, and Nauka Jharna Cave. Each cave has its own unique features and stories.
Ravan Chhaya:
This is the largest and most impressive cave in the group. It has a huge hall with a rectangular opening in the roof, which lets in natural light. The walls of the hall are adorned with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Durga. The most striking feature of this cave is the relief of Ravana, the demon king from the epic Ramayana, holding a veena (a stringed instrument) in his hands. This is a rare depiction of Ravana as a musician and a devotee of Shiva, and shows the cultural diversity and tolerance of the ancient people.
Shankar Cave:
This is a smaller cave, but equally beautiful. It has a circular opening in the roof, which creates a stunning effect of light and shadow. The walls of the cave are decorated with sculptures of Shiva and his family, as well as other deities and mythical creatures. The most notable sculpture is that of Shiva in his Nataraja (the lord of dance) form, with his four arms and his foot on the head of a dwarf demon. This is a symbol of Shiva’s power and grace, and his victory over ignorance and evil.
Ganesh Cave:
This is a cave dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. It has a small entrance, which leads to a spacious hall with a high ceiling. The hall has a large statue of Ganesha in the center, with his trunk holding a modak (a sweet dumpling). The statue is flanked by two smaller statues of his consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. The walls of the hall are carved with floral and geometric patterns, and have niches with smaller statues of Ganesha in different poses and forms.
Nauka Jharna Cave:
This is a cave that has a natural waterfall inside it, which gives it its name (nauka means boat and jharna means waterfall). The cave has a narrow entrance, which opens up to a wide hall with a low ceiling. The hall has a stream of water flowing through it, which falls from a height of about 10 meters. The waterfall creates a cool and refreshing atmosphere in the cave, and also forms a pool of water at the bottom. The cave is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The Mada Caves are a must-visit for anyone who loves history, culture, and art. They are also a great place to experience the tranquility and spirituality of the ancient times. The best time to visit the caves is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the caves are open for visitors. The caves are located about 32 km from Singrauli city, and can be reached by road. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person, and the timings are from 9 am to 5 pm.
Rihand Dam: The Scenic and Multipurpose Reservoir
Another attraction in Singrauli that will take your breath away is the Rihand Dam, also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar. This is a multi-purpose dam built on the Rihand river, located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The dam was constructed in 1962, and is one of the largest dams in India. It has a length of 934 meters, a height of 91 meters, and a capacity of 10.6 billion cubic meters. The dam serves various purposes, such as irrigation, power generation, flood control, and fisheries.
The most appealing feature of the dam is the scenic views it offers. The dam creates a huge reservoir, which covers an area of 466 sq km. The reservoir is surrounded by green hills and forests, and has several islands and peninsulas. The reservoir is also home to many aquatic and avian species, such as crocodiles, turtles, fish, ducks, and cranes. The reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The dam also has a spectacular sight of the gates opening and releasing water, which creates a roaring sound and a misty spray. The dam also has a temple dedicated to Van Devi, the goddess of the forest, near its base. The temple is visited by many devotees, especially during the Navratri festival.
The Rihand Dam is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature, and also appreciate the engineering and economic achievements of human civilization. The best time to visit the dam is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is high. The dam is located about 50 km from Singrauli city, and can be reached by road. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person, and the timings are from 9 am to 6 pm.
Sanjay National Park: The Wildlife Haven
If you are a wildlife lover, you cannot miss the Sanjay National Park, which is part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve. This is a national park that is home to various wildlife species, especially tigers. The park was established in 1981, and covers an area of 466 sq km. The park has a diverse terrain, with hills, valleys, rivers, grasslands, and forests. The park has a rich flora and fauna, with more than 300 species of plants and 50 species of animals.
The main attraction of the park is the tiger safari, which gives you a chance to spot the majestic big cats in their natural habitat. The park has a population of about 50 tigers, which are monitored and protected by the forest department. The safari is conducted in open jeeps, which are accompanied by trained guides and guards. The safari timings are from 6 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm, and the duration is about 2 hours. The safari fee is Rs. 1500 per jeep, which can accommodate up to 6 people. The safari is subject to availability and weather conditions, and prior booking is required.
Apart from tigers, the park also has other wildlife species, such as leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, deer, antelopes, monkeys, and langurs. The park also has a variety of birds, such as peacocks, parakeets, hornbills, eagles, and vultures. The park is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. The park also has a museum, a library, and a souvenir shop, where you can learn more about the park and its wildlife.
The Sanjay National Park is a place where you can experience the thrill and adventure of wildlife, and also support the conservation and awareness efforts of the park. The best time to visit the park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are high. The park is located about 70 km from Singrauli city, and can be reached by road. The entry fee is Rs. 50 per person, and the timings are from 6 am to 6 pm.
Getting There
There are different ways to reach Singrauli, depending on your location and preference. You can travel by air, rail, or road. Here are some of the options:
By air:
The nearest airport to Singrauli is Varanasi Airport, which is about 230 km away. You can take a flight to Varanasi from major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. From Varanasi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Singrauli, which will take about 4-5 hours12.
By rail:
Singrauli Railway Station is the main railway station in Singrauli, which is about 25 km from the city center. You can get regular trains to Singrauli from other cities in India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Jabalpur, etc23. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi, an autorickshaw, or take a bus to the city, which will take about 30-45 minutes1.
By road:
Singrauli is well-connected by road to nearby cities and states, such as Varanasi, Rewa, Allahabad, etc. You can drive to Singrauli by taking the AH45 or NH39 highways, which are four-lane expressways. The road distance from Varanasi to Singrauli is about 225 km, and from Rewa to Singrauli is about 210 km14. You can also take a bus to Singrauli from these cities, which are operated by private and state transport services.
Best Places To Stay In Singrauli
If you are planning to visit Singrauli, you might want to stay in one of the premium hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and quality service. Here are some of the best places to stay in Singrauli:
Hotel Silver Dollar:
This is a 3-star hotel located in Waidhan, near the Kothi Compound of Bilaunji. The hotel has 24 rooms, equipped with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a conference room, a restaurant, and a banquet hall. The hotel is rated 3.9 out of 5 stars by the guests, who appreciate the cleanliness, the food, and the staff. The hotel charges Rs. 3,557 per night for a double occupancy room.
Hotel Satya International:
This is a 3-star hotel located in Waidhan, on Main Road, Belaunji. The hotel has 20 rooms, equipped with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a lawn, a business center, and a 24-hour room service. The hotel is rated 3.7 out of 5 stars by the guests, who praise the rooms, the food, and the location. The hotel charges Rs. 2,633 per night for a double occupancy room.
Hotel The Lord:
This is a 3-star hotel located in Waidhan, on Vindhyanagar Road, in front of Sagar Hotel. The hotel has 12 rooms, equipped with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a lounge, a butler service, and a free parking. The hotel is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by the guests, who love the hospitality, the ambiance, and the facilities. The hotel charges Rs. 2,042 per night for a double occupancy room, and includes breakfast.
Hotel Surya Residency:
This is a 3-star hotel located in Bhagat Singh Colony, near the Singrauli Railway Station. The hotel has 18 rooms, equipped with air-conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a conference hall. The hotel is rated 3.8 out of 5 stars by the guests, who appreciate the cleanliness, the service, and the location. The hotel charges Rs. 2,500 per night for a double occupancy room.
Singrauli is a city that offers a unique and offbeat experience to its visitors. It is a city that combines the energy and heritage of India, with its coal mines and power plants, and its rock-cut caves and temples. It is a city that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature, with its reservoirs and forests, and its wildlife and birds.
It is a city that will surprise and delight you with its hidden gems and attractions. If you are looking for a destination that is different and exciting, Singrauli is the place for you. Book your trip to Singrauli today, and discover the hidden gem of India’s energy and heritage.