This is the continuation of the article written with the same headline.
For people, who haven't read the former article, I could only write about the first two days of our ride which ended at Serene Maheshwar, situated on the bank of river Narmada in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
On 8th January, early morning at around 05:30 AM, we full throttled towards the only the Hill station in Madhya Pradesh.
"Panchmarhi" - The name is derived from Mahabharat and named after Pandavas. As they spent few years of their exile in these region nestled in and around the exotic Satpura ranges.
The map pointed at roads taking us through the hinterlands of Madhya Pradesh.
This ride was one of its kind, we passed through tiny hamlets. Where children played, mothers feeding their tiny tots under the shade of huge trees or near their farm. Where every hut had a tulsi plant in front of it. Old folks sitting on Charpai (bedstead) near the school or the panchayat room.
I could remember reading our Bal Bharati Hindi and Marathi Textbooks. How it took us to rural India through the eyes of our teachers.
It was hectic and nasty ride, most of the roads were under construction or maintenance under the "Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna" One Bumpy ride.
Due to the not so good condition of the roads, we were late. We also started experience some sort of a problem in our bike. It got dark and on the way we found a garage. The owner suggested that we rest at "Pipariya" and get the bike repaired. The owner also helped us with the authorized dealer of "Hero."
We got a room for Rs.500 near the bus depo at "Pipariya." Forgot the name, it was some Regency. The room was good. I would rate it as 4 out of 5.
I dived on the bed and went to sleep. This is the kind of sleep is the best part of hectic rides. You just need to lie on the best and sleep brings its blanket with it in a matter of seconds.
Early morning, my friend woke me up and we both got ready to leave by 06:00 AM. It was sharp six, after warming ourselves near camp fire, we left for "Panchmarhi."
It was pitch dark and we were welcomed with Sign Boards telling us to go slow to avoid hitting any animals in the dark. Few boards also had a picture of tigers. That reminded me of our ride through the "Melghat Tiger Reserve."
But the darkness here was scary and challenging for us. On top the temparature was some what 7 degrees.
We wanted to stop but could not due to the darkness. The coldness grew as we cross every milestone on the way.
Finally after riding for few hours, darkness made way towards its exit and we were able to able to see some light.
We continued our journey towards "Panchmarhi". We knew deep down that we were near. The fogs were getting cleared and we could see the Satpura ranges around us. The typical and beautiful Satpura -
I was not finished enjoying the sight of the mountains and I saw this .
After crossing this line, we saw some population.
And we also received a Hollywood type of Welcome. The roads were our red carpet.
I mean this.
During Monsoon, I am sure, this would be one scene from a movie, full of Waterfalls.
Don't you think, it is saying something.
You must have heard the phrase - Mountains are Calling and I must go.
Yes. I will be coming to this place again during Monsoon.
Hill stations needs bike to explore and my friend, we did so much, we covered so many spots on it.
Everything in Panchmarhi is managed by the Government. The Gypsy ride, entry to various spots should be paid in advance.
We headed to the "Bee Falls" but you should have a ticket for it paid at the Museum. The entry to the Falls start at 09:00 AM.
However, please note that bikes are not allowed till the end. You will have to park your bike few KM ahead of the fall. Four wheeler are allowed though.
So we had to trek for 2 KM to reach the entry point of the Fall.
To reach the bottom of the Fall, you will have to do some work.
The water was chilling cold and I was the only one to went to the foot. It was safe as the flow the water was weak. However, it is in its full strength, I think we should avoid going towards the foot of this hill.
From here, we went to Pandav Caves.
I was dead on one foot.
Somehow, we left for Bedaghat in the afternoon.
We did a mistake of not halting and searching for a room before Bedaghat.
Rates at Bedaghat were sky rocketed by then. We reached there closed to 09:00 PM and we were in a state of fix.
My friend logged in to his OYO account and located a hotel offering a standard room at Rs.550 near to Jabalpur city. This added few KMs and a toll on us and the bike as well.
The hotel was great. We had a Giant Punjab Thali and went off to sleep.
I liked the property. It was well maintained. The only shortcoming was the lack of hot water in our room. I guess, this is the reason it was priced so low. The guest service guy got us a induction Coil to heat the water.
While in our room, I searched for some historical spots near Jabalpur city and we learnt about Rani Durgavati Palace and the Balancing Stone which was half a kilometer near the hotel.
So it was on our list the next morning, before leaving for Bedaghat.
As I have written in my former article that the highlight of this trip was the people.
We met some great people near Balancing Rock & Rani Durgavati Palace.
First, I'd like to share the picture of the rock and the fort.
We had a great chat with the care taker of this military outpost.
This outpost also has a secret passage built on the top.
One person could pass through this gap. I did try and I was able to.
The outpost is not in a good condition. The care taker told us about the situation and how Archaelogical Survey of India trying hard to rebuild this place to its full glory.
We explored the other parts of the fort and clicked few pictures. In hurry, we left this place.
Finally, it was time for Bedaghat. On the way, we stopped at Tilmara Ghat. Which was quite and unique.
From Tilmara Ghat to rode towards Bedaghat.
You will find Dhuan Dhaar Waterfall, when coming from Jabalpur.
I have no words for it. Was Spell Bound by the view of the fall.
The Sound is still Fresh in my Mind. For it to remain fresh, I go through the video again and again.
Finally, the tick on the list with this picture.
Sat here for a some hours. Washed my hands and feet and left towards Mumbai.
This is the way the road trip to the "Heart of Incredible India" came to an end.
I could go on writing more as riding towards Mumbai was one exciting experience.
But I'd like to end this piece here with this picture of mine.
There are lots of things that touched me during the entire trip.
First thing, would be the people of Madhya Pradesh. They were very Helpful.
Second would the food. The Khatti Meeti Daal, Daal Baafli at Maheshwar I cant forget the taste. Such foods make people return often.
Third would be the roads. The State and National Highways are in good shape for most part of our trip. Yes, work going on, on some patch we came across. Inner village roads are under constructions and decent.
Fourth, I would say, the government has done great work when it comes to their State Tourism. I believe they are going to achieve a feat in this field.
Madhya Pradesh. You were great.
Regards,
Bonny John
oldschoolindian
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