The saucer shaped valley of Pachmarhi, was discovered by Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers in 1857, and was developed as a sanatorium for the British troops. Dense forests and its inaccessibility for normal person had made it a safe place for hideout for freedom fighters like Rani Jhansi, Tatya Topa etc. Presence of 5 ancient caves had made it famous with the name of Pachmarhi where “Panch” means five and”Marhi” means caves. Its scenic beauty and climate had made it popular among Britishers during pre-independence era in summer season. The valley with it’s ‘not too cold but pleasant weather’ served as the summer capital of the central provinces during the British regime. The Victorian churches, bungalows and cemeteries left behind bring back remnants of the colonial past.
Feb-12-2011 we were off to Madhya Pradesh, before we left to board our train we didn’t realize that our trip may be that much exiting one which I still remember. If anyone asks us that which was your most memorable part of your college life, I bet that all will say the trip to Pachmarhi! Our train Bhopal Express Train No: 5432 was at 8: 00 pm and for that first Shanky reached my house by around 5:00 and we went to buy some snacks and stuff for our trip. As per plan Booze arrangements were to be done by Vikram, Sandeep & Shakeb. They arrived at my house and we all had a small shot of Vodka before going to station. After that all of us went to Hazarat Nizamudin railway station where rest of our mates was waiting. Raveena, Bhavana, Manisha and Aswathy along with her family were waiting for us in entry gate itself. After we reached we all went to platform No: 5, were our train supposed to come. As we were waiting for the arrival of our train our sir Mr. Alok Srivastava, who was accompanying us came and hand over our tickets and give some instructions but the all instructions were simply waste as none of us were in a condition to obey rules. We were so excited that while travelling, our co-passengers were simply tired of us and wanted to get rid of us as soon as possible.
By around 8:00 our train reached and we got into it and we all were waiting for it to move. Raveena was much excited about this trip because she was traveling by train for the first time, Aswathy’s father and sister were there to send off her. Suddenly the train started moving after all the ta!ta! Bye-bye was done. We all became free from our daily busy studying environment and finally our trip started. I would say that it was our Sir’s bad luck that he booked his berth in AC compartment and ours in sleeper, and so he missed all the fun we had. Soon after ticket checker came and checked our tickets Shanky opened the bottle of Magic Moments and soon the magic started. We started sharing our jokes and thoughts and all were in full swing. For the first time we got an opportunity to watch train yoga which was presented by Shakeb. And for that whole night Shakeb was meditating on his berth, but for what and why he was meditating is still a mystery to us as well as to him. Our talks and laugh become nuisance to other as it was late around 3 O’clock we decided to take a break.
At Bhimbetka we saw lots of rock shelters which were occupied by the early man, and life depicted in paintings. The Bhimbetaka Rock Shelters are a credible source of information about the pre-historic life of Indian civilization. These paintings boasts of the societal life of the people lived in that era. Mr. Tamatar explained everything so nicely and these rock shelters are included in the prestigious world heritage site lists of the UNESCO. The entire area is covered by substantial vegetation, has copious natural resources, natural shelters, with perennial water supplies. Bimbetka Rock shelters are classified as Lakha Juar group and Bhimbetka group, which depict an incessant progression of Stone Age cultures. These shelters are acclaimed as the oldest stone floors and wall in the entire world itself. The outstanding feature of this rock shelters are its downy nature with implausible contour, stunning tinges and feels.
Our rooms were booked in Pachmarhi, at a hotel named Misty Meadows. We reached the hotel around 4 O’ clock and we all get fresh and went to explore the market and surroundings of Pachmarhi city and also we went to Pachmarhi Lake. After having some fun and click shots over there we came back to our room and had our dinner. Then in our room we were having some chit chats and that night’s show stopper was the classic Teachers, which rocked the party with just 3 pegs(for some it was never-ending). We all started shouting and made the ambiance so energetic, our main motive was to make the night most memorable but it not only became memorable to us but also to the couples who were enjoying their honeymoon turned to a hell just staying next to our room. And we were advised from the hotel staff to be silent as others were complaining. And as all were tiered we decided to sleep. The main part of this night was that we all get to know each other well.
On the way to Dhoopgarh we go to explore a cave Bhrant Neer which was also known as Dorothy deep. This cave is depicting of animal paintings. At the time of excavation in 1930s, many microlith and pottery shards are found. The cave was similar to Bhimbetka. As it was said that we have to trek as well as crawl and all Bhavna stayed in the car itself, but we went. Here Shakeb lost his Ray Ban aviator and he became tensed. There was no lights in the cave so it was very difficult to find, even though we started searching for his glass and at last Sandeep found it but he didn’t gave it to him. We started playing prank with him and at last he began to cry then he gave him back his glasses.
After playing prank we left to the sunset point at Dhoopgarh which was the highest point in Pachmarhi.
After sunset we were going back to our hotel and Alok Sir was sitting in front of the jeep and we were having some chit chat. When shanky lighted his cigarette spark fall at Alok sir’s trouser and he got really panic at that moment, and which made all of us laugh for a while. When we reached hotel, Alok sir announced that he is going to organize a gala night for us. We were surprised as well as exited by hearing that news. We had some fun in the garden by riding cycles and swinging and all. After having fun in the garden all get ready for the party. We reached at the party Alok sir was at his full mood. Alok sir had made all the arrangements for the party.
After a hangover we woke little late by around 10’O clock and all of us got fresh up and we packed up our luggage as it was our last day in Pachmarhi. After having our breakfast we went to visit Handi Khoh , it’s An imposing canyon with a 300 feet high crag amidst a dense forest, Handi Khoh in Panchmarhi is endowed with marvelous scenery. The clinging rock face of this gulch is a haven of large beehives. Bounded by a deep woody forest, this lovely place is closely associated with Lord Shiva. The popular belief is that Handi Khoh was a lake earlier. An evil snake, which actually was a demon, was guarding the lake. Lord Shiva killed the snake and the fury of the divine battle dried up the water in the lake and the empty space assumed the shape of a handi (pot). The locals used to call it Andhi Kho that later took its present name. A magnificent ravine, Handi Khoh is a recommended place for those who love to be in a lonely place, where one could hear only the buzz of gushing water. Here there was a game stall in which we have to aim on a bottle with gullel, and only Alok sir won that competition.
After Priyadarshini point we went back to our hotel and as our bags were packed we checked out from hotel and had our lunch and said good bye to Hotel Misty Meadows. All of us were playing anthakshani on the way back to our railway station. As we reached near Bhopal we became dizzy as well as, we not at all want to go back Delhi. Our train was departing at 8:00 pm and we reached there around 7:30 and we had our dinner from Rush n Bite from Bhopal railway station. We get into the train and our 3 seats were far but somehow we manage to sit together.
Finally, the trip was coming to an end. We were not ready to accept this reality since we had such a lovely time. At the beginning of the trip we all were all acquaintance and by the end we became friends. Some of us were sleeping, some were drinking, some wanted to cry but were content, the trip was moving towards its last segment but there was something unique at this time. A vague silence, as if troops have lost the battle…….it is unexplainable! But, this is life, and as King Solomon quoted, ‘to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh….’
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Yeah, I'd always want to be there
Those were the best days of my life
Bryan Adams (Summer of ’69)
This was a great and memorable trip that none of us will and can never forget. Till this date when most of us are busy working for the daily bread this trip is the wine that helps us enjoy the meal.