HIDDEN TREASURES OF INDIA Panchmarhi, in Madhya Pradesh Panchmarhi is a pulsating hill resort in the central state of India, Madhya Pradesh. Panchmarhi is far and away from the madding crowds. The hill resort is the perfect place to holiday in the lap of nature. The hill resort derives its name from the five Pandav caves. The hill resort of Panchmarhi lies in the Satpura ranges, at an altitude of 1,100m. At Panchmarhi there are tranquil forests along with deep ponds and lava hills. Formed of red sandstone, the valley, ravines and the maze of gorges at Panchmarhi are attractive. How to Reach This Place: The airport at Bhopal happens to be the nearest to the hill resort of Panchmarhi. The Bhopal Domestic Airport is a hundred and ninety five km away from Panchmarhi. The airport links Bhopal with Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai. The railway station at Pipariya caters to train transportation to Panchmarhi. Pipariya is the nearest railhead to the hill station at a distance of forty seven km. The excellent road network links the hill resort of Panchmarhi with other important places. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and buses services from private operators link Panchmarhi with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Transportation in and around Panchmarhi is easily available. You may take your pick from the taxis, jeeps and buses. In case you wish to do the sightseeing at your own slow pace and explore the trailheads hire a bicycle. Bicycles rides are amongst the most popular ways of enjoying the hill resort. Places of Interest: Pandav Caves: As the name, indicates there five rock cut caves are associated with the Pandavas. The Pandavas are believed to have resided in these thousand year old caves during their exile. Besides the Pandavas even the Buddhists monks are believed to have taken shelter here in the first century B.C. Now the caves are protected monuments. Priyadarshini Point: The vintage point was earlier known as Forsyth Point. Named after Captain Forsyth who discovered the beauty of Panchmarhi. The point offers a commanding view of the town and the region. One of the eye-catching sights is that of the Handi Khoh ravine. There are steep sides and a drop of three hundred feet!    Bison Lodge: The other landmark in Pachmarhi associated with Captain Forsyth is the Bison Lodge. The forest lodge of 1862 is now a museum. You may visit the museum for an insight into the flora and fauna of the Satpura region. At the Bison Lodge you may watch a film on wildlife in the open-air theatre.