Jabalpur the capital and pleasure resort of the Gond Kings during
the 12th century is famous for its natural wonders Bhedaghat.
Bheraghat (Marble Mountains)
Soaring in glitter splendor, the marble rocks at Bheraghat rise to a hundred feet on
either side of the Narmada. The serene loveliness of the scene is one of cool quite, the
sunlight sparkling on the marble-white pinnacles and casting dappled shadows on the
pellucid waters.
In his high lands of Central India Capt J
Forsyth wrote of them: The eye never wearies of the effect produced by the broken and reflected
sunlight, now glancing from a pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue
of the sky as far from a point of silver; touching here and therewith bright lights the
prominences of the middle heights; and again losing itself in the soft bluish greys of
their recesses...These white rocks with views of black/dark green volcanic seams
rise to 30m on either side of the Narmada river and in moonlight produce a magical
effect.Boating on a moonlit night, when the whole stretch of water is transformed into a
sheet of liquid silver is absolutely magical and enchanting.
Dhuandar
Falls
The Narmada making its way through the Marble Rocks narrow down and then plunges in a
waterfall known as Dhuandhar or the smoke cascade. So powerful is the plunge that its roar
is heard from a far distance. The falls and the breaking of the volume of water at the
crest present an awesome spectacle of natures power unleashed.
The Madan Mahal Fort (1116 A.D) was built
by Gond ruler Madan Shah. The fort is very simple structure with out any ornamentation. It
commands a magnificent view of Jabalpur Township and the valley around.
Chaunsath Yogini
Perched atop a hillock and approached by a long flight of steps, Chaunsath Yogini temple
commands a singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged Marble
Rocks. Dedicated to Durga the tenth century shrine is decorated with exquisite stone
carving.
Tilwara Ghat
The Tilwara Ghat locality is situated on the banks of the Narmada where Mahatma
Gandhis ashes were immersed. There is an old Mahadeva (Tilwadeshwar) temple.
Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum
One of the largest tal in the city having historical importance is the Rani Tal; built
by the celebrated Rani Durgavati. The Archlogical Museum displays a fine collection on
sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics.
Excursion to Mandala
Mandla was the capital of the ancient Gond Kingdom of Garha-
Mandla early in the Christan era. The Gond Queen Rani Durgavati took here when her army
was concerned by Mugal forces under Asaf Khan in 1564. The fort here was built in the 17th
century and is surrounded on 3 sides by the Narmada River. It passed to the Marathas and
then to the British in 1818. The jungle has since taken over the ruins (only a few towers
remain) though there are some temples and ghats in the town. The Gond Raja, Hirde Shah
built a large palace in a commanding site nearby in Ramnagar(15 km) of which little
remains. Kanha national park is about 40 km from Mandala.