Jabalpur - City of the Rocks

Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is one of the largest and most important cities in the state. It is located on the banks of Holy River of Narmada and is around 336 km from Bhopal. Jabalpur has served as a capital to many ruling dynasties like Kalchuri and Gond. After 1817, Jabalpur was under the control of British who made it the commission headquarters of Narmada territory. The city is covered with mountains from all sides thus deriving its name from an Arab word ‘Jabal’, which means mountain. This shows that there should have been a trade link between Arabs and the city. You will also find many graves of Arab that further strengthens this. Another belief goes that a famous Sage named 'Jabali' lived here giving it the name Jabalpur. Jabalpur covers an area of 154 sq. km. The city has become world famous due to the presence of Marble Rocks on the outskirts. Jabalpur is also the closest to Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park that give the city an extra edge over other parts of Madhya Pradesh.

The temperature here in summers in the high thirties making travel in the city a bit uncomfortable for unprepared tourist. However monsoon season and winters are extremely pleasant for exploring the many attractions in the city. Shopping in the city is really an unforgettable experience as you get to buy things that you will probably not get anywhere else in India. The market places in the city have an olden time charm about them. Shop for locally made jute crafts, dress material with stunning zadosi embroidery and silver wares.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Attractions in Jabalpur literally cover everything from natural splendors to imposing monuments, from museums to historically important places. Jabalpur is a complete tourist package that mesmerizes one and all who come to this unique city.

Madan Mahal Fort: This 900 year old fort dominates the skyline of Jabalpur. Built by the Gond king, Madan Shah in the year 1116, it rests atop a rocky cliff. Madan Mahal Fort offers some enthralling views of the low-lying vistas below. Atypical of ancient forts, this edifice does not display any ornamental artwork or sculptured embellishments. It is the sheer simplicity of the fort that overwhelms one with a sense of calm and makes it worth a visit.

Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum: Built in the year 1964, to commemorate Queen Durgavati, Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum is a storehouse of various treasured relics. The museum is home to precious miscellanies like ancient sculptures and rare manuscripts. Antique idols of Gods and Goddesses that dates back to the 10th century are also preserved in the place. A section of the museum is completely set aside, to store objects and artifacts related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Pisan Hari Jain Temples / Pisan Hari Ka Mandir: This cluster of ancient Jain temples, believed to be nearly 150 years old, is set atop a hillock, 7 km from the city of Jabalpur. Located near the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, these temples owe their name to a poor lady. The word 'Pisan' in Hindi means 'to grind'. It is believed that the lady initiated the construction of the temples, with the money earned from milling flour. Today, the temples form a major tourist attraction of Jabalpur, mainly because of their beauty and religious connotation.

Sangram Sagar and Bajnamath: These medieval constructions were erected under the imperial regime of the famous Gond King, Sangram Shah. Built in a time span that stretches from 1480 to 1540, these ancient buildings stand at a distance of 15 km from the main city of Jabalpur. Their imposing stance is worth a sight. Aquatic birds like red crested pochards, coots and pin-tailed ducks waddle in the nearby Sangram Sagar Lake and add to the attraction of the place.

Chausat Yogini Temple: Positioned at the top of a hill and approached by a long stairway, Chausat Yogini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple, with its elevated location, offers some breathtaking views of the Narmada River and the marble-crowned landscape. This 10th century temple has deftly carved stone idols of Hindu deities, belonging to the Kalchuri period. According to legends, it has a secret underground passageway that links to Queen Durgavati's palace.

Tilwara Ghat: Located 12 km from the Jabalpur Railway Station, Tilwara Ghat is one of the places from where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. It sites on the holy bank of the Narmada and is famous for being the venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939. An ancient Mahadev temple (Tilwadeshwar) is located here and draws many visitors to the place. Some of its nearby attractions include Mala Devi Mandir, Pariyat Tank, Bargi Dam, Lamheta Ghat and Roopnath Lingam.

PLACES AROUND JABALPUR
Marble Rocks: Just 21 km west of Jabalpur, is a small village called Bhedaghat. The village is world famous for splendid Marble Rocks on the banks of Narmada River. Covered with dark volcanic seams of green and black, they tower to almost 100 ft above the soft flowing Narmada on either side. They are fabulous to look at during the daytime when sun sparkles on the pure white surfaces of these rocks. During the night as well, they give you a mesmerizing view under the moonlit skies. The Marble Rocks have been considered as one of the thousand places that you should see before you die. The best way to enjoy the sheer charm of these rocks is by taking a boat ride in Narmada.

Kanha National Park: 160 km southeast of Jabalpur, is famous for tigers and leopards. One can also see sambhar, chital, barasingha (different species of deer) and gaur (Indian bison). It is also famous for wildlife safaris and for bird watching.

Bandhavgarh National park: 197 km northeast of Jabalpur, is located amidst the Vindhya ranges. Though it is much smaller than Kanha, it has a higher density of wild cats.

SHOPPING
The Arab of India, Jabalpur is a merger of the terra firma flavour and the contemporary shopping hubs. They have the old bazaar that displays the traditional handicrafts and the ethnic collection of the state, and the glassy shopping malls satisfy the vision of even the most ardent shopper. Shopping in Jabalpur is a special experience that will surely take you to the higher grade. When you are in Jabalpur first try to indulge into buying something that is invaluable and posh and the answer to your search will definitely be the exclusive traditional artifacts of the state that includes the toys and terracotta items. You should not miss buying the Chanderi and Maheshwari saris that are an exclusive of Jabalpur, and due to modern influence losing its due importance. The crafts of Jute and the silver and brass ware items should also be purchased. Go to Mrignayani, which is a government emporium for handicrafts especially jute items. The old bazaars in Jabalpur are the ideal place for the antiques and other items that are traditional. The vociferous chowks and the strident Galis are the perfect way to buy inexpensive items.

GETTING THERE
By Air: Jabalpur has its own domestic airport and receives regular flights from Delhi, Bhopal and other major cities of India.

By Rail: Jabalpur railhead is situated on the main Mumbai-Howrah line and most trains on this line have a stop here. There are overnight trains running from Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi.

By Road: Transport Buses from almost all cities of Madhya Pradesh frequent to Jabalpur. Some private transport operators also have their luxury and semi-luxury coaches plying in and out of the city.