RESTORING THE ‘QUEEN OF SATPURA’ — PACHMARHI

Set deep in the lush folds of the Satpura range, Pachmarhi—Madhya Pradesh’s hill station—is reemerging as a modern tourism gem. With projects worth ₹33.88 crore inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the “Queen of Satpura” is being transformed into a destination where natural beauty meets smart infrastructure and sustainable travel.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who led the inauguration, described the vision succinctly, “Pachmarhi is not only blessed with natural beauty but holds deep historical and cultural value. We’re working to remove infrastructural limitations and elevate it to global tourism standards.”

This makeover aligns with the national vision of “Virasat Se Vikas” (From Heritage to Development), with the goal of not just preserving history, but allowing it to fuel contemporary growth.

Tourism with Purpose

At the heart of the upgrade is a focus on visitor experience—from scenic beautification to practical amenities like potable drinking water, shaded walkways, and improved sanitation. ‘Pink Toilets’, run by Self-Help Groups, serve a dual benefit - ensuring hygiene for travellers and generating livelihood for local women.

Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, emphasized the state’s intention to make every visit memorable, “Pachmarhi has long been a favourite. Now, we’re ensuring it’s not just beautiful, but better equipped—comfortable, clean, and inspiring.” With over 2 lakh tourists already visiting in 2024, the numbers are expected to rise sharply as upgrades come into full effect.

Reaching New Heights

Pachmarhi’s highest point, Dhoopgarh, at 1,350 metres, is also being made visitor-friendly. A new water pipeline and pump house now ensure safe drinking water, while heritage sites like Jatashankar and Pandav Caves have seen the addition of thoughtfully designed Pink Toilet Lounges.

The town’s main entrance has received a facelift, and the iconic Satpura Retreat has been upgraded with a modern kitchen, restaurant, and swimming pool — creating a luxurious escape without compromising the site’s heritage. 

A 4km long stone-paved path, lit with ambient lighting and dotted with benches, has been constructed in the Jaystambh area at a cost of ₹10 crore with panoramic views.

 Green, Clean, and Conscious

Sustainability is the core. In tune with the World Environment Day 2025 theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the hill station is taking steps to become polythene-free. An automated RO water supply plant will provide reusable glass bottles for tourists—balancing ecological responsibility with modern comfort.

The eco-tourism hotspots in the Satpura Tiger Reserve - Handi Khoh, Bee Fall, Chauragarh are being equipped with new safety railings, shaded seating, amphitheatres, accessible ramps, and eco-conscious infrastructure — part of a ₹2.13 crore package.

From Heritage to Homestay

One of the most ambitious projects is the conversion of the heritage Hilltop Bungalow into a luxury homestay. With an investment of ₹6.7 crore, the space will now host four premium rooms, a restaurant, library, pool, and curated landscaping—offering visitors an immersive experience rooted in old-world charm.

A ₹9.9 crore Community Centre is also underway, envisioned as a multi-functional venue for weddings, cultural events, and conferences — complete with an indoor hall for 500 and an open lawn for 600 guests. Meanwhile, a central nursery at Hotel Glen View will aid the region’s greening and beautification efforts.

For the Wild at Heart

Adventure enthusiasts are not left out of this reimagination. Eleven new nine-seater Trex Cruiser safari vehicles, operated by MP Tourism, were flagged off by the Chief Minister. These will offer travellers a safe and comfortable way to explore Satpura’s wildlife and landscapes.

Pachmarhi 2.0

With this wave of improvements, Pachmarhi is evolving beyond its reputation as a scenic hill town. It is fast becoming a model of community-led, eco-sensitive tourism, where tradition meets forward-thinking design, and where every step feels intentional.