Jabalpur is one of the most important tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh and Central India, known for the famous Marble Rocks, various picturesque ghats, waterfalls and gorges of the Narmada river, and some noteworthy medieval historical monuments. One of the most unexplored yet gobally significant aspects of the region is its extensive geological heritage, its unique rock formations and fossils.
As Jabalpur is connected with major cities of India through rail, road and air, it has always been preferred as a gateway for wildlife tours in Central India. Consequently, Jabalpur is a convenient base for the visitors to the world-renowned tiger reserves such as Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and Pench National Park as well as the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh in terms of area, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a part of the recently notified Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
Very well known among the geologists and palaeologists for its unique rock formation, called 'Lamheta Formation', and dinosaur fossils. Included in the tentative lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with Marble Rocks.[2] Major attractions of the Lamheta Ghat area are-
Lamheta Rock Formations - The Lameta Formation was first identified in 1981 by geologists working for the Geological Survey of India (GSI), G. N. Dwivedi and Dhananjay Mahendrakumar Mohabey.
Beohari Temple Complex - Many temples and stone-ghats were built by the Beohar clan, the ex-Jagirdars (pre-1947) of Jabalpur.[3]
Jabalpur and Nagpur are known as the gateways to the dense and famous jungles of central India, known around the world for its tigers. Many of the prominent national parks and reserves of the region are located near Jabalpur.
Kanha National Park - 120 Kilometres: One of the nine initial tiger reserves designated under the Project Tiger in 1973 and among the best managed reserves in the country. The reserve was originally created to protect the endangered and endemic subspecies of Swamp Deer.
Bandhavgarh National Park - 165 Kilometres via Shahpura: Carries one of the desnsest tiger populations and offers highest chances of tiger sighting. Recently discovered ancient sculptures are of immense archaeological importance.
Pench National Park - 197 Kilometres: The world famous jungle boy Mowgli, a folk hero, belonged to this area. The reserve came to limelight in 2008 when Davi Attenborough's Tiger: Spy in the Jungle was released.
Panna National Park - 231 Kilometres: Known for the milestone in conservation efforts by bringing tiger population from zero in 2009 to around 50 in 2019. It is also a stronghold of the critically endangered vulture species of India.
Satpura Tiger Reserve and Madhai (225 Kilometres via Gadarwara) - An important tiger reserve covering Pachmarhi and the surrounding hill resorts. In 2015, Barasingha was reintroduced from Kanha.
Jamtara Ghat, located at the confluence of the Narmada and its tributary Pariyat (Pariyatra). The nearby Bhadbhada Waterfalls also attracts visitors.
Rani Durgawati Museum, built in 1964 to commemorate Rani Durgavati. The museum hosts ancient relics and sculptures, as well as a collection of items related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The surrounding Bhawartal Garden also attracts visitors.
Shaheed Samarak, located in Gol Bazar. The nearby Raanitaal Lake and Garden also attracts visitors.
Shiva Statue of Kachnar City, a 76 feet (23m) high Lord Shiva statue, along with a cavern of replicas of Shivalingas from the 12 important holy shrines of Lord Shiva all over the country.[5]
Bargi Dam - Located around 30 kilometres from Jabalpur, it is one of the earliest modern dams of India, built on the Narmada. It has a huge reservoir, boating facilities, gardens and ropeway. It can be visited via Rani Durgavati's Samadhi, the memorial of the legendary 16th century Gond queen and the local folk celebrity Rani Durgavati, who fell here fighting the invading Mughal armies on 24 June 1564 CE.
Other features
Prominent Ghats: Jabalpur is known for its ghats along the Narmada river, holding religious, natural and tourist significance. Some of them are - Bhedaghat, Gwarighat, Tilwara Ghat, Lamheta Ghat, Jilheri Ghat, Khirahni Ghat
Prominent Temples: Tripur Sundari Mandir, Pisanhari Ki Madhiya, Hanuman Tal Bada Jain Mandir, Gurudwara(Gwarighat), Paat Baba Mandir, Bajnamath Mandir.
Prominent Taals: The Gond queen Rani Durgavati created 52 tals in the city out of which only a few remain today- Gulaua Tal, Ranital, Hanuman Tal, Thakur Tal, Devtal, Supa Tal, Adhartal, Khambtal, Madhotal, Hathital.
Prominent Lakes: Sangram Sagar Lake, Ganga Sagar Lake, Robertson Lake, Bal Sagar, Jalpari Lake, Khandari Lake, Bhairo Lake.
Prominent Falls: Dhuandhar Waterfall, Ghughra Falls, Bhadbhada Falls, Gaubacha Ghat Waterfall, Khandari Falls, Bagdari Waterfall, Nidaan Falls
Mandla (50km) - In a valley of forested hills and on banks of the Narmada, on the way to Kanha National Park, Mandla is the centre of the Gonds. The Ramnagar fort and the regional tribal art and craft attract tourists.
Khajuraho (250km) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site globally famous for its temples.
Maihar (165km) - Popular for the hill top shrine of the goddess Sharada. The Maihar Gharana of music is also widely known.
Amarkantak (222km) - The popular hill station is most famous for being the point of origin of the rivers Narmada and Son. It is a popular pilgrimage site and one of the 51 Shaktipeethas of the Hindu goddess Adi Shakti. The 11th century temples are of archaeological significance.
Pachmarhi (230km) - The most popular hill station of Madhya Pradesh.
"Jabalpur". Jabalpur Tourism Promotion Council. Jabalpur Tourism Promotion Council. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
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