Historical Importance of the City
Jabalpur is an important historical and cultural city of Madhya Pradesh, literally the central province of the country. A visit to this city is fascinating. Its diversity, history, divinity, wild life, art and architecture have combined together to make a rich experience for the visitors.
Jabalpur envelops you, giving you a sense of great past, stories of empires and kingdoms, of warriors, of builders, of poets and musicians, of saints and philosophers. The city resounds with various memories of the city-state of Tripuri, Emperor Ashoka, the Satavahanas, the Guptas, the kalchuris, the Gonds, and the memory of the famous and valiant queen Durgavati who took on the might of the great Moghul Emperor Akbar. This was followed by the Maratha domination under the Bhonsles of Nagpur and later in the British period, the notorious 'Thugs' and the phenomenon of 'thugee' and the brave Col. Sleeman who vanquished them. The city also played a prominent role in the freedom movement of the country.
Jabalpur is steeped in divinity and has been an eminent centre of learning. Through the ages, there has been a mingling of diverse religions. Vedic sages have blessed the soil, notably Rishi Jabali from whom the city is supposed to have got its name. Hindu, Jain, Buddha and Muslim saints and their teachings have given a spiritual aura to the place. In more recent times, this city has been associated with the activities of the great Osho (Acharya Rajneesh who was a Professor of Philosophy in the university of Jabalpur) and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Jabalpur is also a city of natural grandeur. Its vast plateau is broken up by the mighty Vindhya and Satpura ranges and is streaked by the meandering Narmada, Vanganga and Hiran rivers, three of the more prominent ones in this area. These intersections of plateau, hills and the rivers have provided spectacular scenic splendour. Jabalpur is a town for the pleasure seekers as well as for those who are looking for solitude and tranquility.
Places of Tourist Interest
There are many beautiful spots around Jabalpur for outings and picnics. More prominent of these are :
Bheraghat : - This is a small town on the bank of Narmada and is famous for its marble rocks. It is at a distance of about 20 kms. from Jabalpur by road. The holy river Narmada flows between the marble rocks which rise up to more than 100 feet on each side. Boating facilities are available here and boating in moon light is a thrilling experience. These rocks have recently been floodlit, adding new dimension to their beauty.
Dhuandhar fall : - River Narmada, before cutting through the marble rocks, narrows 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 distance of more than a kilometer. The fall and breaking of the volume of water of the river at the crest presents an awesome spectacle of nature's power unleashed. Chausath Yogini Temple : Situated on a hill and approached by stone steps, the chaunsath yogini temple commands a singularly beautiful sight of the whole area around and also of the river flowing through the marble rocks. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 10th century Kalchuri temple has exquisitely carved, sixty four sculptures of various goddess forms of Durga, besides a Shiva temple.
Chausath Yogini Temple : Situated on a hill and approached stone by steps, the chaunsath yogini temple commands a singularly beautiful sight of the whole area around and also of the river flowing through the marble rocks. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 10th century Kalchuri temple has exquisitely carved, sixty four sculptures of various goddess forms of Durga, besides a Shiva temple.
Madan Mahal :- This palace was built by the Gond King Raja Madan Shah. The palace dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the city and area around it. The famous balancing rock, a natural geological wonder, is located slightly off the path that leads to this palace. Rani Durgavati Museum : Dedicated to the memory of the great Gond queen Durgavati, this is one of the more famous museums of Madhya Pradesh. A vast collection of sculptures, inscriptions and other artifacts of great historical and cultural importance are preserved in this museum
Rani Durgavati Museum : Dedicated to the memory of the great Gond queen Durgavati, this is one of the more famous museums of Madhya Pradesh. A vast collection of sculptures, inscriptions and other artifacts of great historical and cultural importance are preserved in this museum
Tripuri (Tewar) : This ancient town is situated 13 kms. to the west of Jabalpur on the Bheraghat road. Archeological remains of the ancient city of Tripuri are spread extensively over a vast area covering several kilometers. Archeological excavations carried out here have thrown much light on the ancient history of this area in general and Jabalpur in particular. This village was also the site of 1939 session of All India Congress, where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was elected president. A monument in the form of a gate (Kamania) was erected in the city to commemorate the event.
How to reach Jabalpur
The city is well connected from important cities via Air, Train and Road route.
Click for more information from M.P. Tourism Department