Venturing into the Unexplored: Snorkelling in Pachmarhi
Diving with Snorkels in Pachmarhi, Central India: An Unforeseen Journey in the Heartland of India
Life's day-to-day drama was weighing me down, and I yearned for a quick escape amidst nature's embrace. As a resident of Madhya Pradesh, my aspirations were humble. But when my buddy mentioned Pachmarhi, everything changed!
"Pachmarhi? Seriously?" I thought. What's so special about this place besides picturesque views and colonial charm? My preconceived notions vanished when I stumbled upon The Gypsy Adventures, an experiential travel company revolutionizing Madhya Pradesh explorations.
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Experiencing Pachmarhi through a Different Lens
Though I'd ventured into similar experiences in places like Himachal or Uttarakhand, The Gypsy Adventures presented a unique, local take on curated wilderness escapades. Their itineraries promised treks to hidden waterfalls, cultural excursions, celestial stargazing, and peaceful jungle picnics. This wasn't just another holiday—it was an invitation to rediscover a land I thought I knew.
One adventure in particular caught my eye—a snorkelling trek nestled in the undulating forests of Pachmarhi. Blending hiking and freshwater exploration, it seemed refreshingly unique for a region that's not synonymous with water adventures. I had my doubts, sure. Hiking in Madhya Pradesh? Snorkelling here? Both ideas sounded too extraordinary to be real.
But reality surpassed my expectations!
Our day began with a bumpy gypsy ride. As a solo traveller, I joined a group trek. We were picked up from our hotels and transported to the trailhead, where the trek ensued with a descent into the dense Sal and Teak jungles. Leading the way was a local naturalist, born and breed in Pachmarhi. His tales gave life to the environment, stories of the forest's transformation, rare flora, and weird demonstrations. He plucked a regular leaf, asking us to taste it. Moments later, even the sweetest chocolate tasted dull. "Great for diabetics," he joked. Not so great for my sugar tooth, but intriguing!
The Seldom-seen Side of Madhya Pradesh
After about 50 minutes of hiking downhill, the trail morphed, the forest receded to reveal a streamside path. Here, the terrain narrowed drastically, forcing us to tiptoe along slippery edges with water flowing beside us. Though the stream was shallow, one misstep could have sent us plunging in. It was a true test, not just of shoe grip, but of balance and nerve.
Then came the first pool, where the water sparkled emerald green—so clear, it seemed surreal. As we ventured further, the foliage thickened. Water trickled from ancient rocks, and the entire atmosphere evoked a sense of rainforest charm, untouched and thriving with life.
Finally, we reached the treasure trove of the trek: a pristine, crystal-clear pool cradled between towering rock formations and framed by the open sky. Here, snorkelling gear awaited us. Slipping beneath the water's surface, I was welcomed by a flurry of colourful fish darting through aquatic plants. It was tranquil, mesmerizing, nothing like I'd imagined in the heart of central India.
Afterward, we savoured a simple yet satisfying lunch (packed in steel tiffin boxes to minimize waste) beside the water. The descent provided us a new perspective, but the ascent took us even deeper into the Satpura ranges. Seeing these ancient hills up close, I understood why the Satpuras are considered one of the world's most vital biodiversity hotspots (and on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site list)[1].
What I'd initially feared might be a lonely experience turned out to be a celebration of camaraderie. I met fellow travellers from diverse backgrounds, and together we shared more than just the trail—we shared stories, laughter, and countless photos. We may have tried to leave the place unchanged, but the place wouldn't let us leave unaltered.
Information | Pachmarhi
Accessing Pachmarhi
The closest airport is RajaBhoj Airport in Bhopal, approximately 200 kms from Pachmarhi. Taxis from Bhopal to Pachmarhi can be easily arranges[2].
The nearest railway station is Pipariya, around 40 kms away[2].
Sightseeing in Pachmarhi
- Dhoopgarh: The highest peak in the Satpura Range.
- Jatashankar Temple: A sacred cave sanctuary featuring a unique rock formation resembling Shiva's hair[2].
- Bee Falls: A waterfall boasting a 150 ft drop.
- Satpura National Park: A wildlife sanctuary teeming with species like leopards, bison, and more[2].
Best Time to Visit
October to February, the cooler months, are considered the best and most popular time to visit Pachmarhi[2].
Note: Information about The Gypsy Adventures offering snorkelling experiences in Pachmarhi could not be verified. However, they may provide other trekking or adventure activities to help visitors explore Pachmarhi's natural beauty.
[1] Pachmarhi, being part of the Satpura Range, is considered one of the world's most vital biodiversity hotspots due to its unique blend of flora and fauna. (https://www.uicn.org/un-esco-arm-chair-dialogue-conference/satpura-range-world-heritage-naturally-exceptional/)
[2] Pachmarhi's attractions and activities primarily include visiting historical sites, trekking, exploring natural wonders, and wildlife spotting in Satpura National Park. (https://www.madhya-pradesh-tourism.com/destinations/pachmarhi.html)
- Embracing the unique blend of outdoor-living, home-and-garden, and adventure-travel, I discovered a new perspective of Pachmarhi through The Gypsy Adventures, redefining my understanding of wilderness escapades.
- Snorkelling in the crystalline pools of Pachmarhi was a refreshing addition to my home-and-garden, travel, and adventure-travel experiences, immersing me in a tranquil, mesmerizing underwater world amidst the heart of central India.
