In this issue, we feature seven off-the-beaten-track domestic destinations for rest and recreation. Jabalpur Sited near the geographic centre of India, Jabalpur (pop. 1.4 million) is one of the major cities of the Hindi heartland state of Madhya Pradesh (pop. 87.4 million). Its defence related industries apart, Madhya Pradesh is famous for its Marble Rocks, a rocky gorge through which the River Narmada flows in profound silence. At Bhedaghat, 27 km from Jabalpur, the rocks rise a hundred feet on either side of the river presenting a fascinating vista during the day, and at nights when expert oarsmen row tourists across the silver nightscape. The sunlight reflects off the marble-white magnesium limestone pinnacles in daytime, prompting them to cast dappled shadows on the pellucid waters, while on moonlit nights the white rocks produce a luminous effect, transforming the waters into a sheet of liquid silver. The Narmada enters Marble Rocks by dropping several metres, creating the Dhuan Dhar waterfall. To the north and south of the Narmada are the sylvan Vindhyachal and Satpura mountain ranges. Jabalpur also boasts heritage monuments and sites. Among them: the hilltop Madan Mahal Fort built by Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116; Tilwaraghat, where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939; Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum with its fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics. Also worth a visit is the Chausat Jogini, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, a sixty-four goddesses temple atop a hillock accessible via a steep flight of rock cut steps. The temple offers a singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged Marble Rocks. Excursions. Ex Jabalpur, an interesting getaway is the Kanha Tiger Reserve (129 km), the largest national park in Central India. Pachmarhi (90 km) is the scenic hill resort of Madhya Pradesh. Accommodation. A small town, Jabalpur doesn’t offer many options in terms of hotel accommodation. Among the popular ones are Vijan Mahal (Rs.6,956 per night), Hotel B K Castles (Rs.2,820), Hotel Krishna (Rs.2,195), Grand Samdareeya (Rs.1,938). Belum Caves Down south in Andhra Pradesh (pop. 55.2 million), the state’s tourism development corporation is aggressively promoting the Belum Caves, an underground 3.25 km long subterranean labyrinth below the limestone plains of Kurnool district. The caves are famous for several natural wonders including 4,000-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Belum is derived from the Sanskrit word bilum which translates into cave. The main entrance to the caves is via a concrete staircase down a sinkhole, which takes visitors to the main passage 30 ft underground. Walk through the subterranean passages for surreal vistas of stalactites and stalagmites crystallised over numerous millennia. This apart, the caves comprise numerous spacious chambers, freshwater galleries and siphons. Several natural formations have been highlighted with soft illumination by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Of special interest are Simhadwaram — an arch with stalactites in the shape of a lion’s head; the Kotilingam Chamber which contains thousands of…
