Bhedaghat

As we drove into Bhedaghat, near Jabalpur we were stopped at the barrier for an entrance fee and were advised that there are no liquor shops beyond the barrier in Bhedaghat. This information was given to us maybe due to the fact that it was Holi eve and we were expected to drink all night!

We had chosen this auspicious day to ensure that we get a beautiful boat ride on Narmada on a full moon night with the rocks on either side of the river shimmering in the moonlight. But as they say man proposes and God disposes. You will soon see why.

We drove into town and checked in the beautiful MPTDC property and asked for reservation in a boat for the night. The receptionist smiled, shook his head and said, ‘Sorry Sir, it is Holi night and it would be a miracle if any boatmen would be on the job. However, I shall send someone to the jetty and let you know.’

So we went to our rooms and were freshening up for the evening when the receptionist called, ‘Sorry Sir, no boatmen have reported for duty today and none are expected to do so for a couple of days 

now.’ Our dreams of the boatride down Narmada river crashed and burnt in the Holi celebrations that were going on in town.

Early next morning we went to visit the amazing Dhuandhar waterfalls. The Narmada is flanked by 

towering cliffs as it flows gently, till a little distance away, where it becomes turbulent as it plunges in a mighty water fall known as Dhuandhar. It is called Dhuandhar (smoky) because of the water vapour that rises as it falls with a deafening force. It is indeed a beautiful sight.

We spent quite some time there and once we had our fill we turned back to return yet another  moonlit night to see the marble rocks glitter in the soft full moon light.

How to get there:

Jabalpur is the nearest city, just 23km from Bhedaghat, which is very well connected from the other parts of the country. Tourists can take a bus or taxi to reach Bhedaghat.