Snorkelling In Pachmarhi | When the grind of daily life began to feel overwhelming, I found myself craving a quick escape, something close to nature, yet rich with immersive experiences. Being based in Madhya Pradesh, my expectations were modest. After all, this central Indian state isn’t often on the top of adventure seekers' bucket lists. But then a friend mentioned Pachmarhi, and everything changed.
"Pachmarhi? Really?" I thought. What could this place possibly offer beyond scenic views and colonial charm? My assumptions were soon upended when I stumbled upon The Gypsy Adventures, an experiential travel company redefining what it means to explore Madhya Pradesh.
Though I was familiar with such offerings in places like Himachal or Uttarakhand, The Gypsy Adventures brought a fresh and local approach to curated wilderness experiences. As I browsed through their catalogue, I was instantly drawn in. Their itineraries included treks to hidden waterfalls, cultural walks, stargazing under unpolluted skies, and serene jungle picnics. This wasn’t any regular getaway—it was a call to rediscover a land I thought I knew.
One particular experience stood out—a snorkelling trek set amidst the undulating forests of Pachmarhi. A mix of hiking and freshwater exploration, it felt refreshingly unique for a region not traditionally associated with water-based adventures. I was skeptical, admittedly. Hiking in Madhya Pradesh? Snorkelling here? It all sounded too novel to be true.
But reality far exceeded my expectations.
The day began with a rugged gypsy ride. As a solo traveller, I had signed up for a group trek. We were picked up from our hotels and transported to the trailhead, where the trek commenced with a descent into the dense jungles of Sal and Teak. Leading the way was a local naturalist, born and raised in Pachmarhi. His stories gave life to the landscape, tales of how the forest had changed, of rare flora, and even a quirky demonstration. Our guide plucked a seemingly ordinary leaf, asking us to chew it. Moments later, even the sweetest chocolate tasted bland. “Good for diabetics,” he chuckled. Not great for my sweet tooth, but fascinating, nonetheless.
After about 50 minutes of hiking downhill, the trail transformed, the forest gave way to a streamside path. Here, the terrain narrowed dramatically, forcing us to tiptoe along slippery edges with water flowing beside us. Though the stream was shallow, one misstep could have sent us splashing in. It was a true test, not just of shoe grip, but of balance and nerve.
Then came the first pool where the water glowed emerald green—so clear, it felt surreal. As we ventured further, the flora grew denser. Water trickled from ancient rocks, and the entire atmosphere evoked a sense of rainforest magic, untouched and teeming with life.
Finally, we reached the crown jewel 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 greeted by a flurry of colourful fish darting through aquatic plants. It was tranquil, enchanting, unlike anything I’d expected in the heart of central India.
Afterward, we enjoyed a simple yet satisfying lunch (packed in steel tiffin’s to minimise waste) beside the water. The descent had given 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 a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site).
What I had initially feared might be a lonely experience turned out to be a celebration of community. I met fellow travellers from diverse walks of life, and together we shared not just the trail, but stories, laughter, and countless photos. We may have tried to leave the place just as we found it but the place didn’t let us leave the same.
The nearest airport is RajaBhoj Airport in Bhopal, roughly 200 kms from Pachmarhi. One can easily get taxi from Bhopal to Pachmarhi.
The nearest railway stations is Pipariya, about 40 kms away.
Dhoopgarh: The highest peak in the Satpura Range.
Jatashankar Temple: A sacred cave with a unique rock formation resembling deity Shiva's hair.
Bee Falls: A waterfall with a 150 ft drop.
Satpura National Park: A wildlife sanctuary where you can spot leopards, bison, and other native species.
October to February, the cooler months, are considered the best, and thus the most popular time, to visit Pachmarhi.
