My exams were approaching and before that, a free Sunday. I consulted my father regarding a one day trip to any nearest tourist spot to refresh myself for the upcoming exams. I live in Indore and we have loads of places to visit, but I had my own list, out of which and I chose Kalakund. Though it isn’t a tourist spot but I’ve heard about it being a great natural scenic spot and that led to this decision, another reason was the old meter gauge awesome rail route up to there. I love trains. We had decided to visit Kalakund and went up to a railway station called Rajendra Nagar Railway. So I loaded my bag up with camera, notepad, pen etc. and departed for Kalakund. This railway line passes through the mid of Indore city and is often referred to as local trains.
After the completion of Indore-Fatehabad gauge conversion this the next target for the railway to complete. Few minutes after departure from Rajendra nagar we halted on the next station called Rau. A crossing of another train was held post which we continued our journey. Although, trains have been minimised on this route but there is always a problem of crossing as there is only one line. The trains stop at every station and a crossing is held. Next station was Haranya Kheri. Next station was Mhow. It is the the next major station after Indore junction. Mhow is long form of “Military headquarters of warâ€. It was renamed as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar but still is popular as Mhow. It is a loco shed for the meter gauge locomotive YDM 4. YDM 4 is the widely used locomotive for meter gauge.
Mesmerising waterfall at patalpani
Then came the nature’s show. After an hour we had reached the Patalpani waterfall. A breath-taking scene of the waterfall. It was a main tourist spot. Most of the people wouldn’t go up to Kalakund because of no road facility up to there, train was the only mode of transport and because of unawareness of its being. I guess some people who know about Kalakund would have just known it by a random travel through that route. Prior to Patalpani waterfall, we have a cottage-like temple built as a tribute to the first tribal revolutionary of the country who fought for the independence of nation, Tantya Mama. Interesting thing about it is that the train passing by here has to stop for some time as a homage to this great revolutionary by enlightening incense sticks, though only when it is heading towards Kalakund and not while returning. Most of the people are unaware of this legend and the govt. too doesn’t pay any heed.
Tantya Mama
Tantya Mama
A curve b/w patalpani and kalakund
Then came the most awaited phase of the trip. The Patalpani – Kalakund ghat section. One could feel the extreme beauty of it complimented by the railways. The tunnels, viaducts and being surrounded by lush green mountain ranges mesmerised the passengers. I would recommend this place to creative minds. Such views have the potential to fill their minds up with optimistic thoughts and also to photographers. This rail route was laid about 150 years ago by the British rulers. Soon admiring these charming scenes we enter the Kalakund railway station.The locomotive honks make the ‘Kalakand’ vendors become active. Kalakand is a famous sweet dish with Kalakund as its origin, it is a fine treat for all the sweet tooths. On the right side, behind the railway station building river choral flows and on the left side, on a hill we have a building for scout guide, locally known as ‘Mahal’. After spending a few hours there, exploring Kalakund we returned home. But that tranquillity had took over my heart. I have fallen in love with that place. Human needs peace from the hectic life and the minds too need peace and such places serve the purpose.
River choral
Trains from Indore were available but they had been shut down w.e.f from October 01, 2014 for gauge conversion. However, trains are still available from Mhow. The fare is ₹10 per head. Only 5-7 trains pass in a day. I would suggest to visit here in monsoon.
Kalakund railway station from a hill
Train entering kalakund
For all nature lovers, rail fans this is a highly recommended place to visit. No restaurants, rest houses could be located here. Only a sum of 50-60 huts. The absence of such structure maintains its tranquillity and serenity. It has no human interference yet and that is a plus point. It has potential of being a good tourist spot but on the other side it needs to be preserved from city-dwellers to preserve its tranquillity and serenity.
So, plan your next Sunday picnic here. But please keep it clean and green.
Photos
(DSCN 1233 Mhow YDM 4)
( DSCN 1279 mesmerising waterfall at patalpani)
(DSCN 1275 and 1277) tantya mama
( DSCN1221 River choral)
( DSCN 1255 kalakund railway station from a hill)
DSCN 1265 train entering kalakund)
Dscn 1211 a curve b/w patalpani and kalakund.)