Jabalpur

The beautiful city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh has a blend of both historical and natural places of interest. It is well known for the Marble rocks gorge formed by the River Narmada at Bedhaghat. Showing off gleaming white rocks on both sides of the Narmada with dark green volcanic seams, the gorge is a masterpiece of Mother Nature, spectacular to behold in the sunlight and moonlight. A boating trip down the river would create memories for a lifetime. One can also take the cable car that affords a view of the Dhuandar Falls and the Marble rocks. Tilwara Ghat holds a significant place in Indian History as it is here that Mahatma Gandhis ashes were immersed in the Narmada
Rani Durgavati Museum has a good collection of artifacts dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, letters and photographs related to Mahatma Gandhi and models and photographs depicting the Gond people. A combination of adventure and religious interest could be satisfied by a trek to the Chausat Yogini Temple. The 16th century monuments at Sangram Sagar built by a Gond King and the 12th century Mala Devi Temple are also worth visiting. Jabalpur is well connected by air, rail and road.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Languages Spoken: Hindi
Climate: Hot summers, average monsoon, pleasant winters
Heritage sites and Holy places: Sangram Sagar (Monuments), Mala Devi Temple, Chausat Yogini Temple
Knowledge centres: Rani Durgavati Museum
Natures Bounty: Bedhaghat or Marble rocks Gorge, Dhuandhar Falls, Tilwara Ghat

A train journey to Sanskardhani (Jabalpur)

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One of the doyens of Hindi Movies, Prem Nath, also belonged to the Sanskardhani. He had once built a cinema hall in the heart of the city, which was named as “Empire Theatre”. From outdoor screening of the film to cinema halls and now to multiplexes, there is a great history of the growth of Indian cinema. But I still carry a fascination with the old cinema halls. So, after coming out of the Jabalpur Station, I went to a crossing where the old building of that Empire Cinema was situated. It was completely in ruins. I felt much attached with the Empire cinema and climbed up the fallen bricks to see it from inside. I was astonished to find that the speakers were still clinging to those walls. In its heydays, that hall must be the cultural hub of the Sanskardhani, graced by the likes of Raj Kapoor, Nargis and Prem Nath.

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