Four things to do in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Jabalpur may not be as popular as other destinations in Madhya Pradesh but it is an important administrative, industrial and business centre of the state. Here are four activities to experience in the city:

The most famous activity is taking a boat ride on the River Narmada between marble rocks. Along with oarsmen and a navigator, visitors can enjoy the boat ride at Bhedaghat. The marble rocks on either side change colour from dull off white to pure white.  The natural shapes of the rocks fuel one’s imagination to include a hermit deep in meditation, a tortoise and an upturned car. Close by is the Chausath Yogini Temple which has sculptures of 64 tantric female mystics.

Chausath Yogini Temple in Bhedaghat, near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Hand-crafted soapstone vases in Jabalpur.

The primary raw material for the souvenirs is soapstone that is sourced from a village called Shri Dham. It is sourced in the form of huge blocks which the artists’ cut and chisel. The designs are not traced. Name plates, flower and guitar shaped souvenirs are made.

The Madan Mahal Fort, built by the Rajgond rulers in 1116, is comparatively small but architecturally brilliant as it has been built atop a huge rock. The fort was built by Raja Madan Shah, a Gond ruler. There used to be a baoli or step well in front of the fort and stables which are now in ruins. The Tripur Sundari Mandir is an important darshan site. En route to the fort, one can stop to see the balance rock.

The Madan Mahal Fort in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The Rani Durgavati museum has an elaborate collection of sculptures and inscriptions. During the 12th century, Jabalpur was the capital of the Gond rulers. The city has also seen the reign of the Kalchuri dynasty, the Marathas and the British. Did you know that the game of Snooker originated in the city? It was in the officer’s mess in the year 1875 that Neville Chamberlain of the Devonshire Regiment put another coloured ball on the billiard table. He did this to provide a variation of the game which was then known as black pool.

Rani Durgavati museum in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)