This Independence we took a train to MP_The Heart of India

This Independence we took a train to MP_The Heart of India

(15th Aug. to 17th Aug. 2015)

Independence day, and another long weekend! Wow! How could we miss the opportunity, for we are the ones to make full use of time by traveling. And this time though our earlier plan was to travel to Bhimashankar, we had a last minute change of mind when Deepali showed me the pictures of Dhuandhar falls, in Jabalpur, and immediately we booked our tickets; yeah, just two of us; the travel partners! ;-)

May be due to long weekend, we couldn't get our train tickets for 14th evening, so we traveled by Gareeb Rath on 15th, at 1:30 pm after participating in the Flag hoisting ceremony at our Society building, and after singing National Anthem after a long gap of many years. The feeling of patriotism being great at that time, we praised India and felt proud for India for being so big and diverse, in offering us different and beautiful never ending places to explore every-time. I really don't think I will ever feel the need to go out of the country or a different planet to explore places  and Nature's creation, when I have so much in my own country, which I don't think I can finish in this lifetime at least. Hmm 

Well, after 17 hours continuous journey (my first ever longest train journey), we reached Jabalpur by 6 am in the morning. And one funny incident; google ji told us that Amarkantak is just 5 hours by drive from Jabalpur. So with 'dil maange more' feelings, we planned, first to go to Amarkantak and then next day to come to Jabalpur and explore around. So, we hired a Taxi to Bus Station, and got into the earliest bus we could catch at that time. We had our mental calculation that we will be there by 11:30 or 12:00 pm. And with dreamy eyes we sat in the bus, and the bus started. After traveling for almost 10-15 minutes, when the conductor came to us asking for tickets, we just casually asked,"Bhaiya kitne baje tak pahuncha degi bus Amarkantak?" Maintaining a serious calm look, he said,"By 3:00 pm!! We looked at each other and said,"Really, but we thought that we will reach by 12:00 at least. He said,"Madam, 3 baje tak toh koi Gaadi nhi pahuncha sakti aapko!" Then instinctively, in unison we said,"Bhai, stop the bus, we gotta get down!" Lol Then what, we took a return auto from there, and checked into a hotel, which was centrally located, and from where we could get easy access to the places around.  And after getting fresh, we set out for our mission 'explore'! We boarded a shared Auto to Bhedaghat, which is 22-23 kms from Jabalpur. The best way to explore a place is, I guess by walking and by taking up local commutes; that way we feel part of the place and people and with a direct connected feeling, we get to explore a part of ourselves as well. Oh, to tell you about the people over here, they are overly active, and hyperactively ready to help someone. from whom they can make a quick buck. When we commented to some fellow,'Bhaiya kitna loot-te ho aap bahar walon ko!' Another fellow answed,"Hum sirf loot-te hain, maarte nhi.' Wah, and they accept what they do so proudly, and that's kind of admirable.  lol

"Walk to remember; towards Duandhar falls!"

Well, Bhedaghat is all about Marbles! It's about the Marble Valley, which is beautiful, and to add more to its' beauty, there is River Narmada, one of the longest river of Peninsular river system, which flows west, with its abundance of water, making a beautiful dancing and musical waterfall, from which rises the mist or smoke, that's why the name 'Dhuaadaar falls'. A-Awesome! Heart tickling view! 

"So, here it is the Magical Narmada falling and rising in the form of smoke, that's
why it's called Dhuandhar!"

We walked through wherever we could; to have a glimpse of the mighty fall from all the directions, and after our usual poses for photos, we sat near the river for almost an hour, lost in our respective worlds. Looking deep into a river, sometimes I feel like its calling me,,but I know, to literally follow it's call would be called 'suicidal attempt! Lol But yes, the lessons a river teaches us is 'it's constant flow'; no matter what, and no matter whatever hindrance comes in your way, through blocking rocks to falling gorge, you must not stop. Your job is to keep flowing, without caring about all the hindrances, and reach where you are destined to reach." Such are the lessons from different aspects of Nature that kept me going in my life till now, and I am indebted to each and every aspect and attribute of nature for being a Great Teacher and companion! #Love_Gratitude

"Oh yeah; its all about Marbles in the Marble Valley, and
we also got our names written on Marble plates!"

As Marble is all around, Marble products, like statues, and other decorative items were quite cheap compared to other parts of our country, and we also got our names carved on Marble plates and got home gifts for our Roomies as well. Cute ones. ;-)

"Bhedaghat; the Marble Valley!"

We had our lunch at a nearby dhaba, and then set out for another place. We went walking, and walking took us to a road, which was lone, with nobody around except for some shepherds, where pin drop silence prevailed, and glad that we took that walk, for it led us to Bandar-kodni, the main attraction of Bhedaghat, where boating is held, and which was closed at that time as boating was not allowed in Monsoon. But we had a glimpse of the beauty around and felt quite good about the same. :-) hmm :-)

"We walked through the loneliest path, and got closer to this beauty!"

Hmm. well after satisfying our senses, now it was time to walk further, and that walk took us to 'Chausat yogini temple' which was located at a hilltop and had 108 steps to climb. This temple is dedicated to Devi Parvati and her 64 servers, whose statues were carved all around the temple. We paid our obeisance, sat at temple premises for some times and then returned to Jabalpur. Back to our hotel at 4:00 pm. Took power naps, relaxed for sometimes and then in the evening at around 5:30, we left for Gwarighat, which was about 9 kms from Jabalpur.

"Chausath Yogini temple dedicated to Maa Parvati!"

Reaching Gwarighat, we came to witness the calm and serene side of River Narmada, which looked so still like a lake, but it wasn't still, for in it's stillness also it was flowing. We did boating also, which was just awesome and heavenly, with flap flap of river water, sounding like a melodious music. Treat to our senses! Heavenly indeed! :-)

"A mind refreshing boat ride in river Narmada at Gwarighat in the evening.
It was magically peaceful!"

The Naramada Aarti, which starts everyday at 7;00 pm was another unique experience. It was quite different and was good to see people who had assembled in large numbers with full faith and devotion to participate in the aarti. Blessed are they, and blessed were we, who got the opportunity to be part of the prayers to Ma Narmada! :-)

"Gwarighat is known for the Narmada Aarti, which was quite unique and soothing
in its own way!!"

Next morning, we checked out from our hotel by 8:00 am, and after having MP special poha and tea at a dhaba, we went to the nearby park, which was dedicated to Rani Durgawati, the brave heart daughter of India, who led some of the fights against Mughals and in the process became a martyr herself. Salute to her! 

"Early morning at Rani Durgawati park; refreshing!"

Our destination next, was Madan Mehel, a hill fort carved on rocks, by one Gond king Madan Shah in 12th century. The steps leading to the fort was just awesome,and on both sides of the path there were Rocks and rocks, in different sizes and shapes, the color of them being light brownish or light black. It was quite amusing at the same time, to see forts and temples having been built making the rocks the foundation, and what a strong foundation they were, for they wouldn't move even an inch from their place from time immemorial. Rocky rocks! Admirable rocks!

"Madan Mahel fort, built by Gond Raja Madan Shah in 12th century.
The Rocks were fabulous!"

"Back to our childhood; meeting with our innocent and careless selves!"

"The view of Jabalpur City from the fort, the temple, market and Balancing Rocks!"

After the rocky experience, we left for our destination last, that is the Shiva temple at Kachnaar. Oh, here is a mighty statue of Lord shiva, who looked so alive, blessing His devotees'. And under Shiva's aasana, a makeshift gufa (cave) was made, which had all around it the replicas of all the 12 jyotirlings of India. In a way we took a round of all the pilgrimage sites and got our share of blessings from the Lord. 

"Shiva's Statue at Shiva temple, Kachnaar!"

That was the end of our journey. We had to board our return train in the evening and got home back with beautiful memories. Overall, this trip was also A-Awesome! Happy Independence day break! keep smiling. :-) :-)