If you’re travelling to Bandhavgarh or Kanha National Park, chances are your journey will begin in Jabalpur – a city that serves as the gateway to some of the best tiger reserves in India.
Most people just pass through. But what if you didn’t rush through it?
What if Jabalpur became part of the experience itself – where rivers carve marble, ancient rituals unfold at dusk, and time slows down just enough for you to notice how these places are an extension of the region’s wilderness and history?
This is your invitation to linger. Plan your Jabalpur itinerary with this travel guide if you’re transiting through this city, and turn your trip into something more.
Why Include Jabalpur in Your Safari Itinerary?
Most travellers embark on a safari trip to Central India by flying or taking a train to Jabalpur before heading onward to Bandhavgarh (approx. 4–5 hours) or Kanha (approx. 4–5 hours).
Instead of simply treating it as a stopover, a roadtrip through Jabalpur and exploration of the sites around it introduces you to picturesque landscapes of central India. It adds depth and diversity to your journey.
As you drive beyond this city, you begin to see how the Narmada River shapes the land, the stories, and the rhythm of life here, flowing seamlessly from sacred ghats to the wild heart of the forest. Think of it as the prologue to your safari story. Read on for a list of things to do in Jabalpur.
Also Read: 7 Facts About Bandhavgarh
1. Bhedaghat, Chausath Yogini Temple and Dhuandar Falls
Just an hour’s drive from Jabalpur lies Bhedaghat, one of central India’s most surreal landscapes, popularly known as the Grand Canyon of India. Here, the Narmada river flows between towering white and black marble cliffs, creating a dramatic gorge that feels almost otherworldly.
The best way to explore Bhedaghat is through a boat ride on the river, which runs from mid-October mid-June, and is closed during the monsoons. The light changes the colour of the marble through the day, with early mornings and late afternoons being especially magical. Visit at dawn to experience the serenity of sunrise without any crowds. Or experience the magic of floating down a reflective river on a full moon light. Sail by rocks of varying shapes and colours that the local guides describe in fun and fantastical ways. The towering cliffs are also home to a variety of water birds and owls like the Brown Fish Owl and Barn Owls.
Located close to this site, visit the Dhuandhar Falls, where the river plunges down as a waterfall in a roaring cascade of mist. Ride the cable car for panoramic aerial views of the river and gorge. You can also shop for artefacts and souvenirs made using the local marble.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Bhedaghat, the Chausath Yogini Temple is one of India’s oldest surviving circular shrines, dating back to the 10th century and built during the Kalchuri dynasty. Dedicated to the 64 Yoginis (powerful manifestations of the Divine Feminine), the temple holds deep spiritual significance.
Despite its name, the temple is not limited to 64 yoginis. Its circular corridor actually features 81 niches, hinting at a more complex design rooted in ancient worship traditions. Some of the original sculptures have been damaged over time, while others hold beautifully weathered carvings of yoginis alongside figures of Shiva, Ganesh, and other deities, added over centuries as the temple continued to evolve.
Look closely, and you’ll notice the carvings range from serene to fierce, often accompanied by unusual motifs like animals or symbolic elements that reflect themes of power, protection, and transformation.
Also Read: Best Zones in Bandhavgarh National Park
2. Bargi Dam: Quiet Waters & Expansive Views
Located about 40 km from Jabalpur, Bargi Dam is built on the Narmada River and is one of the region’s most scenic sunset spots. The vast reservoir, often referred to as Bargi Lake, offers wide open views, gentle hills, and calm, expansive waters that contrast beautifully with the dramatic marble cliffs of Bhedaghat.
Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, or partake in various leisure and water-based adventure activities like cruising, riding water scooters and paddle and speed boating.
3. Fossil National Park at Ghugwa: A Walk Through Deep Time
Located near Dindori, about 90 km from Jabalpur and en route to Kanha or Bandhavgarh, is Ghughwa Fossil National Park, which offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric India.
Here, you’ll find fossilised tree trunks and plant remains dating back 145 million to 65 million years ago, from the early Cretaceous and Cenozoic periods. The exhibits transport you to Gondwanaland, when India was part of a supercontinent and the vegetation was very different.
This park offers a fascinating detour for those curious about natural history. It adds a layer of geological wonder and is quietly humbling, in contrast to the drama and flair of a safari, which makes it worth a visit.
Also Read: Best Zones in Kanha National Park
4. Experience the Narmada Aarti along the Ghats
As evening falls, various ghats along the river come alive with the Narmada Aarti – a deeply spiritual, yet intimate ritual. People worship the life-giving waters of the river, considered sacred, with chants dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Narmada.
One can enjoy the glow of diyas and the fire of the aarti as dusk falls against the river at Bhedaghat, Gwarighat or Mandla (a historic town along the riverbanks on the way to Kanha).
Unlike larger cities and the scale of the Ganga Aarti, the Narmada Aarti feels more personal and unhurried. It usually begins at 7 pm and lasts half an hour. Being a part of the meditative atmosphere here offers a beautiful cultural counterpoint to the wilderness you’re about to enter.
Stay a while. Let the rhythm of the chants settle in.
5. Indian Coffee House, Sadar: A Slice of Old India
No visit to Jabalpur is complete without a stop at the iconic Indian Coffee House in Sadar.
Run by a cooperative and unchanged in spirit for decades, this place is as much about nostalgia as it is about food. Try their filter coffee, South Indian spread or simple cutlets and toast. With waiters in traditional turbans and a menu that hasn’t chased trends, this is old-world charm served on a plate.
6. Other Historical & Cultural Spots Around Jabalpur
If you have a few extra hours in Jabalpur, explore some of its lesser-known gems:
Madan Mahal Fort – An 11th century hilltop fort with sweeping views and a sense of quiet history. Located opposite this fort is the Balancing Rock – a fascinating natural rock defying gravity that weighs about 6 tons and is perfectly balanced about 20 feet high.
Rani Durgavati Museum – This museum offers a window into regional history and tribal culture
Pisanhari ki Madiya – A serene Jain temple perched above the city.
Dumna Nature Reserve – Dumna Nature Reserve Park is an ecotourism area set around a reservoir. Wander along walking and cycling trails, take a gentle boat ride on Khandari Lake, or pause at quiet picnic spots. Watchtowers offer rewarding birdwatching vantage points, while interpretive signage adds context to the landscape.
Conclusion
All these stops offer a glimpse into the layered history of the region. For those planning a forest getaway, it feels like the journey begins long before the park gates, and the wild starts with the river itself. So next time you plan a safari trip to Bandhavgarh or Kanha National Park, let Jabalpur become part of the story.
If you’re planning a wildlife journey, explore a tiger safari in India with Pugdundee Safaris and experience thoughtfully curated wildlife experiences across the country’s most iconic national parks. Start planning your trip today.
About the Author:
Pooja is a nature and wildlife enthusiast who finds joy in exploring the wilderness, whether on safari in the forests or hiking in the hills. As a content writer with Pugdundee Safaris, she draws inspiration from nature to craft stories and poetry that connect the human experience with the beauty of the natural world. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire and educate others about the wonders of wildlife and conservation.
