Genral Information - Jabalpur

The city of Jabalpur was the capital of the erstwhile medieval Gond rulers. It is not only an important historical place, but it is also famous for the Marble Rocks gorge on Narmada River, near it. It is an administrative and educational center and is the gateway to important wildlife sanctuaries around it. It is one of the largest cities in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

The origin of Jabalpur goes back to ancient times. It was then known as Tripuri and was governed by Hayahaya rulers. The ancient Indian epic of Mahabharata has references to his city. It became a part of the great Mauryan and the Gupta Empires. In AD 875, it was taken over by the Kalchuri dynasty who made Jabalpur their capital. In the 13th century, the Gonds seized it and made it their capital. By the early 16th century, it had become the powerful kingdom of Gondwana. From time to time, the Mughal rulers tried to overrun it. The legendary Gond Queen Rani Durgavati died fighting the Mughal forces led by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. It finally fell to the Marathas in 1789 and was taken over by the British in 1817, when they defeated the Marathas. The British made Jabalpur the commission headquarters of the Narmada territories and established a cantonment here.

Attractions in Jabalpur literally cover everything from natural splendors to imposing monuments, from museums to historically important places. Marble Rocks in the Bhedaghat village turn out to be the biggest tourist puller along with Madan Mahal Fort. Jabalpur is a complete tourist package that mesmerizes one and all who come to this unique city.

Marble Rocks
Just 21 km west of Jabalpur, is a small village called Bhedaghat. The village is world famous for splendid Marble Rocks on the banks of Narmada River. Covered with dark volcanic seams of green and black, they tower to almost 100 ft above the soft flowing Narmada on either side. They are fabulous to look at during the daytime when sun sparkles on the pure white surfaces of these rocks. During the night as well, they give you a mesmerizing view under the moonlit skies. The Marble Rocks have been considered as one of the thousand places that you should see before you die. The best way to enjoy the sheer charm of these rocks is by taking a boat ride in Narmada.

Madan Mahal Fort
Sitting pretty on top of a rocky hill, this 900 year old fort dominates the landscape. A view of the low-lying areas from the fort is scintillating and makes it worth your visit. Madan Mahal fort does not have any fancy artwork or ornamented sculptures, but the location and the simplicity of the fort is spellbinding. The fort was built by Gond king Madan Shah in the year 1116 and since then has become a landmark for Jabalpur City.

Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum
Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum was built as a tribute to the legendary Queen Durgavati in the year 1964. The museum houses impressive collection of ancient sculptures, rare manuscripts. There are 10th century statues of Gods and Goddesses in the museum. There is a separate section in the museum that is completely dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. You can see many photos and portraits related to Mahatma Gandhi.

Tilwara Ghat
The Tilwara Ghat holds a special position in Indian History and in the hearts of followers of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the place from where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in Narmada River. This is also the venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939.

The main bus stand is located near the Indian Coffee House, west of Napier town. Jabalpur is well connected by bus with Bhopal (8 hours), Indore, Satna, Raipur and Nagpur. Jabalpur railway station is located north of the Civil Lines area. It has direct trains to Satna (189 km, 3 hours), Varanasi (505 km, 13 hours) and Bhopal (336 km, 7½ hours).

Jabalpur is a gateway to the Kanha National park (160 km south east of Jabalpur) and Bandhavgarh National park (197 km north east of Jabalpur) and most of the travelers use it as a base to travel to these natural habitats. One can find a range of accommodation in Jabalpur, ranging from low-end to top- end hotels. Most of the economy hotels are located near the main bus stand. Most of the mid- and high-end hotels are located on Station Road, Civil Lines and Russell Chowk areas.

Tempos can be used for traveling to the Marble Rocks.

We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Jabalpur.

Shopping in Jabalpur will be a fascinating experience with most of the shops retaining a medieval charm. You have ample choice for shopping- old bazaars with traditional items and the newer shopping centers which stock the trendy range of goods.

The bustling ghallis and chowks lined with shops offer you an array of items-stuffed toys, jute crafts, silver and brassware and a range of saris and dress materials with exquisite zardosi embroidery. You can also pick up Maheshwari and Chanderi saris typical of Madhya Pradesh as gifts to carry home. If you are planning to buy souvenirs, then you can stop at the Government emporia named Mriganayani, which has handicrafts from the various Indian states.

Sharada Navaratri - This is the Navaratri, which is celebrated during Sharad Ritu (beginning of winter) (Sept-Oct). This is also called Maha Navaratri. Sharada became Sharad in some places. This celebrates the slaying of Mahishasura by Durga. The festival is observed in most parts of India - especially in the East.

Vasant Navaratri - This is celebrated during Vasant Ritu (beginning of summer) (March- April). This Navaratri is celebrated in North India. Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu observes Navaratri during this period.

Ashada Navaratri - This Navaratri is particularly important for all Upasakas of Varahi- Celebrated in July-August. This is called Guhya Navaratri in Himachal Pradesh. Varahi is one of the seven Matrikas of Devi Mahatmya!

Sharad Navaratri
Commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month Aswayuja/Asvina. ‘The Navaratri festival has to be celebrated during the bright fortnight of the month of Asvina, in the order of pratipada, etc, until the navami ends,’ says the Dhaumya-vacana.

Vasantha Navaratri
This is celebrated during Vasantha Ruthu (beginning of summer) (March- April). This is also known as Chaitra navaratri as it falls during the lunar month of Chithra.

Forms of Shakti
"The nine forms of Durga", Installation in BenaresNine forms of Shakti are worshipped during the Navaratris. The Devis worshipped depend on the tradition of the region.
Durga, the inaccessible one
Bhadrakali Amba or Jagadamba, Mother of the universe
Annapurna, The one who bestows grains (an) in plenty (purna)
Sarvamangala, The one who gives joy (mangal) to all (sarva)
Bhairavi
Chandika or Chandi
Lalita
Bhavani
Mookambika