History of chhindwara
It is believed that once upon a time the Chhindwara District was full of “Chhind” (Date-Palm) trees, and the place was named “Chhind”-“Wada” (wada means place). There is also another story that because of the population of Lions (in Hindi it is called “Sinh”), it was considered that making entry into this district is akin to passing through the entrance of Lions’ den. Hence it was called “Sinh Dwara” (means through the entrance of lion). In due course of time it became “Chhindwara”.
History records the place from the time of the rule of Bhakth Bulund King, whose kingdom was spread over the Satpura range of hills and it is belived that his rule was upto the 3rd Century. One ancient plaque, belonging to “Rashtrakut” dynasty, found in “Neelkanth” village. This dynasty ruled upto the 7th Century. Then came the “Gondvana” dynasty which ruled the area with “Devgarh” as the capital. King ‘Jatav’ of ‘Gond’ community has built the Devgarh fort.
Bhakth Bulund King was most powerful in the dynasty and he has adopted Muslim religion during the rule of Emperor “Aurangjeb”. Later the power has changed many hands and finally ‘Maratha rule’ ended in 1803. On 17 September 1803, East India Company had taken over this kingdom by defeating ‘Raghuji II’, starting the British rule. After Independence ‘Nagpur’ was made the capital of Chhindwara District, and on 1st November 1956 this district was re-constituted with Chhindwara as the capital.
Quick fact’s about chhindwara
- Total Area – 11,815
- Population – 20,90,922
- Official language – Hindi
- Pincode – 480001,480002,480003
- Sex ratio -966
- Vehicle registration – MP-28
1. PatalKot chhindwara
The Patalkot valley is spread over an area of 79 km2. at an average height of 2750–3250 feet above Mean Sea Level from 22.24 to 22.29 ° North and 78.43 to 78.50 ° East. The valley is located at a distance of 78 km from Chhindwara in the North-West direction and 20 km from Tamia in the North-East Direction. ‘Doodhi’ river flows in the valley. This horse–shoe shaped valley is surrounded by hills and there are several pathways to reach the villages located inside the valley.The rocks are mostly by the Archaean era which are nearly 2500 million years and comprised with Granite gneiss, green schists, basic rocks, quartz with Gondwana sediments including conglomerate sandstone, shales and carbonaceous shales. The composite carbon on the rocks called Shilajit is also found on few patches in upper zones.
In recent years, the government has been trying to make Patalkot an eco-tourism destination. The monsoon season is a popular time for visitors, as it is a sheltered area. Tourism marketing focuses on the local nature and adivasi culture connections – though this may change with increased impact from tourism and outside pressures. Patalkot is known for retaining its original culture and customs for a long time. Until a few years back, it was a world in its own with no influence from outside. To reverse the process of deforestation and forest degradation by positioning in ecotourism as a joint product.
The Patalkot model of ecotourism, with the involvement of indigenous communities, has demonstrated its operational deliverance, adaptive evolution capabilities as well as been recognized as a successful model with several elements for replication. It started in 2009 with the joint effort of the ‘Centre for Forestry Research’ and HRD Poama, District Administration and District Olympic Association in which 3000 tribal youth were trained in adventure activities like parasailing, paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, bird watching and water sports. Every year a festival called Satpuda Adventure sports festival is organised during the month of October.
This deep valley is situated on the way to Bhopal from Chhindwara. Patalkot is 78 km away from Chhindwara, on a diversion route towards Tamia. It can be reached through taxi from Chhindwara. There is no facility of accommodation in the valley, the nearest accommodation facility is in Tamia at the forest or PWD guest house.
2. Pench National Park, chhindwara
Pench National park, nestling in the lower southern reaches of the satpuda hills is named after Pench river, meandering through the park from north to south. It is located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra, in the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara.Pench National Park, comprising of 758 SQ Kms, out of which a core area of 299 sq km of Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park and the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary and remaining 464 sq km of pench national park is the buffer area.
The area of the present tiger reserve has a glorious history. A description of its natural wealth and richness occurs in Ain-i-Akbari. Pench Tiger Reserve and its neighbourhood is the original setting of Rudyard Kipling’s most famous work, The Jungle Book.
Forests and Wildlife
The undulating topography supports a mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist, sheltered valleys to open, dry deciduous forest. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded from the area including several rare and endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance.
The area has always been rich in wildlife. It is dominated by fairly open canopy, mixed forests with considerable shrub cover and open grassy patches. The high habitat heterogeneity favours high population of Chital and Sambar. Pench tiger reserve has highest density of herbivores in India (90.3 animals per sq km).
3. Tamia, chhindwara
One of the hidden treasures of Madhya Pradesh, Tamia is a picturesque forest destination that offers scenic and breath-taking views of dense forests and mountains. Untouched and unexplored, Tamia is the perfect location to disconnect from the world and experience absolute tranquillity. A few houses on the hill top offer panoramic views of the steep hills, vast greenery and deep valleys. Inaccessible for a very long time, Tamia has stayed away from any form of commercialization, and makes for the perfect monsoon getaway. The experience is akin to visiting the forests depicted in your childhood books and cartoons.
4. DEVGARH FORT : Archaeological Place
This famous historical fort of Devgarh is situated 24 miles south of Chhindwara beyond Mohkhed. The fort is built on a hill which is fortified by a deep valley clothed with dense reserve forest. The fort is approachable upto its foot by motor road. The nature is bountiful here.
It was the capital of ‘Gond’ empire till 18th Century and had its glory and glitter at that time. Now, one can find only the delapitated remains of the mighty kingdom and fort. Devgarh kingdom was considered to be the largest tribal kingdom in Central India. The archeological structures like palace, fort and other buildings make it a beautiful tourist place and remind us of the past glory. It is believed that there was a secret underground passage connecting Devgarh to Nagpur, which was used by the kings to escape at times of emergency.
Among the remnants of the fort the main gate facing North speaks of its past glory. Besides this, there remain Nagarkhana, a place of cattle drum, scattered remnants of the fort walls and ruins of the Darbar Hall. There is a curious reservoir named ‘Mortitanka’ at the top of the fort. It is said that at one time the water stored in the reservoir remained so clear that one could have a clear view of even a coin lying at its bottom. It is believed to be built by King Jatava of Gond Dynasty. The design of Devgarh fort is much akin to Moghul architecture, and hence some historians are of the view that the fort was built by Bakhta Buland who succeeded King Jatava.
At present Devgarh village is a small inhabitance. The ruins at this place speak of its past glory.
5. GOTMAR MELA (FAIR) of Pandhurna
Sixty five kilometers from Chhindwara, in the headquarters of ‘Pandhurna’ tahsil a unique fair (mela in hindi) by name ‘Gotmar Mela’ is celebrated every year on the second day to ‘Bhadrapad’ New Moon day. This fair is celebrated on the banks of the river ‘Jam’. A long tree is erected in the middle of the river with a flag at its very top.
The residents of the villages ‘Savargaon’ and ‘Pandhurna’ gather on either bank of the river, and start pelting stones (‘Got’) at the persons of the opposite village who try to cross into the mid of the river and remove the flag on top of the tree trunk. The village whose resident succeeds in removing the flag will be considered victorious. The whole activity happens amidst the chanting of the sacred name of ‘Maa’ Durgaji. Several people get wounded in this celebration and the District Administration makes elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of this rare fair.
6. TRIBAL MUSEUM
The Tribal Museum started in Chhindwara on 20th April 1954 has acquired ‘State Museum’ status in the year 1975. And on 8th September 1997 the Tribal Meseum name has been changed to “Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum”. Shri Badal Bhoi was a revolutionary tribal leader of the district. He was born in Dungria Titra village of Parasia tehsil in 1845. Under his leadership thousands of tribals were demonstrated at collectors bunglow in 1923, held Lathi charge and he was arrested. On 21st August 1930 he was arrested by English Ruler for breaking the Forest rule at Ramakona (under the leadership of Shri Vishnath Damodhar) and sent to Chanda jail.
He left his last breath in jail in 1940 after the english ruler given poison to him. Due to his contribution to the national freedom strugle, the Tribal museum name has been changed to “Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum”. Since 15th August 2003, the Tribal Museum remains opened for tourists on Sundays also.
As per the directions of head of the Tribal Research Organisation, Bhopal the district Tribal museum “Shri Badal Bhoi State Tribal Museum” is maintained by Museum Incharge Officer with the help of artists and peons.
It is comprises of 14 rooms, 3 galleries and two open galleries. It depicts the Tribal culture of 45 (approx.) tribal communities living in Madhya Pradesh & Chhatisgarh states. It is the oldest and the biggest Tribal Museum in Madhya Pradesh. Since 1st September 2003, nominal entry fee of Rs.2.00 per head is being collected. Before to this it was allowed free of cost. Everyday 200-250 visitors visiting the Tribal Museum, which depicts the usefulnes and attractiveness of the museum.
It is a treasure house storing the antique and rare collection of items related to the tribals living in the district. One can find items related to the houses, clothes, ornaments, arms, agriculture tools, art, music, dance, celebrations, the dieties worshipped by them, religious activities, herbal collection and so on. The museum throws light on the rich tradition and ancient culture of the tribal community. Gound & Baiga, the prime tribes living in the district, it has depicted the family living styles.
Also it has shown how the Agria tribes uses to mould iron, Patalkots Dehia agricultural system pictures etc. which attacts the tourists and looks like living items. To put it in a nut-shell, the museum is a one stop collection-cum-information centre on the tribes of this district.
For the first time the Tribal Museum has undergone major renovation work from March 2007-December 2007. The museum closed for public access from 16/03/2007 to December 2007. By then the Collector, Shri Arun Pandey has inaugurated the Museum on 31/12/2007 and started.
Museum Timings & Holidays
For tourists the visiting timings are as follows :
1st April to 30th June : 11.30 AM to 6.30 PM
1st July to 31st March : 10.30 AM to 5.00 PM
Note : On all government holidays (except Sundays) and on Mondays the Museum remains closed
7. Hinglaj Temple, chhindwara
Hinglaj Mata Temple is one of the oldest temples in India. There are only two Hinglaj temples in India, one is near the border of Pakistan and the next is Berkuhi in Ambera near Chhindwara district. It is located in the south (by Parsia Road), about 40 km from the town. It attracts tourists almost every day, but it is considered the best day for worship on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
8. Anhoni, chhindwara
Anhoni village is situated near Mahaljir Police Station and is located 2 miles from Jirpa village on Chhindwara-Pipariya road. The place is within the forest area. A mountainous stream flows with hot and boiling sulfur springs near the village. At another distance, they regard the springs as a noula. This spring water is considered beneficial for skin diseases and some infections of blood.
9. Jam Sawali Hanumanji, chhindwara
A wonderful Sri Hanuman temple, Jam Bhavali is located in the ancient region of Madhya Pradesh, between the Dandakaranya-Satpura mountain ranges, which is at the confluence of the river Sarpa in the Jam river and the Sauni village, the Peepal tree in the shadow of “Self-land “It is from Shri Hanuman ji. Located at a distance of 15 km from Bajaj Joint check on Nagpur-Chhindwara Road, which is 66 km from Nagpur. Where access can be easily reached by road and railway route is also available for Saunsar city. The wonderful Shri Hanuman Temple is a center of faith and trust, where the wishes of the devotees coming from the true heart are fulfilled. Swayam Sri Hanuman ji is sitting in a lathe state.
There is no evidence of the statue of Swami Shri Hanuman and who established it. According to the fact, Swami Shri Hanuman himself appeared. 100 years ago in the history of the temple, the mention of Mahavir Hanuman came under the People’s Tree in revenue records. According to the recognition of the elderly rural people, the statue of Shri Hanuman ji was standing in the east.
Due to the suspicion of some people of some hidden treasure under the idol, people tried to remove the idol but did not succeed. People even used 20 bulls to remove the idol but idol did not move. According to the legends and beliefs in the Ramayana period, Lord Avtar Laxman got fainted, Hanuman ji went to take Sanjivani from Himalaya Mountain. While taking Sanjivani back, Hanuman ji rested under the Peepal tree in Jam Savli.
10. Kapoorda Mata Mandir, chhindwara
Kapoorda is a village in Chaurai sub-division. This is famous for Shashti Mata Temple. In the blessings of Sashthi Mata, the local citizen has faith and faith. During 9 days of Navratri, there is a huge crowd to worship Shashthi Mata. There is also a saying that the blessing of Sashthi Mata is very useful for those people, who do not have children even after many years of marriage.
11. Hanuman Temple Simariya , chhindwara
The tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, 101 feet high in the Siddheshwar Hanuman temple is the highest statue; Simaria village belongs to Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh state of India.
This temple complex is spread over five acres of land. This is the point where any person comes from Maharashtra state and enters Madhya Pradesh. The temple complex is situated in such a way that it seems like the statue of Lord Hanuman is giving blessings to the devotees.
Famous dessert in chhindwara
Chivda
Along with sweetness, people need some salt and spice in life. To bring salt and spice, people make paper poha Chivda. Paper poha is less oily and healthy as it comprises of various other ingredients such as moong fali dana, chana dal, meetha neem, dry fruits,etc. which increases its nutritive value. It is generally consumed as evening snacks.
Khoye Ki Jalebi
One of the favourite sweet dish of citizens of Chhindwara. It is also known as ‘Mawa ki Jalebi’. People eat these jalebis with Rabdi with great delight.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest Airport from Chhindwara is Nagpur Airport. A number of flights are available between Nagpur and the other major airports of India. Chhindwara can also be accessed via Bhopal/ Jabalpur, which is also connected by air with other major cities of India. After arriving in Nagpur / Bhopal/ Jabalpur, one can reach Chhindwara by road or by rail only.
By Rail
Chhindwara has a well established railway network. Nearest railway station from Chhindwara city is Chhindwara Junction. There are some other railway stations also such as Parasia, Junnardeo and Pandhurna. A direct train viz., Patalkot Express(14624/14623) runs daily for Delhi(Delhi Sarai Rohilla). It is also connected to Indore via railway.
By Road
Chhindwara can be approached by road from Nagpur (distance 125 kms.), Jabalpur (distance 215 kms.) or Bhopal (distance 286 kms.). Taxis and buses are also readily available from these cities connecting Chhindwara town.
Where to stay hotel/ Resort
Hotel Accord International
Address: Vishnu Nagar, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh Pincode: 480001
Phone:9406780000 Email:hotelaccordinn@gmail.com Website:http://www.hotelaccordinn.com/
Hotel J P Inn
Address: Chandangaon, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh Pincode: 480001
Email:gm@hoteljpinn.com Website:http://hoteljpinn.com
Hotel The Karan
Address: Gram Sarra, Nagpur Rd, Chandangaon, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh 480001 Pincode: 480001
Email:abc@gmail.com Website:https://hotel-the-karan.business.site/
Hotel Dev International
Address: Khajri Road, Sinchai Colony, Mohan Nagar, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh 480001 Pincode: 480001
Email:contact@hoteldevint.com Website:http://hoteldevint.com/
PWD Rest House
Address: Sanchar Colony, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh 480001 Pincode: 480001
Phone:07162-243403 Email:dmchhindwara@nic.in
