A natural waterfall – Patalpani, is located in Mhow Tehsil of Indore district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The waterfall is about 300 feet high near the Choral River. A Heritage Train runs on the meter gauge. There are only a few preserved meter-gauge tracks preserved, others are converted into broad gauges.
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Patal Pani Train – Heritage Train
To reach there, you can take the Heritage train from Mhow (Dr. Ambedkar Nagar Station). Patalpani-Kalakund heritage train runs through 4 tunnels, 24 sharp turns and 41 bridges in Ratlam division. The heritage train departs from Dr Ambedkar Nagar railway station at 11:05 AM and reaches Kalakund railway station at 1:25 PM. On its return journey, the train starts from Kalakund railway station at 2:55 PM and arrives at Dr Ambedkar Nagar railway station at 3:40 PM.
Patal Pani Station
A passenger train also runs between Mhow to Omkareshwar Road. It stands suspended at present. Only the heritage train runs at present. This meter gauge is of the British times.
The first station of the Patalpani-Kalakund Heritage train is Patal Pani. Here you can see the magnificent 91 metres (300 feet) high waterfall. According to folklore, it is said that the plunge pool (kund) at the bottom of the waterfall goes deep to patal and hence gives the name patal pani i.e. water going deep to Patal lok.
Patal Pani Waterfall
The Heritage Train stops at the Patal Pani Railway station for about one hour. It is enough time for photography and visiting the beauty of the falls.
The Patalpani Waterfall is formed by the Choral River, a tributary of Narmada River. Nobody knows the depth of the pond that develops at the bottom of the waterfall. Some people colloquially say that it reaches the ‘patal‘. Patal is a Hindi word for hell. Hence the fall got its name Patalpani.
The area around Patalpani is a popular picnic as well as a trekking site. The place is surrounded by deep forest cover, towering hills, and lush green sceneries that make it a perfect picnic spot for the family. You can also visit with your friends.
From here one can visit places of interest like Tantiya Bhil temple and Valley view from Bridge No. 647.
Patal Pani railway station itself is a tourist attraction. There is another viewing platform about 300 to 400 meters down the railway track. Unfortunately, there is no approach path to that place. The only way to go there is by walking on or along the railway track ( Despite the numerous warning boards of walking on the railway track is an offence and is prohibited).
Camel rides, Horse rides and Snack stalls are available here. So you can roam around and enjoy these attractions with your family or friends.
You will encounter a number of monkeys. so beware of them. When you eat something, monkeys come and snatch items. So you are advised to be careful.
However, some problems as no covered place and proper seating arrangements for lunch /eating, dirty washrooms, and littering garbage can be seen due to tourists’ visits. These need the proper attention of the management to make the tourism experience wonderful.
Flash Flood Incident
On July 17, 2011, three members of a family were washed away by a flash flood while on an excursion. The administration then built a bridge and stairs for safety purposes. Earlier, people had to cross the nullah coming from the Chordiya side, which was risky. Also, an artificial ghat has been constructed to ensure that people enjoy it from a safe distance. Extra policemen are deployed on weekends and holidays as well.
Timings and Tickets
- No ticket charges
- Timings :
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Monday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
Tantiya Bhil – The Robin Hood Of India
Tantia Bhil (also called locally Tantia Mama) was an Indian Robin Hood. He was born in Badada in 1842 and played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He waged an armed struggle against British rule for twelve years and endeared himself to the masses by virtue of his indomitable courage and passion to uproot the foreign rule.
He soon became a symbol of the feelings of tribals and the hero of the general people. He plundered the government treasuries of the British government and wealth was distributed among the poor and needy. He was skilled in Guerilla warfare. He was ultimately captured and taken to Jabalpur jail. There he was tortured inhumanly by the British Officers. The news of the arrest of Tantia Bhil was published in the 10 November 1889 issue of the New York Times. In this news, he was described as the “Robin Hood of India“. He was sentenced to be hanged till death on 19th October 1889.
The second station also comes in the Patal Pani section. Here a viewpoint has been made for a waterfall. Ahead in the journey, the train travels through a tunnel.
The next stop is also a viewpoint from where you can see a village settlement from a great height. Nearby is a viaduct that was rebuilt after it has been damaged.
After passing through a curvaceous tunnel the train stops at the last station Kalakund.The heritage train from here returns to the Dr Ambedkar Nagar station.
Choral River
In Kalakund you can enjoy the picturesque Choral river. There is a temple across the river.
The Choral river rises in the Vindhyan Ranges in Indore. It flows in the northeast direction through the hills and turns south after exiting the Vindhyas near the Patal Pani waterfall. It finally joins the Narmada River in Barwaha City in Khargone. The total length of the the Choral river is 55 km.
On the return journey, the heritage train is attached to another train and acts as a banker ( Engines on both sides of the train ) due to the steep slopes towards Mhow.
The train runs on the old semaphore signals. Since this line is not electrified, diesel engines are used as locomotive.
The railway runs through the densely forested areas of the Choral valley and in the absence of any roads, the line serves as a roadway of sorts for the locals.
Best Time To Visit Patal Pani
- The water flow is highest immediately after the rainy season (usually after July).
- It is almost dry in the summer season and the stream is reduced to a trickle.
- Therefore the best time is after monsoons and winter. While the summers should be avoided.
- In the monsoon season, Patal Pani becomes prone to flash floods.
- It is advisable to put safety first.
How To Reach
By Road
- Distance From Indore is about 30 km by road.
- You can get a bus from Indore to Mhow on regular basis. Paatal paani 6 km away from Mhow. Take a taxi from Mhow to Patal Pani (6 km)
- You can book a private taxi from Indore to Patalpani.
- If you visit by two-wheelers and four-wheelers, there is ample parking space as well.
By Rail
- Patal Pani is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.
- Railway Station(s): Patal Pani (PTP), Mhow.
- Indore railway station is well connected to the major cities of India.
By Air
- Indore airport is 40 km from the waterfall
- The nearest Airport is Devi Ahilya Indore Airport 32 Km away from Patal Pani.
Resorts and Accommodation
- You can plan a cosy stay at Choral Resort managed by MPSTDC. The property is located at a distance of 12 km from the fall.
Nearby Tourist Destinations
Choral Dam
- 16 km from Patal Pani Railway Station.
- It is constructed in the upper reaches of the river and is a popular picnic destination.
Janapav
- 24 km away from Patal Pani Railway Station.
- Janapav is also known as Janapav Kuti.
- It is a mountain 854 m high from sea level.
- It is the highest peak of Vindhayanchal range.
- It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Parshurama.
- Parshurama was the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- There is a temple on the hilltop.
- As per the local sayings, twelve rivers originate from the tank situated on this hill, including Chambal, Saraswati & Nakheri.
Simcha Island
- Adventure Park and Resort are 21 km away from the Patal Pani Railway Station.
- It is an adventure island.
- You can go with your family and friends to enjoy the full day.
- Weddings and other events are also arranged.
Indore
- Annapurna Temple
- It is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food.
- The temple also houses the shrines of Sivan, Hanuman and Kalabhairava.
- Bada Ganpati
- Bada Ganpati timings are 05:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
- There is No entry fee.
- The temple has a huge idol of Lord Ganesha about 25 feet in height, which is the largest idol of Lord Ganesha in the world. There it got its name.
- This temple was built by Pandit Narayan Dadhich in 1875.
- The Ganesh idol of the temple is made of limestone, jaggery, bricks, mud and water.
- It is said that the soil for the construction of this idol is from the seven holy cities of Ayodhya, Mathura, Kanchi, Maya, Avantika, Varanasi and Dwarka.
- Krishnapura Chhatri
- The structures were built by the Holkars.
- It is a cenotaph that houses the remains of the dynasty’s rulers.
- There are three chhatris.
- All three of the Chhatris are located half a kilometre from the palace city of Rajawada.
- The structures are for Krishna Bai Holkar, the wife of famed military leader Yashwant Rao Holkar and the mother of Malhar Rao Holkar II.
- It is near the Kahn River.
- Rajwada Palace
- It is a seven-storied structure and is located near the Chhatris.
- The structure comprises two parts – the first one is located at the heart of the city and the second one stands in the old part of the town.
- Rajwada palace exhibits a blend of Maratha-style of architecture.
- It was constructed in 1766
- Later the southern part was rebuilt in the years 1811–1833 as it got damaged by fire.
- The Rajwada Palace was constructed by Muslim artisans from Mandu.
- Indore Zoo
- Also known as Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya
- It is located in the Navlakha area.
- It is the largest zoological garden in Madhya Pradesh.
- In 2017, it became the first Smart Zoo in India.
- Tourists can install a free app named Accio – which showed interesting information about the animals.
- Fauna – Peacock, White Peacock, Jackal, Hippopotamus, Nilgai, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Striped Hyena, Porcupine, Hanuman Langur, Turkey, Ostrich, Swan etc.
- The Central Museum or the Indore Museum
- It has an amazing collection of antique coins, utensils, terracotta artefacts, and artwork of metals and ivory.
- It was established during the period of Holkar king Tukojirao III.
- Various artefacts, cannons, and the model of the brick-built Lakshman temple of Sirpur and Garuda stambha (pillar) of Heliodorus of Besnagar are also preserved.
- Lal Bagh Palace
- It is the former residence of the Holkar King.
- It is spread over 76 acres.
- The palace has 45 rooms.
- It was built in the Italian Renaissance Revival Architecture style.
- Parts of the Bollywood Movie Kalank were shot here.
- Indore was once a seat of the Holkar family, the most powerful Maratha rulers of India.
- The renowned Lal Bagh Palace is at a distance of 30 km from the Patal Pani waterfall.
- Sarafa Bazar
- for jewellery shopping and to taste the famous street food.
Editor’s Thought
Patal Pani is one of the lesser-known places in Madhya Pradesh. This waterfall provides both a picnic and trek spot with enjoyment for train lovers. Train lovers must not miss this preserved meter gauge heritage. It is one of the only 3 meter gauge lines in India. Since the best time to visit is the monsoon which is also the time when the area becomes prone to flash floods, so please put safety first before enjoyment.
If you want to know anything and for any queries feel free to write in the comment.
Have A Safe Yatra…
