A Stop-Over At Pandav Falls

Pandav Fall

Pandav Falls is located 35 km from Khajuraho, in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. Its serenity holds an allure that I think should not be missed if visiting Khajuraho or Panna. I noticed some reviews that go against this statement but again beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. We went there in late November on our way back to Khajuraho from Panna National Forest.  There were very few people. A quiet hidden desolate place. The fall is not particularly grand but the green-ness of the lake gives it a peaceful ambiance and an ethereal feel. We went there without expecting much but were pleasantly surprised that even a small unassuming place could hold so much beauty. 

There is a parking fee of some 200 bucks for Indian citizens, 1000+ bucks for foreign nationals, and a guide fee of 60 bucks. You can avoid the parking fee by keeping the cars outside the fall premises. It's a short walk to a stream and then some 160 steps down to the lake and caves. Those with weak knees may find the climb pretty tedious since the steps are very steep. 

A stream (distributary of Ken River I assume)

The legend goes, that the Pandavas (from the epic Mahabharata) camped here during their exile. There are five temples built by the five Pandavas. Interestingly, I saw small Shiv temples (5 in number built by the Pandavas in Diu). There is a thin stream of the waterfall called the Draupadi fall which is believed to have magical powers :). Locals believe if a couple drinks the water from this fall, their relationship is sealed for 7 lives :) Is that good or bad is the question :P? In later years, this place was used as a rest house for Kings who came to Panna to hunt tigers.

Shiva linga at Gangeshwar temple built by the Pandavas in Diu near Fudam Village

Shiva temples built by the Pandavas

Draupadi Falls

The place is clean but the caves are dilapidated and visitors are prohibited from entering them. The natural caves from the supposed Mahabharata era are hidden behind the hunting rest areas built by the kings in later times. Other local legends say, that during the Indian independence struggle, freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad and his friends used this place as their secret hideout.

Hunting rest houses for Kings

Crimson Marsh Glider

Since the fall is surrounded by dense forests, the area is frequented by leopards, tigers, and bears, usually at night unless someone is very lucky/unlucky to meet one face to face.  One may meet groups of langurs but they usually shy away from people and do no harm. These forests are one of the oldest in India and have trees almost 100 years old. Nature enthusiasts would definitely find interest in the flora and fauna here. I saw many golden silk orb weaver spiders here, beautiful yet intimidating.

Large black and yellow Nephila spiders are supposed to be the largest orb weavers almost up to 3 ft in diameter

Nephila, Golden Orb Weaver 

From a particular viewpoint, the lake/ pond/ kund looks like a heart. I heard a guide point it out to a newlywed honeymoon couple adding a touch of romantic air to the place. Well, I say stop over for a couple of hours and you won't be disappointed (at least most of you).

Heart-shaped Draupadi Kund