The small town of Bhedaghat near Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) has a unique identity. Located on the banks of river Narmada its famous for its Dhuandhar Falls, India’s very own Niagara Falls. Dhuandhar falls was on our bucket list for long so on our fun-filled Delhi to Kanha family Road trip through Madhya Pradesh, we decided to take a stop here at Bhedaghat.
The Milky White Falls
Dhuandhar Falls or Smokey Falls got its name from Dhuan (smoke) and Dhar (water flow). The Narmada narrows down its flow and flows down into a mass of mist hence the name Dhuandhar Falls. The falls are 30 meters high. The falls make their way through the very popular marble rocks. The pattern the river has made on the rocks a it cuts through them while flowing is absolutely stunning.
The Majestic Falls
The falls can be viewed from the east as well as the west side of the river bank. There is a cable car service that can be taken to view the falls from the other side. The cable car service starts at and ends at 6 pm. The service is closed from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm, during Lunch break. There is a viewing gallery too, which gives an aerial view of the falls. The cable car service starts at the entrance gate of Bhedaghat. The cable car service starts at the east side, crosses the river and drops you off at the west side. The charges are Rs 95/- for a round trip. The entrance to Bhedaghat is dotted with shops and stalls selling nick knacks made of marble. The falls are best viewed on the west side from V Resorts Vrindavan Gopala which is perched right on the edge of the falls on one side of the cable car station.
The sunset as viewed from the Falls
During Sharad Poornima, Narmada Mahotsav is celebrated here all night. On this day the moon is at its brightest and the white marble rocks shine like stars in the moonlight.
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Marble Rocks
The Marble Rock formation
This where Sharukh and Kareena shot for their famous song in the movie Ashoka. The background was so ethereal that I thought it might have been a foreign locale but after coming here I realized it was right here in MP. This is a boat ride like no other. Once you reach Bhedaghat, do not miss an opportunity to take a boat ride on the Narmada flanked on both sides by marble rocks.
This is captured from the viewing gallery
The Narmada carving its way through the marble rocks makes a scenic gorge. On both sides of the gorge are white marble rocks which change colour as the sun rays fall on them. They turn to yellow during sunset and are bright white when seen on a full moon light. At one point the cliffs are so close to each other that a monkey can easily jump over them so its called Bandar Kodani.
The marble Rocks glowing in the sunset
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Chaunsat Yogini Temple
This temple houses the sculptures of 64 Yoginis who prayed here. One such very similar temple is present in Khajuraho also. Built in the 10th century This temple is dedicated to Goddesss Durga. The 64 sculptures of the yoginis are present in individual shrines encircled by a huge courtyard. It is very beautifully built but it had to face the wrath of the Muslim rulers, but still it stands tall. There is also a very intricately carved sculpture of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati riding his consort, the Nandi. This place is very popular among tourists. There are about 150 steps which have to be climbed to reach the temple but the view of the Narmada from the top makes up for all the hard-work.
How to Reach Dhuandhar Falls
By Road
With only 20 km from Jabalpur, which is one of the main cities in Madhya Pradesh, Bhedaghat is well connected by roads. Also, you can easily drive your way here, like we did all the way from Delhi.
Also Read: Family Road Trip – Delhi to Kanha National Park
By Train
The closest railway station is Bhedaghat Railway Station but hardly any of the main trains stop here. So the best option is Jabalpur Junction which is around 40 kms away. There are autos or prepaid taxis available outside Jabalpur railway station to take you to Bhedaghat.
By Air
The closest airport to Bhedaghat is again Jabalpur, which is about 40 Kms away.
Dotty is excited to sit in the Cable Car
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Best Time to Visit Dhuandhar Falls
The best time to visit Dhuandhar Falls is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures range from 8 degree C to 25 degree C. However, in January it gets too cold once the sun sets. In the rains, the falls flow aggressively so its not safe plus the boating is closed so its not advisable to visit during the monsoons.
Shops selling items made of Marble
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Where To Stay in Bhedaghat
Dotty heading to the kids area
In Bhedaghat we stayed at V Resorts, Vrindavan Gopala. The reason we chose this resort was its location. This is situated right next to the falls and walking distance from the cable car station. The restaurant faces the falls and imagine the view while having your meals. The place was loved by my kiddo as there is a huge play area with ducks too. Moreover, the staff was extremely courteous and helpful.
Looking for a marble souvenir to take back home
Also Read: The Khajuraho temple guide
Book your Stay at Bhedaghat
Have you been to Dhuandhar Falls? Do let us know about your experience at Bhedaghat or if we are missing something, please contact us or comment below and I will update this blog soon. Your comments and/or feedback are welcome.
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Dhuandhar Falls looks incredible. We have visited Niagara and Iguazu Falls and would love to see Dhuandhar Falls. Thanks for including travel options to visit them. The Marble Rocks at Sunset are such a beautiful sight as well. I have not seen the movie Ashoka – but will look out for it.
Thanks for such an interesting and informative post. I love going to different waterfalls around the world when we are off travelling. Dhuandhar looks like a great one to collect.
First of all, the post title caught my attention. It does indeed look like the Niagara. Great pictures too. A bit far from Bangalore, but with such wonderful views, it surely is worth the trip I guess. The kids play area is a nice touch too!
I’m Canadian so I’ve been to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Didn’t know there was on in India too and it’s beautiful! The views at the temple are stellar too and definitely worth the trek up those steps. Did you shoot that photo during sunrise or sunset? Looks amazing!
I lived in Jabalpur for few months and while living there I was introduced to this beautiful Dhuandhar falls. They are amazing and really wonderful. Also the marble rocks are very picturesque. We missed sunset from here but now I can see from your photo, it looks really incredible.
Wow, this is breathtaking. I’d love to take a boat ride through the Marble Rock Formation. That sunset looks like the perfect way to end a long day of exploring. I’ve been to Niagara Falls before, and this looks just as amazing. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Absolutely incredible to be able to be so up close with the Dhuandhar Falls. I had no idea that it is known as India’s Niagara Falls. The nature and the beautiful waterfalls absolutely looks beautiful and just simply breathtaking. This is definitely one of the bucket list indeed. A cable ride over the falls looks like so much fun!
I have been to Dhuandhar Falls twice. And, both the times experience had been incredible. Your article is a perfect guide for anyone planning to visit it for the first time.