Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur

“A waterfall cannot be silent, just as the wisdom! When they speak, the voice of power speaks!”

Mehmet Murat Ildan

Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur

After visiting Bhedaghat, you must be wondering where the serene waters flow from? A short 1.5 km drive brings us to the milky white, frothy, gushing waters of Dhuandhar. Dhuan means smoke and dhar is a waterfall. As the Narmada falls from 30-metre tall cliffs, it creates a smoky screen, giving the waterfall the name. The falls are so loud you could hear them half a kilometre away. The mist surrounding the falls gives them an ethereal look.

View from the Cable Ropeway

You could see the magnificent falls in two ways. Walk along the north bank or take a cable car to the south. So let me first take you through the cable car ride. A small to and fro fee carries you across the deep gorge with stunning visuals of the Dhuandhar falls. From this height and distance, the surrounding marble rocks bring grandiosity to the magnificent falls. As you see the frothing waters flowing towards Bhedaghat, the cable car reaches the other side. From here, we can walk closer to the cliffs and get a view of the smaller falls surrounding the Dhuandhar. The main falls entice and draw your attention from here. We fall prey to its charm and make our way back to the cable car. 

Reaching closer

Once we disembark, we start a short walk of about 10-12 mins. Since it’s the peak summer season, local vendors peddle fresh cucumber, raw mangoes, and sugarcane juice. The whole route is dotted with shops selling marble memorabilia. It is very interesting to find replicas of the Marble Rocks, Bhedaghat here. These artisans have been creating masterpieces from marble through generations. One can find religious figurines, utility items, jewellery and artsy creations for homes. From a distance, we can see the crowds milling around the two viewing platforms built around the waterfalls. Some have gone upstream to enjoy the cool river. 

Waters of the Narmada here bounce off a bed of rocks. They shimmer under the sun, playful and beckoning. But, just don’t get fooled by the appearances. Currents at the mouth of the waterfall are too strong and deadly. Many a life has been lost in these. Decades ago, hence, the local administration has restricted access closer to the falls. 

View from the platform

Compared to other waterfalls, Dhuandhar is but a small one. The effect it produces though is resplendent. Depth of the gurgling waters adds a green tinge to the otherwise white falls. Half horse-shoe shaped, the mouth opens to one main and several small falls. The force of the waterfall sprays mist all around the place. A faint rainbow mesmerises all who are glued by the view. At the bottom, the Narmada appears almost sinister. Frothing, it flows away into the marble ravines. 

Dhuandhar’s beauty is not in its depth or breadth. It is breathtaking in the sense that one cannot take their eyes off the spectacle. The Narmada, in all its glory.

Next week, a slice of history and a hidden architectural gem! The last in the Jabalpur diaries…

For some monsoon images of dhuandhar, click here.

BUSY RIGHT NOW? SAVE THE PIN FOR LATER.

• 

• 

•