The road from Indore to Bhopal (175km) is a pleasurable one with good surfaces and little traffic. Congestion crops up before major cities but peters out after around 5km. It’s only after Hoshangabad that the going gets rough, with huge craters and entire tar sections missing. It is prudent not to attempt speeding on this 80km stretch as the broken surfaces appear without warning. Also, vehicles coming in the opposite direction swerve hard to avoid potholes.

T he road from Pipariya to Pachmarhi (54km) is again a pleasure. There are nice open corners with good road surfaces. Also a few blind corners where you need to keep the horn pressed throughout. Large luxury buses hurtle down at breakneck speed during peak holiday season. So exercise caution while driving.

The views of course are stupendous, especially from Matkuli to Pachmarhi. If you’re driving after dark, keep your eyes peeled for wild animals on the road. You might see bison and foxes and if luck favours you, a magnificent tiger.

The roads in Pachmarhi are narrow but are carpet smooth. Press the horn only when needed; unnecessary usage will simply shatter the peace of the place. The best way to explore Pachmarhi is to arrive and park your car - and keep it parked till the time you leave. The more you walk, the more you will be able to soak in the beatific charm of Pachmarhi. Another eco-friendly alternative is bicycles that are readily available for hire.

Pachmarhi is small, unpolluted and clean. Please keep it that way. The locals take pride in the purity of the place and you’ll find guides usually picking up litter whenever they can and disposing it off properly. They will even refuse to drink packaged water, readily gulping down water from a flowing stream instead. The locals are very helpful and will quickly guide you to the right path if you do happen to lose your way.

Some essentials are a cap or an umbrella if you’re out exploring on sunny afternoons, even during winter. If you plan to trek, a cane or walking stick will help you overcome the rough patches. A sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must if you are to enjoy long treks or even traipse along in the lush forest.

Do not take off on long treks without an experienced guide accompanying you. The surrounding areas are after all a jungle which is home to wild animals, including a number of tigers, panthers and bears.

When visiting the Satpura National Park, it’s important to retain the receipt for the entrance fee. The same receipt can be used for re-entry if you visit more than two sights in the park on the same day. Do not smoke or throw lighted matchsticks or cigarettes in the forest - it could set off a huge fire.