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The Patalkot valley is located 225 km from the capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, 78 km away from Chhindwara in the North-West direction, and 20 km from Tamia in the North-East direction. The horseshoe-shaped valley of Patalkot, spread across 79 square kilometers of the Satpura ranges, is a mystery in itself. Surrounded by towering hills with granite and sandstone rocks, it is one of the deepest gorges of Madhya Pradesh [1]. Patalkot is inhabited by the Gond and Bharia tribes of Madhya Pradesh, reflecting upon a culture that is rich in customs and traditions, the people who once had no influence of the outside world due to the inaccessibility and their approach [2]Â [3].Â
Hidden deep inside, the villages in Patalkot receive sunlight by 10:00 am, and the day probably diminishes in twilight by 3:00 pm during winters. It seems like evening all throughout, a clear reason why the place is known as âPatalkotâ. As is known, around 3200 people reside in the 12 villages of the region with 13 hamlets, while three of them are cut off from the world [3][4].
Associated legends
There are various legends and folklore among the tribes associated with Patalkot. The tribes here worship Meghnad, the son of Ravana, as they believe him to be the God of Rains. It was Meghnadâs haunt upon the region, whom they prayed for the fertility of the crops. There is also a legend from the Ramayana when Maa Sita vanished into the Earth, forming a deep cavity. The place also came to be known as Sitaâs Patal Pradesh. Another legend holds that Lord Hanuman entered Paatal through this region to save Lord Rama and Lakshman from the captivity of the demon Ahiravana.
Further, it is said that the demon Bhasmasura, who was given a boon by Lord Shiva to place a hand and turn anything into ashes, was performed by this on the Lord at this place only. Lord Shiva vanished and was immersed in the Earth, creating the massive hole, the place that is now [3].
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Patalkot is home to the Bharia tribe, âThe Lord of the Soilâ.  Â
The Patalkot tribes, the Bharias, have been promoting wellness for centuries now. It has become a hub for âwellness tourismâ. Here is a take:Â
The tribals of the Patalkot Valley are known to have derived the skill of making herbal medicines from forest plants through generations, living a sustainable lifestyle [3]. The herbs found in the valley are used not only in Ayurveda but also in the Unani culture (the Persian-Arabic traditional medicine). Notably, there are around 200 herb varieties found in the valley that have rich medicinal properties.
Some of the rarest medicinal plants and herbs like the Annona squamosa (Custard apple, Sharifa or Sitafal), Bryonia Lacinosa (Shivalingi), Tylophora Asthmatica (Lataksheeri), and many more are used by the tribes to make medicines.Â
The herbal practitioners are known as Bhumkas. They use pulp and extracts of plants to cure illnesses and heal. The treatments help with measles, cholera, hypertension, indigestion, diabetes, snake bites, and other ailments from aches to pains [3].
For the tribes, the forest means their whole world. It is the forests that provide for their livelihoods, be it honey, non-timber forest produce, coarse grains like kodo, kutki, and balar, they have it all for their need. They practice subsistence agriculture, growing all kinds of seasonal vegetables and crops on small portions of land[4].
Patalkot is now gaining appreciation and becoming famous for its âWellness tourismâ. New wellness centers are opening here, along with a special attraction for sports adventures.
The Patalkot Valley has been declared a biodiversity hotspot by the government owing to the natural resources that contribute to its significance. The place is now being developed as an ecotourism destination, attracting visitors with its geographical location, scenic beauty, rare herbal wealth, and the culture of the tribes.
It involves the inclusion of indigenous communities of the region in promoting tourism in the valley. The start came in 2009 with the joint efforts of the Center for Forestry Research, HRD Poama, District Administration, and District Olympic Association which trained around 3000 tribal youth for this. The Patalkot Development Agency works for the overall development of the area and its people [1].
Patalkot is also known for its adventure activities. The district administration has taken this forward by organizing an Adventure festival between October to February that includes activities like hot air ballooning, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, and many other sports. It saw a significant footfall of visitors who could experience the magic of Patalkot, especially during the monsoon season [1].
Notably, the government of Madhya Pradesh granted habitat rights to the Bharia tribe in 2024, empowering them to protect their lands, water, and forests. The Patalkot resources belong to the tribe, no external party has any right to exploit these; they are the sole âBhumiaâ or the Lord of the Soil. This makes Chhindwara the first district in India to grant such rights to a tribal community.
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It is just that the eco-balance of the valley sustains with time and there is no threat to the place from the outside world. Unleash the magic of knowing the underworld in the mysterious valley of Patalkot, there is so much down there that you will never be left disappointed.
If you are thinking of visiting Patalkot anytime, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has got you covered with âThings to do in Patalkotâ [5].Â
When travel enthusiasts from all parts of the country visit Patalkot, they are awestruck by the valley and the rich, splendid experience it has to offer. Hereâs what we found from Google reviews with Patlkotâs satisfactory 4.3 rating that might be a help [6]:
Pugazhendi M, who visited Patalkot on a weekend three months back, shares, âIt was a good time to spend there with family and friends, very peaceful, and enjoyed it a lot. We can trek downhill to the valley, having a great adventure.â
Dr Sandeep Jain went to Patalkot in 2024. Sharing his experience, Jain says, âAwesome, serene⊠ill-fated Pachmarhi. Tamia is the main place, near which Patalkot is situated. The large deep valley where you can see clouds underneath, over lush green deep forest. Visit here to find the fun here.âÂ
Lagjanita Dash was in Patalkot just two months ago in the winter season. She shares, âNature at its beauty. You can visit the place & enjoy the local freshly cooked food like makke ki roti with sarson ka saag.âÂ
Well, some people did have unpleasant experiences some time ago. But letâs not get there. Instead, explore the best that we can find from this hidden gem!Â
So, what are you waiting for? Head to Patalkot for an âunderworldlyâ experience of the valley! Â
Google. (n.d.). Patalkot search results. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.google.com/search?q=PatalkotÂ
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