Bhedaghat's Marble Rocks that turn magical under moonlight

Magnificent Marble Rocks along the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh seem like waterfalls frozen in time. The clean and bright marble formations at Bhedaghat, about 21 km from Jabalpur, were created as the mighty Narmada cut through the soft rocks over centuries.

Bhedaghat is the only place in Narmada River’s course of 1312 km where it falls into a 30-metre deep gorge and flows between marble rocks. The Bhedaghat-Lamheta Ghat has made it to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Globally, there is believed to be no other example of a river flowing freely splitting an enormous mountain of marble. 

These different coloured marble rocks were formed through a metamorphic mechanism of limestone. The result is a beautiful gorge stretching over 8km where tourists can take boat rides or cable cars to get up and close to nature. Bhedaghat’s marble rocks rise to a height of 100 feet and their various morphological glittering forms spread over 25 km.

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The swift-flowing waters of the Narmada weave gracefully among the silent and solemn stones of the Bhedaghat region. They shimmer brilliantly under the golden sunlight and glow softly beneath the silvery moon by night. The interplay of the sunrays on the rocks casts shadows on the Narmada’s water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The marble rocks change hues depending on the light conditions.

Marbles in moonlight  

But the true beauty of these towering marble cliffs comes alive under the moonlight when they take on a mystical and enchanting aura.

While the boat rides end at 7 in the evening every day, they continue till midnight on full moon nights (Purnima) when the moon rays add silvery shine to the beauty of the rocks. The full moon’s rays are also considered to have healing properties, which is why tourists throng the place on Purnima.

The boat ride starting from the Panchvati ghat on the Narmada River is an unforgettable experience as one sails between the tall marble rocks on either side. The lustrous rocks seem to change their shape almost every minute.

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The area is also important because several dinosaur fossils have been found here. Besides, some interesting places around the canyon should not be missed, like Bandar Kudni. Earlier, this gorge was not very deep and had monkeys jumping from one rock to another, which earned it the name Bandar Kudni. The site also holds archaeological importance as shells of dinosaur eggs have been found at some of the ghats.

According to UNESCO, Bhedaghat is the only site where Marble, Phyllite, BIF, and Quartzite of the Mahakoshal group of Proterozoic age rocks have been recorded together. Bhedaghat is the best example of regional metamorphism in the world.

Near the Bhedaghat marble rocks lies the breathtaking natural wonder of Dhuandhar Falls, the biggest waterfall in India. The Narmada narrows down and then plunges into this waterfall, creating a bouncing mass of mist. It is so powerful that its roar can be heard from a distance.

This majestic waterfall earns its name Dhuandhar from the misty veil created when the water cascades with force from the cliff edge. The monsoon season unveils Dhuandhar's full splendour, shrouding the area in a blanket of mist. Its thunderous roar echoes far and wide, a testament to its raw power.

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Amidst these natural marvels stands the awe-inspiring 10th-century Chaunsath Yogini Temple in the town of Bhedaghat, dedicated to the goddess Durga. Its timeless craftsmanship offers a glimpse into the past, a testament to the craftsmanship in the ancient ages. The temple has shrines for 81 rather than the usual 64 yoginis but is still included among the 64 yogini temples in India. The group of 81 shrines is a mark of royalty, implying that a king founded the temple.

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