Hoshangābād, India
Region: Madhya Pradesh
Geographic Coordinates: 22.747500, 77.727400
Temperature Range: 17.0°C to 35.0°C (63°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 128599
Language: Hindi
Hoshangabad is a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Situated on the banks of the Narmada River and surrounded by lush green forests. It’s named after Hoshang Shah, A 15th-century ruler of Malwa. The city has a rich history and culture, Having been ruled by various dynasties like the Mughals, Marathas, And Britishers before India gained independence in 1947. This has left behind numerous historical monuments and landmarks that are worth visiting. One such landmark is the Hoshangabad Fort which was built during Emperor Akbar’s reign in 1573 AD.
The fort stands tall even today with its impressive architecture that reflects Mughal influence. Another popular tourist attraction is Salkanpur Temple which attracts thousands of devotees every year during Navratri. Hoshangabad also boasts several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries like Satpura Tiger Reserve, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary etc., Making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts too. The city’s economy primarily relies on agriculture with soybean being one of its major crops produced here. Apart from that, Industries like paper mills and cement factories have also contributed to its growth over time.
In terms of transportation facilities, Hoshangabad has good connectivity through roadways as well as railways with regular trains running from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai to reach here easily. Moreover, Hoshangabad’s local cuisine is something not to be missed when you visit this place. Some popular dishes include poha (flattened rice) and jalebi (sweet dish), Which are sure to tantalize your taste buds! Overall if you want to explore India’s cultural heritage or just want to spend some time amidst nature then Hoshangabad is a perfect destination to visit.
Important Landmarks
- Pachmarhi
- Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tawa Reservoir
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
- Satpura Tiger Reserve
- Pandav Caves
- Sethani Ghat
- Beohari Hill Station
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Madai Waterfall
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Paper mills
- Cement plants
- Power generation from hydroelectric and thermal sources
- Small-scale manufacturing of products such as textiles and handicrafts
- Government offices
- Educational institutions
Noteable History
- Raja Bhoj Airport is located in Hoshangabad and named after a famous 11th-century king.
- Pachmarhi, a popular hill station, is situated near Hoshangabad and known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
- The Tawa Dam was built in 1958 on the Tawa River in Hoshangabad district to provide hydroelectric power to the region.
- Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, a prominent Hindu spiritual leader and scholar, was born in Hoshangabad district in 1924.
- The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters near Hoshangabad are a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing some of India’s oldest rock art dating back to prehistoric times.
- The Narmada River flows through Hoshangabad district and is considered one of India’s seven holy rivers.
- The Jata Shankar Caves near Pachmarhi are natural caves believed to have been used by ancient ascetics for meditation and worship.
- Captain James Forsyth served as District Officer of Hoshangabad from 1860-1870 as a British officer who wrote extensively about his experiences in India during that time period.
- Pandit Ravishankar Shukla played an important role as an Indian freedom fighter during the Indian independence movement and later served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 1952-1956.
- Satpura National Park located near Pachmarhi is home to various endangered species including tigers, leopards, and Indian bison.
Museums and Things To See
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in wildlife conservation.
- Bori Wildlife Sanctuary: Another great destination for nature enthusiasts, this sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
- Sethani Ghat: This beautiful ghat on the Narmada River is a popular spot for picnics and boat rides.
- Tawa Dam: Located on the Tawa River, this dam offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Pachmarhi Hill Station: This picturesque hill station is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate.
- Raja Bhoj Statue: This impressive statue of the legendary king stands tall in Hoshangabad town.
- Hoshangabad Fort: Built by King Hoshang Shah in the 15th century, this fort offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
- Sadar Manzil Museum: Located in Bhopal, this museum houses artifacts from the region’s royal past and showcases local art and culture.
- Van Vihar National Park: A popular destination for families, this park features a zoo, botanical garden, and picnic areas.
- Bhimbetka Caves : These ancient rock shelters are home to some of India’s oldest cave paintings dating back thousands of years ago.
Cultural Events
- Navratri: A nine-day festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
- Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated with fireworks, sweets, and lighting up homes.
- Holi: The festival of colors is celebrated with music, dance, and throwing colored powder at each other.
- Maha Shivratri: A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Dussehra: Celebrated as a victory of good over evil.
- Janmashtami: Celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha with grand processions and idol immersion ceremonies.
- Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha – Muslim festivals that are celebrated with prayers, feasting, and exchanging gifts among family members.
Cuisine
- Poha: a traditional breakfast dish made of flattened rice flakes, served with onions and chutney.
- Bhutte ki Khees: a grated corn dish mixed with spices and served as a snack or main course.
- Dal Bafla: a traditional dish made of boiled wheat dough balls (bafla) served with dal (lentil soup).
- Rajasthani Thali Restaurant: serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine including dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri.
- Jai Hind Dhaba: serving delicious North Indian food like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, naan breads etc.
- Hotel Shreeji Palace: serving vegetarian Indian dishes like paneer tikka masala, veg biryani etc.
- Hotel Anand Bhojnalaya: offering vegetarian thalis with unlimited servings of different dishes including sabzi (vegetable curry), daal (lentil soup), chapati etc.
- Cafe Coffee Day – for coffee lovers who want to sip their favorite beverages while enjoying the scenic beauty of Hoshangabad city
- Bandhavgarh National Park – a wildlife sanctuary that houses tigers, leopards, and other animals.
- Tawa Reservoir – a man-made lake that offers boating and fishing facilities.
- Pachmarhi Hill Station – a scenic hill station with waterfalls, caves, and trekking trails.
- Satpura National Park – another wildlife sanctuary where you can spot tigers, leopards, and other animals.
- Madhai Wildlife Sanctuary – a forest reserve that is home to elephants, deer, and other animals.
- Hoshangabad Nature Park – a public park with walking trails and picnic spots.
- Pandav Caves – ancient rock-cut caves believed to be the home of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic.
- Sethani Ghat Waterfall – a popular waterfall ideal for picnics and swimming.
- Bori Wildlife Sanctuary- A tiger reserve which is also home to various species of flora & fauna.
- Dhoopgarh- The highest point in Pachmarhi offering panoramic views of sunset & sunrise.