World Tourism Day: Unexplored nature-escapes around Indore

A visit to a new place not only gives an experience of the place, but often works as a healing therapy in case of trauma and provides new perspective towards life. Other than this, tourism plays an essential role in development of the place and economy of the country, hence, World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 to promote travelling.
This year’s theme for celebrations of the day under aegis of United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’.
Through the lens of enthusiastic photographers and explores, we bring some known and some unexplored nature-escapes around Indore that can heal and empower tourism.

Drive through the royal gate ‘Jam Darwaza’

Scenic drive among clouds on a smooth road surrounded by lush green valley makes ‘Jam Darwaza’ a perfect spot to get away from the hassle of the city and closer to nature. Set at distance of 53 kilometres, it is a quick getaway for a weekend trip.
 Jam Darwaza has a royal appeal that welcomes visitors offering them a view of cup valleys and green hillocks. The most striking part of the route is waterfall, which runs across the route bypassing roadways.
Jam Darwaza is a scenic route that also acts as shortcut for commuting from Malwa plateau to Nemavar plains. It cuts short the trip by 20 kilometres. However, one has to take requisite precautions while travelling on this route, as landslides are common.
There are times, when you might have to drive reverse on the narrow road, so it is suggested that you hire a professional for the job. Jam Darwaza, unlike most tourist spots, is not visiting point. It is popular for as a ‘journey’.

Unexplored Datoda Lake surrounded by waterfalls

Meditating and partying come together at Datoda lake where adventure and peace seekers meet in harmony. With weather cooling down and vacations coming up, it is the perfect time to take a long weekend break and have a quick tour from the city.
Among the beautiful waterfalls and scenic getaways, this place is an escape to calmness and beauty. Whether it is catching up with friends or discovering self, the lake is perfect tourist spot.
Its vast and untouched colours are a must visit sight for a large group of people especially adventure seekers and nature lovers.
From sitting by a calm brook to trekking in nearby areas, the place is ideal for explorers. It is about 25 kilometres from Indore.

A lagoon surrounded by rocks with mysterious birds

Set at distance of 56.7 kilometres, the place is a mysterious place with all nature’s treasures together. With beautiful lagoon in the middle of oddly arranged rocks, one can find inspiration to write or paint the universe with new colours of life.
 For a quick getaway this weekend where you can experience action and adventure with peace and tranquillity, Chidiya Bhadak is the perfect spot. Reaching the place is a scenic journey with an adventurous trek, where one can explore tiny treasures like unique structures.
For people residing in Indore, this is one of the unique calm places where they can hangout near a clean waterbed.

The lake hosting variety of ecology

Sirpur Lake was created by the Holkars of Indore State in the early 20th century. After the independence of India and extinction of the royal houses, religious sites started mushrooming up around the lake and over the years it was encroached upon by the people living in its vicinity. Illegal activities like fishing, poaching, cattle grazing, waste dumping, etc., almost destroyed the lake's ecology. However, the lake is being revived and has a unique ecosystem that can be explored.

Place of ayurveda, religious and scenic importance

Janapav Kuti is famous for its scenic views as well as its religious importance. Stories about origination of various rivers follow the mountain. While the stories cannot be confirmed, the air around the place can surely relax every visitor, taking away stress from city hassles.
Following the legend story about plantation of herbs, Ayurvedic doctors from all over the country often visit the hill looking for herbs. However, secrets of Ayurveda are still not known about the place.
For religious and architecture enthusiasts, there is a beautiful temple near the mountain. The temple is constructed alongside a pond, where one can take a dip and refresh from the journey. Old architecture of the temple and clean pond is a nice place to visit with family.