Jabalpur is a large city in central Madhya Pradesh, sitting on the upper Narmada River. It is not a tourist destination in itself, but it serves as the gateway to some of the most dramatic landscapes in central India.
The main attraction nearby is the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, about 25 km south of the city. The Narmada flows through a narrow gorge of white marble cliffs that rise up to 30 metres on both sides. Boat rides through the gorge — particularly by moonlight — are spectacular. At the end of the gorge, the Dhuandhar Falls drop the river about 10 metres in a roar of spray. Above the gorge, the Chausath Yogini Temple — a circular 10th-century tantric temple with 64 niches arranged around a central Shiva shrine — is one of the most unusual religious sites in central India.
Jabalpur is also a base for visiting Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park, two of the best tiger reserves in India. Both are 4-6 hours by road from the city. Bargi Dam on the Narmada, about 30 km north, offers a large reservoir for boating and bird-watching.
The city itself has a few points of interest: Madan Mahal Fort, perched on a rocky hilltop, and the Rani Durgavati Museum. The Hanumantal lake and Jain temple area is pleasant for an early morning walk. Jabalpur is well connected by train to Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi.