A thirty foot fall drops into a pool shallow enough at the edges for children, which is why the British called it the Fairy Pool.
Apsara Vihar is reached easily from Jai Stambh and is the pool that Pachmarhi families head for. A small charming waterfall of about 30 feet forms it. The British named the place Fairy Pool, and both names are in use.
The pool is shallow across most of its area and deepens only towards the base of the fall, which is what makes it suitable for picnics with small children. Swimmers can swim and dive in what is effectively a natural swimming pool. The route in runs from Jaistambha to Pandava Caves, then less than a kilometre by road, followed by about 2 km of trekking on hilly tracks.
The fall is modest at about 30 feet, and it feeds a broad pool that stays shallow except directly under the drop. That is the part where it becomes deep enough to swim and dive, and it is also where you need to watch children and non-swimmers.
From near Pandava Caves there is a walk of roughly 2 km over hilly tracks to reach the pool. It is a pleasant approach through the Satpura landscape rather than a hard trek, but it does mean carrying whatever you want with you.
This is primarily a picnic spot and has been one since colonial times. There is space to sit near the water, and most groups treat it as a half-day out rather than a quick stop.
Access is from Jaistambha via Pandava Caves, then a short drive and a trek of about 2 km. Plan for a half day including the walking.
The pool is at its best from just after the monsoon through to February, when the water is clean and full and the tracks are dry enough to walk comfortably. During heavy rain the trek is slippery and the water level in the pool rises. Mornings are the quietest.
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