Handi Khoh

About Handi Khoh

Handi Khoh is a V-shaped ravine 300 feet deep, formed between two massive hills and enclosed by thick forest. It is one of the most visited spots on the Pachmarhi circuit, partly for the drop and partly for what people say about it.

Local tradition holds that the ravine was once a lake, and that it dried up through the wrath of a huge snake that guarded the place. That story is still told at the rim. In practical terms the area today is used for trekking, hiking, photography and horse riding, and the ravine edge is the point from which all of it starts.

At the ravine

The drop from the rim

The ravine falls 300 feet in a clean V between the two hills, and the view from the rim is the reason to come. The forest runs right to the edge on both sides, which makes the depth harder to judge than it looks.

Trekking and hiking routes

The surrounding hills carry walking routes of varying length, and Handi Khoh is a common starting point. Ask locally about current conditions, since trails here get overgrown in the monsoon.

Horse riding

Horses are available at the site and short rides along the rim and the nearby tracks are a standard offering. It is a practical option if you would rather not walk the slopes.

Planning your visit

Handi Khoh sits on the main sightseeing loop and takes a short stop unless you plan to walk from it. Access is by road.

• Keep to the marked edge; the drop is 300 feet and the forest conceals how close you are.
• If you plan to trek, start early and take water.
• Agree a price before taking a horse ride.
• Combine it with the other points on the same loop to save on vehicle time.

Best time to visit

October to March gives the clearest views into the ravine and the best conditions for walking. The monsoon turns everything intensely green but fills the gorge with mist and makes the tracks slippery. Mid-morning light shows the V-shape of the ravine better than the flat light of midday.