Pachmarhi Church

About Pachmarhi Church

Pachmarhi was developed as a hill resort by the British in the decades after 1857, and their influence on the plateau is embodied above all in its churches and its colonial architecture. The church is the surviving centre of that story.

It is a modest stone building rather than a grand one, in the plain Gothic manner the British used for garrison and hill station churches across India. Coloured and stained glass lights the interior, and the setting among the trees of the plateau is a large part of its appeal. The building is still in use, and the old graves in the compound are a reminder of how long the European community stayed here.

Seeing the church

The stone exterior and setting

The church is built of local stone and sits among the trees of the plateau, which is how most hill station churches of its period were placed. Walk the compound rather than stopping at the gate.

The glass and the interior

Coloured and stained glass gives the interior its light and is the main interest inside. Access depends on whether the building is open, so time a visit around a service if you want to see it.

Planning your visit

The church is in Pachmarhi town and easy to reach. It is a working church, so interior access is not guaranteed at all hours.

• Sunday morning is the surest time to find it open.
• Dress and behave as you would in any place of worship.
• Ask before photographing the interior or the graves.
• It is a short stop and fits easily between other sites in town.

Best time to visit

October to March is the main season on the plateau and the pleasantest time to walk around the compound. Christmas is when the church is most alive, with services and decoration. Morning light suits the stonework and the glass better than the afternoon.