South of Jaistambha is the road that leads towards Chauragarh (1308m), Madhya Pradesh’s third-highest peak. The Shiva shrine at the top attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims during Shivaratri Mela. On the way, stop at Handi Khoh , also known as Suicide Point, to gawk down the 100m canyon into the dense forest. You’ll spy Chauragarh in the distance from here as well as Priyadarshini (Forsyth Point), further along the road.
About 3km beyond Priyadarshini the road ends at Mahadeo Cave , where a path 30m into the damp gloom reveals a lingam with attendant priest. This is the beginning of the 1365-step pilgrim trail to Chauragarh (five hours’ return hike).
