OT Travel Itinerary: How To Spend 2 Days In Amarkantak

With its rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring history, captivating natural landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and spiritual offerings, Madhya Pradesh promises an unforgettable and diverse travel experience. There are myriad places that travellers seek out in the state. It's no wonder that Madhya Pradesh achieved a remarkable milestone by hosting over 110 million visitors in 2023, solidifying its position as one of India's leading tourist destinations. One of the most popular pilgrimage places in the state is Amarkantak, located in the Anuppur district. This enchanting town is steeped in spiritual significance as it is believed to be the origin of the sacred Narmada and Sone rivers. Here is a guide to how to spend two days in Amarkantak.

DAY 1

Morning

Start your day at the spiritually significant Dhuni Pani hot spring. Tucked away in the heart of dense Amarkantak forests, this natural wonder, located near a sacred temple, offers an experience like no other. Although reaching this hidden gem requires a challenging trek, the journey is well worth the effort.

Afternoon

After enjoying the hot springs, you can explore the beauty of waterfalls in the Amarkantak region. Kapildhara Falls is of great religious significance, and believed to be the place where the sage Kapila sought solace through meditation. Formed by the Narmada River, the waterfall cascades from a height of approximately 100 feet, providing a serene retreat for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers. You can easily drive up to the Kapildhara Viewpoint, and for a closer experience of the Narmada's beauty, you can take a half-kilometer walk down to the smaller but charming Dudhdhara Falls. Local jeeps are available for transportation in this area. The famed Kapileshwar temple is also close by. 

Evening

Make sure to visit the Machhendranath and Pataleshwar temples. These ancient sandstone temples, built by the Kalachuri king Karnadeva in the 11th century, boast exquisite carvings that are worth marvelling at. Situated to the south of the Narmada kund, these temples are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

DAY 2

Morning

On your second day, consider exploring the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. This reserve was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2012 and is known for being one of the ecologically diverse landscapes in central India with least human disturbance. It spans across the states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and features diverse topography, including hills, shallow valleys, and plains. The reserve is home to rare floral species and many threatened faunal species, such as the four-horned Indian antelope, Indian wild dog, Asian White-backed Vulture, and more.

Afternoon

Amarkantak is a significant pilgrimage destination, dotted with numerous temples and natural springs. The Narmada Udgam Complex is a walled complex of shrines with a sacred kund as its focus, from which the Narmada is believed to have emanated. Devotees can be seen bathing or performing rites in the kund, and sparkling white shrines are situated around two tanks. The 18th-century Narmada Temple, commissioned by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur, houses a black stone image of the river goddess with large silver eyes. Every year, on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, the black basalt statue of the river goddess is draped in brocade and worshipped by hordes of zealous worshippers. Opposite her chamber is the shrine of the Amarkanteshwar Shivalinga. Nearby, a group of 10th-century ruins known as Karna Matha temples were built by the Kalachuri Dynasty of Jabalpur. The ruins are surrounded by shrines that contain icons dedicated to Surya, Vishnu, Gorakhnath, and Shivalingas.

Evening

A few kilometres away, you'll find Mai Ki Bagiya, a tranquil shaded grove. The kund's water here is believed to have originated from the feet of the Narmada. Legend has it that the goddess once plucked flowers from this garden, now surrounded by shrines, a stream, medicinal plants, and fruit-bearing trees.

Where To Stay And Eat

The MPT Holiday Homes complex is clean and comfortable and serves decent meals. It's located near Narmada Temple, behind Jain Temple, Amarkantak. The Sarvodaya Vishram Griha is located close to the Narmada Udgam temple, and some rooms have views of the Narmada lake. You can also try the newer hotel, Shree Mata Sadan situated on Sonunmuda Road. All hotels have attached restaurants. You can also eat at the few basic vegetarian eateries here, like Basant Bhojnalaya & Restaurant and Maikal Restaurant at Hotel Annapurna Inn.

Getting There

Jabalpur railway junction is the closest station, about 200 km away. From here, you can either hire a cab or take a bus to Amarkantak. If you are flying, the nearest airport is Jabalpur Airport (IATA: JLR).