Amarkantak Tourism

Introduction

The word "Amarkantak" literally means "Holy voice of God". Two great river of India, the Narmada and the Sone, arises in the holy town of Amarkantak. It lies in the north-eastern region of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Chattisgarh. Amarkantak mountain reference comes in the Puranas where some parts of Tripura, and mythological palace-city, fell when it was burnt down by Shiva. The Adi-Khanda of Padma Purana mentions that one who goes to Amarkantak Mountain will enjoy the fourteen worlds of thirty-seven thousand crores of years. Afterwards he will be born on earth as a king and reign as supreme emperor. A visit to Amarkantak has ten times the values of an Ashvamedha. If one has Shiva's darshan there, one will attain the heaven. Situated at an altitude of 1000 m, Amarkantak is a well frequented Hindu pilgrimage center which is popularly known as 'teerthraj' or 'the king of pilgrimages'. It is surrounded by three mountain ranges, Vindhya, Satpuras and Maikal. Bordered with lofty hills and dense forests, Amarkantak is very significant from ecological point of view. It is much sought after by the environmental enthusiasts and nature lovers. It also enjoys the reputation to have the origins of the two large rivers, Narmada and Sone.

History

Amarkantak is a mythological Land so it has many legends and stories abour Shiv, Narmada and salvations. A land with a vivid history, Amarkantak narrates the tales of various dynasties, right from the Pandavas to the foreign rule of the modern times. Due to occupation of this area by Mandhata the descendants of king Yayati moved from this area to west of Madhya Pradesh and settled on the banks of Narmada River. According to tradition, this Vindhyachal area was included in the Kingdom of Ayodhya, Kapil Muni, Bhrigu Rishi and Markandeya Rishi had ashrams here. It is also said that Pandavas stayed here and gained spiritual benefits during their exile. Each edifice in Amarkantak portrays diverse styles that recount the period during which these architectural grandeurs were materialized. This stunning facade of Amarkantak gently adds the magnificence of this legendary spot to a great extent. Narmada is specially associated with Shiva and many stones found near the riverbed are worshiped as a symbol of Shiva. These stones, known as Banalinga, are usually found in cylindrical shape which resembles with the shape of a Shivalingam. These are much sought after among the pilgrims and are used as a worship object. Almost 3000 years of Mahabharata have passed when the great sage and litterateur Adi Shankaracharya was born in 788 AD and consecrated on the banks of Narmada River. It was his enlightened vision that led to the establishment of Pataleshwar Mahadeva in Amarkantak at the origin of Narmada River from the bamboo clumps. Currently this region is known as Surajkund today. There are no bamboo clumps now. However in the more recent history, this area was given in dowry to the Kalachuri King by the Chedi King. Kalchuri Maharaja Karnadeva (1042-1072 AD) had constructed temples at Surajkund. In 1808 Amarkantak was ruled by the King of Nagpur and later came under foreign rule. More recently, Amarkantak has been selected by the UPA government as the place for India's first tribal university.

Location

Amarkantak is situated in Anuppur District of Madhya Pradesh in India. Amarkantak is located at 22.67° N 81.75° E, at an altitude of 1065 mt. at the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges amongst sylvan surroundings. It has an average elevation of 1048 metres (3438 feet). Roads running through Rewa, Shahdol, Bilaspur, Jabalpur, Katni and Pendra connect it. The nearest railway station is Pendra Road in Chhatisgarh. The nearest Airport is Dumna Jabalpur (240 km).

Let us check how to reach Amarkantak by various means of transports. Amarkantak is located at eastern region of Madhya Pradesh state, close to the state border of Madhya Pradesh & Chattisgarh. It is a densely forested region at confluence of Vindhya & Satpura ranges.

By Air

The nearest airport to Amarkantak is at Jabalpur, which is 245 km away from City of Amarkantak. Pre-paid taxi services are available fromthe jabalpur airport to Amarkantak.

By Train

The nearest railway station for Amarkantak is Pendra Road at a distance of 45kms. Bilaspur (140kms) & Jabalpur (245kms) could be alternate options to reach Amarkantak. Number of Taxi options are available for further journey to reach this place.
By Bus
There are state owned transport buses from Pendra Road, Shahdol and Bilaspur. Amarkantak is connected by buses to Jabalpur (245 km), Rewa (261 km) and Shahdol (67 km).

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Amarkantak is related with mythology. It is very old city related with the sages and Narmada River. It is also has the origin point of three rivers namely Narmada, Son and Johilla. Amarkantak city has many religious places to see as well as Sight seen due to the lush forest and waterfalls. Some important tourist places are Narmada Udgam Sthal, Temple of Kalchuri time, Jwaleshwar Mahadev, Sri Sarvodaya Digamber Jain Mandir, Sonemuda, Kapil Dhara, Dudh Dhara, Bhrigu Kamandal, Mai ki Bagiya etc. Forest of Amarkantak is connected to the forest of Kanha National Park. Narmada Udgam : The temples built at the source of the Narmada is considered the holiest spot in the town. Every year on the ocassion of river goddess is covered with brocade and worshipped by fervent devotees.

Narmada Kund : Facing the narmada Udgam is the Mata Narmada Temples, a shakhtipeet, Adjacent to Narmada Udgam is an opne pool called the Narmadakund. South of this kund are temples which were built by the Kalchuri king, Karnadeva (1042 -1072)

Mai ki Bagiya : Around a kilometre from narmadakund is Mai ki bagiya, a grove of mango and banana trees, where goddess narmada supposedly came to pluck fruits.

Kapil Dhara : Six kilometres northwest of Narmadakund is the spectacular waterfall, Kapildhara. It provides a spectacular sight of a small stream turning into a mighty river, when it plunges 24m down a cliff into a gorge.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Climate of Amarkantak is subtropical. The best time to visit Amarkantak is from October to March. The weather is pleasant and enjoyable during this time. However, summers are not a good time to visit this place as the temperature rises to 35 degrees and the sun is extremely bright which makes it difficult to visit places outside. Summer (March-June) summer is not a pleasant time to visit Amarkantak. The afternoons and evenings are sweltering with the blaring sun. The temperature ranges from 20 degrees to 38 degrees Celsius. Monsoon (June-September) Monsoon begins in June and Amarkantak receives a moderate rainfall. The temperature is pleasant during this time mostly between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, this isn't the right time to visit because of the unpredictable rainfall. Winter (October-February) winters are pleasant in Amarkantak. The temperature ranges from 8 to 28 degrees Celsius. The warm afternoons and slightly chilly evening make it a very comfortable season to travel this place.

ACCOMMODATION

When in Amarkantak, to make the most of your stay in this historical and mythological town, make sure that you opt for accommodation in the heart of the city so that all the major attractions are situated closely to your hotel. The accommodation facilities in Amarkantak are very less as compare to other relegious destinations in India. However, there are a few hotels, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development corporation guest houses, dormitories, cottages, etc. that can look after the need of tourists. Some ashram and Dharamshalas are also here for stay.

NEXT TO AMARKANTAK

If you have some more time left on your hands then you can also step out of Amarkantak and explore the nearby attractions. Apart from all the Amarkantak sightseeing spots, it is also flanked by equally good places. Extend your trip and add this particular place your itinerary. You definitely won’t return disappointed. It could be Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and Kavardha etc.

TAXI SERVICE

We are operating tourist taxi service for Amarkantak tourism. It is popular holy town, well connected by road. Its nearest railway station is Pendra road and nearest airport is at Jabalpur city i.e. at a distance of 245kms. Similarly tourists may also visit from Raipur airport to Amarkantak. We are operating Amarkantak taxi service is which we arrange tourist taxi cabs for ground transfers to visit Amarkantak like Pendra road to Amarkantak, Jabalpur to Amarkantak, Raipur to Amarkantak, Amarkantak to Kanha national park, Amarkantak to Bandhavgarh etc. These are the popular tourist routes in which our tourist cabs are available. Just fill up below given form and submit to us.
..Click for more information

Useful Links
Amarkantak Tourist Attractions	Best time to visit Amarkantak