Tourist Places to Visit in Amarkantak, Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Tourist Places to Visit in Amarkantak, Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Amarkantak is a holy township in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the executive head office of Anuppur District located on the Maikal mountain range which links the Vindhyachal and Satpura mountain ranges and has a average altitude of 1,048 meters above sea level. The ancient temples of Kalachuri kingdom were constructed during the reign of Kalachuri Maharaja Karnadeva (1042 – 1072 AD). It is a prominent pilgrimage hub for Hindus. Amarkantak is the region where River Sona and River Narmada instigate. The Narmada River surges towards the western side and the Son River surges to the east. Amarkantak is sanctified by Nature. Sacred ponds, haughty hills, woody environs, spectacularly striking waterfalls and an air of tranquility make Amarkantak a much preferred destination for the religious and nature-lovers.

History of Amarkantak

It was believed that the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata had spent their years of exile here. Adi Shankaracharya established the famous Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple. The Kalachuri King got the province as dowry from the Chedi King. The history dates back to 10^th century when the Kalchuris were in hold of this region. Until 15^th century it was ruled by Baghelas. In the year 1808 the Bhosle of Nagpur took over the region.

Attractions in Amarkantak

Narmadakund and Temples

Narmadakund is the place where river Narmada instigated. It is encircled by 16 most important stone temples. This place envelops approximately 6 acres of ground and encompasses over 23 sculpture of a mixture of deities. A 500 ft elongated eleven cornered Kund is positioned in the center which is called as

Narmada Udgam. It is easily accessible by the people around the town.

Kapil Dhara

Kapil Dhara also known as the Kapil Waterfall is located 5 km away from Narmadakund Temples. Named following the sage Kapil Muni who meditated here. The falls is 100 ft high and encapsulated by impenetrable forests and mountains.

Mai ki Bagiya

Mai ki Bagiya is renowned as Mother’s Garden or Goddess Garden. This garden is positioned at 4 km towards Narmadakund. It envelops the neighboring forest. It was built in admiration of the Goddess Narmada. The natural garden features all the species of plants. One can also find medicinal herbs here.

Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Period

Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Period were solely built by Kalachuri Maharaja Karnadeva. The temple is situated behind Narmadakund. It is famous for its Kalachuri style and embraces the Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple and the Machhendranath Temple.

Sonemuda

Sonemuda is rendered as the birth place of river Sona. It is positioned 2 km away from Narmadakund Temples. The Son River streams down from the Maikal Mountain in the form of waterfall. Tiny pellets of gold can be found in this river, which is why it is named as Son River.

Other Interesting Places in and around Amarkantak are:

Shri Sarvodaya Digamber Jain Temple
Dhuni Pani
Sonakshi Shaktipeeth Temple
Dudhdhara
Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev
Brighu Kamandal
Kabir Chabutra

Best season to visit

Amarkantak receives visitors all around the year. Apart from being a pilgrimage destination, it is also a popular hill station. It has hot summers followed by heavy rains in Monsoon season and a cool and moderately dry winter. Best time to visit Amarkantak is from August to April.

Accessibility to Amarkantak

By Road: Numerous busses ply to Amarkantak from Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Shahdol, Anuppur and Pendra Road. Some major National Highways like NH-7, 12A, 25, 26, 27, 69, 3, 92, 12 etc. passes through Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Pendra Road 14 km away from the city. The Anuppur railhead is the best suitable for tourist travelling to Amarkantak.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Jabalpur, 240 km away from Amarkantak.

Accommodation in Amarkantak

Amarkantak is fine for both tourists and pilgrims. It is not a big city but a small town It has many hotels, resorts, guest house, home stay and lodges that offer essential conveniences at sensible price. The rates may change from hotel to hotel and most of them offer advanced booking and reservations for safe and comfortable stay of the visitors. List of hotels located in Amarkantak are: