Amarkantak, Anuppur

Amarkantak, also known as 'Teerthraj' (the king of pilgrimages), is located amidst the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges in Madhya Pradesh. Amarkantak is situated at an altitude of 1065 which makes it a hill station and is also among the oldest pilgrimage centers of India. One of the holy rivers of India, River Narmada, originates from Amarkantak Annuppur making this place a popular tourist destination for religious people.

Amarkantak has a rich culture and it is the place where the three mighty rivers- Narmada, Sone, and Johila- converge. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the group of temples (Karna matha temples) a protected site. As this is popular religious site people from all across the nation of different caste and sects come to visit this place. The rustic charm, pleasant climate, and rich vegetation also add to its attraction.

Visitor Information

The ideal duration to visit Amarkantak is 2 days and October to March is the best time to visit the natural beauty of the city of Temples and waterfalls.

Traveler tip

The most useful tip for Amarkantak, Anuppur is that this place is prone to monkeys so travelers should be careful around them.

Things to do

Amarkantak, Anuppur offers tourist variety of things to do. You could plan a trip to Achanakmar wildlife sanctuary to enjoy the splendid forests or visit many holy places such as Trimukhi Temple, Narmada Kund, and KabirChabutra and know more about the diverse culture and heritage of India. One could also explore the beauty of the Kapildhara waterfall surrounded by lush green valleys and landscape or visit Mai Ki Bagiyan to get a glimpse of a natural garden. You are sure to get mesmerized by the natural beauty and serenity of the place.

Availability

This tourist destination is rich in mineral resources. Mineral such as coal, fire clay, etc are found in abundance. One-third of its district is covered with forest which consists of trees such as Sal Amla, Teak, etc. The flower of Mahua and Guli providing edible oil are also found here. Mahua flower is mostly used to make wine by tribal people of this district. This place also boasts a lot of industries such as Orient Paper Mill and Soda factories. It has both large scale and small scale industries. The dense forests of Amarkantak have plants that have rich medicinal properties in them.

History

This tourist destination is home to many temples that have witnessed several empires from Pandavas to foreign rulers. According to a story Lord Shiva destroyed Tripura by fire and the ashes fell on Amarkantak which then turned into thousands of Shivlingas. One could also witness such a symbol in Jwaleshwar and it is believed that whoever dies in this place is sure to go to heaven.

Festival

Festivals like Narmada Jayanti and Shiv Chaturdashi is celebrated with a lot of exuberance and joy during January and March in Amarkantak. During Narmada Jayanti, the whole Narmada complex is decorated with lights and flowers and a grand aarti takes place on the banks of river Narmada. People from all across the nation come to take part in the festival and celebrate this day. Other festivals like Deepawali and Holi are also celebrated with fever and zeal.

Popular culture

The language spoken in Amarkantak, Anuppur is Bagheli along with the Hindi language. The tribal people of this district have a rich cultural heritage and are skilled in art and craft.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Amarkantak, Anuppur is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding app