Amarkantak is a small holy town on the Maikal hills in Madhya Pradesh. The Narmada and Son rivers start here.
Most tourist places are close to each other, so you can see the main ones in 1 to 2 days. Want a ready plan with hotel and car? See our Amarkantak tour packages.
- Where: Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Height: about 1,050 m, so it stays cool.
- Famous for: the start of the Narmada River.
- Days needed: 1 to 2 days.
- Best time: September to March.
- Nearest station: Pendra Road, about 42 km.
Top Places to Visit in Amarkantak
1Narmada Udgam Temple
The holy spot where the Narmada River begins.
- A pond (kund) with white temples all around.
- Come in the evening for the aarti.
- Read more in our Narmada Udgam guide.
2Kapildhara Waterfall
The first big waterfall of the Narmada, about 100 feet high.
- Saint Kapil is said to have prayed here.
- Best after the rains, from July to February.
- See our Kapildhara Waterfall guide.
3Dudhdhara Waterfall
The water looks white like milk, so the name "Dudh" (milk) dhara.
- A forest walk down from Kapildhara.
- Wear good shoes, the rocks are wet.
4Sonmuda
The place where the Son River begins, with a wide forest view.
- Best at sunrise, the valley looks magical.
- Watch your bags, monkeys live here.
- See our Sonmuda guide.
5Kalachuri Temples
Old stone temples built about 1,000 years ago by the Kalachuri kings.
- See Pataleshwar Mahadev and Karna Mandir.
- A quiet garden, great for photos.
6Shri Yantra Mandir
A temple made in the shape of the Shri Yantra.
- A big four-faced stone figure at the gate.
- Many small Yogini figures around the round yard.
7Mai Ki Bagiya
A green garden of Goddess Narmada, full of fruit trees.
- People say the young Narmada played here.
- A calm, shady walk.
8Sarvodaya Jain Temple
A huge Jain temple of pink stone near the Narmada Udgam.
- Home to a very large metal idol of Lord Adinath.
- Fine carving on every wall.
9Kabir Chabutra
The spot where Sant Kabir is said to have meditated.
- A small pond and stone platform in the forest.
- Very peaceful in the morning.
10Narmada Kund Evening Aarti
A lamp aarti for Maa Narmada at the Udgam kund.
- Bells, songs and lamps on the water.
- Reach a little early for a good spot.
Amarkantak Places at a Glance
| Place | Distance from Narmada Udgam | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Narmada Udgam Temple | In town | 1 hour |
| Kalachuri Temples | Walk, next to the kund | 45 minutes |
| Sarvodaya Jain Temple | Short walk | 30 minutes |
| Mai Ki Bagiya | About 1 km | 30 minutes |
| Sonmuda | About 1.5 km | 45 minutes |
| Kapildhara Waterfall | About 6 to 8 km | 1 to 2 hours |
| Dudhdhara Waterfall | Short walk from Kapildhara | 45 minutes |
Tip: Distances are about. Hire a local car or jeep for the waterfalls.
Things to Do in Amarkantak
- 🪔 Join the Narmada aarti in the evening.
- 🌅 See the sunrise at Sonmuda.
- 💦 Walk down to Kapildhara and Dudhdhara.
- 📸 Take photos at the old Kalachuri temples.
- 🌳 Sit in the calm of Mai Ki Bagiya.
- 🍲 Eat simple veg food near the temple.
2 Day Amarkantak Plan
- Day 1Temples of the town
- Narmada Udgam Temple
- Kalachuri Temples
- Sarvodaya Jain Temple
- Mai Ki Bagiya
- Evening Narmada aarti
- Day 2Rivers and waterfalls
- Sonmuda sunrise
- Kapildhara Waterfall
- Dudhdhara Waterfall
- Kabir Chabutra
Our Amarkantak Tour Plan covers these places with hotel and car.
Best Time to Visit Amarkantak
| Season | Months | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Winter | October to March | Cool and pleasant, best time. |
| Monsoon | July to September | Waterfalls are full, roads can be wet. |
| Summer | April to June | Warm in the day, cool at night. |
Tip: Amarkantak is very busy on Narmada Jayanti and Mahashivratri. Book hotels early.
How to Reach Amarkantak
- 🚆 Train: Pendra Road station, about 42 km away.
- 🚗 Road: Jabalpur about 230 km, Bilaspur about 120 km.
- ✈️ Air: Jabalpur or Raipur airport, then by road.
Coming from Jabalpur? See our Jabalpur to Amarkantak distance guide.
Planning a trip to Amarkantak? We plan the hotel, car and all sightseeing for you. See our Amarkantak tour package options. Want to see more of the state? See our Madhya Pradesh tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top places to visit in Amarkantak?
Narmada Udgam Temple, Kapildhara, Dudhdhara, Sonmuda, Kalachuri temples, Mai Ki Bagiya and the Jain temple.
How many days are enough for Amarkantak?
1 to 2 days are enough to see all the main places.
What is Amarkantak famous for?
It is famous as the place where the Narmada River begins.
What is the best time to visit Amarkantak?
October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Which is the nearest railway station to Amarkantak?
Pendra Road, about 42 km away.
Is Amarkantak good for a family trip?
Yes. It is calm, cool and safe, with short distances between places.
