Madhya Pradesh is a land of experiences that blend natural beauty, spirituality, and wildlife adventure. Among its several touristy getaways, Amarkantak and Kanha National Park are two must-visit destinations. Amarkantak, often referred to as the "Teerthraj" or King of Pilgrimage Places, is the source of the sacred Narmada River. Surrounded by lush hills, ancient temples, and cascading waterfalls, it offers a serene retreat for spiritual seekers and nature lovers. On the other hand, Kanha National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Together, these destinations offer a unique itinerary that combines the bliss of sacred rivers and temples with the thrill of spotting wild animals in their natural habitat. Plan your journey to embrace the best of both worlds and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Amarkantak
Amarkantak holds ecological significance due to its forests rich in medicinal plants. The town is home to numerous mango trees, believed by some to inspire the name "Amrakoot" from the poet Kalidas. Nestled amidst the scenic Vindhya and Satpura hills, it is also a prominent pilgrimage destination in Madhya Pradesh.
Top Attractions in Amarkantak
1. Narmada Kund and Temples - The Narmada Kund is a serene pool considered the birthplace of the Narmada River. Surrounding this holy site are intricately carved temples, each exuding spiritual energy and architectural grandeur.
2. Kapil Dhara - Kapil Dhara waterfall is deeply linked to the legends of Saint Kapila, who is believed to have meditated here for 12 years. Formed by the sacred Narmada River cascading down rocky cliffs, this picturesque spot is a popular picnic destination and the most renowned among Amarkantak’s waterfalls.
3. Dugdh Dhara - A one-kilometre trek from Kapil Dhara leads to Dugdh Dhara, a popular attraction in Amarkantak. Surrounded by rocky steps and dense shrubs, the waterfall’s frothy streams resemble milk, earning its name. A nearby cave houses a Shivling continuously bathed in water, where Sage Durvasa is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva daily.
4. Sonmuda Viewpoint - This breathtaking viewpoint offers stunning views of the Son River and its lush valley. It's an ideal spot for witnessing spectacular sunrises that illuminate the landscape in golden hues.
5. Mai ki Bagiya - Mai ki Bagiya is a sacred grove dedicated to Goddess Narmada. It is surrounded by lush greenery with mango, banana, and flowering plants like roses and Gulbakavli. The garden houses Charanodak Kund and a small shrine, believed to mark the Narmada River's original source before flowing from its present-day origin shrine.
Spend a day or two exploring these attractions, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, and rejuvenating your spirit before heading to your next destination.
Kanha National Park
After immersing yourself in the serenity of Amarkantak, shift gears to the thrilling wilderness of Kanha National Park. Kanha National Park, located in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the world’s finest wildlife areas, renowned as a Tiger Reserve. Spanning 940 sq km within the Maikal range, the park grew to 1945 sq km after incorporating the buffer and core zones. Originally designated as a reserve forest in 1879, it became a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and achieved national park status in 1955.
Safari Experience in Kanha
The park offers jeep safaris during morning and evening slots. While the morning safari lasts for about 5 hours, the evening safaris are scheduled for around 3 hours. The timings of the Kanha jeep safaris are determined based on the sunrise and sunset of various seasons. You can book the Kanha jeep safari tickets online and make your payment to secure your safari beforehand. Kanha receives tourists’ footfall in full-fledges from October to June. Therefore, an advance booking is much needed to explore this popular wildlife haven.
Crafting the Perfect Itinerary
To make the most of your trip, a well-planned itinerary is essential. Here’s a suggested plan for a 5-day trip:
Day 1: Arrive in Amarkantak and explore the Narmada Kund and its surrounding temples.
Day 2: Explore Amarkantak and visit to Kapil Dhara and Dugdh Dhara. Visit the Sonmuda viewpoint to call it a day.
Day 3: Travel to Kanha National Park, 157 km away, encompassing a drive of about 4 hours.
Day 4: Spend the entire day embarking on morning and evening safaris, along with enjoying delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Take a leisurely breakfast before departing for your onward journey, carrying memories of a trip filled with peace and adventure.
