Chalk out a short trip to Amarkantak and Bandhavgarh. You can choose which place to visit first depending upon your transport convenience.
Day 1. Reach Bandhavgarh National Park
Nearest railway station is at Umaria and the nearest airport is Jabalpur.
Go for an evening safari after checking in to your hotel or resort.
The Best time to visit Bandhavgarh every year is from November to May. March and May are the best time to spot tigers, along with encountering scorching heat. From October to February the weather remains pleasant along with lush greenery. Just like most national parks in India, Bandhavgarh remains closed during the monsoon.
Activities you can enjoy in the evening safari include
• Jeep safari
• Bird watching
• Nature photography
Day 2. Morning safari
Go for morning safari or you can also opt for trekking to Bandhavgarh Fort. The trek starts from Tala zone and takes nearly 1 hour to reach the fort.
Return to your retreat to have breakfast and then checkout. Head towards Amarkantak. The distance from Bandhavgarh National Park to Amarkantak is approx 182 kms and it takes nearly 4 hrs to reach. You’ll reach there in the afternoon.
Do not plan much for the evening. It's better to grab some rest and relax.
You can go for local shopping after lunch and nap.
Although Amarkantak is not very popular for shopping, still you can buy some souvenirs and handicrafts from the temple complex. You’ll also get saplings of rare plants which you can take back home. There are shops of herbal medicines and beauty products.
Return to your hotel. Have dinner and get a goodnight sleep. Pump up your stamina for the next day’s sightseeings.
Day 3. Local sightseeing
1. Amarkantak temple - This 11th century temple located at the confluence of Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges, holds a high traditional significance.
2. Narmada Kund - It is a beautiful location where River Narmada emerges. There are 16 stone temples built in dedication to Lord Shiva and Narmada.
3. Mai ki Bagiya - It is a garden full of trees developed in reverence to Goddess Narmada. Mai ki Bagiya or the Mother’s Garden is located just 5 km from Narmada Kund.
4. Kapil Dhara and Dudh Dhara waterfalls - Kapil Dhara waterfall is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Kapil Muni is believed to have practised meditation here. Dudh Dhara Waterfall is just 1 km away from Kapil Dhara. The waterfall derived its name from the colour of the water which appears to be milky white.
5. Ancient temples of Kalachuri Period - Built in the period of 1042AD and 1072AD, the Machhendranath Temple and the Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple are worth visiting. The architecture of these temples are indeed breathtaking.
Other tourists spots include -
1. Sonakshi Shakti Peeth Temple
2. Sonemuda
3. Shri Yantra Mandir
4. Shri Sarvodaya Digambar Jain Temple
5. Mrityunjay Ashram
6. Bhrigu Kamandal
7. Kabir Kothi
In the month of January around Makar Sankranti, Narmada Jayanti is celebrated every year in Amarkantak. The narmada complex is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. The evening aarti takes place on the bank of Narmada River. Other than Narmada Jayanti, Diwali and Holi are celebrated with great exuberance and devotion.
Day 4. End of Trip
Check out from your hotel after having breakfast and head back to your city or town.
The nearest railway station and airport is at Jabalpur which is around 4-5 hours drive from Amarkantak.
