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Narmada River

Narmada Parikrama-Arunachal Sacred Hill-Pancha Mahabhoot Yatra

Yatra Tour Overview:

This is a well crafted itinerary of Pilgrimage Tour in India. This tour itinerary covers a complete circumambulation of holy Narmada parikrama and Pancha Mahabhoota temple tour.  The profound spiritual journey begins and concludes in Ahmedabada. It is believed that this journey helps to transform and elevate oneself.

Yatra Highlights:

  • Complete Narmada Parikrama.
  • Visit all temples related to Pancha Mahabhoot.
  • Prayers and ritual dips in the sacred Ghats and holy temples.
  • Sacred Arunachal Hill Parikrama.

Day-to-day Yatra Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) and transfer to hotel.
You will arrive at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) as per your flight schedule. You will arrange your immediate transfer to hotel by yourself. Karnali representatives will deliver a detailed briefing about the immediate and further arrangements at the hotel lobby. You will stay overnight in a hotel on your own.

Day 02: Fly to Indore and drive to Omkareshwar (Flight 1 hour, Drive 80Km/2-3 hours)
After arrival at the Indore Airport, we will proceed towards Omkareshwar.  After reaching and finishing check-in formalities, we will take rest at the hotel for a while. Later on, we will visit the Omkareshwar Ghat to have a holy bath in the Narmada River. We will visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple to offer your prayers. This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple lures devotees of Lord Shiva from various parts of the world.

This will be followed by a visit to the Mamleshwar temple where we will fill Kalash/Pot with the holy water from River Narmada. Once done with basking the spiritual aura, we will return to the hotel. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Omkareshwar.

Day 03: Drive to Barwani-Shahada (250 Km/5-6 hours)
Today we will enjoy a road trip to Shahada. There will be a short halt en-route to Barwani where we will explore the holy temples in close proximity. Our journey resumes soon after we offer our prayers at the holy shrines. We will reach Shahada by evening.

After reaching and completing the check-in formalities, we will ease at leisure for a while. Later on, we will go for a sightseeing tour. We will explore the excavation site of Prakash Village. Another attraction of the town is a religious village, which is also known as Dakshin Kashi. It houses innumerable temples of Lord Shiva. We will take a tour of the Narmada Ghat in the evening and then we will proceed towards the hotel in Shahada.

Day 04: Drive to Ankleshwar (170 Km/4Hrs)
Today, we will head towards another pious destination, Ankleshwar after having our breakfast. After reaching Ankleshwar in Gujarat and checking-in at the hotel, we will go out for an excursion trip.

Flaunting the Jain Temples, the city holds very high religious significance. The next destination on the itinerary is Vamleshwar Katpur. The place is an important part of the Narmada Parikrama tour. Nestled on the confluence of the River Narmada and Arabian Sea, the destination is one of the must visit places during your trip. Marvel at the scenic views of the surroundings. From there, we will reach the Ankleshwar Ghat to attend the Puja Archana. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Ankleshwar.

Day 05: Drive to Baruch–Kukshi (255 Km/5 Hrs)
The day is reserved for a guided tour of Ankleshwar by boat. The destination is a pious city located in the Bharuch district. We will spend some time at leisure along the bank of Narmada River. Subsequently, delight in a boat ride to Vamleshwar and reach the conflux to offer some water that we collected and carried from Omkareshwar. We will fill the half empty Pot/Kalash from here. After paying homage, we will proceed towards Baruch to get escorted to Kukshi. We will enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Kukshi.

Day 06: Drive to Maheshwar (100 Km/2 Hrs)
After having a scrumptious breakfast and checking out, we will drive to Maheshwar. After completing check-in formalities and taking a rest, we will start exploring Maheshwar Fort and temples in the city. The rich historical legacy of the place grabs the attention of many. We will take a tour of the Ek Mukhi Datta Temple, Sahastrarjun Temple, Baneshwar Temple, and Rajrajeshwar Temple. We can also spend some time at the Ghats or enjoy a boat ride on Narmada River. We can also take a ritual dip in the river if we want to. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Maheshwar.

Day 07: Drive to Barwaha – Khategaon (210 Km/4 Hrs)
A daytrip to Khategaon via Nemawar is scheduled today for the Narmada Parikrama. After reaching to hotel, we will spend some time relaxing. Later on, we will be visiting famous attractions, starting with the Renuka Mata temple where we can offer our prayers. Then, we will be exploring the Balmukund Seva Aashram which lies in close proximity to the Nemawar Ghat. People going for the Panchkosi Yatra (Narmada Parikrama) can find the food and a place to stay here. From there, we can head towards the Narmada Ghat to attend the evening Aarti. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Khategaon.

Day 08: Drive to Nemawar – Bareli (180 Km/4 Hrs)
Today, after checking out from the hotel, well will proceed to Bareli. Bareli is a quite popular town in a Madhya Pradesh. After checking-in we will take a rest for some time and thereafter enjoy a trip to the nearby temple and the local market of Bareli. It is a one of the best places to buy souvenirs from the market and delight ourselves. We will spend ample time at the Narmada Ghat after seeking the blessings of the holy river by offering our prayers. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Bareli.

Day 09: Drive to Udaipura – Jabalpur (230 Km/6 Hrs)
After having breakfast, we will set out for a trip to Jabalpur. Today we will explore famous places like the Gwari Ghat, which holds a strong connection with Guru Nanak Dev ji, Bhedaghat and Madan Mahal Fort. We will also enjoy boating on the placid waters of River Narmada in Bhedaghat. We will visit Tripur Sundari Temple, home to a beautiful idol of Tripur Sundari Devi, which thought to be emerged right from the ground.  The holy shrine presents a sight to behold. We will also observe amazing views of the surroundings from the Madan Mahal Fort. We will spend overnight stay in a hotel at Jabalpur.

Day 10: Drive to Shahdol – Amarkantak (230 Km/5Hrs)
The sacred Narmada Parikrama sojourn continues to Amarkantak today. En-route, there will be a quick stop over at Virateshwar Temple which falls in Sohagpur, Shahdol. Resume our journey to Amarkantak also known as the Tirthraj or the ‘King of Pilgrimages’. We will reach our desired destination by evening. Upon arrival, we will be comfortably transferred to the pre-decided hotel. Unwind ourselves and get ready to explore the Kapildhara Waterfall, Narmada Kund and nearby temples. Bask-in the tranquility that prevails in the surroundings. Spend some time in seclusion. After the tour, head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay at Amarkantak.

Day 11: Drive to Mandla (150 Km /4 Hrs)
Today we will be heading to Maa ki Bagiya Temple after our breakfast. Maa ki Bagiya is the place where devotees worship the Garden Goddess. The place is home to temple cum garden which was made in the honor of Goddess Narmada. This is followed by a visit to the Narmada Kund, a pious site in Amarkantak and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Maa Druga. We will offer some of the holy water we took in the beginning here and fill the partially empty pot from Amarkantak, origin point of the river. Later on, we will explore the places that lie in vicinity in Amarkantak. After lunch we will hit the road to Mandla. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Mandla.

Day 12: Drive to Narsinghpur (160 Km/4 Hrs)
After breakfast, we will proceed towards Narsinghpur. After having lunch, we will go to the nearby temple and also explore the sacred Ghats along the River Narmada. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Narsinghpur.

Day 13: Drive to Hoshangabad (175 / 4 Hrs)
After breakfast, we will make a road trip to Hoshangabad. Upon arrival, choose to spend some time close to the sacred Ghats on Narmada River or else, we will go to offer our prayers at the nearby temples. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Hoshangabad.

Day 14: Drive to Omkareshwar (245/6 Hrs)
We will attend the Aarti at the Narmada Ghat early in the morning and then return to the hotel for the breakfast. We will set out for our next destination, Omkareshwar, where we will be spending rest of the day. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Omkareshwar.

Day 15: Drive to Ujjain (140 Km/3 Hrs)
The holy Narmada Parikrama ends today. We will start the day with a holy bath at River Narmada. Afterwards, we will proceed with a visit to Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. One of the holy 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the divine lingam, will be offered the holy water of the river that we have been carrying all through our journey. W will perform Puja-Archana to pay reverence to the divine powers for having successful completing our pilgrimage.

Later in the day, we will drive to Ujjain. On arrival, check-in at hotel. After freshening up, we will get ready to visit the Kaal Bhairav Baba Temple. The holy temple is dedicated to Bhairo Baba. This temple was erected by King Bhadrasen along the Kshipra River. While on darshan, we will perform the Puja-Archana. Next, we will continue towards the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 most popular Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also among the top 10 tantric temples of India, revered by Hindus. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Ujjain.

Day 16: Drive to Indore and fly to Chenai (Drive 64 Km/2 Hours and Flight 2 Hours, 25 Minutes)
Today is the final day of our Narmada Parikrama. After divine Bhasma Aarati (optional) at the Mahakaleshwar Temple and having breakfast, we will drive to Indore. After early dinner, we will fly to Chenai by 19:40 flight. It will be 22:05 Hours by the time when we reach Chenai. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Chenai.

Day 17:   Drive to KANCHIPURAM (80Km/3Hrs)
After breakfast, we will drive to Kanchipuram and explore around. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Kanchipuram.

Day 18: Drive to Chidambaram (200Km/4.5Hrs)

In the early morning, we will visit to Ekambareshwar Temple.

Legend has it that once Parvati was doing tapas under the temple’s ancient Mango Tree. In order to test her devotion Lord Shiva sent fire on her. Goddess Parvati prayed to her brother, Lord Vishnu, for help. In order to save her, he took the Moon from Lord Shiva’s head and showed the rays which then cooled down the tree as well as Parvati. After that, Lord Shiva again sent the river Ganga to disrupt Parvati’s tapas. Parvati Devi prayed to Ganga and convinced her that both of them were sisters and so should not harm her. And so Ganga did not disturb her penance after that. Then Parvati made a Shiva Lingam out of sand and got united with Lord Shiva. Here we will have darshan of Prithivi Lingam.

After breakfast, we will proceed to Chidambaram.  In the afternoon, we will visit to Pichavaram the second largest Mangrove forest in the world, near the temple town of Chidambaram. It is one of the unique Eco-tourism spots in South India. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Chidambaram.

Day 19: Drive to THANJAVUR – TRICHY (130 Km/ 4 Hrs)
In the early morning, we will visit to Thillai Nataraja Temple. The story of Chidambaram begins with the legend of Lord Shiva strolling into the Thillai Vanam (Vanam meaning forest and thillai trees, a species of mangrove trees which currently grows in the Pichavaram wetlands near Chidambaram. The temple sculptures depicting the Thillai trees date back to the 2nd century CE). Here, we will have darshan Aagaya Lingam (Akasha Lingam) 

Late, we will drive to Thanjavur. Later in the afternoon we will  visit the Thanjavur Palace most of which is in ruins housing the Tamil University Museum, the Art Gallery, and the Saraswati Mahal Library  which houses palm leaf & paper manuscripts. Then, we will visit to Brihadeeshwara Temple, built in the 10th century by Raja Chola. It is considered to be artistically the most perfect of Dravida temples. Continue your drive to Trichy.  In the evening optional visit Srirangam Temple. Srirangam is the foremost of the eight selfmanifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, and sand Bhogamandabam. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Trichy.

Day 20: Drive to TIRUVANNAMALAI (185 Km/4 Hrs)
After breakfast, we will visit to The Jambukeshwar temple which is in Tiruvanaikava. The Shiva Lingam here signifies the element water. This ancient temple is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Jambukeshwar and goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Akhilandeshwari. Here we will have darshan of Appulinga.

After the visit, we will drive to Thiruvannamalai.  Later in the afternoon, we will visit to Sathanur Dam, Thiruvannamalai. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Tiruvanamalai.

Day 21: Arunachal Hill Parikrama
Today, we will walk around the sacred Arunachal Hill and perform a complete Parikrama (Circumambulation). We will spend whole day circumambulating the sacred Arunachal Hill and offering our prayers in the temple associated to this place. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Trivunnamalai.

Day 22: Drive to Srikalahasti (225 Km/5 Hrs)
In the early morning, we will visit to The Annamalaiyar temple which is in the town of Tiruvannamalai in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Shiva Linga here resents the element fire. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here in his Ardhanarishwar form to bless his devotees. Here we will have darshan of Agni Linga.

Shiva is known by devotees as Annamalayar or Arunachaleswarar. And this is believed to be the largest temple in the world dedicated to Shiva. The history of this Annamalayar temple dates back to thousand years. Mention has been made in the Thevaram and Thiruvasagam, both great works in Tamil.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will continue driving to Srikalahasti. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Srikalahasti.

Day 23: Drive to CHENNAI (116Km/3 Hrs) and fly to Ahmedabad
In the early morning, we will visit to Srikalahasti Temple. The fourth temple is Srikalahasti temple which is situated in Chitoor district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Shivalinga here represents the element air. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Srikalahastishwar and goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Gnanaprasunambika. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kasi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings. Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara. Here you darshan Vayu Lingam.

After visiting temple, we will drive to Chenai for our flight to Ahmedabad. We will spend overnight in a hotel at Ahmedabad.

Day 24: Trip concludes and proceed for your onward journey.
Karnali Excursions will provide airport transfer.