Inclusion & Exclusion

Package Include

Accommodation as per the itinerary.
All transfers & sightseeing by AC Vehicle as per itinerary.(AC will not work in Hilly Area)
Meals – Breakfast, & Dinner as mentioned in the itinerary.
All entry fees as per itinerary.

Package Exclude

GST 5% over the tour cost mentioned.
Cost of pre or post tour hotel accommodation, early check in or late check out charges.
Any Special Darshan/ Pooja, Abhishek charges.
Any increase in Airfare, Airport taxes, Govt Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and any applicability of new taxes from Govt.
Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalization, or any personal emergency
Any charges for extra ride, Porterage, laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu.
Any services or activity charges other than those included in the group tour itinerary
Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘tour price includes’ column

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour

Narmada Parikrama Travel Guide: Sacred Circuits

The Narmada Parikrama is one of India’s most unique pilgrimages—a complete circumambulation of the holy Narmada River, considered a living goddess in tradition. Unlike pilgrimages that end at a single shrine, this sacred journey honors the entire river, covering nearly 3,500–3,800 kilometers from her source at Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh) to her mouth at Bharuch (Gujarat), and back along the opposite bank.

Traditionally performed on foot in 200–250 days, the Parikrama can also be undertaken by road journeys or guided tours, making it accessible for both ascetics and modern travelers. This guide brings together the route, highlights, rituals, and tips for anyone considering this sacred circuit.

Route Overview: The Sacred Circuit

• Starting Point: Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh – Source of the Narmada.
• Southern Bank Journey: Through Mandla, Jabalpur, Hoshangabad, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Barwani, to Bharuch, Gujarat.
• River Mouth Crossing: Pilgrims ferry across at Bharuch, where the Narmada meets the Arabian Sea.
• Northern Bank Return: Via Ujjain, Dewas, Sehore, and other towns, finally circling back to Amarkantak.

Key Spiritual Highlights

• Amarkantak – Sacred origin of the Narmada, with ancient temples.
• Omkareshwar – Island shrine and Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
• Maheshwar – Historic ghats, temples, and Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy.
• Jabalpur & Bhedaghat – Marble Rocks and the powerful Dhuandhar Falls.
• Bharuch – Where the Narmada merges with the Arabian Sea.
• Ujjain – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and deep-rooted traditions.

Rituals and Traditions

• Keep the river to your right throughout the journey.
• Do not cross the river, except at its mouth in Bharuch.
• Daily bathing, puja, and aarti along the ghats.
• Simplicity – pilgrims often eat frugally, walk barefoot, and live with minimal belongings.
• Offerings – lamps, flowers, and prayers to the river goddess.

Modes of Pilgrimage

• Pad Yatra (On Foot): The traditional and most spiritually fulfilling method, taking ~7–8 months.
• Road Journey: By private vehicle or group tours; takes 15–20 days to cover major highlights.
• Partial Parikrama: For those short on time, focusing on key spiritual towns and ghats.

Best Time to Travel

• October to March – Pleasant weather and full river after the monsoon.
• Avoid peak summers (April–June) due to heat and water scarcity.
• Monsoon season (July–September) offers beauty but can make walking and crossings difficult.

Travel Tips

• Carry essentials: Comfortable walking gear, basic, water bottles, light clothing.
• Accommodation: Ashrams, dharamshalas, temples, and simple guesthouses along the route.
• Respect local customs: Dress modestly, follow temple rules, and honor the traditions of Parikramavasis.
• Health & safety: Prepare for long walks, varying terrains, and rural conditions.