Distance & Route Map

Embarking on the sacred Narmada Parikrama is one of the most spiritually enriching journeys in India. Devotees undertake this pilgrimage by circumambulating the holy river Narmada, walking along both its banks from the river’s origin at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh to its confluence with the Arabian Sea at Bharuch in Gujarat, and then returning on the opposite bank.

Table of Contents

Total Distance of Narmada Parikrama

The total distance of Narmada Parikrama is approximately 2,600 – 3,200 kilometers, depending on the exact route chosen by the devotee. On average, the journey takes 6 to 12 months to complete on foot, with some pilgrims extending the duration to over a year, staying at holy spots for longer periods.

  • On Foot: Around 2,600 – 3,200 km
  • By Vehicle (shorter version): Around 3,000 – 3,500 km (with some diversions)

Key Route of Narmada Parikrama

  1. Starting Point – Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh) – the birthplace of River Narmada.
  2. Right Bank (Dakshin Tīrth) – Pilgrims begin their journey from Amarkantak, moving along the southern bank of the river.
    • Important places: Dindori, Jabalpur (Bhedaghat), Narsinghpur, Hoshangabad, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Barwani, Rajpipla, Garudeshwar.
  3. Confluence Point – Bharuch (Gujarat) – where the Narmada meets the Arabian Sea. Pilgrims perform rituals before crossing to the other bank.
  4. Left Bank (Uttar Tīrth) – The return journey starts from Bharuch along the northern bank of the Narmada.
    • Important places: Chandod, Garudeshwar, Tilakwada, Kevadia (Statue of Unity), Chhota Udepur, Kukshi, Dhar, Indore, Nemawar, Kareli, Barman Ghat, Mandla.
  5. Completion Point – Amarkantak, completing the sacred circumambulation.

Major Pilgrimage Points En Route

  • Amarkantak – Source of the Narmada
  • Bhedaghat (Jabalpur) – Marble Rocks & Dhuandhar Falls
  • Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
  • Maheshwar – Fort and Ghats of Ahilyabai Holkar
  • Mandleshwar & Barwani – Ancient temples
  • Bharuch – Confluence of Narmada with Arabian Sea
  • Garudeshwar – Sacred spot near Statue of Unity
  • Nemawar (Siddheshwar Mahadev)
  • Mandla – Spiritual town with ancient ghats

Route Map (Simplified Representation)

Amarkantak → Jabalpur → Omkareshwar → Maheshwar → Rajpipla → Bharuch →  
Return via Garudeshwar → Dhar → Indore → Nemawar → Mandla → Amarkantak

Travel Tips for Narmada Parikrama

  • Best Time: October to March (pleasant weather).
  • Duration: 6–12 months on foot, shorter if by vehicle.
  • Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, spiritual texts, and basic medicines.
  • Rule of Parikrama: Pilgrims must always keep the river to their right side, ensuring they never cross it except at the sea.