Destination Amarkantak
Destination: Amarkantak, India
Amarkantak is a small town located in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,048 meters (3,438 feet) and is known for its natural beauty and religious significance. Amarkantak is the source of the Narmada River, one of the seven sacred rivers of India, and also the Son River.
Population
As of the 2011 Census, the population of Amarkantak was around 8,416. It is a small town with a significant influx of tourists and pilgrims, especially during religious festivals.
Surrounding Cities
- Bilaspur: Approximately 100 km away, it is one of the major cities in Chhattisgarh.
- Jabalpur: About 230 km away, a major city in Madhya Pradesh.
- Raipur: Around 230 km away, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.
- Rewa: About 260 km away, known for its historical and cultural significance.
Top Hotels in Amarkantak
- Holiday Homes and Resort: Known for its comfortable stay and proximity to major attractions.
- Hotel Shree Mata Sadan: Offers good amenities and is popular among pilgrims.
- Hotel Temple Tree: Known for its serene environment and excellent service.
- Hotel Mahamaya: Located close to the main temples and offers a range of facilities.
Nearest College
- Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU): Located in Amarkantak itself, this university serves the educational needs of the tribal population and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Shopping Areas
- Local Markets: Small local markets in Amarkantak sell a variety of handicrafts, religious items, and souvenirs.
- Bilaspur and Jabalpur: For a more extensive shopping experience, visitors often travel to these nearby cities.
Local Foods
- Traditional Madhya Pradesh Cuisine: Includes dishes like Bhutte Ka Kees, Poha, Dal Bafla, and Jalebi.
- Street Food: Popular street foods include samosas, kachoris, and various types of chaat.
- Local Specialties: Tribal food specialties and local sweets are a must-try.
Celebrations and Festivals
- Narmada Jayanti: Celebrated with great fervor to mark the birth of the Narmada River. It involves religious ceremonies, fairs, and cultural programs.
- Makar Sankranti: A major Hindu festival celebrated in January, known for kite flying and traditional sweets.
- Navratri: A nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, involving dance, music, and religious rituals.
Attractions in Amarkantak
- Narmada Udgam Temple: The temple complex where the Narmada River originates.
- Kapil Dhara: A waterfall located near the source of the Narmada River.
- Sonmuda: The origin point of the Son River.
- Ancient Temples of Kalachuri Period: Historical temples dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
Ranking
Amarkantak is not a major urban center, so it doesn't rank highly in terms of population or urban development compared to larger cities in India. However, it holds significant religious and cultural importance.
Hindi Information
अमरकंटक एक छोटा शहर है जो मध्य प्रदेश के अनूपपुर जिले में स्थित है। यह नर्मदा नदी का उद्गम स्थल है और अपने प्राकृतिक सौंदर्य और धार्मिक महत्व के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। यहाँ नर्मदा जयंती और मकर संक्रांति जैसे प्रमुख त्योहार धूमधाम से मनाए जाते हैं।
- नज़दीकी शहर: बिलासपुर, जबलपुर, रायपुर, रीवा
- शीर्ष होटल: हॉलीडे होम्स एंड रिसॉर्ट, होटल श्री माता सदन, होटल टेम्पल ट्री, होटल महामाया
- नज़दीकी कॉलेज: इंदिरा गांधी राष्ट्रीय जनजातीय विश्वविद्यालय (IGNTU)
- स्थानीय खाद्य पदार्थ: भुट्टे का कीस, पोहा, दाल बाफला, जलेबी, समोसा, कचौरी, चाट
अमरकंटक में जनसंख्या लगभग 8,416 है और यह धार्मिक पर्यटन के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण गंतव्य है।