Divine Flow: 18-Day Narmada Parikrama from Source to Soul

Day 0: Pune to Shegaon – The Spiritual Flag-off!

Early morning, pack your bags and hearts full of devotion as we board the bus from Pune towards the holy town of Shegaon. This is not just the beginning of a trip, it’s the start of a divine connection. As the landscapes roll by, we bond with fellow yatris and settle into the rhythm of pilgrimage. By evening, we reach the pious town of Shegaon, home to Shree Gajanan Maharaj. After hotel check-in and freshening up, we head straight to the temple for darshan. The vibrant spiritual aura of Shegaon wraps us in calmness. A peaceful dinner and good night’s rest gear us up for the sacred journey ahead. Tomorrow, the Parikrama truly begins!

Day 1: Shegaon to Omkareshwar / Indore to Omkareshwar – The Sankalp Awaits

Today, two paths merge into one divine journey! Yatris from Pune continue from Shegaon towards Omkareshwar by bus, while those flying in are picked up from Indore Airport/Railway Station. By evening, everyone gathers at Omkareshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, sitting gracefully on the Narmada's banks. This is where our Sankalp (vow) will be taken tomorrow, so tonight we rest in the shadow of Lord Shiva’s blessing. A brief orientation session and soothing bhajans bring the group together. Tonight is the calm before the spiritual storm – sleep peacefully, for tomorrow, the holy vow shall bind our hearts to Ma Narmada’s path.

Day 2: Omkareshwar to Barwani – Sankalp & Bajirao’s Legacy

The sacred moment has arrived. After a hearty breakfast, all yatris gather by the river for Sankalp Pooja – where we formally vow to complete the Parikrama. The air is electric with chants, the soul feels lighter. After lunch, essentials are sorted and distributed, and by afternoon we set off on the first leg of our journey. En route, we visit Raverkhedi, where the mighty Peshwa Bajirao’s Samadhi stands quietly beside the Narmada – a warrior’s resting place near a warrior river. As the sun sets, we reach Barwani for the night. Spirits are high, hearts full. Our Parikrama has officially begun.

Day 3: Barwani to Shahada – The Dakshin Kashi Darshan

Post breakfast, we hit the road towards the holy town of Prakasha, famously known as Dakshin Kashi. The first stop is Rajghat for the divine darshan of Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir. The spiritual vibrations here are something else! Next, we visit Pushpadanteshwar, Kashi Vishweshwar, and Kedarnath temples – all clustered along the serene Narmada bank. The riverside ambiance, chanting, and stories from the priests feel like stepping back into ancient India. By evening, we reach Shahada where we rest our feet and reflect on the soulful energy of Dakshin Kashi.

Day 4: Shahada to Ankleshwar – Into Gujarat’s Sacred Zone

As the sun rises, we continue westwards, now entering Gujarat. Our first stop – Shoolpaneshwar Mahadev, nestled in thick forest beauty. From there, we head to the beautiful Swaminarayan Neelkanth Dham (Poicha) – a visual marvel and spiritual magnet. After soaking in its grandeur, we visit the Guman Dev temple, known for its deep-rooted tribal beliefs and divine folklore. By night, we settle in Ankleshwar, feeling more connected to Ma Narmada’s ever-changing flow.

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(Continuing Day-wise Itinerary from Day 5 onward…)

Day 5: Ankleshwar to Bharuch – Sea Meets the Sacred

Today is extra special — we witness Narmada Ma slowly merging into the Arabian Sea. After breakfast, we visit Balbala Kund, believed to be one of the final points of Narmada's journey before reaching the ocean. Then comes a rare treat — a short boat ride over the river, allowing us to feel her flow beneath our feet. We reach Mithi Talai, where the river meets the salt of the sea, yet retains her sweet purity — a spiritual metaphor in itself. Evening finds us resting at Bharuch or Dahej, letting the magic of this watery day settle into our soul.

Day 6: Bharuch to Kevadia – Blessings and Giants

We begin with Neelkantheshwar Mahadev, perched beautifully amidst hills. Next comes Nareshwar, a calm village full of sadhus and sacred chants, and then the iconic Kuber Bhandari temple at Karnali — where it’s said Kubera himself worshipped Ma Narmada. Just nearby is Garudeshwar, where the river turns calm and wide. As the day folds, we land at Kevadia, home of the Statue of Unity. This gigantic tribute to Sardar Patel stands tall beside our eternal Narmada — perfect harmony of patriotism and divinity.

Day 7: Kevadia to Maheshwar – From Steel to Serenity

Morning sightseeing around the Statue of Unity area is a treat — soak in the engineering marvel, botanical garden, and serene riverside walks. Later, we cross back into Madhya Pradesh and drive to the royal town of Maheshwar. Evening ghat walk, temple bells, and the reflection of Ahilyabai’s palace on the water… Maheshwar greets us like a dream in sandstone.

Day 8: Maheshwar to Ujjain – Kingdoms & Kal Bhairav

We explore Maheshwar Fort, Rajrajeshwar temple, and the ghats, followed by a short visit to Gupteshwar Mahadev in Mandleshwar. By afternoon, we move towards Ujjain, the mystical city of Mahakaal. Evening is free for ghat visits or shopping. Rest at the hotel, because tomorrow you meet Shiva himself in his most fierce form.

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(Continuing Day-wise Itinerary from Day 9 onward…)

Day 9: Ujjain to Nemavar – The Land of Mahakaal & Ma Narmada

We rise early and head for the Mahakaal Jyotirlinga Darshan — a moment that stirs the very soul. The Mahakal Corridor adds a surreal visual grandeur to the experience. After darshan, we perform Narmada Poojan at the banks of the Shipra-Narmada confluence and then journey toward Nemavar, one of the five Nabhitirths along Narmada. We halt near Khategaon or Nemavar itself for the night, with chants still echoing in our minds and hearts heavy with devotion.

Day 10: Nemavar to Bhedaghat – River’s Mighty Avatar

Today’s journey takes us through nature’s lap and temple-studded lands. En route, we stop at Vindhyavasini Devi Temple in Salkanpur and then at Bandrabhan Ghat, another significant Narmada tirth. By late evening, we arrive in Bhedaghat, home to the iconic marble rocks and boating experiences like no other. If we’re lucky, the moonlight might just make the white cliffs glow. Sleep under the stars — or at least dream of them.

Day 11: Bhedaghat to Shahdol – The Heart of Satpura

After a relaxed morning boat ride on the calm waters of Bhedaghat, we visit Jogi Tigharia, a beautiful and lesser-known spiritual stop on our way. The road winds through jungles and hills as we drive to Shahdol for the night halt. It’s a travel-heavy day but also one that gives space for silence, introspection, and watching Narmada flow alongside like an old friend.

Day 12: Shahdol to Amarkantak – The Origin Unveiled

Today, we ascend to Amarkantak, the origin of River Narmada. The entire day is packed with divine sites — Kapildhara, Doodhdhara, Amareshwar, Jwaleshwar, and the beautiful Revakund. By sunset, we gather for the grand Narmada Aarti — the place where she begins her journey and where we pause to thank her. It’s a humbling experience standing where she was born, having followed her all this way.

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(Final part of Day-wise Itinerary for the 18-Day Narmada Parikrama)

Day 13: Amarkantak to Narsinghpur – Sacred Trails and Sangams

We bid farewell to Amarkantak after visiting Mai Ki Bagiya, Sonmuda (Sunrise Point), and the mystical Shriyantra Temple. Our journey now traces Narmada’s eastern flow through rich forests and tribal lands. En route, we visit Erandi Sangam and Sangam Ghat, where different streams and energies converge. As we reach Narsinghpur, the calm riverbank, fewer crowds, and rural life bring a completely different texture to our Parikrama. Night stay here will be peaceful, filled with quiet reflection and soulful bhajans.

Day 14: Narsinghpur to Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) – The River in Her Full Flow

The drive today follows Ma Narmada’s strong midstream current. We reach Sethani Ghat at Hoshangabad, one of the widest and cleanest ghats of Narmada. You’ll feel the river here in her full, mature glory — vast, patient, eternal. Spend time by the river steps, offer diyas, or just watch her ripple under the setting sun. This is a place where many sages have meditated, and now, so do we. Night halt at Narmadapuram.

Day 15: Narmadapuram to Omkareshwar – Back to Where It All Began

Today we come full circle. We visit Riddheshwar Mahadev Temple at Handia, one of the five sacred Nabhitirthas, and finally return to Omkareshwar. The river welcomes us back like a mother embracing her child. The night is for quiet prayer and rest. Tomorrow, the journey completes.

Day 16: Omkareshwar – Sankalp Visarjan & Closure Ceremony

The final pooja – Sankalp Visarjan – takes place at the same spot where we took our vow. The ritual is followed by Satyanarayan Katha and Prasad Bhojan. There’s a certain softness in the air, tears in many eyes, and a feeling of deep gratitude for having completed the sacred Parikrama. After lunch, we depart — either towards Bhusawal Railway Station or rest for the night, depending on the mode of return.

Day 17: Omkareshwar to Indore (for flight travellers) / Omkareshwar to Nashik (by bus)

For those flying out, we arrange a drop to Indore Airport/Railway Station. Others continue towards Nashik by bus, sharing memories, contact numbers, and prasad along the way. It’s less of an ending and more of a beginning.

Day 18: Nashik to Pune – Homeward with Heart Full of Narmada

The final leg — we return to Pune, carrying more than just bags. We carry blessings, memories, new bonds, and a piece of the river in our hearts. As we reach home, one thing’s certain — we are not the same person who began the journey. Ma Narmada has changed us — forever.