Omkareshwar is a Jyotirlinga on an island shaped like the Om symbol in the Narmada. The Mamleshwar temple on the south bank is often visited together with it.
At a glance
Place
Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
Known as
Jyotirlinga
Best time
October to March. Narmada Parikrama pilgrims pass through year-round.
Omkareshwar is a Jyotirlinga on Mandhata island, which is shaped like the sacred Om, in the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. A short boat ride or a bridge walk takes you to the island, where the Omkareshwar temple stands. Mamleshwar, the second temple, is on the south bank.
The Narmada parikrama, a long walk around the river, begins and ends here for many pilgrims. For most families a day or two is enough.
Route and layout at a glance
The town is on the north bank. The island is reached by bridges and boats. The main temple is on the island, with the Narmada ghats on both sides. Indore is about 80 km and Ujjain about 140 km away.
Plan your Omkareshwar trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Omkareshwar
A day trip from Indore or Ujjain.
Day 1
Morning. Boat or bridge to the island and darshan.
Afternoon. Mamleshwar and the ghats.
Evening. Narmada aarti.
2 days: with the parikrama
A calmer plan.
Day 1
Daily. Darshan and ghats.
Day 2
Daily. Island parikrama and Siddhnath.
3 days: with Ujjain
Two Jyotirlingas.
Day 1
Daily. Omkareshwar.
Day 2
Daily. Maheshwar.
Day 3
Daily. Ujjain.
5 days: Malwa circuit
Pilgrimage with heritage.
Daily
Daily. Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandu, Ujjain and Indore.
1 week: Madhya Pradesh
A slower trip.
Daily
Daily. Add Bhopal and Sanchi.
Want this plan tailored to your family?Tell us your dates, group size and any senior travellers. A yatra helper will adjust the plan for free.
The Jyotirlinga on the island, set in a multi-storey temple of stone. The sanctum is lower than the main hall, and the lingam is not placed in the usual way. Check the temple trust for current darshan rules.
Local tip: Go early on weekdays to avoid long queues.
Mamleshwar Temple
An old Shiva temple across the river, often visited along with Omkareshwar and said to be part of the same Jyotirlinga tradition.
Local tip: Visit on the same day.
Narmada ghats and the aarti
The ghats on the Narmada, where pilgrims bathe and a calm evening aarti takes place.
Local tip: Be careful near the water, since the current can be strong.
Mandhata Parvat Parikrama
A walk around the island, about 7 km, with small shrines and views of the river.
Local tip: Start early and carry water.
Siddhnath and Gaurisomnath
Old temples with carved stone work, near the town.
Local tip: A short stop on the way back.
Best time to go, season by season
October to March
Pleasant.
Monsoon
The river rises and some ghats flood.
Shravan and Maha Shivaratri
Very crowded.
Summer
Hot.
How to reach and get around
By rail: Omkareshwar Road, about 12 km.
By air: Indore Airport, about 80 km.
By road: Indore to Omkareshwar is about 2 hours.
Where to stay
Dharamshalas and hotels in the town. Book early for festivals.
What to eat
Poha, kachori and simple vegetarian meals.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skipping the island parikrama.
Bathing in strong current.
Etiquette
Dress modestly and follow the trust's rules.
Day trips from Omkareshwar
Maheshwar: About 70 km.
Ujjain: About 140 km.
Mandu: About 100 km.
Not sure which temples fit your family?Share your travel dates and who is coming. We will help you pick, free of charge.