Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devotees gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata.

Omkareshwar is a sacred island on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It rests at the meeting point of the Narmada and the Kaveri rivers, divided north to south by a deep gully. The shape resembles the holiest of all Hindu symbol, 'Om'. The island comprises of two soaring hills and is divided by a valley. It is one of the holiest Hindu sites in India due to the presence of a Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve in India.

Mandu known as the city of joy is a hilltop fortress bearing a deserted look. The fabled city of Mandu is steeped in history. Built by the Parmara ruler Raja Bhoja, Mandu was once the capital of Malwa. Built in the 10th century a summer retreat and fortress Mandu exemplifies Afghan architecture in India. Later Mandu passed from the hands of Muslim rulers of Delhi to Afghan governors to Gujarat and was restored back to the Mughals. Under the rule of the Afghan ruler Mandu witnessed the greatest prosperity and flourish. He made Mandu an independent kingdom. His son Hoshang Shah made Mandu the capital of Malwa. Several temples, palaces and ghats built during this time were the finest examples of Afghan architecture. Tour my M.P takes you around town drenched in history and romance.

One of the most inspiring and sacred places of pilgrimage is Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh that draw thousands of devotees every year. The sacred Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve that are in India is placed in the Sri Omkar Mandhata Mandir at the confluence of the Narmada and Kaveri. The faith and religiousness of Omkareshwar is naturally complemented by the geographical shape of the land, which looks like the religious Hindu Symbol 'Om'. This is because there are two lofty hills that are divided by a valley in between giving Omkareshwar such a gifted shape. Apart from it being a major place for pilgrimage, there are also a number of tourist attractions in Omkareshwar that deserves mention.

Sri Omkar Mandhata the temple stands on an island formed by the fork of the Narmada. The fine carvings on the soft stone are exquisite example of detailed work. The frieze figures on the upper portion are the most striking.Sri Omkar Mandhata Temple in Omkareshwar is one of the sacred temples of Madhya Pradesh. It stands on a naturally made island of River Narmada and has been drawing thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year.

The Narmada River bifurcates to form a half mile wide island on which the temple of Sri Omkar Mandhata stands. This temple in Omkareshwar was built on soft stone which made it easier for the display of exquisite and detailed work of art. The upper portion of Sri Omkar Mandhata which has the famous frieze figures and the beautifully carved stone roof of the temple makes it one of the most unique and significant monument of the place. The shrine is bordered by balconies with carved columns of distinct shapes such as polygons, squares and circles.

Legend says that Vindhya Mountains prayed to Shiva and Omkareshwar was blessed. Later on request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two. One remained in Omkareshwar; in the Sri Omkar Mandhata while the other at Almaleshwar. Sri Omkar Mandhata is the main temple of Omkareshwar.

The nearest airport to Omkareshwar is Indore (77 km), connected with all major cities. The nearest rail station is Omkareshwar Road, is the Western railways. There are road connections from Omkareshwar to Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by regular services of bus.

The Siddhnath Temple is a fine example of early medieval Brahminic architecture. The most stunning feature is a frieze of elephants carved upon a stone slab at its outer perimeter. Of the many temples in Omkareshwar,one  must visit  the Siddhnath temple, as its a classic reflection of Brahminic architecture of the early medieval times. This along with many other temples and religious places make Omkareshwar a major attraction for devotees all over.

Description of the Siddhnath Temple cannot be complete without mentioning its most noticeable feature, the frescos of elephants. These are carved over a stone slab of more than 1.5 meters high at its outer borders. The roof of the temple and its upper portions are carved elaborately with artistic decorations. Various shaped columns of verandahs encircle the shrine of the Siddhnath temple in Omkareshwar.

The Siddhnath temple in Omkareshwar is an ancient temple built during the medieval time by the Brahmins.

The nearest airport to Omkareshwar is Indore (77 km), linked to all major cities. The nearest rail station is Omkareshwar Road, by the Western railways. There are road connections from Omkareshwar to Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road by regular bus services.

Among the temples in the holy place of Omkareshwar, the 24 Avatars hold a special place. These are a group of Hindu and Jain temples, beautifully designed and built with unique styles of architecture.

The temples of the 24 Avatars in Omkareshwar are a remarkable site. This is because the architecture of each temple is different from the rest, and exclusive styles are used which makes the 24 avatars a major tourist attraction.

During the time of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century, the Muslim invaders had destroyed many of the Hindu and Jain temples that stood in different parts of the country, including Omkareshwar. But still, there are a number of temples that till stands on the Omkareshwar soil.

The nearest airport Indore is 77 kms from Omkareswar where regular flights connect to all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai,Bhopal and Gwalior. The nearest railhead is Omkareshwar Road. There are roads connecting Omkareshwar to Indore, Ujjain,Khandwa..