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The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch Parvat. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti (7 km. Away).
The actual source a frozen lake of ice & glacier (Champasar glacier) located on the Kalind mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level, about 1 km further up, is not frequented generally as it is not accessible and hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the temple itself.
The temple of Yamuna is on the left bank of Yamuna constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. The Yamuna like Ganga has been elavated to the status of divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.
Close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Suryakund is the most important Kund. Near the Suryakund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam.The pujaris of Yamunotri come from the village of Kharsali near Jankichatti. They are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites well versed in Shastras.
Yamunotri Temple Guide
The temple open on Akshay Tritiya (May) and closes on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali, November).
Yamunotri Temple is open for devotees from 6am to 8pm Aarti timings of Yamunotri temple is from 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The special pooja is organized in Yamunotri on the eves of Janmashtami and Diwali.
History and Legends about Badrinath
According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. All his life, he bathed daily both in Ganga and Yamuna. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri for him.
The temple and the place opens every year on the auspicious day of the akshya-tritya, which generally falls during the last week of April, or the first week of May. The temple always closes on the sacred day of Diwali mid- Oct. - 1st week of Nov., with a brief ceremony, the temple staff return to their villages and for the rest of the time the valley is gripped in no man silence and covered with white sheet of snow. With melting of snow next summer, temple re-opens to blissful happiness of thousands of visitors again.
"The daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya the birth place of the Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier (4421 m) just below the Banderpoonch mountain. The mountain adjacent to the river source is dedicated to her father, and is called Kalinda Parvat. Kalinda being another name of Surya. Yamuna is known for her frivolousness, a trait that she developed because as per a common story - Yamuna's mother could never make eye contact with her dazzling husband.
Surya Kund
There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.
Divya Shila
A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
JankiChatti
5 km from Yamunotri, it is noted for it's thermal springs , where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.
Hanumanchatti
13 km from Yamunotri. The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers,from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307mt)starts.Route:Rishikesh-Barkot -Hanumanchatti-Yamunotri. Hanumanchatti -Darvatop -Dodital-Agora-Uttarkashi-Rishikesh.Porters and ponies are available at Hanumanchatti.Rates are fixed by District Magistrate before the start of every Yatra season.
Sayanachatti
27 km from Barkot & 18 km from Yamunotri is a scenic spot on the bank of river Yamuna.
Chamba
Situated at an elevation of 1,524 mt,it is a picturesque place commanding a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Road from here bifurcates for Mussoorie, New Tehri and Rishikesh.
The best time to visit Yamunotri is between May-June and September-November. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, visitors may face difficulty reaching the temple during monsoon season (late June to Aug). Tthe temple usually remains open from last week of April to 2nd week of November.
Climate
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night. Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero.
Clothing
Summer: Light Woollens. Winter: Very Heavy Woollens.
How to reach Yamunotri
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant. Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh. Road: The road to Yamunotri diverts from Rishikesh-Gangotri road at Dharasu. Important road distances : Hanumanchatti 13 km; Dharasu 107 km; Tehri 149 km.
Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km via Narendranagar 16 km, Chamba 46 km, Brahmkhal 15 km, Barkot 40 km, Sayanachatti 27 km, Hanumanchatti 6km, Phoolchatti 5 km, Jankichatti 3 km and Yamunotri 6 km.
The revered shrine of Gangotri, situated at an altitude of 3,200 mts. about sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings, constitutes one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout Hindu.
The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa. The existing temple is said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty. Every year thousands of pilgrims through the sacred shrine between May & October. The Pujaris & brahmins are from the village of Mukhwa. The water from Gangotri is carried to offer to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this water has amrit (nectar) in it and will soothe the throat of Shiva who gulp the poison.
Gangotri Temple Guide
The Shrine of Gangotri opens during the last week of April or the first week of May, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temples opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. The temple closes on the day of Diwali followed by a formal closing ceremony amidst a row of oil lamps. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhwa, her winter abode (12 km downstream).
In summer, Gangotri Temple is open for devotees from 6:15 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 9:30 pm
As winter approaches the Gangotri Temple open from 6:45 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm
Mangalaarti is done by priests at 6 am behind the closed doors and it is not open for public. Sandhya Aarti is performed at Gangotri at 7:45 pm during summer and at 7 pm as winter approaches. Special pooja is done on Janamshtami, Vijaydashmi and Diwali
History and Legends about Gangotri
The picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.
According to mythology, Goddess Ganga, the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form a river to absolve the sins of king Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of 5500 years. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the impact of her fall. The river itself begins at Gangotri which literally means Ganga Uttari or Ganga descending. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.
According to mythology King Sagar after slaying the demons on earth staged an Aswamedh Yagna to proclaim his supremacy. The King's 60,000 sons born of Queen Sumati and one son Asamanjas of Queen Kesani were to accompany the horse. Lord Indra fearing loss of his supremacy stole the horse and tied it to the ashram of ancient sage Kapil who was then deep into meditation. On their search for horse, the 60,000 sons stormed the ashram of Kapil and just before the attack on him the sage opened his eyes and reduced all the 60,000 sons of King Sagar except Asamanjas to ashes. King Sagar's grandson Anshuman was successful in recovering the horse from Kapil and was told that those 60,000 burnt will attain heavenly adobe if Ganga is brought down from heaven & their ashes were sleaned by its water. Then the great task of bringing Ganga to earth started. Anshuman failed and so did his son Dilip but his grandson Bhagirath succeeded.
The intense meditation made Ganga to descend from heaven and in order that the earth is not flooded, it remained suspended in the matted locks of Lord Shiva's hair. Shiva pleased with King Bhagirath, released Ganga in seven streams - the most sacred streams came to be known as Bhagirathi (started from Gangotri). King Sagar's 60,000 sons' ashes were touched with Ganga water and thus they were bestowed with eternal rest in heaven.
Places to visit in and around Gangotri
Gaumukh Glacier
This is the snout of the Gangotri glacier and the present source of the Bhagirathi river. It is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. The 18 km distance from Gangotri has to be covered on foot by ponies. The trek is easy and many people come back to Gangotri the same day. Porters and ponies are available for excursions to Gaumukh and other trekking routes at Gangotri. There is a Tourist Bungalow at Bhojbasa, 14 km from Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available.
Pilgrims also trek to Nandanvan (6 km) and Kedartal (18 km) from Gangotri.
Submerging Shivling
Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted locks. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
Nandanvan Tapovan
These two spots are situated opposite the Gangotri glacier further up from Gaumukh, at a distance of 6 km from where visitors can have a superb view of the majestic Shivling peak.
Kedartal
A spectacular lake situated at a distance of about 18 km trek from Gangotri, negotiable through a rough mountain trail. The trek is very tring and testing even for a hardy trekker. There no facility of any kind on the way and one has to make all arrangements in advance.
Kedar Ganga Sangam
Around 100 yards from the Ganga temple, flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar valley, this river meets the Bhagirathi river on its left bank.
Bhaironghati
10 km from Gangotri. Astride the to Uttarkashi and near the confluence of Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers is situated, Bhagirathi.
The temple of Bhairav Nath surrounded by thick forests is worth visiting
Harsil
26 km from Gangotri. Located in the topographically mountainous district of Uttarkashi, this hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious apples.
Harsil is situated at a distance of 72 km from Uttarkashi on the main highway to Gangotri and is at a height of 2,620 mt, above sea-level.
From Harsil, the adventurous tourist can trek to Sat Tal, situated just above Dharali, 2 km beyond Harsil, to be greeted by the rewarding sight of seven lakes situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
The Harsil-Jangala Chatti route is amidst dense Deodar forest.
Bhairon Mandir
After traveling by road from Lanka to Bhaironghati one has to cross the Jahanvi river on foot. After crossing the Jahanvi river and moving uphill, the Bhairon temple can be seen.
Gangnani
55 km from Gangotri. Noted for its thermal springs and close-up views of famous mountain peaks, its peaceful and tranquilising environment provides an ideal setting for meditation.
Maneri
92 km from Gangotri. It has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction of a dam across the Bhagirathi river, from where the water is fed to the turbines through an 8 km long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resultant lake at Maneri has added to the charm of the place.
Best time to visit Gangotri
The best time to visit Gangotri is between May-June and September-November. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, visitors may face difficulty reaching the temple during monsoon season (late June to Aug). The temple usually remains open from last week of April to 2nd week of November.
Gangotri is well connected through road. The National Highway (NH 58, total length 538 km) from Delhi to Mana is accessible throughout the year. Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (26 km from Rishikesh) Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 249 km. Road: Gangotri is connected by road to Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal and Rishikesh and from there to other parts of the country. Important road distances are Uttarkashi 97 km, Tehri 167 km, Dharasu 125 km, Yamunotri 232 km, Mussoorie 250 km. Bus: Bus services of Samyukt Rotaion Yatayat Vyawastha Samiti connect Gangotri with many centers in the region like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tehri, Uttarkashi etc. Distance Chart to Gangotri Pilgrimage
Dharasu - 129 kms.
Yamunotri - 224 kms.
Mussoorie - 247 kms.
Tehri - 172 kms.
Uttarkashi - 99 kms ISD/STD Code for Gangotri If calling from within India : ++01381 (number)
If calling from outside India : 91-1381 (number)
Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 m at the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. It is no wonder that Adi Guru Shankaracharya - a great scholar & saint, chose to enshrine Lord Shiva in this land, where the unholy becomes oly and the holy becomes holier. Kedar meaning powerful is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer.
Situated in the backdrop of the majestic Sri Kedarnath range, Kedarnath is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
At Kedarnath there are several Kunds (pools, tanks) that are known for their religious significans - shivkund, Retkund, hanskund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund are the most important. A little away from Kedarnath is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath.
During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow & hence is closed. Fortunate are those who have good weather, but twice blessed are those who are at Kedarnath on a moonlit night- the snow peak gleams like hundred silver pinnacles atop the glittering mountains.
The holiest of Shiva's shrines is linked to Gold among base metals so that every pilgrims finds peace here, and it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself. Beyond the temple is the highway to heaven, called Mahapanth.
Kedarnath Temple Guide
The opening of date of Kedarnath Temple is fixed and depends on the Shiva Ratri and decided by priests in Ukhimath. Normally Kedarnath temple opens on Mid May. The closing date of Kedarnath is fixed on Yama Dwitiya (second day after Diwali, November).
Kedarnath Temple is open for devotees from 6 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Shingar Darshan is from 5 pm onwards and Aarti is performed at 6:45 pm. Sharavani Annakoot Mela is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August. Special Samadhi puja is help on the closing day of Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Temple committee office organises booking for special pooja which is performed before the general darshan in the morning.
Places to visit in and around Kedarnath
Shandaracharya Samadhi
The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Chorbari (Gandhi Sarovar)
Only 1 km trek away from Kedarnath. Floating - ice on the crstal clear waters of the lake fascinates the visitors.
Vasuki Tal
Situated at a height of 4,150mt, the lake is surrounded by high mountains and offers an excellent view of Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund
It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath and serves as a roadhead. The village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and hot water springs.
Trijuginarayan
According to legend,this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple.
Ukhimath
Winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the rawal of Kedarnath.Cinnected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centers.
Panch Kedar
Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpnath with Kedarnath form the Panch Kedar, the five most important temples of Lord Shiva in Garhwal Himalayas.
Madmaheshwar
One of Panch Kedars, the temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 mt above sea-level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km north-east of Guptkashi. There is a motorable road from Guptashi to Kalimath.
The best statue of Har Gauri in India measuring over a metre high is found in the kali temple. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty and engulfed by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the confluence of Madmeshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one reaches Madmaheshwar, the place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of belly.
Tungnath
The arms of Lord Shiva came out as per the Kedarnath myth at Tungnath. He is worshipped here as one of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath Temple at an altitude of 3,680mt is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch kedars but the easiest to reach from Chopta, the nearest roadhead.
Rudranath
The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped at the Rudranath temple, at an elevation of 2,286 mt above sea-level and is 23 km from Gopeshwar. 5 km of the has to be trekked. The trek passes through wild orchards and picturesque bugyals and involves trekking over high ridges (some times 4,000 mt). The temple site provides magnificent views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghungti, Trishuli and many other peaks. There are a number of holy Kund near Rudranath temple namely - Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund etc. The entire area is utterly enchanting and unmatched in scenic beauty.
Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km.
Kalpeshwar
The more hardy to tourist may like to trek about 35 km to Kalpeshwar, where the locks (hair) with head, of Lord Shiva are worshipped. Located in Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,134 mt above sea-level, the temple is a further 10 k m trek from Rudranath to Helong, the motor head on Rishikesh- Badrinath route.
Deoria Tal
At an altitude of 2,440 mt, the beautiful lake of Deoria Tal is located on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road about 3 km away from Sari. Another trek is from Ukhimath.
In the early morning, the snow Kedarnath are clearly refected on the lake waters. The lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May-October.
CLIMATE
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero.
Average Temperature in Badrinath
Month
Max Temp.
Min Temp
Apr
3 °C
0 °C
May
5 °C
0 °C
Jun
14.5 °C
5.9 °C
Jul
18.2 °C
10
Aug
18 °C
10.5
Sep
16 °C
8.5
Oct
12.5 °C
5.6 °C
Nov
5 °C
0 °C
Dec-Mar
Covered with snow
CLOTHING
Summer: Light Woollens.
Winter: Very Heavy Woollens.
How to reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is well connected through road. The National Highway (NH 58, total length 538 km) from Delhi to Mana is accessible throughout the year.
Air: Jolly grant (Dehradun)-239 km away from Kedarnath of which 225 km is by road and rest 14 km is on foot. Rail: Railhead at Rishikesh, 221 km away of which 207 km is by road and the rest 14 km is on foot.
Railhead at Kotdwara, 250 km away, of which 236 km is by road and rest 14 km is on foot. Road: Kedarnath is approachable on footfrom Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.
Bus This service is available at Rishikesh, Haridwar and Kotdwara for Gaurikund. During Yatra season, some special Yatra services are also arranged to Gaurikund.
Distance from Rishikesh to kedarnath 223 km, via Deoprayag 70 km, Shrinagar 35 km, Rudraprayag 34 km, Tilwara 9 km, Agastyamuni 10 km, Kund 15 km, Sonprayag 3 km Gaurikund 5 km, Rambara 7 km, Garurchatti 4 km, Sri Kedarnath 3 km.
Transport: Buess, private taxies and other light vehicles also ply between Rishikesh and Garikund-Badrinath and back. The charges are not fixed.
Horses, Dandies and Ponies are available at Gaurikund for going and carrying luggage to Kedarnath. Kedarnath STD Codes
Panch Kedar refers to the five temples of Lord Shiva popularly known as Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. Panch Kedar is one the most difficult pilgrimages in India as routes are difficult to trek with few lodges and eating places.
Legend and Mythology of Panch Kedar
The five Kedar lies in the valleys between the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. The term Kedar itself means a natural rock formation or a glacial moraine. According to legend, himalayas Kedarnath, the chief seat of the Panch Kedar, come into being during the period when the five Pandava brothers were asked to seek Shiva's blessings, purging them off sin of fratricide, or killing their cousin brothers in the terrifying bettle of Kurukshetra. Shiva disguised himself as a bull and started to plunge underground when he was spotted by Pandavas. No wonder the natural rock formation that is worshipped here resembles the rump of bull. The other four places where Shiva is worshipped take their appearance from different part of his body - the navel at Madmaheshwar, the arm at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair at Kalpeshwar.
List of Panch Kedar Temples
Kedarnath » Panch Kedar Travel Guide
The holiest of Shiva's shrines is likened to gold among base metals so that every pilgrim finds peace here, and it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself. The temple of Kedarnath, located at a height of 3,581 mts, stand at the head of the Mandakini river, with Kedarnath peak keeping vigil above it. The temple is dedicated to the Sadasiva or invisible form of Shiva, and is represented by a natural rock formation. Beyond the temple is the highway to heaven, called Mahapanth.
General Information Kedarnath
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 251 Km. Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 237 Km. Accommodation : Tourist Rest House, Temple Committee Guest, Private Hotels, lodges and DharamShalas are available. Nearby Places : Sankaracharya Samadhi, Basuki Tal,
Kund, Bhukund Bhairav,
Chorabari Tal( Gandhi Sarovar )
Madhyamaheshwar » Panch Kedar Travel Guide
Madhmaheshwar (3289 m) - Shiva is worshipped at Madhyamaheshwar in the form of navel - shaped lingum. Located at base of Chaukhamba peak, at an altitude of 3,289 mts, the classic temple architecture belongs to the north - Indian style. So sanctified is the water here that even a few drops are considered sufficient for absolution. The natural scenery is dramatically wild, with deep gorges and himalayas valleys, mountainsides flung upwards towards the skies, and forests where the snow lies thick in winter, only to be replaced by a carpet of greenery in the summer.
Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks are also visible from here, the entire ring of mountains associated with the life and times of shiva. The confluences of two streams at Gaundar just short of the temple, is one of the prettiest spots in the region. The temple opens at 7 am and aarti is performed in the evening from 6 pm to 6:45 pm
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 244 Km. Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 227 Km. Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available.
Tungnath » Panch Kedar Travel Guide
Tungnath (3810 m) - Tungnath is the place where the arm (Bahu) of Shiva appeared.. The sanctity of the region of Tungath is considered unsurpassed. The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that from the river Akashkamini. At this temple at 3,680 mts, Shiva's arm is worshipped. The highest hindu shrine in the Himalayas, 3kms uphill from Chopta, Tungath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows and rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoromic views. The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest, most picturesque pocket of the Himalaya. The Tungnath temple opens from 6 am to 7 pm. And aarti is performed daily at 6:30 pm
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 232 Km. Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 215 Km. Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available and hotels at Chopta.
Rudranath » Panch Kedar Travel Guide
Rudranath (2286 m) - Rudranath is where the face of Shiva (Mukh) is said to have appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple in which the Shiva Mukha is worshipped. Devotees come to Rudranath to offer ritual obeisance ti their ancestors, for it is here, at Vaitarani river that the soal of dead cross when entering another world. The temple of Rudranath at 2,286 mts, entails trekking through ridges at almost twice that height before reaching the meadow where it is located. Within the sanctum, Shiva's image is worshipped in the form of his face. The temple is surround by several pools - Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, Manas Kund - while the great peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rear overhead.
The Rudranath Temple opens at 7 am, there is special Shingaar Pooja takes place at 7:30 pm. Aarti is performed in the evening at 6:30 pm.
General Information Rudranath
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 258 Km. Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 241 Km. Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available.
Kalpeshwar » Panch Kedar Travel Guide
Kalpeshwar (2134 m) - situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam, here Shiva is worshipped in his matted hair form (Jata). A favorite spots for sages who come here to meditate, following the precedent of Arghya who performed austerities and created the celebrated nymph, Urvashi, here, and the irascible Durvasha who meditated under the wish fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha, Pilgrims pray at the small rock temple at a height of 2,134 mts. before the matted tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. Surrounded by thick forests and terraced fields in the Urgam valley, the temple is reached following a 10 km. long trek. The Kalpeshwar Temple opens at 7 am and aarti is performed in the evening at 6 pm
General Information Kalpeshwar
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 272 Km. Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 155 Km. Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available.
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