Kedarnath is a small hamlet, situated in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations of India. The hamlet was named after king Kedarnath and is popular for the shrine dedicated to lord Shiva. Being one of the remotest among all the four dhams, the place has a mesmerising vista. Situated in proximity to the Chorabari Glacier, which is the source of river Mandakini, Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 11,755 ft from the sea level. The Kedarnath temple finds its mention in the great Indian Epic Mahabharata. It is believed that they visited this temple in search of lord Shiva, who took the form of a bull during their time of penance. Besides being a pilgrimage destination, Kedarnath lures the visitors with its captivating beauty. Flanked by river Mandakini, dense forest and snow-capped mountains, this place is worth visiting. 233 kms from Rishikesh, pilgrims an visit either by road or can even avail the helicopter service. On the way to Kedarnath people can visit Rudra Prayag, which has significance in Hindu mythology. People an halt in Sitapur, a small township before reaching Gaurikund, which is 14kms from Kedarnath. Pilgrims can go to the destination either on foot, a pony or palinquine. There is also helicopter service available from Dehradun. The temple remains open from April till end of October and owing to heavy snow fall, it remains closed during winter and the idol of lord Shiva is shifted to Ukhimath, a small township near Guptakashi. As the temple remains closed and the town becomes empty, during that period, the idol is worshiped in a temple in Ukhimath.
Badrinath
Another significant pilgrimage travel destination for Hindus is Badrinath, which is a small hilltown in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also among the four dhams and gets its name from the Badrinath temple, which is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The town lies near the Alaknanda river and nestled between Nar and Narayana mountain range, this place offers an enthralling view of the Nilkanth Mountain peak. The town is at an altitude of 10,170 ft above the sea level. There are several accomodation options available for pilgrims, which ranges from budget to star hotels. The place is thronged by pilgrims from different parts of the nation as well as globe. The best time to visit this temple is between May to October and it remains closed from mid-November till April due to heavy snow-fall. A village named Mana is located near Badrinath, which acts as the border between India and Tibet. The source of the holy river Saraswati, which under veil an be seen from this place. The temple also features a hot water spring named Tapta Kunda is considered to be holy, having curative ability. Situated in a plain area, this hill town can be reached by car or bus from Rishikesh, which is 301 km away.
Badrinath
Another significant pilgrimage travel destination for Hindus is Badrinath, which is a small hilltown in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is also among the four dhams and gets its name from the Badrinath temple, which is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The town lies near the Alaknanda river and nestled between Nar and Narayana mountain range, this place offers an enthralling view of the Nilkanth Mountain peak. The town is at an altitude of 10,170 ft above the sea level. There are several accomodation options available for pilgrims, which ranges from budget to star hotels. The place is thronged by pilgrims from different parts of the nation as well as globe. The best time to visit this temple is between May to October and it remains closed from mid-November till April due to heavy snow-fall. A village named Mana is located near Badrinath, which acts as the border between India and Tibet. The source of the holy river Saraswati, which under veil an be seen from this place. The temple also features a hot water spring named Tapta Kunda is considered to be holy, having curative ability. Situated in a plain area, this hill town can be reached by car or bus from Rishikesh, which is 301 km away.