Tourist Attractions to See On Your Char Dham Trip

Table of Content

Introduction

Tourist Attractions At Haridwar And Rishikesh

Tourist Attractions Enroute Yamunotri And Gangotri

Tourist Attractions at Yamunotri

Tourist Attractions at Uttarkashi

Tourist Attractions at Gangotri

Tourist Attractions at Ukhimath

Tourist Attractions at Guptkashi

Tourist Attractions at Kedarnath

Tourist Attractions at Chopta

Tourist Attractions at Badrinath

Conclusion

Introduction

India is the ideal location for spiritual trips for those looking for calm and peace of mind because of its abundance of religious monuments. The “Char Dham Yatra” is one of the most revered pilgrimages since it is thought that anyone who completes it once in their lifetime is released from the cycle of life and death and achieves salvation. Every year, a large number of pilgrims and tourists from India and other parts of the world visit Uttarakhand in search of the spiritual joy that the Char Dham tour offers. The ‘Char Dham Yatra’ often starts at the holy city of Haridwar, a major Hindu pilgrimage site with millions of followers. Every year, a large number of devotees come to this location to cleanse themselves by taking a holy bath in the Ganges River. Similar to Haridwar, Uttarakhand has a number of locations that are crucial to maintaining the Hindu faith, and travellers are welcome to visit these locations while participating in the Char Dham Yatra. In other words, one may argue that this holy Yatra is among the most effective ways to discover the vast nation of Uttarakhand. The Char Dham Sites’ opening times are:

Opening of Gangotri Dham: May 3, 2022.

3^rd May,2022 is  the specified date for opening of Yamunotri.

May 6, 2022 is the temple opening date for Kedarnath.

Opening day for Badrinath Dham is May 8, 2022.

While the majority of the locations listed below can be visited while travelling to the four main pilgrimage sites, there are several that require additional time to explore these places.

Tourist Attractions At Haridwar And Rishikesh

Har Ki Pauri

According to Hindu legend, King Bhagirath offered Lord Shiva a sacrifice at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar to free the spirits of his ancestors from a cycle of rebirth. Lord Shiva ordered the holy Ganga to flow through his hair after receiving satisfaction from his prayers. By bathing in the Ganga’s sacred waters, Bhagirath was able to cleanse his ancestors’ souls of their misdeeds. Since then, tens of thousands of worshippers have bathed at Har ki Pauri in an effort to ensure the redemption of their ancestors.

[Also Read: Gurgaon – The Unexplored Tourism City Of India!]

Ganga Aarti

The holy “Ganga Aarti” is conducted in the evening on the ghats of “Har ki Pauri.” During the aarti, Vedic songs and prayers are chanted, creating a holy ambiance that brings comfort and calm to your spirits. The enchanting sight of millions of lit diyas floating on the Ganges during the aarti only adds to the atmosphere’s mystic allure.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Lord Shiva, who is venerated in this place in the shape of Neelkanth, is the subject of the temple. According to puranic mythology, Lord Shiva ingested the poison that came from Samudra Manthan here. He was given the name Neelkanth because the poison coloured his neck (kanth) blue.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

The “Trimbakeshwar Temple,” one of Rishikesh’s most well-known temples, is a 13-story structure featuring a shrine to a distinct manifestation of Lord Shiva on each floor. The Laxman Jhula must be crossed to go to the temple. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims come here to worship.

Triveni Ghat 

The Triveni ghat is situated where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. It is said that a holy dip in the triveni confluence’s waters may cleanse you of all of your sins. The Triveni Ghat’s Maha Aarti, which is performed at dusk, is its main draw. The aarti and incense scent infuse the atmosphere with mystery and devotion.

Tourist Attractions Enroute Yamunotri And Gangotri

Lachhiwala

This location is regarded as one of the top picnic areas close to Dehradun. Yamunotri pilgrims might stop here for a few hours to enjoy the beautiful weather and bird watching.

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara is a water spring renowned for its therapeutic benefits, making it a peaceful spot to refresh your mind and spirit. It is the ideal place to halt for a couple of hours while travelling to Yamunotri because of its aesthetic appeal and the peaceful weather.

[Also Read: Places to Visit Near Chandigarh]

Robber’s Cave

Also known as Guchhupani, Robber’s Cave is thought to have been the hideout for thieves in the past. A icy spring that briefly vanishes and then reappears at various points throughout the cave. Inside the cave, there are a few locations where one may witness stunning waterfalls.

Janki Chatti

The actual climb up to Yamunotri starts at Janki Chatti, which is the final motorable stop before it. The area is particularly well-known for its hot springs, where devotees can take a soak to relieve travel-related exhaustion. The distance between Janki Chatti and Yamunotri is about 6 kilometres. Children and physically healthy pilgrims can complete the climb on foot. Ponies and palanquins are available for rent for pilgrims who are unable to make the ascent on foot. As you make your way up to Yamunotri, panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, glittering rivulets, gushing waterfalls, and deep forests will fill your heart with calm and tranquilly.

Kharsali

One kilometre from Janki Chatti is the little village of Kharsali, which is well-known for housing the oldest “Shani Dev Temple.” Numerous Lord Shani worshipers visit this shrine before continuing on to Yamunotri. Additionally, an idol of the goddess Yamuna is transported to this temple during the winter months when Yamunotri Temple is closed and is worshipped here for six months until Yamunotri Temple reopens.

Tourist Attractions At Yamunotri

Surya Kund

The Sun (Surya) God, the father of the Yamuna goddess, is honoured with the name Surya Kund for a natural hot spring. When pilgrims arrive at Yamunotri, they must first bathe in the “Surya Kund” then prepare the rice and potatoes by wrapping them in linen that has been bathed in the hot spring water. The pilgrims serve the rice and potatoes during Pooja at the main Yamunotri temple and then take the leftovers home as Prasad.

Divya Shila

A rock pillar called Divya Shila is situated close to Surya Kund. According to tradition, worshippers must first pay respects at the Divya Shila before visiting the main temple of the Yamunotri Temple.

Yamunotri Temple

Goddess Yamuna is worshipped here as a silver idol at the main temple known as Yamunotri.

Champasar Glacier

The Champasar Glacier, a few kilometres above the main temple, is the actual point of genesis. The majority of pilgrims merely pays respect in the main temple and then departs because of the hard hike and restricted accessibility.

Prakateshwar Cave

On the way from Barkot to Uttarkashi, there is a strange cave called Prakateshwar Cave. This cave is frequented by many pilgrims travelling to Gangotri because of its famed limestone creation that resembles the Shivlinga.

Tourist Attractions At Uttarkashi

Vishwanath Temple

The oldest and most revered temple in the world devoted to Lord Shiva is the Vishwanath Temple. Legend has it that Lord Shiva came here to protect Rishi Markandeya from the Death-God Yama. The temple is home to a “swayambhu lingam,” as well as statues of Rishi Markandeya, Lord Ganesh, and Goddess Parvati.

Shakti Temple

The Shakti Temple, a shrine to Goddess Durga, is located across from the Vishwanath Temple. People come to this temple to pray to Goddess Durga and to view the massive trident, known as “Shakti,” which is revered there.

Gangnani

The natural hot spring known as “Rishikund Teerth” in the little village of Gangnani, which is located on the way to Gangotri, is its claim to fame. Typically, travellers to Gangotri will stop here and take a holy bath in the spring’s warm waters.

[Also Read: Touring the Queen Of Hill-Station Shimla]

Mukhba Village

Since the main Gangotri Temple is closed during the coldest months of the year in Mukhba Village, Goddess Ganga resides there and is worshipped there for roughly six months. Small, unassuming wooden houses, pine trees, and brightly coloured flowers all around look as though they were lifted straight from a postcard. You can visit the “Ganga Temple” at Mukhba Village, which is where the idol of Goddess Ganga is kept during the colder months.

Bhairon Ghati

Before Gangotri, about 10 kilometres away, is the picturesque valley of Bhairon Ghati, which is where the Bhagirathi River and the Jat Ganga converge. The valley, which is adorned with pine trees and the gargling Bhagirathi rushing down the mountains, is well-known for the old “Bhairon Temple” that several pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra visit.

Tourist Attractions At Gangotri

Gangotri Temple

This is the principal shrine to Goddess Ganga, the Gangotri Temple. You can find serenity inside the temple’s serene and tranquil surroundings.

Submerged Shivlinga

A natural rock Shivlinga that is immersed in water can be seen when the water level drops at specific times of the year. According to legend, Lord Shiva sat at the shrine where the Shivlinga is located to accept the River Ganga in his matted hair in order to lessen the destructive impact of her glorious flow on earth.

Suryakand Waterfalls

The scenic Suryakund Waterfall is another of Gangotri’s most well-known sights, and it’s situated a half-kilometer in advance of the Gangotri Temple.

Pandava Gufa

To get to the Pandava Cave, travel about two kilometres through the forest past the Suryakund waterfall. After the fight, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata are said to have rested in the cave before ascending to heaven.

Bhagirathi Shila

King Bhagirath worshipped to Lord Shiva on Bhagirathi Shila, a sacred rock close to the river’s banks.

Tourist Attractions At Ukhimath

Omkareshwar Temple

Deities of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheshwar are worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Another revered temple belonging to the “Panch Kedar”, the Madhyamaheshwar Temple is situated where Lord Shiva’s belly dropped during his escape from the Pandavas.

Kali Math Temple

The “Kalimath Temple” is devoted to Goddess Kali and is regarded as one of the 108 heavenly Shakti Peeths. The demon Raktabeej is thought to have been killed here by Goddess Kali. Each year, thousands of pilgrims come to this temple.

Tourist Attractions At Guptkashi

Vishwanath Temple

The original Shivlinga of Lord Shiva, which is thought to have been transported from the Vishwanath Temple in Kashi when that temple was attacked by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is housed in the Vishwanath Temple. Huge crowds of pilgrims congregate here to seek God’s blessings.

Ardhanarishwar Temple

The Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are represented as a half-man, half-woman deity in the “Ardhanarishwar Temple,” which is close to the main Vishwanath Temple.

Manikarnika Kund

The Shivlinga that resides in the centre of the kund is bathed in the waters of two springs that stand in for the Ganga and the Yamuna, giving Manikarnika Kund a significant religious importance.

Sonprayag

Another charming tiny village, Sonprayag is located at the meeting point of the sacred rivers Mandakini and Basuki. A well-known temple of Lord Vishnu may be seen in the village of Triyugi, close to Sonprayag, called the “Triyuginarayan Temple.” This is the location where Lord Shiva wed Goddess Parvati in front of Lord Vishnu, according to puranic legend.

Gaurikund

Gaurikund is the starting point for the approximately 20-kilometer journey to Kedarnath. It is situated 15 kilometres ahead of Gupt Kashi. Before continuing on their trek to Kedarnath, pilgrims first take a bath in the hot waters of the Gaurikund and pay respect in the “Gauri Temple.” According to mythology, Goddess Parvati meditated at Gaurikund in order to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Another myth holds that at this holy location of Gaurikund, Lord Shiva bestowed the elephant head upon Lord Ganesha.

[Also Read: Insight to the Tourism of Delhi]

Tourist Attractions At Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is thought to reside in Kedarnath Temple, the town’s principal temple. The temple is also visited by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world and is regarded as one of the “Panch Kedars.” A visit to the Kedarnath Temple, which is perched on the mouth of the River Mandakini and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Kedar and Swargarohini peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, fills the hearts of all believers with holiness and spirituality.

Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is a revered lake where Lord Vishnu is said to have taken a bath in the past. After an 8 km difficult hike from the Kedarnath Temple, you can reach the Tal.

Bhairav Temple

Located 1 km away from Kedarnath Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, who is thought to be the protector deity of the town and temple during the winter when everything is blanketed in snow. The Bhairavnath Temple offers breathtaking views of the Kedarnath valley that are incomprehensible in words.

Tourist Attractions At Chopta

Tungnath Temple

One of the most revered temples in the “Panch Kedar” is the Lord Shiva-dedicated “Tungnath Temple,” which is thought to be more than 1000 years old. Legend has it that this is the location where Lord Shiva’s arms dropped while being pursued by the Pandavas in the form of a bull.

Chandrashila Peak

From the Tungnath Temple, pilgrims can access Chandrashila Peak after a modest 3-kilometer hike. You pass through oak forests, as well as meadows, on your journey. From Chandrashila summit, breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan peaks Kedar, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi are simply breathtaking.

Gopinath Temple

The “Gopinath Temple” honours Lord Shiva and is situated in the Gopeshwar village of the Chamoli district close to Chopta. The trident in this temple, which Lord Shiva is said to have thrown at the God of Love (Kamdev), is its main draw.

Tourist Attractions At Badrinath

Badrinath Temple

Lord Vishnu, who is venerated in this place in the dual forms of Nar and Narayana, is the subject of the main shrine of the Badrinath Temple. Thousands of pilgrims come to this location to seek the Lord’s blessings and worship a deity made of black saligram stone.

Tapt Kund

A natural hot spring with healing powers is called Tapt Kund. Visitors must take a holy dip in the hot waters of this kund before entering the main shrine.

Narad Kund

Another sacred kund close to Tapt Kund is called Narad Kund. It is thought that this is where Narad Muni wrote the “Narada Bhakti Sutra.” Additionally, this is where Guru Adi Sankaracharya found the Lord Vishnu idol before erecting it in the Badrinath Temple.

Mana Village

The “Vyas Cave” and the “Ganesh Temple” are located in Mana Village, which is the last Indian village before Tibet. It is believed that in order to write the Mahabharata quickly, the great sage Vyas enlisted the aid of Lord Ganesh. This myth is related to Vyas Cave and Ganesh Temple.

Bheem Pul

Bheema is said to have built the Bheem Pul natural rock bridge by placing a large rock on the Saraswati River during their climb to heaven, according to folklore.

Conclusion

We do, however, hope that this article gave you a good idea of some of the locations in Uttarakhand that you ought to investigate. Believe us when we say that there are far too many locations than those listed here that are actually worth your entire time. In fact, many locations, despite being removed from the main Chardham sites, have the same significance. Their natural appeal is a must-experience in the state, and their panoramic splendour is amazing to behold.

On this spiritual journey where you can immerse your spirits in genuine devotion and enlightment, Chiku Cab takes the responsibility of your commutation for the entire Char Dham Yatra. With Chiku Cab, we assure you comfort and luxury at the best competitive rates in the market. We have MUVs, SUVs, Tempo Travellers, Minivans, and Bus Coaches available for your safe transport for the Char Dham Yatra. Each vehicle of ours comes with an experienced and well-behaved driver who is familiar to driving the vehicle in this terrain. To know more about our Char Dham transport services do call us at 844 844 5504 or e-mail us at info@chikucab.com.

Share

Tweet