“Embrace Peace and Calmness by Visiting These 15 most popular temples and religious places in Uttarakhand, The Land of Gods”
Uttarakhand, the North Indian Himalayan state is known as the ‘Land of Gods’ or ‘Devbhoomi.’ It is a place where you will find numerous temples and holy shrines dedicated to thousands of Gods in the lap of nature. Besides being a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, the state also attracts throngs of devotees from all over the world. Uttarakhand is also home to the popular pilgrimage circuits, Panch Kedar and Char Dham Yatra. Located in both regions, Kumaon and Garhwal, the temples offer peace, serenity and a calming effect to travellers who attend all the hardship of the trails to reach the places. Most of the temples are located in the foothills of the Himalayas and on the bank of the rivers, Alakananda, Bhagirathi and Ganga and they offer some stunning views of the surroundings.
Let’s have a read about some of the popular religious places & temples to visit in Uttarakhand:
- Kedarnath Temple
- Adi Kailash
- Trijuginarayan Temple
- Kartik Swami Temple
- Badrinath Temple
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi
- Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath
- Gangotri Temple
- Hemkund Sahib
- Rudranath Temple
- Yamunotri Temple
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple
- Surkanda Devi Temple
- Kainchi Dham Temple
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
| Popular Holy Places in Garhwal Region |
Kedarnath, Trijuginarayan, Karik Swami, Badrinath, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Gangotri, Hemkund Sahib, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Surkanda Devi, Koteshwar Mahadev..etc |
| Popular Holy Places in Kumaon Region |
Kainchi Dham, Mukteshwar Dham, Chitai Golu, Patal Bhuvaneswar, Jageshwar, Kotgari Bhagwati, Gangolihat Mahakali |
Popular Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Tour Packages
Kedarnath Temple: A Pious Journey to Kedarnath Dham!
One of the top religious places in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple is situated at a height of 3,568 metres from sea level on the bank of the Mandakini River. Treated as the most important shrine of Lord Shiva among 200 shrines in our country, this temple attracts flocks of tourists, devotees and trekkers every year. Legend has it that after the Pandavas (characters from the epic Mahabharata) won the war of Kurukshetra they sought redemption from Lord Shiva. Kedarnath was one of the places where they caught glimpses of Lord Shiva when he eluded him in the Himalayas by taking the form of a buffalo. The temple is where the hump of the buffalo was seen. Let’s know some important facts about this popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Seek blessings
- Attending aarti
- Darshan
- Exploring the architecture of the temple
- Camping
- Visiting other temples like Anusuya Devi Temple and Bhairavnath Temple
- Visit nearby places like Vasuki Tal, Chorabari Tal etc.
How to Reach?
Travellers coming by train need to get down at Rishikesh Railway Station from where they have to hire a cab. The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can also reach Kedarnath by taking a bus from Haridwar or Dehradun. However, Gaurikund is the last motorable point from Kedarnath and you need to trek to reach the temple.
Where to Stay?
- GMVN Cottages
- Punjab Sindh Awas
- Agra Bhawan Kedarnath
- Hotel Bhopal Bhawan
- Hotel Bikaner House
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October are considered the best times to visit Kedarnath Temple.
Special Notes
- Kedarnath Temple remains open for devotees between Akshaya Tritiya (April) and Kartik Purnima (November). So, it is always recommended to check the opening and closing dates of the temple before planning a trip.
- Kedarnath witnesses a major tourist footfall from May to June and September to October. So, book your stay before visiting.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Adi Kailash: Where Shiva and His Family Live!
Adi Kailash is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places in the world. Popularly known as Little Kailash or Chhota Kailash or Baba Kailash or Jonlingkong Peak, it is located in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand at a height of 6,310 metres. Adi Kailash attracts flocks of devotees, tourists and trekkers who want to admire the spiritualism along with the beauty of waterfalls, wildflowers and verdant forests of the trail that goes through three valleys, Darma, Bryans and Chaudans. They can also explore the awe-inspiring water bodies at the foothills of Adi Kailash, Gauri Kund and Parvati Sarovar, which is also known as Mansarovar. There is also a Shiv-Parvati Temple, where devotees seek blessings as Chhota Kailash is considered the substitute for Mount Kailash in India.
Things to do
- Trekking
- Village Walk in Kuti Village
- Seek blessings
- Visit Gauri Kund, Parvati Sarovar
- Capturing awe-inspiring landscapes of Mount Adi Kailash
How to Reach?
The base camp of Adi Kailash trek is Tawaghat, around 17 kilometres above Dharchula, which is the nearest location to get accommodation and other basic facilities. The nearest railway station is Tanakpur and the nearest airport is Pantnagar Civil Aerodrome. Moreover, you can also reach the place from Delhi by taking a bus from New Delhi ISBT to Tanakpur, from where you have to hire a cab.
Where to Stay?
- Valley View
- KMVN Manas Hotel
- Himtop Hotel
- Hotel New Yash
- Pandey Lodge
Best Time to Visit: May, June and September are the best months to visit Adi Kailash.
Special Notes
Adi Kailash trek is one of the arduous treks in the Himalayas due to altitude gain. So, it is recommended to trek slowly to adapt to the height and if your health does not permit it, do not take any risks.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Triyuginarayan Temple: Where Shiva and Parvati Tied The Knot!
Triyuginarayan Temple is a famous religious place in Uttarakhand, which is believed to be the venue of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding. It is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination as well as a sacred place to get married. The temple is located in the Rudraprayag District at a height of 1,980 metres at the confluence of the Mandakini and Songanga Rivers. Built by Adi Sankaracharya, the temple looks like Kedarnath Temple and is dedicated to God Vishnu who performed the rituals of Goddess Parvati’s brother during the wedding ceremony. The place of the wedding in front of the temple is marked by a stone, called Brahma Shila as Lord Brahma served as the priest of the wedding. The temple is also called the ‘Akhand Dhuni Temple’ as there is a perpetual fire in front of the architecture, which is believed to be burning from the day of the divine marriage. The temple houses a two-foot silver image of Vishnu with his two consorts – Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati. You will also find a water stream called Saraswati Ganga in the courtyard of the temple, which fills the holy water bodies in the proximity of the temple, Rudra Kund, Brahma Kund, Vishnu Kund and Saraswati Kund.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Explore the temple
- Seek Blessings
- Add Samidha (add woods to the fire) to the flame and collect ashes
- Visit the holy ponds
- Visit Gauri Kund Temple
- Visit nearby places
How to Reach?
The temple can be easily accessed via Sonprayag, which is just 12 kilometres away. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station whereas the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. You can also reach Sonprayag from Delhi and most of the important towns of Uttarakhand.
Where to Stay?
- Kedar River Retreat
- Shivalik Valley Resorts
- Hotel Dev Dham
- GMVN Tourist Rest House
- Mandakani Hotel
Best Time to Visit: September to November is the best time to visit Triyuginarayan Temple.
Special Notes
- As the temple is famous for being the wedding place of Lord Shiva and Parvati, several people opt for this place to get married.
- Moreover, you can carry ashes from the sacred fire and place them at your home to keep happiness at your home.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Kartik Swami Temple: The Cloud-Covered Temple of Lord Kartikeya!
Kartik Swami Temple is one of the famous temples in Uttarakhand, which is located in the Rudraprayag District. It also serves as the final destination of an easy three-kilometre trek in the Garhwal Himalayas from the Kanakchauri Village, a quaint Himalayan hamlet.
Kartik Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva. It is situated at a height of 3,050 metres at the end of a ridge, bounded by a valley and houses a naturally carved idol of the god. The natural highlights of the place consist of breathtaking snow-covered peaks that adorned the beauty of the cloudy sky. One can get a panoramic view of several peaks like Kedarnath Dome, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Chaukhamba Peak etc. from the courtyard of Kartik Swami Temple. The trail reaching the temple also offers scenic views of dense forests which are glorified with songs of numerous Himalayan birds.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Birdwatching
- Seek blessings
- Photography
- Camping
- Exploring Village Tourism
How to Reach?
You can reach Kartik Swami Temple from Kanakchauri Village, which is located at a distance of three kilometres from the temple. The village is 40 kilometres away from Rudraprayag, which can be reached from Delhi and other cities of Uttarakhand via bus. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh and the nearest airport is at Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- Mayadeep Holiday Home, Kanakchauri
- Sharada Homestay
- Rustic Star
- Hotel Mountain View
- Vamoose Tulsi
Best Time to Visit: Kartik Swami Temple can be visited throughout the year, but October and November are the best two months to watch the 360-degree views of the snowy peaks.
Special Notes
Kanakchauri Village doesn’t have many options for accommodation, so it is recommended to book your stay in advance. However, you can also stay in Rudraprayag.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Badrinath Temple: A Visit to Badri Vishal!
Badrinath Temple is one of the must-visit places in the Himalayas, which is associated with religious tourism in Uttarakhand. The temple is one of the popular religious sites in Uttarakhand among the Vaishnavites across the world and it remains one of the most important Vishnu incarnation places among the 108 holy places. Badrinath is also known as Badri Vishal due to its gigantic size. It is believed that Adi Guru Sankaracharya recovered the black stone idol of Badrinath from the Alakananda River and it was enshrined in the temple by the king of Garhwal in the 8th century. Guarded by Garud at the main entrance, the majestic temple is situated at a height of 3,100 metres and houses countless references of Hindu tales and scriptures.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Temple Visit
- Seek Blessings
- Visit nearby places like Tapta Kund, Narad Kund, Charan Paduka, Mata Murti Temple etc.
How to Reach?
Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun and Rishikesh Railway Station are the nearest airport and railhead to Badrinath Temple, respectively. You can also reach the temple by bus from Rishikesh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and many other cities of North India.
Where to Stay?
- GMVN Tourist Rest House Devlok
- Bhajan Ashram
- Sarovar Portico
- Kishkindha
- Hotel Yoga
Best Time to Visit: September to November is the best time to visit Badrinath Temple.
Special Notes
Badrinath is a part of Chota Char Dham or Char Dham Yatra which consists of a pious journey to four abodes of gods, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. So, you can also make a visit to Badrinath in April and the first half of June.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi: An Addition to Char Dham Circuit!
One of the most popular and oldest temples in Uttarakhand, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in the Uttarkashi District on the bank of the River Bhagirathi. Legend has it, Lord Shiva protected Rishi Markandeya, who was a faithful devotee of him, from Yama, the God of death at the location of this temple. It is also believed that Lord Kashi Vishwanath will be shifted here when Varanasi or Kashi will be submerged underwater. Tourists visit the temple along with the Char Dham circuit as Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated on the route of Char Dham while travelling to Gangotri. The temple showcases traditional Himalayan architecture. The existing architecture was built over the old altar by Khaneti Devi, the queen of Tehri and wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857 AD. It houses a Shiva Lingam, which has a height of 56 cm and a slight tilt to the south. There is also Shakti Temple, just opposite Vishwanath Temple and it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. It houses a huge and heavy trident or Trishul, which has Tibetan inscriptions on it about the Naga Dynasty. The trident is estimated to be more than 1500 years old and one of the oldest antiques found in Uttarakhand.
Things to Do
- Hiking
- Relaxing on the bank of the river
- Praying
- Temple Visit
- Attending aarti
- Sightseeing
How to Reach?
The temple is located around two kilometres away from Uttarkashi, which can be easily accessed from Dehradun, as the nearest airport and railhead, both are at Dehradun. You can also reach the temple by road from Dehradun and other cities.
Where to Stay?
- Tipra Homestay
- Hill Dew Homestay
- Hotel Himalayan Inn
- Hotel KNB Heritage
- Hotel Bhandari
Best Time to Visit: You can visit the temple at any time throughout the year except in July and August because of heavy downpours.
Special Notes
As the temple is located within the circuit of Char Dham Yatra, it is highly recommended to visit it while travelling to Gangotri Dham.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath: Winter Abode of Baba Kedar!
Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath or Okhimath is one of the most popular temples in Uttarakhand for being the winter home of Baba Kedar. As Kedarnath Temple remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, the deity of Kedarnath is brought down to Omkareshwar Temple, which is located in the lower side of Ukhimath, at a height of 1,300 metres. The place was previously known as Ushamath, named after Usha, the daughter of Vanasur, who married the grandson of Lord Krishna, Aniruddh here, at the place of the temple. But it is also believed that King Mandhata, the ancestor of Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, standing on one leg for 12 years. Lord Shiva blessed him here in the form of Omkar and the temple is called Omakareshwar furthermore. That’s why, Omkareshwar Temple also houses the idol of Mandhata. The deity of Madmaheshwar is also brought down to this temple during winter.
Things to Do
- Temple Visits
- Hiking
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Explore nearby villages
- Shopping
How to Reach?
The temple is located only two kilometres away from the Ukhimath Taxi Stand. It is well connected with Rishikesh by road. One can take a train to Rishikesh and then hire a cab to reach the temple. The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- Vedant Valley Kund Chopta
- Shivalik Guest House
- Devdarshan Hotel
- Monal Homestay
- Hotel Himalayan Dews
Best Time to Visit: As the temple houses the deity of Kedarnath Temple during winter, November to April is the best time to seek blessings in Omkareshwar Temple.
Special Notes
Along with the deity of Kedarnath Temple, the deity from Madmaheshwar Temple is also brought down to Ukhimath. So, it is advised to make a plan during the winter months to seek blessings from both of them.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Gangotri Temple: The Highest of Char Dham Circuit!
Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga or River Ganga and is located in the Uttarkashi District at an altitude of 3,415 metres. It is the highest and second temple in the Char Dham circuit, which includes three more holy sites, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri. It is also the base camp for popular treks like Gaumukh, Gangotri National Park, Gangotri Glacier, Tapovan and Bhojwasa. Originally built by Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century and rebuilt by the King of Jaipur, Gangotri Temple is the most important temple of Ganga and from here you can trek for nearly 19 kilometres to reach Gaumukh, which is the origin of the river. As per Hindu mythology, Gangotri is considered the place where Ganga descends from heaven.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Camping
- Seek blessings
- Temple Visits
- Sightseeing
- Relaxing
How to Reach?
It can be reached from Uttarkashi, which is connected to Haridwar and Rishikesh by road. The nearest airport and railhead to the temple are at Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- GMVN Yatri Niwas
- Hotel Manisha
- Harsil Homestay
- Mountain Village Stay
- Utsav Palace
Best Time to Visit: It remains open from April to November. You can visit Gangotri Temple during these months except in monsoon.
Special Notes
- It is recommended to avoid visiting the temple during monsoon.
- Always carry woollen clothes as the temple is located at high altitude.
Also Read: Pilgrimage Tourism in Uttarakhand
Hemkund Sahib Temple: A Holy Place in Chamoli for Sikhs!
A holy site for Sikhs, Hemkund Sahib is located in the Chamoli District, Uttarakhand at a height of 4,160 metres. Dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, Hemkund Sahib is a picturesque glacial lake, flanked by seven peaks. Each of the peaks is adorned by Nishan Sahib on its cliff, which is known as the Sikh prayer flag. The trail to Hemkund Sahib starts from Govindghat and passes through the Ghangaria Village or Govinddham. There is also a Gurudwara where you stay while visiting Hemkund Sahib. Most travellers plan to visit here before visiting the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is situated in Nanda Devi Bio Reserve and a three-kilometre trek from Govinddham.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Village Tour
- Temple Visit
- Photography
- Sightseeing
How to Reach?
You have to trek for nine kilometres to reach Hemkund Sahib from Govindghat, a town which is located at a distance of 275 kilometres from Rishikesh. You can take a train or bus from Delhi to Haridwar and then reach Rishikesh by hiring a taxi. The nearest airport to Hemkund Sahib is Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- Sri Nanda Lokpal Palace
- Valley of Flowers Holiday Home
- Char Machan
- Kuber Annex
- Devlok
Best Time to Visit: June to October is the best time to visit Hemkund Sahib.
Special Notes
- Camping is not allowed at Hemkund Sahib, so you have to return to Govindghat by evening.
- Travel carefully to protect yourself from Acute Mountain Sickness.
Also Read: Panch Badri of Himalayas
Rudranath Temple: Fourth Temple of Panch Kedar Yatra!
Rudranath Temple is surrounded by a colourful forest of rhododendrons and alpine meadows in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. It’s the fourth temple of Panch Kedar Yatra where the face of Shiva is worshipped. River Vaitarani or Rudraganga, which is solely related to after-death rituals of Hindus, flows near the temple. Despite an exhilarating trek, the temple and its stunning trails attract thousands of trekkers and devotees to come here and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. It is a famous top visiting religious place in the Himalayas from where you can also be amused by the views of the snow-covered peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Ghunti.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Camping
- Relaxing
- Seek Blessings
- Performing rituals of dear ones
- Attend morning and evening aarti
- Visit Sagar
- Explore Lyuti Bugyal and Panar Bugyal
- Visit the small pools, Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund and Manas Kund
How to Reach?
You have to trek to the temple from Sagar, Helang or Urgam Village depending on the route you select. The villages can be accessed from Rudraprayag which can be reached from Rishikesh by train or from Dehradun by flight.
Where to Stay?
- Peaches and Pears
- The Ghughuti – Himalayan Homestay
- Divine Shiva Resort
- Himrab Chopta Resort
- Tapovan Resort
Best Time to Visit: Similar to Kedarnath Temple, May to June and September to October are the best months to visit the temple.
Special Notes
As the trek to Rudranath is a difficult one among the five shrines of Panch Kedar Yatra, it is highly recommended to take an experienced guide along with you.
Also Read: Panch Kedar Temples of Himalayas
Yamunotri Temple: The First Destination of Char Dham Circuit!
Yamunotri Temple is the first destination of Char Dham Yatra, a religious journey to the four Uttarakhand’s sacred sites, which happens from May to November. Yamunotri is the origin of the Yamuna River, the second sacred river of India, especially for Hindus. The actual source of water is situated at an altitude of 4,421 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas. Yamunotri Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is elevated at 3,292 metres, 129 kilometres far from the District of Uttarkashi. It houses a black marble idol of the goddess. It is believed that bathing in the holy Yamuna cleanses all sins and protects from a painful death. And that’s why, Yamunotri Temple, which was built by the Garhwal King Pratap Shah on the backdrop of the Bandarpunch Peak is associated with high ranks of divinity.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Bathing in Gauri Kund
- Seek blessings
- Temple visits
- Eating Prasad
- Camping
- Visit Kharsali
- Sightseeing to places nearby
How to Reach?
You have to reach the temple from Hanuman Chatti by trekking for 13 kilometres or riding a horse. Prior to that, you have to reach Barkot by hiring a cab from Haridwar. The nearest railway station is at Haridwar and the nearest airport is at Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- Buransh Homestay
- Tirth Niwas
- Yamunotri Cottages
- Shiv Shakti Eco Resort
- Camp Nirvana Barkot
Best Time to Visit: As Yamunotri is a part of Char Dham Yatra, the best time to visit it is from April to June and September to November.
Special Notes
- The trekking trail to the temple is full of waterfalls, so it is recommended to avoid the route during monsoon.
- Staying options near the temple are limited, so you have to book your stay in advance.
Also Read: Significance of Chardham Yatra
Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Second Temple of Panch Kedar Yatra!
Madhyamaheshwar Temple or Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the must-visit temples of Panch Kedar Yatra, which is a pious journey to the five shrines of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand. Madmaheshwar is located in Gaundar village, at an elevation of 3,490 metres where the navel or nabhi of buffalo (the eluded form of Lord Shiva) is worshipped. The temple showcases a North-Indian Himalayan style of architecture and houses a navel-shaped Shiva lingam, which is carved out of black stone. However, the ancient temple is located behind the shrine where you will find the deities of Ardhanarishwara and Parvati. There is also another temple founded on the premises which is dedicated to the Goddess of learning, Saraswati.
Things to Do
- Trekking
- Camping
- Temple Visit
- Seek Blessings
- Visit nearby places like Kanchani Tal, Budha Madmaheshwar and Nandi Kund Lake
How to Reach?
The last motorable road to Madmaheshwar Temple is up to the Ransi Village from where you have to trek to the temple. You have to take a private or shared taxi from Ukhimath to reach Ransi and Ukhimath is located around 180 kilometres away from Rishikesh. The nearest railhead to Ukhimath is at Haridwar and the nearest airport is at Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- Perfect Peaceful Homestay, Ukhimath
- Tridev Hotel
- Hotel Kunj Kedar
- Kedar Camp Resorts
- Kailash Residency
Best Time to Visit: Similar to Kedarnath Temple, May to June and September to October are the best months to visit the temple.
Special Notes
Madmaheshwar Temple remains open between May and October and the dates of opening and closing are declared in April. So, check the dates before making a plan to visit.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Surkanda Devi Temple: The Shakti Peeth Houses Sati’s Head!
Located near Dhanaulti Hill Station in Uttarakhand, Surkanda Devi Temple is a Shakti Peeth. Situated at a height of 3,038 metres on the top of a hill in the Tehri Garhwal region, this tourist place is one of the favourite sightseeing places for tourists visiting places like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Landour and Dhanaulti. As per mythology, when Lord Shiva was carrying Sati’s body to Kailash, her head fell at the spot where Surkanda Temple is built. Previously, it was named Sirkhanda and renamed Surkanda over time. The cherry on the top is a stunning three-kilometre-long trail passing through dense forests from the Kaddukhal Village, which reaches the temple. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of the nearby snowy Himalayan peaks.
Things to Do
- Temple Visit
- Seek blessings
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Trekking
- Camping
- Sightseeing
How to Reach?
You can have a day trip to Surkanda Devi Temple from places like Landour, Mussoorie or Dehradun. As it is located on a hilltop, you have to trek for three kilometres from the Kaddukhal Village. However, in May 2022, a ropeway service was started which will take you to the temple within 10 minutes. The nearest railway station and airport are at Dehradun.
Where to Stay?
- Camp o Royal
- Camp Awara
- Whispering Pines
- Hotel Crystal Palace
- Apple Orchid Resort by Royal Collection Hotel
Best Time to Visit: Summer, from May to August, is the best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple.
Special Notes
Plan a visit to Surkanda Devi Temple during Ganga Dussehra Festival, which happens from May to June.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Kainchi Dham Temple: Place to Embrace Peace!
Kainchi Dham is one of the top tourist attractions in Uttarakhand for offering a peaceful place to embrace nature through meditation. It is located near Nainital in the Kainchi Village, at a height of 1,402 metres. The temple is named after its geographic location as it is situated in front of two hills creating the shape of a scissor. Kainchi Dham is dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba, who was believed to be the incarnation of God Hanuman. He sacrificed his whole life to distribute wellness to his followers and people living in nearby villages. The temple or ashram has become an internationally acclaimed tourist attraction in the past few years as the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that he visited the temple some years ago. He also mentioned that Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, who once visited the temple and meditated in the ashram in the ‘70s recommended him the place.
Things to Do
- Meditation
- Seek blessings
- Hiking
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
How to Reach?
Kainchi Dham is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from Nainital City, which is connected with other towns of Uttarakhand by a network of buses. Moreover, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 45 kilometres away from the temple and you have to hire a taxi to reach it. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, 76 kilometres away.
Where to Stay?
- Chirag Homestay
- Kainchi Homestay
- Bajrang Homestay
- Baba Benison Resort
- Green Valley Hotel
Best Time to Visit: You can visit Kainchi Dham at any time of the year.
Special Notes
Kainchi Dham remains open from 6 AM to 7 PM in summer and 7 AM to 6 PM in winter.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple Rudraprayag: Where Lord Shiva Meditated!
The top visiting place near Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known as Mahadev. The temple is located on the bank of the Alaknanda River, inside a cave. According to folklore, Lord Shiva hid in the cave and meditated here to get help from Lord Vishnu to protect himself from a demon, Bhasmasur. After the demon was killed by ‘Mohini,’ an avatar of Vishnu, Shiva returned to Kedarnath. One of the main highlights of the place is more than 1000 naturally formed Shivalinga in the cave and you can see around 15 of them while coming down to the temple.
Things to Do
- Temple visit
- Seek blessings
- Relaxing on the bank of the Alaknanda River
- Hiking
- Sightseeing nearby places
How to Reach?
As the temple is located just three kilometres away from Rudraprayag, you can easily reach it by hiring a cab from Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag is well connected with other cities and towns in Uttarakhand by road. Moreover, the nearest airport to Koteshwar Temple is at Dehradun and the nearest railway station is Dehradun or Rishikesh.
Where to Stay?
- Camp High 5
- Aloha On The Ganges
- Panchvati Cottage
- Azalea
- Tehri Retreat
Best Time to Visit: You can visit Koteshwar Mahadev Temple at any time of the year.
Special Notes
It is highly recommended to visit the temple during the time of Maha Shivratri in February.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
This article is curated for people who specially want to explore spiritual tourism in Uttarakhand. You will also find some recommendations on the places mentioned in the blog and hope it helps you in planning a trip to these best religious places in Uttarakhand. Comment here which place you want to visit first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the famous religious places in Uttarakhand?
Some of the famous religious places in Uttarakhand are:
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
- Adi Kailash
- Kartik Swami
- Gangotri
- Yamunotri
- Rudranath
- Kainchi Dham
Which is the holiest place in Uttarakhand?
Rishikesh is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus in the world.
Which is the most famous pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand?
The Char Dham Circuit which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath is the most famous pilgrimage site of Uttarakhand.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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