Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand – One of the holy ‘Panch Prayags’ in Garhwal, named after Rudra, an incarnation of Lord Shiva

Rudraprayag is renowned for being one of the famous five sacred prayags (Panch Prayag) of Garhwal and is located at a distance of 35 km from Deo Prayag at an elevation of 2,936 feet. Rudraprayag is named after the Rudra (an aspect of Lord Shiva). The site forms the gateway to both Kedarnath and Badrinath. Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of River Aloknanada and Mandakini. The roaring sounds of these two meandering rivers really give a thrilling effect upon the hearts of the visitors. The spectacular location is a feast for the eyes. While in Rudraprayag, forget all your tensions and anxieties and rest your soul amidst the lap of nature.

Places to see at Rudra Prayag: The sightseeing spots of Rudraprayag include mainly temple. These include:

Rudranath Temple

Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva and temple of lord Rudranath is situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini. According to mythology Narada Muni worshiped god Shiva here to learn music from him. The god then taught him music in his form of Rudra (Lord of Music). There used to be a rock called Narad Shila where Narada is said to have sat in meditation.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple

Situated 3kms from Rudrprayag on the banks of Alaknanda River, Koteshwar is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to myths and legends Lord Shiva meditated at this place before going to Kedarnath. Large numbers of devotees visit this shrine during the months of August and September because it is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here during these months.

Dhari Devi Mandir

This sacred temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The deity of Dhari Devi temple is Goddess Kali and this holy shrine holds great importance amongst Hindus. Dhari Devi is situated 16km ahead of Srinagar on the way to Rudraprayag. One must trek down 1km from Dhari Village on road to reach the temple. It takes half n hour to reach Dhari Devi from Srinagar.

Kartik Swami

The Kartik Swami temple is dedicated to lord Kartikeya – son of Lord Shiva. It can be reached by a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, which is located on the Rudraprayag-Pokhri route, 38 km from Rudraprayag. You can have a magnificent views of the snow-clad Himalayan range from the Kartik Swami temple.

Basukedar

Basukedar (reputedly where Shiva lived before coming to Kedarnath). It’s a Shiva temple constructed by Pandava. Architecture and idols seems to be at least 1000 yrs old. A good place for meditation and dhyan yoga. This is around 35 km from Agustmuni. around 1.30 hr by drive. This is actually an old track to visit Kedarnath. It is said that Lord Shiva stayed a night in Basukedar while he was travelling to Mount Kailash ( Kedarnath) this is the reason this place is called Basukedar

Nearby attractions around Rudraprayag: The location is adorned with a no. of break out spots too. These include:

Gaurikund

Gaurikund is the commencement point of the trek of 14kms to the sacred shrine of Kedarnath. The place is named after Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva and a temple Gauri is also situated here. It is believed that Lord Shiva accepted to marry Parvati at this place and married her in Trijuginarayan. The place offers vivid greenery with Vasuki Ganga flowing from below. Gaurikund is situated 66kms from Rudraprayag. The place also has natural thermal springs.

Trijuginarayan

It is the holy place where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. Trijuginarayan is situated 12kms from Sonprayag. The immortal flame is still burning around which the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were solemnised.

Khirsu

Khirsu is situated 56kms from Pauri at an altitude of 1700mts above sea level. Khirsu is situated in a tranquil place with numerous oak trees, deodar trees and apple orchards around. Located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state, Khirsu affords captivating views of the imposing Himalayan range.

Ukhimath

Ukhimath is an important destination of Rudraprayag district as this place is the home of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during winters. Ukhimath is mainly inhabited by the Rawal’s who are the head priests (pundits) of Kedarnath. Okhimath is situated 37kms from Rudraprayag. Snow capped peaks of the majestic Himalayan range can be easily seen from here.

Chandra Puri

The village is situated at an altitude of 650mts above the sea level, on the bank of Mandakini River. The place is ideal for watching breathtakingly beautiful sunset on the bank of Mandakini river. It is only 24km from Rudraprayag.

Syalsaur

2km ahead of Chandra Puri, lies another beautiful location named Syalsaur. Syalsaur is a small, sleepy, picturesque village with the meandering Mandakini flowing through it and majestic Himalayas at the backdrop.

Things to do in Rudraprayag: The natural beauty of the spot will mesmerize you. Enjoy nature walks in this serene hamlet and explore the immensely beautiful nature with clear blue sky and lush green forests creating a marvelous contrast.

Best time to visit Rudraprayag: The best time to visit Rudraprayag is from March to October escaping monsoon months to escape heavy rain that damages road as it did this year.

How to go ?

By Air

The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport that is located in the city of Dehradun. The airport is located around 159 km from the town. Flights from Delhi are available to the airport regularly and this makes it ideal for those travelers who are arriving from abroad.

By Train

The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport that is located in the city of Dehradun. The airport is located around 159 km from the town. Flights from Delhi are available to the airport regularly and this makes it ideal for those travelers who are arriving from abroad.

By Road

Rudra Prayag is connected to many places such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tehri and Dehradun by road.

Where to stay ?

There are both budget and luxurious hotels in Rudraprayag. Some options are:

Rudraprayag Tourist Rest House (GMVN): +91-01364-233347
Hotel Jwalpa Palace: +91–09868939348  Website: www.hoteljwalpapalace.com
Shangrila Resort: +91-01364-233152  Website: www.shangrilla-resort.com
Hotel Balbir Palace: +91- 1364- 233038  Website: www.hotelbalbirpalace.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.