Mana Village Travel Guide: Place to Visit Near Badrinath Temple.
If you are going on a pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham, don’t just visit the temple and return. Mana Village, located just 3 km from Badrinath, is one of the most beautiful and historical places in Uttarakhand. This village was also called “India’s Last Village,” and now it is being promoted as the First Indian Village. Mana Village is not just a tourist spot but a perfect combination of mythology, history, and natural beauty. Every place here is connected to some story or the other. If you have come to Badrinath and have not visited Mana Village, then your trip can be considered incomplete. In this blog, we will talk in detail about the most famous places around Mana Village.
Where is Mana Village?
Mana Village is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is about 3 km away from the Badrinath Temple. This village is very close to the India-Tibet (China) border. The road connectivity up to here is very good, and it can be reached from Badrinath by taxi or your own car in just 10-15 minutes. If the weather is good, many pilgrims also prefer to walk from Badrinath to Mana Village.
Best Time to Visit Mana Village
The best time to visit Mana Village is considered to be from May to June and from September to October. During this period, the weather remains pleasant, and sightseeing can be done comfortably. In July and August, due to the monsoon, the risk of landslides increases, so be sure to check the weather updates before traveling. After November, due to heavy snowfall, the village shuts down for a few months, and the local residents move to the lower areas.
Places to Visit Near Badrinath Temple
1. Mana Village
First of all, explore Mana Village itself. Stone houses, traditional Himalayan architecture, and the lifestyle of the local Bhotia community are worth seeing. Walking through the small lanes of the village is a unique experience. Here you can also buy local woollen shawls, caps, and handmade products, and it is the first village of Uttarakhand.
2. Bheem Pul
The most famous attraction of Mana Village is Bheem Pul. According to the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were on their journey to heaven, it was difficult to cross the Saraswati River. At that time, Bheem lifted a very large stone and placed it over the river, allowing everyone to cross easily. Even today, that natural stone bridge is known as “Bheem Pul.” Every tourist is amazed to see the fast-flowing Saraswati River below and the natural bridge built above it.
3. Saraswati River
You can see the origin of the Saraswati River right in Mana Village. According to Hindu religion, Saraswati is considered a sacred and invisible river. Near Mana, it is visible for some distance and then merges into the Alaknanda River, disappearing from sight. The sound of the river and its powerful flow is an unforgettable experience to witness.
5. Vyas Cave
Vyas Cave is one of the most sacred places in Mana Village. It is believed that Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata and several Puranas while sitting inside this cave. The atmosphere inside the cave feels very peaceful and spiritual. Even today, thousands of devotees come here for darshan (holy viewing).
6. Ganesh Cave
Ganesh Cave is located very close to Vyas Cave. According to the story, Maharishi Ved Vyas was narrating the Mahabharata, and Lord Ganesh was writing it down. It was at this place that Lord Ganesh wrote the Mahabharata. Therefore, both Vyas Cave and Ganesh Cave are visited together.
7. Vasudhara Falls
After a trek of about 5 km from Mana Village, you reach Vasudhara Falls. Falling from a height of approximately 400 feet, this waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Himalayas. It is said that its water falls only on pure and sincere-hearted people. Whether this is a religious belief or not, the natural beauty here is truly an unforgettable experience.
Mana Village Travel Tips
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes because some attractions require a bit of walking.
• Carry warm clothes, as the weather can suddenly get cold even in summer.
• Oxygen levels may be a bit low, so avoid heavy running or over-exertion.
• Do not throw plastic waste at all and contribute to keeping the Himalayas clean.
It is best to start sightseeing in the morning because the weather sometimes changes after the afternoon. Senior citizens should take care of their health before trekking.