India /Uttaranchal /Rudraprayag / Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one among the holiest pilgrim centers in northern India, which is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks, Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Gharwal region proffers an unruffled ambiance with it’s snowy peaks, alpine forests and colourful rhodendrons. Renowned for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath pilgrimage offers the joy of a devout centre and the sizzles of an idyllic tourist spot. A serene place that is closely associated with the mighty Pandavas upholds a beautiful legend of its own. It says that in order to evade from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva made himself hidden in the form of a bull here at Kedarnath, and when noticed by the Pandavas the lord drudge himself in to the earth leaving the hump on the surface. It is not just temples and shrines that Kedarnath is famed for. This lovely land on the majestic backdrop of the lower Himalayas is naturally bestowed with some of the wonderful vistas of nature. These yet to exploit beauty spots are adorned with an aesthetic charm that provides the onlookers a mesmerizing and captivating feeling.Nestled in the midst of the imposing peaks of the Himalayas, this holy city with its breezy gentle wind offers an unflustered ambiance. Not only the pious but also those who love to conquer the rough terrain of Garhwal also visit this hilly terrain. The undulating landscapes of this snowy region offer delightful time of escapades. All most all the attractive locations are placed in a higher altitude, Kedarnath and its nearby fascinations proffer excellent opportunities to the brave and the courageous. Kedarnath presents as a picturesque location, where one can feel the serenity and tranquility of nature in its full bloom amidst the sacred environs of holy shrines.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim, Jyotirlinga

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 246445

STD Code: 1372

Info Website: 

Best Time to Visit:  March – October

HistoryEdit

Kedarnath is all about the legends that also form the reason behind the holiness of the city. Named after Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is believed to have come into existence after the Pandava brothers were asked to seek Lord Shiva’s blessing in order to do penance for the killing of their cousins.Shiva was not willing to meet the Pandavas and so he furled and disguised himself in Guptakashi. While fleeing from the Pandavas, he stopped at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. Inspite of all this, the Pandavas were able to find him and in retaliation he started to thrust inside the ground. He then dived into the ground leaving behind his hump.However, the willpower and determination of the Pandavas impressed him and he forgave their sins, gave them his blessing and allowed them to worship his hump. The stone like structure that is revered today is the very hump of the Lord.

Places to VisitAdd

Kedarnath Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km from Kedarnath. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center of Dehradun. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Kedarnath, which cost about Rs 3,500.

By Train : Nearest railhead at Rishikesh, 189 km away from Kedarnath. Prepaid taxi services are available in the railway station which charge about Rs 3,000.

By BUS : Kedarnath is well connected through road. The National Highway from Delhi to Mana (538 km) is accessible throughout the year. Kedarnath can be accessed by foot from GauriKund. Gaurikund is connected by state buses to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara, Haridwar and other hill stations of Kumaon and Garhwal Hills. The bus charges are not fixed. It will vary depending on season.

By Taxi : Taxies & Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• New Himachal House Kedarnath ; Kedarnath Temple Road,Kedarnath, Uttrakhand, National Highway to Rishikesh , Kedarnath , 246445. ; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking, Doctor on call

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Shivalik Valley Resorts ; Village-Sitapur, Post-Rampur | Kedarnath, District-Rudraprayag, Kedarnath 246471. ; Ph – 9816698587 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Laundry,24-Hour Security,Catering Services, Concierge, Wedding Services, Banquet facilities,Doctor on call.

Top RestaurantsAdd 

Must Eat FoodAdd 

Must Do ActivitiesAdd 

Must ShopAdd 

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add 

SpaAdd 

FestivalAdd

Badri-Kedar Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  June ; Details:  Held in the month of June, this vibrant festival celebrates the rich and varied culture of India. It pays tribute to artists over 8 fun-filled days. This is hosted at the shrines of both Kedarnath and Badrinath and sees tourists from all across the country, who come to experience the arts and crafts from different states of India.

Shravani Annakoot Mela ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Celebrated a day before Rakshabandhan, this unique festival is observed by covering the Jyotirlinga in cooked rice, as an offering to Lord Shiva. This rice is then distributed among the devotees as Bhog as a symbol of the lord’s blessings for his followers. The celebratory air is nothing short of infectious, so make sure you come prepared to be carried away by the vibrant festivities!

Samadhi Pooja ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  In honour of Shankaracharya, a grand puja is held at his resting place or samadhi on the day that the Kedarnath shrine closes for the year. It is highly auspicious as it marks the end of a year and the hope of the beginning of the next cycle, all the while paying tribute to the legend of Shankaracharya in the region.

 

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Kedarnath is a major tourist city in India.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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