Hidden Temples of Uttarakhand & How to Reach Them
Hidden temples in Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand is home to ancient and lesser-known temples that are spiritually very important. These are perfect hidden sites for those interested in peace, history, and spirituality accompanied by fellow human beings apart from tradition throngs. Here, the lesser-known temples from Uttarakhand and the best possible routes to reach them.
1. Kartik Swami Temple
Location: Rudraprayag District
Why visit: This temple has a view offering a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is beautifully serene while offering a 3 km trek through a dense forest.
How to Reach:
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (205 km) Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (190 km)
RoadR oute: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Kanak Chauri (trek starts here)
2. Dunagiri Temple
Location: Almora District
Why visit: A sacred temple of Goddess Durga, believed to be the place where, according to legend, the Sanjeevani Booti was found, and is set within spectacular views of the Kumaon Himalayas.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (205 km) Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (190 km).
Road Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Kanak Chauri (trek starts here)
3. Lakhamandal Temple
Located: Dehradun District
Why Visit: This ancient temple is connected to the Mahabharata, as this place is believed to be where the Pandavas constructed a waxy house, or Lakshagraha. The temple has intricate stone carvings and features large Shiva Lingams.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (125 km) Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (100 km).
Road Route: Dehradun → Vikasnagar → Kalsi → Lakhamandal
4. Baijnath Temple
Location: Bageshwar District.
Reason to Visit: A group of 12th-century temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of Gomti River. The atmosphere, combined with history, makes it an unmissable value visit.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (200 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (180 km)
Road oute: Kathgodam → Almora → Bageshwar → Baij
nath.
5. Anusuya Devi & Atri Muni Ashram
Location: Chamoli District
Reason to Visit: Anusuya Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, and further 2 km of trekking leads to Atri Muni Ashram, which boasts a hot water spring and dense forests surrounding the area.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km) Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (230 km)
By Road Route: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Chamoli → Mandal (Trek starts from here)
6. Jageshwar Dham
Location: Almora District
Why Visit: It consists of more than 100 stone temples, devoted to Lord Shiva, built between the 9th to 12th centuries.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, 150 km away.
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam, 125 km away.
Road Route: Kathgodam → Almora → Jage
shwar
7. Gopinath Temple
Location: Chamoli District
Why Visit: This ancient Shiva temple well known for its tall five-meter trident (Trishul) is an important pilgrimage site for the Shaivites. The temple architectural style goes back to the Katyuri dynasty.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (230 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh, 210 km away from the temple.
Road Route: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Chamoli → Gopeshwar
8. Medanpuri Devi Temple
Location: Tehri Garhwal District
Why Visit: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga; it stands at an altitude of 2500 meters from where astonishing views of the Himalayas and the Tehri Dam can be feasted upon. The temple is an appropriate site for meditative and peaceful souls.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (100 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (80 km)
Road Route-Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → Medanpuri
9. Kainchi Dham
Location: Nainital District
Why Visit: This temple and ashram, associated with Neem Karoli Baba, has been visited by many prominent spiritual seekers, including Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. It is surrounded by also provide for scenic beauty.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (70 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (45 km)
Road Route: Kathgodam → Bhowali → Kainchi Dham.
10. Binsar Mahadev Temple
Location: Pauri Garhwal District
Why Visit: A hidden temple of Lord Shiva, surrounded by dense forests. Built in the late ninth century, it lends an altogether calm air suitable for meditation.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun 200 km
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh 180 km
Road Route: Rishikesh → Pauri → Thalisain → Binsar Mahadev.
🔸Travel Guide and Itinerary for Hidden Temples of Uttarakhand
This travel guide covers a seven-day itinerary to explore the lesser-known temples of Uttarakhand. The plan is designed for a comfortable journey, ensuring enough time to experience the spiritual essence and beauty of these places.
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Dehradun
– Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun or Haridwar Railway Station.
– Explore spiritual sites in Haridwar like Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple.
– Overnight stay in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Day 2: Kartik Swami Temple and Back to Stay at Rudraprayag
– Drive to Rudraprayag from Haridwar through Rishikesh, covering about 6 hours on road.
– Arrival at Kanak Chauri and start a trek of 3 km to Kartik Swami temple.
– Panoramic view of the Himalayas with time for meditation.
– Back to Rudraprayag for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Explore Anusuya Devi Temple and Atri Muni Ashram
– Drive to Mandal village from Rudraprayag (approx 3 hours).
– Hike 5 km to Anusuya Devi Temple.
– Visit Atri Muni Ashram and nearby hot water spring.
– Back to Chamoli or Joshimath for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Visit Dunagiri Temple and Jageshwar Dham
– Travel to Dunagiri Temple through Dwarahat from Chamoli (around 4 hours).
– Relax at this serene spot and explore the around caves.
– Proceed to Jageshwar Dham (approximately 3 hours).
– Tour the temple complex and overnight stay at Almora.
Day 5: To Baijnath Temple followed by Binsar Mahadev
-To Almora from Bageshwar, Baijnath Temple (2H approx).
-Make a trip to the Shiva temple dating back to the 12th century and marvellous viewing sites near the river.
-Visit Binsar Mahadev (approx 3 hours).
-Stay in Pauri or nearby homestays in the village.
Day 6: Lakhamandal Temple and Medanpuri Devi Temple
-Traveling to Lakhamandal Temple via Kalsi from Pauri (approximately 5 hours).
-Check this temple out and find out its Mahabharata story.
-Drive to Medanpuri Devi Temple near Chamba (around 3 hours).
-Explore stunning mountain views and sleep in Chamba or Tehri overnight.
Day 7: Kainchi Dham and Return Journey
-Journey to Kainchi Dham from Chamba (Approximately 5 hours).
-Get some time at the temple and the ashram before followed by Kathgodam or Pantnagar.
-Give board for train or flight for return journey.
Travel tips
Keep light woolen clothes as temperature drops at higher altitude.
– Start treks early in the morning to avoid changes in weather.
– Issue advance bookings for stays because these places are remote and accommodation is limited.
– Hire a local guide if you are visiting these beautiful places for the first time
. – As mobile network coverage is weak in some areas, download offline maps. It contains elements of both the sacred and the scenic.
These hidden temples of Uttarakhand will definitely be a different experience of spirituality apart from the rush of the Char Dham Yatra. These temples are steeped in a blend of history and mythology with stunning nature all around. If you plan a trip, consider taking the following destinations under your belt, as they are sure to make the journey most memorable and meaningful.
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Frequently asked questions
Which are the most hidden temples in Uttarakhand?
Some lesser-known temples in Uttarakhand include Anusuya Devi Temple, Kartik Swami Temple, Lakhamandal Temple, Binsar Mahadev, and Dhari Devi Temple.
How can I reach these hidden temples
Many hidden temples in Uttarakhand are accessible by trekking or traveling through small villages. Some require a combination of road travel and short hikes.
Why are these temples considered hidden?
These temples are located in remote or less-traveled regions, often requiring trekking or offbeat travel routes, making them lesser-known to tourists.
Are there any myths or legends associated with these temples?
Yes, many hidden temples in Uttarakhand have fascinating myths. For example, Lakhamandal Temple is linked to the Mahabharata, while Dhari Devi Temple is believed to protect the region from disasters.
What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand’s hidden temples?
The best time to visit is generally from March to June and September to November, as the weather is pleasant and roads remain accessible.
