Rudraprayag
Enriched with a breathtaking view of the Alaknanda River, Rudraprayag is a municipality and city in the Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand. It is home to the vast Garhwal Himalayas, meandering rivers and of course sacred Hindu temples, which are main tourist attractions as they hold great mythological significance. Rudraprayag city is a place where the holy embrace of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers can be seen, making it one of the much revered Panch Prayags where just a dip washes away all one’s sins.
Legends about Rudraprayag
Legend has it that this holy town in Uttarakhand derives its name from Lord Shiva, who is believed to have appeared in the avatar of Rudra at this place. Indeed, Rudraprayag is a Hindu pilgrimage center that has a lot to offer to nature lovers and peace seekers.
What makes this city even more important for Uttarakhand tourism is the fact that this beautiful and serene religious place is one of the major base points for the famous Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra. Rudraprayag as a district is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, solo travelers as well as Hindu devotees with unwavering faith.
This district of the Garhwal region is also ideal to witness the simple and humble rural life, which also reflects the beauty and humility of the culture of Uttarakhand. Also, we cannot forget that the popular Hindu pilgrimage site, Kedarnath is situated in the Rudraprayag district, which definitely oozes a divine aura. The district also has immense potential for trekking as it is dotted with some of the most thrilling trails; Which include Kedarnath, Chopta-Chandrashila, and Deoriatal.
The opportunity of trekking naturally creates the perfect opportunity to enjoy camping under the star-studded sky and in the meadows full of lush flowers. Rudraprayag district is an ideal destination for the adventurous at heart and surely a paradise for those blessed by the gods.
Our Rudraprayag travel guide is replete with details of every must-see in the district along with options for various interesting things to do, such as exploring beautiful and holy temples and trekking to lesser-visited places. The holiday guide also mentions exciting options for culture lovers, who can indulge in rural/rural tours to know more about the culture of Uttarakhand.
Places to visit in Rudraprayag
As you travel to Rudraprayag, you will be treated to lush green meadows and spectacular views of the Himalayas. Apart from this, the city has some great tourist places like major Hindu temples and small villages which surely cater to a wide variety of visitors with a warm welcome!
KEDARNATH TEMPLE
Kedarnath Dham located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is one of the most important places for the worshipers of Shiva. Amidst the mighty snow-clad peaks, enchanting meadows, and forests of the lower Himalayan mountain ranges, the air seems to resound with the name of Lord Shiva.
Situated near the source of the Mandakini River and at an altitude of 3,584 meters, Kedarnath Dham celebrates the greatness of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and also the most important temple in Panch Kedar (a group of 5 Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas).
It is one of the important temples of the holy Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, which takes the glory of this place to greater heights.
KOTESHWAR TEMPLE
Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the Koteshwar Temple located in the heart of Rudraprayag. This temple is famous for the fact that Lord Shiva meditated in this cave for Lord Vishnu while on his way to Kedarnath. Praise the Lord for his beautiful creation on Mahashivaratri, which is celebrated with great grandeur as you spend your holidays here in winter.
HARIYALI DEVI TEMPLE
Worshiped by Hindus, this temple is dedicated to Maa Hariyali Devi, who is propagated and loved as Vaishno Devi. The temple is situated at an altitude of 1371 meters and is home to three selfless idols Maa Hariyali Devi, Hit Devi, and Kshatrapala. Shower flowers and pray for welfare as soon as you come in front of the beautiful idol of Maa Hariyali Devi sitting on a lion.
AUGUSTMUNI
Agastmuni’s hill land is situated on the banks of the Mandakini river. The city is named after the religious guru Agastya as he meditated here for decades. Known for the Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Agastmuni Guru. Meditate and rejuvenate your senses and gaze at the deities carved on the rocks here.
Chopta
Home to the holy Tungnath Temple and a long trek, Chopta is one of those beautiful places in Uttarakhand that should not be missed by adventure and nature lovers as well as Hindu devotees. At an altitude of 2900 m, Chopta is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, a lush green valley showcasing a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks.
This place is known for its stunning meadows, where camping is nothing less than a dream. However, what makes Chopta quite a popular travel destination in Uttarakhand is the fact that it is the base point for the famous and holy temple of Tungnath, which is the highest Shiva temple in India.
Best Time to Visit Rudraprayag
Feel the beauty of nature in and around Rudraprayag, whether it is sunny summer or chilly winter, as these are the best seasons to visit this pilgrimage center in Uttarakhand. Plan your trip between November and June as these are favorable months to witness the serenity of Rudraprayag that makes it a popular tourist destination in the state.
SUMMER
With the cool fresh breeze blowing and the sun shining brightly, summer is indeed the best time to visit. The temperature here is moderate between 20°C to 36°C, you can visit temples and other tourist attractions for a rejuvenating spiritual vibe without any hindrance during the summer months.
MONSOON
Watch the sky changing colors and trees swaying as it rains on the land of Rudraprayag. Starting from July till September, the monsoon in the district brings to enjoy the aroma of soil and lively rains bring down the temperature from 27°C to 21°C. Since there are chances of landslides and potholes during monsoons, it is advised to check the weather forecast before planning a holiday during this season.
WINTER
Avail the chance to hold snow in your hands as this district is a must-see during the winter season. It gets very cold in Rudraprayag from December to the end of February, so carry your warm clothes. With the temperature falling to 0°C or even below.
How to Reach Rudraprayag?
Rudraprayag, the land of mystical pilgrimages and calm seas is well connected by all three major modes of transport, and hence reaching here will not be a problem. At your convenience, you can choose any of the below-mentioned options.
BY ROAD:- Rudraprayag is well connected through buses that ply from Delhi to Rudraprayag and Haridwar/Rishikesh from where another bus can be taken to destinations in the district.
BY RAIL:- The nearest railway station is Rishikesh which is 138.7 km from Rudraprayag. If you are traveling from other major cities of India, then you should deboard at Haridwar Railway Station which is 20 km away from Rishikesh and is the major station in India. Cabs are easily available from Rishikesh to reach Rudraprayag.
BY AIR:- Get down at Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, 152 km from your destination. Cabs are easily available from the airport to places in Rudraprayag.
