Top 5 Places to Visit in Joshimath

Joshimath is a charming location surrounded by the beautiful oaks and a picturesque view of the top mountain peaks of Himalayas. It is in proximity to the Char Dham pilgrimage and also to the well-known hill station of Auli, this is what makes it a must stopover destination for every traveler visiting the pilgrimage towns of Uttarakhand and also for looking for thrilling adventures in Auli. You can go for religious tour here or try ecstatic activities like skiing and trekking, the best part of Joshimath is that it is a less crowded town and this way will let you enjoy your own solace moments in the immaculate form of nature here. So, let’s explore the top 5 places that should be definitely a part of your journey making it more cherishing and endearing.

1. Jyotirmath

Jyotirmath
Ropeway, Photo by christian0702, CC BY 2.0

Jyotirmath is a prominent tourist attraction in Joshimath and is actually the main site from which the town derived its name. Originally called as Shri Shankaracharya Math, this northern matha is erected by Adi Jagatguru Shankarcharya including the other three mathas that are also located all around India, constituting the Four Mathas collectively. The legend behind this famed monastery says that an ardent follower of Adi Jagatguru Shankarcharya constructed this matha strictly under the direction of Adi Shankaracharya during 8th century. There is a Lakshami Narayan Temple situated inside the monastery and a 200-old year tree endearingly called as Kalpavriksha and the Jyoteshwar Mahadev Temple are also must visit religious sites to visit if you are stopping over at Jyotirmath.

2. Narsingh Temple

Located in the lower market of Joshimath, Narshingh Temple is holy shrine dedicated to the Narsimha Avatar (of semi Lion and semi Man) taken by Hindu Lord Vishnu and this avatar is also the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Another interesting fact about this sacred temple is that it is the winter abode where the idol of the known pilgrim temple of Badrinath rests during the winter season. The idol of Badrinath temple is put along with the idol of Lord Vishnu in Narsingh Avatar, thus Narsingh Temple is a significant place in Joshimath if you want to know more about the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Narsingh avatar and to seek blessings for your journey ahead.

3. Auli Ropeway

Auli Ropeway
Photo by Anuj Kumar Garg, CC BY-SA 2.0

If you want to immerse yourself in the naturally luxurious charm of Himalayas, then Auli Ropeway is the best destination to be at. It is Asia and India’s highest and longest ropeway cable and surpasses a total distance of 4 km. Also, this way you can reach the scenic paradise of Auli while experiencing the most breathtaking views altogether, the endeavor here in Joshimath actually can’t get better than this!

4. Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park
Photo by Dibyendu Ash, CC BY-SA 3.0

Nanda Devi National Park is a getaway into the profuse flora and fauna of Uttarakhand. It is distinctly admired heritage tourist spot for its climate, geography and soil here. You can go for safaris into the sanctuary, do bird watching and spot some of the rare Himalayan animals and species. It will be a purely Wordsworthian landscape and will let you indulge in this wonderful offbeat aspect of Joshimath.

5. Sleeping Beauty Mountain

Sleeping Beauty Mountain
Photo by Yagamichega, CC BY 3.0

Another charismatic jewel of Himalayas, Sleeping Beauty Mountain which if looked from a distance, will seem like a lady lying with her hair spread. It is a scenic escape in the Himalayas and is a perfect tourist site for picnics, weekend trips and spending whole days in the lap of the rich nature of Uttarakhand. Just relax, click selfies and make your tour to Joshimath a memorable one!

Joshimath not only attracts tourists for its religious significance but also to try the various adventures and embrace yourself amidst the stunning Himalayan peaks. So, let yourself be carried away with the charm of Joshimath’s attractions and the above listed ones will surely add charisma to your trip to Uttaranchal making you forget your exhaustion here and be a part of the allure this place has in its aura, bon voyage!

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About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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