Being an integral divert in the Chardham pilgrimage Route, Rudraprayag is a picturesque location and a favorite stopover of the pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is a religiously significant destination as it is believed that the Narad was exalted by the Lord Shiva in the Rudra Avatar. Further, it is also the union of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers and hence a chief convergence in the Panch Prayag or Five Confluences. The scenic view around gives it a heaven-like atmosphere with the grand Himalayas, the rushing holy rivers and lush greenery all around to let you ponder over the ecstatic scenery and foregt yourself amidst it. So, to help you find the best places to explore in Rudraprayag, we are enlisting the top 5 places to visit here and immerse yourself in the heavenly air of this place.
1. Rudraprayag Temple
A notable religious temple of this district, Rudraprayag Temple is christened after Lord Shiva and is just the place where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers come together. So, this is the main temple on the religious story of Narad after which the place was named as Rudraprayag. The mythical tale also tells us that here Narad revered Lord Shiva to teach him music and Lord Shiva tutored him in the avatar of Rudra or the God of Music. A rock also ought to be at the temple once which was known as Narad Shila or the stone where Narad meditated.
2. Augustmuni Temple
Augustmuni Temple is the place where August Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva and this temple is situated in the Augustmuni village of Rudraprayag. There is an August Kund and a temple devoted to Lord Shiva plus during Baisakhi there is a grand celebration organized which is attended by many ardent Hindu pilgrims. It is around 10 km from Rudraprayag and is a wonderfully sacred temple to visit.
3. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated just 3 km away from Rudraprayag, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva as according to ancient mythology it is said that Lord Shiva meditated in this place when he was approaching Kedarnath. Further, the temple is in a cave and Alaknanda River flows outside the temple. You can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for your further journey or just stay some time here contemplating on the meditating place of Lord Shiva.
4. Deoria Tal
A lake with the charming scenery of Chaukhamba Range and lush forests surrounding the landscape, Deoria Tal is a destination to just relax and rejuvenate; you can also take part in boating or do bird watching. This place is an ideal way to end your trip as here you can soothe yourself with charismatic view. Moreover, the sunrise is the most beautiful thing to catch here, so you can also go camping near the lake and set out your alarm for early morning and enjoy the spellbinding first light of the day. Trekking is also an enjoyed excursion here thus making this lake a perfect place for picnics, stopovers and an adventure outing.
5. Joshimath
Joshimath is located 114 km away from Rudraprayag and is also a quaint treat for adventure lovers. You can go trekking to the Valley of Flowers or visit Auli which the Disneyland of Adventure enthusiasts. Also, there are temples like Bhavishya Badri, Bhavishya Kedar, and Narsingh Temple which are all located here in Joshimath contributing the blissful aura of this town while the landscape too is quite luring and tempting which will arouse a desire in you to lose yourself in Himalayas and never come back!
Thus, Rudraprayag is certainly a sacred destination filled with an aura that will help you unwind and feel blessed as if you are amidst the abode of God. The above-quoted ones are a must to visit if you are stopping by at this place and want to know more about the religious importance of this town and this way you can spend more time in the beautiful flora and fauna Rudraprayag boasts itself of. Bon Voyage!
Other Interesting Places In Uttarakhand:
I went to Bhabishya Badri via Tapoban.
It is a steep trek of about 4km from Tapovan, 1 hour drive from Joshimath.
It certainly will take an entire day, Joshimath to Joshimath.
The lobvely hot spring can be visited en route.
It’s a beautiful journey to Bhabishya Badri. Midway there is the Adha Badri Temple and Subai Gaon