Mana Village, Uttarakhand

Mana Village is a beautiful and quaint hamlet nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level, making it the last inhabited village on the Indian side before the Tibetan border. The village is located just 24 kilometers from the famous Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath and is a popular stopover for tourists visiting the holy shrine.

The village is steeped in history and mythology and is believed to be the abode of the ancient rishis and sages who meditated and practiced yoga here. The village has been mentioned in many ancient Hindu scriptures like the Mahabharata and the Puranas. It is also believed to be the birthplace of the legendary Vyas Rishi, who is credited with writing the Mahabharata.

Mana Village is known for its pristine natural beauty and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and dense forests. The village is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, which adds to its charm. Visitors can indulge in activities like trekking, camping, and hiking in the surrounding hills and valleys. There are also several hot springs in the area that are believed to have medicinal properties.

The village has a population of around 600 people, and the locals here are known for their hospitality and warm welcome. The village is famous for its handcrafted souvenirs and woolen shawls. Visitors can also sample the local cuisine, which is simple yet delicious and includes dishes like rajma chawal, aloo ke gutke, and mandua ki roti.

One of the main attractions of Mana Village is the Vyas Gufa or the cave of Vyas Rishi, which is believed to be the place where he composed the Mahabharata. Another must-visit attraction is the Bhim Pul , a natural bridge over the Saraswati River, believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile.

The Most Places to Visit near Mana Village:

Mana village is the last inhabited village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Here are some of the places near Mana Village that you can visit:

Badrinath Temple:

The famous Badrinath Temple is located just 3 kilometers away from Mana village. It is one of the four sacred shrines of Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Vasudhara Falls:

This beautiful Vasudhara waterfall is located around 8 kilometers from Mana village. It is believed that the water of this waterfall has medicinal properties.

Satopanth Lake:

Located at an altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level, Satopanth Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from Mana village. It is considered to be a very sacred lake among the Hindus.

Saraswati Udgam:

This is the place where the Saraswati River emerges from the Mana Parvat. It is located about 2 kilometers from Mana village.

Bhim Pul:

Bhim Pul is a natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River, located about 3 kilometers from Mana village. It is said that Bhim, one of the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, placed this rock bridge here.

Vyas Gufa:

Vyas Gufa is a cave where Ved Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata, is believed to have meditated and composed the epic. It is located about 3 kilometers from Mana village.

Charan Paduka:

Charan Paduka is a rock, located about 3 kilometers from Mana village, where it is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprints.

Mana Pass:

Mana Pass is a high-altitude pass, located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, and is about 25 kilometers from Mana village. It is one of the routes for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

In conclusion, Mana Village is a beautiful and serene destination that is a must-visit for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality of its people make it an unforgettable experience.