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	:: N O R T H I N D I A > K E D A R N A T H ::

	Brief -
	Kedarnath is located at the source of the river Mandakini. Like Badrinath, it is a shrine held in high reverence. Mythology identifies the deity at Kedarnath temple with the rump of a bull, a form assumed by Lord Shiva when eluding the Pandavas who had come for repentance for killing of their kith and kin, in the great battle of Kurukshetra. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the Panch Kedars. Legends notwithstanding, the shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically located and is surrounded by high snow covered mountains and grassy meadows covering the valleys. Lying against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range, the imposing Kedarnath temple is surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. Wild unparalleled scenic beauty, rare panoramic views of innumerable snow clad peaks, rhododendron forests and alpine meadows make the area utterly enchanting.

	History -
	Mythology identifies the deity at Kedarnath temple with the rump of a bull, a form assumed by Lord Shiva when eluding the Pandavas who had come for repentance for killing of their kith and kin, in the great battle of Kurukshetra. It is believed that the Pandavas constructed the temple of Kedarnath. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the Panch Kedars. Legends notwithstanding, the shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically located and is surrounded by high snow covered mountains and grassy meadows covering the valleys. At the entrance of the temple is the statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva. The wall inside the temple is exquisitely carved with images. There is a Shiva Lingam inside the temple, which is worshipped.

	Culture -
	Held in the month of June, nothing could be a perfect manifestation of Hindu religion and culture. The Badri Kedar Festival, is held in the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath, in the month of June. The festivities go on for a stretch of eight days. The festival makes an attempt to bring under one platform, the greatest artists of the country. What could be a more apt tribute to the rich Indian culture?

	Climate & Geographical Location -
	Kedarnath has a very cool and pleasant climate in summer and is very cold and chilly in winter. Lying against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range, at an altitude of 3,581 metres, Kedarnath is situated some 220 Km from Rishikesh.

	How to Reach -
	Kedarnath is connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport Jolly Grant at Dehradoon is 17 Km away and is connected with flights to Delhi. By rail, the main railhead Haridwar and is well connected with direct trains coming in from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow and other places, though the nearest railhead is Rishikesh at 221 km linked by rail by a rather slow shuttle train between Haridwar and Rishikesh. There is good network of roads, which helps to connect it with many parts of the country. Regular and Yatra bus services are available from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. Rishikesh has buses plying to Haridwar, Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradoon, Delhi and Nainital besides other places. Private taxies are also available from Rishikesh.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Vasuki Tal -
	Situated at an altitude of 14,200 ft., Vasuki Tal is on the right side of the valley. It is a crystal clear lake with stunningly scenic surroundings. However, the climb is so long and arduous that it is advisable to take a guide along. At 4135 Mt. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

	Kedarnath Temple -
	Built in the 8th century AD, The temple at Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was renovated and refurbished by the religious reformer and saint, Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Outside the temple door, a large statue of Nandi the bull, stands as the Guardian Diety.

	Gaurikund -
	At Gaurikund, there is an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Gauri or Parvati and it houses the metallic idols of Gauri and Shiva. According to legend, Parvati mediated here for a long time to win Shiva as her consort. Ultimately, she succeeded and the cosmic couple were wed at Trijuginarayan. The trekking base to Kedarnath and the road head, this village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and also thermal springs of medicinal value.

	Gupt Kashi -
	Gupt Kashi is famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.

	Ukhimath -
	Ukhimath is the winter home of Lord Kedarnath , and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.

	Chopta -
	Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road, about 40 km from Gopeshwar ,at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan Ranges surrounding it.

	Deoria Tal -
	At an altitude of 2,440 mtrs., this beautiful lake is situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.

	Badrinath -
	An abode of seers, saints and yogis from times immemorial, Badrinath, is one of the four Dhamas, a devout Hindu has to visit in his lifetime, to attain salvation. Surrounded on either side, by two mountain ranges, known as Nar and Narayanan, with the Neelkanth peak providing a spectacular backdrop, Badrinath is a shrine that evokes the deepest devotion from Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is built in the form of a cone, with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. A land for meditation and penance and called the Heaven on earth, the hot water spring known as Tapt Kund, faces the Badrinath Temple.

	Others -

	AGASTMUNI - This temple is dedicated to the great sage Agastya.

	BHAIRAV NATH TEMPLE - To the south of the main temple stands the temple of God Bhairav, the deity who guards the Kedarnath Temple in winter, when it is closed due to severe winter conditions.

	GANDHI SAROVAR - Gandhi Sarovar is a small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven.

	SAMADHI OF ADI SHANKARACHARYA - Located behind the Kedarnath Temple, is the Samadhi or the final resting place, where the saint gave up his life.

	SON PRAYAG - Located at the confluence of the Mandakini and the Son Ganga, this quaint little village is known for its picturesque beauty.20 kms away from the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan.

	TRIYUGINARAYAN - Around 25 Km from Kedarnath is Triyuginarayan the mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag.