The holy state of Uttarakhand is scattered with hidden gems that you will wish you had found them out sooner. Ukhimath is one such radiant and lovely town located in Uttarakhand, that will surely take your breath away.
The town of Ukhimath has often used a base for further travels to Kedarnath, Joshimath, Chopta among many others. Yet, spending a day in Ukhimath and just reveling in its beauty is also something that must be experienced.
If you have ever just wanted to get away and spend a relaxing and idle vacation in the laps of nature, then the Ukhimath tour is just for you. Read and find out about how you can spend your town in this stunning town.
The Beauty Of Ukhimath
Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Ukhimath is surrounded by spirituality and cuddled by nature. They’re a lovely spiritual aura in the air in this village. It is located at an altitude of 1311 m and us one of the popular pilgrimage centers for Hindus.
During the months of Winter, the idols of Kedarnath and Madhyamashwar are brought to Ukhimath. The winter months are too harsh in Kedarnath and Madhyamashwar, thus the deities are brought down to Ukhimath. They are once again taken back to their original abodes during May.
As the festival of Diwali, the awe-inspiring procession called the Utsav Doli starts reverberating in the city of Ukhimath. All the locals and pilgrims flack the Omkareshwar Temple to welcome Lord Kedar into his winter home. The sight is wonderful and majestic to witness.
Things To Do In Ukhimath
Visit The Abode Of Lord Kedar
source: Wikipedia
Omkareshwar Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Ukhimath. It also doubles up as the winter abode for Lord Kedar, who is brought here in the months of winter. The deity from the Madmaheshwar Temple is also brought here during the harsh winter months.
Locals believe that the pious marriage of Usha and Anirudh took place right in this temple. Another story suggests that the temple belonged to Mandhata, who was an emperor and the ancestor of Lord Rama. Legends say that Mandhata eventually gave up all materialistic pleasures and performed penance for 12 years. It is believed that after 12 years Lord Shiva in the form of Omkar himself appeared in front of Mandhata and blessed him. Thus, the name Omkareshwar.
The Omkareshwar Temple awaken during the time of Utsav Doli, and the affair is thrilling to watch. Locals, devotees and pilgrims horde the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessing. The atmosphere is electric during this time, and you will find yourself being surrounded by a spiritual glow at that time.
Take An Idle Walk Along The River
The serene Mandakini River flow through the village of Ukhimath. Surrounded by a valley of colorful and vibrant flowers, the river flows in its world. Just take a lazy walk along the banks of the river and try to engulf the peace that is around you. Go out exploring or simply observe as nature unfolds to you slowly. There is so much to observe and feel here. Hear the songs of the birds, touch the cold water of the river or just stare at the intimidating mountain peaks in the background. Everything is a visual treat at this place.
Attend The Utsav Doli
If you wish to feel the spiritual essence of Ukhimath, then you must come here during the time of Utsav Doli. There is something so electrifying when the Utsav Doli starts, and the whole village seems to wake up from its slumber. Every boy, girl, woman, man, priest are in the street dancing to welcome Lord Kedar.
As the idol of Lord Kedar descends, he is given a grand welcome. A musical band livens up the town, as the deity is slowly greeted with garlands. The deity is then made to circle the temple thrice before the priest performs rituals and official welcomes Lord Kedar into its temporary abode.
You must witness this mesmerizing affair if you plan to visit Ukhimath. The whole town changes during this time, and you can feel the happiness and joy emanating throughout the village.
Explore The Treks
Ukhimath is a great base town for you to go out and explore more amazing places of Uttarakhand. Here are some of the popular treks and places you can experience:
Sari Village:
The sleepy and tiny village of Sari os only about a half an hour away from Ukhimath. This little village has a rustic charm which has the power to heal all your problems. Tucked away in the interiors, the primary occupation of the people here is agriculture. There is something so serene about this village. People go about their daily business, there is no market here, and there is a small tea stall that offers some the best tea you will ever have. This lush green village has little winding paths that lead to small houses.
What makes Sari Village amazing is the views of the mountains. It is mesmerizing to see the stunning mountain tops of the Himalayan range every time you look ahead. There is something so motivating about it.
source: Travelling Slacker/Flickr
In Sari Village, you can also visit the famous Devariya Nag Temple. It is a short trek from Sari Village. The shape of the temple resembles the Kedarnath Tempe. You will find a lingam inside the temple. The lingam has copper coiled around it which symbolizes a snake or Naag. One of the most fascinating features of this temple is that when water is water over the lingam, it starts to drip down in a wave-like form. This waveform looks similar to a snake.
If you go ahead further from this temple, you will come across the enchanted Deoria Tal. This lovely lake is a great place to just sit and introspect and stare at the gazing mountain peaks ahead of you.
You can also embark on treks like the Jhandi Top trek which will take you into the heart of nature. The views from Jhandi Top os divine. The trek itself is refreshing and you will feel energized at the end of it.
You can also visit the Kalimath Temple, which is located close to Ukhimath.
You can also visit many other temples in Ukhimath.
Witness The Sights
Once you are in Ukhimath you must visit certain viewpoints that will make you gasp. There are several such places in Ukhimath from where you can relish the views of the peaks of Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Mana Parbat.
Visit one such place and give yourself a treat. You will witness some of the most amazing and breathtaking landscapes as the intimidating Himalayan Peaks reveal themselves in front of you.
Best Time To Visit Ukhimath
The summer months are lovely here, and you will find all the flowers in full bloom. The entire village transforms into a color palette, as flowers, fruits, and trees are in full blossom. The clear summer skies will also help you view the mountain peaks without the hindrance of those pesky clouds who try to keep the mountains hidden.
However, if you wish to witness the Utsav Doli, then you must come here in the winter months. The winter months are quite chilly here, but the Utsav Doli is certainly worth!
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