Kedarnath - India Vacation Packages

Nestled in the majestic mountain of the Garhwal hill, Kedarnath is one of the holy Hindu pilgrimage spots of India. Situated at an altitude of 3584 mts above sea level, Kedarnath is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of the lord Shiva. This shrine is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Kedarnath town, located in the Indian state of Uttaranchal, has an amazing set of landscape. It is a broad plateau encircled by the majestic snow covered mountain. The calm and serene atmosphere of this town is best to escape from the maddening city life. Even though Kedarnath is popular as religious destination, there are many more things to check out. Mountains here have often challenged the adventure lovers. It is great place for mountaineering and trekking activity.

Prime Site
Holy Kedarnath temple is the most popular monument of this town, which some believe is 1000 years old. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva who is mostly worshiped in the form of Linga . According to legend, it is said that this temple was built by the pandavas (heroes of the epic Mahabharata) to redeem themselves from the sins committed during the Bharata war. But evidence proves that in the 8th century AD this temple was renovated by the Hindu spiritual guru, Shankaracharaya. As this temple is located at a very high altitude it remains closed during winter. It remain open from around mid May to the Oct-Nov. The month of May and June are the peak time when this laid back town is filled with tourists. Samadhi or final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It was in the age of 32 that he went for samadhi.

Fairs and Festivals
This holy town witnesses lot of fairs and festivals throughout the year. Being an important Hindu religious site, it joins in the celebration of almost all the major festivals. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Kedarnath are Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchmi, Shivaratri, Holi, Deepawali etc. Badri Kedar festival held in the month of June is a popular local festival. This festival is celebrated for eight days and many artists from all over the country take part in it.

Some of the popular fairs are Mata Murti ka Mela, Nagnath, Sardotsava, Krishan Mela, Ansi Mela, etc. Mata Murti Ka Mela is every held in the month of September. It is a big fair which is organized in the honour of the mother of lord Badrinath.

Around Kedarnath
Kedarnath is surrounded by some of the stunning places. Most of these places, located at very high altitude are nature lovers' paradise. Besides being famous as religious centre, Kedarnath and its adjoining areas are haven for the nature lovers. The snow covered scenic mountain of Garhwal hill will simply stun the visitors. Important towns around the Kedarnath are Vasuki Tal, Ukhimat, Gauri Kund and Son Prayag. Vasuki Tal which is located 6 km away from the Kedarnath is blessed with some crystal clear lakes. It is in the temple of Ukhimat that deities of Kedarnath temple are installed when it is closed in winter.

General Information:
Climate: Winter start from November and continues till April. Temperature goes to sub zero and snow fall is very often. It is advisable to carry warm woolen clothes during winter. Summer season which is from May to August is quite pleasant. Best time to visit this holy town is from May to October.

Accommodation: There are many dharamshalas, ashrams, cottages and tourists lodges which will offer comfortable stay to the visitors.

How To Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun is the nearest airport. This domestic airport which is at a distance of 239 km operates domestic flights from nearby cities. Delhi is the nearest international airport. Taxi service is available from Dehradun to Kedarnath.

By Train: Rishikesh, located 221 km away from the Kedarnath, is the nearest railway station. One can take taxi to reach Kedarnath. Road journey is about 207 km and remaining 14 km is to be covered by foot.

By Bus : Kedarnath can be reached by foot from Gaurikund. This town has got good road connection with nearby town like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar and other hill stations of Kumaon and Garhwal Hills.