The Last Village of India – Mana Badrinath, Uttarakhand

Mana Badrinath is famously known as the last village of India, located just 3 km from Badrinath Temple near the Indo–Tibetan (India–China) border. Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this Himalayan village sits gracefully on the banks of the Saraswati River and is surrounded by towering snow-clad peaks.

Declared a “Tourism Village” by the Uttarakhand government, Mana Village is not only spiritually significant but also one of the most scenic and culturally rich destinations near Badrinath Temple.

Overview of Mana Badrinath

Mana is a small yet vibrant Himalayan village inhabited by the Bhotia tribe, a Mongolian-origin community known for their warmth and craftsmanship. The village houses are traditional stone-and-wood cottages, beautifully carved and well preserved.

Mana Village Is Famous For

• Handwoven woolen shawls, caps, and mufflers

• High-quality potatoes and kidney beans

• Traditional Himalayan lifestyle and culture

Visitors often interact with locals and shop for authentic handmade products.

Religious Significance of Mana Village

Mana village holds immense importance in Hindu mythology, especially the Mahabharata.

It is believed that the Pandava brothers passed through Mana during their final journey to heaven (Swargarohini Yatra). Several sacred sites around Mana are linked to this legendary tale.

Bheem Pul – The Iconic Stone Bridge

One of the most visited attractions is Bheem Pul, a massive natural stone bridge over the Saraswati River.

According to legend, Bheema placed this stone so that Draupadi could cross the raging river safely. The roaring sound of the Saraswati beneath the bridge adds to its mystical aura.

Top Places to Visit Near Mana Badrinath

Neelkanth Peak – Queen of Garhwal

Known as the Queen of Garhwal, Neelkanth Peak rises majestically near Badrinath.

• Altitude: ~6,597 meters

• Offers breathtaking views of Badrinath Temple and surrounding peaks

• Popular among trekkers and photographers

Tapt Kund

Tapt Kund is a sacred hot water spring dedicated to Agni, the Hindu God of Fire.
Devotees take a holy dip here before entering Badrinath Temple, believing the water has medicinal and healing properties.

Vasundhara Falls

Located around 9 km from Badrinath, Vasundhara Falls is a stunning waterfall associated with the Pandavas’ exile.
The trek to Vasundhara offers panoramic Himalayan views and spiritual calm.

Vyas Gufa

Vyas Gufa is believed to be the place where Sage Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata and the four Vedas over 5,000 years ago.
A small shrine inside the cave attracts pilgrims and history lovers alike.

Things to Do in Mana Badrinath

Mana is a paradise for trekking and adventure lovers.

Popular Treks from Mana

• Mana to Vasundhara

• Mana to Mana Pass

• Mana to Charan Paduka

Other activities include:

• Cultural walks in the village

• Photography & nature exploration

• Shopping for local woolen handicrafts

How to Reach Mana Badrinath

By Road

• Mana is just 3 km from Badrinath

• Well connected via motorable roads

• Taxis and buses available from Badrinath, Joshimath, Rishikesh, and Haridwar

By Train

• Nearest railway station: Haridwar (~300 km)

• From Haridwar, buses and taxis run regularly to Badrinath and Mana

By Air

• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport

• Distance: ~315 km

• Taxis and buses available from Dehradun

Best Time to Visit Mana Village

• May to October – Best time (pleasant weather, open roads)

• Winters remain closed due to heavy snowfall

Why Visit Mana – The Last Village of India?

✔ Last Indian village before the China border
✔ Deep connection with Mahabharata mythology
✔ Scenic Himalayan landscapes
✔ Rich local culture and handicrafts
✔ Close to Badrinath Dham

Final Words

Mana Badrinath, Uttarakhand, is not just the last village of India—it’s a living museum of mythology, culture, and Himalayan beauty. Whether you’re a pilgrim visiting Badrinath or a traveler seeking unique destinations, Mana Village offers an unforgettable experience at the edge of India.