Discover Dwarahat “Uttar Dwarka” – The Ancient Town of Temples

Nestled in the serene Kumaon hills, Dwarahat Uttarakhand is a peaceful Himalayan town located at an elevation of 1,510 meters in the Almora district. Known for its ancient temples, pine-covered mountains, and spiritually charged environment, this hidden gem is often referred to as “Uttar Dwarka”—a northern tribute to Lord Krishna’s celestial abode.

With a remarkable cluster of 55 historic temples, stunning mountain views, and proximity to sacred sites like Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave and Dunagiri Temple, Dwarahat has become an important destination for spiritually inclined travelers, trekkers, and culture lovers.

🌟 Why Dwarahat Is Called “Uttar Dwarka”

The name Dwarahat translates to “The Way to Heaven”, perfectly describing the tranquil atmosphere of this Himalayan town. Its profound cultural significance and ancient heritage have earned it the title Uttar Dwarka, as the town’s temples and spiritual legacy resonate with stories of Lord Krishna and the Katyuri kings.

Suggested Read: Kukuchina Dwarahat: Where Kriya Yoga Began in Uttarakhand

🛕 A Town of Temples: Architectural Treasure of the Katyuri Dynasty

The town boasts an extraordinary collection of temples built between the 10th and 12th centuries by the Katyuri Kings, whose architectural style reflects the elegance of the Gurjari School of Art.

Dwarahat’s temples are beautifully grouped into seven clusters. Among the most notable structures are:

Myriam Group of Temples

Located about 30 km from Ranikhet, this group reflects the architectural brilliance of the Katyuri dynasty.

The Village of Temples (Kachari, Maniya & Ratnadev)

These ancient temples—Gujjar Dev Temple, Kachari Dewal Temple, Mandeve Temple, Ratan Dewal, Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple, Badrinath Temple, and Kedarnath Temple—are silent stories of the town’s glorious past, spirituality, and divine craftsmanship.

The haunting beauty of the Gujjar Dev Temple ruins stands as a powerful reminder of Dwarahat’s ancient significance.

Suggested Read – Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram Dwarahat: A Tranquil Among Nature

📚 Spiritual Significance of Dwarahat

The town finds special mention in Paramhansa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”, especially in the chapter “Materializing a Palace in the Himalayas.” This sacred region has long been associated with Himalayan yogis, mystics, and seekers on the path of inner awakening.

🧘‍♂️ Things to Do in Dwarahat

1. Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram

Located amidst towering pine forests, the YSS Dwarahat Ashram is a tranquil retreat where visitors can meditate in peaceful surroundings. It was home to Sri Daya Mata, the revered president of YSS, from 1995 to 2010.

Meditation sessions and spiritual gatherings here are deeply transformative.

2. Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave – A Sacred Kriya Yoga Pilgrimage

Just 25 km from Dwarahat lies Kukuchina, the gateway to the legendary Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave on Pandukholi Hill. The trail has been restored for safe and easy trekking.

• Trek Duration: Less than 1 hour

• Pathway: Pine forests, Himalayan flora, and monsoon streams feeding the Gogash River

This is the sacred cave where Mahavatar Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga, a turning point in spiritual history.

3. Village Tourism & Culture

Dwarahat is known for its warm Kumaoni hospitality. Explore:

• Traditional Himalayan homes

• Local food & customs

• Folk tales narrated by villagers

• Stone-carved 11th-century temple structures

The simplicity and charm of village life make it a meaningful travel experience.

4. Pandukholi Trek

Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Pandukholi offers a rewarding trek with panoramic Himalayan views. Other beautiful trails include the Dunagiri Mata Temple trek and forest walks around the ashram.

Suggested Read:  Pandukholi Dwarahat: Mythical Trail at Mahavatar Babaji Cave

🏨 Where to Stay in Dwarahat

Dwarahat is a peaceful, less-commercial town and offers only a handful of budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays. Luxury hotels are not available here.

For more comfortable stays, travelers can stay in Ranikhet, located 33 km from Dwarahat.

🍽 Food in Dwarahat

The town has small eateries and local food stalls serving:

• North Indian dishes

• Simple Chinese meals

• Traditional Kumaoni cuisine (highly recommended!)

Don’t expect fancy restaurants—the charm lies in homestyle cooking.

🕰 History of Dwarahat

Historic coins discovered in this region show that the Kunindas, an ancient tribal community, were the earliest settlers. They flourished between 500 B.C. and 600 A.D. before gradually fading with the rise of the Guptas. The Gupta era enriched Dwarahat with advancements in sculpture, art, literature, and architecture.

🕉 Mythological Significance

Legend says that Dwarahat was once the meeting point of the Ramganga and Saryu rivers. The Kosi River, filled with jealousy, spread falsehoods that led to a divine misunderstanding. As a result, Kosi was cursed to flow alone, unjoined by any other river—a symbolism that continues in folklore.

🔱 Dunagiri Temple – The Abode of the Divine Mother

Just 20 km from Dwarahat, Maa Dunagiri Temple is perched atop a hill accessible by climbing 500 steps. It is believed to be associated with the mountain carried by Pavandev (Wind God).
During Navratri, each night celebrates a different form of Goddess Durga.

Nearby lies the Paban Maharaj Ashram, a serene spiritual retreat.

🎓 Educational Hub of Kumaon

Dwarahat is also known for its educational institutions, including:

• An engineering college

• Polytechnic institute

• Several intermediate schools

This makes it an important academic center in the region.

🎉 Festivals of Dwarahat

The town celebrates vibrant Kumaoni festivals such as:

• Makar Sankranti

• Basant Panchami

• Herala & Bhaitauli

• Olgia

• Khatarua

• Bat Savitri

• Ganga Dusshera

These festivals showcase the rich music, dance, and cultural traditions of the region.

🌄 Why You Should Visit Dwarahat

Visit Dwarahat if you want:

• Peaceful Himalayan landscapes

• Ancient temple architecture

• Treks like Pandukholi & Dunagiri Mata

• Spiritual sites like Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave and YSS Ashram

• Authentic Kumaoni culture

• A quiet alternative to crowded hill stations

Dwarahat is not just a destination—it’s an experience of quiet divinity, history, and Himalayan beauty.