Kunjapuri Temple Rishikesh: A Journey to Breathtaking Heights

Kunjapuri Temple holds great significance for the Hindu community and is considered to be one of the most important temples in Uttarakhand, standing at an altitude of 1676 meters above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, the chest of the goddess Sati is believed to have fallen at this site, making it one of the 52 Shaktipeeths in Uttarakhand and a highly revered pilgrimage destination.

Apart from its religious importance, Kunjapuri Temple also offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountain ranges and peaks such as Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch, and Chaukhamba. These stunning vistas make it a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and tourists seeking a spiritual and cultural experience.

Rishikesh to Kunjapuri Temple:

The journey to Kunjapuri Temple begins with a short but scenic drive ( 32 km ) from Rishikesh. The road up to Kunjapuri Temple is extremely zigzagged, making the drive challenging. On top of that, you have to climb another 300 steps to reach the temple. Despite the effort, every bit is worthwhile, as the temple offers unforgettable, breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

Mata Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a Shaktipeeth, making it a very important temple in  Uttarakhand. The road to the temple is in good condition, and it takes about an hour to drive there from the center of Rishikesh. At the temple, you need to climb about 316 steps.

The climb isn’t too difficult as there are rest points at 100 and 200 steps. At the 200-step mark, there’s a small shop where you can buy water or cold drinks. The temple isn’t very crowded, allowing for a good darshan. You can also ask the Temple Purohit for a small puja.

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How to reach

To reach the main shrine of Kunjapuri Temple, visitors need to climb 316 steps from the road. The temple sits atop a picturesque hill and is surrounded by a beautiful temple complex, adding to its charm. The distance from Rishikesh to Kunjapuri Temple is about 32 kilometers by road, and it takes approximately one hour from Rishikesh to reach the temple.

If you continue towards Gangotri from Narendra Nagar, you’ll find Hindola Khal, where the road splits, right-side road  leading to the temple. The temple is located 5 kilometers further along this road.

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Things to Do at Temple’s top

1. Yoga & Meditation

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2. Sunrise View

The best time to visit Kunjapuri Temple is undoubtedly at dawn. As the sun rises over the horizon, the Himalayan peaks and the sacred Ganges River come alive with a golden glow. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Gangotri, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks, leave travelers spellbound

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3. Trekking

The temple is at an altitude of 1,676 meters. It is famous for its spectacular vistas of the Himalayan mountains, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and the Doon Valley to the south. This trek is particularly popular among those seeking an exhilarating trekking experience in Rishikesh. It also offers the bonus of visiting a significant spiritual destination.

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4. Sunset View

Travelers Experience

• A must-do experience in Rishikesh! Our car picked us up from our hotel at 5:30 am, and we reached the temple at the top of the mountain at 6:30 am. We arrived just in time for a lovely darshan of Kunjapuri Devi and breathtaking views of the sunrise and the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance. Note that the steps leading to the temple are very steep, so please keep this in mind for senior citizens.