Mana Badrinath: Exploring the Mystical Village

Mana Badrinath, situated just 3 km from Badrinath town, is the last Indian village on the border of India and Tibet/China in the Himalayas. The village, located in the Chamoli district, has been designated as a “Tourism Village” by the Uttarakhand government. Nestled on the banks of the River Saraswati and surrounded by Himalayan hills, Mana village is a picturesque and tranquil destination, making it one of the top tourist attractions in the vicinity of Badrinath..

Mana People

Mana is a vibrant village that is inhabited by the Bhotias, a Mongolian tribe. The Bhotias reside in charming little cottages that are beautifully adorned and intricately carved. This village is renowned for its exquisite woolen garments, such as shawls, caps, and mufflers, all of which are crafted from the wool of sheep. Mana is also known for its high-quality potatoes and kidney beans.

Religious Significance

The Mana village holds great religious significance for Hindus as it is associated with the Mahabharata epic. It is believed that the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata passed through Mana Village on their final journey to heaven. The village also has a stone bridge near the Saraswati River called the ‘Bheema Pul’, which is believed to have been created by Bheema himself.

Mana Village is not only a historic place with many incredible records and artifacts, but it’s also a beautiful place to visit. While you’re here, be sure to check out these amazing places:

Neelkanth Peak– among the towering Himalayan peaks, Neelkanth Peak is a popular destination for adventure seekers and trekkers. Standing at 6597 ft above sea level, the peak offers stunning views of the Badrinath Temple and the surrounding mountains. Also known as the ‘Queen of Garhwal’, Neelkanth Peak is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas.

Tapt Kund is a holy site that is home to Agni – the Hindu  God of fire. According to mythology, the spring has medicinal properties that can cure skin diseases. People often visit Tapt Kund to take a dip in the water and experience the healing benefits themselves.

Vasundhara: This is a beautiful waterfall that is 9 km away from the Badrinath Temple. According to legend, the Pandavas stayed here for a while when they were in exile.

The Vyas Gufa, or “the cave of Vyas,” is a well-known Hindu site in Badrinath, Uttarakhand, dedicated to the sage Ved Vyas. It is said that he composed the Mahabharata and the four Vedas while living in this cave more than 5000 years ago. The cave has a small shrine dedicated to him that is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims.

Bheema Pul: One of the main reasons people visit Mana Village is to see Bheema Pul. The story goes that Bheem created this stone bridge so his wife Draupadi could cross the Saraswati River during their journey.

Things to do in Mana

The village of Mana is truly a sight to behold. It’s one of the best places for trekking in India, with hikes that include Mana to Vasundhara, Mana to Mana Pass, and Mana to Charanpaduka. There are also plenty of other interesting activities for adventure junkies to enjoy.

How to reach Mana?

Mana in Uttarakhand is just a short 5 km drive from Rishikesh/Haridwar and the Badrinath Temple. The nearest railhead is at Haridwar, around 300 km away, but there are plenty of buses and taxis that can take you the rest of the way. If you’re coming from Dehradun, Mana is only 315 km away and there are regular buses that go there from the railway station.