Attractions in Devprayag (Panch Prayag)

1 place to see, with what each one is and how long it takes.

Devprayag Sangam

Viewpoint

The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda that forms the Ganga.

Elsewhere in Uttarakhand

Not in Devprayag (Panch Prayag) — these are in other towns across the state.

Joshimath

Attraction

Auli

The town sixteen kilometres below Auli, and the winter seat of the Badrinath deity. It is also subsiding — cracks in buildings forced evacuations in recent years, so check what is open before booking a room here.

Ram Jhula

Experience

Rishikesh

A suspension footbridge three kilometres upstream, linking Swargashram to Muni Ki Reti. Motorbikes use it too, so crossing is a negotiation. Laxman Jhula further up is narrower and older.

Tungnath Temple

Attraction

Chopta (Tungnath)

The highest Shiva temple in the world at around 3,680 metres, and the third of the Panch Kedar. Three and a half kilometres of paved but steep path up from Chopta. Shuts for winter around November.

Kausani Tea Estate

Experience

Kausani

A scenic organic tea garden where visitors can walk the rows and buy fresh Kumaon tea.

Kempty Falls

Attraction

Mussoorie

Fifteen kilometres out, and the most crowded thing in the district — the fall now sits inside a ring of ropeways, stalls and concrete steps. Come very early or skip it.

Valley of Flowers National Park

Attraction

Hemkund Sahib

The valley shares Ghangaria as a base with Hemkund, and the two are the standard pair. Day entry only, no camping inside, and the flowers peak in late July and August.

Surya Kund

Attraction

Yamunotri

A boiling spring beside the temple, hot enough that pilgrims lower rice and potatoes into it in cloth bundles and carry them home as prasad. That is the thing to stand and watch.

Naini Lake

Experience

Nainital

The town's central lake, famous for boating and the lakeside Mall.

Bhagirath Shila

Attraction

Gangotri

A slab of rock beside the temple where Bhagirath is said to have sat to bring the Ganga down. A minute from the main shrine.

Mansa Devi Temple

Attraction

Haridwar

On Bilwa Parvat above the town, three kilometres up by ropeway or on foot. Pilgrims tie a thread here and come back to untie it if the wish is granted.

Mana Village

Attraction

Badrinath

The last village before the Tibet border, three kilometres on from the temple and one of the highest inhabited places in India. There is a cave attributed to Vyasa and a tea shop that bills itself as the last in the country.

Chandrashila Peak

Attraction

Chopta (Tungnath)

The summit above Tungnath at about 4,000 metres, another kilometre and a half past the temple. On a clear morning you see Nanda Devi, Trisul and Chaukhamba from it. Start in the dark for sunrise.

Triveni Ghat

Experience

Rishikesh

The main bathing ghat in Rishikesh town, and where the evening aarti happens. Smaller and less performed than Haridwar's, and much easier to sit through.