Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the most sacred Shiva temples. Situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level near the Mandakini River’s source, the temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and verdant landscapes.
The temple’s origins are steeped in Hindu mythology, with legends attributing its construction to the Pandavas, central figures in the Mahabharata epic. According to tradition, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. Shiva, unwilling to pardon them, transformed into a bull to evade them.
When confronted, he disappeared into the earth, leaving his hump behind. This hump is now worshipped at Kedarnath, while other body parts are venerated at four additional temples in the region. Kedarnath Temple holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism.
Its high-altitude location and mythological associations make it a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists. The site attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its spiritual significance and natural beauty.
Key Takeaways
- Kedarnath Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
- The distance from Delhi to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 450 kilometers and can be covered by road or helicopter.
- The distance from Mumbai to Kedarnath Temple is around 1,800 kilometers and can be covered by a combination of train and road travel.
- The distance from Kolkata to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 1,500 kilometers and can be covered by train and road travel.
- The distance from Chennai to Kedarnath Temple is around 2,300 kilometers and can be covered by a combination of train and road travel.
- The distance from Bangalore to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 2,200 kilometers and can be covered by a combination of train and road travel.
- In conclusion, Kedarnath Temple is a significant pilgrimage site and travelers should plan their journey in advance, considering the distance and mode of transportation.
Distance from Delhi to Kedarnath Temple
Reaching Kedarnath Temple by Road
The most common route is to travel from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or road, and then take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek to reach the temple.
Travel Time and Options
The journey from Delhi to Kedarnath Temple takes around 12-14 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions. Another option is to take a helicopter from Delhi to Kedarnath Temple, which significantly reduces the travel time. The helicopter service operates from Phata, which is around 210 kilometers (130 miles) from Delhi.
Helicopter Ride: A Convenient Option
The helicopter ride offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan mountains and is a convenient way to reach the temple for those who are short on time or prefer not to trek.
Distance from Mumbai to Kedarnath Temple
The distance from Mumbai to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) by road. The most common route is to travel from Mumbai to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or flight, and then take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek to reach the temple.
The journey from Mumbai to Kedarnath Temple takes around 30-32 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions. For those who prefer not to travel by road, there are also direct flights from Mumbai to Dehradun, which is around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rishikesh. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath Temple.
The flight from Mumbai to Dehradun takes around 2-3 hours, making it a quicker option for those who want to minimize travel time.
Distance from Kolkata to Kedarnath Temple
The distance from Kolkata to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) by road. The most common route is to travel from Kolkata to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or flight, and then take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek to reach the temple.
The journey from Kolkata to Kedarnath Temple takes around 28-30 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions. For those who prefer not to travel by road, there are also direct flights from Kolkata to Dehradun, which is around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rishikesh. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath Temple.
The flight from Kolkata to Dehradun takes around 2-3 hours, making it a quicker option for those who want to minimize travel time.
Distance from Chennai to Kedarnath Temple
The distance from Chennai to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) by road. The most common route is to travel from Chennai to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or flight, and then take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek to reach the temple.
The journey from Chennai to Kedarnath Temple takes around 40-42 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions. For those who prefer not to travel by road, there are also direct flights from Chennai to Dehradun, which is around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rishikesh. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath Temple.
The flight from Chennai to Dehradun takes around 3-4 hours, making it a quicker option for those who want to minimize travel time.
Distance from Bangalore to Kedarnath Temple
Route Options
The most common route is to travel from Bangalore to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or flight, and then take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer (10-mile) trek to reach the temple.
Journey Duration
The journey from Bangalore to Kedarnath Temple takes around 38-40 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions. For those who prefer not to travel by road, there are also direct flights from Bangalore to Dehradun, which is around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rishikesh. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Flight Option
The flight from Bangalore to Dehradun takes around 3-4 hours, making it a quicker option for those who want to minimize travel time.
Conclusion and Travel Tips
In conclusion, Kedarnath Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and religious significance. The temple’s remote location in the Himalayas makes it a challenging but rewarding journey for visitors. Whether traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore or any other city in India, there are various transportation options available including road travel, train journeys, flights and helicopter services.
For those planning a trip to Kedarnath Temple, it’s important to consider the weather conditions and plan accordingly. The temple is open for only six months each year due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. It’s advisable for travelers to check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on their journey.
Additionally, it’s recommended to carry warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the trek to the temple. Furthermore, travelers should be prepared for high altitudes and steep terrain during the trek. It’s important to stay hydrated and take regular breaks while ascending towards the temple.
For those with health concerns or physical limitations, there are options for hiring mules or palanquins for part of the journey. Overall, visiting Kedarnath Temple offers a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and communion with nature in one of India’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether traveling for religious reasons or simply seeking adventure in the mountains, a trip to Kedarnath Temple is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who make the pilgrimage.
If you are planning a trip to the Kedarnath temple, you may also be interested in exploring other nearby places. Check out this article on places to visit near Vellore to make the most of your trip to the region.
FAQs
What is the distance between Kedarnath temple and Delhi?
The distance between Kedarnath temple and Delhi is approximately 450 kilometers.
How far is Kedarnath temple from Dehradun?
The distance between Kedarnath temple and Dehradun is approximately 250 kilometers.
What is the distance between Kedarnath temple and Haridwar?
The distance between Kedarnath temple and Haridwar is approximately 225 kilometers.
How far is Kedarnath temple from Rishikesh?
The distance between Kedarnath temple and Rishikesh is approximately 200 kilometers.
What is the distance between Kedarnath temple and Chandigarh?
The distance between Kedarnath temple and Chandigarh is approximately 400 kilometers.