Rudraprayag Temples, Weather, Hotels | Complete Details

Let’s know about Holy City – Rudraprayag

Location of Rudraprayag and Significance

Popularly known for its mythological significance, Rudraprayag is a city in Uttarakhand, India. This holy city named after Lord Shiva (also called Rudra), is one of the five convergences of Panch Prayag (five religious convergences: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, and Vishnuprayag), a conflux point of the River Alaknanada and the River Mandakini.

The place lies in the parts of districts Chamoli, Agastyamuni, Tehri, and Pauri of Uttarakhand, which led to the emergence of Rudrayaprag district on 16th September 1997. The place is bounded by the beauty of divine nature and the Himalayas, making it an ideal tourist spot. The place is not only famous for its religious importance but also an ideal place for adventurous sports, cultural activities, and mesmerising picturesque views. 

The devotees narrate that the place is visited by Lord Shiva, and Narad muni has done meditation here. Also, the Pandavas of Mahabharat have come for repentance and salvation, to abode in heaven.

Rudraprayag is an important site for Hindu pilgrimage and contains many mythological stories engraved in this land narrated by locals. Here tourists can explore popular temples like Kedarnath, Omkareshwar, Rudranath, Chamunda Devi, Naradshila, and many more. 

Rudraprayag’s Height and Altitude

Rudraprag is the fourth Panch Prayag in the holy confluence of River Alaknanda and Mandakini, 34 km from Srinagar (Garhwal). The prehistoric city of Rudraprayag lies at an altitude of 30.28°N 78.98°E and an average elevation of 895 meters, or 2936 feet above sea level. It is home to many flora and fauna, and its height affects the climate and weather conditions of this region. 

Rudraprayag Sangam Confluence of Rivers

At Rudraprayag, two river bodies, Alaknanada and Mandakini, meet. The Alaknanda River flows from the Alakpuri glacier, where the temple Badrinath is situated. The Mandakini river originates from Kedarnath temple, where it melts to form a river from the Charabari glacier (1 km away from the temple) to join Alaknath for Rudraprayag Sangam. There’s a temple on the confluence of the rivers. The Mandakini River has a small tributary called Vasuki Ganga from Vasuki Tal. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed here Tandav and also appeared before Narad muni during penance.

Top tourism spots in Rudraprayag

The Rudraprayag is famous for its religious aspects and natural beauty. The Rudraprayag Sangam is an important tourist attraction spot that plays a significant role in promoting tourism in Uttarakhand. Let’s explore some tourist places in Rudraprayag that make it more alluring for tourists to visit:

1. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, lying on the banks of the cave of the Alaknanda River, is a holy place of Lord Shiva, where he defeated the demon Bhasmasur with the help of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built and established by Lord Rama for the repentance of killing Ravan to get rid of the sin of Brahmhatya. It’s in the district of Rudraprayag, 3 km away from the town. The place is famous for its historical and mythological aspects, attracting many tourists. 

2. Kartik Swami Temple

Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Son of Lord Shiva), this beautiful temple is situated on the peaks of the village Kanakchauri in Rudraprayag on the Poukhari route. Surrounded by snowy peaks, the temple is located between the valleys of Garhwal. The site is perfect for trek lovers. The place is 3 km from the Rudraprayag, where you can enjoy incredible views of Neelkanth parvat, Chaukhamba Peak, Nanda Devi, Meru-Sumeru ranges, Dronagiri, Trishul, and much more to explore.

3. Rudranath Temple

Established by Pandavas from Mahabharat, the Rudranath temple lies on the forest blanket of rhododendron dwarfs and Alpine pastures. Residing in the hills of the Himalayas, it is the fourth temple among the Panch Kedar, the toughest one to visit than other temples. It is located above the sea level of 11,600 ft. Rudranath is accompanied by the other ranges, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti. The trek can be initiated from Sagar village, Helang village, or Urgam village, where tourists could visit the placid dangling river Vaitrani (also known as Water of Salvation). One visits the temple from 8.00 am and can hear the arti of Lord Shiva performed at 6.30 pm.

4. Dhari Devi Temple

Situated on the alluring banks of Alanknanda between Rudraprayag and Srinagar districts of the Garhwal region, Dhari Devi temple has a spiritual significance. Many people visit here to get the blessings of Dhari mata whose upper half is here and the other lower half is in Kalimath. She is referred to as the Guardian of Char Dham in Uttarakhand. The place is located in the Kalyasaur village between Rudraprayag and Srinagar.

5. Deoria Tal

The emerald lake, Deoria Tal situated in Mangoli, Uttarakhand is 3km away from villages Mastura and Sari on Ukhimath-Chopta road. The tourists get mesmerized by the beauty of the reflection of Chaukahmba in the lake’s placid waters. The place is covered with snowy peaks and lush greens giving a picturesque view to site watchers. 

6. Agastya Muni Temple

The Agastya Muni temple is a prehistoric site named after the great Rishi Agastya Muni. The area is covered with beautiful floras and vegetation with divinity. This spiritual shrine is located on the banks of River Mandakini which is 20km away from Rudraprayag. It is also called Agasteshwar Mahadev.

7. Gaurikund

This Religious place, Gaurikund is a Hindu temple and a Trekk base camp to Kedarnath. The place is believed to be where Mata Parvati took marriage vows with Lord Shiva. Here are the hot springs for the pilgrims to take religious baths.

8. Tungnath

A shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tungnath temple is located in Chandraparvat, Chandrashila which is in Rudraprayag. It is one of the highest temples in the world and is famous for trekking lovers. The temple is open in summer (May) when the deity of Lord Tungnath is taken from Mukkumath to the temple by the local Brahmin priests.

Rudraprayag’s Weather and Things to do 

Rudraprayag’s Weather

Like any Northern state of India Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand experiences a blend of seasons with different climatic conditions. The summers are moderately hot going from April to June. Monsoon which begins from July to September, experiences moderate rainfall makes the environment green and alluring making the whole environment refreshing and bringing newness to the vegetation. When it comes to winters the whole surroundings seem like chilling cold accompanied by snow on the mountain peaks. These winters last from December to February where temperature drops from 15 to 0 or sometimes minus degrees Celsius.

What you can do in Rudraprayag?

Rudraprayag is a place where tourists can explore not only religious sites but also enjoy recreational activities and much more to do. Here let’s see what you can explore:-

1. Visiting the Alaknanda and Mandakini confluence, where you can experience the spiritual and natural influences of the site.
2. The place is home to various temples like Kedarnath, Tungnath, Dhara Devi, Kartik Swami temple, Chamunda Devi temple and much more to visit.
3. Chopta also known as ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’ is a beautiful tourist spot where you can indulge in the beauty of nature and can see the diverse wildlife living there.
4. Tungnath, Kartik Swami temple, Gaurikund and Choptla offer exciting trek adventures where you can get involved with the picturesque views of beautiful ranges.
5. The River Alaknanda is ideal for river rafting, water sports and camping at the banks. The place is for adventure lovers who want to experience thrill and entertainment in the canopy of flora and vegetation of Rudraprayag.
6. One can experience the cultural and traditional activities performed by the locals. Dance, folklore, food and traditions are important aspects of this place.
7. Rudraprayag is ideal for photographers and video shooters who want to capture the iconic scenes of this place through their lens. Ideal location for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts and for social media content creators.

Hotels and Accommodation in Rudraprayag

Best Hotels in Rudraprayag 

Here is a table that represents the hotel names their features and any additional information:-

Budgeted Hotels 

Popular Hotels in Rudraprayag 

Rudrapryag’s GMVN and Other Government Accommodation

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) is a tourist complex by the government of Uttarakhand to provide accommodation to tourists at cheaper rates with basic amenities. Also, special rooms are available who want extra facilities. 

Prices: Starting simple bed at a dormitory from Rs. 200 to the deluxe rooms from Rs. 2100-3000 per night.

Click here to book

Other Rudraprayag’s Government Accommodations

• Baba Kali Kamli Dharamshala: the Dharamshala is a tourist restroom with basic amenities. Here the rooms are clean and available at affordable prices. Though the food facility is not available but rooms are spacious.

Prices: Starting from Rs. 600 onwards

Click here to Book a room

• There are various restrooms and hotels available by the government at different variant prices and facilities.

Distances to Popular Destinations from Rudraprayag 

Transportation and How to Reach Rudraprayag

Bus Services to Rudraprayag

• Delhi to Rudraprayag

Distance – approx 400kms

Time duration: Approx. 10hours (including traffic)

Price: Rs. 600-1000

Booking: UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Coorporation) can be booked at ISBT Kashmere Gate 

Online booking- Click for UTC Booking   

However, there are no direct buses to Rudraprayag but you can take route from Delhi to Dehradun then Dehradun to Rudraprayag.

Delhi to Dehradun bus price: Rs. 428     Click to Book 

• Dehradun to Rudraprayag 

Distance: 92Km

Duration: Approx. 6 hours 

Price: Rs. 600-800

           Online Booking:   Click to Book

• Haridwar to Rudraprayag 

Distance: Average 6 hours 

Duration: 88Km

Price: Rs. 1000 estimated

           Online Booking:   Click to Book

Railway Station in Rudraprayag

The Rudraprayag does not have its own railway station. The people who come by train have to first reach nearest railway station and then travel by road. The nearest railway station to rudraprayag is the Rishikesh Railway Station. This railway station is located at a distance of 140 kms before Rudraprayag in NH58 route. However, in near future plan is coming up to amke a new railway line to the city which is under progress. Travelling through road it take more than 4 hours to complete the distance from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag which you can travel by Taxi or Bus.

Other nearest stations: One can travel through Haridwar Railway junction 24km away from Rishikesh which is faster than trains in Rishikesh railway station.

The travelling cost from Delhi to Rishikesh by train : Rs.250-900

For travelling by road from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag: Rs.300-500

Bike Rental in Rudraprayag

Renting bikes leads to explore the routes and visit the places which can’t be explore in buses, trains or flights. One can enjoy the roads and surrounding of Rudraprayag making experience valuable. Just you are required to wear proper riding gears and a valid driver’s license to hire a bike to Rudraprayag.

There are local rental shops which can help you to rent bikes. Also, bookings are available online. 

Here are some links which can help you to book the bikes:-

1. Universal Adventures – Rs. 399 onwards
2. BikeonRent – Rs. 700- Rs. 1800
3. TransRental in Ukhimath – Rs. 399 onwards

Travel By Road

Delhi to Rudraprayag

• Distance- Approx. 365km
• Duration-9-11 hours
• Route- Drive through NH334, travelling through Muzzafarnagar, Haridwar, Rishikesh and then following NH7 (Badrinath highway)
• Map– Click for Directions

Dehradun to Rudraprayag

• Distance-Approx. 180 km
• Duration- 6-7 hours
• Route- Travelling through Dehradun-Rishikesh road then following NH7 route
• Map– Click for Directions

Haridwar to Rudraprayag

• Distance- 160km
• Duration-5-6 hours
• Route-Take road from Haridwar to NH7 route. After that follow the road of Rishikesh
• Map– Click for Directions

Rudraprayag’s Local Government Services and Important Contacts

FAQs About Rudraprayag