The last Indian village Mana is an offbeat tourist destination located in visited of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. An expedition for adventurers and a refreshing escape for pilgrims, the village is at 3,200 m and resides on the northern terminus of the National Highway 58. This hamlet is merely 24 km from the Indo-Tibet/China border and features about 70 wooden houses and quite a scarce population.
Maharishi Ved Vyasa told the epic Mahabharatha at this village, and Ganesha penned the entire narration. The place gives you a chance to sneak peek at the related sites, such as caves, the Sarasvati river, temples, etc., mentioned in the Hindu religious texts.
Apart from sites with religious relevance, some trails allure adventure seekers to plan treks & hikes and explore the region in their way. The surroundings of Mana village also abode herbs with medicinal properties, and you may encounter researchers conducting their studies in the forestry region. If you wish to plan a visit to this last Indian village, continue reading to have an uninterrupted experience.
About Mana Village
Mana is called the last Indian village, and you will find a trail wandering up to this tranquil village from Badrinath. The village houses natural escapes, religious sites, thriving rivers & waterfalls. According to Hindu texts, the way to heaven goes from here, and it is the place from where Pandavas took the route to their eternal journey.
In the early 20th century, travellers take this route, not for heaven but to reach Tibet and capture a glimpse of the remotest corner of the country. The village is on the ancient trade route between India and Tibet and served to be an enterprising village during the bygone era from where travellers would purchase barley, buckwheat and rock salt for goats and yaks. However, these activities stopped after the 1962 war with China.
This last Indian village Mana is about 50 km from the Sino-Indian border and currently depends upon the pilgrim activities and travellers exploring the remoteness and adventures of the place.
Overview
Location: Chamoli, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Distance: 4 km from Badrinath
Elevation: 3,200 m
Best months to visit: May, June, September, October
Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport
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Places to visit in Mana Village
The following are the popular tourist attractions in Mana Village and surrounding areas:
1. Neelkanth Peak
The Neelkanth Peak is called the ‘Queen of Garwal’ and this prominent Himalayan peak is nearly 6,597 m high. The peak features panoramic views of the surrounding region, including Badrinath Dham. You can witness exotic flowers, such as Brahmakamal here. The expedition to the Neelkanth Peak is popular among adventurers holidaying in the region.
2. Tapt Kund
The Tapt Kund in Mana village is a natural spring and has medicinal values. According to mythology, the place is the residence of Lord Agni and scientifically, the presence of certain minerals in the water helps in curing skin ailments. The site is common among pilgrims and others seeking to get rid of their skin problems.
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3. Mata Murti Temple
The Mata Murti Temple is a religious site in the village that is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayana who incarnated in the form of Nar and Narayana. The temple is visited by Vaishnavas exploring the region. An annual festival is conducted during August and believers from near and far plan a halt to the temple here.
4. Vasudhara Falls
The waterfall is located in the vicinity of Mana village and you can take a short trek to the rustic route to reach here. The refreshing ambience and surrounding greenery are admirable for nature lovers. This is one of the best places to visit while exploring the last Indian village Mana.
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5. Vyasa Gufa
Image Credit: Venkats278 for Wikimedia Commons
The Vyas Gufa is a religious site and it is believed to be the place where the famous saint composed his epic literature masterpieces. The site also features a shrine of Maharishi Vyas that dates back almost 5,000 years.
6. Ganesha Gufa
According to the mythology, when Ved Vyasa dictated the epic Mahabharata, Ganesha wrote and compiled the entire literary work. The Ganesh Gufa in the Mana village is the place where Ganesha wrote the entire work.
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7. Bheem Pul
The Bheem Pul is an ancient bridge set on the river Sarasvati. According to the locals, the Pandavas during their time in the region, had to cross the river and Bheem placed the enormous rocks to make the journey possible for his family.
How to Reach Mana Village
The only way to reach the last Indian village Mana is by road, which is through NH-58. The highway extends from Badrinath and this almost 4 km long stretch is well-maintained. You can take a shared or private taxi from Badrinath to reach the village. Some travellers love walking down the route and this quick hike gives you a chance to capture a glimpse of the impeccable natural escapes of the region. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, whereas the closest railway head is in Haridwar and Rishikesh, depending upon your preference.
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Best Time to Visit Mana Village
Mana Village can only be visited during summer and monsoon season, that is when the Badrinath Yatra opens. The village is quite remote and experiences heavy snowfall during winter. The best time to visit the last Indian village Mana is between May to October, however, make sure that you avoid visiting during heavy rainfalls as the route tends to be slippery. During winter, the residents of the region shift down to lower places, as the area gets covered under snow.
It might be a spiritual experience for many, but countless prefer historical and adventuresome encounters of the last Indian village, Mana which allures visitors to this serene hamlet. If you wish to explore these extreme terrains, plan your future trip to Uttarakhand with TravelTriangle and have an enthralling expedition with your fellow companions.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Last Indian Village Mana
When can I visit Mana village?
The best time to visit the last Indian village Mana is between May to October. It can only be visited during summer and monsoon season, that is when the Badrinath Yatra opens.
Which is the best route to reach Mana village?
The only way to reach the Mana village is by road, that is NH-58. The highway extends from Badrinath and this almost 4 km long stretch can be covered by a shared or private taxi from Badrinath to reach the village.
Is it safe to visit Uttarakhand during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Avoid crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces. Maintain social distancing and remain masked in public places.
What are the best places to visit in Mana village?
Neelkanth Peak, Tapt Kund, Mata Murti Temple, Vasudhara Falls, Vyasa Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bheem Pul, etc. are the popular tourist attractions that are worth exploring in Mana Village.
How far is Vasundhara waterfall from Mana village?
You need to take about 3 km trekking trail from Mana near Badrinath to reach Vasundhara Waterfall. The hike is popular among adventurers.
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