Gangotri is a town in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India. This is the origin place of river Ganga. It is most sacred place to Hindus. Gangotri along with Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath form Chota Char Dham. This place is most famous for Gangori temple. During the winter season this temple remains close. Idol of this temple will be shifted to the village Mukbha and placed it in the Mukhyamath Temple. According to Hindu Mythoogy, King Bhagirath meditated here to bring river Ganga to the earth. According to another legend, Pandavas performed great Deva Yagya at this place.
What to see Gangotri:
Gangotri Temple: This was built by Amar Singh Thapa, Gorkha Commander. In the 19th century this was again renovated by Jaipur king. This temple is 300 years old temple. Vishwanath and Kuteti Devi temples are also located in this place. Goddess Ganga is worshipped here. Every year nearly 3lakhs of devotees come this place. Temple opens on Akshay Tirth and closes on Diwali.
Bhagirathi Shila: Here King Bhagirath meditated to bring river Ganga to the earth. This is situated near the temple of Ganga. It is believed that Goddess Ganga kept her first step on the earth on this rock.
Jalmagna Shivaling: This is also known as submerged Shivaling. It is one of the major attractions of Gangotri. It is natural Shivalinga located near Gangotri temple. This can be seen only during the winter seasons when the water levels go down.
Gauri Kund and Surya Kund: These are located on either sides of the iron bridge which is located near Gangotri temple. Other name of Surya Kund is Surya Kund waterfalls.
Dodi Tal: It is enveloped by dense forest of deodhar, pine and oak forests.
What to see around Gangotri:
Pandav Gufa: It is located just 2kms away from Gangotri. It is believed that in this place Pandavas meditated on their way to Kailash.
Nanadanvan: It is sylvan Tapovan across Gangotri glacier. Along the glacier 6kms trekking is essential to reach this place.
Gaumuth: It is located 19kms away from Gangotri. This is situated at the height of 12,960feet. Gaumuth is the source of river Ganga.
Harsil: It is located 26kms away from the town. This place is famous for apples. For the natural lovers this is one of the best places.
Gangnani: It is located 55kms from the town. This place is famous for natural beauty and thermal springs. It is the best place to do meditation.
Getting to Gangotri: Gangotri is well connected with road. From Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc buses come to this place. From Rishikesh, jeeps and tempos are available to reach Gangotri. Nearest railway station is located at Rishikesh. From Delhi, Rajkot, Jalandar, Bangalore, Noida, Chennai, Kanpur, Raipur etc trains come to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is located 86kms away from Gangotri. Jolly Grant at Dehradun is the nearest airport which is located 226kms away from the town Gangotri. Taxis, cars, transport buses are available to reach Gangotri from the airport.
Getting around Gangotri: Local taxis, buses and ponies are available to visit the places in Gangotri. Taxis and buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Gangotri.
Best time to visit Gangotri: It is essential to known the best time to visit any place before going there to avoid inconvenience. During the winter season snow fall is very heavy. Best time to visit this place is between April to October.
Where to stay in Gangotri: Plenty of hotels are available to stay in Gangotri. Few luxury hotels are also available here. Along with hotels, Dharmasalas are also available to stay in this place. These are managed by the Government. Booking in advance is essential before reaching this place.
Where to eat in Gangotri: Limited restaurants are available to eat in Gangotri. Only vegetarian food is available.