Karnaprayag is a town in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Panch Prayag. It is situated at confluence of Pindar River and Alaknanda River. This is the religious site for Hindus. Journey of Ganga River starts from Karnaprayag plains. It is one of the best summer gateways. Climate of this place is so pleasant. Towering peaks in the surroundings of Karnaprayag are Mrigathuni, Trisul, Maiktoli, Narad Ghunti, Drona Giri and Nanda Devi.
Goddess Uma Devi Temple is most attractive and ancient temple in this town. This place is also famous for several adventure activities such as Kayaking, rafting, trekking etc. It is believed that in this place, Karna of Mahabharata worshipped to Sun God. This town is having mythological importance. Swami Vivekananda meditated in this place along with his disciples during his visit to Himalayas.
What to see in Karnaprayag:
Uma Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Uma Devi. Idol of this temple is taken out for a procession for every 12 years. It is the major attraction of this place.
Karna Temple: This is another attraction of this town. It is located just beside Uma Devi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Karna of Mahabharata. It is believed that he meditated at this place for 3 years for Sun God and acquired his impregnable shield.
Nauti Village: This place is famous for Nanda Devi Raj Yatra. This yatra would be conducted once in 12 years. It is one of the longest pilgrim tour covered by foot into tiring path bestowing lively natural beauty which can leave anyone mesmerised. It is believed that this village is home to Goddess Nanda. Procession had last taken place in 2012.
What to see around karnaprayag:
Gopeshwar: It is located 39kms away from Karnaprayag. Temples are the major attractions of this place. Gauchar fair is most famous fair in this area. Gopeshwar Attractions are Gopinath Temple, Snow covered hill, Mountain climbing, Trekking, Anasuya Devi Temple, Tungnath Temple and mountain climbing.
Gauchar: It is located 31kms away from the town. This is surrounded by mountains. In Uttarakhand it is one of the largest pieces of flatland. This place is acting as a halt to the Badrinath Temple. This place is well known for historic trade fair. Other attractions of this place are Paneshwer Shivalaya, Mata Kali Temple, Bhairavnath Mandir, Raul Devta Mandir.
Srinagar: This is the historical town in Himalayas. This place is famous for house boats, lakes and gardens. Dry frits and Kashmiri Handicrafts are also famous here. Srinagar Attractions are Dal Lake, Jama Masjid, Rainwari, Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Shalimar Gardens, Hazratbal Mosque. It is located 68kms away from the town.
Getting to Karnaprayag: Karnaprayag is well connected through road ways. From Kotdwar, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Uttar Kashi, Tehri, Srinagar, Rishikesh, private and state run buses are available to reach this place. Nearest railway station is located at Rishikesh which is 172kms away from the town. From Jammu, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Mumbai, Delhi trains come to Rishikesh. Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun which is 190kms away from Karnaprayag. Taxis are available to reach Karnaprayag from this airport.
Getting around Karnaprayag: Best option to see this place is on foot. Taxis and buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Karnaprayag.
Best time to visit Karnaprayag: Karnaprayag welcomes the visitors throughout the year but best time to visit this place is between January to April.
Where to stay in Karnaprayag: Accommodations are very limited in Karnaprayag. Only budget and midrange hotels are available to stay in Karnaprayag.
Where to eat in Karnaprayag: As it is temple town only vegetarian food is available in Karnaprayag. Few hotels are having in-house restaurants those restaurants only serve non vegetarian food.