Kedarnath is a town located in Uttarakand, India. Major attraction of this place is Kedarnath Temple. Kedarnath along with Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath form Chota Dham Pilgrimage. This temple remains closed on the first day of Karthik and reopens on Vaishakh every year. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva forgive the sins of Pandavas for killing Kuravas in Kurukshetra war and allowed them to worship him at Kedarnath. Major festivals of this place are Diwali and Vinayak Chathuthi.
What to see in Kedarnath:
Kedarnath Temple: This is the major attraction of the place. It is believed that this was built by Sankaracharya. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. Some people popularly believed that, this was constructed by Pandavas. Shape of Shiva Lingam in the temple is Pyramidal shape.
Bhairavnath Temple: It is located inside the temple complex of Kedarnath temple. Lord Bhairav is worshipped here. During the winter months when main temple closed, Lord Bhairav guards the main temple.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: It is located close to Kedarnath Temple. He is famous Hindu Philosopher. He established four mathas. Shankaracharya came to this place in 8th century. It is believed that hot springs of this place created by him. This water used to remove the sufferings of the disciples.
What to see around Kedarnath:
Chorbari: It is located just 1km from kedarnath. It is believed that Dharmaraja, eldest one of Pandavas went to heaven from this place.
Rambara: It is located 7kms away form kedarnath. Trekking is the major activity of this place.
Son Prayag: It is located 19kms away from Kedarnath. People believe that taking a dip at this place can attain Nirvana.
Vasuki Tal: It is located 8kms away from Kedarnath. This is surrounded by the ranges of Himalayas.
Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary: It is located in Bhinlgana Range at the district of Chamoli which is located 54kms away from Kedarnath. Major attraction of this place is musk deer, bharal, serow, goral, sambar, etc. Bird attractions of this place are monal, flycatchers, warbler etc.
Guptkashi: This place is famous for Viswanath and Ardhanareeshwar Temples. It is believed that Lord Shiva hid at this place for some time. It is located 25kms away from the town.
Gauri Kund: It is believed that Goddess Parvati meditated in this place to win the heart of Lord Shiava and to make him accept her as his wife. Hot water spring is famous at this place. Trekking is one of the most attractions of this place.
Getting to kedarnath: Kedarnath is well connected with road. From Haridwar, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Rishikesh, etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Haridwar which is located 121kms away from the town. From Kanpur, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad etc trains come to this place. Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport located at Dehradun. This air port is located 239kms away from Kedarnath. Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Getting around Kedarnath: From Gaurikund, Ponies and Horses are available to reach kedarnath. Kedarnath is the small town so one can see this place on foot. Trekking, buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Kedarnath.
Best time to visit Kedarnath: Heavy woollen is required to carry at the time to visiting Kedarnath as during the night times temperature is so cold. Best time to visit this place is between May to October.
Where to stay in Kedarnath: All range of hotels are available to stay in Kedarnath. Budget and midrange hotels are more. Luxury hotels are very limited. Along with hotels, dharmashalas are also available to stay at this place.
Where to eat in Kedarnath: Only Vegetarian food is allowed at this place. Few hotels and dhabas are located on the way to the temple. These serve basic Indian food. It is preferred to cook food and boiled vegetables.