Uttrakhand

Places to explore in Devprayag

Plan a Holiday in Devprayag in Sawan to Avoid Crowds

Sawan is one of the best seasons to go out and spend your vacation with your family and friends. But you are thinking of where to plan because this month counts as a sacred need to explore some holy places. However, I have a better option to plan a holiday in Devprayag than in Haridwar, because you know it is full of crowds and expensive hotels and resorts. If you’re thinking of spending this Sawan away from the crowded ghats and noisy cities, Devprayag is the perfect peaceful destination. It is a sacred town in Uttarakhand where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the holy Ganga. A trip here during Sawan is not only spiritual but also refreshing, as you know that the Kanwad Yatra is going to start. Let me help you plan your own Sawan holiday to Devprayag, just the way I did, with tips on stays, places to explore, travel, packing, and safety. why to plan a holiday in Devprayag Devprayag is not just another religious spot. It’s a place where the river sounds and mountain views give you peace. While other places are flooded with people in Sawan, Devprayag is still calm and spiritual. You can enjoy the riverside view and relax without crowds pushing around. Where to Stay in Devprayag I checked out a few stay options before going, and here’s what I found useful: Hotel Ganga Vista – ₹3000/night This Hotel is located near the Sangam point. It has clean rooms with big windows opening to the river. With the view, the price of this place is not expensive, especially in the sawan. Sangam View Homestay – ₹2000/night If you want something budget-friendly with home-cooked food and personal care, this is the best hotel near the Ganga River in Devprayag. Stay here with your family and friends, and have fun visiting some adventurous places near the area. Huhvan Resorts – ₹4000/night This one’s perfect if you’re planning something special. It is good for a family get-together or a nature retreat. Luxury, river view, close to mountain view, and peaceful vibes. You can easily book any of these through MakeMyTrip, Agoda, or even call the owners while searching for them on Google Places to Explore in Devprayag I spent two days exploring this hidden gem, and trust me, every spot had something unique vibe. Devprayag is a place where people think that you can only visit the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi coastal side, but you don’t have any idea that there are plenty of places that offer adventurous treks and viewpoints. Here’s where you must go: Confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi Rivers Watching the two rivers come together to form the Ganga gave me goosebumps. It’s peaceful, and the ghats are clean. Sit here in silence or dip your feet in the water—it’s magical. The Sawan Kanwad Yatra has also started, and you can be a part of it as well. If you want to know more about Kanwad Yatra, read this blog. Raghunathji Temple It is a small, ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ram. I visited during early morning aarti, and the chants made the whole experience very spiritual. It is a must-visit temple in Devprayag. Chandrabadani Temple A bit of a drive away, but worth it. It’s one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Parvati. The view from the hilltop is tremendously amazing, where you can see mountains all around. Dashrathshila This peaceful hill is where King Dashrath is said to have meditated. It’s less touristy, and I enjoyed the short walk through trees and rocks. If you are planning a picnic, I suggest this place. Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev Temple Old, quiet, and powerful: this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located higher up, it also gives amazing valley views. Sit and enjoy the view from here for a while. Suspension Bridges Crossing the river through these hanging bridges is fun! You should also visit this place to make a perfect candid picture with your family and friends. Teen Dhara This is a famous stop on the way to Devprayag. A special place where I had pakoras and tea while enjoying the cool stream flowing nearby. Arkani View Point A hidden gem! It’s a quiet place with a view of the sangam and Devprayag city. I went during sunset, and it was honestly the most peaceful moment of the trip. You need to trek for 4.5 km and then reach the most beautiful place in Devprayag. How to Book Your Bus (My Route) While planning to visit Devprayag in Sawan, you need to book a Delhi to Rishikesh bus using the RedBus or MakeMyTrip app. It’s best to book 4–5 days in advance, especially during Sawan. From Rishikesh, take a local bus to Devprayag. The ride was bumpy but beautiful. You’ll find buses or shared taxis easily from the Rishikesh bus stand. Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with elders or kids, book a cab or private vehicle for comfort. Smart Packing Tips for Sawan Travel It rained a lot during the monsoon season, so here’s what you need to pack to go to Devprayag. Raincoat or poncho Umbrella Shoes with a good grip (roads get slippery) Extra socks and clothes Power bank and small torch Medical kit (ORS, band-aids, painkillers, etc.) Mosquito repellent Healthy snacks Personal hygiene items Photocopy of ID cards and some cash (ATMs aren’t always nearby) Safety Tips to Follow in Devprayag Avoid going too close to the river, especially during heavy rains. The temple stairs were wet, so walk slowly. Do not take a dip during high tide, locals advised against it. Stay in groups during morning and evening walks. Only drink bottled or filtered water. summing up If you want to enjoy Sawan peacefully without the noise and rush, Devprayag is your place. It’s spiritual, scenic, adventurous, and soothing. In this blog, you can find places to explore in Devprayag and go for adventure and peace. I came back with a clear mind and happy memories.

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What is Kanwad Yatra

What is Kanwad Yatra, and How Can You Be a Part of it

In India, people are religious, and they celebrate festivals every month. During the month of July, people celebrate Shravan, also known as Kanwad Yatra. But you may have known less about this, like what is Kanwar Yatra, and the most probable question to be raised is how you can be a part of Kanwad Yatra during this season. Kanwad Yatra is one of the most exciting and spiritual journeys I have seen in India. Every year, during Shravan month (July-August), thousands of people join this yatra. These people are called Kanwariyas. They travel to holy places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Gangotri to collect water from the River Ganga. Then they walk or use vehicles to carry the water to Shiva temples near their homes. I have seen the roads filled with saffron-dressed Kanwariyas. They chant “Bol Bam” loudly. The energy is so pure and positive that you feel connected to God. The Story of Lord Shiva and the Poison There is a story that makes Kanwad Yatra so special. Long ago, during Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), a deadly poison came out. This poison was so dangerous that it could destroy the world. The gods did not know what to do. So they went to Lord Shiva for help. Shiva did not think twice. He drank the poison to save the world. Because of this, his throat turned blue. That’s why he is called Neelkanth. But the poison started burning inside him. To reduce his pain, the gods offered him Ganga water. This cooled him down. Since that day, people believe offering Ganga water to Shiva pleases him. That’s why Kanwariyas carry Ganga water and offer it at Shiva temples. The Story of Ravana and the Ganga Water There is another story too. This is about Ravana, the king of Lanka. Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Once, he brought Ganga water to pour on a Shivling to show his respect and love. His prayers made Lord Shiva very happy. This story tells us how important Ganga water is in worshipping Shiva. That’s why during Kanwad Yatra, people bring Ganga water from far places. Why Not Banaras for Kanwad Yatra? You might wonder why people do not collect Ganga water from Banaras (Varanasi). Banaras is a very holy city. But for Kanwad Yatra, people believe Ganga water from Haridwar, Gangotri, or Gaumukh is better. This is because the water from these places is fresh and pure. It flows directly from the Himalayas. It is not touched by human rituals. That’s why Kanwariyas prefer these places to collect water. Three Types of Kanwad Yatra When I learned about Kanwad Yatra, I found that there are three types of Kanwad: Baithaki Kanwad This is where you can rest during the journey. You can place the Kanwad on the ground while you take a break. And you can also stay for a night in a shivir to get relief from tiredness. Dak Kanwad This one is tough. Here, you cannot place the Kanwad on the ground at all. You must carry it all the time. Often people form groups to help each other. Vehicle Kanwad In this type, you can use vehicles like bikes, trucks, or tractors. The Kanwad and water are carried on the vehicle. This is easier for those who cannot walk long distances. I found it inspiring how people choose the type of Kanwad according to their strength and faith. How You Can Be a Part of Kanwad Yatra If you want to join Kanwad Yatra, it is not difficult. I will tell you how: First, plan where you want to collect the Ganga water. Most people go to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gangotri, or Gaumukh. You can join a group or go alone. There are many shivirs (camps) on the way. These camps give free food, water, and a place to rest. Decide how you want to travel. Do you want to walk? Or do you want to use a vehicle? Both ways are okay. Finally, offer the Ganga water at a Shiva temple in your area. It could be a small temple or a big one like the one in Baidyanath or Kashi. What You Should Carry Before you start the journey, pack these things: Kanwad (the bamboo pole) Water pots (steel or copper) Comfortable clothes and shoes A cap, sunglasses, and raincoat (because of sun or rain) Snacks, glucose, and water bottles First-aid kit Torch for night walk Rest and Facilities During the Yatra One thing I like about Kanwad Yatra is how people help each other. You will find many shivirs along the route. These camps are set up by volunteers. They give you free food, tea, and water. Some even offer beds or mats to rest. Medical help is also available at these camps. If you choose the Vehicle Kanwad, it becomes easier. But always follow the rules and drive safely. summing up Kanwad Yatra is a journey of faith, strength, and unity. When I see Kanwariyas on the road, I feel a sense of respect for them. If you plan to join the yatra, prepare well. Decide your route, pack smart, and respect the traditions. Most important — enjoy the journey and feel the blessings of Lord Shiva. Bum Bhole!

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