Reckoned as one of the gems of Alaknanda River, Vishnuprayag is tucked at an elevation of 1372 meters above the sea level. This comes first among the Panch Prayag or the five holy confluences of Alaknanda River and the other in the list are Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Devprayag, and Nandaprayag. It is the confluence of Alaknanda River with the Dhauliganga River and is a popular pilgrimage in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in front of the sage Narada at this place after getting pleased with his devotion and blessed Narada and this is how the place got its name. There is another shrine located near to this Prayag and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sacred shrine is believed to be constructed in the 19th century by Ahilyabai who was the Maharani of Indore.
The flow of water in Vishnuprayag is so strong that it is not allowed to anyone to take a dip in this holy confluence. The entire area is studded with greenery, whimsical river, rolling mountains, and makes it a perfect place for nature lovers.
Religious Significance
Seated at an elevation of 1372 meters above the sea level, Vishnuprayag is the confluence point of two sacred Hindu rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. According to Hindu beliefs and mythology, Vishnuprayag is the only place where sage Narada performed a deep penance to please Lord Vishnu in order to seek his forgiveness and blessings. Lord Vishnu after getting pleased with his serious atonement and deep devotion for him and on the remembrance of this incident a temple has been constructed which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Walking down through the staircase of this Vishnu Temple will lead you towards the holy water body were taking a dip is considered highly sacred and is also known to be a wish-granting place.
Things to Do In Vishnuprayag
- Take out your few hours and visit the longest ropeway in Auli and also witness its surreal scenic vista.
- If time permits you then you can also go to visit Chopta which is the other scenic splendor within reach from this religious place (at a distance of 117 km away from the destination).
- One can also explore the hydroelectric power project site in Vishnuprayag and also visit the placid Kagbhusandi Lake nestled beautifully in the region.
Top Places to Visit in and Around Vishnuprayag
Badrinath Temple
Seated beautifully at an elevation of 3133 meters above the sea level, Badrinath Dham is the preeminent destination of Lord Vishnu worshippers. One of the most important pilgrimages of the divine Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. A number of legends and interesting stories are behind the origin of this Dham where each adding more glory to this spiritual place. Snow-clad mountain peaks, enchanting Alaknanda River, and its picturesque landscapes are the other key elements to appeal tourists towards the Dham.
Auli
A global skiing destination which is located at an elevation of almost 3000 meters above the sea level and is popular as an ideal place for a winter vacation in Uttarakhand. This beautiful hill town welcomes its tourists with awe-inspiring scenic beauties studded with imposing mountain peaks, snow-clad mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush green meadows.
Joshimath
Reckoned as winter abode of Lord Vishnu, Joshimath is a very revered place in Uttarakhand. It is among one of the four maths which were constructed by the great Hindu philosopher Guru Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The sacred Kalpavriksha which is around 1200 years old is also present at this place and is the major attraction of this spiritual place. Also popular for trekking, mountain climbing expeditions, and also for a number of ancient temples like Narasimha Temple, Gaurishankar Temple, etc.
Valley of Flowers
Spread over an area of 87 sq. km. Valley of Flowers is known for its high altitude location and for a wide variety of flora and fauna. One needs to cover a trekking distance of almost 17 km which commences from the Ghangaria Village and diverted by the route to Hemkund Sahib which is another tourist site dedicated to Sikhism. This high-altitude national park had been declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
How To Reach Vishnuprayag?
It is quite easy and convenient to reach the destination due to its close location to Joshimath which is well connected with the other major cities in the state. However, if you wish to make your journey more convenient and easy then you can either cover the partial journey by flight or by rail but be aware that you cannot cover the entire journey by these easy modes. You will have to cover the rest of the journey via roadways only.
By Air – The nearest airport to Vishnuprayag is situated at a distance of around 279 km away from the destination. From Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, you can either hit the roads by hiring a cab or taxi for your further journey to the destination.
By Rail – Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Vishnuprayag and is located around 288 km from the destination or you can also deboard at Dehradun Railway Station which is also located near to the destination. From these railway stations, one can opt for a taxi or a cab.
By Road – Vishnuprayag is well connected with other major cities of the state including Haridwar which is approx. 287 km away from the confluence Point of Alaknanda River. From ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi one can take a bus to reach Haridwar. Then for the further journey, you can take the local transports of the state.
Best Time To Visit Vishnuprayag
Although the destination can be travelled and explored throughout the year yet the most ideal and recommended time to visit Vishnuprayag is the summer and the winter season. Monsoon is very less preferred as transportation suffers due to heavy rainfall in the region.
Summer Season
The entire summer season (April- June), Vishnuprayag witnesses pleasant and favourable weather and the temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. This is why the entire valley and the region are heavily crowded with a large number of tourists coming from all around the world during the summer months.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon is the least ideal time to plan your Vishnuprayag visit as the region receives scanty rainfall and makes the transportation challenging and very difficult. The region becomes prone to landslides and road blockages which are quite often in hilly areas. So, it is highly recommended to you check the weather forecast before planning your Vishnuprayag excursion.
Winter Season
Winter months which start from October and continue till March are also considered as the ideal time to plan your visit. The temperature drops down to zero or sometimes even touch the sub-zero level. If you are preferring winter months then do carry enough woollen clothes to stay warm in that monkey brass weather.
Accommodation in Vishnuprayag
Being a small town, Vishnuprayag houses a very few accommodation options and this is why if you are in search of a good accommodation then Joshimath is the best option to find an accommodation as it is home to a number of hotels ranging from 5-star hotels to 1-star hotel. The Tattva Resort, Panchvati Inn, Hotel Mount View, Dream Mountain Resort are some of the most occupied hotels in Vishnuprayag.
NOTE: If you are visiting the destination during the peak season of Char Dham Yatra then be sure to book your hotel prior the journey and do not wait to book it online or else you will have to face the problem. So, be wise and stand first in the queue.
Food in Vishnuprayag
If you are a restaurant person and prefer only eating in a restaurant then you will have to manage here as the destination is not known for accommodation and restaurants and you will have to satisfy only with the Dhabas foods whose quality is quite suspicious.
Shopping
Vishnuprayag is famous and visited by the tourists for taking bath in the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga Rivers. It is not a place to shop as you can’t find a big market here you can only shop at the local small shops and get a different joy apart from religious joy.
Travel Tips
Do not play with the sentiments of the religious environment and maintain the discipline by not consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food. Doing this shows a disrespectful attitude of yours.
The place is known for its cleanliness so give your helping hands to maintain its cleanliness and do not litter. Even if you see someone doing this to stop him/her as this shows your civic sense.
We agree that you want fun on the trip but do not be so negligent with your safety. Do not try for any short cut as it can mislead you from the path and also hold the chains or the ropes very tightly as the water flows with a strong speed.