Introduction
Vasudhara Falls is an unspoiled wonder located in the mountains of the Himalayas near Mana Village which is the first Indian village of India on the border of Tibet. Being enveloped in stunning natural surroundings this grand waterfall will provide tourists with a solitude, religious experiences and the ability to reconnect with nature. The Vasudhara Falls is greatly graced by water, myths, and tourism by trekking, which is near Badrinath Temple, and most of the pilgrims who are on char dham yatra or do dham yatra must visit this place to admire it’s beauty .
Read this blog to know all about Vasudhara Falls including how to reach there, trekking experience, places to visit around, best season for visiting, myths and legends about the place, travelling tips, etc., everything for your better understanding.
About Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls situated of India which is located at a height of about 12000 feet. This waterfall is water that descends from a standard height of about 400 feet or about 122 meters and the view is utterly amazing. The waterfall lies in a serene environment, surrounded by mountains that are crowned by thick snow all year round, clouds of green trees, and many people describe its environment as divine or sacred hence making it a one-stop centre for trekkers, nature lovers, and pilgrimages.
Significance: This has a great spiritual connection to the Hindu tradition making Vasudhara falls even more magical than any other feature that may be associated with the beauty of its natural occurrence.
Distance: It is about 5 km from Mana Village and about 9 km from Badrinath.
How to Reach Vasudhara Falls
To reach Vasudhara Falls is quite an interesting task as it can be accessed either by car and on foot. Here’s how you can get there:
Step 1: Reach Badrinath
By Road: Badrinath is easily accessible by road from anywhere in India but the nearby cities are Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. This route has both normal buses and private taxis in its operation.
By Train: The nearest railhead is located at Rishikesh which is 294 Km from Mana Village.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is 318 Kms away and is known as Jolly Grant Airport. From there, you have to take a taxi or a bus to Badrinath, but it is usually closed during the winter season.
Step 2: Travel to Mana Village
Mana Village, which is only 3 kilometers away from the Badrinath temple, is well connected by roads. There are two possibilities to reach the place: on foot or in a shared taxi.
Step 3: Trek to Vasudhara Falls
It is a great pleasure to reach the goal—the trek from Mana Village known as the first village of India takes about one hour, and it is only 5 km to Vasudhara Falls. The trail is intermediate, and there are many rocks. Some beautiful scenery can be viewed from the trail. Please wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry bottled water and some form of snack for the trip.
The Trekking Experience
It’s not about getting to Vasudhara Falls, it is about having fun while getting there. Here’s what you can expect:
Scenic Landscapes
It gives a chance to look at the blue sky and its invariable snow-clad peaks, including Neelkanth and Satopanth.
Part of the trek is enriched by the bubbling Saraswati River's soundtrack that follows you for quite a distance.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Compared with other numerous attractions to trek, this one is peaceful to some extent, making it ideal especially for those who like solitude.
On the way up, one can see small streams of water, beautiful flowers, and lots of birds while going on the trek.
Spiritual Vibes
If you visit this site, you experience the feeling of sacredness of the area that encompasses this archaeological park.
Mythology About Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is steeped in myths and legends that add to its allure. Here are some popular stories:
The Pious Waterfall
It is believed that the water of Vasudhara Falls can only touch the pure and virtuous sole. According to legend, if the water doesn’t spray you, it’s a sign to reflect on your actions.
Connection to the Pandavas
The falls are often linked to the Mahabharata, with tales suggesting that the Pandavas visited Vasudhara Falls on their way to heaven. The nearby Swargarohini Glacier is said to mark the route they took.
Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings
The name "Vasudhara" translates to "stream of wealth" in Sanskrit, signifying the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
Best Time to Visit Vasudhara Falls
The best time to visit Vasudhara Falls depends on the weather and your preferences:
Summer (May to June)
Ideal Weather: The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
Best for Trekking: The trail is accessible, and the natural beauty is at its peak.
Monsoon (July to September)
Lush Scenery: The valley comes alive with greenery, but landslides and slippery trails make trekking risky.
Autumn (September to October)
Clear Views: The skies are clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
Mild Weather: It’s a great time for trekking and photography.
Winter (November to April)
The region is covered in snow, making the trek inaccessible. However, Badrinath and Mana Village offer a magical winter experience.
Activities to Do Around Vasudhara Falls
While Vasudhara Falls is the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities and sights to explore nearby:
Mana Village
This captivating destination is located near Badrinath Temple, often referred to as the first Indian village before the Tibetan border. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, this village is known for the natural beauty, Tibetan culture, local cuisine, and handmade goods. This village also found its mention in the Vedas, and now it is well known as the only village where the river Saraswati can be spotted. Every year, lakhs of tourists visit this place and admire its beauty.
Badrinath Temple
Located just a 30-minute drive from Mana Village is one of the four pilgrimage sites for the Hindu religion which is collectively known as chota char dham yatra and includes visit to the temples like Yamunotri temple, Gangotri temple, Kedarnath temple and badrinath temple. Being an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Badrinarayan. The temple holds immense spiritual significance and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
Badrinath Temple is available for darshan for six months in a year, either from April or May to November as it remains closed due to snowfall in winter. People not only come here to pray but also to find the tranquility and spirituality that this place and its environment provide.
Note: Along with Badrinath Temple, plan your Kedarnath trip to experience its kedarnath trek. Manchala Mushafir provides affordable and reliable trekking options.
Saraswati River
Mana Village is the last Indian settlement before the Tibetan border and is home to the origin of the Saraswati River, a river steeped in mythology and considered sacred by Hindus. It is one of the few places where the river is visible above ground before merging with the Alaknanda River.
According to Hindu mythology, the Saraswati River is believed to flow underground for most of its course. At Mana Village, you can witness its rare surface appearance. The point of confluence where the Saraswati meets the Alaknanda is called Keshav Prayag, a sacred spot revered by pilgrims.
Satopanth Lake
Satopanth Lake is at an altitude of 4575 meters, which is an interesting trekking place for those who love treks. This is another beautiful glacial lake which is about 22 km away from Badrinath and is a tough trekking zone but is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The name of the place is derived from Sanskrit meaning Satopanth which means Path of Truth and the lake is considered sacred by Hindus. People believe that the Hindu trinity of Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, perform their penance along the shores of this lake. Emerald lake surrounded by mountain tops with snow on them.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Vasudhara Falls.
Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
Prepare for the Trek: Whenever you engage in hiking wear sturdy shoes, ensure that you have enough water to drink, and wear clothes that will allow you to remove or add as the environment warms up or cools down.
Start Early: Make good use of daylight when attempting the trek, therefore, start early in the morning.
Respect Nature: No littering and other environmentally friendly actions should be practiced to maintain the beauty of the place.
Hire a Guide: For unfamiliar terrains, it is preferred to hire a guide to avert possible risks and offer some recommendations.
Acclimatize: You should spend a day at Badrinath or Mana to have a preliminary look at the high-altitude treks.
The Beauty of Vasudhara Falls
It was a privilege to stand before the Vasudhara Falls. The towering heights and roaring waters as well as the geographical setting of the Himalayas form a sensational scene. Integrated with the color of the rainbow the water seems to move as if made of liquid silver, amidst the sunlight, the falls seem mystical.
In terms of photographers and nature lovers Vasudhara Falls is simply fascinating as it provides a very striking view of the Himalayan range. To some it is a means of exercise, a form of exercise; others see it as a space for meditation.
Conclusion
Vasudhara Falls is not just a waterfall of considerable height, but is also a beautiful place to visit, a pilgrim site, thrilling and serene. From being a hardcore trekker to a religious pilgrim or simply a villager escaping crowds and noisy city life, Vasudhara Falls is always tempting.
That’s why it’s necessary to pack up and put on trekking shoes to get to this mysterious waterfall near Mana Village. To look into the scenic beauty, calm and composed atmosphere as well the legendary tales of Vasudhara Falls.