Do you ever wonder what heaven looks like? Or is there a staircase to heaven, as shown in movies? Dwarahat village literally suggests “way to heaven” in the local language.
Dwarahat, Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most pristine hill stations, where you can visit for a soul-searching experience. The beauty is so stunning that it leaves your jaw agape and renders you spellbound.
Not more than an hour away from Ranikhet, the Dwarahat district is home to approximately 55 ancient Hindu temples, making it the “Town of Temples”. They hold significance among Hindus, as they are associated with legends.
If you wish to witness the soul-stirring views of the majestic Himalayas, bathe in the hues of the sun, and find your heaven, Dwarahat in Uttarakhand is your place to be.
Why is Dwarahat special, and why should you visit?
Dwarahat, as mentioned earlier, is a beautiful hill station that many people are not aware of. Tucked away in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, it is an ancient and enchanting town located at an elevation of 1,510 metres, offering breathtaking landscapes. To answer the question, the natural beauty, 55 ancient Hindu temples, and peacefulness are the only words that describe why Dwarahat is special. Additionally, as it is a lesser-known hill station, there are no crowds, making it ideal for nature and peace seekers. Indian festivals, such as Navratri, dedicated to nine different forms of the Goddess Durga, are celebrated enthusiastically here, along with others like Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami, which we will discuss further in this blog. Though Dwarahat, Uttarakhand, is a small place in the centre of Ranikhet and Garsin, it is exactly what you need to spend days relaxing away from crowds and chaos.Uttarakhand Tour Packages
Why does Dwarahat claim to be the “Way To Heaven”?
Dwarahat translates to “way to heaven” in the region’s local language. There is a mythology behind Dwarahat. It is said that Dwarahat was the meeting point of the Ramganga and Saryu rivers. This made the Kosi River jealous and created a feud between the two rivers, telling them their counterpart wouldn’t be there for a rendezvous. As the truth unfolded, Ramganga and Saryu’s rivers cursed the Kosi River to wander alone till the end of time, while others will meet each other. That is why the Kosi River flows in the middle of nowhere, and no other stream joins it.History Behind Dwarahat
The history of this village is quite interesting. The Chand and Katyuri Kings ruled this region, and their empire extended from the hilly areas to the plains, encompassing the territory from the Satluj River in the west to the Gandak River in the east. This also included the entire area of Rohilkhand. After them, the Chand Kings of Kumaon ruled the region till the 16th century. Historical evidence, in the form of coins, has been found in Dwarahat. They suggest that a tribal community called the Kunindas was the first to settle in Dwarahat. They marked their dominance over this land from 500 BC to 600 AD and eventually declined as the Guptas rose. During the rule of the Guptas in Dwarahat and its neighbouring regions, the area flourished in art, architecture, painting, sculpture, and literature.The Ancient Dwarahat Temples
Seek blessings at the 55 ancient Hindu temples in Dwarahat on your visit. Their architectural excellence will astound you. These temples are divided into 8 groups and have great archaeological value. The architecture of these Dwarahat temples is built in the Indo-Aryan, Maru-Pratihara, and Nagara styles and is primarily made of masonry blocks of Precambrian granite, for those interested in knowing more. Also, iron clamps and dowels have been used instead of mortar to tie the adjoining blocks.The details about the Dwarahat temple history are listed below.
Badrinath Temple Dwarahat
One of the three Badrinath Group of Temples is found in Dwarahat. The main temple is located in Badrinath, one of the Chardham sites, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Badrinath. The Badrinath Temple in Dwarahat features beautiful architecture built in the Shikhara style, facing east. It has a garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and a mandapa. You can find a black stone image of Lord Vishnu in the sanctum here. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata are believed to have spent time here during their journey. It is not a massive temple and is said to have been built by the Katyuri dynasty around the 10th and 12th centuries.Bandeo Temple
Gujar Deo Temple
Kacheri Group of Temples
Maniyan Group of Temples
Mrityunjay Temple Dwarahat
Ratan Deo Temple Complex
Things to do in Dwarahat other than temple tour
Know more about the local life in Dwarahat
Discover the village life in Dwarahat, known as the “Way to Heaven”, a picturesque Kumaoni town. It has 55 exquisite temples that date back to the 11th century. You can explore the village to gain insight into the prevailing culture and traditions of this area. The people are welcoming and kind and would gladly share their stories and tales about the region.Go on nature walks amid greenery
One of the best ways to spend time in nature is to go on nature walks. Covered in lush greenery, Dwarahat and its surrounding areas offer numerous walking trails on grassy hills that you can follow, allowing the quietness of this place to soak in.Attend the local festivals for cultural insight
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How to reach Dwarahat for soul-searching?
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Best Time to Visit Dwarahat
Summer Season (March to June)
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
- Weather: Pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
- Highlights: Clear mountain views, comfortable trekking weather.
- Festivals: Syalde-Bikhauti fair in April.
Post-Monsoon Season (September to November)
- Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
- Weather: Clear skies, excellent visibility.
- Highlights: Post-rain freshness, ideal for photography.
- Advantages: Fewer crowds, better accommodation rates.
Winter Season (December to February)
- Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
- Weather: Cold with possible snowfall on surrounding peaks.
- Highlights: Snow-capped mountain views, spiritual atmosphere.
- Note: Carry warm clothing.
Monsoon Season (July to September)
- Heavy rainfall can cause landslides and roadblocks.
- Limited visibility of mountain peaks.
- Increased risk of transportation delays.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Traditional Kumaoni Dishes
- Bhatt ki Churkani: Black bean curry.
- Bal Mithai: Local sweet delicacy.
- Singodi: Dessert wrapped in malu leaves.
- Mandua Roti: Finger millet bread.
- Jhangora Kheer: Barnyard millet pudding.
Dining Options
- Ashram meal services: Simple, vegetarian, and nutritious.
- Local dhabas: Authentic North Indian and Chinese dishes.
- Homestay meals: Home-cooked Kumaoni specialities.
- Limited restaurants: Basic but satisfying food options.
Travel Tips
- Carry valid identification documents.
- Book accommodations in advance.
- Pack layers for temperature variations.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Carry cash, as there are limited ATM facilities available.
- Carry basic medications.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Follow ashram and temple guidelines.
