Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers (Uttarakhand) History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
Uttar Kashi District, Tehri District
Uttarakhand
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers (Uttarakhand)
Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers (Uttarakhand)
The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers are two primary headstreams of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand. They converge at Devprayag to form the Ganges, India”s holiest river. The Alaknanda flows through Badrinath, while the Bhagirathi originates from the Gaumukh Glacier near Gangotri.
The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers are two of the principal headstreams of the Ganges River (Ganga), which is one of the most sacred and important rivers in India. Their convergence marks the mythological and geographical beginnings of the Ganga.
Geographical Overview:
- Bhagirathi River:
- Origin: Gaumukh, at the foot of the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
- Length: ~205 km
- Flows through: Gangotri, Harsil, Uttarkashi, Tehri.
- Alaknanda River:
- Origin: Satopanth Glacier, near Badrinath in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
- Length: ~190 km
- Flows through: Badrinath, Joshimath, Rudraprayag.
- Confluence: At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge to form the Ganga River.
Mythological Significance:
Bhagirathi:
- Named after King Bhagiratha, a legendary figure in Hindu mythology.
- According to the Puranas and the Ramayana, Bhagiratha performed severe penance to bring the Ganga down from the heavens to Earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors and liberate their souls.
- Lord Shiva caught the torrential Ganga in his matted hair to prevent her from flooding the Earth and then gently released her as the Bhagirathi River.
- Due to this legend, Bhagirathi is often considered the true source of the Ganga in religious terms.
Alaknanda:
- Associated with several myths, often considered a sister stream of the Bhagirathi.
- Passes through many pilgrimage sites including Badrinath, a major stop on the Char Dham yatra.
- Several tributaries join Alaknanda at the Panch Prayag (five sacred confluences): Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and finally Devprayag.
Hydrological vs. Mythological Source:
- Scientific Perspective: Alaknanda is longer and carries more water than Bhagirathi, making it the hydrological source of the Ganga.
- Religious Perspective: Bhagirathi is considered the spiritual source, due to the Bhagiratha legend.
Cultural Importance:
- Both rivers are central to Hindu pilgrimage, especially in Uttarakhand, often called Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods).
- The route of these rivers is dotted with temples, ghats, and spiritual sites.
- Their confluence at Devprayag is a deeply sacred location for Hindus.
Nearest Attractions
- Devprayag: The confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
- Gangotri Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, source of the Bhagirathi.
- Badrinath Temple: A major Char Dham pilgrimage site on the Alaknanda”s banks.
- Rudraprayag: Another confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
- Kedarnath: Accessible from Gaurikund on the Mandakini”s banks.
Things to Do at Rudraprayg
- Temple Visits: Explore Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath temples.
- River Confluence Sightseeing: Visit the Panch Prayag (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, and Vishnuprayag).
- Attend Evening Aarti: At Devprayag and Gangotri ghats.
- Spiritual Meditation: Riverside spots offer serene environments for meditation and yoga.
Adventures at Rudrapryag
- River Rafting: Bhagirathi and Alaknanda offer thrilling rafting experiences (especially between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh).
- Trekking: Routes to Gaumukh Glacier, Valley of Flowers, and Kedarnath.
- Camping: Along the riverbanks near Rishikesh and Devprayag.
- Wildlife Exploration: Visit Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Budget
- Average Daily Budget: ?1,500–?3,000 (budget accommodations, food, local transport).
- Luxury Budget: ?5,000–?10,000 (luxury stays, guided tours, adventure packages).
Hidden Gems
- Gaumukh Glacier: The stunning origin point of the Bhagirathi River.
- Mana Village: The last Indian village near the Tibetan border.
- Chopta: Known as the Mini Switzerland of India and a gateway to the Tungnath Temple.
Photography Spots at rudraprayag
- Devprayag Sangam: The dramatic confluence of the rivers.
- Gaumukh Glacier: Stunning natural beauty at 4,000 meters altitude.
- Badrinath and Gangotri Temples: Capture the ancient architecture with mountain backdrops.
Famous Food and Restaurants
Vegetarian
- Chotiwala Restaurant (Rishikesh): Famous for traditional North Indian thalis.
- Anand Bhavan (Badrinath): Offers pure vegetarian meals.
Non-Vegetarian
- Non-vegetarian options are limited in pilgrimage areas but available in Dehradun and Rishikesh. Try mutton curry in Dehradun.
Vegan Options
- Pure Soul Café (Rishikesh): Vegan-friendly, organic food.
- Little Buddha Café: Offers vegan snacks and meals with river views.
How to Reach at Rudraprayag
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (240 km from Gangotri).
- By Rail: Nearest stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- By Road: Accessible via NH58; well-connected buses to Badrinath and Gangotri.
Hotels nearby Rudraprayag
Luxury
- The Aloha on the Ganges (Rishikesh): Riverside luxury resort.
- Sarovar Portico, Badrinath: Premium stay with modern amenities.
Affordable
- GMVN Guest Houses: Budget-friendly, located near key sites like Badrinath and Gangotri.
- Hotel Devlok (Devprayag): Comfortable and affordable.
Facilities
- ATM: Available in Devprayag, Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Gangotri.
- Medical: Small health centers in Badrinath and Gangotri; main hospitals in Rishikesh and Dehradun.
- Parking: Designated parking areas at all major sites; limited near temples.
People also ask
1. Where do Alaknanda and Bhagirathi join together?
They meet at Devprayag in Uttarakhand. This confluence is considered the origin of the Ganga River.
2. What is the difference between Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River?
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Bhagirathi originates from the Gaumukh glacier (Gangotri Glacier) and is more prominent mythologically.
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Alaknanda originates from Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath and is hydrologically considered the main stream due to its length and water volume.
3. Which river is in Kedarnath?
The Mandakini River flows through Kedarnath. It is a tributary of the Alaknanda River.
4. Where is three river meet in India?
The most famous Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers) is in Prayagraj (Allahabad), where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati meet.
5. Distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
The distance is about 240–250 km by road. The last 18 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a trek.
6. Rudraprayag nearest hill station?
Nearest hill stations:
7. Rudraprayag is famous for?
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The confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
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Temples like Rudranath Temple and Koteshwar Mahadev.
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Mythological significance and natural beauty.
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Known from the story of the Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag hunted by Jim Corbett.
8. Which two rivers meet at Kedarnath?
Technically, the Mandakini River is the main river in Kedarnath. It later merges with the Alaknanda River at Rudraprayag.
9. Which two rivers meet at Ganga?
At Devprayag, Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge to form the Ganga River.
10. Which is the longest river in India?
The Ganga River is the longest river in India (about 2,525 km in total length).
11. How to visit Rudraprayag?
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By Road: Easily accessible via NH 7 from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
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By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh or Haridwar.
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By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) (~160 km away).
From there, taxis or buses are available to Rudraprayag.
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