Mana village, just 4kms northwest of Badrinath, is located at a height of 3,219 metres. It is the habitat for semi-nomads who escaped Tibet during the Chinese occupation. Located in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, it is 24 Kms from the India China border. People have small houses with kitchen in the backyard, where they also grow their vegetables. There are many caves in this village.
Mana is laid back retreat, a very calm and quiet place near to Badrinath. Amidst the heavenly Himalayan surroundings, the place offers the needed relaxation to tired soul and body of visitors.
Mythological Importance of Mana village
Designated as ‘Tourism Village’ by Uttarakhand government, it has a lot of mythological relevance. The traces of Mahabharata is scattered across the entire village. Pandavas passed through this village on their journey to heaven. There is Bheem Pul, the famous stone bridge that was created by Bheem, across river Saraswati to help Draupadi brothers cross Saraswati River safely.
Another important attraction in the village is Ved Vyas Guha and Vyas Pothi, the place where Ved Vyas dwelled and composed the whole Mahabharata. There is Ganesh Guhawhere, where Lord Ganesha wrote Mahabharata, dictated by Veda Vyasa. The rocks in the cave looks like layers of paper.
Places to visit around Mana village
Vasudhara Falls: Pandava cross this place, after leaving Mana village. It is a beautiful place that attracts viewers and leave them spell bound. One should never miss out an opportunity to explore this place.
Lakshmivan: These are dense forests, around 4 kms from Vasudhara. Draupadi is believed to left her body here. Preceding it, there are Chakratirtha, Svararohan Mountains, etc. Besides it, there are many caves, where sadhus live mediating most of the time to seek rejuvenation. The place is inundated with unlimited natural beauty that is left unexploited.
How to Reach Mana Village?
Mana village is approximately 3 Kms from Badrinath. You can either walk the trek or hire car to travel down. So, you need to reach Badrinath first to go to Mana village.
How to reach Badrinath?
By Air: Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport, located around 314 kms from Badrinath. You can take fight from Delhi to Jolly Grant and then, can travel down to Badrinath through cars and taxis, as the two places are well connected with motorable roads.
By Rail: The nearest rail head to Badrinath is Rishikesh, around 295 Kms away on NH58. You can have trains from Delhi or other major North Indian railway station to Rishikesh and then, could take a taxi from Rishikesh to travel down to Badrinath. By Road: Badrinath is well connected by motorobale roads to all major North Indian towns, such as Rishikesh, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, etc. Hence, you could take a taxis from any of these places.