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First Indian Village: Mana Village
Mana Village in Uttarakhand is well known as the "first village of India", located in the Chamoli district at an altitude of 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level. Travellers planning a Badrinath Trip often extend their itinerary to Mana Village to experience its ancient caves, the roaring Saraswati River, and giant Bheem Pul.
This village is just 4.3 km from Badrinath and is the only spot where the Saraswati River can be seen. It is the last settlement on the Indian side near the India-Tibet border, so it was apparently known as the "Last Village of India".
Mana Village is one of the best places to visit near Badrinath. Pilgrims love to experience the untouched beauty of the Himalayan ranges and to witness the first tea shop of India. Most devotees also enjoy strolling through the streets and experiencing Tibetan culture.
Table of Contents
- First Indian Village: Mana Village
- Where Is Mana Village Located?
- What is Mana Village Famous For?
- Mana Village History And Mythology
- How To Reach Mana Village
- Best Time to Visit Mana Village
- Mana Village Weather By Season
- Accommodation & Food Options at Mana Village
- Places To Visit In Mana Village
- Places To Visit Near Mana Village
- Travel & Safety Tips for Mana Village
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- You may like
Where Is Mana Village Located?
Mana Village is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand near Badrinath Temple and the Indo-Tibetan Border. It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati River at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and offering scenic views, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and trekkers.
Safety Tips: Mana village is situated at an high-altitude, where some travellers may face altitude-sickness, such as diziness, headache, and fatigue. To address these issue take rest in Badrinath, drink enough water, eat light food, and carry medicines.
| Detail | Information |
| Mana Village Height | 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) |
| Highlights | Saraswati River, Bheem Pul, Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa |
| Best Time | May to June and September to October |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rishikesh and Haridwar |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
| Mobile Connectivity | 4G networks are available |
What is Mana Village Famous For?
Mana village is famous for its history, sightseeing, Tibetan-culture, environment, and mythologies dedicated to different places to visit in Mana Village Uttarakhand.
Visiting Mana Village Badrinath feels like connecting with nature and cultures. A walk through the woodden houses, prayer flags, and roaring sound of the Saraswati River creates an incredible and peaceful environment, ideal for everyone. As it is the First Village of India or the Last Village of India from the Tibetan side, making it a must-visit destination.
Mana Village Uttarakhand is also known for its high-quality woollen clothes, handicrafts, and farming for growing top-quality potatoes and Kidney beans.
Interesting Facts About Mana Village Near Badrinath
- The Saraswati River is visible only in this village.
- Keshav Prayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers, is located nearby.
- The locals mainly belong to the Bhotia (Marchha and Jad) tribes and follow Tibetan culture.
- It was renamed from the “Last Village of India” to the “First Village of India” in April 2023.
- The rebranding followed PM Narendra Modi’s visit on 21st October 2022, emphasising its strategic and national importance.
- The village offers stunning Himalayan valley views and serves as the gateway to Vasudhara Falls and Satopanth Glacier treks.
- It is famous for its rare stones, kidney beans, potatoes, and medicinal herbs.
Mana Village History And Mythology
Mana Village history is deeply connected to the Mahabharata and the key mythological sites, including Bheem Pul, Vasudhara Falls, Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, and more, which tell a unique Mana Village mythology and story. Let’s discuss each site and its historical significance in detail.
Mahabharata Composition: According to the legend, the epic Mahabharata was composed by Sage Ved Vyasa at Vyas Gufa, and Lord Ganesha transcribed it at Ganesh Gufa. Both Ganesh Gufa and Vyas Gufa are located at a distance of just 220 meters in the northern part of Mana village.
The Tale of the Pandavas to Heaven: After a difficult climb of 33 km from here, there is a mountain known as Swargarohini. According to local accounts, the Pandavas took the route from Mana Village to reach heaven via Swargarohini. Although during the journey, only Yudhisthira and one dog accompanying him were alive, Draupadi and the other Pandavas died on the way. Hence, the journey to heaven started in Mana village, which is also known as the gateway to heaven.
Source: Swargarohini History of Pandavas
Key Sites in Mana Village with mythological significance
A tale behind the Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa in Mana village
In addition, the famous caves of Mana village near Badrinath, known as Ganesh gufa and Vyas gufa, are prominent among the visitors and have an amazing history behind them, which says that the saint Vedvyas wrote the epic of Mahabharata in this village.
Lord Ganesha wrote the verses of Ved Vyasa in the caves of this village. Local people claim that Maharishi Ved Vyasa created the Vedas and Puranas in the Mana Village, and consequently, these places are known as Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, respectively.
The tale behind the Blind Corner of the Saraswati River
A beautiful tributary of the mighty Alaknanda River, Saraswati has attractive views, and its tale justifies the blind corner of its boundary. A very famous tale of Lord Ganesh associated with Saraswati river is prevalent around Mana village which says, Once when Lord Ganesh was writing the verses narrating by Ved Vyas then the fast flowing river Saraswati was flowing with its full speed making noise and disturbing Lord Ganesh in writing.
Lord Ganesh asked goddess Saraswati to flow reliably keeping silence but she ignored his saying and consequently. Lord Ganesh cursed her that the river Saraswati won't be visible after a certain length and it happened so and likewise the river flows invisibly after a certain distance, although the river flows roaring around the Bheem Pul yet.
Source: Saraswati River (Uttarakhand)
The tale about the Bheem Pul
Another story associated with the Saraswati River says that Bheem, the bravest and second oldest of the Pandavas, is said to have built the Bheem Pul, a stone bridge over the Saraswati River.
When the Pandavas were passing from there, Draupadi was unable to cross the river to help her Bheem put a big rock over the river, which is now known as the Bheem Pul. The bridge stands on a single rock, so locals believe that the footprints near the stone bridge belong to the legend of Bheem.
A Folk Tale of "Curse-Free Mana"
Legend says that this village is a "village without a curse," blessed by its creator, Lord Shiva. There is a fable that says anyone who sets foot in this land will become rich overnight. A supporting story tells the story of Manik Shah. He was a businessman who was killed by a thief on his way to this village.
When Lord Shiva saw him chanting the name of Lord Shiva even after cutting off his head, he was impressed by his great regard. Therefore, Lord Shiva, the ultimate lord of mankind, put Varaha's head on his body to prolong his life and gave him a mutant that would make anyone who came to the holy village of Mana.
And this is how this beautiful place is full of interesting stories with mythological respect and flavorful views. Hence, Mana Village completes your journey to Badrinath by making you fall for it, along with inviting you again and again with its charm.
How To Reach Mana Village
To reach Mana Village from Delhi, firstly, you need to reach Badrinath (approximately 540 km from Delhi). The journey involves multi-stage travel, including by road, train, or air, and a combination of those. Here is the complete detail on the routes and transport options to reach Mana village from Delhi.
First Stage: Travel from Delhi to Badrinath by road, train, or air.
By Air and Road (Most economical)
- Fly to Dehradun from Delhi: Take a flight from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport to Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport. The flight takes about an hour to complete.
- Dehradun to Badrinath: From the Airport, you can take a private taxi or bus to reach Badrinath, which is approximately 310 km from the airport, and it takes 6-8 hours to cover.
By Train and Road (Most convenient and fastest)
- Take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh: As there is no direct train connectivity to Badrinath or Mana, Haridwar and Rishikesh railway stations are the nearest stations to Badrinath. So you can take a train to Rishikesh ( the most common stop) from Delhi.
- Continue by road to Badrinath from Haridwar/Rishikesh: From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will need to hire a private taxi or government bus operated by UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Cooperation) to reach Badrinath.
By Bus (Road Travel)
- Bus from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh: Take a bus from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
- Continue to Badrinath from Haridwar/Rishikesh: From there, take another bus or taxi to reach Badrinath.
Note: Check out our blog on "Delhi to Badrinath Complete Travel Guide 2026".
Second Stage: Badrinath to Mana Village
As we know, the village is just 4.3 km away from Badrinath. The Mana Village to Badrinath distance can be covered by a short taxi ride or a shuttle walk.
Travel Options:
- By a short taxi ride: From the Badrinath Temple, you can take a shared jeep or taxi to reach Mana village, which takes 15-20 minutes.
- By shuttle walk: The distance of 4.3 km between Badrinath and Mana Village can be covered by a 30-minute shuttle walk.
Travel Tips: Spend time in acclimatizing in Badrinath to avoid travel fatigue, continuous travel from Joshimath or Haridwar/Rishikesh to Badrinath can be exhausting, that may create difficulties in trekking or even in walking.
Best Time to Visit Mana Village
The best time to visit Mana Village is from May to June and September to October, conciding with the best time to visit Badrinath, as these months offer favourable weather conditions with clear skies and views, and trails are also accessible at this time. Avoid the monsoon and winter months, as the village experiences heavy rainfall, causing a danger of flood, landslide, road blockage and many more.
Mana village remains accessible just for 6 months in a year, both for locals and visitors. People stay only for 6 months from May to November. Due to the cold or low temperature in Mana Village, the water starts freezing here, and people have to shift to another village, which is near the town of Gopeshwar at a distance of 100 Km from Mana village.
Mana Village Weather By Season
Summer Season (April to June)
During the summer, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it the perfect time to escape from the heat of the plains.
- Temperature: Ranges from 10°C to 20°C.
- Conditions: Days are warm, but evenings and nights can be chilly. Clear weather and views make it an ideal time for cultural walks and sightseeing.
Monsoon Season (July to August)
During the monsoon, the village experiences heavy rainfalls that increase the risk of landslides and flash floods.
- Temperature: Temperature ranges from 8°C to 18°C with high humidity.
- Conditions: Travelling might be risky at this time, as the heavy rain makes the trails slippery.
Autumn Season (Sep to Oct)
Post-monsoon is another ideal time to visit Mana village, as the rain starts retreating at this time, the weather becomes pleasant again, and the landscapes become lush.
- Temperature: Typically ranges from 5 °C to 15 °C.
- Conditions: The village and trails are accessible at this time. The surrounding lush greenery and clear views are perfect for trekking and photography.
Winter Season (Nov to Mar)
Winters in Mana are harsh and extreme, with minimal temperature ranges. The village becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
- Temperature: Ranges from -5c to -10 °C.
- Conditions: The whole region is covered with snow. Harsh weather conditions with heavy snowfall make travel to this village difficult or impossible.
Accommodation & Food Options at Mana Village
Accommodation at Mana Village: There are various accommodation options in Mana Village, including Homestays, Guesthouses, and lodges.
Pro tips: The best accommodation options are available in the nearby town of Badrinath, so it is recommended that you book your stay in Badrinath.
Some convenient hotels in Mana Village are:
- Badri Resort Mana
- Buddy Hikers Stay Badrinath
- GMVN guesthouses
You can find and book these through the various travel websites, such as Goibibo and TripAdvisor.
Food option: You can find a variety of small local eateries and restaurants in Mana village near Badrinath, which serve north indian and local cuisine. Options for light snacks are also available, catering to visitors who are exploring this village.
Places To Visit In Mana Village
✓ Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa: Vyas Cave and Ganesh Cave lie in Mana village and are famous for their simplicity and calmness, along with their ancient beliefs and mythology. Both of these caves are famous and must-visit in Mana village, and the story that makes this place known for its ancient history.
- Distance: 220 meters
- Travel Time: Short walk
✓ Bheem Pul- A Rock Bridge: The enchanting views around the Bheem Pul are a lovely attraction of Mana village that makes it prominent among the visitors, and the scenic views with the ancient tales are like the cherry on the cake here.
- Distance: 1.4 km
- Travel Time: Shuttle walk
✓ Origin Point of the Saraswati River: The final flourish of the Bheem Pul is the Saraswati River. Flaunting itself, the Saraswati River beautifully flows below the Bheem Pul, attracting the attention of the visitors and making sounds with its speedy flow. That is why it is also known as a fast-flowing river.
- Distance: Under Bheem Pul
- Travel Time: Short walk
✓ First Tea Shop of India: The very first tea shop of India is located in the Mana Village, which is the first Indian Village, making it an amazing spot to witness the the taste of tea at First Indian Tea Shop before the Indo-Tibetan border. This friendly spot is ideal to connect with local, while enjoying chai and taking pictures.
- Distance: 210 meters
- Travel Time: Within the Village
Places To Visit Near Mana Village
1. Vasudhara Falls
Vasudhara Falls is located near Mana village in Uttarakhand near Badrinath Temple, and the walking distance to Vasudhara Falls is about 6 km from Bheem Pul in Mana. The water falls from an altitude of 400 ft. and seems pure white, like milk.
This route may be easy for experienced climbers, but not at all easy for beginners, as the slopes are very steep, the simplicity of this place is fatal and not at all easy to describe. So, if you want to go on another mesmerising trip, Vasudhara Falls, with its 6 km-long trail, is the best choice.
The Mighty Himalayan mountains surrounding Vasudhara Falls make the view scenic and invite several tourists throughout the year. The perfect scenery and the water in the form of crystal-clear pearls will make you love it. So let's take in the stunning views of Swargarohini along the 3-hour route.
2. Tapt Kund
Tapt Kund near Badrinath Temple where pilgrims take a dip. The spring is prominent among devotees because it is naturally hot; even at the lowest temperature, the water here remains hot throughout the year.
It is believed that once a person takes a Dip in it, that individual is free from all skin diseases for life. And this fact makes it a must-visit around Mana village. Tapt Kund is dedicated to Lord Agni and is at a distance of 5.2 km, which can be travelled in 16 minutes, near Mana.
3. Pandukeshwar
Another beautiful village near Mana village is Pandukeshwar, which also serves as the winter seat of Lord Badri and is home to Yogdhyan Badri, one among the Sapta badri temples. It is located at a distance of 26 km from Mana village and 17 km from Joshimath.
Pandukeshwar Village holds a great significance dedicated to the father of the Pandavas brothers. The village offers serene views of the Himalayan region with lush greenery, making it one of the ideal places to see.
4. Mata Murti Temple
Mata Murti Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Badrinath and attracts tourists every year. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mata Murti, another form of goddess Lakshmi known for wealth and prosperity.
According to the local legends, the beliefs about the history of this place say that at this place, Mata Murti requested Lord Vishnu and asked him to give birth to her son, and afterwards, Lord Vishnu was born in the form of Nar Narayan and completed her wish.
The temple is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, at a distance of 6.1 km from Mana Village, and can be reached by a 25-minute ride.
5. Swargarohini Path
Swargarohini Path is a famous 33 km trek from the Mana Village, which holds great significance as the mythical path that took the Pandavas to the heaven. The trek to Swargarohini Glacier requires a proper trek plan.
According to the Mahabharata, all the places on the way to Swargarohini Mountain are known by the same names. It is also common that a dog accompanied Yudhisthira to the mountain and that they both reached heaven together. Now, many devotees also believe that the way to heaven goes through this village.
Travel & Safety Tips for Mana Village
- Acclimatization: Mana village is located at a very high altitude with the potential for altitude sickness, so acclimatize properly at Badrinath.
- Packing Essentials: Pack warm clothes, bring cash, required permits, health and safety items, and other essential items, such as a Power bank, a Flashlight, and sturdy trekking boots.
- Road conditions and weather conditions: Weather in the high region is unpredictable with the possibility of sudden rain, so be prepared for it, and road conditions are also affected by the weather, so check the accessibility of the roads.
- Stay connected & stay hydrated: Inform your family or friends about your trip, stay connected with them, and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Respect local customs: Follow the local guidelines of the village and repect the culture, environments, and ensure not to bother locals.
- Book your accommodation in advance: During the peak season, the facilities are limited, it is recommended to book stays in advance.
Conclusion
Mana Village Uttarakhand is more than just a destination, it is a place where mythology, culture, history, adventure, and landscape meet. Whether you visit for spirirtual reason, trekking, or sightseeing, this border village has something for all.
The Village features many spiritual and scenic sites, such as Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Vasudhara falls, and Bhima Pul, which provide an opportunity for Trekking, Photography, and the cultural walk. Surrounded by the lovely Himalayan landscape and peaks, which offer breathtaking views.
If you plan to visit Mana village near Badrinath, this complete guide will help you plan better, while ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Mana village in Uttarakhand from the China border?
Mana Village is located just 24 to 26 kilometers away from the China border. And it is the first village of India from the China border. So it is most famous as the first village of India.
2. Why is Mana called the last village of India?
Mana Village used to considered the last village of India, while formally, the Mana Village is known as the “Last inhabited Village of India,” now it is promoted as the “First village of India,” situated on the border of India-Tibet (China). The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand declared that the village should now be known as the “First Indian Village.”
3. What is the altitude of Mana Village?
The Mana Village altitude is 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level. It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati River, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It is recommended to carry medicine to avoid altitude sickness.
4. Can you visit Mana in Winter?
No, generally the village becomes inaccessible, as during the winters the village experiences extremely harsh weather conditions with the possibility of snow. Snowfall is making this region inaccessible. Both Badrinath and the village closed at this time. The best time to visit Mana is from May to October, as the roads are open and the weather is pleasant at this time.
5. How far is Mana from Badrinath?
The distance from Badrinath to Mana Village is just 4.3 km. It can be covered by a short drive by taxi, which takes 15 minutes, or on foot. Many travellers opt to walk from Badrinath to Mana, as it is considered easy and offers scenic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
6. What is the mystery of Mana village?
The key mystery of Mana Village is the composition of the epic Mahabharata by Sage Ved Vyasa and written by Lord Ganesha, along with the deafiningly Saraswati river, and the legendary natural stone bridge, Bheem Pul.
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