Vishnuprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of
Alaknanda River, and lies at the confluence of Alaknanda River and
Dhauliganga River on the
Joshimath-
Badrinath route, in Chamoli district in the Indian state of
Uttarakhand. According to mythology, it is the place where Sage Narada meditated, after which Lord Vishnu appeared before him. Kagbhusandi Lake, with its emerald green water, is a nearby attraction.
Best Time To Visit:
Can be visited throughout the year but best to avoid monsoon months. Due to probalities of land slides and road blockages, even though the place offers some great scenic beauty.
Path:
The Alaknanda River, which originates in the eastern slopes of glacier fields of
Chaukhamba, is joined by the Saraswathi River near
Mana (that originates on the south from the international border), and then flows in front of the
Badrinath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines. It then meets the Dhauli Ganga River, whose origin is from the Niti Pass, after traveling a distance of 25 km (15.5 mt) from its source to form the Vishnu Prayag. This stretch of the Alaknanda River is called the Vishnu Ganga. Legend narrates the worship offered by sage Narada to god Vishnu at this confluence. An octagonal shaped temple - located near the confluence - dated to 1889, is credited to Maharani of Indore - Ahalyabai. Though originally built to install a Shiva linga, it now houses a Vishnu image. A stairway from this temple leads to the Vishnu kund at the confluence, which is seen in a tranquil state.
Places Nearby:
- Vishnuprayag Hydro Electricity Project: This project is owned by Jaypee Industries and is around 12 km in length. The project is capable of producing 400MW. Mutual understanding has been done between the government and Jaypee industries regarding consumption of energy and selling it. The project is located at Hanuman Chatti near Vishnuprayag.
- Chopta: Popularly known as Mini Switzerland or the Switzerland of India. The number of tourists visiting Chopta has increased in recent years. Tungnath the highest temple of Lord Shiva is only 3.5 km away from here which should be covered on foot. Chopta is situated 117 km from Vishnuprayag.
- Hanuman Chatti: Situated few kilometers ahead of Vishnuprayag where a temple is dedicated to God Hanuman. This was the place where Hanuman and great Bheema of Mahabarata met. God Hanuman disguised as an old monkey to test the strength of Bheema.
- Kagbhushandi Lake: It is situated near Vishnuprayag and the emerald water of this pristine lake affords enchanting views. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag beside from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.
How To Reach:
- Rail: Closest railway station from Vishnuprayag is Rishikesh at a distance of 263 km (163.4 mt) away. Buses and taxis are easily available from Rishikesh to Vishnuprayag.
- Road: Vishnuprayag is at a distance of 504 km (313.2 mt) from Delhi, 263 km (163.4 mt) from Rishikesh and 283 km (175.8 mt) from Nainital. Vishnuprayag is connected by roads from major towns and cities of Uttarakhand like Karnaprayag, Srinagar, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital etc.
- Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Rishikesh situated 283 km (175.8 mt) from Vishnuprayag.
