Being a travel obsessed girl, I constantly, every now and then feel the need to feed my soul with interesting and pocket friendly travels. Last year, my random escapades took me to one of the highest Shiva temples in the world! How sick! Tunganath, located in Prayagraj, Uttarakhand is not only the most majestic places, but it also holds an intriguing historical past. It is the highest among the ‘panch kedars’ and is related to the ‘pandavas’, the heroes of Mahabharat.
History behind Tunganath
The Pandavas went in search of Shiva who was avoiding them since he was convinced of the guilt of Pandavas. In order to keep away from them, Shiva took the form of a bull and went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi, where Pandavas chased him. Later, Shiva’s body in the form of bull’s body parts rematerialized at five different locations that represent the “Panch Kedar”.
The minty fresh air and the breath-taking views of the adjacent Chandrashilla peak is to die for! This beauty also allows the travellers the honour of trekking till the summit that is the Tunganath temple and for those adventure seekers, there’s a route to the peak of Chandrashilla right from the temple. People did not travel there in summers, in June so I didn’t feel the need to take up winter gears. One might need to keep a little warm jacket as throughout the day it is scorching but at night when the temperature drops, one might feel the need to wear one.
Effect of corona pandemic on tourism– aware earth
Prerequisite Knowledge
My recommendation to all the travellers out there: camping is the best idea in a place like this! The serene sky and the beauty of the stars, with mellow bonfire and ghostly talks with buddies can best be experienced that ways.
As responsible travellers, you must carry these:
- Water bottle
- Insect repellents
- Glucose
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Insect Repellent
- All necessary Medications
- Motion sickness pills
- Toilet Rolls
Trekking sticks are readily available at the base of the trek, and the camps are semi-permanent with attached bathrooms. Availability of hot water is totally dependant on the group hosting you at the camps and the lunch while trekking is the delicious parathas served a mile before reaching the temple and let’s not forget the irresistible ‘pahadi maggi’, and the ‘kulhad chai’!
The best time to travel here according to me is in June, as it is neither rainy, nor very cold. This allows you to experience, hands down the best view of the night sky. But of course, for all the chionophiles (people who love snow) out there, you are free to go here in November, when the snow is covering all tracks and the place turns into a white bliss!