Places to visit near Pithoragarh

There are numerous scenic spots to which the prospective tourist may plan excursions like -

• Chandak, Thal Kedar, Gangolihat (77 kms) famous for its kali temple,
• Patal Bhuvneshwar (99 kms) ,
• Berinag (Tea Garden of Chaukori – 11 km away from Berinag),
• Didihat, Munsyari (base camp for traks to Milam,Ralam and Namik Glacier)
• Dharchula (base camp for Kailas Mansarover Yatra, Adi Kailash Yatra, Narayan Swami Ashram)
•  Jauljibi.

Neem Karoli Baba Temple

Known as Maharaj Ji by his several devotees around the world as his teachings were universal and simple, Neem Karoli Baba Temple is a worth visiting place in Pithoragarh which is about 37 km away from Kathgodam Railway station. The stories about him and the legacy he created among all his devotees is just unmatchable.  He taught his devotees to “love  everyone, serve everyone, remember God, and most importantly to tell the truth.” Neem Karoli Baba was Strongly connected to Lord Hanuman, the Hindu God in the form of a monkey. Maharaj-ji used to give lessons to all his devotees in a highly personalized and non-traditional way that reflected  the deep devotion of the bhakti path of the heart. Often known as the “Miracle  Baba” throughout north India, He manifested many siddhis (powers), like being in two places at once or putting devotees in samadhi (state of  God consciousness) at the touch of a finger. The ashram of Neem karoli Baba  is a sacred space for meditation,  devotional singing and satsang or spiritual discourse among aspirants as well. All members of the ashram community contribute to the sacredness of this place which is a haven of peace and spiritual  inspiration for hundreds of visitors and guests from around the world each year.

Chitai Golu Dev Temple

Regarded as God of Justice among the people of Uttarakhand, Golu Dev Temple is famous and reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper asks for it with a clear conscience. The majority of people visit this temple to seek justice on behalf of the injustice that has been done to them. It was built by the Kings of Chand Dynasty in the 12th century.  This temple is surrounded by a dense forest of mimosa and chir, situated at 9kms from Almora and about 90 km away from Kathgodam Railway station. Chitai Golu Temple has a well connected road network. Since air and rail connectivity in Uttarakhand is limited, the road network is the best alternative and quite easily available transportation option. You can self drive to Chitai Golu Temple or hire a cab/taxi to reach Chitai Golu Temple from Delhi or any other nearby cities. It is believed by the people of Uttarakhand that God asks for in proposition is a bell as is evident from the thousands of bells of all sizes from big to small are strung across the temple premises.  This is also counted as an important religious attraction on the tourist map. This temple is also  known to be one of  the most sacred temples for the people of Almora and the neighboring villages. Devotees here worship at the temple with the means of Pagri, White Cloth, and White Shawl.

Jageshwar Temple

Jageshwar Temple is the 8th Jyotirlinga among the other twelve Jyotirlinga has a great religious value, Jageshwar Shiv temple is among one of the oldest lord Shiva temples in India. Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 36 km away from Almora and around 116 Kms away from Kathgodam in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand. Jageshwar temple comprises a cluster of about 124 temples of all sizes from large temples to small stone temples, comprising from 9th to 13th century AD. Many temples of Jageshwar mandir are preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which include  temples like Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mrityunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or, a Pyramidal shrine, Surya Temple, Nau Durga, and Nava-grah Temple amongst which the oldest shrine is the ‘Mrityunjaya Temple’ and the biggest shrine is the ‘Dandeshwar Temple’. According to traditions of Uttarakhand it is said and believed that Lord Shiva once came to meditate here, and when the women of the village came to know about this, they immediately left their household chores to have his darshan and seek blessings of Lord Shiva. After this the men of the village heard of this, they all were infuriated and came along to see who is this sadhu who has captivated their woman. Seeing the commotion, Lord Shiva at that time took the form of a child, which is the reason  why he is still worshipped in his child form here.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple, which is about 90 km away from Pithoragarh, located in the village known as Bhubneshwar. This cave is almost 160 meter long and 90 feet in depth from the point of entrance. You will come across various spectacular figures of various hues and forms. This cave has a narrow tunnel which leads to a number of caves. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is built by the flow of water, as it is not just any normal  cave, rather it has got a series of caves within the caves. According to history and belief of people here, King Rituparna of the Sun dynasty discovered this cave in the era of Treta Yuga. In the Kali Yuga, Adi Shankaracharya witnessed this cave in about 1191 AD. Which was the beginning of the modern history, at Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The journey inside the cave has to be carried in brightness, holding the protective iron chains so you can walk easily. It is believed to be connected by an underground route to Mount Kailash and It is also said and believed that the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi, the heroes of the Mahabharata, moved ahead towards their final journey in the mesmerizing Himalayas after meditating here at Patal Bhuvaneshwar, in front of Lord Shiva. One can also witness the stone formations of Sheshnag which is said to be holding the earth, heaven and the underworld. This hidden pilgrimage situated at around 1350 meter above sea level is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believe it or not, almost every God that you would have ever heard of resides here at this mystifying cave. It is also said and believed by the people of the state that praying here at Patal Bhuvaneshwar is majorly equivalent to worshipping the Chota Char Dham of Uttarakhand. 

Major highlights of Patal Bhuvaneshwar

• There are two of the four entrances known as Randwar, Paapdwar, Dharamdwar, and Mokshdwar. Randwar and Paadwar were the entrances that were shut down after the death of the demon king Ravana, and the end of the Kurukshetra war. Its reference can be seen in the famous epic battle of Mahabharata.
• The mesmerising and awe-inspiring structures and wonders of this shrine, along with this you will also witness the Bhandaris or the priest family performing rituals, prevailing several generations since the time of Adi Shankracharya.
• You will observe the stone formations of Sheshnaag and many other mythical Gods which are mesmerizing and a treat to watch.
• Inside the marvelous arenas, perform meditation for spiritual enlightenment and experience divine blessing.