Uttaranchal Pilgrimage and Char Dham Yatra

Many a hindu temple in the garhwal himalayas of Uttaranchal have become the centre-piece of holiday packages and travel packages in North India. The prominent pilgrimage itinerary is that of the char dham yatra. The holiest pilgrimage for the devout hindu in India is to the four sacred spots (char dham): Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Undertaking this pilgrimage (yatra) and performing pooja (offering prayers) is believed to be an active cleansing process to wash away mortal sins and to provide release from the relentless cycle of birth and death. In addition, the holy shrine of the Sikhs – Hemkund Sahib (Hemkunt Saheb) – is also in the same direction. Pilgrims proceeding for pooja and darshan at these four holy shrines have to travel by road beyond Rishikesh. Negotiating the mountain road (maintained by the Border Roads Organization) will take you to the gateway town for this pilgrimage: Srinagar.

Srinagar is an ideal stopover where pilgrims going to and / or returning from Badrinath, Kedarnath and Hemkund Saheb will often halt for the night. Ivy Top plays host to pilgrims of all shades and pursuasion. The IvyTop premises overlook the Alaknanda River giving you a grand view of the meandering river. Many a pilgrim on this route has come to stay at IvyTop for a night and ended up staying longer because of the sheer beauty on display; both floral and geographical and, not to forget, the amazing hospitality. But, of course, don’t take our word for it! If you are going on this pilgrimage or plan to do so come hither to Ivy Top for a rejuvenating experience both before and after accomplishing your pooja and darshan at the temples.