Vasundhara falls, the 'door to heaven' in Uttarakhand

Vasundhara is a beautiful waterfall located about 10 km from Badrinath, in the northern state of Uttarakhand. To be precise, it is situated near to Mana, the last Indian village on the Tibetan border. Badrinath temple and town form one of the four 'Char Dhams' and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.

The myth

The 400-ft-high fall is considered to be a divine spot by locals. It is believed that Pandavas had passed through the Mana village, when they were on their journey to heaven. Among the Pandava brothers, it was only Yuthishtira and his companion dog had the opportunity to cross this waterfall, before ascending to heaven.

Another myth holds that the waters of this fall turn away from people who are not pure at heart.

How to reach

It's a 300 km drive from Dehradun airport to Mana village. You may drive to Rudraparayag via Rishikesh the first day and then drive to Govindghat or Badrinath the second day. Badrinath is just 32 km from Govindghat. Drive another 3kms to reach Mana Village, the last motorable point. The roads to Mana are open only when Badrinath season starts in May. The rest of the time they are snow laid and closed for the year

The trek to Vasundhara falls start right here in Mana village. You may want to trek another 7 km to get to Vasundhara falls.

What to expect

Mana is a beautiful village on the foothills of Himalayan ranges. It is blessed with the gushing waters of Saraswati river cascaded with all the army cottages. The majestic view of the point near to the 'Last Indian tea shop' is breath taking. Although the spot is not a good pick in terms of hygiene, its the last tea shop. Viewing the waterfall from Mana, it looks like a silver-coloured fall tumbling from a great height.

The other attractions in this trek are:

Bhim Pul – This is a stone bridge created by Bhima to help his wife Draupati cross the river

Cave Ghanesh – Lord Ghanesh had composed the epic Mahabharata sitting inside this cave

Cave Vyasa – This cave is know as the spot where Ved Vyasa dictated the epic Mahabharata to Lord Ghanesh

Nearby attractions

You may club this visit along with your trek to Valley of flowers or Hemkund Sahib .

Mana Pass is another motorable point situated at 18400 ft but the drive requires special permission from the army as it is snow covered all the time.

What to carry

Light rain jackets

Trekking shoes (water resistant)

Sun glasses

Trekking pole

Sun and woolen cap

Mini medical kit

Season to visit: May to September

Club it with a visit to Badrinath or Joshimath

Altitude: 12000 ft above sea level