Mana Village, Vyas Gufa and Bheem Pul
Mana, Uttarakhand
Mana is known as the last village before the Tibet border, a few kilometres from Badrinath. Pilgrims come to see the caves linked with the sage Vyasa and with Ganesha, the Bheem Pul, a natural stone bridge over the Saraswati river, and the vista of the high Himalayas. The village's small tea stalls and woollen shops make it a pleasant short visit.
What to see and do
- Walk through the village lanes and see the traditional stone houses
- Visit Vyas Gufa, the cave where tradition says Vyasa composed the Mahabharata
- See the Ganesh Gufa nearby
- Cross the Bheem Pul, the rock slab over the Saraswati river
- Have a cup of tea at the last tea stall before the border
Ideal for
- Pilgrims visiting Badrinath
- Families who want a short, easy outing
- Anyone interested in Mahabharata stories
Good to know
- It is open in daylight, generally from about morning to evening, with no entry fee reported
- It is a short drive from Badrinath, and a walk of about 1 to 2 hours covers the sights
- Carry water, a warm layer and a rain jacket; the weather can change quickly
- The mountain paths are rough, so wear good shoes
Spiritual significance
Mana is linked in tradition with the Mahabharata: the Pandavas are said to have passed through here on their last journey, and the Saraswati river appears briefly beside the village.
Why it matters
- Last village before Tibet: a rare place at the edge of India
- Vyas Gufa: the cave tradition links with Vyasa and the Mahabharata
- Bheem Pul: a legend of Bhima placing a rock bridge for Draupadi to cross