Rudraprayag Sangam
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Rudraprayag is the confluence where the Alaknanda and the Mandakini meet, and the town is the junction where the roads to Kedarnath and Badrinath divide. A short flight of steps leads down to the sangam, where the two rivers join in a loud rush of water. The place is named after Rudra, a name of Shiva, and tradition links it with the sage Narada.
What to see and do
- Walk down to the sangam and watch the two rivers meet
- Offer a prayer at the small temples by the water
- Take a break from the long drive and have tea at the viewpoint
- See the Mandakini valley from the bridge
Ideal for
- Pilgrims travelling between Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Travellers who like river confluences
- Anyone needing a calm break on a long drive
Good to know
- It is a short stop of about 30 minutes
- The steps are steep and can be wet, so wear shoes with a good grip
- Do not bathe if the rivers are high or fast
- Dress modestly at the temples
Spiritual significance
Rudraprayag is one of the five sacred confluences (Panch Prayag) of the Alaknanda, and the road junction here is where the Kedarnath and Badrinath routes divide.
Why it matters
- Panch Prayag: one of the five sacred confluences
- A meeting of two rivers: the clear Alaknanda and the Mandakini
- The crossroads of the yatra: where the road to Kedarnath meets the road to Badrinath