An Ancient Shiva Cave Temple by the Alaknanda River, 3 km from Rudraprayag
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient and revered cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated 3 km from Rudraprayag on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The temple is built inside a natural limestone cave, and the main shrine houses a naturally formed Shiva Lingam along with numerous other natural stone formations that are worshipped as various deities.
The temple has immense mythological significance — it is believed that Lord Shiva rested here while travelling to Kedarnath. The location — a cave by the roaring Alaknanda River, with towering rocky cliffs — is dramatic and spiritually powerful. The temple is easily accessible from Rudraprayag town and is a must-visit for pilgrims and nature lovers heading to Kedarnath.
Year-round. Best May–June and September–November during Kedarnath pilgrimage season. Monsoon makes the river dramatic but approach can be slippery.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (140 km). Taxi to Rudraprayag, then 3 km.
Bus to Rudraprayag, then local auto to Koteshwar (3 km).
143 km from Rishikesh (4.5 hrs). 3 km from Rudraprayag town by local auto/taxi.