Quick Answer
Mana Village is a Garhwali hill village in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, about 3 km north of the Badrinath Temple at roughly 3,200 metres. Once officially called India's last village and now signposted as the "first village of India," it is famous for its Mahabharata connections — Bhim Pul, the Vyas and Ganesh caves, and the emergence of the Saraswati River. Most pilgrims visit Mana Village as a half-day add-on to their Badrinath darshan.
Overview
About Mana Village Near Badrinath
Mana Village lies on the banks of the Saraswati River in the upper Alaknanda valley, framed by snow peaks close to the Indo-Tibetan border. For decades it carried the title of the last inhabited village in India; today a bright signboard welcomes visitors to the "first village of India." Its stone-and-wood houses, wool weavers, and the famous "last tea shop of India" give travellers a genuine glimpse of high-Himalayan Garhwali life.
Because it sits just 3 km beyond Badrinath, Mana Village is the natural next stop after temple darshan. From the village, short walking trails lead to Bhim Pul, the Vyas and Ganesh caves, and onward towards Vasudhara Falls. The residents traditionally move to lower Chamoli in winter when heavy snow cuts the village off, so the visiting season closely follows the Badrinath temple calendar.
History & Legend
The Mahabharata Story Behind Mana Village
Mana Village is woven into the closing chapters of the Mahabharata. Local belief holds that the Pandavas passed through Mana on their final journey to heaven (the swargarohini), crossing the roaring Saraswati River over a giant rock slab that Bhima is said to have set down — the natural bridge now known as Bhim Pul.
The village is also linked to sage Ved Vyas, believed to have composed the Mahabharata in the Vyas Gufa, while Lord Ganesha wrote it down in the neighbouring Ganesh Gufa. These stories, passed down for generations, are what make Mana Village far more than a scenic stop — it is one of the most storied settlements in the Char Dham region.
Mana Village — Key Facts
| Location | Chamoli district, Uttarakhand |
| Distance from Badrinath | 3 km (about 15 minutes by road) |
| Altitude | Approx. 3,200 metres |
| Also Known As | First / last village of India |
| Main Attractions | Bhim Pul, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Saraswati River |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October (with Badrinath season) |
| Nearest Town | Badrinath (base), Joshimath (approx. 45 km) |
What to See
Places to Visit in & Around Mana Village
Bhim Pul
A massive natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River, tied to the Pandava legend. A short walk from the village square.
Read More →Vyas Gufa
The cave where sage Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata, its rock ceiling shaped like manuscript pages.
Read More →Ganesh Gufa
The cave where Lord Ganesha is said to have written the epic as Ved Vyas narrated it, close to Vyas Gufa.
Read More →Vasudhara Falls
A 142-metre waterfall reached by a scenic 6 km trek beyond Mana — the village is the starting point of the trail.
Read More →
Getting There
How to Reach Mana Village
From Badrinath
Just 3 km by a motorable road — about 15 minutes by cab, or a pleasant walk. Most visitors combine it with Badrinath darshan.
From Joshimath
Around 48 km via Vishnuprayag and Badrinath. Joshimath is the usual overnight halt en route to Mana Village.
From Haridwar
Approx. 315 km by road via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag and Joshimath. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railheads.
Tip: Vehicles are allowed up to the Mana Village car park; the caves, Bhim Pul and Saraswati River are a short walk beyond. Carry a light jacket — even summer mornings are cold at 3,200 m.
Travel Season
Best Time to Visit Mana Village
Mana Village is open to visitors only during the Badrinath temple season, roughly May to October. May–June brings clear skies and lingering snow on the peaks, while September–October offers crisp views and thinner crowds. During the monsoon (July–August) the drive can be affected by landslides, so it is best to check road conditions before travelling.
May – June
Pleasant days, snow on surrounding peaks, best light for photos.
July – August
Monsoon — possible landslides on the route; check road status.
Sep – Oct
Clear skies, fewer crowds, cool weather before winter closure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions — Mana Village
Where is Mana Village located?
Mana Village is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, about 3 km north of the Badrinath Temple at roughly 3,200 metres, on the banks of the Saraswati River near the Indo-Tibetan border.
Why is Mana called India's first village?
It was long known as India's last inhabited village before the Tibet border. A government signboard now re-brands it as the "first village of India," and the name has stuck with travellers.
What are the main things to see in Mana Village?
The highlights are Bhim Pul (a natural rock bridge over the Saraswati), Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa (caves linked to the Mahabharata), the Saraswati River origin, the "last tea shop of India," and the trailhead for Vasudhara Falls.
How far is Mana Village from Badrinath?
Only about 3 km — roughly a 15-minute drive or a short walk. It is usually visited on the same day as Badrinath darshan.
What is the best time to visit Mana Village?
May to October, in line with the Badrinath season. The village is snow-bound and largely vacated in winter, so it cannot be visited then.
TVI
About Tour Venture India
Details on Mana Village — distances, altitude and access — are based on our team's on-ground experience of regularly guiding travellers to Badrinath and Mana from Haridwar since 2013. For current road and weather conditions, call +91-8057146497 before your trip.
