About Nandprayag
Nandprayag is a town situated in the district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand. It lies in the confluence of Alaknanda River with Nandakini River. It is also one of the Panch Prayag of River Alaknanda. Nandprayag is famous for snow covered mountains and also for adventure sports such as skiing, trekking, climbing of rocks, sightseeing, etc. The ideal time to visit Nandprayag is between March-June as well as during October and November. Taking holy dip in Nandprayag will wash away all our sins.
A Brief History of Nandprayag
It was once the capital of Yadu Kingdom. King Nanda performed a yagna here on a stone. This stone is later made as foundation for Nand temple situated here. Thus, the town was named after this King. According to another legend, the name of the town is derived from Nanda, the Yadava king who was the foster father of Lord Shri Krishna. Lord Maha Vishnu had given a boon to Nanda and Yasoda that he would be born as his son. Unfortunately, the same boon was also given to Devaki and his husband Vasudeva. To grant both their wish, Lord Maha Vishnu was born as Lord Shri Krishna to Devaki and Vasudeva and was brought up by Nanda and Yasoda.
Geography of Nandprayag
Nandprayag is situated at 30.33oN 79.33o E and comes with an elevation of 1358 m (4,455 ft).
Climate of Nandprayag
A humid sub-tropical climate prevails in Nandprayag. January is the coolest month and May is the hottest month. June to September is the monsoon season.
Administration of Nandprayag
Nandprayag is administered by a Nagar Panchayat and is situated in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. Then city has four wards and elections for the same are conducted once in five years. The Nagar Panchayat administers over 401 houses in Nandprayag and it also provides them with basic amenities such as water, sewerage, roads, etc.
Tourism in Nandprayag
Nandprayag is not only a major pilgrimage centre but also a great tourist destination.
Nand Temple
This temple is located on the confluence of river Alaknanda as well as Nandakini. King Nanda foster father of Lord Shri Krishna performed penance on a stone and this stone is used as the foundation in this temple. This temple is highly revered by the locals.
Gopalji and Chandika Maa Temple
The temple of Gopalji is situated near the Nandprayag market. Chandika Maa temple is situated in the vicinity of Gopalji temple.
Hanuman Chatti
This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to local legend, Lord Hanuman appeared in the form of monkey with his tail spread in front of Bheema. This was to check Bheema who was very proud of his strength. But Bheema was unable to lift the tail of the monkey and later realized that it was Lord Shiva who has appeared in the form of monkey to bless him.
Chopta
It is situated 53 Kms away from Nandprayag and is popularly called as ‘Mini Switzerland’ or ‘Switzerland of India’. Of late, this place is becoming a famous tourist destination. This region is full of deodar, rhododendron and pine forests. It also has rich flora and fauna and is situated 2,680 m above the sea level. From here, the tourists can have a spectacular view of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. The highest temple of Lord Shiva which is situated at Tungnath is just 3.5 Kms away from here. The pilgrims can reach Tungnath by foot or on pony’s back.
Gopeshwar
It is the administrative headquarters of Chamoli district and is some 16 Kms away from Nandprayag. Gopeshwar is renowned for many ancient temples and for Vaitarni Kund. The town also offers excellent view of the Himalayas. All those who want to go on a trek to Rudranath should reach Saggar which is situated 5 Kms away from Gopeshwar on Gopehwar-Guptkashi Road.
Joshimath
It is one of the four math created by Adi Shankaracharya. During winter, it serves as home for Badrinath. Joshimath is situated at an altitude of 1890 m above the sea level. Joshimath is also renowned for highest cable car of Asia which connects it with Auli. In Joshimath, don’t forget to visit Kalpavriksha as well as Narsingh temple. Joshimath is situated 69 Kms from Nandprayag.
Auli
Auli is situated 80 Kms away from Nandprayag and is an ideal destination for skiing as well as paragliding in Uttarakhand. Auli also was host for South Asian winter games in the year 2010.
Badrinath
It is situated 109 Kms away from Nandprayag on NH 58. Badrinath is the famous pilgrim centre and a sacred dham established by Adi Shankaracharya in 9th century. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu and this temple is situated on the banks of River Alaknanda. Ideal time to visit this temple is from May to October and during winter this region experiences severe snowfall.
Services and Utilities in Nandprayag
Nandprayag town also comes with a few public utility services and let’s see some of them here
Banking Services in Nandprayag
Only State Bank of India has its branch in Nandprayag and the address is as follows:
State Bank of India
Nandprayag
Chamoli
Uttarakhand 246 449
Tel: 01372-261203, 261512
Website: www.sbi.co.in
Email: sbi.05447@sbi.co.in
Postal Services in Nandprayag
The address of post office in Nandprayag is:
Nandprayag Sub Post Office
Nandprayag
Chamoli
Uttarakhand 246 449
Tel: 1372-261201
How to Reach Nandprayag
Nand Prayag is well connected by roads to other cities and towns of Uttarakhand. Several UPSRTC buses and private buses operate here. Taxis could also be hired to reach Nand Prayag. The nearest railway station to Nand Prayag is Rishikesh which is some 195 Kms away. There are frequent trains available to reach Rishikesh and from there the travelers can take the bus or hire a taxi to reach Nand Prayag. Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport to Nand Prayag which is located some 214 Kms away from Nand Prayag. The airport is well connected with Delhi airport.
Quick Facts about Nandprayag
Government – Nagar Panchayat
Population as per the 2001 census- 1,433
Time zone - IST
Postal Index Number – 246 449
STD Code - +91-01372
Official Languages – Hindi