It takes around an hour to take bath in all the 22 wells. The modus operandi is simple. There is a person standing by the side of the well ready to pour water on you with a small bucket. Some of the pilgrims make a small donation at each of the wells. We preferred to have holy water sprinkled over us and move to the next well.Despite the fact that thousands of pilgrims are visiting the temple every day and having a bath at these theerthams, it is believed that the tanks around the temple have a perennial source of water.
Having finished the ritual of purifying ourselves at the holy wells, we once again passed through the magnificent corridors, passed by the Nandi and reached the exit gate. I do not know if my sins were washed away, but one thing is certain that the experience of visiting the temple will remain etched in my memory all through my life.
It was around 6.30 in the evening. Still in a trance, I reached the hotel room, ordered a steaming hot cup of tea and thereafter met Rajah, the cabbie whom we had hired for taking us to Kaniyakumari, the southernmost tip of the country, where Swami Vivekanana meditated before proceeding for America and which is the confluence of two great seas – Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea and the great Indian Ocean, about which I would write in my forthcoming post.
Dear Aditya,
Pictures are very charming and beautiful. What does astroaditya mean??
Thanks.
Thanks Mukesh :)
Astro is an adjective that i have put to my name because of my interest in astronomy. Also, Astro means all the celestial bodies combined and Aditya- Sun is one of them. :)
Splendid.
And very very useful for a fellow traveler who is planing to make a visit. Glad that you posted it.
Thanks Nandan :)
@astroaditya… Great write up.
I have gone through all parts of the series. Pics are just awesome enough to explain everything about your traveling experience. Just loved the pics of valley of flowers, Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath temple.
Thanks for sharing.
Shefali
Thanks Shefali :)
Great series Aditya. I went through all your posts. They are nicely written and pictures are fabulous. I have not been to VOF but may be someday. I have seen Hemkund Sahib from a helicopter :)
Thanks Roopesh :)
Awesome work.. :) i feel like i should also start writing..!!! ;)
Thanks Megha!!! :) Glad you liked them….. :)
Really lovely captures !
Thanks Manish ;)
Wow! Breathtaking pics….
Dear Astroaditya, can u tell me please how is the way to Valley of Flowers? Is it difficult to trek on it?
Thanks Naman…
The path leading to Valley of Flowers from Gobindghat is ok… You’ll encounter a couple of places and 2-3 makeshift bridges which will require caution while crossing….
Trek to Gobindghat from ghangharia on day 1 and visit valley of flowers on day 2… leave from gobindghat at 5 a.m. because as the day progresses the clouds and the mist spoils the view….
Thank you very much dear Astroaditya…
Great work Aditya….would you please guide me to plan my trip to valley of flowers from gobind dham and back to gobind ghat the same day…when should I start the trek from gobind dham to b able to reach gobind ghat well in time before dark…I m planning to visit hemkund this sept ..Thanks
Hi Rashmi,
Thanks for liking the post. The trek from Gobindghat to Gobindham (Ghangharia) is of 13 km. On foot it’ll take 7 – 8 hours to reach Gobindham. You can start your trek around 6 a.m.
My suggestion is to do this trek on day 1 and then acclimatize and rest at Gobindham.
On Day 2 – Leave for Valley of Flowers, It’s 3 kms from Gobindham but after reaching you’ll explore the area as well… so your one way trek ‘ll be around 5-6 kms…. Start early around 6 a.m. The clouds tend to cover the area as the day progresses…
I did the same in Sep 2010 and the entry charge to valley of flowers was Rs. 150 per person then and the pass was valid for 3 days….
Regards
Aditya
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One of d Best.. I read on this Site..!! Great Job!!
thanks for sharing this wonderful trip, pics and sensations, emotions.
An advise pls. if one wishes to stay longer in Gangaria, what’s the best luggage to bring?
I know that less weight means more way, but the necessary.
thanks
Prema
very informative and beautiful article. thanks for sharing all this.