Mana Village

🌄 Mana Village – India’s First Village

On the holy land of Uttarakhand, in the lap of the Himalayas, Mana Village is a place where you feel peace as soon as you arrive. This village is located in Chamoli district and is about 3–4 km from Badrinath Dham. Situated at an altitude of around 3,200 meters, Mana is now known as “India’s First Village.”
Earlier it was called the last village of India, but now it is considered the first village on India’s northern border.

Mana Village is famous not only for its location, but also for its mythological stories, spiritual environment, natural beauty, and simple lifestyle. It is very special for both Char Dham pilgrims and travelers who are looking for peace.

🏔️ Geographical Introduction of Mana Village

Mana Village is located very close to the India–Tibet border. It lies near the confluence area of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. The air here is very clean and cold. Most of the time, the sky looks clear and blue.

Surrounded by mountains, this small village gives a deep feeling of calm and relaxation.

Mana is also considered the last motorable point on National Highway NH-7. Beyond this, there is no road, which makes this place even more special.

🕉️ Mythological Importance of Mana Village

When we talk about Mana Village, the story of the Mahabharata comes to mind first. It is believed that Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata here.

✍️ Vyas Gufa (Vyas Cave)

This cave is one of the most famous places in Mana Village. It is believed that Ved Vyas dictated the Mahabharata while sitting here. Inside the cave, you can still see a small temple and stone structures that look like writings. Sitting here for meditation gives deep peace to the mind.

🐘 Ganesh Gufa (Ganesh Cave)

Located near Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa is also very important. It is believed that Lord Ganesh wrote the Mahabharata here. The cave is small but very peaceful and sacred.

🌉 Bhim Pul – Symbol of Faith and Strength

Bhim Pul is a unique place in Mana Village. It is a huge rock placed over the fast-flowing Saraswati River. According to belief, when the Pandavas were on their final journey and Draupadi could not cross the river, Bhim placed this massive stone to make a bridge.

Even today, when you stand on Bhim Pul and see the powerful river below, you can feel the strength of this legend.

🌊 Origin of the Saraswati River

The Saraswati River is considered very sacred in the Vedas. It is believed that the river mostly flows underground. But near Mana Village, close to Bhim Pul, the Saraswati River can be seen flowing openly. The water comes out forcefully from rocks, creating a powerful sound and a unique experience.

This place is very sacred for devotees.

🏞️ Vasudhara Waterfall

Vasudhara Falls is located about 6 km from Mana Village. To reach here, you need to do a moderate-level trek. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their journey to heaven.

There is also a belief that only pure-hearted people feel the water drops of Vasudhara. Whether you believe this or not, the beauty of this place will surely impress you.

🛕 Mata Murti Temple

On the way to Mana Village, about 4 km before Badrinath, lies the Mata Murti Temple. This temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Vishnu. Every year, the Mata Murti Mela is organized here, attended by thousands of devotees. The atmosphere of the temple is very calm and spiritual.

🧵 Local Culture of Mana Village

Mana Village is mainly home to the Bhotia tribe. The people here are very hardworking and simple. Houses are made of stone, which helps protect from extreme cold.

🧶 What Do Local People Do?

• Make woollen clothes like caps, socks, and sweaters
• Sell handmade handicrafts
• Local potatoes and rajma (kidney beans) are very famous
• Eat simple vegetarian food cooked on wood fire
• People live simply but are very kind at heart

☕ India’s First Tea Shop

Mana Village has a small tea shop known as “India’s First Tea Shop.” Drinking hot tea here is a special experience. Tourists take photos and enjoy talking with local people.

🚶 Trekking and Adventure

Mana Village is a paradise for trekking lovers.

• 🌄 Swargarohini Route – Path of the Pandavas to heaven
• 🏞️ Satopanth Tal – Sacred lake around 25 km away
• 🌿 Green mountains and beautiful views all around

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Mana Village

• ✅ May to October – Clear weather, best for travel
• ❌ November to April – Heavy snowfall, roads closed

Even in summer, it is cold here, so carry warm clothes.

🚕 How to Reach Mana Village?

Mana Village is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, about 3–4 km from Badrinath Dham. It is the last road-connected village near the India–Tibet border.

🚗 By Road

Mana Village is well connected by road.

Badrinath → Mana Village

• Distance: 3–4 km
• By taxi: 10–15 minutes
• On foot: 30–40 minutes (easy and scenic)

Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun → Joshimath → Badrinath → Mana

📌 Important Note
Roads to Mana Village remain open only from May to October/November.

🚆 By Train

There is no direct railway station in Mana Village.

Nearest railway stations:

• Rishikesh – 310 km
• Haridwar – 320 km

From there, travel by bus or taxi via Badrinath.

✈️ By Air

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

• Distance: 310 km

From the airport, travel to Joshimath or Badrinath, then take a taxi to Mana Village.

🧭 Important Travel Tips

• Walk slowly due to high altitude
• Weather changes suddenly – carry warm clothes
• Landslides may occur in July–August
• Village remains closed in winter

✅ In Short

• Mana Village is very close to Badrinath
• Road travel is the easiest option
• Best time: May to October
• Visiting Mana makes your Badrinath trip more special

🧳 Essential Travel Suggestions

• Stay in Badrinath is better
• No ATM in Mana – carry cash
• Mobile network may be weak
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Take permission before clicking photos
• Keep the place clean

🏨 Stay Options Near Mana Village

🏕️ 1. Hotels/Lodges in Badrinath

Most travelers stay in Badrinath as Mana has limited hotels.

Benefits

• Very close to Mana
• Better rooms and facilities

Best for: Families, elderly travelers, comfort seekers

🏡 2. Guest Houses in Mana Village

Small lodges and guest houses with a homely feel.

Benefits

• Village experience
• Peaceful environment

Best for: Nature lovers, budget travelers, trekkers

🏕️ 3. Camping Options

Available on some trekking routes.

Benefits

• Stay under open sky
• Adventure experience

⚠️ Guide or trek team is recommended.

🪔 4. Dharamshala / Ashram Stay

Simple and spiritual stay options.

Benefits

• Low cost
• Spiritual environment

🛏️ 5. Trek Base Camps

Used by trekkers heading to Vasudhara or Satopanth.

Benefits

• Easy trek start
• Basic but useful facilities

🎒 Overall Stay Suggestion

• Badrinath Hotels: Comfortable, medium–high budget
• Mana Guest Houses: Simple, low–medium budget
• Camping: Adventure, low budget
• Dharamshala/Ashram: Very simple, minimum cost
• Base Camps: Trek-focused, low budget

Mana Village is simple, peaceful, and spiritually powerful. A visit here truly touches the heart.

🍽️ Complete Food & Eating Guide in Mana Village

The experience of visiting Mana Village is not limited to mountains, snow, and ancient holy places. The simple, pure, and mountain-style food here also makes your trip memorable.
Food facilities in Mana are not very modern, but whatever you get is healthy, fresh, and gives comfort to both body and mind.

🥘 Food Style of Mana Village

Eating in Mana Village means:

• 👉 Simple, home-like food
• 👉 Less spices, more natural taste
• 👉 Pure food made from local ingredients

Most of the food is cooked on a wood fire, which gives a special aroma and taste.

🍛 What Food Is Available in Mana Village?

🫘 1. Local Rajma and Potatoes

Rajma (kidney beans) of Mana Village is very famous. It is:

• Small in size
• Cooks quickly
• Light in taste and nutritious

It is usually served with plain rice or roti.
The local mountain potatoes are also considered very tasty.

🍚 2. Simple Vegetarian Thali

At most places, you will get a simple vegetarian thali, which may include:

• Dal
• Sabzi (vegetable)
• Rice
• Roti
• Sometimes salad

⚠️ Important Note:

Onion and garlic are used very little or not used at all, because this area is considered religious.

🫓 3. Roti-Sabzi and Dal-Rice

If you do not want heavy food, then:

• Hot roti
• Simple vegetable
• Dal and rice

These are the safest and best options for the stomach, especially at high altitude.

🥔 4. Local Vegetables

Most vegetables here are grown in local farms, such as:

• Potatoes
• Green leafy vegetables
• Seasonal vegetables

They have very less chemicals, so the taste feels natural.

☕ Tea – A Special Experience in Mana

Hot tea in the cold weather of Mana Village feels very special. You may get:

• Ginger tea
• Simple milk tea
• Sometimes herbal tea

👉 Drinking tea in Mana is not just about tea, it is an experience.
Tourists stop, enjoy tea, talk, and admire the mountains.

🍜 Is Fast Food Available Here?

❌ No. In Mana Village, you will not find:

• Pizza
• Burger
• Chinese food
• Big restaurants

✔️ And this is the beauty of the place.
Mana is considered very good for detox travel.

🥛 Drinking Water and Beverages

• Boiled water is available at some places
• Bottled water is available in limited quantity
• It is better to carry your own water bottle

⚠️ Avoid drinking water directly from the river.

🕰️ Food Timing and Availability

• Morning: Light breakfast and tea
• Afternoon: Simple lunch
• Evening: Tea and light snacks
• Night: Early dinner (due to cold and limited resources)

Late-night food is usually not available.

🎒 Important Food-Related Travel Tips

• ✔️ Avoid very spicy and heavy food
• ✔️ Digestion becomes slow at high altitude
• ✔️ Eat light food on the first day
• ✔️ If your stomach is sensitive, carry biscuits or dry snacks
• ✔️ Completely avoid alcohol and intoxication

🌿 Pure, Simple, and Balanced Food

Food in Mana Village teaches us that:

Even simple food can give satisfaction and taste.

The food keeps the body warm, calms the mind, and makes the journey easier.

🙏 Final Words

Do not expect city-style food in Mana Village.
Whatever you get here will be:

• Pure
• Fresh
• Made with care and love

If you are ready to accept simplicity, you will surely like the food of Mana.

🍽️ Food in Mana is more than taste – it is a feeling.

❓ Important FAQs – About Mana Village

1️⃣ Where is Mana Village located?

Mana Village is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, about 3–4 km from Badrinath Dham, near the India–Tibet border.

2️⃣ Why is Mana Village called the First Village of India?

Mana is located at the northern border of India, and beyond this village the Tibet border begins. That is why it is now called “The First Village of India”.

3️⃣ What is the best time to visit Mana Village?

The best time to visit Mana Village is from May to October.
During this time, the weather is clear and roads are open.

4️⃣ Can we visit Mana Village in winter?

No. From November to April, due to heavy snowfall, roads are closed and Mana Village is usually closed for tourists.

5️⃣ How are staying facilities in Mana Village?

Staying options in Mana Village are limited and simple.
Most travelers stay in Badrinath and visit Mana during the day.

6️⃣ What food is available in Mana Village?

You will get simple vegetarian food like:

• Dal-rice
• Roti-sabzi
• Local rajma and potatoes
• Hot tea

No big restaurants or fast food are available.

7️⃣ What are the main places to visit in Mana Village?

Major places to visit are:

• Vyas Gufa
• Ganesh Gufa
• Bhim Pul
• Origin of Saraswati River
• Vasudhara Waterfall (by trek)

8️⃣ Is Mana Village good for trekking?

Yes, Mana Village is very good for trekking lovers.
Treks start from here to:

• Vasudhara Falls
• Satopanth Tal
• Swargarohini route

9️⃣ Is mobile network and ATM available in Mana Village?

• Mobile network can be weak
• No ATM in Mana Village

So carry enough cash and essentials in advance.

🔟 What precautions should be taken while visiting Mana Village?

• Carry warm clothes, even in summer
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Eat light food due to high altitude
• Do not litter and respect local culture

🌿 Conclusion

Mana Village is not just a tourist place. It is a beautiful mix of faith, history, nature, and peace.
When you come here, it feels like time has slowed down.

If you want to experience calmness, devotion, and simplicity in the lap of the Himalayas, Mana Village must be on your travel list.

🙏 Mana – where roads end, and experiences begin.

👉 If you love hill destinations, explore more beautiful hill stations: Click here