Uttarakhand: Manaskhand Corridor Yatra starts on April 22, aims to promote Kumaon temples

Uttarakhand tourism department is teaming up with Indian Railways to launch the Manaskhand Corridor Yatra, aimed at highlighting the ancient temples of the Kumaon region. District Tourism Officer Kirti Chand Arya announced that a special train will depart from Pune and journey to Tanakpur in Pithoragarh district, starting from April 22. This initiative aims to promote tourism in the region by providing travellers with an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of Uttarakhand.

The train will be carrying over 600 pilgrims in two separate batches to visit the famous temples of ‘Manaskhand’. This term originates from ancient Hindu scriptures and specifically denotes the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. These pilgrims will have the opportunity to explore and pay homage at the sacred sites nestled within the scenic landscape of Kumaon, experiencing the spiritual essence of the region firsthand.

The Manaskhand temples tour package, spanning 7 days and 6 nights, will offer pilgrims a comprehensive journey through the sacred sites. Upon arrival, pilgrims will alight the train at Khatima, located approximately one kilometre from Tanakpur, and be ferried to the temples via road transport. One train is scheduled to depart from Pune on April 22, reaching Khatima on April 24, according to Arya. Additionally, another train carrying pilgrims will embark from Pune on April 24, arriving at Khatima on April 26. Khatima has been selected as the final stop due to its superior amenities, including hotels, compared to Tanakpur, ensuring a comfortable stay for pilgrims, as explained by the officer.

As part of the tour package, the devotees will embark on a journey to various temples and religious sites located in Tanakpur, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Almora, where they will receive detailed explanations about the mythological significance of these places.

The itinerary includes visits to several notable temples such as Baleswar, Maneswar, and Mayawati in Champawat; Hat Kalika and Patal Bhubaneswar in Pithoragarh; Jageswar and Golu Devta in Chitai; as well as Nanda Devi, Kasar Devi, and Katarmal in Almora. Additionally, pilgrims will also visit Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara in Udham Singh Nagar and the Naina Devi temple in Nainital, experiencing the rich religious and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.