Facts checked November 2026.
Quick answer: Mana is the village just beyond Badrinath, near the Indo-China border, and the Border Roads Organisation calls it “India’s first village”. Official pages put it 2 to 4 km from Badrinath temple, a short drive. Here you can see Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhim Pul over the Saraswati, and the trail to Vasudhara falls. Keep half a day, or a full day with Vasudhara.
| Location | Beyond Badrinath, Chamoli district |
|---|---|
| Distance from Badrinath | About 2 to 4 km (official pages differ) |
| Known as | India’s first village (BRO signboard, 2023) |
| Main sights | Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhim Pul, Saraswati river |
| Vasudhara falls | About 5 km beyond Mana; 145 m drop |
| Season | While Badrinath is open, roughly late April to November |
| Time needed | Half a day; a full day with Vasudhara |
Almost every Badrinath yatri goes on to Mana. The village is a short drive from the temple and holds some of the most loved stories of the Mahabharata: the cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the epic, the cave where Lord Ganesha wrote it down, and the stone bridge said to have been placed by Bhima. This guide explains how to reach Mana, what to see in what order, how hard the Vasudhara walk is, and what elderly yatris should keep in mind.
This page is part of our Badrinath Yatra Guide. Planning the yatra? See our Char Dham and Badrinath yatra packages.
Where is Mana village?
Mana lies just beyond Badrinath in Chamoli district, near the point where the Saraswati river joins the Alaknanda. Incredible India, the Government of India’s tourism site, describes it as the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border. The official Char Dham portal puts Mana about 4 km from Badrinath, while the Chamoli district website (on its Vasudhara page) says 2 km. The difference depends on where you start counting; either way, it is a few minutes by road.
Why is Mana called India’s first village?
For years Mana was signposted as the “last village of India”. In April 2023 the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) put up a new signboard at its entrance reading “India’s first village”, as reported by PTI. The idea, voiced by the Prime Minister in 2022, is that border villages are the country’s first villages, not its last. You will still hear both names locally.
What should you see in Mana?
| Place | What it is | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Vyas Gufa | Cave where, by tradition, Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata | Short walk with steps through the village |
| Ganesh Gufa | Cave where Lord Ganesha is said to have written down the epic as Vyas dictated | Short walk, near Vyas Gufa |
| Bhim Pul | A natural stone slab over the roaring Saraswati, said to have been placed by Bhima | Short walk downhill and back up |
| Saraswati river | Flows past the village before meeting the Alaknanda | Seen from Bhim Pul |
| Mata Murti temple | BKTC temple near Badrinath, dedicated by tradition to the mother of Nar and Narayan | Reached by road |
| Vasudhara falls | Waterfall about 5 km beyond Mana, with a drop of 145 m | Long walk on a rough trail; fit walkers only |
A simple order that works for most families: drive to the Mana parking, walk up through the village to Ganesh Gufa and Vyas Gufa, come down to Bhim Pul and the Saraswati, take tea at one of the small shops, and return. Fit walkers can carry on towards Vasudhara.
Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa
Tradition holds that Maharishi Ved Vyas lived and composed the Mahabharata in this small rock cave, and that Lord Ganesha sat in the nearby cave and wrote as Vyas spoke. The caves are small and simple; take darshan quietly and leave room for others in the queue.
Bhim Pul and the Saraswati
Bhim Pul is a huge natural rock lying across the Saraswati, which rushes through a narrow gorge below. By tradition, Bhima placed it so that Draupadi could cross on the Pandavas’ last journey. The spray makes the steps wet, so hold the railing and keep children close.
How far is Vasudhara falls from Mana?
The Chamoli district website describes Vasudhara as a fall with a sheer drop of 145 metres, about 5 km west of Mana, set against snowy peaks and glaciers. The same page also gives the walk as about 7 km, so plan for a long walk of several hours there and back. It notes that strong wind sometimes scatters the falling water so that the fall seems to stop for a minute or two.
The trail is rough and climbs steadily at well over 3,000 m. It suits fit walkers who start early, carry water and turn back if the weather changes. It is not suitable for most elderly yatris.
How do you reach Mana?
First reach Badrinath, then drive or take a local taxi to Mana.
| From | Distance | Road time |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | ~300 km | ~10–12 hours |
| Haridwar | ~320 km | ~10–12 hours |
| Dehradun | ~330 km | ~10–12 hours |
| Kedarnath side | ~230 km | ~9–10 hours |
| Joshimath (Jyotirmath) | 45 km | Landslide-prone; check road status |
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, and the nearest railheads are Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. Most families take two days to drive up from Haridwar, with a night at Rudraprayag, Srinagar or Joshimath on the way.
When can you visit Mana?
Mana is visited during the Badrinath season, from the temple’s opening in late April or May to its closing in November. Do not plan Mana in winter, after Badrinath closes; the upper road is often snowbound. Incredible India lists visiting hours of 6 am to 6 pm. Dates for each season are on our Badrinath opening and closing date page.
Is Mana suitable for senior citizens?
Mostly, yes, if you go slowly. The paths in the village are uneven, with steps up to the caves and down to Bhim Pul. Elders can manage with rests and a hand to hold. Vasudhara is a different matter: it is a long, rough walk and best left to fit members of the family. Badrinath is at 3,133 m, so walk slowly, drink water and keep warm layers even in summer.
Practical tips for Mana
- Go in the morning, after darshan at Badrinath, when the light is clear and paths are less crowded.
- Carry cash for tea, snacks and local woollens; network and card payments can be patchy.
- Wear shoes with grip; the steps near Bhim Pul are often wet.
- Respect the village: ask before photographing people, and do not leave plastic behind.
- Mana is near the border, so follow any instructions from the army or police at checkpoints.
Related guides: Badrinath temple history, timings and darshan
How Yatra To Temples can help
Our Badrinath Dham Yatra (4 days from Haridwar) and Badrinath and Joshimath Yatra both leave time for Mana after darshan. For Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal and darshan timings, read our Badrinath yatra guide. If you want to see the five Badri temples, see our Panch Badri guide. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 78178 98687 to plan.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Mana village from Badrinath temple?
Official pages differ: the Char Dham portal says 4 km and the Chamoli district website 2 km. It is a few minutes by road either way.
Why is Mana called the first village of India?
In April 2023 the Border Roads Organisation put up a signboard at Mana reading “India’s first village”, replacing the old idea of the “last village”. Both names are still used.
What is famous in Mana village?
Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bhim Pul over the Saraswati river, and the walk to Vasudhara falls. Mata Murti temple is on the same side of Badrinath.
How long is the Vasudhara falls trek?
The Chamoli district website places Vasudhara about 5 km beyond Mana and also describes it as a 7 km trek. The fall drops 145 metres. Plan several hours to go and come back.
Can elderly people visit Mana?
Yes, with care. The village has uneven paths and steps, so go slowly with rests. The Vasudhara walk is long and rough and is not advised for most elders.
Can we visit Mana in winter?
Plan Mana while Badrinath is open, from late April or May to November. In winter the upper road can be snowbound.
How much time do we need for Mana?
Half a day covers the caves, Bhim Pul and the village. Keep a full day if you also walk to Vasudhara.
Sources
- Char Dham Registration and Tourist Care portal – Badrinath Dham (Mana, distances)
- Chamoli district website – Vasu Dhara
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) – Mana village
- ThePrint (PTI) – BRO puts up ‘India’s first village’ signboard at Mana (25 April 2023)
Related guides
Badrinath Yatra Guide: Darshan, Tapt Kund and ManaPanch Badri Yatra Guide: Five Badri Temples of VishnuBadrinath Yatra from Delhi: Distance, Route & 5-Day PlanMore on Badrinath Yatra: Panch Badri Yatra Guide · Badrinath Yatra from Delhi · Hemkund Sahib Opening and Closing Date · Badrinath Opening and Closing Date · Valley of Flowers Trek Guide · Badrinath Winter Darshan · Badrinath Weather and Temperature · Badrinath Distance from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Delhi · Badrinath Temple History, Timings and Darshan Guide · Char Dham and Badrinath yatra packages
