Balkunwari Temple Rishikesh

Mata Balkunwari Temple is located on a hilltop near Devikhal in Pauri Garhwal. It is one of the revered Siddh Peeths and is dedicated to the embodiment of feminine power, Shakti. Devotees from far and wide visited the shrine to seek the blessings of the deity. Situated atop a mountain, the Balkunwari mandir offers a serene environment and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The beauty of the temple is further enhanced by the charm of the path that takes you there.
 

Goddess Parvati is the presiding deity of the temple, which also houses a Shivalinga. At the rear side of the temple, there is a sacred stone which is believed to be associated with Lord Shiva. It is such a place where you can truly connect with the divine and feel its presence and power within you.

Balkunwari Mandir Rishikesh

Balkunwari Mandir is one of the revered religious sites near Rishikesh. Located in Pauri Garhwal District, the temple is considered one of the important Shakti Peeths in the region. Situated atop the hill near Diyuli Village, the temple houses idols of Maa Balkunwari, Mahakali, Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva. The temple complex is surrounded by a few trees offering a lush green view. Both sunrise and sunset from the temple provide majestic sights. Pilgrims can offer prasad and shringar to the deity, which can be easily purchased from the nearby shops.

Balkuwari Temple Distance

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the Balkunwari Temple is located about 23 km from Rishikesh city. Due to its distance and bad road conditions, it takes around one hour to reach the temple. Following the Neelkanth Temple route, midway, the road to Baal Kunwari Temple continues straight ahead, while Neelakanth lies to the right.
 

To reach the temple, visitors need to hike a short distance from the main road. The hiking trail is lined with a safety railing, and it looks majestic when viewed from a distance. It is surrounded by lush greenery, which may vary depending on the season.

Balkunwari Mandir Starting Point

Situated on a clifftop, the Balkunwari Mandir is not completely accessible by motorable transport. To reach the temple, devotees need to climb approximately 500 metres, which includes around 200 stairs. The initial part of the climb is steep, but once completed, the remaining path is easy. From the starting point of the Balkunwari Temple, it can be reached within 15 minutes.

Balkunwari Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the Balkunwari mandir daily as its gate usually opens around 7:00 AM and remains open until 5:30 PM. However, closing times may vary and also depend on the season.

Spot for Yoga and Meditation

Perched at a height of over 1,300 meters, the temple offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes and mountain ranges. The serenity and tranquillity of the temple make it a perfect spot for yoga and meditation, helping you to reconnect with your inner self.

Things to Do

Visitors can indulge in various activities during their visit to Maa Balkumari Devi Temple: -

Accommodation

• It is hard to find accommodation within the temple's proximity; so visitors need to travel some distance back to find suitable lodging options, most of which are resorts, tents, and others. Some lodging options are: -
  • Arka Resort and Spa.
  • Antrix Resort and Retreat.
  • The Jungle Mist Resort.
  • The Himalayas Resort.
  • ISOL Nature Retreat.
  • The Jungle Walker Resort and Retreat.
  • Garden Grove Luxury Resort.
  • Vatika Luxury Jungle Camp.

Food Options near Balkunwari Temple

Prasad shops located near the temple also offer basic snack facilities. Visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, Momo, Maggi, and other items.

Important Tips for Travellers

• For convenient access, it is recommended to travel by taxi, rented two-wheeler or private vehicle.
• Roads are not in great condition, so it is advisable to avoid visiting during heavy monsoons.
• Expect heavy traffic during long weekends and on public holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you need to hike a short distance to reach the temple.
• Temple opens daily at 7:00 AM and closes around 5:30 PM.
• A few prasad shops are available where the temple trek starts, and one at the main temple
• In summer, visiting early in the morning is recommended.
• Avoid visiting in peak summers due to intense heat waves.
• A free roadside parking facility is available from the hiking point.
• Shared taxis or utility vehicles are available in limited numbers from the Rishikesh Bus Stand.
• Carry water bottles, or they can be purchased from the prasad shops.
• Apply sunscreen to protect your body from harmful UV rays if visiting during peak summer.
• Carry an umbrella or wear a hat, particularly in summer.
• Avoid visiting during the monsoon, as you may face landslides and travel-related issues.
• Nearby shops sell basic supplies, so it is recommended to carry some cash.
• A few food stalls are available at some points when travelling to the temple.
• A prasad shop at the top of the temple also sells tea, coffee, Maggi and other items.

Nearby Attraction

• It usually takes around half a day to explore the temple completely, including the travel time. In the meantime, you can explore other top places in Rishikesh. Some must-visit spots: -
  • Neelkanth Temple.
  • Patna Waterfall.
  • Trayambakeshwar Temple (Terah Manzil Mandir)
  • Ram Jhula.
  • Laxman Jhula.
  • Janki Setu Bridge.
  • The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutiya)
  • Sri Sathya Sai Ghaat.