Harsil-Hidden Jewel of Uttarakhand

Harshil is a village on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage, Gangotri, in Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand .

Situated at a height of 7,860 ft (2,620 metres.) from sea level,

Harshil lies 73 km. from Uttarkashi, and 30 km away from Harshil lies the Gangotri National Park, spread over 1,553 square km

Harsil, still lesser known to tourists, is a perfect getaway for those in quest of peace and solitude. Nestled amid Himalayas and dense cover of pine and deodar with River Bhagirathi gurgling across the area, Harsil is a complete package for vacation makers.

Weather: 23°C, Wind SW at 8 km/h, 100% Humidity

Tourist Attractions ofHarsil

Sattal :- A few kilometers from Harsil, Sattal is a cluster of seven lakes which is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. You can take a 7 km trek from Harsil. The journey is simply beautiful and you will feel that nature welcomes you at every turn of the road.

Gangotri :- Located 24 kms from Harsil, this is an important religious place for the Hindus. On the banks of the River Ganges, the Gangotri Temple was built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa.

Trekking: The mesmerizing valley of Harsil filled with oak and deodar trees makes it a trekker’s paradise. Many trekking routes pass through Harsil which takes one through cascading waterfalls, verdant hills covered with pine and oak trees, gushing river streams. During the winter when the Gangotri is under snow, Goddess Ganga is brought downhill to Mukhba village which is just 1 km from Harsil. Devotees can visit the winter abode of Goddess Ganga and seek her blessings.

The beautiful village of Harsil encourages eco-tourism where tourists can experience these calm and serene environments along with learning about the rustic way of life, customs and beliefs of the community that lives there.

Mythology of Harsil

According to the Hindu mythology, Jalandhar, the king of demons had terrorized the gods with his power and whenever the devas tried to defeat him his power would increase as his devoted wife Vrinda would pray to Lord Vishnu for her husband's victory. The gods then went to Lord Vishnu for seeking help and requested him to vow Vrinda, as her husband could only be defeated if his beloved wife would commit adultery outside her marriage.

Vishnu used his charm to tempt Vrinda but her love and devotion for her husband didn't shake her morality. Having no other escape, Lord Vishnu then disguised as Jalandhar and violated Vrinda’s chastity. Jalandhar was eventually killed by Shiva, upon realizing that Jalandhar had died, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu that he will turn into a stone and will scatter everywhere in the territory of king Jalandhar. Hence, the place got its name Harsil.

While the other folklore tells that the two rivers, Jalandhari and Bhagirathi always fought with each other to prove their metal. The fighting caused turbulence and terror in the areas nearby, the mortals then prayed to Lord Vishnu for resolving the issue. Vishnu listened to their prayers and transformed into a 'Sila' or stone. He placed himself in the midst of the confluence of Jalandhari and Bhagirathi rivers. Therefore, the place was named as Harsil which literally suggests Lord Vishnu in the form of a rock.