Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is a unique cave temple located in Uttarakhand. It lies about 90 feet underground and is formed naturally, not built by humans. This makes it very special and different from other temples.
Inside the cave, you can see amazing rock formations that look like Hindu gods and goddesses. Because of this, the temple feels both spiritual and mysterious at the same time.
The temple is located near Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district and is surrounded by peaceful hills. It is a great place for both devotees and travelers who want to explore something unique.
Whether you come for faith, curiosity, or adventure, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple offers a truly unforgettable experience.
History of Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple — A Story From Ancient Times
To understand Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, we need to go back many thousands of years.
According to legend, the cave was first discovered by King Rituparna during the Treta Yuga. It is said that while he was chasing a deer during a hunt, he found the entrance to this hidden cave. Inside, Sheshnag guided him, and he saw Lord Shiva along with many gods and goddesses.
After this, the cave remained unknown for a long time. Later, Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered it in 1191 AD. He made it an important place of worship and appointed the Bhandari family as priests. Even today, the same family continues the pooja, generation after generation.
It is also believed that the Pandavas visited this cave during their journey in the Himalayas. They prayed here before moving ahead on their final path.
Moreover, the temple is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, an ancient Hindu text. Many people believe that praying here gives great spiritual benefits, even more than some famous temples.
Best Time to Visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple
The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C to 25°C, making travel comfortable.
Spring and Summer (April to June)
This is the most popular time to visit. The weather is comfortable, the roads are clear, and the hills are full of green trees and colorful flowers. It is also a great time for first-time visitors because everything is easy to access.
Autumn (September to November)
After the monsoon, the skies become very clear. As a result, you get beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks. The air feels fresh and cool, which makes this season perfect for photography and nature lovers.
Monsoon (July to August) — Avoid
It is better to avoid visiting during the monsoon. Heavy rain can cause landslides, and roads may become unsafe. Also, the cave entrance can be slippery and risky.
Winter (December to February)
The cave remains open, but the weather becomes very cold. Roads may be icy, which can make travel difficult. So, it is better to visit in other seasons unless you are comfortable with cold weather.
How to Reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple
Reaching Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple needs a little planning because it is in a remote area. However, the journey is easy and very beautiful, especially through the Kumaon hills.
By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 224 km away. It takes around 7 to 8 hours by road. From the airport, you can hire a taxi directly or first go to Almora and then take another taxi to the temple.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 191 km away. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours by road. Trains like Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express connect Kathgodam to Delhi.
From Kathgodam, you can take a bus or taxi to Gangolihat, and then a shared jeep to the temple.
In fact, Kathgodam is the most common and easiest route for most travelers.
By Road
The temple is well connected by road. From Delhi, it is about 450 km and takes 12 to 14 hours via Ghaziabad, Haldwani, Nainital, and Almora.
You can also take buses from Dehradun (370 km) or Almora (110 km) to Gangolihat. From Gangolihat, the temple is about 14 km, and shared taxis are easily available at low cost.
Important Tip
The road ends about 500 metres before the temple entrance. After that, you need to walk and go down around 82 steps to reach the cave.
So, make sure to wear comfortable and non-slip shoes for a safe visit.
Things to See and Do at Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple
Inside the Cave — Main Experience
The main attraction of Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is the cave itself.
The entrance is narrow and goes about 90 feet underground. You need to go down carefully using chains, as the path can be slippery.
Inside, you will see beautiful natural rock formations. The most important is the Shivling, which is naturally formed. You will also see shapes that look like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, Sheshnag, and Lord Shiva’s hair. These are not made by humans — they formed naturally over time.
Many people believe that all 33 crore gods live inside this cave, which makes it very sacred. Even if you are not religious, the cave feels mysterious and amazing.
Attend the Aarti
You can attend the aarti (prayer) inside the cave.
- Morning aarti: 6:00 AM
- Evening aarti: 7:00 PM
The sound of chanting inside the cave creates a very special and peaceful feeling.
Meditation
The area around the temple is very peaceful. Many people come here to relax and meditate. It is a perfect place to spend quiet time in nature.
What to Wear
Wear simple and modest clothes. Carry a light jacket because it is cool inside the cave.
Also, wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
Important Tips
- Remove your shoes before entering
- Stay quiet inside the cave
- Hire a local guide for better understanding
- Avoid photography inside the cave
- Carry cash (no ATMs nearby)
Safety
Move slowly inside the cave. The path is narrow and steep. Use chains for support and do not rush.
Entry Fee and Timings
- Open: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Aarti: 6:00 AM & 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Around ₹50 (adults), ₹25 (children)
Ideal Duration
Plan to stay for 2 to 3 days. One day for the temple and the rest to explore nearby places.
Nearby Places to Visit
After visiting the temple, you can also explore nearby places:
- Haat Kalika Temple (14 km) – A famous temple of Goddess Kali
- Chaukori (38 km) – Beautiful hill station with mountain views
- Berinag (25 km) – Known for tea gardens
- Jageshwar Temple (80 km) – Group of ancient Shiva temples
- Munsiyari (126 km) – Scenic hill town and trekking base
- Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km) – Good for nature and wildlife lovers
Conclusion
Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is a place that is hard to explain until you visit it. It is a mix of nature, spirituality, and mystery.
The journey through the hills and the experience inside the cave make it truly special. Whether you come for faith or adventure, this place will leave a strong impression on you.
If you want to visit a place that is different and peaceful, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is a perfect choice.
