Kalimath – Holy Place of Goddess Kali in Uttarakhand

Kalimath is a famous religious place in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is one of the 108 important Shakti Peeths in India. This temple is surrounded by beautiful mountains, green valleys, and the Mandakini River.

Why Kalimath is Special

In most temples, the idol of the Goddess is kept in the open, but in Kalimath, the idol of Goddess Kali is placed underground. It is believed that here Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktabeej and then went inside the earth. Along with Goddess Kali, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati are also worshipped here, which is very rare.

Temple Rituals

• The main idol of Goddess Kali is kept underground and is only brought out once a year during the Navratri festival.
• Daily prayers are offered to Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati, who are placed in the main temple area.
• Special poojas are performed for health, protection, and prosperity.

Nearby Places to See

• Kedarnath Temple – One of the Char Dhams, reached via trek from Gaurikund.
• Guptkashi – Known for Vishwanath and Ardhnarishwar Temples.
• Ukhimath – Winter home of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar idols.
• Chopta – “Mini Switzerland of India,” base for Tungnath trek.
• Tungnath Temple – World’s highest Shiva temple.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple – One of the Panch Kedar shrines.
• Deoria Tal – Scenic lake with reflections of Himalayan peaks.

Why You Should Visit

Kalimath is a peaceful and holy place. It is perfect for people who want to pray, enjoy nature, and spend time in the calm Himalayas.

Navratri Festival

Navratri is the biggest celebration in Kalimath. Devotees from all over India visit during this time to see the special rituals, processions, and cultural programs. The temple area becomes full of lights, flowers, and devotional music.

Scenic Beauty: Kalimath is not just a religious place but also a beautiful natural spot. The view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, fresh air, and the sound of the Mandakini River make it peaceful and refreshing.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Kalimath from April to November. The weather is pleasant during this time. In winter, there is snowfall, and fewer people visit.

How to Reach

• Nearest Town: Ukhimath (13 km away)
• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (about 189 km)
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 207 km)
  From Ukhimath, you can take a taxi or local vehicle to reach Kalimath.

Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as evenings can be cold.
• Roads can be narrow and hilly, so hire experienced local drivers.
• If visiting in monsoon (July–August), check weather conditions due to possible landslides.

Stay Options

• Kalimath & Ukhimath – Basic guesthouses and dharamshalas.
• Guptkashi & Chopta – More hotels, lodges, and homestays available.