Pandukholi is a place of mythological significance and natural beauty in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is believed that the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata epic spent some time here during their secret exile, hiding from the Kauravas who were chasing them. The name Pandukholi means the shelter of Pandavas, and there are several caves in the area that are said to have been their dwellings. One can hear a hollow sound like a drum when the ground above the caves is thumped.
Pandukholi is located at an altitude of 8000 feet, between Dwarhat and Chaukhutia, about 27 km from Dwarhat and 10 km from Dunagiri. To reach Pandukholi, one has to trek for about 3 km from Kukuchina, the nearest motorable road. The trek passes through a dense oak forest and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. The trek ends at a grassland where an ashram stands in solitude. The ashram was built by a devotee of Mahant Balwantgiri Maharaj, a spiritual leader who lived here for some time.
Pandukholi is a place where one can experience peace, spirituality, and nature. The ashram provides basic accommodation and food for visitors who wish to stay overnight. The ashram caretaker also offers herbal tea and guidance to the visitors. One can meditate, pray or explore the surroundings of the ashram. There is an old tree near the ashram that is marked as Bhim Gaddi, where Bhima, the strongest Pandava, used to sit. There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga nearby.
Pandukholi is a lesser-known destination in Kumaon that has not been commercialized yet. It is ideal for those who seek solitude, adventure, and history. Pandukholi can be visited throughout the year, except during the monsoon season when the trek becomes slippery and risky. Pandukholi is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the ancient culture and legends of India.
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