Sightseeing

History of Lakhamandal Village

Lakhamandal, located in Uttarakhand’s.. derived from lakha (many) and mandal (temples), reflects the site’s abundance of ancient shrines, many dating back to the 5th to 13th centuries.

Archaeological findings, including a 6th-century inscription, credit Princess Iśvara with building a Shiva temple in memory of her husband Chandragupta. The village is most famous for its graphite shivling, which shines and reflects its surroundings when wet, and for its twin statues believed by locals to represent Bhima and Arjuna.

Mythology links Lakhamandal to the Mahabharata, as the place where the Kauravas constructed the Lakshagriha (house of lac) to kill the Pandavas, who escaped through nearby caves still visited today. Set in the culturally rich Jaunsar-Bawar tribal belt, Lakhamandal also charms visitors with its traditional stone-and-timber houses and timeless village life, making it a rare blend of sacred heritage, legends, and Himalayan beauty.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva

Lakhamandal is not just a place of worship but a journey into timeless history and spirituality. Visiting here allows you to immerse yourself in divine energy while experiencing the cultural and mythological richness of the Garhwal Himalayas..

"During your stay, take a journey to the ancient Lakhamandal Temple, a sacred site steeped in Mahabharata legends. Known for its remarkable stone shivalingas and mystical history, the temple offers a deeply spiritual experience amidst the Himalayan foothills.”

History of Bhadraj Temple

The Bhadraj Temple, located about 15–20 kilometers from Mussoorie in the small village of Matogi, Uttarakhand, is a revered hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna.

Perched at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, the temple offers breathtaking views of the Doon Valley to the south and the snow-clad peaks of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Chaukhamba to the north. According to local legend, after the Mahabharata war, Lord Balarama came to these hills in search of peace and meditated here. During his stay, a cowherd offered him fresh cow’s milk, which rejuvenated him.

In gratitude, Balarama struck the earth with his plough (hal), and a spring - now known as Dev Baori- miraculously appeared. Before departing, he blessed the villagers and instructed them never to sell cow’s milk, but to share it freely as a sacred gift.

Dedicated to Lord Balarama

The Bhadraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Balarama, can be reached via a scenic trek starting from the quaint Himalayan village of Matogi, located near Mussoorie.

From Matogi, the trek is about 4 km to 6 km one way, passing through terraced fields, oak and deodar forests, and open meadows with sweeping mountain views. As you ascend to the hilltop at around 2,200 meters, the panorama expands to reveal the Doon Valley to the south and snow peaks like Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini to the north.

Nagdevta Temple

Just a short walk from Arkja Resort lies the serene Nagdevta Temple, a hidden gem surrounded by untouched natural beauty.

Whether you seek peace, spirituality, or just a quiet moment in nature, Nagdevta Temple promises a soul-soothing experience.

A Trek to Waterfall

A 3km walk from Arkja Resort takes you to a beautiful natural waterfall. Here, you can step under the fresh, cool water and enjoy a refreshing waterfall bath.

In summer and the monsoon, it dances with full energy, while in winter, it flows gently and feels breezy.