In this episode TravelTV.News focuses on:
- There is a place in Uttarakhand… where people believe an entire divine world exists beneath the earth. A cave where the presence of 33 crore Hindu deities is said to reside. And many believe — visiting here equals the spiritual merit of Char Dham Yatra. Yet surprisingly…this destination still remains hidden from most travelers. Welcome to Patal Bhuvaneshwar — Uttarakhand’s mysterious, hidden pilgrimage. Located near Gangolihat in Kumaon region, Patal Bhuvaneshwar sits at an altitude of about 1350 meters. This 160-meter-long limestone cave descends nearly 90 feet underground — a rare blend of mythology, spirituality, and natural wonder. It is believed that the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered this sacred cave centuries ago. As you enter the cave, the feeling is unlike any temple you have visited before.Natural rock formations are believed to represent Lord Shiva and Parvati, Sheshnag, Kal Bhairav, and even symbolic forms of the Char Dham. The Skanda Purana mentions four sacred entrances here — Paap Dwar, Ran Dwar, Dharma Dwar and Moksha Dwar. Today only two remain open, adding to the mystery of this sacred underground shrine. Many devotees believe the cave is spiritually connected to Mount Kailash itself. But Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not only a spiritual journey. Reaching inside the cave is an adventure in itself. Visitors descend through a narrow rocky opening while holding iron chains. This thrilling entry makes the destination equally exciting for explorers, trekkers and adventure lovers. And no journey in Uttarakhand is complete without experiencing local food. Small eateries and homestays serve authentic Kumaoni cuisine — Bhatt ki Dal, Aloo ke Gutke, Mandua Roti and Jhangora Kheer. Simple food, pure flavours, and the warmth of mountain hospitality. Accommodation options are available near Patal Bhuvaneshwar and Gangolihat. You can stay at KMVN Tourist Rest House, local hotels, or peaceful homestays run by village families.
Apart from the cave visit, travellers can explore:
- Temple visits in Gangolihat, Himalayan viewpoints, Village walks, photography and slow mountain living. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is about 110 km from Almora and 197 km from Haldwani. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, followed by a scenic mountain drive. Well-connected motor roads make the journey comfortable and memorable. If you are looking beyond crowded tourist circuits…for spirituality, adventure and authentic Uttarakhand — then make sure Patal Bhuvaneshwar is on your travel list. Because some places are not just visited… they are experienced.
