A Trip to the Last Village of India
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Three kilometers from the Badrinath shrine lies this beautiful little village of Mana, popularly known to be the ‘last village of India’. Well, it is the last village to the borders of China/Tibet.
Mana is home to 560 families. The Government of Uttarakhand has developed this lovely little place as the ‘Tourism Village’.
History of Mana
According to Indian mythology, the Pandavas walked past Mana en-route heaven.
There definitely cannot be missing the roars of river Alaknanda and spellbinding beauty of this place while travelling ahead the snaky turns leading to Vyas and Ganesha caves where Mahabharata is said to be worded by Rishi Vyasa, Bhim Pul which is said to have been built by Bhim with a single rock so that Draupadi and Pandavas could cross river Saraswati safely and mighty Vasudhara Falls.
The People at the Last Village of India
The occupation of people at Mana is mainly woolen weaving and some farming. The major part of income is highly dependent upon tourist arrivals. Earning has been a struggle ever since this enterprising village lost trade relations with Tibet post Indo-China war of 1962.
The sight of people knitting woolen sweaters, caps, etc. and doing some kind of farming is common. Anything, but you won’t miss the delighted smile they give away as you try to appreciate their diligence.
Winters are nothing short of harsh with temperatures dropping to less than -17 degrees!
Giving Away
If planning to visit Badrinath ji, one must have a close glance at the Last Indian Village and its humble people!
And, if you do visit this beautiful last village of India, please do buy something from these diligent people and contribute to some livelihood for these wonderful people!
What’s Next
Ahead of Mana is the splendid 5-kilometer trek to Vasudhara Falls. Needless to say, stuff your backpack with some water and food, and head to this awesome site.
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