Kalimath Temple Guide

Kalimath Temple Guide: Route, Rituals, and Travel Tips

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Written by: Rashi Vohra

Last Updated: July 30, 2025

Uttarakhand is called the abode of Gods and Goddesses, and truly so! With numerous sacred sites that offer divinity and spirituality like none other, the holy state of Uttarakhand is a refuge for every spiritual wanderer.

Among these sacred sites, nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is the Kalimath Temple. Surrounded by the Kedarnath mountains and near the banks of the river Kali Ganga, locally called Saraswati, lies this temple devoted to Goddess Kali. It is also one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and has been an extremely popular religious site for Hindu devotees from all over the world. 

Kalimath Temple
Kalimath (CC: roaming_foots)

This abode of Goddess Kali (as the term ‘Kalimath’ translates to) is at an altitude of approximately 1800 metres (6000 feet). The only siddh peeth found in the Kedarnath valley, the Kalimath temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. The high altitude, the location, and the cultural significance of the temple all add up to a top destination for pilgrims as well as trekkers. The temple offers not just a spiritual solace to the wandering souls but is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes you will witness. Find out more about the sacred temple of Kalimath in this detailed guide. 

Historical and cultural significance

Kalimath is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths in India and has been a part of the Hindu religious traditions since time immemorial. There are references to Kalimath in the Srimad Devi Bhagwat Mahapuran and in the 62nd chapter of Skanda Purana.

According to the legends, Kalimath is the place where Goddess Kali defeated the demons Raktabija and Nishumbha; and then she went underground at this very place. An interesting fact about the temple is that it does not house an idol; instead, a silver plate (called the Shakti Yantra) covers the sacred site where the Goddess is believed to have immersed, and this Yantra is worshipped by the devotees.

This plate is uncovered only once a year on the Ashtami (the eighth day) of Navratri. The ritual is highly sacred and only the chief priest performs it at midnight. 

Besides the main temple, there are shrines dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati too. Hence, the Kalimath temple is unique in worshipping all three Goddesses together. Near the temple of Goddess Lakshmi, there is a sacred fire that is believed to have been eternally burning for three yugas. At a distance of 8 km from Kalimath is the Kalishila Temple, which is also connected to the legend of Kalimath. It is said to be the exact spot where Goddess Kali, taking up the form of a 12-year-old, protected the universe by killing the two demons, Nishumbha and Raktabija. 

Kalimath Temple, Dhol Damau
Dhol Damau at Kalimath (CC: babakutani)

Kalimath Temple as Siddh Peeths 

When it comes to beliefs and legends, the Kalimath temple is filled with them. Another such legend is when Goddess Sati’s father and the father-in-law of Lord Shiva, Daksha Prajapati, insulted Shiva during a yajna. To oppose this act, Goddess Sati sacrificed her body and burnt herself in the Yajna fire. Furious with the loss of his wife, Lord Shiva began doing tandav holding Sati’s body. The body parts of Sati fell at different spots, which are called the Siddh Peeths. The Kalimath temple is one of the 51 Siddh Peeths. It is also believed to have around 64 Yantras of different Gods and Goddesses, and therefore, offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and culture. 

The best time to visit Kalimath

The Kalimath temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, and the weather is mostly cold throughout the seasons. However, the temple is open to pilgrims throughout the year. Based on the high altitude and the Himalayan weather conditions, the summer and autumn months are the ideal time to visit the temple: 

Summer (April to June)

The average temperature of 20°C to 36°C is ideal for trekking and visiting the temple. The weather is pleasant with clear skies, offering beautiful landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. Hence. The summer months are the best time for trekkers as well as pilgrims.  

Autumn (September to November) 

The autumn or post-monsoon months bring with them lush greenery and a vibrant atmosphere. The end of the monsoon reduces chances of landslides and the weather is comfortable again for trekking and other activities. 

Navratri Festival

Besides the seasons, the festival of Navratri is another ideal time to visit the temple. This 9-day festival is highly auspicious for Hindu devotees, who worship the different forms of Goddess Durga during this period. On the eighth day, Goddess Kal Rathri (a form of Goddess Kali) is worshipped, bringing in a heavy gathering of devotees in the Kalimath temple too. Since this is the only day when the silver plate (Yantra) is uncovered, pilgrims believe that the Goddess fulfils all wishes of visitors on this sacred day. 

Seasons to avoid

Monsoon (July to September)

The monsoon months are not an ideal time to visit the Kalimath temple. The heavy rain can cause landslides, and the trail is usually slippery. There are also chances of roadblocks hindering your itinerary. 

Winter (December to February) 

The region experiences freezing temperatures during the winter months, dropping to 0°C. The snow-covered landscapes are a treat but only if you enjoy the cold weather. 

How to reach Kalimath

The Temple is located in the district of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, which is well-connected by roads. Here are some ways you can reach Kalimath: 

By Air

The nearest airport to the Kalimath temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is approximately 204 km from Kalimath. There are taxis available from the airport to take you to the temple. There are also buses travelling between Dehradun and Rudraprayag at regular time intervals for easy access. 

By Train 

The closest railway stations are Rishikesh (186 km from the temple) and Haridwar (210 km from the temple). From these stations, you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kalimath. 

By Road 

Kalimath is connected to all the major cities by road. From Rudraprayag, it is only about 49 km, and from Ukhimath, it is approximately 20 km away. You can take shared jeeps and taxis from any of these towns. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation options in Kalimath are only limited to guesthouses and dharamshalas. However, you will find better facilities and a wide range of options in nearby towns like Guptkashi, Ukhimath, and Rudraprayag. These hotels usually offer options for reaching the temple too. 

Nearby places to visit 

The Kalimath temple is a spiritual journey in itself, yet you can choose to move forward with other spots that are equally beautiful and thrilling. Here are some tourist destinations that can be a valuable addition to your Kalimath trip: 

1. Gaurikund: One of the top tourist places In Uttarakhand, Gaurikund is also the base for the Kedarnath Yatra. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees and also offers vibrant landscapes of lush valleys and charming villages. 

2. Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Dham or Kedarnath Yatra, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. It forms part of the Char Dham Yatra and the Panch Kedar circuit and sees thousands of pilgrims during the months it remains open (April/May to October). The Kedarnath temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, and pilgrims first visit the Kalimath temple before starting on their journey to Kedarnath.

kedarnath temple is one of the best temple among Panch Kedar Temples
Kedarnath

3. Ukhimath: A 45-minute (17.5 km) drive from the Kalimath temple will take you to Ukhimath, one of the most abundant tourist spots. From natural beauty to spirituality, Ukhimath is filled with such treasures. Ukhimath offers some of the most splendid views of the Himalayan ranges, such as Kedarnath, Chaukambha, and Neelkanth peaks. Ukhimath is also the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheswar; that is, the deities of these temples are shifted here during the winters. Besides, the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath is another popular attraction, being one of the oldest temples in India.

4. Chopta: For the best nature sightseeing in this region, add Chopta to your list of nearby spots. With lush valleys and meadows, grand Himalayan peaks and serene surroundings, Chopta is also famous for the Tungnath Temple. The landscapes and ambience add to the beauty of Chopta, making it a favourite among trekkers and nature enthusiasts. 

5. Rudraprayag: The place where it all starts, Rudraprayag is a common starting point for numerous treks and pilgrim sites. It is a famous town and district of Uttarakhand and is known for its charming beauty, holy sites, and beautiful lakes. Rudraprayag is also one of the Panch Prayags (spots where the river Alakananda meets with other rivers). Here, the Mandakini river joins the Alakananda and is a sight to behold.

Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag

Kalimath is a unique blend of spirituality and adventure, which makes it an ideal destination for pilgrims and trekkers alike. It is a journey that offers both physical challenges and cultural enrichment, with a divinity that has remained untouched. Whether you are drawn by the legends of Goddess Kali or the charms of the Himalayan peaks, Kalimath is an experience you will never forget.

Heard your spiritual calling from the laps of the Himalayas? Plan your Kalimath trip with Himalayan Dream Trek, where we create customised travel plans according to your needs. Contact us at info@himalayandreamtreks or +91 80896 93825

About the Author:

Rashi Vohra

Rashi is a freelance content writer with a passion for storytelling and a zest for exploration. With a keen interest in travel and adventure, she has explored various destinations across India, from the hills of Darjeeling to the beaches of Puri. Her love for trekking and hiking has taken her to some of the most breathtaking trails, and she's always on the lookout for the next great escapade. As a writer, she brings her enthusiasm and experience to craft engaging content that inspires others to hit the scenic trails.


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