Sharda Ghat in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand
Sharda Ghat is a deeply revered riverbank spot along the banks of the sacred Sharda River (often called the Kali or Mahakali River) right in Tanakpur, in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Serving as the main entry point to the Kumaon hills, the ghat sees thousands of pilgrims stopping by every year while exploring places to visit in Tanakpur.
Sacred Significance of Sharda Ghat & Purnagiri Yatra
There's a deep spiritual connection between Sharda Ghat and the famous Maa Purnagiri Temple Yatra — one of northern India's 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. Local belief runs strong here. Before starting the climb up Purnagiri Hill, devotees take a holy dip (snan) right in the cold waters of Sharda Ghat in Tanakpur. That initial dip is believed to wash away old sins and bring peace before seeking blessings from Goddess Purnagiri in Uttarakhand.
Key Rituals & Evening Sharda Aarti
A few traditional rituals take place along the ghat every day:
- Holy Bathing (Snan): Devotees take early morning dips before heading up the Purnagiri Dham route in Tanakpur.
- Ancestral Rites (Pind Daan & Tarpan): Families gather along the riverbank to perform Pind Daan and offer quiet prayers for their ancestors in Uttarakhand.
- Mundan Sanskar: First hair-cutting ceremonies for toddlers are regularly conducted along the river steps.
- Evening Sharda Aarti: Right around sunset, local priests and worshippers gather for the Evening Sharda Aarti. Brass lamps float downstream, Vedic chants echo off the water, and the whole bank lights up — giving you a feel very similar to Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri.
Tourist Attractions Near Sharda Ghat Tanakpur
If you're spending time around the ghat, there are several great sightseeing places in Tanakpur worth checking out:
- Maa Purnagiri Devi Temple (20 km): Sitting at 3,000 feet atop a hill, this Shakti Peeth draws massive crowds during the annual Chaitra Navratri festival.
- Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple: An old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the heart of Tanakpur.
- Shyamlatal (30 km): A peaceful mountain lake in Uttarakhand known for its deep blue water and the nearby Swami Vivekananda Ashram.
- Boom Temple & Rafting Point (10 km): A scenic bend on the Sharda River near Tanakpur where people go for river rafting and riverside camping.
Visiting Timings & Safety Guidelines for Tourists
The ghat steps stay open 24 hours a day. The evening Aarti typically starts between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on when sunset hits in Tanakpur.
Quick Safety Note: During monsoon months (July through September), the Sharda River swells quickly with mountain runoff. Stick to the designated bathing safety chains set up by local authorities.
How To Reach Sharda Ghat
To plan your trip, check our full guide on how to reach Tanakpur in Uttarakhand.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), roughly 98 km from Tanakpur. Taxis and local buses run directly from there.
By Train: You can take a train right into Tanakpur Railway Station (TPU), which sits just 2 km from Sharda Ghat. Direct broad-gauge trains run from Delhi, Bareilly, and Dehradun.
By Road: Buses operate daily from ISBT Anand Vihar Delhi, Bareilly, and Haldwani to the Tanakpur bus stand, where auto-rickshaws take you to the ghat in 5 minutes.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal time to visit Sharda Ghat in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand is between October and April. The weather stays pleasant, river currents are calm, and the local Purnagiri Fair kicks off in spring (March to April).
