Tucked away in the quiet village of Mana, just a few kilometers from Badrinath, lies a powerful little spot known as Saraswati Cave or the Saraswati Spring. This is where the Saraswati River, steeped in ancient mythology, briefly shows itself before vanishing underground—earning it the name “Gupt Gamini,” or the hidden river.
From here, the Saraswati flows only for a short stretch before it disappears beneath the rocks, later merging with the Alaknanda River at a sacred confluence called Keshav Prayag.
What makes this spot special is the crystal-clear, milky-blue water gushing through rugged rocks—just for a few hundred meters before it dives underground. It’s loud, fast, and mesmerizing.
A short walk from the spring, you’ll come across a huge stone laid across the river. Legend says Bhima, the mighty Pandava, placed it there so Draupadi could cross during their final journey to the Himalayas.
Right next to the cave is a small shrine dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. And just nearby, you’ll find a tiny stall that proudly calls itself India’s last tea shop—a humble but heartwarming place to sip a cup with a view of the mountain