Kanvashram Guide: History, the Malini River and How to Get There
India is named after Bharat. And according to the old story, Bharat was born in a forest ashram on the Malini river, about 14 km from Kotdwar. That place is Kanvashram.
You won't find grand ruins here. What you find is a quiet stretch of river, a small temple, a deer park and a sense of being somewhere that mattered a very long time ago. It's an easy half-day trip from town.
Why Kanvashram matters
Sage Kanva ran an ashram in this forest. In Kalidasa's play Abhijnanashakuntalam, his foster daughter Shakuntala meets King Dushyant here while he is out hunting. Their son Bharat grows up in the ashram and later becomes the king the country is named after.
Historians argue about exactly where the original ashram stood, as they do about most places in old texts. But Kanvashram has been identified with the story for generations, and the state has developed the site around it.
What you'll see
- The Malini river. Clear and shallow for most of the year, with forest on both banks. Lovely in October and November.
- Kanwashram temple. A small shrine near the main site, open all day.
- Kanvashram Deer Park. Shaded and good for children. Open roughly 7 am to 7 pm.
- Vedic Ashram Gurukula Mahavidyalaya. A traditional gurukul nearby where students study Sanskrit and the Vedas.
-
Kanvashram Birth Place of Emperor Bharat
Kanvashram Rd · Chokighata, Kanvashram Rd, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 246149
-
Kanvashram Deer Park
Kotdwara Range · QFR3+VXQ, Kotdwara Range, Uttarakhand 246149
-
Kanva prachin mandir
Kotdwara Range · QFV4+6XH, Kotdwara Range, Uttarakhand 246149
A fair is usually held here around Basant Panchami, when the place fills up with families from the surrounding villages.
How to reach Kanvashram from Kotdwar
Kanvashram is about 14 km from Kotdwar town. Public transport out here is thin, so plan your return before you leave.
- Taxi: the simplest option. Agree on a return fare with waiting time before you start.
- Scooty or bike: the road is easy and scenic. See bike and scooty on rent.
- Own car: follow signs for Kanvashram Road from town.
-
Uttarakhand Travel Solutions
Manpur · near Shivpur chaurah, Manpur, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 246149
-
NIRANKARI TOUR AND TRAVELS
Shivpur · chauk, near manpur, Shivpur, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 246149
-
Tadkeshwar Tour and travel cab service
Kura Range · The Terrace a family resturent, Market road, Lansdowne, Kura Range, Uttarakhand 246155
When to go
October to March is ideal. Mornings are cool and the light on the river is beautiful. Summer afternoons get hot. In monsoon the Malini can rise quickly, so stay out of the water after rain upstream.
Where to stay nearby
A few stays sit close to Kanvashram itself if you'd like to wake up near the forest:
-
Kanva Farms
Mawakot · Near Kanvashram ,Mawakot Kothala, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand 246149
-
OYO 30534 Kanva Cottage
Kotdwara Range · QFV5+G79, Kanvashram Rd, Kalalghati, Kotdwara Range, Uttarakhand 246149
-
Kanvasram Homestay
Nandpur · Mawakot Rd, Kotdwar, Nandpur, Uttarakhand 246149
Or stay in town and come out for the morning. All hotels and guest houses in Kotdwar.
Tips from locals
- Carry water and a snack. There isn't much to buy at the site.
- Wear shoes you can get wet if you plan to walk along the river.
- Keep the deer park clean and don't feed the animals.
- Combine it with Siddhbali on the same day. Here's our Siddhbali guide.
Common questions about Kanvashram
How far is Kanvashram from Kotdwar?
Kanvashram is about 14 km from Kotdwar town, roughly 30 minutes by road.
Why is Kanvashram famous?
It is believed to be the ashram of sage Kanva, where Shakuntala grew up and where her son Bharat, after whom India is named, was born.
Is there an entry fee at Kanvashram?
The ashram area and temple are free to visit. Check at the deer park gate for any current charges.
Which river flows past Kanvashram?
The Malini river, which also appears in Kalidasa's telling of the Shakuntala story.
Spotted a wrong number or a place we missed? Email kotdwarauk15@zohomail.in and we will fix it.