G N G GROUP

Dehradun: Buoyed by the success of the Rudra cave, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated fora day in 2019, the Uttarakhand tourism department has started two new caves this season. Unlike Rudra cave, the new caves--- which are yet to be named --can only be booked offline.
While the caves have received only a few bookings so far, authorities say that the project is in its initial stage and an official inauguration of the caves, along with the launch of the online booking facility, will be done soon.
Sudarshan Singh Khatri, regional manager of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Rudraprayag, told. "These two caves are located near the Rudra cave and at present can be booked only through offline mode. The rate of one cave is Rs 1,680 per day. Once things become steady, we will start the online booking." He pointed out that the two caves are currently being referred to - cave number 1 and 4. "We are planning to name one cave after Adiguru Shankracharya. The name of the other cave is yet to be decided," said Khatri.
The GMVN further mentioned that both the new caves have temporary solar light and water connections. "Cave number 1 is ahead of Rudra cave and cave number 4 is on the Garud Chatti route," he added.
The Rudra cave at Kedarnath has been in high demand since PM Modi meditated in it on May 18, 2019. Whenever the Char Dham yatra is open for pilgrims, the cave is always fully booked. The per-day rent of the cave has been increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 (excluding taxes).
Earlier, the rate of Rudra cave, located 1 km uphill from Kedarnath, was originally Rs 3,000 per day. However, the amount was reduced to Rs 990 per day in May 2020 as the steep price resulted in a few takers for the cave. As bookings picked up, the price was eventually  raised to Rs 1,500. This year, the Char Dham yatra commenced on May 3 and the portals of Kedarnath opened on May 6. The Rudra cave has been completely booked for May and June.