Kanvashram

Kanvashram is an ancient Vedic heritage hermitage and spiritual sanctuary tucked on the forested banks of the Malini River, located approximately 14 kilometers from Kotdwar in Uttarakhand. Celebrated in Sanskrit literature and the Mahabharata as the historic ashram of Sage Kanva, this peaceful sanctuary is immortalized as the romantic setting where King Dushyanta met Shakuntala (the subject of Kalidasa's masterwork Abhigyanam Shakuntalam) and where Emperor Bharat (after whom India is named 'Bharatvarsha') was born and spent his childhood playing with lion cubs.

Surrounded by dense sal and teak forests at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, the ashram complex features the ancient Shakuntala Dushyanta temple, a Gurukul school, yajnashala, and tranquil walking trails along the pebble strewn Malini riverbed. Nature lovers and history enthusiasts can explore the nearby Bharat monument, walk through herbal botanical gardens, and enjoy birdwatching along the quiet riverbanks.

Truth is, dipping your hands into the gentle Malini stream while reading verses of ancient Vedic history under sacred banyan trees is deeply calming. It is one of India's foundational mythological landmarks in Uttarakhand.