About Uttranchal

The Abode Of Gods.

Mysterious, beautiful, colourful and exotic, such is the land of Uttaranchal.

It is one of the best tourist destinations of India. It is the 27th state of India and is
popularly known as the “Lands of Gods”, as the state abounds in pilgrimage
centres. The enchanting land is blessed with several tourist attractions, which plays
an important role in the economy of the state. From snow-capped mountain peaks
to scenic beauty, hill stations, beautiful valleys, pilgrimage centres and fascinating
wildlife, the wonderful Uttaranchal has so much to offer to its tourists.

Location
Covering an area of 51,125 sq km of which 93% is mountainous and 64 % is
covered by forest, Uttaranchal is a state located in the northern part of India.
Uttaranchal is a part of the Western Himalayan range starting from the Shivalik
foothills to Greater Himalayas.

Tourist Attractions

The charming land of Uttaranchal boasts of several tourist attractions such as

wildlife sanctuaries, trekking routes, glaciers, passes, meadows. The famous wildlife
sanctuaries of the state are Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Nanda
Devi National Park and Govind National Park. Haridwar, Rishikesh,Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Badrinath, Bhimgoda Kund, Kedarnath, Chakrata hill resort, Dehradun,
Almora, Ranikhet, Mussoorie hill station, Garhwal and Kumaon are some of the
most happening tourist destinations of Uttaranchal.

Flora And Fauna

Uttaranchal is rich in flora and fauna. Most of the region of the state is covered with
forest consisting of a wide variety of vegetation. The alpine and tropical rainforests
dominate the land of Uttaranchal. The flame of the forest, jacaranda, yellow
laburnum, pines, oak are some of the trees found in the forests. Well known fruit
trees found in the state are plums and peaches, whereas the floral species include
geraniums, asters, lilies, roses, anemones, marigold, primula, gerberas, dahlias,
hydrangeas, gladiolas etc. The state also has a wide variety of medicinal plants and
herbs. Several wildlife species including the endangered ones are inhabitants of the
wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks of Uttaranchal. Some of the wildlife
destinations of the state are  Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Nanda
Devi National Park, Rajaji National Park, Valley Of Flowers National Park, Gangotri
National Park and Govind National Park. Uttaranchal is home to around 230
varieties of birds, which makes it a bird's paradise. Some of the birds sighted here
are  babblers, tits, bulbuls, warblers, minivets, woodpeckers, pigeons , myna, the
colourful barbets, the sunbird, the red billed magpie, the jungle myna, the long
tailed minivet and Himalayan bulbul. A wide range of beautiful and colourful
butterflies are also spotted in Uttaranchal.

Wildlife Resorts
Having their own distinctive quality, the Wildlife Resorts of Uttranchal are the
perfect destinations for exploring the wildlife of the state. Fitted with modern
facilities, some of the well known wildlife resorts of Uttaranchal are Corbett Jungle
Lodge,Tiger Camp, Corbett Hideaway, Corbett Ramganga Resort, Corbet Riverside
Resort, Infinity Resort, Solluna Resort and Corbett Riverview Retreat.

Safaris In Uttaranchal
The safaris in Uttranchal are full of adventure and thrill. Travellers can enjoy and
explore the wonderful state of Utaranchal by embarking on various safaris.
Uttaranchal has several hilly regions, jungles and wildlife sanctuaries, which beckon
the travellers. You can go on an elephant safari or Jeep safari when it comes to
exploring the wildlife sanctuaries - the choice is yours. Jeep safaris are more
comfortable and convenient when one needs to cover long distances. Elephant
safaris on the other hand are mainly for fun. Jeep safaris are also organised to
explore the villages and hilly regions. Some of the hilly areas of Uttaranchal can be
best explored by horse safari.

Shopping
Being a culturally rich state, Uttaranchal offers a wide variety of handicrafts
available in its numerous markets. Wood craft is the most famous arts of the state,
and is also very popular among tourists. One can find several types of wood crafts
in the bustling markets. The local artisans are skilled in carving out wonderful items
out of wood, bamboo and cane. Good quality rice and tea are the other specialities
of Uttaranchal. One can also buy beautiful and colourful woollens like sweaters,
cardigans and shawls from the markets. Beautiful paintings and ornaments are
other shopping items.

Climate
Uttaranchal is divided into two main regions: hilly terrain and plain region. In the
plains, the summers are hot and winters can be very cold. Winters in hilly terrain
sees heavy snowfall. The temperature in winters can go below 5°C, the monsoon is
characterized by heavy rainfall, and the summers are hot with temperature going
over  40°C.

Best Time To Visit Uttaranchal

The best time to visit Uttaranchal is from April to July.

How To Reach

By Air: The Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun connects the state with various cities
and states of India. Another airport is at Pantnagar.
By Rail: The state of Uttaranchal is well connected to various other states of India
through railways. The important railway stations of Uttaranchal are, Haridwar and
Kathgodam.
By Road: Uttaranchal is well connected to most regions of India by a good network
of roads. Dehradun, the capital city of Uttaranchal is well connected to many places
of North India by regular bus service.
 

History of Uttranchal
Now renamed Uttarakhand, Uttaranchal is a new state which was once the part of
the state of Uttar Pradesh. In Sanskrit, the word Uttarakhand literally means 'North
Country or Section'. This beautiful state finds mention in the ancient Hindu
scriptures as the combined region of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand. During the
ancient times the land of Uttarakhand was an abode of the great sages and
the heavenly deities as well. The holy river Ganga, the daughter of heaven,
came down to the earth in Uttarakhand. The land of Uttarakhand has numerous
pilgrimage centers, each having its own great legend to tell.

The Kols were the first inhabitants of Uttarakhand. During the Vedic period, the
Indo-Aryan Khas tribes started sharing the land of present day Uttarakhand with
the Kols. During the Vedic times, many sages also lived in Uttarakhand. The great
sage Vyasa inscribed the Great Hindu Epic Mahabharata in Uttarakhand. It is
believed that Pandavas lived in this region for a few days.

Many dynasties ruled over Uttarakhand and the first one to establish their
supremacy was the Kunindas in the 2nd century B.C. They were great devotees of
Lord Shiva. They were involved in the trade of salt with Tibet. Buddhism was also
followed during this period. With great efforts of Shankaracharaya, Brahmanical
rule was re-established in Uttarakhand. From the beginning of the 7th century to
the 14th century, the land of Uttarakhand was ruled by the Katyuri dynasty of
Khas.

The medieval period saw the consolidation of the two kingdoms of Uttarakhand: the
Gharwal Kingdom and the Kumaon Kingdom. During the period between the 13th to
the 18th century, Kumaon Kingdom gained prosperity. The wonderful art of painting
also developed during this period. Later in the 19th century, the Gurkhas from
Nepal started conquering Uttarakhand. In 1816, the Anglo-Nepalese War broke out,
resulting in the re-establishment of the Garhwal Kingdom but Kumaon was
surrendered to the British as part of the treaty of Sagauli. Finally India got its
independence and Uttarakhand was freed from the British rule. Today Uttaranchal
is developing as an individual state at its own good pace.
 

People and Culture

Uttaranchal is popularly known as 'Dev Bhoomi', meaning the land of Gods,

and this very sentence echoes how rich the culture of this land is. The
vibrant culture surrounds its friendly people, languages, folk dance and music,
cuisine, fairs and festivals, architectural marvels( temples and monuments),
traditions and arts and crafts. The majority of people in Uttaranchal are Hindus. The
main language spoken in the state is Garhwali. The Ganga, the most sacred river of
India has its origin in Uttaranchal. The holy river is considered a living deity
representing the spiritual facet of the culture of Uttaranchal.

Still retaining its old-world charm, the culture of Uttaranchal fascinates

many a tourist with its colorful and delightful aura.

Fairs and Festivals

Celebrating life in the form of various fairs and festivals, the people of Uttaranchal
have a great passion for fairs and festivals. Throughout the year they have some or
the other fair or festival to celebrate. Some of the main festivals of Uttaranchal are
Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Harela, Phooldei, Bat Savitri, Ganga Dusshera.
The most important religious fair of the state is the Kumbh Mela which is
celebrated in Hardwar every twelfth/sixth year. Holding sheer religious and historic
importance, this is the largest religious fair in the world. Attracting millions of
visitors, the Mela is one-of-its-kind.

Dance and Music

Dance and music is like the brightest jewel of any culture and this jewel of
Uttaranchal is truly wondrous. Almost all the celebrations in the state are marked
with dance and music performances. If you get a chance to enjoy the dances of
Uttaranchal such as Jharva, Chandhur Chhapalior, don't miss the opportunity as
they are the most famous dance forms of the state. The melodious and popular folk
songs are Malushahi, Biar and Hurkiya Bol.

Handicrafts
The colourful handicrafts of Uttaranchal have gained international fame for their
beauty and quality. Be it wood craft, paintings or ornaments, the craftsmen of
Uttaranchal know all the tricks of the trade very well.

Cuisine
A wide variety of delicious culinary delights are available in Uttaranchal. Most of the
people of the state are more inclined towards vegetarian food, though there is of
course a minority non-vegetarian population. Treat your taste buds to some of the
popular dishes of Uttaranchal: Garhwal Ka Fannah, Chainsoo, Kafuli, Jholi, Paanu,
Thehwani, Baadi, Ras, Arsa(dessert), black and white roti and many more.

Food / Cuisine

The wonderful state of Uttaranchal will surely tantalize your taste buds
with its mouth-watering culinary delights. The cuisines of the state are not
only high on taste but nutritive value also. Keeping in mind their high energy
requirements due to the cold and hilly terrain, the people of Uttaranchal are quite
particular about the ingredients of their meals. If you happen to visit Uttaranchal
during its fairs or festivals, then don't miss its festive food. Uttaranchal is the place
where you can gorge on both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Rice is the staple food of Uttaranchal and at least one meal of the people consists of
rice. Lentils are used liberally by the people of the state. An interesting fact about
the cuisine of the state is that it also involves the use of cannabis seeds, locally
known as Bhang. This ingredient is used as a spice. 
Don't forget to ask for the most relished dish of Uttaranchal; Bhatt(a variety of
soya bean) and the gahat(also called kulath). The people of Uttaranchal are
very fond of  badis (dried balls of urad dal). Tomato is used in very small quantities
in Uttaranchal cuisine. The people of Uttaranchal use mustard oil or pure ghee in
the preparation of these delicious dishes.

During your stay in Uttaranchal you can try out various delicious cuisine such as
Gahat ki Dal, Rus, Aloo ke Gutke, Singal, Kumaoni Raita, Jhangora ki kheer, Sani
hui Muli and Nimbu, Bal Mithai, Kaafli, Arsa, Kulath Phanu and Gulula.

The mouth-watering Kesar Halwa is a special dish of Uttaranchal, which is

specially prepared during the festival of Basant Panchami. This festival is celebrated
with great fervor in the month of January/February.

Enjoy the gastronomic delights in Uttaranchal and you will remember the
taste for long!
 
 

Art and Handicrafts

Using simple tools and by putting in a great deal of hard work and
creativity, the skilled craftsmen of Uttaranchal fashion amazing
handicrafts. Wonderful dance and music performances, the fabulous art form, is
intricately woven into the lives of the people of Uttaranchal. A diverse array of arts
and handicrafts beautifully show how rich and glorious the culture of Uttaranchal is.
Tourists coming from far and wide take back with them a variety of handicrafts
from Uttaranchal.
The Arts Of Uttaranchal

Dance And Music

The dance and music forms of Uttaranchal are the jewels of the performing arts of
the state. Uttaranchal is a land inhabited by various tribes, each having its own
dance form. The most famous dance forms in Uttaranchal are the Bhotiya Dance
and the Langvir Dance.

Wall Painting
Wall Painting is more of a tradition than an art in Uttaranchal. The kitchens and the
sacred places in the houses are decorated with different kinds of paintings, making
the homes colorful and pleasant.

The famous crafts of Uttaranchal are:

Wood Craft
The art of wood carving have been a tradition in Uttaranchal since ages. A wide
variety of wooden objects are crafted by the craftsmen but the most famous wood
craft include wooden front doors, which are exquisitely carved with floral and
animal designs. The carved doors of the houses in the state reflect the social status
of the inhabitants.

Paintings
Another artistic facet of the culture of Uttaranchal is the beautiful paintings, which
deserve mention. The state, especially the Garhwal region is famous for
the Mughal style of paintings. The other type of painting famous here is
the Pitha. Take back home some of these classy paintings to decorate your home.

Ornaments
Metals such as gold, silver, copper and brass are beautifully transformed into
wonderful jewelery by the goldsmiths who have long perfected this art. The
traditional ornaments with simple and classy designs leave the tourists with a deep
desire to buy them.
 
Naturopathy

Meditation in Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

Practiced since centuries, ayurveda, yoga and meditation, are terms not new in
India, in fact they have taken India to the world. People from across the world now
come to India for these. Infact India has fast emerged as a health tourism
destination because of these. 

Uttaranchal is one of the first choices of tourists coming to India for ayurveda, yoga
and meditation. While yoga and mediation are practiced and taught in ashrams on
river banks, there are reputed universities here where ayurveda is taught. It is a
proper subject, is considered as a branch of science and constant researches are
conducted in the field.
Ayurveda
A 5000 year old science, it employs whatever mother nature provides in forms of
plants, trees, shrubs and herbs to cure ailments. Since the treatment is based on
nature, everything one takes is pure, herbal and natural, there are no side effects
to it. Ancient texts like Rigveda, Achar Sanhita are the backbones of this science
and few other similar texts are also available. Literally the term 'Ayurveda' means
science of life. The deemed universities in Uttaranchal and age old ashrams which
have now turned into full fledged research institutes and proper colleges.
Yoga And Meditation
Yoga and meditation, the two terms are often taken together, they are connected
but not synonymous. In fact the two are practiced in a different manner altogether.
While yoga comprises of body postures using hands and legs, meditation is more of
a spiritual thing. It involves exercises with your breathing. Most people associate
yoga and meditation with the Hindu religion, however it is only after one learns or
starts to practice them that one knows that the effect and healing powers transcend
the boundary of religion. 

The science of Yoga and meditation has been practiced since time immemorial in
India. In the ancient times, sages controlled their breathing. The science of yoga
and meditation goes deeper then just a few asans. It is a complete wellness regime
which if followed ensures a life blessed with health. People have observed complete
changes in themselves after practicing these.
Ayurveda, Yoga And Mediation Destinations In Uttaranchal
Rishikesh is also called the 'Yoga capital of the world'. An annual yoga week is held
in Rishikesh during the month of February which sees spiritual leaders and yoga
gurus from across the world coming together in Rishilkesh. Some of the prominent
ashrams where you can learn and practice yoga and meditation in Rishikesh are
Parmarth Niketan, Sivanand Ashram, Yoga Niketan, Omkaranand Ashram,
Vanprastha Ashram, Ved Niketan Dayanand, Vedanta Ashram and Vanmali Gita
yogashram. 

For ayurveda treatments, Haridwar is the preferred destination. There are many
Ayurveda colleges and research institutes here where patients are also treated. The
most famous and prestigious among these is Government Gurukul Kangri Ayurvedic
College and Hospital in Haridwar. 

There are other institutes in the states as well which take admissions every year for
full fledged ayurveda degrees and courses. Rishikul Government Ayurvedic College
also in Haridwar and Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College in Dehradun to name a few.

Mussoorie Tourism- The Fairyland

Mussoorie is an enchanting hill station situated ideally on the foothills of
the lofty Himalayas. Located at an elevation of 2,000 m, Mussoorie is blessed
with romantic aura. The hill station is truly a honeymooner's
paradise. Tourists from far and wide flock to the hill station to enjoy its mountain
beauty, rich flora and fauna, mesmerizing valleys and much more. Discovered in
the year 1827 by Captain Young, Mussoorie is visited by a large number of newly-
wed couples. There are various attractions in Mussoorie, which make the trips of
the tourists memorable and pleasurable.

Destinations with attractions

Attractions of Mussoorie
Gun Hill
Gun Hill, the second highest peak in Mussoorie is a wonderful destination, which is
preferred by many a honeymooner. The adventurous way to access the Hill is
through a rope way (cable car). Gun Hill is the place where once cannons were kept
for the defense of Mussoorie. The Hill offers panoramic views of the snow-capped
Himalayas.

Camel's Back Road

It is a mesmerizing road surrounded by lush green vegetation. It is the best place
for nature walks.

St. Mary's Church

It is the oldest Church in the Himalayas.

Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls is a famous tourist attraction located only 15 km from Mussoorie.
Surrounded by hills, the Falls offer amazing views. The waters cascades down from
an altitude of 4,500 feet. The Falls is open to visitors from March to July. The
environment here is very romantic.

Lake Mist
Lake Mist is a popular picnic spot located at a distance of 5 km from the Kempty
Falls. The site also offers many accommodation options and restaurants.

Municipal Garden
It is also a picnic spot housing a beautiful garden and an artificial lake where
visitors can also enjoy a boat ride.

Mussoorie Lake
The beauty of this picnic spot attracts visitors in great numbers. It is located on the
Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Apart from enjoying nature you can enjoy boating here.

Children Lodge
It is the highest peak of Mussoorie, located near Lal Tibba. This place can be
reached either on foot or on horseback. Children Lodge is worth a visit as it offers
breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.

Mosey Falls
Mosey Falls is a wonderful destination fringed by dense forests. It is located at a
distance of 7 km from Mussoorie.

Sir George Everest Home

It is a place of great historic importance. It houses the building and laboratory of
Sir George Everest, after whom world's highest peak Mt. Everest is named. From
here one can enjoy overwhelming views of the snow-capped Himalayas. It also
pleases its visitors by providing great views of Doon valley and Yamuna valley. It is
also a great place for trekking.
 

Nainital

The Lake Paradise.

Leaving the tourists enchanted with its pristine natural beauty, Nanital is a
wonderful hill station in Uttaranchal. It is located in the Himalayan foothills of
Uttaranchal. Popularly known as the 'Lake Paradise', Nanital was discovered by a
British named Mr. Barron. There is so much to see and experience in Nanital. So
what are you waiting for! Plan a trip to this mind blowing destination and take back
home some delightful memories.

Some of the main attractions of Nanital are:

Naini Lake
It is a pear shaped lake,which  is the most famous attraction of Nanital. Hemmed in
by magnificent hills, the lake is very beautiful. It sparkles like a jewel at night in
moonlight. The lake is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths or religious
sites. It is the place where the burnt body of Sati(Parvati) fell on earth while being
carried by the Lord Shiva. And the spot where Sati's eye(or Nain) fell, came to be
known as Naintal. There is a famous Naina Devi temple near the lake where the
goddess Shakti is worshiped. Tourists can enjoy boating in the lake, which is truly
an exhilarating experience.

Naina Peak
Offering breathtaking views of the mountain peaks, Naina Peak is the highest
peak of Nanital. It has an elevation of 2611 m and is located only 6 km from the
main town of Nanital. One can reach the peak on ponies or horses. This peak is also
known as China Peak.

Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi offers peace and natural beauty in abundance. There is a beautiful
temple in Hanuman Garhi that is dedicated to lord Hanuman. Throng to this place
to treat your eyes to superb sunset views.

Bhim Tal
It is a mesmerizing lake in Nanital. There is a beautiful island located in the middle
of this lake, which offer mind-boggling views of the surroundings.

Astronomical Observatory
It is a fascinating destination housing binoculars and telescopes. Flock to this place
to get a glimpse of a different world.

Land's End
Offering fascinating views of the rolling hills and picturesque Khurpatal lake. It is
located only at a distance of 4 km from the city center.
The Mall
A shopping paradise, the Mall is dotted with numerous shops where a variety of
handicrafts such as candles, woolens and woodcrafts are available.

Snow View Point

Snow View Point is the place reached by a rope way (chair lift), on horse back or by
a walk. The place greets the visitors with the arresting views of the Northern
Himalayan ranges.
 

Pauri

Pauri is a wonderful destination taking pleasure in impressing its visitors

with its  snow-covered peaks, beautiful rivers, dense forests and celestial
valleys. It is a city located in the Pauri Gharwal district. Apart from the natural
beauty, there are several other attractions in and around Pauri. If you happen to
visit Pauri on a clear day, then Pauri will reward you with fascinating views of the
Great Himalayas. Enjoy nature walks in the city located at an elevation of 1814 m
above sea level. Its pleasant climate adds more pleasure to the vacations of
tourists.

Attractions Of Pauri

Kandoliya Temple
It is a beautiful temple located two km from Pauri built in honor of the Kandoliya
Devta. The temple is surrounded by scenic beauty.

Chaukhamba Viewpoint
A four km stretch from Pauri, Chaukhamba Viewpoint offers breathtaking scenic
beauty. It is a famous picnic spot visited by tourists and locals alike. Another
attraction of this place is the dense forest of Dwarikhal rich in a wide variety of
flora.

Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev
It is an ancient temple whose foundation was laid in the 8th century. Dedicated to
Lord Shiva, the temple offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks.

Tara Kund
Tara Kund is another place near Pauri known for its natural beauty. This destination
houses an ancient temple and a small lake. The festival of Teej is celebrated
enthusiastically at the temple every year.

Dhudatoli
Visit this place for a bird's eye view of the lofty Himalayas. It is located at an
altitude of 3100 m above sea level and attracts tourists from across the world.

Pauri is all about natural beauty where you can enjoy nature at its best. So
nature buffs, don't forget to mark Pauri in your itinerary when coming to
Uttaranchal.

Almora

The Switzerland Of India

Celestial mountain beauty, rich culture, glorious history, ancient temples,

dense forests, arresting valleys, wooden houses, lovely lakes and beautiful
rivers, this is what Almora is all about. This popular destination of Uttaranchal
is around 500 year old town, still retaining its old-world charm. Acting tourists from
the world over, Almora is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of
Uttaranchal. Almora is popularly known as the 'Switzerland of India'.

"In these hills, nature's hospitality eclipses all men can ever do. The enchanting
beauties of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that
envelopes you leaves nothing more to be desired. I wonder whether the scenery of
these hills and the climate are to be surpassed, if equalled, by any of the beauty
spots of the world. After having been nearly three weeks in Almora Hills, I am more
than ever amazed why our people need go in Europe in search of health." These
are  the words said by Mahatma Gandhi in praise of the overwhelming town of
Almora.

Attractions Of Almora

Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum

Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum is a great tourist destination to visit in Almora.
It houses a rare collection of the wonderful 'Apen' folk paintings and other precious
articles of the bygone era.

Katarmal Sun  Temple

It is a beautiful temple with mind boggling sculptures. Built 800 years ago, the
temple complex houses 50 temples, each having its own unique charm. The
Mahashivratri Mela is celebrated with great devotion and joy at the temple in the
month of November.

Deer Park
It is a beautiful park located only at a distance of 3 km from Almora.

Bright End Corner

It is a famous spot where you can treat your eyes to the overwhelming sunrise and
sunset views. It is located 2 km from Almora. The peaceful atmosphere of this place
will make you feel rejuvenated.

Vivekananda Memorial
Situated near the Bright End Corner is the Vivekananda Memorial, a place where
Vivekananda had rested for a while on his journey to the Himalayas.

Martola
A visit to Martola, a picnic spot, will make your day as it is a captivating place
surrounded by gardens. It is located 10 km from Almora. Majority of the population
inhabiting this place are foreigners.

Nanda Devi Temple

ttracting thousands of devotees from across the country, Nanda Devi Temple
occupies an important place on the map of Uttaranchal. Located in Almora, the
temple is a 1000 year old temple. The walls of the temple are adorned with
amazing carvings. The Dance Festival hosted at the temple is a great even to
watch.
 
 

Joshimath

Holding the attention of nature lovers from far and wide, Joshimath is a
captivating hill station. Located ideally in the mountain slopes above the rivers
Alaknanda and Dhauliganga, the hill station enjoys a salubrious climate.
The name Joshimath is a distorted version of the Sanskrit word 'Jyotirmath', the
place of the Jyotirlinga of Shiva. It is believed that sage Shankracharya established
one of the four piths (centers) for sanyasis at this place. Joshimath falls on the way
to Badrinath and it is believed that lord Vishnu resides at this place in the winters.

Attractions Of Joshimath
The Temple Of Narshimha
It is a beautiful temple built in honor of lord Narshimha, an incarnation of lord
Vishnu. An arm of the idol of the lord is said to be decreasing in length daily, and it
is believed that the day it breaks off, the road to Badrinath would get blocked
permanently.

Auli
Located 16 km from Joshimath is Auli, famous for its winter sports such as Ice
Skiing. The only way to reach Auli is by rope way from Joshimath.

Nanda Devi National Park

If you are a wildlife freak, then you must not miss the fascinating Nanda Devi
National Park located 23 km from Joshinath. Established in 1982, the Park was
declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Sprawling over an area of
630.33 sq km, the Park is rich in both flora and fauna. The best time to visit the
Park is from April to October. The Park is home to numerous wildlife species such as
Himalayan tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear,
leopard and langur, Himalayan musk deer. This Park is a paradise of birds with
around 80 species. The commonly sighted birds in the Park are warblers,
gresbreaks, rose finches and ruby throat.
 

Kausani

Kausani

The Mountain Beauty

Tourists travel to Kausani in great numbers for an exhilarating traveling

experience.Kausani is a mesmerizing hill station located 53 km from Almora in
Uttaranchal. There are several spots in the hill station, which offer commanding
views of the Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and
Panchchuli. This hill station is one of the most beautiful destinations of
Uttaranchal. Located at an altitude of 1890 m, Kausani is located amidst dense pine
trees overlooking Someshwar valley on one side and Garur and Baijnath Katyuri
valley on the other. The original name of Kausani was Valna and it is also the birth
place of Sumitra Nandan Pant, the renowned poet of Hindi literature. Kausani is
also a land of orchards flooded with  apples, peaches and pears. The best
time to visitKausani is from April to June and from September to November.

Attractions Of Kausani

Views Of The Snow-Capped Mountains

This is the most enthralling attraction of Kausani which makes it the pride of the
great Himalayas. Mountain lovers, Kaausani is the perfect place for you! The
various vantage points on the hill station fascinate the tourists with overwhelming
views of sunrises and sunsets.

Anasshakti Ashram
It is a popular landmark of Kausani where Mahatma Ghandhi stayed for a few days.
He wrote his commentary of Anashakti Yog at this Ashram. The ashram has a
research center and a library. It also houses a Gandhi memorial which reminds the
visitors of the teaching of Mahatama Gandhi.

Pant Museum
The birth place of a famous Hindi literature poet, Pant Museum is a great place for
literature lovers. Retaining its old-world charm, this place serve as a reference
library showcasing the great work of the poet. Researchers from across the country
flock to the museum.

Lakshmi Ashram
As has been rightly commented, “a noble life is one dedicated to noble work”, the
Lakshmi Ashram is such an organization working for a noble cause. This  place is
dedicated to social service, the upliftment of women. The surroundings of the
ashram are covered by the dense pine forest.

Trekking
Kausani offers tremendous opportunities for trekking. The hill station also serve as
the base for treks such as Adi Kailash trek, Base Kasauni trek and the Bageshwar
Sunderdhanga trek.

There are numerous beautiful places around Kausani, which are also
famous for their immense natural beauty and serenity such as Baijnath,
Bageshwar, Chaukori, Berinag, Gangolhat, Patal Bhuvaneshwar and
Gwaldam.
 

Ranikhet

Come to Ranikhet, and you will be more than happy to see its arresting
natural beauty. Perched at an elevation of 1,830 m above sea level, Ranikhet is a
wonderful hill station located in the Almora district of Uttaranchal. This hill station
takes pride in pleasing its tourists with awe-inspiring views of the lofty Himalayan
peaks of Naina Devi. The word Ranikhet literally means 'Queen's meadow'. The
refreshing environment of Ranikhet will add more pleasure to your trip. The
pleasant climate of Ranikhet draws many tourists throughout the year. Ranikhet is
also host to the Kumaon Regiment(KRC) and Naga Regiment,which are maintained
by the Indian Army.

A wide variety of wildlife  species is found in the reserved forests of Pine, Oak and
Deodar in Ranikhet. Some of the wildlife species spotted here are leopard, leopard
cat, mountain goat, barking deer, sambhar, pine mertin, wild bear, Indian hare, red
faced monkey, jackal, langur, red fox and porcupine. Ranikhet is also known for its
ancient temples.

Attractions Of Ranikhet

Nanda Devi Mela

Dedicated to goddess Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage
center in Uttaranchal. The temple is famous for its colorful Nanda Devi Festival
celebrated every year in the month of September in honor of the goddess. The
word Nanda means 'prosperity' and 'well being' and the Nanda Devi Festival
represents both material and spiritual prosperity. The fair is held in Ranikhet, Nauti,
Almora, Nauti, Dandidhara and Munsyari.

Upat
It is one of the finest places in India to try your hand at the royal game, Golf.
Tourists from far and wide come here to play Golf. Upat also offers picturesque
views of the snow-capped peaks.

Kalika
It is famous for a temple built in honor of goddess Kali. There is also a forest
nursery here.

Chaubatia
Located 10 km from Ranikhet, Chaubatia is known for its four fruit gardens and a
Government Fruit Research Center.

Bhalu
Located around 13 km from Ranikhet, Bhalu is a fabulous spot for fishing.
 
 
Uttaranchal Tourism –» Chamba

Chamba, Uttaranchal Hill Station 

About 50 km from Mussoorie is the smal hill town of Chamba,
Uttaranchal(of course don't confuse it with Chamba in
Himachal).Chamba is yet another of those destinations which
still stand oblivious to most tourists and therefore unspoilt and
fresh like a daisy for the lucky few who venture out seeking new
places to explore and enjoy Chamba is at an altitude of 1600
mt above sea level. Again really unspoiilt and with lot of pines and deodar and good views.
Unlike Mussoorie, the place is very quiet and picturesque and an excellent place to relax to
wash your city blues. One can reach Chamba in about 7-8 hrs from Delhi via Hardwar,
Rishikesh & Narendranagar (290 km). One can also combine stay at Chamba with one at
Mussoorie or Dhanolti and reach via Dehradun, Mussoorie and Dhanolti

* CAMPING AT RANI CHAURI NEAR CHAMBA *

Click Here For Reservation

Kanatal, Uttaranchal Hill Station

Situated at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, The Kanatal is a
prime location on the Chamba-Mussorie highway. With summer
temperatures ranging from 10-25 degrees Celsius, and
between 5 and 18 degrees in winters, the pleasant climate and
lush green natural environs of Kanatal offer a welcome respite
from the heat and dust-laden environs of crowded cities and
towns in the plains. The high point of the year occurs between
December and February, when visitors throng this part of the
country to experience the thrills of a snow-white winter

Route Map : 
Delhi - Meerut - Roorkee - Chhutmalpur - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Dhanolti - Kanatal
Delhi - Meerut - Roorkee - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Narendranagar - Chamba - Kanatal 

NearBy Areas :
Surkanda Devi temple (5 kms away), 
Adventure and wildlife spots such as the Kaudiya Forest (3 kms), 
Rani Chauri Forest (22 kms), 
Dandachali Forest (21 kms) and Batwaldar Forest (10 kms), 
The Tehri Dam (33 kms), 
Hill stations like Dhanaulti (12 kms) and Mussorie (37 kms) as well as the haven for white water
river rafting - Shivpuri (75 kms).

Click Here For Reservation 

 Kausani, Uttaranchal Hill Station
There are very few places in the Himalayas which can compare
with the beauty of Kaushani.As the entire Kumaon Hills have
been known for their idyllic beauty with the huge mountains
silhouetted against the sky.Kausani was originally called Valna.
Kausani offers the magic of the deep pine forests and the
majestic mountains. Kausani the birthplace of the famed poet
Sumitra Nandan Pant is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of
India. Situated among mountains and trees, the peaks Trishul
and Nanda Devi are clearly visible from here. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi spent 12 days here and
brought his thoughts out in his book called Anasakti Yoga. The place where he stayed is called
the Anasakti Ashram. This Ashram was earlier the guest house in a tea estate.Kausani is ideal
to visit with the family. Because of its beauty, tourists come here all through the year. From
morning to evening, from valleys to peaks, thousands of different colours can be seen here. 

Kausani (Sight Seeing) 

Pant Museum
A little away from the Kaushani bus stand is a museum named after the Hindi poet
Sumitranandan Pant. The house which has the museum is the poet's house of his childhood
days. His daily use articles, drafts of his poems, letters, his awards etc. are displayed here. 

Lakshmi Ashram
1 km away from the Anasakti Ashram, this place is a center run by women who do social
service. Gandhiji's disciple, Sarala Behen spent her life here doing social service. This ashram
is located in a solitary area in a dense jungle. 

Pinakeshwar
9050 feet above sea level, this hill station is 20 kms from Kaushani. Here there is a temple of
Shiva from where one can view many valleys. Around
Pinakeshwar are other places like Old Pinakeshwar, Gopalkot,
Huria etc. 

Baijnath
17 kms from Kaushani, the most important historical place in
Uttarakhand is Baijnath which is situated on the banks of the
Gomti river. The Baijnath temple here was built thousands of
years ago and can still be admired for its carvings and
sculptures. Some old temples can also be found here. 

Someshwar
15 kms away from Kaushani, this famous Shiva temple was built by King Somchand of the
Chand Dynasty. In March every year a festival is held here . 

Chaukori
Chaukori is 75 kms away from Kaushani and is well known for the view it gives of the Himalayan
peaks. A person viewing the Himalayas from here feels like he can touch them. For an overnight
stay there is a tourist bungalow. 

Sundardoonga & Kafni Glaciers

For the more adventurous trekkers these two glaciers are ideal. Both these glaciers are located
in the Pindari Glacier area in different spots. It is advisable to visit these places with an
experienced guide and proper equipment. Sundardoonga is known for its beautiful rocks. One
has to pass through Umla Jatoli village to go there. Dhakudi is a camping point which is 35 kms
away. To go to Kafni (3800 mts) one has to go through a rough trek of 20 kms. from Dwali
camp. 

Kausani (Excursion)
Further ahead from the hill station of Kausani you may plan for
excursions to various other places of tourist interest.There are
the hill Station of Nainital, Almora and Ranikhet that are easily
accessible from Kausani, offer wondrous vistas of the
Himalayas and make excellent excursion options.Then there
are the temple towns of Baijnath and Bageshwar that attract
several pilgrims and tourists every year and are in close
proximity to Kausani. 

The nature lovers may even go on an excursion to Binsar from Kausani. Binsar boasts of a bird
sanctuary that is worth visiting and the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like the Nanda
Devi Sanctuary.

Weather
Kausani experiences snowfall during the months of December and January, thus these two
months may be avoided. The hill resort of Kausani is a retreat in the summer months and may
be visited during April-June and September-November. 

Location
The hill resort of Kausani is located in the Kumaon Region of Uttaranchal. Kausani stands high
at an altitude of 1890 m above sea level. 

Getting there
By Air : The airport nearest to Kausani is at Pantnagar, at a distance180 km.

By Rail : The railway station at Kathgodam is the nearest railhead to Kausani at a distance of
142 km and caters to the rail transport to Kausani

By Road : Kausani is well connected with the other hill resorts like Almora, Ranikhet,
Pithoragarh, Gwaldam and Nainital through road route.

Click Here For Reservation 

Almora, Uttaranchal Hill Station

Almora is a wonderful place to conveniently enjoy the
spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas. Most of the
days in Almora are flawless. Almost everyday the tourist can
see almost every peak. Almora allows you to enjoy the mighty
Himalayas together with ridge after ridge of hills.The terraced
fields, the stone slatted barrack-like village houses have so far
put up a valiant fight against the encroachments of urban
expansion and unplanned development. Bageshwar and
Sitalakhet are other places of tourist interest. Bageshwar is one of the main camping sites for
the journey to Pindari Glacier, which is situated at a height of 3,820 meters.Sitlakhet is the new
tourist resort on the Syahi Devi hill. Kafni Glacier is also close by(around 3,870 meters above
sea level).

On the banks of Gomti (a local river) Baijnath is situated in Garur Valley, is an idyllic place. It is
famous for its 13th century temples. Jageshwar has Shiva temples and is on the Almora-
Pithoragarh road and is situated in a densely wooded beautiful narrow valley.They are a marvel
to see for their artistic beauty and craftsmanship. Jageshwar is among the 12-jyotir lingas in the
country.

The Nanda Devi temple in the heart of the Almora city is very famous.Almora has a museum
that is a storehouse of information about the cultural heritage of Kumaon. There is a deer park
on the outskirts of Almora. 
Almora was founded in 1568.There are lots of attractions at Almora.Swami Vivekananda gave
famous lectures here and included it in his itinerary at the turn of this century. From Almora To
Colombo record that he was stirred as much by the stark beauty of the mountains here as by
the ocean at Kanyakumari. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, was located at
Mayawati Ashram then in Almora. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore spent a summer to get over
the personal grief after the loss of a beloved child.A little later followed the great dancer Udaya
Shankar. Ravi Shankar, Zohra Sehgal, Simki and the youngster Guru Dutt have all been here.
Others have followed in their footsteps.Pundit Nehru had served a term of imprisonment in the
Jail at Almora and has left behind an evocative account of the pleasures of solitude and the
changing moods of nature in his various letters written from this place which acted as
inspirational guide for the Indians. 

Around Almora
Almora, is surrounded by many sightseeing places. Binsar hill, locally known as Jhandi Dhar,
rises to a height of 2,412 meters and offers a panoramic view of Almora town,Binsar, is an hour'
s motor drive from Almora,the Kumaon hills and the Greater Himalayas. The region around in
alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. The brow is reached
by an unpaved ridge lined by prosperous private estate. A walk through the woods comprising
mostly oak and rhododendron forest, leads to a vantage point at the summit, which offers an
uncluttered view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valley. Hindi poet Ajneya treated
it as a famous summer spot.
 
Visting Almora

By Road : Almora is well connected with all-important cities of India by road.

By Air : The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). During the summer regular flights are
operational.

By Rail : The nearest raiway station near Almora is Kathgodam.

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Nainital, Uttaranchal Hill Station

This hill station situated in the picturesque Kumaon region is
situated around the lake Naini. Seven mountains or the Sapta
Shring surrounds the city.Apart from its scenic beauty Nainital
is famous for its scented candles. The hill station offers a
wonderful holiday retreat from the hectic routine of the cities.
The high-rising Himalayas, the tree-covered hillsides, beautiful walks and enchanting lakes
mesmerize all the tourists who visit Nainital. Though overcrowded in summer, exploring this
tourism resort in the off-season can also prove to be an interesting holiday. Travel to
Uttaranchal to view the Snow View, a popular vantage point that offers an excellent view of the
northern Himalayan ranges. The Naini Peak is a popular picnic spot and offers a panoramic
view of the Nanda Devi and the mountains on the Tibetan border. Hanuman Garhi has a small
temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The State Observatory is located near Hanuman Garhi on
the top of a ridge. 

How to Reach Nainital

By Air : The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, which is 71 kms away. A coach takes tourists to
Nainital. Taxis and buses are also available. 

By Rail : The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, which is 35 kms away. 

ByRoad: The city is well connected by a road network. 

Prime Attractions of Nainital

Naina Devi Temple ( Nainital )

The attractive lake of Nainital is said to be the eyes of Sati, wife
of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. Lord
Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved wife carried the body
across the country. The remains of her body fell at various
places which today are sacred worship places for the Hindus. 

Hanuman Garhi ( Nainital )

This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of
1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A
very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman
Garhi watching the Sunset is very soothing. You can walk down from Nainital to Hanuman
Garhi.
The Snow view point is located at height of 2270 meter from the sea level. This place can be
reached by the ropeway or the ponies available at the Mallitaal. 

St. John's Church ( Nainital )

This church was built in 1847. A brass memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were
buried in the infamous landslide. The few bodies which could be dug out were buried in the
church premises. { Book Religious Tours }

Snow View ( Nainital ) 

Naini Lake ( Nainital )

Naini Lake or Naini Taal, the picturesque blue green lake is located in the district of Nainital. It is
from this lake that the city of Nainital, the beautiful settlement by the lake, derives its name.
Naini Lake is so called because of its eye-like shape. 

Naina Peak ( Nainital )

Known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in
Nainital. From here Nainital appears as a bowl. You can walk or
take ponies to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina
peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. There are no hotel or restaurant on the top
so carry food and water along with yourself. 

Kilburi ( Nainital )
Kilburi is slightly away from Nainital. 12 kms from the main town, this place is peaceful and
quite. Located amidst green forests this place provides a break from crowds of the city. Kilburi
gives a very good view of the Himalayas. The forest department has got its guest house here.
Kilburi takes you into the laps of nature from rush of the cities.

Observatory ( Nainital )
The clear skies over Nainital prompted the government to setup an observatory here. The
observatory has one of the most advance telescopes in India. With the help of this telescope the
movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies can be calculated to great precision. The
entry in the observatory is by permission and timings are fixed. It will be better if you collect the
prior information about the place.

Zoo Gardens ( Nainital )

Naini Tal has a small but a very beautiful Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here
which includes Deers, Bears, Tigers and many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a
point which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is one of the most
clean zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or taxi can be hired. 

Excursions in Nainital

Sat Tal ( Seven Lakes) 

On the way from Nainital to Bhimtal is a group of seven lakes
called the Sattal. Nature has really provided this place beauty in
abundance. There is government Bunglow where you can
spend the night. Taxis and buses are available to Sattal from
Nainital. It is 22 Km from Nainital. 

Bhimtal 
The myth goes that the lake was built during the Mahabharata
era. You can get taxis and buses at regular interval from
Nainital. On the Nainital-Bhimtal road is Mahra Village. Here
through the efforts of Dr. Yashodhra Mathpal a rich collection of the cultural and archeological
items have been made. These artifacts from the Uttrakhand region gives you an insight into the
cultural heritage of this area. At Bhimtal you can enjoy boating and have food at the restaurant
on the island in middle of the lake. Bhimtal is 23 kms from Nainital and there are good
accommodation facilities at the place. 

Naukuchia Lake
Just four kms from Bhimtal is lake with nine corners hence it is known as the Naukutchia lake.
This is an ideal place to spend your holidays and relax. The lake is full of lotus and is
surrounded by forest with a backdrop of the mountains, all this creates an ideal condition to
enjoy boating in here or sit on the banks and feel the breeze coming from the lake. There are
regular bus and taxi services to this place and the accommodation where you can stay.
Uttaranchal Tourism –» Chaukori

Chaukori , Uttaranchal Hill Station 

Chaukori, a small Hamlet situated in Pithoragarh Distt of
Uttarakhand, famous for the tea Garden eastablished by
britishers and view of Himalayas snow clad ranges some of the
massive peaks with a view at 175 degrees are trishul,
nandadevi, maiktoli, nandakot and panchchuli. The virgin
beauty of Chaukori is mesmerising and enchanting which would
definitely linger in your memory for days to come At a height of
2,010 m, above the sea level and 173 km away from Nainital,
Chaukori is not just another hill station, but it's for the very few,
who want to be there, in the majestic proximity of the
Himalayas for an unbound view of the NandaDevi and
Panchchuli peaks,One of the most magnificent aspects of holidaying in Chaukori is the fabulous
sunrise and sunset that you are treated to. 

The night sky is studded with a million stars that simply takes your breath away. The charming
little town of Chaukori is unlike any other hill station you have seen Chaukori is not less than
sensing the poet in God for creating such perfect place. It is a Must visit destination of lifetime to
get inspiration from Mother Nature. 

How to Reach 
Air: The nearest airport is Naini Saini at Pithoragarh (91 kms). 
Rail : The nearest Railhead is Kathgodam, 198 kms. Some of the important train connections
for Kathgodam are Shatabadi Express, Howrah Express (3019/3020, Ranikhet Express
(5013/5014), Rampur Passenger, Nainital Express (5308/5307) 
Road: Chaukori is connected through metalled hill roads with all the major towns in the area. It
is 480 km from Delhi and 173 km from Nainital. 
The most convenient way to get here is to drive from Delhi, via Haldwani - Almora

Places Around Chaukori 

Patal Bhuvaneshwar (49 Kms): temple of the Lord Shiva in an underground cave.
Kasturi farm (3 Kms) : where deer are bred.
Gangolihat (35 Kms) : It has the famous Hat-Lalika temple dedicated to Goddess Kali
Dharamghar (9 Kms) : Sarla Behn, the disciple of Gandhi Ji, spent her last days.
Bageshwar (47 Kms) : Base camp for Pindari Glacier Trek.
Berinag (10 Kms) : Famous for yielding high quality tea.
Nakuleshwara (50 Kms) : Temple built by Nakul & Sahdev (two brothers of Pandavas).
Baijnath Temple : Devoted to Lord Shiva. 
 Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Dham is ranked amongst the oldest and is
considered as the most revered places amongst Hindus.
Comfortably situated along the right bank of the majestic river
Alaknanda, at an altitude measuring 3133 m above sea level.
The shrine is also known by the name of Vishal Badri, the
biggest amongst five Badris, and is a true homage to Lord
Vishnu, postured in meditative mood or the padmasan. Other of
four Badris includes Bhavishya Badri, Yogdhyan Badri, Bridha Badri and Adi badri respectively.

About Badrinath Temple :Badrinath Temple(Mandir) was originally built by the Kings of
Garhwal about two centuries ago. Much later in 8th century, well-known Hindu reformist Adi
Shankaracharya re-enshrined the temple. The Mandir architecture puts a fabulous semblance
for the eyes of the on looker. It is divided into three segments namely the 'Garbha Griha' or the
sanctum sanctorum, the 'Darshan Mandap' the Ritual Hall and the 'Sabha Mandap' or the
Devotees Assembly Hall. The whole temple complex has 15-idols, of which the statue of Lord
Badri or Vishnu, subtly chiseled from Black stone, simply catches the imagination by awe and
reverence.

Places to see in Badrinath :In this pilgrimage centre there are two natural hot water springs.
Surya Kund and Tapt Kund. The stifling waters temperature is 50oC. Peoples bath in these
springs to distil the body and soul before visit the Mandir.

Vishal Badri : It denotes the main temple of Shri Badri Narayan Temple and is believed to be
the most sanctified.

Bhavishya Badri : This temple is situated in a small village 18 kms far from Joshimath.

Yogathyan Badri : This temple is placed at 25 kms far from mainBadri Nath Dham. This is
exactly the place where Maharaj Pandu prayedto Pandukeshwar.

Preetha Badri : This place is famous because Adi Shankarachary worshipped Badrivishal god
here for some time. It is 19 kms far from Joshimath.

Adi Badri Vishal: This temple is situated at 16 kms. farKarnaprayag. This is one of the famous
temple of bhagwan Badri.
Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra
About Shri Kedarnath Dham: The Kedarnath Temple(Mandir) is ranked amongst the most
revered places amongst Hindus, and is one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva. This
holiest pilgrimage place is located in Uttaranchal. Situated at an altitude of 3584 meters and
river Mandakini lying towards the head, Shri Kedarnath Dham is the place where the scholarly
Adi Guru Shankaracharya enshrined Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath temple, over 100 years old, has a conical lingam, which serves as the main idol, a
statue of Nandi or the celestial bull, 'Garbha Griha' which is a worship place and 'Mandap' for
the pilgrims s to offer prayers. Mythology describes Kedarnath Dham as the prominent holy
place where Lord Shiva purged Pandavas of their sins for killing their own cousins Kauravas in
Kurukshetra battlefield.

There is a belief that any pilgrim who dies here enters into communion with Lord Shiva. The
best time to visit Shri Kedarnath Mandir is between May and October, and can be reached
through trekking 14 kms. from Gaurikund, , which is connected by road from Rishikesh,
Haridwar, Dehradun and other important hill stations of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions in
Uttaranchal.

Famous Places to see in Kedarnath :

Gaurikund :

This place is used as a base camp from where the trek to Kedarnath starts. There is a famous
hot water spring and a temple dedicated to Maa Gauri.It is a famous destination for tourism in
Uttaranchal.

Vasuki Tal :

On the way 6 km. trek at 4135 mtr. above sea level, you will found this lake. It is surrounded by
high snow cladding mountains.

Gandhi Sarovar :

This small lake is famous because mythology describes on this place Yudhishthir, the eldest of
the Pandavas, is said to have deceased to heaven.
Sonprayag :

This holy place you will find on the meeting point of Son Ganga and Mandakini Rivers, where
there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan, mythological place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and
Parvati was solemnized.

Guptkashi :

This place is 49 kms far from the main and very famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and
Vishwanathji.
Chopta: Chopta is one of the beautiful place in the entire Garhwal region. Beautiful lake Deoria
Tal is there which is surrounded by grate Himalaya peaks. It is famous place for angling and
birdwatching.

, Chopta provides us with panoramic views of

the Himalayas and 

Panch Kedar :

As the name defined Panch, there are five most important temples of Lord Shiva. Those are
Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheshwar, Kalpeshwer .

Nearest Railway Station : Rishikesh.

Airport : Dehradun.

Gangotri Temple
About Gangotri Dham :
Gangotri Dham, situated at the height of 3140 m above sea level. Located on the right banks of
sacred eternal river Bhagirathi, the shrine is a mere run of 100 kms. from Uttarkashi. A shrine
dedicated to the Goddess was built the early 18th century by Amar Bahadur Thapa, the Gorkha
Commander. However, the present form of the temple has been reconstruicted by the kings
from Jaipur dynasty.Every year many pilgrims come for Gangotri Yatra.

As the popular mythological event associated with it runs, Goddess Ganga, the daughter of
Heaven, flowed from the locked hairs of Lord Shiva to pardon the sins of king Bhagirath's
ancestors, after the prince performed hard penance for a period of 5500 years. It is thence, that
the pious river got the name of Bhagirathi at the source of origination. Gangotri or Ganga Uttari
or Ganga descending is also the place of origination of Ganga or the Ganges as well. The water
from Gangotri is offered to Lord Shiva, believing that it has Amrit (Elixir of Immortality) that
would alleviate the throat of Lord Shiva who consumed poison in order to protect the world from
disaster.

There is another strong mythology associated with this Holy place. It is believed that King Sagar
after slaughtering the devils on earth performed the Aswamedh Yagna for announcing his
supremacy. King’s 60,000 sons from Queen Sumati and one son Asamanjas born from Queen
Kesani protected the horse, which formed the main center of focus of the Yagna. Fearing the
loss of supremacy, Lord Indra confiscated the Horse of the Yajna and tied it outside the ashram
of Saint Kapila. When 60,000 sons of King Sagar found the horse tide at Saint Kapila’s Ashram,
they tried to storm the ashram, and it was at that moment that Saint opened his eyes and
reduced all of them to ashes. The grandson of King Sagar, named Anshuman recovered the
house from Kapila’s Ashram, and who was told by Saint Kapila that all the 60,000 sons would
receive heaven, if the goddess Ganga is brought down from the heaven and washed their ashes
with holy water. It as then that the arduous task of bringing Ganga to earth started and was
successfully completed by King’s Grandson Bhagirath.

Best Time to Visit :

Gangotri Temple opens in the last week of April or in the initial week of May, coinciding with
propitious Akshaya Tritiya. The temple is closed for the season on the occasion of Diwali by
following a ceremony where oil lamps are lit in the waters of Bhagirathi.

Yamunotri Dham
About Yamunotri : Yamunotri, the source of revered river Yamuna, is situated on top of Bandar
Poonch Peak (3615 m), almost opposite to Gangotri. The temple of Yamunotri located in the
western region of Garhwal Himalayas was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of
Tehri Garhwal. The goddess Yamuna has been beautifully carved out from black marble and
holds the esteemed value of Divine Mother at par with Goddess Ganga. Yamuna has the
frivolity and the roots of this mannerism allude to the mythological event, where Yamuna’s
mother didn’t have an eye contact with her husband all through her life.

There is a popular legend attached to the holy place. It is believed that sage Asit Muni had its
habitation at Yamunotri. He used to take daily bath in Ganga and Yamuna until his old age. It
was during this time that he was unable to take holy bath in Gangotri, and seeing his condition,
a rivulet of Ganga rose opposite to Yamunotri.

The holy shrine has many hot water glaciers that flow through the mountain cavities. Suryakund
is the popular holy bath place, lying adjacent to Divya Shila. The Shila is considered holy and is
worshipped before Puja of Goddess Yamuna. The hot water springs also serve as the special
place to prepare rice and potatoes, which are taken back home by the devotees as the token of
Goddess Yamuna’s blessings. The priests who perform daily rituals and Puja belong to small
village of Kharsali near Jankichatti.

Best Time to Visit:

The temple opens on last week of April, or first week of May on the eve of Akshya-Tritya. The
shrine closes for the devotees on the consecrated Diwali Day with a ritual ceremony performed
by senior priests of the shrine. The temple’s gates are left open the next season for the
devotees on the auspicious occasion of Akshya-Tritya.

About Haridwar: Haridwar connotes to Dwar of Hari or Dwar of Har, and also alluding to
Gateway to God. Posited on the bank of Holy Ganga river is one of the four palces where every
twelve years the great festival of Kumbha Mela is held and every six years an Ardh Kumbha.
Haridwar is also among the seven most revered places of Hindu pilgrimage in India.

As per mythological references, it is believed that great Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath did
penance to purge the souls of his forefathers from the curse of sage Kapila. It was the result of
hard penances performed by the suryavanshi prince that river Ganga or Ganges, oozed from
Lord Shiva's tresses and its holy water resuscitated the 60-thousand sons of king Sagara.
Keeping the tradition of Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath alive, today, devotees stand in holy
waters of the Ganges and pray for the recluse of their departed ancestors.

Hardwar or Haridwar, is also considered as the gateway to sources of the Ganges and the
Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters in the snowy mountain peaks in central Himalayan ranges. The
most spectacular of the rituals performed in the holy place along the banks of Ganges are 'Aarti'
or the worship of the Ganges and the floating 'DIYA' (lamp), both performed after sunset.

Haridwar-Rishikesh Tour Package

Hemkund Sahib
About Hemkund Sahib : Hemkund Sahib(also written as Hemkunt Sahib), crowned and more
venerated sanctuary of Sikhs is located at an altitude of 4320mtrs along banks of the lake
Hemkund. The crowned place is truly recognized like a refuge of meditation for the guru Gobind
Singh, the tenth and the last of the gurus sikhs to require the unification with the Almighty.
According to the Hindu mythology of conviction, Hemkund or popular Lokpal under this name
also, is a place where Lakshmana, the young brother of Rowed, had made of its atonement.

This is that in years 1930 that the soldier named Havildar Modan Singh of Bengal of the sappers
and minor regiment accidentally to know on this splendid place and could relate to the poem "
Bachittar Natak". A little later, Havildar Modan Singh with Sant Sohan Singh, pertaining to Tehri
Garhwal, and also to the retirement granthi of Indian army provided the foundations of the
foundation of the current sanctuary in the year 1937.

Hemkund Sahib is enormous and formidable of walk of 15 km Govindghat. L' together from
track of walk, on the way towards sanctuary passes by the forests of pines and rhododendrons,
intersected with wild pinks in flowers, ferns and alpine flowers. The last 5 km of the path which
leads to Hemkunt Sahib is a steep slope. This rise starts of Ghangharia, the place of rest before
taking the track with Hemkund.

Hemkund Lake, which is d' approximately 2 km of circumference hold clear water in its field d'
application and has a beautiful appearance of 5500mtrs. high Saptashringa Peaks which
surrounds the sanctuary. You can find along banks of the lake Hemkunt covered stones foams
and flowers, which are about to flower. The best season for Voyage in Hemkund Sahib is
between July and October. The sanctuary is covered with snow in November, December,
January and February.

Valley of flowers 
Valley of flowers in Uttaranchal is a terrific romantic place
worth exploring for its beautiful and fragrant ambience. The
valley is idyllically located on the upper expansions of Bhyundar
Ganga or Pushpawati River in Chamoli District of Uttararanchal.
Frank S, Smith – the great mountaineer, explorer, botanist is
credited with popularising the place, when he took a recluse
here in the year 1937 to take inspiration for authoring the book,
titled, The Valley of Flowers.
Valley of flowers is U-shaped, formed by the thin glacier line. The valley remains covered snow
from November to May, and blossoms with prolific herbs, medicinal and flowering plants, vibrant
color flowers all through July and August.

The valley offers solitude, and it is for this reason that sages considered this place ideal for
meditation. It is also righteously believed that Lakshmana, brother of King Rama meditated on
the banks of river Hemkund. The life giving herb, popular in Ramayana epic as 'Sanjeevani
Buti', is also believed to have its origination in the fragrant ambience of valley of flowers.

The portion of valley lying along the encatchment area of Pushpawati River or Bhyundar Ganga
comprises a 7 km long and 2 km wide glacial corridor. The corridor has its emergence from
Tipra Glacier descending from Gauri Parbat. Due North of the valley of flowers lies 2000 m
steep wall rising as cliff, whereas the valley terrain descends slowly towards the south.

The slopes of the valley of flowers lying towards the north and reaching till 3,800 m are covered
with birch, rowan and rhododendron, whereas the floor bed is carpeted with lichens growth. The
slopes on the southern part largely comprise, meadows or bugyals, with a variety of alpine
flowers, including anemones, asters, fritillarias, gentians, geraniums, larkspurs, lilies, orchids,
poppies including the Himalayan blue poppy, potentillas and primulas, marsh marigolds.

Still, at higher altitudes of valley of flowers, there’s rich growth of Medicinal herbs, such as
rhubarb and aconite, besides the celestial flower, the Brahma Kamal.

Valley of flowers has a characteristic climate. It is protected against the frigid winds arising from
Tibet, and the excruciating effects of the monsoon from the south.

Accommodation can be sought in Uttarakhand government Tourist Rest House, Gangharia and
the Forest Rest Houses at Govindghat and Gangharia. Tourists can also book the rooms in
Gurudwara at Ghangharia. The Gurudwara offers dinning and lodging facilities to tourists.

Tourist Spots

 Valley of Flowers National Park – The national park, is a 5 km trek from Ghangria, and
is comfortably situated along the banks of Bhyundar Ganga in the Zaskar Range of the
Garhwal Himalaya, Chamoli District. The 8,950 ha national park came into existence in
September 1982.
 Bhyundar Ganga or Pushpawati River – The river is situated at a serene altitude
ranging from 3,350 mts. and elevating to the peak of Gauri Parbat at 6,719 mts.

Almora
 Almora is the cultural capital
of Kumaon region of About Almora Hill Station: In the foot hill of the Himalaya,
Uttaranchal serves as a huge holiday spot for many who are enthusiastic to travel in
Uttaranchal. If you are forecasting and outing in Uttaranchal,Majestic Tour India makes
your tour to Almora to view the most pictorial part of Uttaranchal. Almora hill Station is
located at height of 1,650 m above the sea level. Almora hill Station is a district of the
Kumaon division of Uttaranchal. Almora is also called the Cultural Capital of Uttaranchal.

 In the tour of Almora you come across the intense forests of fir and pine while the snow-
capped mountain peaks as the scenery makes it photograph perfect. The rivers Koshi is
flow silently in the behind of Almora. It’s really a magnificent experience.
 Almora Hill Station is also famous for his many cultural activities such as fairs are
believed here. Almost all the year in a circle major fairs and festivals are held in Almora.
Almora also known for its 1000-year-old Nanda Devi Temple which is situated in the
main market of the Almora town, Almora attracts tourists every seasons as well as
during the Nanda Devi fair. The local people of Kumaon have great commitment for the
local divine Golu ji. It temple dedicated to Golu deity called the Chitai Temple. It is
situated 8 kms far from the town.
 You can Plan your trip to Almora in the months of March to June or September to
November. Almora Hill Station is well connected to all major cities through road.
 TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS :
 Almora have a lot of places for tourist’s attraction. Some of them are described below.
 Bright End Corner :
 Bright End Corner is 2 kms away from Almora. The main attraction of this point is the
sunset and the sunrise seen from end to end the Himalayan peaks. Tourists can spend
some time in this peaceful environment. Very close to himalaya, Swami Vivekanand
Library and ashram is also there one can spend time to read books or novel on that
place.
 Nanda Devi Temple - Almora :
 This historical temple is one of the important tourist attractions of Almora. This is situated
at the main market of the town. This is hundreds of year old temple and contains full faith
 of many people belongs to this area. Every year a fair “Nanda Devi Mahotsav” is
organized there. Many cultural events are also organized on that duration. Peoples from
all over come to this place and participate in this fair.
 State Museum :
 This museum is situated near the bus station Almora. This museum is called Govind
Vallabh Pant Public Museum. This museum is the best way to inform the development of
art, culture, life style of this region. It is closed on Mondays. It is open from 10:30 A.M. to
4:30 P.M.
 Chitai Temple :
 Chitai Temple is one of the most demanding area at Almora. This temple is dedicated to
Lord Golu. The Kumaoni people worship him. Once a time wish is fulfilled people hang
up a tiny bell in this temple, as a result there are thousands of tiny bells hanging there.
The view of the Himalayas from the Chitai is tremendously stunning. Chitai temple is 8
kms away by hike through a beautiful pine forest.
 Siyahidevi Temple :
 Shiyahidevi is the very famous trekking root and picnic spot of Almora. Siyahidevi temple
is also there. From Siyahidevi you can see very close view of the Himalayas.
 Katarmal :
 Katarmal is 800-year old Sun temple complex has one main temple, surrounded by 45
smaller shrines. It is second in consequence after the Sun Temple of Konark. Katarmal
is 7 kms away from Almora.
 Binsar Mahadev :
 Binsar is one of the most famous temple at Almora. It is 30 kms far from Almora town.
Binsar has a temple of Shiva who is also called Bineswar. Binser is 2412 mts above
from sea level; this temple was constructed by King Kalyan of the Chand Empire. To
Visiting in this temple gives one peace of mind.
 Deer Park :
 Deer park is 3 kms far from Almora. In the evening time it is excellent place for leisure
walk.
 Simtola:
 Simtola is another very well-known picnic spot from where you can view the stunning
mountains roofed with pine and deodar trees.
 Jageshwer :
 Jageshwer dham 34 kms away from Almora, this temple Deodar forest and has a lot of
mythological importance. Here are about 164 temples of Shiva.
 Kasar Devi :
 Kasar Devi temple is nearby the kalimutt. This temple made in the second centuries.
Kasar Devi and kalimutt is on walking distance. The adjoining area has become the
home of many foreigners. Kasar Devi is 6 km far away from main town.