Uttrakhand

Uttarakhand India

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, is known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit. The city hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the sacred Ganges River. The state's forested Jim Corbett National Park shelters Bengal tigers and other native wildlife.

Uttrakhand are heart of tourists are Nainital, Jim Corbett Park, Rushikesh,  Mussoorie, Dehradun, Ranikhet, Haridwar, Jim Corbett - Wildlife Heaven, Almora, Auli, Chakrata, Chopta, Lansdowne, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, Chardham (Yamnotri, Gangotri , Badrinath and Kedarnath), Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Mukteshwar, Binsar, Bhimtal, Uttarkashi, Landour, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Munsiyari, Sattal, Joshimath, Naukuchiatal, Madhyamaheshwar, Tehri Garhwal, Bageshwar, Kausani, Kumaon, Ramgarh, Ramgarh , Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Devprayag, Mount Abbott, Chaukori, Rajaji National Park, Bhowali, Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Almora

Almora has attracted people through the ages. Swami Vivekananda visited Almora at the turn of this century.The Ramakrishna Mission at Mayawati Ashram bears his footprints. Rabindranath Tagore spent some memorable summers here. The internationally acclaimed dancer Uday Shankar fell in love with this place and set up his dance academy here. Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, artist Zohra Sehgal, the film star Guru Dutt all came here and became earnest lovers of the town. Our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora during the British rule.

Surrounded by the dwindling pines and old oaks, the city has a divine natural aura that is enough to allure anyone and everyone. To make the scenery even more mesmerizing, the snow-capped Himalayas stand in utmost grandeur to please the eyes of the admirer.

Auli

Auli proffers a credible past that dates back to the 8th century blessed with the sacred visit of Sankaracharya. Aptly called as the haven for skiing activities, the harsh frosty storms, the sylvan peaks and the long stretch of snowy valleys would make idyllic surroundings for a skier.

Bounded by the snowy peaks of the mighty Himalayas, this hilly terrain offers the sceneries of oak fringed slopes, coniferous forests, apple orchards and fine deodar trees and spectacular views of the lofty mountain ranges like Nanda Devi, Mana Paravat, Kamat Kamet, Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Kwani Bugyal, Chenab Lake, Joshimath

Badrinath

Sandwiched between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is one among the most sought after pilgrim centers in the Indian subcontinent. Badrinath is beautifully set in the backdrop of the colossal Neelkanth mountain peak and never fails to make the visitor spellbound with its unparalleled gorgeousness.. The term Badrinath is a derivative of badri, which means the place where beries grow abundantly. A place, which holds so many myths and legends, Badrinath acquires predominance in the travel itinerary of a pilgrim. The popular belief is that Badarinath was the domain of Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu managed to unseat Shiva from here to Kedarnath. Another belief is that when Ganga made her descend to earth she split up in to twelve streams and one among the channels, Alakananda felt on Kedarnath which gives Badrinath it’s majestic look.

Bageshwar

Nestled amidst misty hills, located at the confluence of the Gomti and Saryu rivers, at a height of 960 meters above sea level lies the holy town of Bageshwar.  As described in the ‘Puranas’, this is the ultimate place that liberates one from the bondage of birth and death. The temple of Baghnath (Lord Shiva), situated here is venerated by one and all. Devotees gather here on ‘Shivratri fair’ to worship the lord.Apart from its religious sanctity, Bageshwar is also a trekker’s paradise. Adi Shankaracharya, who trekked in the Himalayas in the 8th century A.D., was a pioneer who opened trekking routes in this part of India. Bageshwar is the entry point to the most popular trekking routes like Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdunga Glaciers.

Chakrata

Yamuna valley is located down the hilly town. Chakrata was developed by the British rulers and was a summer retreat for the high executives of English East India Company. Presently Chakrata encloses military cantonment and the access is restricted here for civilian travelers. Kharamba peak is the highest mount in Chakrata with an altitude of about 10,000 ft. Nature lovers, Trekkers, bird watchers and wild life enthusiasts can spend days together here in the lap of Chakrata exploiting the nature’s hidden treasures and beauties. The forest around Chakrata is habitat to an amazing flora and fauna including panther, spotted deer and wild fowls.

Chamba

At an altitude of 1676 m above sea level, on the foothills of the Himalayas lies Chamba. Unexplored, untouched, overlooking the snow-clad peaks on one side and offering a magnificent view of the valley. An unspoilt territory and covered with lots of pine and deodar trees, Chamba offers you a never explored break. It is an excellent place to relax and enjoy and is just a drive away from the city blues. After the submergence of old Tehri, Chamba is the fast-emerging tourist spot in Tehri Garhwal. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, the awe inspiring views of the green gorges and the enchanting valleys all around the river Bhagirathi will undoubtedly leave you spellbound, amidst rich apple orchards.

Chamoli

Chamoli is a beautiful town nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is perched at an elevation of 1300 metres above sea level and is bedecked on the holy banks of river Alaknanda. The city offers a promising view of nature, woods, the rumbling creeks and the alpine hills.

Champawat

Champawat is famous for its ancient temples which have been erected here for years. Some of the sacred Hindu shrines of Champawat include the Baleshwar temple, Nagnath temple, and the Kranteshwar temple, displaying its remarkable architecture. The people of Champawat have kept there culture alive as they still follow the rituals which they used to perform in 10th century. Tourist attraction is the Baleshwar temple and Nagnath temple, Ek Hathiya Ka Naula, Mayawati Ashram and Reetha Sahib at Lohaghat

Chaukori

Chaukori is a dream, Located at a height of 2010 meter, and 173 km away from Nainital, surrounded by the towering Himalayan peaks with an unbound view of the Nanda Devi and Panchchuli peaks and dense forests. Chaukori is one of the few places in Kumaon, where you will find tea gardens. As the name suggests, it’s like a bowl, cupped within the Himalayan heartland. It is an idyllic holiday resort amidst unspoilt nature – a land bestowed with natural abundance, fruit orchards, and the forests of Pines, Oaks and Rhododendrons. One of the most magnificent aspects of holidaying in Chaukori is the fabulous sunrise and sunset that you are treated to. Chaukori is a somnolent, peaceful hamlet in Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand.

Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park is among the best managed protected forests in the country and is the protected home for the endangered Bengal Tiger. Every year thousands tourists from all over India and abroad visit the National Park spread in the foothills of Himalayas. If you love adventure or are an angler, animal lover or a bird watcher, Corbett National Park is the ideal getaway for you. Beside Corbett National Park, some other places to visit in Corbett are Jim Corbett Museum, Corbett Falls, Girjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Reserve tiger, etc.

Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities in the sub mountain tracks of India, known for its scenic surroundings. The name Dehradun is a collection of two words “dera” meaning camp and “dun” meaning valley. It is also known as one of the oldest cities in India, it is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institution like Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys, many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination.

Deoprayag

Devprayag is a town and a nagar panchayat in Tehri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and is one of the Panch Prayag of Alaknanda River where Alaknanda, Saraswati and Bhagirathi rivers meet and take the name Ganga. Deoprayag is a beautiful showcase of traditions, myths and mysticism. This is the place where the holy rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet, merge into one and take the name ‘Ganga’ making it a unique pilgrimage like the Prayag of Allahabad.

Gangotri

One of the main religious places among the four Char Dham pilgrimage areas, Gangotri, situated in Uttarkashi, is closely related to Goddess Ganga, the river that we know as Ganges. The history of Gangotri dates back to centuries when Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance. Religious rituals are in full swing in the Gangotri temple with the Arti ceremony performed by the pujaris of the Semwal family. The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier and is known as Bhagirathi. The name Ganga picks up later on after the river passes Devaprayag and merges into the river Alaknanda. The striking presence of the snow-clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place. 

Haridwar

Haridwar serves as the Gateway to the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand and Dev Bhomi. The ‘Panch Tirth’ or the five pilgrimages located within the periphery of Haridwar, are Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Haridwar is also one of the places; where Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh. Haridwar has a long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school system of traditional education. Rajaji National Park is just 10 kms from Haridwar. It’s an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. In the evening, the Ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of Diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the holy waters. It is also famous for The Roorkee University, at Roorkee which is one of the oldest and the most pres tigious institute of learning in the fields of science and engineering. 

Harsil

Harsil, sometimes also spelled as Harshil, is a beautiful valley and a cantonment area. It lies along the banks of the Bhagirathi River. This valley is on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage, Gangotri. But it has its own charm which attracts many visitors every year.

Jageshwar

There are around 124 temples that are located in the town and these include many small stone temples and large temple complexes as well. Some of the main temples are the Dandeshwar Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Surya Temple, Kuber Temple, Chandi ka Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi Temple and the Kuber Temple. The Dandeshwar Temple is the biggest of the lot and many devotes can be seen in here. Among the oldest standing temples is the Mritunjaya Temple. Two main festivals are celebrated in the town of Jageshwar and these are the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival which is held during the month of August and the Shivarathri Mela which is held in the spring season.

Kailash Mansarovar

The Kailash Range is 30 million years old and its supreme peak, the 6,675 meter high Mount Kailash was formed of shining granite with its white glacial crest, was already a huge, structure even when the Himalayas were just beginning to protrude out of the Tethys Sea. To Hindus it is the earthy embodiment of the dominant mountain of heaven, Meru, and the residence of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. Today, however, pilgrims from India are allowed to journey to Mount Kailash only through the Lipulekh pass in Kumaun. It is run exclusively by a government organization, the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). The organization works in collaboration with the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and the Government of China. Kailash – Mansarovar lies in Chinese-occupied Tibet.

Kausani

Window to the snow-crested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks, there are very few places in the Himalayas whose beauty can be compared to that of Kausani – a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendor and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of the Himalayas. With a total area of 5.2 sq. km, situated at a height of 1890 m above sea level, located 51 km north of Almora, Kausani is the birthplace of famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, who wrote some of his memorable poems in praise of this paradise on earth. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed here for 14 days at the Anasakti Ashram while scripting his book titled ‘Anasakti Yoga’ and was greatly impressed by its environs.

Kedarnath

The tourist season in Uttarakhand is on and the historic temple in Kedarnath re-opened for pilgrims. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be more than 1,200 years old. It was built by Adi Shankaracharya and is among one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. A visit to the Kedarnath temple is an integral part of the famous Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The yatra (pilgrimage) also includes visits to shrines like Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath. All four shrines are located in the Garhwal division of Uttrakhand.

Lansdowne

The beautiful town of Lansdowne is situated at an elevation of 1780 m above sea level. It is in the south of Pauri en route Kotdwar and is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests offering great mountain views. It is a charming place for a quiet holiday as it is devoid of the usual hustle – bustle of other hill stations in Uttarakhand. Lansdowne was originally a popular hill station with the British. Attracted by its healthy climate and natural beauty, they established a cantonment here. 

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km (180 mi) north of the national capital of New Delhi. The hill station is in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani. Tourist Attraction are Dhanaulti, Camel's Back Road, Nahata Estate, Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Lake Mist, Municipal Garden, Mussoorie Lake, Bhatta Falls, Jharipani Fall, Mossy Fall, Sir George Everest's House, Happy Valley, Nag Devta Temple, Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill), Cloud End, Van Chetna Kendra, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Mall Road,  Lal Tibba etc..