Chaubattia Garden, Ranikhet, APPLE GARDEN CHAUBATTIA

It is an exclusive apple garden mixed with trees of plum, apricot, peach, pear, chestnut etc spread over an area of 600 acres.

It is said that it is the first apple garden in India, grounded and cultivated by the Britishers. Now it is the famous apple garden for delicious varieties of apples.

Stair type cultivation of apple, facing the great Himalayan Peaks gives the message of peace and harmony of cultivation culture.

Chaubattia is located 10 km south of Ranikhet in Almora District. On a clear morning a 300 km wide view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks can be seen clearly from Chaubatia. The NandaDevi, Trishul, Nandaghunti and Nilkanth peaks can be viewed clearly. The Government Apple Garden and the Fruit Research Center are the added attractions.

Chaubattia Garden, Ranikhet, APPLE GARDEN CHAUBATTIA

It is an exclusive apple garden mixed with trees of plum, apricot, peach, pear, chestnut etc spread over an area of 600 acres.

It is said that it is the first apple garden in India, grounded and cultivated by the Britishers. Now it is the famous apple garden for delicious varieties of apples.

Stair type cultivation of apple, facing the great Himalayan Peaks gives the message of peace and harmony of cultivation culture.

Chaubattia is located 10 km south of Ranikhet in Almora District. On a clear morning a 300 km wide view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks can be seen clearly from Chaubatia. The NandaDevi, Trishul, Nandaghunti and Nilkanth peaks can be viewed clearly. The Government Apple Garden and the Fruit Research Center are the added attractions.

Hairakhan Temple at Chiliyanaula

It is 4 km far from the town of Ranikhet at Chiliyanaula where the Temple of Hairakhan is located. This temple was built by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. From this place one can get a comprehensive view of the bestowed nature and the lofty Himalayan ranges. The GD Birla Memorial School is very close to this place.

Baba Hairakhan was a a popular local saint in the region with a large following and stories of his powers are a part of the folklore here. A well maintained ashram built in his memory lies 4 kms from Ranikhet and offers a peaceful ambience and a beautiful view of the mountains.

Hairakhan Temple at Chiliyanaula

It is 4 km far from the town of Ranikhet at Chiliyanaula where the Temple of Hairakhan is located. This temple was built by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. From this place one can get a comprehensive view of the bestowed nature and the lofty Himalayan ranges. The GD Birla Memorial School is very close to this place.

Baba Hairakhan was a a popular local saint in the region with a large following and stories of his powers are a part of the folklore here. A well maintained ashram built in his memory lies 4 kms from Ranikhet and offers a peaceful ambience and a beautiful view of the mountains.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Kumaon Regiment (KRC) & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.

Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas. As we said earlier, there is nothing really to do in Ranikhet, except enjoy its glorious setting. But if you insist, here is a list of things to do in Ranikhet.

Chaubattia Garden
These Botanical gardens house a fruit research institute. Don't go by this cut and dried explanation and explore this undulating orchard. See apple, plum, cashew and apricot trees laden with flowers. See a variety of exotic flowers, especially orchids. Eat a picnic lunch!

Hairakhan Temple (4 km)
Located in the quaint hamlet of Chiliyanaula, the temple is run by the devotees of Baba Haida Khan who come from all over the world. The temple has clean premises, manicured gardens and a lovely view of the snow peaks. Later stroll through Chiliyanaula that has charming wooden houses and window boxes full of flowers.

Jhula Devi Temple
This is an 8th Century temple, revered by the locals. Conforming to the local traditions, every time someone's prayers are answered, a bell is tied in the temple premises. Today it is a charming sight, weighed down with thousands of bells.

Golf Course
A natural 9-hole golf course, this is one of the highest in the world. Tee away in the gentle mountain sun, and make some great memories. The stunning view of the snow peaks is a delight, as always.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Kumaon Regiment (KRC) & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.

Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas. As we said earlier, there is nothing really to do in Ranikhet, except enjoy its glorious setting. But if you insist, here is a list of things to do in Ranikhet.

Chaubattia Garden
These Botanical gardens house a fruit research institute. Don't go by this cut and dried explanation and explore this undulating orchard. See apple, plum, cashew and apricot trees laden with flowers. See a variety of exotic flowers, especially orchids. Eat a picnic lunch!

Hairakhan Temple (4 km)
Located in the quaint hamlet of Chiliyanaula, the temple is run by the devotees of Baba Haida Khan who come from all over the world. The temple has clean premises, manicured gardens and a lovely view of the snow peaks. Later stroll through Chiliyanaula that has charming wooden houses and window boxes full of flowers.

Jhula Devi Temple
This is an 8th Century temple, revered by the locals. Conforming to the local traditions, every time someone's prayers are answered, a bell is tied in the temple premises. Today it is a charming sight, weighed down with thousands of bells.

Golf Course
A natural 9-hole golf course, this is one of the highest in the world. Tee away in the gentle mountain sun, and make some great memories. The stunning view of the snow peaks is a delight, as always.

Jhoola Devi Temple

The Jhula Devi temple is worth an entry into any list of our spiritual idiosyncrasies. The temple was built after the village prayed to Durga seeking her protection from the tigers and leopards that inhabited those hills; the Goddess then appeared in a shepherd's dream and suggested he dig up an idol from a specified patch of ground and build a temple over that spot.

The villagers faithfully followed the instructions and, according to the legend posted outside the temple, "despite the presence of leopards and the occasional tiger in this area, villagers and their cattle roam freely inside the forest even today." What makes the temple fascinating, however, are the sheer numbers of bells in, around and over it. The bells are testimony to the "divine and healing powers of Maa Jhula Devi", which means your wishes can come true if you tie a bell at the temple. So many bells have now been strung up and clumped together that they've started piling up in one corner of the temple in what looked like, well, a junk heap of bells.

Jhoola Devi Temple is located at a secluded place close to Ranikhet. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. A unique feature of this temple is a cluster of beautiful bells, echoes of which can be heard even from some distance. A temple dedicated to Lord Ram is nearby.

Jhoola Devi Temple

The Jhula Devi temple is worth an entry into any list of our spiritual idiosyncrasies. The temple was built after the village prayed to Durga seeking her protection from the tigers and leopards that inhabited those hills; the Goddess then appeared in a shepherd's dream and suggested he dig up an idol from a specified patch of ground and build a temple over that spot.

The villagers faithfully followed the instructions and, according to the legend posted outside the temple, "despite the presence of leopards and the occasional tiger in this area, villagers and their cattle roam freely inside the forest even today." What makes the temple fascinating, however, are the sheer numbers of bells in, around and over it. The bells are testimony to the "divine and healing powers of Maa Jhula Devi", which means your wishes can come true if you tie a bell at the temple. So many bells have now been strung up and clumped together that they've started piling up in one corner of the temple in what looked like, well, a junk heap of bells.

Jhoola Devi Temple is located at a secluded place close to Ranikhet. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. A unique feature of this temple is a cluster of beautiful bells, echoes of which can be heard even from some distance. A temple dedicated to Lord Ram is nearby.

Jageshwar

History and temples

A small pilgrimage town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Set in deodar (cedar) woodland and home to a complex of 124 temples dating back to the 8th century. The main temple is home to one of the twelve jyotrilinga of Lord Siva.

Above the town on a ridge of nearly 3000m is the temple of Briddh Jageshwar. Here, there is a 180º view of the Himalayan peaks of Trissul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli and the Annapurnas in Nepal. There is also a temple complex half way between Jageshwar and Artola called Dandeshwar. You'll also spot numerous small temples by the woodland road between Jageshwar and Dandeshwar.

Jageshwar houses nearly 200 temples built in honor of Shiva Mahadeva. Considered to represent one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, Jageshwar attracts thousands of devotees during Shivratri very year. They are very sacred centers for the worship of Shiva and are said to have tantric powers too. The town is situated about 34 km from Almora town, on the way to Pithoragarh and Naini. The place is marked for its peaceful environment and pious rendition. Embellished with the tall deciduous deodar trees and winding river Jata Ganga, which finds its way to the side of the temple complex. The continuous chain of snowcapped mountain ranges loom large over this beautiful temple site. Often, pious men from the Himalayas come down here to meditate. Many travelers are also tempted to sit down for some meditation in these portals of piety.

HISTORY
History tells that during the 4th and 5th centuries AD, when the Gupta emperors held sway, the Kumaon hills were being governed by an independent dynasty of Katyuri kings. They selected this site for building temples. The temples originally constructed during the Gupta period were renovated by the rulers of the Ghand dynasty in the 7th century AD. Numerous temples were constructed or restored during the Gurjara Pratihara era and also in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Mahamrityunjaya temple seems to be the oldest of all the temples and dates back to the 8th century AD. The temples of Surya, Navagraha and Neelkantheshvara are of late Katyuri age. It is said that originally four hundred temples existed here, of which only about one hundred and eight have survived.

ATTRACTIONS
There is a gigantic temple structure known as Dandeshwar temple, dedicated to one of the aspects of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is charming and antiquated with fine samples of ancient iconography. Apart from an 18th-century icon of the dancing Shiva, there is a huge iron bell at the gateway of the temple. The bell forms an important link between the local deity known as Gollu Devta and Lord Shiva.

Most of the shrines are dedicated to Shiva, who is addressed by diverse names. Jageshwara is only a version of Yogisvara (Lord of Yogis). There are other shrines with variegated names of Shiva like Dandeshavara, Nilakantheshvara, Mahamrityunjaya, etc. Other temples dedicated to Surya (the Sun God), Navadurga (nine manifestations of the goddess Durga), Kalika, Pushtidevi and Kubera are also present here. These shrines were built by professional builders by the name of Shivism. They belonged to the Lakulish sect. The jyotirlinga at Jageshwar is visited by thousands of Shiva devotees who come to offer prayers during Shivratri.


The temples belong to the simple Nagara style variety. There is a tall curvilinear spire shikhara, surmounted by an amalaka (capstone) and a kalasha crown. The square sanctum sanctorum has its entrance through a carved doorway. Most of the temples have the stone lingams. Impressive stone images are seen around the altar. Two ashtadhatu (an alloy of eight metals) images are outstanding. Particular mention may also be made of a highly impressive image of Ganesha. The Ekamukhalinga is one of the rarest specimens in northern India. There are two magnificent life-sized dwarapalas (door guardians) outside the Jagannath temple.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look.

PLACES AROUND JAGESHWAR
About 3 km uphill Jageshwar is a small temple called Vriddha Jageshwar. This temple is said to be the abode of Shiva, before he came down to Jageshwar. The fascinating aspect about Jageshwar and Vriddha Jageshwar is the unremitting peace they emanate. There are caves all along the countryside.

Dandeshwar

The government museum in Jageshwar opened a few years ago to preserve some of the most historic artifacts found around these temples, it is free to visit.

Climate
Jageshwar's temperature range is similar to much of northern Europe. Between April and September temperature is between 25-30°C (max) 10-15°C (min). The temperature falls through October and until March there may be cold frosty nights. During winter months the sun quickly thaws the frost, however during cloudy days freezing temperatures remain. The driest months are November-March, with only occasional light precipitation. Snowfall is possible during these months, but it does not tend to linger for long. The monsoon occurs during July-September when heavy rainfall should be expected, heavy prolonged periods of rain are also possible from April-June.

Shops
Jageshwar is not a tourist shopping Mecca. Shops tend to cater for local needs, numerous shops sell a narrow range of toiletries and food stuffs. Snacks of crisps, namkeen and biscuits are readily available. Fruit and vegetables vary according to the season, the range tends to be quite small. If you enjoy using toilet paper it may be advisable to go prepared, as the Asian manual bidet is the preferred method. There are no clothes shops. Small stalls sell temple related paraphernalia. A number of simple cafes exist in Jageshwar. The dhaba to the right of Tara Photo Shop is recommended for Aloo poori, the Dhaba to the left serves a great value Thali. Further out of town towards the Government museum small stalls sell Chow Mein.

Economics
The standard of education is high around Kumaon. Most people have a good understanding of English but do not have the confidence or experience to manage conversational English very well. The main industry around Jageshwar is farming, mainly on a subsistence level, with some excess being sold on. Because of this, most men capable of achieving employment elsewhere have to leave the area, many join the army or work in businesses in Delhi and the larger towns and cities on the plains, leaving women to tend the land. Tourism is a developing field, the area could not be visited by foreigners without permits from 1967 until the 1990s due to border concerns with China, leaving the beauty 'undiscovered' compared to neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. An unfortunate consequence of growing tourism in Jageshwar has been some children requesting, pens, biscuits and rupees from foreigners over the past few years, fortunately this is not persistent or unpleasant as yet. There are a large number of families reliant on income from Pandits at the temple, at present the Pandits are relatively restrained in their attempts to obtain this income from foreigners. Please be considerate about your behaviour and the impact this will have on local lives. Although Charas is very noticeable around Jageshwar it has not become part of the tourist economy. The sad influence of this drug and certain backpacker behaviour is available nearby to Almora at Kasar Devi where it is much better enjoyed and tolerated!

HOW TO REACH

The nearest railway station, at Kathgodam, is 135 km away. Jageshwar is just 34 km by road from Almora. Many buses and taxis ply regularly. One can also come via Nainital, which is 100 km southwest of Jageshwar.

Jageshwar

History and temples

A small pilgrimage town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Set in deodar (cedar) woodland and home to a complex of 124 temples dating back to the 8th century. The main temple is home to one of the twelve jyotrilinga of Lord Siva.

Above the town on a ridge of nearly 3000m is the temple of Briddh Jageshwar. Here, there is a 180º view of the Himalayan peaks of Trissul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli and the Annapurnas in Nepal. There is also a temple complex half way between Jageshwar and Artola called Dandeshwar. You'll also spot numerous small temples by the woodland road between Jageshwar and Dandeshwar.

Jageshwar houses nearly 200 temples built in honor of Shiva Mahadeva. Considered to represent one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, Jageshwar attracts thousands of devotees during Shivratri very year. They are very sacred centers for the worship of Shiva and are said to have tantric powers too. The town is situated about 34 km from Almora town, on the way to Pithoragarh and Naini. The place is marked for its peaceful environment and pious rendition. Embellished with the tall deciduous deodar trees and winding river Jata Ganga, which finds its way to the side of the temple complex. The continuous chain of snowcapped mountain ranges loom large over this beautiful temple site. Often, pious men from the Himalayas come down here to meditate. Many travelers are also tempted to sit down for some meditation in these portals of piety.

HISTORY
History tells that during the 4th and 5th centuries AD, when the Gupta emperors held sway, the Kumaon hills were being governed by an independent dynasty of Katyuri kings. They selected this site for building temples. The temples originally constructed during the Gupta period were renovated by the rulers of the Ghand dynasty in the 7th century AD. Numerous temples were constructed or restored during the Gurjara Pratihara era and also in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Mahamrityunjaya temple seems to be the oldest of all the temples and dates back to the 8th century AD. The temples of Surya, Navagraha and Neelkantheshvara are of late Katyuri age. It is said that originally four hundred temples existed here, of which only about one hundred and eight have survived.

ATTRACTIONS
There is a gigantic temple structure known as Dandeshwar temple, dedicated to one of the aspects of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is charming and antiquated with fine samples of ancient iconography. Apart from an 18th-century icon of the dancing Shiva, there is a huge iron bell at the gateway of the temple. The bell forms an important link between the local deity known as Gollu Devta and Lord Shiva.

Most of the shrines are dedicated to Shiva, who is addressed by diverse names. Jageshwara is only a version of Yogisvara (Lord of Yogis). There are other shrines with variegated names of Shiva like Dandeshavara, Nilakantheshvara, Mahamrityunjaya, etc. Other temples dedicated to Surya (the Sun God), Navadurga (nine manifestations of the goddess Durga), Kalika, Pushtidevi and Kubera are also present here. These shrines were built by professional builders by the name of Shivism. They belonged to the Lakulish sect. The jyotirlinga at Jageshwar is visited by thousands of Shiva devotees who come to offer prayers during Shivratri.


The temples belong to the simple Nagara style variety. There is a tall curvilinear spire shikhara, surmounted by an amalaka (capstone) and a kalasha crown. The square sanctum sanctorum has its entrance through a carved doorway. Most of the temples have the stone lingams. Impressive stone images are seen around the altar. Two ashtadhatu (an alloy of eight metals) images are outstanding. Particular mention may also be made of a highly impressive image of Ganesha. The Ekamukhalinga is one of the rarest specimens in northern India. There are two magnificent life-sized dwarapalas (door guardians) outside the Jagannath temple.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look.

PLACES AROUND JAGESHWAR
About 3 km uphill Jageshwar is a small temple called Vriddha Jageshwar. This temple is said to be the abode of Shiva, before he came down to Jageshwar. The fascinating aspect about Jageshwar and Vriddha Jageshwar is the unremitting peace they emanate. There are caves all along the countryside.

Dandeshwar

The government museum in Jageshwar opened a few years ago to preserve some of the most historic artifacts found around these temples, it is free to visit.

Climate
Jageshwar's temperature range is similar to much of northern Europe. Between April and September temperature is between 25-30°C (max) 10-15°C (min). The temperature falls through October and until March there may be cold frosty nights. During winter months the sun quickly thaws the frost, however during cloudy days freezing temperatures remain. The driest months are November-March, with only occasional light precipitation. Snowfall is possible during these months, but it does not tend to linger for long. The monsoon occurs during July-September when heavy rainfall should be expected, heavy prolonged periods of rain are also possible from April-June.

Shops
Jageshwar is not a tourist shopping Mecca. Shops tend to cater for local needs, numerous shops sell a narrow range of toiletries and food stuffs. Snacks of crisps, namkeen and biscuits are readily available. Fruit and vegetables vary according to the season, the range tends to be quite small. If you enjoy using toilet paper it may be advisable to go prepared, as the Asian manual bidet is the preferred method. There are no clothes shops. Small stalls sell temple related paraphernalia. A number of simple cafes exist in Jageshwar. The dhaba to the right of Tara Photo Shop is recommended for Aloo poori, the Dhaba to the left serves a great value Thali. Further out of town towards the Government museum small stalls sell Chow Mein.

Economics
The standard of education is high around Kumaon. Most people have a good understanding of English but do not have the confidence or experience to manage conversational English very well. The main industry around Jageshwar is farming, mainly on a subsistence level, with some excess being sold on. Because of this, most men capable of achieving employment elsewhere have to leave the area, many join the army or work in businesses in Delhi and the larger towns and cities on the plains, leaving women to tend the land. Tourism is a developing field, the area could not be visited by foreigners without permits from 1967 until the 1990s due to border concerns with China, leaving the beauty 'undiscovered' compared to neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. An unfortunate consequence of growing tourism in Jageshwar has been some children requesting, pens, biscuits and rupees from foreigners over the past few years, fortunately this is not persistent or unpleasant as yet. There are a large number of families reliant on income from Pandits at the temple, at present the Pandits are relatively restrained in their attempts to obtain this income from foreigners. Please be considerate about your behaviour and the impact this will have on local lives. Although Charas is very noticeable around Jageshwar it has not become part of the tourist economy. The sad influence of this drug and certain backpacker behaviour is available nearby to Almora at Kasar Devi where it is much better enjoyed and tolerated!

HOW TO REACH

The nearest railway station, at Kathgodam, is 135 km away. Jageshwar is just 34 km by road from Almora. Many buses and taxis ply regularly. One can also come via Nainital, which is 100 km southwest of Jageshwar.

Gurdwara Reetha Sahib

Gurdwara Reetha Sahib - is only 60 kms. by flying distance in the north of Nanak Matta Cephalic but the distance by motorable road is 209 kms. It is 166 kms. from Tanakpur, the last railway station on Bareilly-Tanakpur section. Here, too, Guru Nanak Dev had an encounter with Nath yogis whom he tried to bring to the path of active humanitarian service along with remembrance of God's Name. The story is not mentioned in Janamsakhis, but a strong tradition has grown that here Guru Nanak Dev miraculously made the normally bitter fruit of a soapnut tree sweet for Bhai Mardana to feed on. A soapnut tree (not the original one) is still there and pilgrims are given prasad of sweet soapnuts. However, the common belief that the nuts only of one branch, under which the Guru had sat, are sweet is not true. Nor are all the nuts given as prasad yielded by this one tree. About ten kilometers from the Grudwara, there is a tract of land where such trees are grown and their fruit is collected and brought to replenish the Gurdwara's stock of prasad. It is called Nanak Bagichi (lit. Nanak's garden).

Meetha Reetha SahibThe Gurudwara of Meetha Reetha Sahib is located at the confluence of the Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers. It was constructed in the year 1960 and is situated near the village Deyuri. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev ji, had visited this place. He held much spiritual discussion with the Gorakhpanthi Jogis, who lived here. Guru Nanak Dev ji also plucked the Reetha fruit from the Reetha tree, which had grown here. These trees are still there in the premises of Gurudwara. This is the reason why this place is called Meetha Reetha Sahib. Due to its religious background this place is considered as a holy place for Sikhs. The temple of Devnath is also located beside the Gurudwara. On the day of Baisakhi Purnima, the holy day of Sikhs, a fair is held in the premises of Gurudwara.

The Meetha Reetha Sahib is situated at a distance of 72 kms from Champawat.
Altitude 3000 Mts.
Climate: Cold in winters, Pleasant in Summers.
Clothing: Summer cotton, Winter Heavy Woollen
Language Kumaoni, Hindi, Punjabi.

Local Transport : Jeeps/Taxis/Ponies/Dandi

From Dhunaghat(on the Lohaghat -Devidhura road)one can visit Reetha Saheb or Meetha Reetha, located at a distance of 72 kms. from Champawat. Guru Nanak is said to have visited this place and have had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1960 at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri. There are trees of sweet Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises, adjoining it is the temple of Dhernath. Before the motor Road was build to Bhingrara, people use to come to this place on foot. A fair is held at the Gurudwara on Baisakhi Poornima.

Accessibility
Rail : Nearest Rail Head, Tanakpur, 173 Kms.
Road : Ritha Mitha Sahib is well connected with all the major towns of Kumoan hills and near by districts.

Accommodation · The Gurudwara provides accommodation for night stay.

Source:http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/GURDWARA_REETHA_SAHIB

Gurdwara Reetha Sahib

Gurdwara Reetha Sahib - is only 60 kms. by flying distance in the north of Nanak Matta Cephalic but the distance by motorable road is 209 kms. It is 166 kms. from Tanakpur, the last railway station on Bareilly-Tanakpur section. Here, too, Guru Nanak Dev had an encounter with Nath yogis whom he tried to bring to the path of active humanitarian service along with remembrance of God's Name. The story is not mentioned in Janamsakhis, but a strong tradition has grown that here Guru Nanak Dev miraculously made the normally bitter fruit of a soapnut tree sweet for Bhai Mardana to feed on. A soapnut tree (not the original one) is still there and pilgrims are given prasad of sweet soapnuts. However, the common belief that the nuts only of one branch, under which the Guru had sat, are sweet is not true. Nor are all the nuts given as prasad yielded by this one tree. About ten kilometers from the Grudwara, there is a tract of land where such trees are grown and their fruit is collected and brought to replenish the Gurdwara's stock of prasad. It is called Nanak Bagichi (lit. Nanak's garden).

Meetha Reetha SahibThe Gurudwara of Meetha Reetha Sahib is located at the confluence of the Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers. It was constructed in the year 1960 and is situated near the village Deyuri. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev ji, had visited this place. He held much spiritual discussion with the Gorakhpanthi Jogis, who lived here. Guru Nanak Dev ji also plucked the Reetha fruit from the Reetha tree, which had grown here. These trees are still there in the premises of Gurudwara. This is the reason why this place is called Meetha Reetha Sahib. Due to its religious background this place is considered as a holy place for Sikhs. The temple of Devnath is also located beside the Gurudwara. On the day of Baisakhi Purnima, the holy day of Sikhs, a fair is held in the premises of Gurudwara.

The Meetha Reetha Sahib is situated at a distance of 72 kms from Champawat.
Altitude 3000 Mts.
Climate: Cold in winters, Pleasant in Summers.
Clothing: Summer cotton, Winter Heavy Woollen
Language Kumaoni, Hindi, Punjabi.

Local Transport : Jeeps/Taxis/Ponies/Dandi

From Dhunaghat(on the Lohaghat -Devidhura road)one can visit Reetha Saheb or Meetha Reetha, located at a distance of 72 kms. from Champawat. Guru Nanak is said to have visited this place and have had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1960 at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri. There are trees of sweet Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises, adjoining it is the temple of Dhernath. Before the motor Road was build to Bhingrara, people use to come to this place on foot. A fair is held at the Gurudwara on Baisakhi Poornima.

Accessibility
Rail : Nearest Rail Head, Tanakpur, 173 Kms.
Road : Ritha Mitha Sahib is well connected with all the major towns of Kumoan hills and near by districts.

Accommodation · The Gurudwara provides accommodation for night stay.

Source:http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/GURDWARA_REETHA_SAHIB