Uttarakhand land of God

Hotels in Uttaranchal

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Hotels in Uttaranchal offer amazing business adeptness for the business officials and corporate people. You will have every thing arranged from formal banquets, corporate events, business meetings, board rooms to conference halls.

Hotels in Uttarakhand

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The hotels in Uttarakhand also provide their guest and tourists with bona fide cuisine of North India. The most commodious as well as most preferred colligations of Uttaranchal for multi cuisine dine are the in-house restaurants. In order to taste the flavor of local and light food items and snacks the tourists can visit any of the eating areas of the state.

Trekking in Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand is a beautiful place that is completely conferred with nature and its charm. This location holds Bihar in the East, Delhi in West, Madhya Pradesh in the South corner and Nepal in the North corner. Mostly people come to this place for adventurous sports like Trekking. The trekking routes of this place are spellbinding and enthralling. The potentialities of trekking, river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering are limitless. The trekkers and tourists have special interest and excitement in Kumaon and Garhwal areas. Uttarakhand is a paradise on earth. It is like a perfect treat for the trekking partisans.

The famous and most preferred trekking places in Uttarakhand are Chopta Chandrashila Trek present in the Garhwal Himalayas, Dodital Trek which is an elegant lake having crystal clean water stream, and Bedni Bugyal Trek which is one amongst the largest bugyals available in Uttarakhand. The other trekking places include Roopkund Kuari Pass Trek which is a frozen lake of Almora and is situated on remote area and high altitude and Valley of Flowers Trek which is completely hustling with vibrant, lively and charming flowers. This flower valley is the biggest accumulation of wild flower species.

In order to get there you can choose anything from airways, railways and roadways. Uttarakhand had only two airports that are the Jolly Grant Airport situated in Dehradun and the other situated at Pant Nagar, near by Nainital. The Dehradun airport offers daily flights whereas the Pant Nagar airport offers limited flights. Well, the roads are also well built and established. Uttarakhand is linked to Delhi and various other State Highways.

State buses, deluxe buses and private buses are easily available in Uttarakhand. The major railway stations are present in Kathgodam, Haridwar and Dehradun. These three railheads are linked to other Indian cities through passenger trains and super fast express trains.

Chaukori,Pithoragarh

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Chaukori is tiny but very beautiful hill station in the Pithoragarh district which is located along the lofty peaks, of the western Himalayan Range situated in the Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand in India. Tibet is located towards its north and Terai is located towards its south. The eastern boundary of the Chaukori is having the Mahakali River which also acts as the Indo-Nepal international border. Chaukori is actually a small hamlet which is perched at over an astonishing elevation of 2,010mts and that also above sea level. It affords to provide you with invigorating as well as splendid views of the beauty and charm of the nature.

Chaukori place is very popular for its wonderful tea gardens that were established by the British company. It is actually considered as heaven on earth by the travelers in Kumaon. Its virgin charming is unaffected by the crowd and pollution. The Himalayas are beautifully viewed from this small little hamlet. The benign peaks of the Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Chaukhanba and Nanda Devi are distinctly and separately visible from his small place. It holds one of the best hidden jewels because it is one of them it self. You are obviously free to discover novice places and paths in the near by areas.

You will admire breathing in the salubrious fresh mountain air and listening to the chirping of the birds. You will never wish to go back to the crowded cities with horrible horns. Chaukori place is well renowned for its ravishing and lovely sunsets and sunrise. The night environment has some special touch because it becomes a mysterious world at that time. It is very rich in its flora and fauna. Its dense forest includes oak trees, rhododendron and pine trees. They are also interspersed with the orchards and cornfields.

I must say that Chaukori is a perfect travelling spot for you who are seeking for a hideaway to go away from the busy city life. You will be able to rejuvenate your soul and then communicate with the nature and visit temples such as Jayanti Temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev cave temple, Kamaksha Temple, Kedar temple, and several more to name.

How to Reach Chaukori

Reach Chaukori By Air: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar. The distance is around 200 kms between Chaukori and Pant Nagar Airport. Taxis are available to Chaukori from here.

Reach Chaukori By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is around 180 kms far from Chaukori. Local buses and taxis are easily available for Chaukori from here.

Reach Chaukori By Road: Chaukori is well connected with major cities of north India by motor roads. Roadways buses are available from Delhi Anand Vihar ISBT to Pithoragarh and Almora.

Uttarakhand Destinations

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Mussoorie
Nainital
Dehradun
Kausani
Chamba
Almora
Haridwar
Ranikhet
Rishikesh
Binsar
Pauri
Mukteshwar
Lansdown
Jageshwar
Dhanaulti
Munsyari
Khirsu
Chokuri
Auli
Bheemtal
Josimath
Corbett
Chopta
Baijnath
Chakrota
Pithoragarh

NAINITAL

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Nainital - The beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1938 metres. In 1841, the British first discovered Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India

Nainital is a modem hill resort of northern India (336 kms from Delhi) connected by best-aligned and maintained roads from the railhead of Kathgodam. Railway line was laid upto Kathgodam in 1882. The road passes through forests where occasionally wild animals can also be seen. "Naini" is derived from the temple of goddess Naini which was built on the bank of the lake but later got destroyed due to land slides in the year 1880, The place is mentioned in Skand Puran as 'Trishul Sarover'. Tri Rishi (three sages Atri, Pulastiya and Pulha) had come there for pilgrimage while they were at Gagar range (now called China Peak), they felt thirsty and could not find any water. Thereafter, they thought of Man Sarover and dug a hole which at once got filled with water.

Nainital remains packed from April to November with tourist for sight seeing as well as for seeking escape from the heat of the plains. Naini lake has facilities for boating and yatching. Facilities for horse riding, skating, golf and rock climbing are also available for the visitors. Fishing is also permitted with the permission of local authorities. Talli Tal and Malli Tal are the two main trading centre at Nainital

General Information NAINITAL
Area: 11.73 kms.
Population: 32800,
Altitude: 1,929 meter
Tempertature : Summer 10.6° c to 26.7° c.
Rainfall:Average 2794 mm.

Best season to visit Nainital:
March to June and Mid-September to October.
Language Spoken: Hindi, English and Kumaoni.

How to Reach Nainital

Reach Nainital By Air: Nearest airport is at Pantnagar (71 kms), connected by air service with New Delhi.

Reach Nainital By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (35 kms). Kathgodam is connected directly by rail with Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow.
Reach Nainital By Road: Nainital is well connected with all major cities in northern India.
Reach Nainital By Taxies: Available at Kathgodam and Nainital.
Local Transport: Rickshaws, Dandies and Cycle Rickshaws are available at Nainital. Poneis are also available for joy rides and rates are negotiable.

MUSSOORIE

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Sir George Everest's House:
Municipal Garden (4 kms) :
Camel's Back Road (3 km.) :
Kempty Fall:
Lal Tibba (5 Km) :

Places around Mussoorie

Yamuna Bridge
Nag Tibba
Dhanolti
Surkhanda Devi

How to Reach Mussoorie

Reach Mussoorie by Air: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest Airport for reaching Mussoorie (24 kms). Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines operate daily flights to Dehradun from New Delhi

Reach Mussoorie by Rail: Nearest Railhead is Dehradun (35 kms) which is directly connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Gorakhpur, Kathgodam, Varanasi, Howrah, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Taxis are available from Dehradun railway station to Mussoorie

Reach Mussoorie by Road: Mussoorie is connected by regular bus services to all the major centers of tourist interest in the region. Direct buses are also available for Muussoorie.

AULI

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Auli Skiing

Auli, 8 km from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). A 3 km long slope ranging from a height of 2519 to 3049 m is a major attraction. The Auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 m long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Auli Season: End December to March.

Equipment: GMVN provides modern ski equipments. Participants are advised to bring heavy woolen clothings like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum / snow boots and a torch for personal use.

Package Tours: GMVN conducts 7 and 14 days skiing courses at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. Ski training is given by qualified ski instructors.

3-4 km trek from Auli leads to Gurso Bugyal (open meadows) which offers breathtaking view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dron parvat. Gurso Bugyal turns into a green pastureland during spring season while is wears a white blanket during the winters.

How to Reach Auli
Reach Auli by Air : Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun (280 Km). Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines operate daily flights to Dehradun from New Delhi

Reach Auli by Rail : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh / Haridwar which is connected from Delhi by Shatabdi Exp., from Bombay by Bandra-Dehradun Exp. and from Calcutta by Howrah-Doon Exp. and from Lucknow by Gorakhanath/Doon Exp. Rishikesh to Joshimath by road.

Reach Auli by Road: Auli is well connected with road through Joshimath. The best option is to travel from Delhi by road. Delhi to Haridwar is 229 kms. on National Highway NH-47. The climb from Haridwar to Joshimath is 257 kms. and takes about 13 to 15 hours. The ascent to Joshimath winds through Rishikesh, Srinagar, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli. Joshimath to Clifftop Club Resort is 17 km by road.

Alternatively you may take the Ropeway to reach Auli. The 4km long ropeway connecting Auli and Joshimath would take 15-20 minutes to reach Auli from Joshimath.

JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

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Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the closest proximity of Ramnagar (Nainital) is the majestic Jim Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, the park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park (named in the honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces). After independence, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952 but was finally changed to Jim Corbett National Park in 1957, named after the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries. India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund, Project Tiger was launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and this park was one of the first such tiger reserves in the country.

Corbett is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal.

Other Attractions In Corbett Park

Ramnagar : Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar; most resorts also arrange all inclusive fishing trips.

Wildlife Viewing : Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won’t come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.

Jeep Safari in Corbett : Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies. One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar.

Best Time to Visit - Jim Corbett National Park

How to go Jim Corbett National Park:

Jim Corbett National Park by Air : Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport.

Jim Corbett National Park by Rail : Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts change at Moradabad.

Jim Corbett National Park by Road : Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar. The route from Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly–Kichha–Rudrapur–Doraha–Kashipur. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic

RIVER RAFTING TOUR

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RAFTING ON THE GANGES
The Indian sub-continent perhaps had the largest network of rivers in the world. The northern rivers with their origins in the lofty Himalayas provide an exciting adventure for the white water enthusiasts. These rivers race, surge, whirl, froth and crash over and around boulders, as though rushing to get to the freedom of the great plains, rejoicing in their escape from captivity of the mountains.

RAFTING EXPERTISE
We have latest self-bailing rafts with hand picked river guides, fleet of card for pickups and drops and above all a team of young energetic professionals to make your entire stay at our "CAMP" a memorable one. Our river guides are experienced and friendly. The rafting adventure planned in such a manner, which lets you enjoy all the fun and thrills while we attend to all other aspects.

WHAT TO BRING
Sneakers 02 pairs, warm clothes for the camp, light clothes for rafting (preferably T-shirt and shorts", swimsuit, suntan lotion, torch and other personal requisites.

FOOD
No adventure can be complete without great food! Let "HOLIDAY MOODS" arrange a delicious, catered meal to top off your funfilled day. Your meals will be served outdoors on our beach camp. We provide excellent and sumptuous food, cooked fresh along the route, which is also, one of the reasons for the popularity of our tours. Food is cooked fresh in the camp. The days rafting commences after breakfast, lunch is provided enroute and dinner in camp

CAMP SITE
Equipped with spacious double / single tents, overlooking long clear beaches on Ganga, this is a peaceful venue for rafters. Day treks, Camp Fire, Beach - Ball and Jungle walks are a few among the many special attractions.

DO DHAM YATRA

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Kedarnath
The holiest of Shiva's shrines is likened to gold among base metals so that every pilgrim finds peace here, and it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself. The temple of Kedarnath, located at a height of 3,581 mts, stand at the head of the Mandakini river, with Kedarnath peak keeping vigil above it.

Badrinath
Also known as Vishal Badri, this temple located at the height of 3,133 mts. is the largest himalayas and most popular of Vishnu pilgrimages among the five Badries. The original temple here is believed to be built by King Pururava and the icon of the lord carved by Vishwakarma, the creator of the gods.

Kedarnath temple reopens for pilgrims

2011-05-11T02:21:00.000-07:00

The doors of famous Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath on Sunday reopened for pilgrims after a gap of six months with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank among those having early darshan of Lord Shiva.

Amid blowing of conches and chanting of vedic hymns and shlokas, Chief priest of Kedarnath shrine Bhimshankar Ling opened the locks of the temple at 0530 hrs in the morning in the presence of senior administrative and police officials, official sources said.

During the opening ceremony, hundreds of devotees were present outside the sanctum sanctorum chanting "Bam Bam Bhole" braving chilly winds blowing in the area.

While Nishank performed puja along with his family members, Uttarakhand Disaster Management Minister Khajan das and Principal Secretary Tourism Rakesh Sharma were also among the first ones, who paid the obeisance at the temple.

Meanwhile, the doors of the Badrinath shrine would also be thrown open for pilgrims on Monday.

The Chardham Yatra comprising pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri nestling in Garhwal Himalayas was kicked off with the opening of portals of both Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on May 6.

Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines are situated at a height of 3200 meter and 3615 meter respectively in Uttarkashi district. Badrinath is located in Chamoli district a height of 3133 meter and Kedarnath in Rudraprayag district at a height of 3584 meter.

The Chardhams reopen in April-May every year after a gap of six months as the area remain snow-bound during the winter period.

The annual yatra is considered as a backbone of the thriving religious tourism in the state that attracts nearly 15-16 lakh pilgrims every year from home and abroad.

The government has taken various steps for smooth conduct of yatra and directed all the departments to work in tandem during the period.

indian express

About Bal Mithai

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Bal Mithai is a brown chocolate-like fudge, made with roasted khoya, coated with white sugar balls, and is a popular sweet from the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India, especially regions around Almora. The Khim Singh Mohan Singh Rautela shop in Almora is famous in the whole uttarakhand for their distinct Bal mithai and Singhauri.

History बाल मिठाई

Over the years, the sweet has found home in many Kumaoni stories and folklore, arising from the milieu of Kumaon, as evident from the memoirs of noted Hindi writer, Shivani, wherein she reminiscences, the Almora Bazaar, and the lane filled with smells of locally made sweets, and the shop of Jogalal Shah Halwai , who is said to have invented the sweet, made with milk from nearby Phalsima village, and then wrapped in sugar dipped posta or Khas khas (Opium poppy) seeds. Although it is unknown whether it is ancient. Over the years, rapid commercialization, and cost cutting moves lead to local shopkeeper replacing the original khas khas sugar balls, with plain sugar balls, that look like homeopathic pills. Even a recent version is completely devoid of sugar balls, to suit changing urban and tourist tastes. After, Joga Shah Halwai, Rautela brothers - Khem Singh and Mohan Singh made a name for themselves in sweet preparations

Recipe of बाल मिठाई

Baal Mithai is made by cooking khoya (evaporated milk cream) with cane sugar, until it becomes dark brown in color, colloquially called "chocolate" for its color resemblance. This is allowed to settle and cool, and cut into cubes which are then garnished with small white sugar ball.

Wikipedia.org

About Devabhoomi Uttarakhand

2011-05-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Uttarakhand the “Land of Gods” is one of the most sought after tourist destination in India. It is blessed by unique charm of nature that lures tourists from all over the world. It’s scintillating natural beauty, lovely waterfall, abundant & exotic wildlife, salubrious climate, pilgrimages destinations, abundant wildlife, adventure thrills and beautiful countryside. All these are the premier attraction of Uttarakhand tourism, whose beauty and charm attract tourists from all over the world for Uttarakhand tours and travels.

Uttarakhand is truly a Paradise for tourists. Lofty mountain peaks, snow-fed rivers and musical waterfalls welcome you to a land whose beauty epitomizes the word “divine”. Rightly teUttarakhand Toursrmed “Devabhoomi” or the “abode of the Gods”, a tour to Uttarakhand reveals the exotic secrets of nature, while enriching the visitors to the land with a culture that is one of the richest in the world. Comprising of 14 hilly districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh, the newly formed state of Uttarakhand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. A perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, travelers, vacationers, honeymoon in Uttaranchal as well as weekend getaways to Uttaranchal, tourism of Uttarakhand has truly much to offer the visitors coming to this land. A major center of pilgrimage in India, a holiday in Uttarakhand is incomplete without witnessing the mystic glory of the various temples of Uttarakhand. The land is home to the four revered temples i.e. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. These four temples are religiously important to Hindu religion and are the holiest pilgrimage centre called “Chardham Yatra” All these wonderful tourism attractions and destinations of Uttarakhand can be delightful covered by availing our tailor made Uttarakhand tour packages.

More of all the religious and cultural beauty, the colourful fairs and festivals glorify the beauty of the land which is often referred as Heaven on Earth. Truly, beauty of Uttarakhand is unmatched and is beyond visual and verbal description. Well we have listed several tailor made packages tour to Uttarakhand that offers memorable tours and travel experience to this paradise on earth - Uttarakhand.

Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand

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Truly a paradise on earth, Uttarakhand is known for its awesome charm, enchanting beauty and unlimited serenity and tranquility. The fresh air, the pure water, the chilling snow, the adversing mountains, the scenic beauty, the small villages, the simpler people and a tougher lifesytle distinguishes Uttarakhand from the rest of the world. Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills', Nainital, the 'Lake District', Kausani, the 'Switzerland of India', Ranikhet, Pithoragarh, Pauri, Auli, Rishikesh and Munsiyari are just few highlights for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. Nature has endowed Uttarakhand with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as DEV BHOOMI, the Land of Gods. This abode of Gods includes many shrines and highly venerated pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Saheb, Jageshwar, Devprayag, Nandadevi, Purnagiri and Bageshwar. Each hilltop or bent is known to have sacred temples, big or small.

BADRINATH

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Badrinath is one of the most sacred hindu pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. This is one of the prominent shrines among India's Char Dham pilgrimages. Badrinath is located in the Garhwal hills and by the banks of the river Alaknanda. The term ‘Badri’ refers to a special kind of berry fruit which abundantly grows in this region. The other term ‘nath’ refers to Lord Vishnu. It’s depicted in one of the ancient Indian scripture that Goddess Lakshmi had transformed her to these berry fruits for saving lord Vishnu during his year’s long penance in the tough weather in the land of Uttarnchal.

The holy town of Badrinath is situated at nn altitude of 3,133 m from the sea level. The Garwal Kings built the present Badrinath shrine approximately two centuries before. The main idol represents Lord Vishnu in a calm and meditative state concentrating in Padma Asana. There is contradiction about the age of this Vishno idol. A section of the legends believes it to be established in the Vedic age. On the other hand, Adiguru Shankaracharya (a lengendary Hindu saint) in the early ninth century AD re-established this holy shrine of Badrinath. The other idol includes Laxmi, Shiva and Parvati, and Garud.

The temple of Bardinath has been renovated many times due to several natural calamities and affects of avalanches. The renovation work has given has given the shrine to its new look including it’s the colourful main entrance gate ‘Singh Dwara’. The Badrinath shrine is divided into three main parts as (1) the Garva Griha (where the Vishnu idol is located); (2) Darshan Mandap (the place for worshipping to the god); and (3) Shobha Mandap (place for assembling of the devotees). The sanctity of Lord Bardinath and his powerful existence in this place is strongly believed. Even the ancient scriptures supports this belief quoting as "There are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be".

Before entering the Bardinath Shrine, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the nearby Tapt Kund which is a source of thermal springs with natural healing properties. The Tapt Kund is believed to the adobe to lord Agni—the Hindu god of fire. There are two more natural springs named as Surya Kund and Narad Kund.

Reaching at Badrinath, the pilgrims perform the rites of remembrance and reverence for the departed souls of their near ones in the Brahma Kapal which is a flat stone-made place by banks of the river Alakananda. The impression of Sheshnetra, is also one of the place to visit here. The footprints of Lord Vishnu are preserved on one of the boulder is named after ‘Charanpaduka’ which has highest level of religious importance. Another significant shrine is the Mata Murti temple, the temple to the mother of Lord Badrinath.

The significance of the lofty mountains encompassing the Badrinath shrine is mentioned in the Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas were supposed to end their lives by ascending the slopes of a peak ‘Swargarohin’ in western Garhwal--the 'Ascent to Heaven'. Local legend considers the belief that the Pandavas passed through Badrinath and the region of Mana which is 5 km away from Badrinath, on their way to Swargarohin. And another legend is about the cave of Mana where Vyas wrote the Mahabharata.

Attractive Places around Badrinath
Established by Adiguru Shankaracharya the place of Joshimath is other important place to visit nearby Bardrinath. Other important places to visit here are the temples of goddess Durga and lord Narasingh. The valley of flowers has great attractions to the tourists and equally important is Gobindghat which as an ideal place for trekking. Another important pilgrimage is the Gurdwara Hemkund Sahib and the beautiful lake nearby this place.

The Mana village—the last village in the Indo-Tibetan border is about 5 km away from Badrinath. Other places of interest include Vyas Gufa, dedicated to Sage Ved Vyas; Bhim Pul, the natural bridge over the legendary Saraswati River; the 122-meter-high Vasundhara Falls; Pipalkoti, a place of natural beauty; and Chamoli, the ultimate experience of the land of the gods.

How to Reach at Badrinath
Reach at Badrinath By Rail: The nearest rail station is Rishikesh (297 km) and Kotdwar (327 km). Badrinath is well connected to all the main tourist attractions and famous places like Hardwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar as well the hills of Kumaon and Garhwal.

Reach at Badrinath By Road:Bus and cab services are very frequent and affordable. If you are a self starter its advised to make your journey from New Delhi railway station and to rich Rishikesh (Delhi to Rishikesh 238 km) and later find any convenient mode of transportation to Badrinath.

Reach at Badrinath By Air: A small airport named Jolly Grant is located at a distance of 317 km from Badrinath. Mainly small airplane and helicopter are permitted to land in this airport.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Kedarnath temple reopens for pilgrims

2011-05-09T02:23:00.000-07:00

Badrinath Temple reopens for pilgrims

2011-05-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

Dehra Dun: A day after Kedarnath, the portals of famous Himalayan shrine of Badrinath were reopened on Monday for pilgrims after a gap of six months.

Amid blowing of conches and chanting of vedic hymns and shlokas, chief priest of Badrinath shrine Rawal Keshava Namboodiri opened the doors of the temple at 05:35 hrs Monday morning as the palanquin carrying the idol of Lord Vishnu was taken inside the sanctum sanctorum, said Anusuiya Prasad Bhatt, Chairman of Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee.

During the opening ceremony of the temple, situated at a height of 3,133 meter in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Disaster Management Minister Khajan Das and principal secretary, Religious Tourism Department Rakesh Sharma were also present along with hundreds of devotees outside the sanctum sanctorum braving chilly winds.

Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was also scheduled to attend the ceremony but he could not reach Badrinath due to some reason, said Bhatt.

The portals of another famous shrine of Kedarnath in Rudraprayag district were thrown open for pilgrims yesterday and Nishank was among the first ones who paid obeisance at the temple.

With the opening of portals of Badrinath today, all the four shrines collectively known as Chardham have been thrown open for pilgrims.

PTI

Uttarakhand State Animal,Bird,Tree,Flower

2011-05-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

Uttarakhand State Animal: Musk Deer (Moschus Chrysogaster)

Uttarakhand State Bird: Monal (Lophoorus Impejanus)

Uttarakhand State Flower: Brahma Kamal (Saussurea Obvallata)

Uttarakhand State Tree :Burans (Rhododendron Arboreum)

Fact of Uttarakhand

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Overview
Formation of State :
Uttaranchal became the 27th state of the Republic of India on 9th November 2000. The State is carved out of Uttar Pradesh. It occupies 17.3% of India's total land area with 51,125 sq km.

Capital: Dehradun (Interim)
Longitude: 77° 34' 27" E to 81° 02' 22" E
Latitude: 28° 53' 24" N to 31° 27' 50" N
Total Area: 53,484 sq. km.
Total Forest Area: 34,434 sq. km.
Hilly Area : 92.57%
Plains: 7.43%

Borders:

International: China, Nepal.

National: Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh.
Districts: Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Haridwar, Bageshwar, Champawat, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Rudraprayag

High Court: Nainital.

Languages Spoken: Kumaoni, Garhwali, Hindi.

Uttarakhand State Animal: Musk Deer (Moschus Chrysogaster)

Uttarakhand State Bird: Monal (Lophoorus Impejanus)

Uttarakhand State Flower: Brahma Kamal (Saussurea Obvallata)

Uttarakhand State Tree :Burans (Rhododendron Arboreum)

Seasons
Summer Season : March to June mid.
Rainy Season : Mid June to mid September.
Winter Season : Mid September to February.

Places To Visit
Tourist And Historical Places :
Nainital, Mussoorie, Pauri, Almora, Ranikhet, Khirsu, Champawat, Dayara, Auli, Khatling, Vedini Bugyal, Valley Of Flowers, Lansdown, Lakhamandal, Paataal Bhuvaneshwar, Gangolihaat, Jolljivi, Kataarmal, Kosini, Jageshwar, Dwarahaat, Someshwar, Baijnath, Pindari Glacier etc.
Mussoorie Lake Skiing at Auli

Pilgrimage Sites :
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Panchkedar, Panchbadri, Panchprayag, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Purnagiri, Chittai, Kaliyar Sharif, Nanakmatta Sahib, Rettha Sahib etc. Har Ki Pauri Hemkund Sahib

Folk Songs And Dances
Jhumallo, Thadya, Chaunfla, Rasau, Pandwana, Tandi, Bhadgeet, Jaagar, Chaanchri, Chholia etc.
Folk Dance Folk Dance.

Major Rivers
Bhagirathi (Ganga), Alaknanda, Mandakani, Pindari, Tones, Yamuna, Kali, Nyaar, Bhilangana, Saryu, Ramganga etc. Holi River Ganga

Major Crops And Fruits
Major Crops: Rice, Wheat, Barley, Corn, Mandua, Hangora etc.
Major Fruits: Apple, Leechi, Pulam, Naashpati, Maalta etc.

Mineral Deposits
Limestone, Magnesite, Gypsum etc.

About state animal of Uttarakhand is Musk Deer

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The state animal of Uttarakhand is Musk Deer. This state animal of Uttarakhand is also known as 'Kasturi Mrig'. It is said that Musk Deer, the state animal of Uttarakhand, is the most primitive among the deer family. It is believed to be even more primitive than the 'true deer' belonging to the family Cervidae. The state animal of Uttarakhand belongs to the genus 'Moschus': it is only genus of family 'Moschidae'.

The physiology of the Uttarakhand's state animal is said to be reminiscent of that primitive anatomy. It does not possess antlers or facial glands. It is also said to possess a single pair of teats, a gall bladdar, a caudal gland, a pair of tusk-like teeth and a musk gland. It is this musk gland that makes the Musk deer, Uttarakhand state animal, economically important to the humans.

The musk gland, that belongs to the state animal in Uttarakhand, is of utmost importance to the human beings. The musk gland of the Musk deer is said to give out a smell that stays for a long time. It is from this gland of the state animal that humans make perfume: the Arabs were the first to extract perfume from of the musk glands of the Musk Deer.

A short survey on the state animal of Uttarakhand can be as follows:

* Body Length - 2.8 - 3.3 feet.
* Shoulder Height - 20 - 21 inches.
* Weight - 24 - 40 pounds.
* Gestation Period - 185 - 195 days.
* Young ones per birth - 1, or 2.
* Life Span - 12 - 20 years.
* Family group - Solitary.
* Diet - Grasses, moss, lichens, twigs, shoots, leaves, etc.
* Predators - Yellow-throated marten, wolf, fox, lynx, etc.

But it is noteworthy that unrestrained poaching and hunting has lead enlisted the state animal among the most threatened animals.

Chaukori

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Chaukori is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town of Chaukori is popular among tourists and pilgrims as well. Chaukori is a small hill station, and it is located in the Pithorgarh district. The region of Chaukori will be perfect for sightseeing purposes, and you can catch a glimpse of many peaks from the hill station. The peaks of Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot can be easily spotted from Chaukori.

Chaukori will the ideal tourist spot for you if you’re looking to spend some quiet times in solace, as you can take a walk through the many tea gardens in the region.

The Mahakali temple in Gangolihat is a famous temple in Chaukori that many pilgrims frequent. You can also visit the Patal Bhuvaneshwar temple that is located a few miles away from Chaukori. This temple is a cave shrine, where you will have to crawl into a cave in order to see the idol of the main deity. Other places of interest that you can visit in Chaukori include the Kot Gari Devi temple, the Ulkadevi Temple, the Mostamanu Temple, the Kamaksha Temple and the Arjuneshwar Shiva temple.

Chaukori is the perfect destination where along with lush acres of greenery you can also spot important Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Kot. You can feel you can almost touch the snowy Himalayas as it appears so close to your eyes.

How to Reach Chaukori in Uttarakhand :

Reach Chaukori by Airport :- Pant Nagar Airport Uttarakhand

Reach Chaukori by Rail :- Kathgodam Railway station is 36 km away from Nainital.

Best time to Visit Chaukori:

March to June and mid September to November is the perfect season here in Chaukori in Pithoragarh.

Dhanaulti

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Dhanaulti is fast emerging as a gem among the major travel destination in Uttarakhand, on Mussoorie-Chamba road at 2250 m above sea level.

It comes as a pleasant surprise for the weekend enthusiastic travelers who find it more peaceful more relaxing and serene. It’s a different experience altogether.

Dhanaulti is away from the crowd, busy market places and p ollution. Set amidst thick virgin forests of Deodar, Oaks and Rhododendrons its an ideal location that ensures absolute peace of mind and soul. The green meadows, towering trees, breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, make Dhanaulti and enviable hideaway for tourists.

The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely pleasant weather and fabulous enchanting view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday sojourn.

Dhanaulti is the base point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, especially to the Tehri region of Garhwal. The most popular treks are through the desne alpine forests that take you to Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri, the sacred three Shaktipeeths of the holy Devi Darshan triangle.

It’s easy to let yourself surrender in the vicinity to Dhanaulti’s charms – just give yourself a chance that will surely revive your entire experience! Best time to visit Dhanaulti is between March and June.

Dhanaulti is not a colonial town but it is a sleepy hamlet, surrounded by towering mountains, tall trees and green valleys which reverberate the entire day with charm and happiness. Spend the whole day walking through the wilderness and tranquility to soak the rejuvenating elixir of nature. Of course, if you are bitten by the adventure bug, you can trek, rock climb or enjoy camping to discover yourself in new ways.

Places around Dhanaulti
Mussoorie: 25 kms from Dhanaulti, popularly known as The Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Places of interest here are The Mall, Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Gun Hill and Jharipani Fall.

Surkanda Devi: The famous temple of Surkanda Devi is located atop a hill at an altitude of 3050 m, 9 kms from Dhanaulti. It’s a centre of great religious significance. Every year a fair is held on Ganga Dusshera (June) when thousands of pilgrims congregate to pay their obeisance. A picturesque trekking path takes you to the temple complex.

Chamba: 31 kms from Dhanaulti, the town of Chamba, situated at an altitude of 1676 m provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the Bhagirathi river. The serpentine road passes through breathtaking mountain ranges and fruit laden orchards. Both government and private accommodations are available in Chamba.

New Tehri: The newly constructed township is built around a mountain miracle overlooking the massive Tehri Dam, which has been built on the confluence of Bhilangana and Bhagirathi rivers. New Tehri town is a spectacular achievement as Asia’s most comprehensive resettlement exercise came into being with the submergence of old Tehri.

KHIRSU

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The snow - laden mountains of Khirsu tempt the tourist in winters, while the panoramic view of Central Himalayas attracts tourists in summers, when one can get a clear view of 300 named and unnamed peaks. Located 19 kms. away from Pauri at an altitude of 1700 mts. Khirsu is a peaceful spot of Himalayas and free from pollution. The tranquility of the adjoining thick Oak and Deodar forests and apple orchards, is only broken by chirping birds. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is well worth a visit

Information about KHIRSU

Season :Round the year.
Language :Garhwali, Hindi and English.
Clothing :Summer - Cotton & Woolens.
Winter - Heavy woolens.

TOURIST PLACES at KHIRSU :

Pauri
(19 km.) Situated at an elevation of of 1814 meters above sea level on thenorthern slopes of Kandoliya hills. Pauri provides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas peaks. It has some other interesting places for visiting.

Deval Garh
(14 km.) Established in the 14th century, it was capital of Garhwal Rajas before being shifted to Srinagar. The temples of Goddess Raj Rajeshwari and ruins of an old palaced are unique example of architecture of Garhwal.

Dhari Devi
(28 km.) Situated on Srinagar-Badrinath highway on the bank of river Alaknanda. Dhari Devi is believed to be the ancient "Kali-Siddh Peeth".
Ulkha Garhi
Situated on Pauri - Khirsu motor road and 2 kms. short of Khirsu is Chaubhatta Khal, there is a 2 km. easy trek to the temple. This place commands a magnificent view of mountain and valleys at an altitude of 1900 mts.s

JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK Uttarakhand

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Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the closest proximity of Ramnagar (Nainital) is the majestic Jim Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, the park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park (named in the honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces). After independence, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952 but was finally changed to Jim Corbett National Park in 1957, named after the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries. India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey. With the help of the World Wildlife Fund, Project Tiger was launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and this park was one of the first such tiger reserves in the country.

Corbett is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal.

Attractions In Corbett Park
Ramnagar : Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar; most resorts also arrange all inclusive fishing trips.

Wildlife Viewing : Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won’t come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.

Jeep Safari in Corbett : Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies. One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar.

How to rech there:

Air : Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport.

Rail : Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts change at Moradabad.

Road : Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar.
The route from Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly–Kichha–Rudrapur–Doraha–Kashipur. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic

Auli

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Auli Skiing

Auli, 8 km from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). A 3 km long slope ranging from a height of 2519 to 3049 m is a major attraction. The Auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 m long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Season: End December to March.

Equipment: GMVN provides modern ski equipments. Participants are advised to bring heavy woolen clothings like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum / snow boots and a torch for personal use.

Package Tours: GMVN conducts 7 and 14 days skiing courses at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. Ski training is given by qualified ski instructors.
3-4 km trek from Auli leads to Gurso Bugyal (open meadows) which offers breathtaking view of the snow capped Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dron parvat. Gurso Bugyal turns into a green pastureland during spring season while is wears a white blanket during the winters.

How to Reach Auli

Reach Auli by Air : Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun (280 Km). Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines operate daily flights to Dehradun from New Delhi.

Reach Auli by Rail : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh / Haridwar which is connected from Delhi by Shatabdi Exp., from Bombay by Bandra-Dehradun Exp. and from Calcutta by Howrah-Doon Exp. and from Lucknow by Gorakhanath/Doon Exp. Rishikesh to Joshimath by road.

Reach Auli by Road: Auli is well connected with road through Joshimath. The best option is to travel from Delhi by road. Delhi to Haridwar is 229 kms. on National Highway NH-47. The climb from Haridwar to Joshimath is 257 kms. and takes about 13 to 15 hours. The ascent to Joshimath winds through Rishikesh, Srinagar, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli. Joshimath to Clifftop Club Resort is 17 km by road.

Alternatively you may take the Ropeway to reach Auli. The 4km long ropeway connecting Auli and Joshimath would take 15-20 minutes to reach Auli from Joshimath.

VALLEY OF FLOWER TREK

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About Valley of Flowers
It was in 1931 that Frank Smythe and Holdsworth stumbled on the valley while returning from their successful Kamet expedition. There were "at once transported from a region of solemn austerity to a fairyland of dainty flowers, most of them dwarf, but brilliant in colour". Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species.

As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhance by the Pushpawati river flowing in the vicinity overlooked by towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers bloom and swing with life during the monsoons. Also inhabiting the place is the amazing variety of Himalayan butterflies. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the playground of fairies and nymphs. Legends also associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. The valley can be visited only during the day, and overnight stay is prohibited

Jageshwar

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Jageshwar Counted among the 12 Jyotirlings in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged by monarch-sized, ancient deodars. Of the over 100 small and large shrines of this complex, the three outstanding ones, in terms of sculpture, are dedicated of Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. Jageshwar temple has sculpted dwarpals standing guard at its entrance . Although the presiding deity at Jageshwar is shiva a strong Buddhist influence is visible in the carvings. It is about 100 Kms. from Nainital.

INTRODUCTION

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.

TOURISTS 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.

TRADITION -
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.

ARCHITECTURE -
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.

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.

HOW TO REACH Jageshwar Mahadev,
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.

Baijnath Temple

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Baijnath temple complex is situated 17 kms from Kasauni. Baijnath Temple complex has many historic ruins. An intricate and slight carving makes the temple magnificent. Visiting Baij Nath Temple, Kausani located amidst the mountain ranges with the splendid sceneries around, can be an enchanting experience. Known to be specked with auspicious pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand all over, the place is rightly named as the abode of Gods. 53 kms north of Almora, Kausani is a magnificent hill station replete with picturesque and splendid views. The 300 km wide view of the Himalayas is spectacular.

Kausani is nestled amongst deep pine forests, on a hill top where the view of the snow capped Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one feels the snow is at a touching distance.

It is a 12th century temple on the banks of Gomti River. At an elevation of 1126 m. in the Garur valley of Katyur is the complex of Baijnath Temple. Built by the Katyuri kings there are ancient temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahama. The Baijnath Temples dating back to the 12th and 13th century are constructed of stone. The temple complex exhibits the amazing architecture of the age. The main temple that houses the beautiful idol of Parvati is chiseled in black stone. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.

Baijnath Temple, located at a distance of 19 kms from Kausani, is one of the tourist attractions in Uttarakhand In Kumaon region, Baijnath is amongst the famous place for its remote antiquity and historic importance.

PATAL BHUWNESHWAR

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Located 91 kms from Pithoragarh on the way to Berinag, at an elevation of about 1350 m, this highly revered shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sub-terranean shrine of Lord Shiva is situated with sprawling interiors. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures. The way to the cave temple is through a long, narrow tunnel. Inside the cave, the limestone formations have taken shape of many Gods and Goddesses of Hindu pantheon. The forms of Ganesha, Sheshnag, Garurh, Shivling etc are distinctly visible to the believers. Its popularly believed that the holiest cave is the abode of 33 crore Gods and Goddesses, amidst the absolute Himalayan isolation Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a cave city. Caves within caves, steps leading to another, each one unmasking deep secrets from within. The motor able road ends half a kilometer away from the cave entrance. You h ave to descend nearly 100 steps into this narrow cave, to reach the sanctum sanctorum, which gives an overwhelming feeling that you are entering into the center of the earth

Each stone, each stalagmite within each cave or doorway in magnificent erection revels the story of Hindu pantheon in the shapes of Gods, Goddesses, saints and known mythological characters.

According to the belief Kind Rituparna of the Sun dynasty (Surya Vansha) discovered the cave in Treta Yug. It has been described in the Manas Khand of Skand Puran. Adi Guru Shankaracharya visited this cave in 1191 AD. That was the beginning of the modern pilgrimage history at Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

The journey inside the cave has to be carried in feeble lights, holding protective iron chains. The stone formations of Sheshnag can be seen, holding earth, heaven the workd beneath. Havan is performed in a dimly lit solemn atmosphere, under the spell of holy chants. You will also be impressed by the huge stalactites called Jatas of Lord Shiva, located at the different locations inside the cave.

It is believed that Pandavans, the Mahabharata’s heroes proceeded towards their last journey in the Himalayas after meditating here, in front of Lord Shiva

The priest families, the Bhandaris are performing religious rites at Patal Bhuvaneshwar since the time of the Adi Guru Shankaracharya. More than 20 generations in the line! They are a treasure house of legends, lores, anecdotes and information about this holy place.

MUSSOORIE

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Mussoorie, the queen of the hills, is one of the most popular and fascinating hill resort of northern India. Its green hills and varied fauna and flora make it a colourful and picturesque hill station, commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the North-East, and Panoramic view of the Doon valley to the south.

The place came to be known as Mussoorie due to unlimited growth of a bush locally known as Mussoorie. The town presents fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. Its history dates back to 1811 when the place was purchased by an European Major Hearsey from the local land lord. Later he sold it to the East India Company in the year 1812. In 1812, the next-door township of landour was made a sanitorium and convalescent depot for troops. In 1827 Captain Young, an adventurous British Army officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort with the opening of shooting box on Landour hills. In 1832 Col. Averest then Surveyer General of India opened his office in Mussoorie. In 1880, it became the residence of Afghan detenue Yakub Khan, the Ex-Amir of Afghanistan for summer with winter residence in Dehradun. However, later it remained the summer residence of their Royal Highness, the Duke and Duches of Conn aught. Development of Mussoorie started after rail link was established between Haridwar and Dehradun in 1890.

General Information MUSSOORIE

Area: 64.25 Sq. km. Population. 16323 (1981 census). Altitude: 20002400 m.

Temperature: Summer 7.2 C to 31.7 C and Winter 1.0 C to 7.2 C Rainfall. Max in Aug. 764.9 mm to Min in Nov. 5.1 mm

Clothing: Summer-Light Woollen and Winter: Heavy Woollens.
Language spoken: Hindi, English and Garhwali.

Best season to visit MUSSOORIE : March to July and September to October.

What to see in Mussoorie
Sir George Everest's House:
Municipal Garden (4 kms) :
Camel's Back Road (3 km.) :
Kempty Fall:
Lal Tibba (5 Km) :

Places around Mussoorie

Yamuna Bridge:
Nag Tibba :
Dhanolti :
Surkhanda Devi :

How to Reach Mussoorie:

Reach Mussoorie by Air: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest Airport for reaching Mussoorie (24 kms). Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines operate daily flights to Dehradun from New Delhi

Reach Mussoorie by Rail: Nearest Railhead is Dehradun (35 kms) which is directly connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Gorakhpur, Kathgodam, Varanasi, Howrah, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Taxis are available from Dehradun railway station to Mussoorie

Reach Mussoorie by Road: Mussoorie is connected by regular bus services to all the major centers of tourist interest in the region. Direct buses are also available for Muussoorie.

Kedar kantha trek

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Kedar kantha trek
Har-Ki-Doon trek, renamed and re-designed as Kedar kantha trek since 2006 in an annual event in YHAI calendar. True to the objectives of YHAI, the trek provides a great opportunity for adventure, scenic beauty, and a firsthand experience of remote villages of Gharwal Himalayas, in spite of the fact that the trek has been shortened by eliminating the Har-ki-doon for the convenience of the trekkers.

Location
The trek is along a well designed route in the southern areas of Govind Wild life Sanctuary and Nation Park. Govind Wild Life Sanctuary is located in the north of Uttrakhand state (previously known as Uttranchal state), in the district of Uttarkashi and covers an area of 958 Sq. Kms (See maps for detailed understanding of the location). The altitude in the area varies from 1300 to 6000 meters. (The orientation of the route in YHAI map seems to be confusing and the route shown from Kedarkantha to Talhauti is not the one that is followed. Hence an approximate orientation and route map that we made during the trek is also shown.)
Kedarkantha trek starts from May 1st, and groups start on every day of the month. The programme lasts 12 days, starting from the day of reporting at Mussoorie Youth Hostel. We reported on 9th of May and were identified as KK-9 group.

Rudraprayag

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Rudraprayag confluence of riversThis town is at a distance of 40 KM from Srinagar located at the confluence of two rivers Alaknanda & Mandakini. River Alaknanda which starts from Alakpuri glacier comes from Badrinath Dham. River Mandakini flows from Kedarnath and joins Alaknanda at this place. After Rudraprayag the river is known as Alaknanda.

Rudraprayag at a height of 610 meters is a small town and this town has lot of religious significance. Lord Shiva temple is known as Rudranath here. Narad Muni meditated here for several years and got the blessings of Lord Shiva. There is a temple of goddess Jagadamba Devi in this town.

This town is located at junction of three hill districts Chamoli, Tehri & Pauri. . From here the roads to Kedarnath & Badrinath branches out to two different routs. The road towards Badri Nath Dham goes towards Karanprayag – Nandprayag-Chamoli-Srinagar – Joshimath & then to Sri Badrinath. The other road to Kedarnath goes to Agastyamuni-Guptkashi-Sonprayag-Gaurikund & then to Kedarnath.

Rudraprayag District Map
Rudraprayag confluenceThere is a nice hotel of GMVN at the confluence of the rivers and from this hotel top beautiful view of this sangam (joining of rivers ) point of two rivers is available. This is the best view spot of Rudraprayag.

You can visit the tip of the both river joint point were a Lord Shiva temple is there. You need to climb number of steps to reach the water point here. But view of water & sound of river is breathtaking.

This place can be used as night halt purposes for your next day visit to Kedarnath or Badrinath Dham. For tourist visiting Badrinath Dham it is advisable to match the gate opening & closing time at Joshimath.

If you want to stay here in the heart of the town then stay at GMVN rest house. This hotel located at the confluence of rivers and has balcony & restaurant having opening towards the rivers. Take a cup of tea while watching the color of water of two rivers.

Outside the town & within the town there are many resorts & hotels are available.

You will get all mobile signals here and can use reliance netconnect to browse the internet.

Devprayag

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Devprayag
Devprayag confluenc of Bhagirathi & AlaknandaDevprayag This place is famous for the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. After this join of two rivers the combined river is officially known as the river Ganga. Alaknanda river starts from Alakpuri glacier ahead of Badrinath Dham meets Bhagirathi here. Bhagirathi river starts from Gomukh glacier which is 18 KM from Gangotri temple. This place at a height of 813 meter has high religious significance. Lord Rama meditated here after killing Ravan of Lanka. There are temples and many steps are there to descend upto the water level. Because of Tehri dam at up stream of river Bhagirathi water level in this river is less and water fluctuates based on the discharge of water from dam. There are warning boards cautioning visitors going down to the water level about the chance of rising water level.

Tourists usually come to this place while returning from Badrinath Dham on their way to Rishikesh. Devprayag ( Deoprayag ) is 68 KM from Rishikesh. Pandas or Pujaris of Badrinath Dham hails from this town. This place is also famous for astronomical studies. From here one road goes by the side of river Bhagirathi to Yomunotri ( via Tehri ) and other road along the side of river Alaknanda goes to Kirtinagarg, Srinagar and Kedarnath

Ramnagar & Gim Corbett National Park tiger safari

2011-05-06T02:56:00.000-07:00

Ramnagar & Gim Corbett National Park tiger safari
Ramnagar is popular as entry point to Gim Corbett National Park located in Uttarakhand. The famous hill station Nainital of Uttaranchal is only 65 KM from Ramanagar. Many tourist visit Ramnagar in a one day trip from Nainital and some stay here on their way to Nainital. Ramanagar is located at foothill of Himalayas and it has some dense forest around it. More of flat forest than hills located here ideal habitats for animals of different types.

Ram nagar is the main entry point for Jim Corbett National Park. This park is also known as Land of Roar, Trumpet and songs. This is explained in famous books of Jim Corbett ( Man eater of Kumaon, temple tiger ..etc ) . The roaring tiger, trumpeting elephant warbling birds with the dense forest attracts tourists from all over the world. In the year 1936 this park was first opened as Hailey National Park. In the year 1952 the name changed to Ramganga National Park and finally in the year 1957 it was renamed as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the Late Jim Corbett the legendary hunter, nature lover and author of the famous book Man eater of Kumaon. This park occupying an area of 323.75 sq KM houses leopards, hyenas, elephants, jackals, hog deer, wild dogs, barking deer, chital, sambhar and bears. There are eight watch towers and elephants are available in Dhikala & Bijrani to visit inside the park opened from November to June.

Ramnagar town
Ramnagar is a small town with all modern facilities like ATMs, hotels, market places and shops. On the Ranikhet road away from the Rama nagar town there are many good quality resorts. These resorts located inside Jungle and all of them tried to maintain the Jungle atmosphere inside and around there areas. Many resorts have there own elephant to take you for a ride inside the Jungle.

Forest rest house inside park.
Inside Corbett National Park there are rest houses maintained by forest department. But as there is no power supply inside the Jungle so there are not advisable other than winter seasons. But staying inside Jungles within wild animals is a good experience. Canteens are available to provide food. The room rent is inclusive entry fee to the park.

By road to Ramnagar
Ramnagar is connected by road network from main cities of Uttaranchal. From Delhi a 4 lane road goes to Moradabad which is one important city in the state of UP ( Uttar Pradesh ) Delhi to Moradabad distance is 162 KM and from Moradabad to Ramnagar is around 80 KM via Kashipur. From Moradabad bypass you can take a left turn towards Kashipur and then to Ramnagar. Take care that there is one more Rampur ( not Ramnagar ) on a different direction from Moradabad at a distance of 30 KM and you should not go in that direction. The sign boards clearly mentions about the Corbett National Park and Kashipur. The commercial vehicles take a one day permit to operate within UP state as they will be using the state road for 5 to 6 hours only. There are bus services also available from Delhi to Ramnagar by different state transport corporation. The road condition is excellent upto Moradabad as there is a 4 lane road goes upto Lakhnau. From Moradabad the road narrows to 2 lane but condition is good. It will not take more that 1 hour 45 minutes to reach Ramnagar from Moradabad. You can expect to reach in seven hours at Ramnagar by starting from Delhi border. Depending on your location inside Delhi and traffic you may take one hour to one and half hour to reach the Delhi – UP border. If possible plan your journey early from Delhi to reach Ramnagar before the sunset to enjoy natural beauty of Uttaranchal Jungles.

Rail network at Ramnagar
Ramnagar is connected by rail network also. There are direct train from Delhi to Ramnagar ( Station code: RMR ). There are many trains from Delhi to Moradabad ( station code MB ). If you are not taking direct train then you can travel up to Moradabad from any part of India and then decide on covering rest 90 KM by road or by train. From Moradabad another branch line goes to KATHGODAM (Station code: KGM). Kathgodam is nearest to Nainital hill station.

Museum
There is a Corbett Museum located in two buildings. Entry fee is Rs 5 only. Different pictures, skeletons of elephant, tiger and crocodiles are kept here. Some dummy stuffed tigers are kept within glass boxes. Life style of villages around the park is displayed here. There is a nice souvenir shop at the entrance of the Museum and you can pick up variety of items , books on Corbett Park from here. There are many such shops at Rama Nagar town also.

Temple at Ramnagar
There is a temple located at a distance of 9 KM from Ramanagar town. This temple is located within a river bed and at a height. There will be long queue to the approach of the temple during tourist seasons.

The cultivated lands and Fields near the forest park are protected by powered fences for protection from wild animals.

Taking an entry pass for Safari.
To enter to Corbett National Park entry permission is required from Forest department. For evening trips, morning permissions are given. Tourists are to be present at the forest department office in person to collect the entry pass. One member of the group with a valid identity proof (driving licence is the common one every one carry) has to be present in morning to collect the permit. One form is to be filled up with all details of the group or family. Vehicle number is also to be filled at the time of submitting the form. Note that these forms are issued only to tourists and not to the local people so your hotel or resort manager can't collect the form and apply for permission on behalf of you. However the process is simple and you will be guided by your agent / hotel staffs. During peak seasons of May and June ( starting ) period a long queue can be seen in front of the counter issuing the permissions. Collect your permit and go for a visit to nearby temple located by the side of the river then prepare for your evening safari inside the park.

Jeep Safari and spotting animals
This is the best thing to do at Ramnagar. It starts at 3 PM and ends at 7.30 or 7.00 PM. Jeeps will pickup you from your resort and up to the park entry point it will take one hour. The Safari inside the Jungle Park will vary from one hour to two hours and return. The charges vary from seasons and also depend on resort. What we understand it will be maximum Rs 2000 per jeep / trip. You can take one binocular on rent by paying Rs 100/ ( one hundred only ) but these binoculars are used more as fancy item than giving you good close view. Getting a chance to meet the main attraction tiger is fifty percent on any day here. Our driver told us that he spots a tiger in three days in a week. However with a total tiger population of 164 (which is nearly 10 percent of total 1411 tiger population of India ) spread over an area of 822 sq km , it is not an easy task to spot them in a one hour journey inside the park.

Uttarkhand tourism

2011-05-06T02:54:00.000-07:00

Uttarakhand
Uttaranchal or Uttarakhand is located at Latitude of 28°43' N to 31°27' N and in longitude it is between 77°34' E to 81°02' E. This state is located at northern part of India and famous for its hilly regions and pilgrim places of Hindu religion. The Char Dham Yatra the most scared pilgrimage for Hindus is located in this state.

This state has 13 districts and 78 tehesils. Dehradun ( Dehra Dun ) is the capital of this sate. The state has nearly 70% of its area under forest cover and the main crops include rice, wheat and Barley.

The state is divided into two main regions Kumaon & Garhwal

Confluence of rivers or Prayags
Nandprayag The confluence of river Ganga and Yamuna is know as Prayag and this place is located in the state of Uttara Pradesh. Similarly in the upstream there are many such confluences and these are located inside the state of Uttrakhand. These places have high religious significance and have many pilgrim places around it. Here are some of the important places famous for two rivers joining.

Vishnuprayag the confluence of Alaknanda & Dhauli Ganga
Nandaprayag the confluence of Alaknanda & Nandakini river.
Karnaprayag the confluence of Alaknanda & Pindar river
Rudraprayag the confluence of Alakananda & Mandakini
Devprayag the confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi river, from here the river is officially

known as the Ganga river.

These rivers pass through some famous religious places before the confluence and finally river Ganga & Yamuna flows out of the state. Different glaciers are the origin of these rivers. The famous Bhagirathi river passes through Gangotri temple ( one of the Char Dham Yatra) originates from Gaumukh glacier. River Alaknanda starts from the Alakpuri glacier and passes through Badrinath Dham. River Mandakini passes through Kedarnath temple.

Hindus from all part of the world visit this state for a trip to Char Dham or four religious temples located inside this state. Not only Hindus but all nature lovers visit these places for the scenic beauty of the snow capped hills, rivers etc. The four temples are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. By visiting to these places one will cover most parts of Uttarakhand state and will have a life time experience of Himalayan culture and life style. This religious tour is operational only during April to October months of the year. Out of the four place road connectivity is not there at the last phase for two temples. Read more on this Char Dham tour here.

Hill stations in Uttarakhand
Probably the entire state is a hill station but some places are popular among Indian tourist so got the special mark as hill station. There are two popular places; one is Mussoorie in Garhwal Himalaya and Nainital in Kumaon region. Both these places are well connected from Delhi.

There are other places like Auli ( winter sports and Skiing ), Chopta, Ranikhet, Joshimath and many other places which attracts trekkers and nature lovers from all part of the world.

Peaks of Garwal
Garwal region has some beautiful peaks which attracts many trekkers and mountaineers to this region. The highest among these peaks are Nanda Devi at an height of 7817 meters. Other peaks are Neelkanth ( 6597 meter ), Mana peak 7272 meter, Trisuli 7074 m, Chaukamba 7138 meter, Dunagiri peak 7066 meter.

Wild Life in Uttarakhand
Corbett national parkThe state has good green cover & the famous Corbett National Park is located at the Kumaon region. This park is famous for tiger reserve. Ramnagar is the main entry point to this park. Valley of flowers is one of the famous destination for trekkers and the best time to visit this place is from Middle of August to Middle of September

Holiday of discovery of India

2011-05-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

The holidays are here and most of us have our bags packed. But what about those who haven't had time to plan a trip? Do they have to sit at home? Not really, because India offers a myriad of possibilities from historical tours to adventure sports to wildlife sanctuaries. India, with its long and colourful history, has several forts, palaces and museums to explore. Also the topography of the country offers itself to sport that ranges from trekking to snorkelling, rappelling to white water rafting. If wildlife is what interests you then check out the many wildlife sanctuaries and you can watch animals in their natural setting. So get ready to have a rocking holiday!

Planning to go wild this vacation? Then here are some indigenous options to give you a peek into life beyond the urban jungle…

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

What to see: Tiger, leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambar, hyena,

sloth bear, chital and a variety of birds and reptiles too.

What to do: Safari rides either on a gypsy or open-top canter. Each

ride lasts up to three hours and costs around Rs. 400-500 per person.

Nearest town: Sawai Madhopur (11 km)

Nearest railway station: Sawai Madhopur station

Nearest airport: Jaipur (145 km)

Periyar National Park, Kerala

What to see: Tiger, elephant, gaur, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, Indian wild dog, fox, leopard, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, the Bonnet Macaque, darters, cormorants, kingfishers, the great Malabar hornbill, racket-tailed, Monitor lizard and different species of snakes.

What to do: Boat cruises. Though you may not be able to spot them all, it is a good way to get an overall view of the park.

Nearest town: Kumily (4 km), Madurai (140 km)

Nearest railway station: Kottayam (114 km)

Nearest airport: Kochi (200 km) or Madurai (140 km)

Corbett National Park, Uttarakand

What to see: Himalayan black bear, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian gray mongoose, porcupine, elephant, cormorant, egret, heron, darter and reptiles like crocodile, gharal, turtles, Indian python and king cobra.

What to do: Drive around in your own cars or hire private vehicles. Day-tour conducted by the park on a safari bus. Elephant safari, and fishing and angling activities are also options.

Nearest town: Ramnagar

Nearest railway station: Ramnagar (29 km)

Nearest airport: Dehradun (130 km) or Delhi (215 km)

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

What to see: Home to the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, you can also spot Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo, Eastern Swamp Deer, elephants, gaur, sambar and the Indian Muntjac. Also identified by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area.

What to do: Guided tours by elephant or jeep, trekking and river cruise along the Brahmaputra. With Shillong, Guwahati and Cherrapunjee being just a drive away you can include visits to these cities as well in your itinerary.

Nearest town: Bokakhat (23 km)

Nearest railway station: Furkating (75 km)

Nearest airport: Jorhat Airport at Rowriah (97 km)

If you are raring to feel the adrenaline rush and make the most of your vacation outdoors, then here are some exciting options for the adventure enthusiasts:

GOA: Though India's smallest state, Goa is not short of adventure. Famous for its beaches, most of its adventure activities are invariably on the sea like surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, jet skiing, speed boating and sailing. Thanks to the cliffs along the coast one can also enjoy the rush of the wind through activities like hang gliding and microlite flying. Trekking and biking will let you take in the beauty of the scenery at your own pace on land.

RISHIKESH, Uttarakhand: A favourite with adventure junkies, Rishikesh offers some of the best thrills which you can enjoy while camping by the banks of the Ganga. White water rafting along the stretch of the Ganga, cliff jumping, kayaking, and zorbing are some of the water-based activities. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, hot air ballooning, parasailing, rock climbing and rappelling at Rishikesh add to the adventure quotient.

DANDELI, Karnataka: This Karnataka city's location by the Kali is what makes it best suited for adventure activities. White water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, and wildlife safaris are what should be on your to-do list. And so must the natural jacuzzi session that the streams offer.

DARJEELING, West Bengal:

Dotted with several peaks and mountains, this is THE place for mountaineering. There are also several mountaineering schools here that offer courses in mountaineering. Trekking on Phalut at 3,600 metres will treat you to breath-taking views of the Himalayas. Closer to Darjeeling, an early morning trek up the Tiger Hill situated at an altitude of 2,590 metres, will give you a magnificent view of sunrise over the Kanchenjunga. And other must-dos are the Darjeeling-Rangit valley ropeway (Asia's longest), a ride on the famous Toy Train, hang-gliding and rafting along the Teesta and Rangeet.

Move over history books; take lessons of history from the very places that have been witness to them.

TAJ MAHAL, Uttar Pradesh: One of the most famous structures in India and almost synonymous with the country, the Taj Mahal by the banks of Yamuna reminds visitors of the country's rich Mughal history. Built by emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1630 AD, the marble monument is a must-see for everyone, at least for its architectural aspect - it took 22 years and 20,000 workers to build it. Located in Agra which is at a distance of 204 km from Delhi, it is also easy for you to visit other historical sites in the national capital -Qutb Minar, Red Fort, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Safdarjung's Tomb, Tughluqabad Fort and Humayun'Tomb

NALANDA UNIVERSITY, Bihar: Considered the oldest university, it is situated in Nalanda, Bihar. This "ancient seat of learning" has been in existence since the fifth century BC and functioned until the 12th century. Founded during the reign of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta, Buddha and Mahavira are some of its visitors and the Chinese philosopher, Xuanzang was a student and later became a teacher. Now only its ruins are left for us to see: lecture halls, dormitories, gardens, stone images of the Buddha and stupas

HAMPI, Karnataka: Located in northern Karnataka, and once the capital of the Vijayanagar empire, Hampi today is a quaint village with ruins and centuries of history. The ruins date back to 14th century, with more than 500 monuments along the 25-kmstretch. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of its famous spots are: Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Monolith Bull, the famous stone chariot at Vithala Temple, Royal Enclosures, Queen's Bath, Zanana Enclosure with the Lotus Mahal and more.

AJANTA-ELLORA CAVES, Maharashtra: These cave monuments date back to the second century BC and sixth century AD. Located at a distance of 30 km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra, these caves are famous for their murals and carvings. While caves at Ajanta are mostly Buddhist (featuring stories from the Jataka tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha), the ones at Ellora are a mix of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain influence. These caves remained undiscovered for many centuries until John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them in 1819.

MAHABALIPURAM, Tamil Nadu: This sea-side town in Tamil Nadu, was established as a sea port during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to some of the most beautiful rock structures like the five chariotshaped temples (Pancha Rathas), the Shore Temple, carved depictions of episodes from the Mahabharata and several rock pavilions, all mostly built during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. Now it's a popular tourist destination not just for its history but also for its cultural imoorings - Mamallapuram Dance Festival - is an annual affair that attracts artistes from all over the country.

http://www.hindu.com/yw/2011/05/03/stories/2011050350210200.htm

Uttarakhand the Land of Gods

2011-04-28T05:11:00.000-07:00

Discover the magic of Garhwal and Kumaon

2011-04-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

Exotic Vacations In India
The tour itineraries detailed on this webpage take a traveller across Uttarakhand in North India (earlier known as Uttaranchal). The legendary valleys and mountains of Garhwal abound with breathtaking natural beauty. From wildlife safaris in Corbett Tiger Reserve to rafting at Shivpuri, skiing at Auli to boating and sailing in Nainital, from long walks in Mussoorie and Ranikhet and soft treks in Kausani to perhaps a spiritual enlightenmnet at the hill abodes of the Gods at Badrinath or down in the plains at Rishikesh or Haridwar – the Uttarakhand Himalayas with its snow-clad vistas in the Kumaon and Garhwal region offer it all.

Magic of Garhwal and Kumaon - ranging from snowclad Himalayan peaks, tranquil mountain lakes, deeply forested wildlife sanctuaries, emerald green alpine meadows, offbeat quaint hamlets.Discover the magic of Garhwal and Kumaon - ranging from snowclad Himalayan peaks, tranquil mountain lakes, deeply forested wildlife sanctuaries, emerald green alpine meadows, offbeat quaint hamlets, silver streams gurgling down mountain slopes, furious rivers hurtling down the valleys, sunrises a riot of ethereal images over the pristine Ganges, holy ancient temple towns giving you glimpses of the famed evening aartis, poojas, yoga and meditation and a taste of the British colonial legacy at some hill towns.

Lansdowne

2011-04-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

Lansdowne is one of the quietest hill stations of India and a very popular one during the British times. It is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests and one can be charmed. Lansdowne also headquarters the Garhwal Rifles one of the well known combat arm of the Indian Army.

Location of Lansdowne Lansdowne is a small hill station in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand about 87kms from Pauri. It is located at a height of 1700 m (5597 feet) above sea level. It is situated en route Kotdwar-Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district.

Places to see in Lansdowne
Tarkeshwar Mahadev: This place is best known for the temple Tarkeshwar Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an ideal place for those who wish to seek solace in the lap of nature. It is surrounded by thick forests of deodar and pine.

Garhwal Rifles: The building of the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army maintains an old world charm. Its command office is stationed here.

Tiffin Top and Snow View Point: These are two vantage points offering excellent views of snow-clad peaks of Chaukhamba and Trishul.

Kanvashram: Kanvashram is located 14kms from Lansdowne has a great legend to say. According to Hindu mythology, Sakuntala and the king of Hastinapur gave birth to a son called Bharat after whom the name of the country 'Bharat Varsha' is given.

Jwalpa Devi: Situated 47 kms from Lansdowne Jwalpa Devi is an important religious place located on the Pauri-Kotdwar Road.

Accomodations Hotels in Lansdowne

There are excellent opportunities offered by the GMVN Tourist Rest House. The other hotels are Fairy Dale Hotel and Hotel Mayur.

Best time to visit Lansdowne:

Summer is the best time to visit Lansdowne.
Winters are very cold and you would need heavy woolens.

How to reach Lansdowne

Reach Lansdowne By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun about 152kms from Lansdowne.

Reach Lansdowne By Rail: The nearest station is at Kotdwar, 37 km from Lansdowne.

Reach Lansdowne By Road: Lansdowne is well connected to Kotdwar, Nainital, Pauri and other regions.

Lansdowne -Uttarakhand

2011-04-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Lansdowne was founded in 1887 by Lord Lansdowne. Lansdowne was originally one of the most favorite hill stations of the British. Surrounded by thick forests of oak and blue pine, Lansdowne is a charming hill destination devoid of the usual hustle bustle other hill stations. Perched at a high altitude, Lansdowne is one of the best places to spend a serene and calm vacation in Uttarakhand.

The calm environ of the place, coupled with a blissful ambience would surely prove to be a respite for people, boggled down with the chaotic life of big cities. Lansdowne is set amidst lovely surroundings – tall oaks and blue pines rise like spires off the mountainside. The forests are lovely, dark and deep, just ideal for those long walks and picnics.

There are amazing mountain views of the Western Himalayas from a number of vantage points like Snow View and Tiffin Top. Lansdowne lies on the Kotdwar-Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttaranchal. The hill station is 295 km from Delhi. The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant – 25 km from Dehradun and 125 km from Lansdowne. The closest railway station is 45 km away at Kotdwar, a drive of 2 hours.
Local Attractions

The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is an attraction for the visitors. Places of interest around the city are Tip-n-Top (org. Tiffin Top), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church, Lover's lane. The excursions from the city are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi temple etc. Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season. Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne has scenic beauty and good surroundings. The climate of the city is pleasant in summer, very cold in winter. Lansdowne can be visited any time of the year.
History

Originally known as, Kaludanda, after Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill) in local language, Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887, and by 1901 it had a population of 3943 . Lansdowne was developed by the British for catering for the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters from British Garhwal during British period. Nowadays, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here
Weather

Temperature varies from 6 to 17°C. October offers an ideal time for exploring the hilly terrains and good for all kinds of tourist activities

Hemkund Sahib

2011-04-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hemkund Sahib is the holiest shrines of Sikhs in India. It is located at high altitudes amidst snow covered lofty peaks of Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This panoramic site is flanked by a serene Lake called Hemkund. On the banks of this lake is situated a Gurudwara, dedicated to the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. The natural beauty of the place is simply awe-inspiring as the glacial lake is surrounded by seven soaring peaks, giving a boost to the travel and tourism industry.

Regarding the origin of the place, it is believed that Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh performed penance her in his previous birth and united with the Almighty. The evidence for the same is found in his autobiographical poem 'Bichittar Natak'. Moreover, there is also a Hindu temple by the name Lakshman Temple here. Regarding this temple it is said that Lakshman, the younger brother of Ram performed penance here. Thus, Hemkund Sahib became a venerated spot for both Hindu and Sikh devotees.

Hemkund Sahib is inaccessible by road, as only a steep trek path leads to this wondrous spot. For reaching here, the first spot is Gobindghat, which is well linked by roads. From Gobindghat, there is a maintained 13 km trek path up to Gobinddham or Ghangaria. From here, there is another 6 km of stone paved path to be covered to reach Hemkund. The journey to Hemkund Sahib remains suspended during the winter months and the trekking path is mended just before the tourist season, by the earliest Sikh pilgrims themselves.

This is done as a form of Kar seva. Though it is not quite easy to reach Hemkund, yet hundreds of devotees throng the heavenly Hemkund Sahib, every year. The pristine waters of the lake and the majestic sight of the Gurudwara transports one to the heights of divinity. Moreover, the trek to this point is dotted with pine forests packed with rhododendron (burans), wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers. Thus, a visit to Hemkund Sahib is truly an unforgettable experience.

Yamunotri

2011-04-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

Perched amidst sprawling Garhwal Hills, Yamunotri is another revered pilgrim spots in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Char Dham in India and holds great religious importance. Yamunotri is the source of sacred river Yamuna and also the abode of goddess Yamuna. It is famous for its thermal springs, glaciers and scenic locales. In effect, it is one of the must visit places from travel and tourism point of view.

According to Hindu mythology, this hilly spot was once the abode of an ancient sage by the name, Asit Muni. Owing to its legendary significance, thousands of devotees visit this silent yet hustling-bustling pilgrimage place. There are a many worth visiting places here, one of the most important being the Yamunotri temple. This temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The shrine is dedicated to goddess Yamuna.

She resides here in the form of a silver idol adorned with garlands. It is believed that a holy dip in the sacred water of river Yamunotri here relieves everyone from a painful death. This is because she is the sister of Yama, the God of Death. As a result, pilgrims visit the place in order to seek the blessings of Yamuna and save themselves from the agony of death. Apart from this there is Surya Kund which is known for its thermal springs.

The temperature of the water here is approximately 190 degree Fahrenheit. Also, there are a number of hot water pools here, which are used to cook rice and potato as Prasad (holy offerings to God). Divya Shilla is a rock pillar here, which is worshipped by the devotees before entering the Yamunotri temple. Other tourist places near Yamunatri are Janaki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti and Saptrishi Kund.

Gangotri

2011-04-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Gangotri One of the four sites amongst the holiest places, Char Dham in India, is Gangotri. This sacred city is located in the northern part of the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the source of River Ganges and also the seat of Goddess Ganga. Ducked amidst the sprawling Garhwal hills, Gangotri is an ideal location for all those who wish to take a dip into the oceans of divinity, as well as those have a thirst for adventure. This makes Gangotri an ideal spot in terms of travel and tourism.

Gangotri also has a strong historical past and bears the eternal feel of antiquity. According to mythological records, King Bhagirath did penance here, after which, as per Lord Shiva's wishes, River Ganges came down on earth. However, to save the earth from the fierce force of the river, Lord Shiva held her in his locks. Thus, river Ganges is also known as Bhagirathi here. Moreover, it is also believed that Pandavas came down to this place to perform Deva Yajna.

As a result, Gangotri is a significant place from religion point of view. Hundreds of devotees throng the place every year in order to unleash the secrets of spirituality. Some of the main attractions of Gangotri include Gangotri Temple, which was built by Gurkha monarch Amar Singh Thapa, around 3000 years back. Another pilgrim site here is Jalamagna Shivalinga, which is a natural rock Shivalinga submerged in the river.

It is deemed to be the place where Lord Shiva held Ganga in his locks. This Shivalinga is only visible in winter months. Other worth visiting places in the vicinity are Gaumukh (source of Ganges), Gaumukh Glacier and Nandanvan. Drifting towards the adventurous aspect of Gangotri, it offers a number of sports for fun lovers such as river rafting, trekking etc. Thus, to enjoy the natural beauty and religious fervor at its best, Gangotri is a must visit place for all.

Kedarnath

2011-04-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Kedarnath is a sacred town situated in the state of Uttarakhand of India. It can even be called as one of the remotest Char Dham sites as it is located amidst the snow-capped mountains of Himalayas, near the river Mandakini. Nestled in the Rudraprayag district, the main attractions here is the Kedarnath Temple, which is a popular Hindu shrine and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from all over the world. The travel and tourism scope here is strengthened by factors like natural beauty and religious zest.

The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is deemed to have been built by Adi Sankaracharya. The glory of the temple can be attributed to the fact that it is one of the twelve jyotirlingas (Lord Shiva shrines), present in the country. The temple remains open only for a period of six months, due to heavy snowfall in the winter months. Testing the fervor and dedication of the pilgrims, the temple is not directly reachable by road.

The only way being, a 14 km trek path from Gaurikund. The present temple stands adjacent to the initial temple built by the Pandavas. According to historical data, Pandavas after winning the battle of Mahabharata, felt guilty of killing their own brothers. They came here in search of Lord Shiva, who kept hiding himself. Finally Bhima, the strongest Pandava brother recognized him. Lord Shiva, who was disguised as a bull, escaped leaving behind his hind part.

This led to the construction of the temple here. The present Kedarnath Temple has been built by huge slabs of gray stones, standing undeterred with all its glory and majesty. The divine peace and tranquility of the place leaves the devotees completely mesmerized. The haunting environment and secluded surroundings compel all the visitors to feel the inner connection with the Almighty. Thus, Kedarnath is considered a must visit place amongst pilgrims, before leaving this world.

Badrinath

2011-04-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in India. It is situated in the hill town of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Along the river Alaknanda, the temple is essentially a Lord Vishnu shrine. Also known by the names Badri Vishal and Badrinarayan, it is one of the Char Dham sites and the one amongst 108 Divya Desams. This has contributed to the fact that Badrinath is vital with reference to travel and tourism.

The gates of the temple are open only for a period of six months, due to extreme weather conditions in Himalayas. There are a number of hot water pools here namely Tapt Kund, Narad Kund etc. These pools are filled with hot steaming water in the winter months also and are considered to posses medicinal properties. Many people even perform the last rites of the departed souls at Brahm Kapal.

It is a flat platform on the banks of river Alaknanda. Sheshnetra and Chandrapaduka are other rock boulders present along the river, which are believed to have footprints of Shesh Nag and Lord Vishnu. Another important temple here is the Mata Murti Temple. These temples are also considered as evidences of the rich historical past of Badrinath. Referring the mythological facts, it is believed that Lord Vishnu was practicing penance at this place.

In order to save him from the harmful rays of the sun, his divine consort Lakshmi took the form of a Badri plant and provided shade to him. Pleased by her fervor and devotion, the Lord told her that this place would be famous by her name. Hence, it came to be known as Badrinath. Splashed by Alaknanda, the divine site serves as an ideal location to experience the eternal bliss associated with spirituality.

Best Time to Visit Char Dham

2011-04-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Best Time to Visit Char Dham
Char Dham are the four religious sites located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the lap of the snow covered peaks of Himalayas, these places are taken in high regard by the people of India. The Char Dham sites are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. A religious hub, Chardham is considered the holiest religious circuit in the country and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. However, one should keep in mind the best time to visit these places, before embarking on his journey.

The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.

Char Dham

2011-04-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Char Dham is referred to the four Hindu religious sites in Uttarakhand state of India. These are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Nestled in the lap of majestic Himalayas, these four sites are the epicenter of religious activity in north India. Traditionally, the Chardham yatra is undertaken from the west to the east. Thus, the yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Amongst the four Char Dhams, Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to goddesses Yamuna and Ganga respectively. On the other hand, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Moreover, people also visit Hemkund Sahib in the vicinity, which is one of the highest located religious sites in the country. Thus, pilgrims visit all these places in aspiration of washing away their sins and to attain salvation, by the blessings of the Lord.

Owing to the significance of this religious circuit, devotees from all over the world, come here to experience the eternal bliss. Char Dhams are hustling and bustling with activity during the summer months, as hundreds of devotees embark upon the holy journey. The picturesque surroundings of the mountainous region are simply enthralling, giving the visitors a perfect opportunity to unwind themselves by filling their lungs with fresh air. Moreover, these otherwise silent and tranquil locales resound with the names of the Lord as the pilgrims advance towards their destination.

Sri Badrinath Dham

2011-04-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

About Badrintah Dham: "Badrinath Dham” Guarded on either side by the two mountains Nar and Narayan, the Neelkanth Peak provides a splendid backdrop to Badrinath, one of the ‘Four Dhams’. One of the most celebrated pilgrim spots in the country, it plays host to the famous Badrinath Temple. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu came to the area, called ‘Badri Van’, or the berry garden, to meditate after Narad rebuked the Lord for being immersed in worldly pleasures. The main deity is a meditating Lord Vishnu. Badrinath dhaam is considered as one of the most sacred centres of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.

Badrintah Temple :The temple at the bank of Alaknanda River is a hot water spring known as "Tapt Kund", a bath in which is very refreshing to all travellers. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji, is 5 m high, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. The temple opens every year in the month of April-May and closes for winters in the third week of November. Even though legend dates the temple back to the Vedic age, Guru Adi Shankaracharya has established the present temple. The temple has three parts - Garbha Grih (The Sanctum Sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Sabha Mandap (for devotees to assemble).The Badrinath temple was constructed and renovated by Shankaracharya some time in 8th century during his pilgrimage to Badrinath and Kedarnath after he had established 'Jyotirdham' in Joshimath. Narada Kund, Surya Kund, Basudhara, Mata Murti and Charan Paduka are the other holy places of attraction for the large number of pilgrims who visit Badrinath every year. About 8 kms from Badrinath in the west, there is a group of snow peak called Choukhamba with height up to 6700 m. There is another peak called Neelkantha about 9 km. south west of Badrinath.

The temple of Badrinath is visited by about six lakh pilgrims every year. There is a plan to make a village complex for the pilgrims at an estimated cost of rupees one crore. Presently hotel Devlok has been constructed at Badrinath to provide board and lodging facilities to pilgrims.

Place to visit in Badrinath /Sightseeing/Excursions

Badri Vishal : Main shrine of Lord Badrinath ji is known as 'Badrinath'

Bhavishya Badri : The temple of Bhavishya Badri is at an elevation 3641 m, and is surrounded by dense forests. It is located at Subain near Tapovan, about 17 km east of Joshimath on Joshimath-Lata Malari route. Pilgrims have to trek beyond Tapovan, up the Dhauliganga river.
It is believed that a day will come when the present route to Badrinath will become inaccessible and Lord Badrinath will then be worshipped here. Hence the name 'Bhavishya Badri', which literally means the "Future Badri".

Yogdhyan Badri : The temple of Yog Dhyan Badri, one of the five Badris is located at Pandukeshwar (1920 m), just 24 km short of Badrinath on Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The image, depiciting a meditative posture of the Lord, is worshipped here. The Pandavas are said to have handed over Hastinapur to King Parikshit and retired here

Vridha Badri : Situated at an altitude of 1380 m and at a distance of 7 km from Joshimath is Animath, the place where several centuries before the advent of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, the idol of Badrinath was enshrined and worshipped. The idol is known as Vriddha (old) or the first Badri and the temple remains open throughout the year

Adi-Badri : Adi-Badri is 19 km away trom Karanprayag on Chaukuthia Ranikhet road where a group of 16 temples dating back to Gupta age are in existance. These temples were made with the idol of lord Vishnu to spread Hinduism to every remote comer in the country by Adi-Shankaracharya

Panch Dharas : (a) Prahalad Dhara (b) Kurma Dhara (c) Urvashi Dhara (d) Bhrigu Dhara (e) Indra Dhara

Panch Shilas : (a) Narad Shila (b) varaha Shila (c) Garurh Shila (d) Markandeya Shila (e) Narshingh Shila

Tapt Kund : Tapt kund is a natural hot water pool fed by a sulphur spring which is said to be the abode of Agni, the god of fire. It is customary to bathe before entering Sri Badrinath temple. This water has a temperature of 130 degrees C. To the left of this pool is the Surya Kund fed by a branch of the same thermal spring. These waters are said to be very nourishing to the body. The Alakananda flows swiftly just below these kunds and the boiling water falls into the icy waters of the river giving rise to clouds of steam.

Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered. It is sheltered by a projecting rock which breaks the force of the river and allows people to bathe in it. Adi Shankaracharya knew this by his great powers and retrieved the idol from this pool

Brahama Kapal : To the north of Sri Badrinath temple is the spot known as Brahma Kapal where Lord Brahma is said to reside. Ceremonies for departed souls are performed

Sheshnetra : 1.5 km away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake, better known as the Sheshnag’s eye (Shesh meaning Sheshnag and Netra meaning eye).

Charanpaduka : 3 km away is a beautiful meadow carpeted with wild flowers in the summer. Here is a boulder bearing the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It is said that when Lord Vishnu descended from Vaikunth (the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu) he stepped on this boulder. The area is a steep climb from the town and is full of caves & boulders :

Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.

Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries

Geographic Details of Badrinath

Area: 4.5 Sq.kms.

Altitude : 3133 mts.

Rainfall : 1460 m

Temperature : Summer - Max 17.9° C, Min 5.9° C, Winter- Generally snowbound from December to March with minimum subzero temperature.

Best Season : From opening to closing, generally from April to November.

Clothing : Heavy woolen garments required throughout.

How to reach Badrinath Dham :

Air : Nearest airport is a Jollygrant, 314kms.

Rail : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 297kms. which is connected to major cities like Howrah, Mumbai, Delhi & Lucknow by rail.

Road : Badrinath is connected by a motorable road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Hardwar and other hill stations of Garhwal. Some important road distances are Delhi (518Kms), Joshimath (42Kms), Hardwar (321 Kms), Gopeshwar (106 Kms).

Sri Kedarnath Dham

2011-04-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

About Kedarnath Dham : Kedarnath is the seat of Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 m at the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. It is no wonder that Adi Guru Shankaracharya - a great scholar & saint, chose to enshrine Lord Shiva in this land, where the unholy becomes oly and the holy becomes holier. It is the place where Lord Shiva absolved Pandavas from the sin of killing their own cousins Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic Mahabharat.

At Kedarnath there are several Kunds (pools, tanks) that are known for their religious significans - shivkund, Retkund, hanskund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund are the most important. A little away from Kedarnath is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed. Besides its affiliation with Shiva, Kedarnath is also believed to be the site of Shankaracharya's samadhi (achievement of beatified afterlife). The actual temple is an impressive stone edifice of unknown date. No specific family of pujaris supervises rituals at Kedarnath, which focus around veneration of the stone lingam that rests in the inner sanctum of the temple.

Kedarnath Temple: An imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architecture Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a "Garbha Griha" for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Place to visit at Kedarnath/sightseeing/excursion

Shankaracharya Samadhi : The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) : Only 1 km trek away from Kedarnath. Floating-ice on the crystal clear waters of the lake fascinates the visitors.

Gaurikund : It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath and serves as a roadhead. The village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and hot water springs.

Trijuginarayan : According to legend, this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. In front of the Shiva Temple is an eternal flame, which is said to be a witness to the marriage. It can be reached by a 12 km drive from Sonprayag.

Ukhimath : Winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath. Connected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centres.

Agastyamuni : The temple of sage Agastya is the main attraction here.

General Information :

Area: 3 Sq. Km

Altitude: 3581 M

Rainfall: 1475 MM

Climate : Winter - Sept. to Nov. cold during the day & chilly at night. Dec. to march snow bound. Summer - May - Aug. Cool during the day & cold at night. Temp. Max. 17.9C & Min. 5.9 C

Best Season: May - October, except Monsoon

Clothing : Light Woollens in summer & Heavy Woollens in winter.

Language : Hindi, English, Garhwali.

How to reach Kedarnath Dham:

Air : Nearest Airport, Jollygrant, 239 Kms.

Rail : Nearest Railway station, Rishikesh, 221 Kms.

Road : Kedarnath is approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh.

Sri Yamunotri Dham

2011-04-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

About of the Dham:-

Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch Peak (3615 m) & situated opposite to Gangotri. The actual source a frozen lake of ice & glacier (Champasar glacier) located on the kalind mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level, about 1 km further up, is not frequented generally as it is not accessible and hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The tiny Yamuna has icy cold water and its absolute innocence and the infantile purity heightens that deep feeling of reverence, Yamunoyri for the devout.

Description of the Temple:-
Yamuna temple is devoted to the godess Yamuna (River). The temple of Yamuna is on the left bank of Yamuna constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal This temple was built in the 19th century by a descendent of the Jaipur royal family. It is said that this temple was destroyed twice by landslides and was reconstructed again in the 20th century. Inside the temple is an idol of Goddess Yamuna carved in black stone that is mainly worshipped.

Place to see/visit/excursion at Yamunotri Dham:-
Surya Kund :- Surya Kund is the most important and sacred thermal spring of Yamunotri amongst the cluster of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. The pool is named after Surya or the sun god, the father of Yamuna. It has a temperature of almost 190 Degree F. Pilgrims tie rice and potatoes in a cotton cloth, and immerse it in the water to be cooked. The water is so hot that the prasad gets cooked within no time.

Divya Shila :- A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Janki Chatti :-It's 5 km from Yamunotri, it is noted for it's thermal springs , where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.

Hanuman Chatti :- It's 13 km from Yamunotri. The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers,from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307mt)starts.Route:Rishikesh-Barkot -Hanumanchatti-Yamunotri. Hanumanchatti -Darvatop -Dodital-Agora-Uttarkashi-Rishikesh.Porters and ponies are available at Hanumanchatti.Rates are fixed by District Magistrate before the start of every Yatra season.

Saptarishi Kund Lake :-This kund is situated 10 kms away from yamunotri. This is the actual place where Yamuna rises and an extremely difficult journey covered with ice. The water of the glaciers gathers in this lake. On the banks of the lake are naturally carved slate stones. The rare Brahma Lotus grows here. It is a beautiful picnic spot as well.

General Information:-

Altitude :- 3,235 mts.

Climate :- Summer - Cool during the day and cold at night. Min 6°C & Max 20°C. Winter - Snow-bound. Touching sub-Zero.

Clothing :- Summer - Light woolens. Winter - Very heavy woolens.

Languages :- Hindi, Garhwali and English

Best Season :- May to June and September to October

How to reach Yamunotri Dham:-

Air :- Jolly Grant is the nearest Airport, 196 km from Yamunotri via Dehradun.

Train :- Rishikesh (213 Km) and dehradun (172 km) are the two railheads.

Road :- Yamunotri is connected by a motorable road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Hardwar and other hill stations of Garhwal. Some important road distances are Rishikesh (230Kms), Hardwar (260 Kms).

Sri Gangotri Dham

2011-04-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

About of Gangotri

According to an old legend, Lord Shiva rewarded King Bhagirath after his penance and Ganga came down to earth. However, due to her pride, and the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganga came down in her full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was then proclaimed that Goddess Uma or Parvati, Shiva's consort, would bathe in the Ganges daily and only then would she descend on the earth. The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi .Gangotri, the source of the river Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.

Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttra Khand and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi. The summers are relatively cool and winters are freezing cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November

Gangotri of Temple

Gangotri Temple: As the legend goes, King Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone, near which this 18th century temple is located. The slab on which King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated is called Bhagirathi Shila. The mother Ganga is worshipped as Goddess and the holy river in the temple. Before performing the Puja rituals, a holy dip in the Ganga flowing nearby the temple is a must. The Pujari's (priest) belong to Brahmin community from Mukhwa village. Ten of them are selected by rotation every year to perform all the functions covering the temple and they also perform the duties of pandas

Place to visit in Badrinath /Sightseeing/Excursions

Bhaironghati:-Furhter downstream,10 km from Gangotri, is the picturesque forested halting place of Bhaironghati. There exists a small temple of Bhairon, appointed by Shiva to safeguard this region which gives the place its name. The bridge over the Jhanvi river at Bhaironghati is said to be the highest in Asia.

Gaumukh :- The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and is held in high esteem by the devotes who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. It is 18 Kms. trek from Gangotri. The trek is easy and at times people come back to Gangotri the same day.

Sat-Tal :- Sat-Tal, meaning seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 Kms. beyond Harsil. The trek of about 5 Kms. is rewarding as this group of lakes is situated amid beautiful natural surroundings. It also provides lovely camp sites.

Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.

General Information:-

Altitude : 3048 mts.

Climate : Summer - Cool during day and cold at night Max: 20°C & Min: 6°C; Winter –

Snow bound touching sub zero.

Season : April to October

Clothing : Heavy woolen throughout the season.

Languages : Hindi, Garhwali and English

How to Reach Gangotri Dham :-

Air : Nearest airport is a Jollygrant, 262kms.

Rail : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 226Kms. which is connected to major cities like Howrah, Mumbai, Delhi & Lucknow by rail.

Road : Badrinath is connected by a motorable road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun, Hardwar and other hill stations of Garhwal. Some important road distances are Rishikesh (213Kms), Hardwar (270 Kms).

Chardham Tour

2011-04-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

According to Hindu mythologies and myths, Chardham signifies the journey to the moksha and a divine life after that. Chardham can be split into Char that means four and dham meaning destinations. These four destinations that are Gangotri the source of ancient river Ganga, Yamunotri, Kedarnath ji and Badrinath ji, are considered to be the door to the spirituality and eternity.

Apart from religious beliefs, these dhams are majestic and very much mirror to the enriched Indian culture, ethos and traditions. Two holy and divine rivers Ganga and Mandakini add to the entire ambience. Standing tall Himalayas is always there to add on to a picturesque and perfect memory.

Come and visit Chardham to experience the fabulous and incredible India.

Shri Gangotri Dham

Shri Yamunotri Dham

Shri Kedarnath Dham

Shri Badrinath Dham

Char Dham

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The sources of two rivers, Gangotri and Yamunotri are devoted to the female dities – Ganga and Yamuna. They both, along with Badrinath and Kedarnath form the Char Dham of the Garhwal, the four most hallowed shrines in the Himalayas.

The Ganga, especially, is the river of India, beloved of her people, around which are entwined her memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph, her victories and defeats. She has been the symbol of India’s age long culture and civilization, ever-changing, ever-flowing and yet ever the same Ganga.

Ancient India gave countless names to the Ganga. Among them is Loknadi or River of the World. In its most prisitine form, Goddess Ganga as she is reverentially known,first descended to Earth from Heaven at Gangotri where Lord Shiva received her into his matted locks to counter the immense impact of her fall From there ; the one which commenced from Yamunotri was termed Yamuna, from Gangotri – Bhagirathi from Kedarnath – Mandakini and the one which commenced from Badrinath was termed Alaknanda.

BADRINATH
KEDARNATH
GANGOTRI
YAMUNOTRI

Best Time to Visit Char Dham

2011-03-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Best Time to Visit Char Dham

Char Dham are the four religious sites located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the lap of the snow covered peaks of Himalayas, these places are taken in high regard by the people of India. The Char Dham sites are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. A religious hub, Chardham is considered the holiest religious circuit in the country and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. However, one should keep in mind the best time to visit these places, before embarking on his journey.

The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.

Hemkund Sahib

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Yamunotri

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Yamunotri

Gangotri

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Gangotri

One of the four sites amongst the holiest places, Char Dham in India, is Gangotri. This sacred city is located in the northern part of the state of Uttarakhand. It is known as the source of River Ganges and also the seat of Goddess Ganga. Ducked amidst the sprawling Garhwal hills, Gangotri is an ideal location for all those who wish to take a dip into the oceans of divinity, as well as those have a thirst for adventure. This makes Gangotri an ideal spot in terms of travel and tourism.

Gangotri also has a strong historical past and bears the eternal feel of antiquity. According to mythological records, King Bhagirath did penance here, after which, as per Lord Shiva's wishes, River Ganges came down on earth. However, to save the earth from the fierce force of the river, Lord Shiva held her in his locks. Thus, river Ganges is also known as Bhagirathi here. Moreover, it is also believed that Pandavas came down to this place to perform Deva Yajna.

As a result, Gangotri is a significant place from religion point of view. Hundreds of devotees throng the place every year in order to unleash the secrets of spirituality. Some of the main attractions of Gangotri include Gangotri Temple, which was built by Gurkha monarch Amar Singh Thapa, around 3000 years back. Another pilgrim site here is Jalamagna Shivalinga, which is a natural rock Shivalinga submerged in the river.

It is deemed to be the place where Lord Shiva held Ganga in his locks. This Shivalinga is only visible in winter months. Other worth visiting places in the vicinity are Gaumukh (source of Ganges), Gaumukh Glacier and Nandanvan. Drifting towards the adventurous aspect of Gangotri, it offers a number of sports for fun lovers such as river rafting, trekking etc. Thus, to enjoy the natural beauty and religious fervor at its best, Gangotri is a must visit place for all.

Kedarnath

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Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a sacred town situated in the state of Uttarakhand of India. It can even be called as one of the remotest Char Dham sites as it is located amidst the snow-capped mountains of Himalayas, near the river Mandakini. Nestled in the Rudraprayag district, the main attractions here is the Kedarnath Temple, which is a popular Hindu shrine and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from all over the world. The travel and tourism scope here is strengthened by factors like natural beauty and religious zest.

The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is deemed to have been built by Adi Sankaracharya. The glory of the temple can be attributed to the fact that it is one of the twelve jyotirlingas (Lord Shiva shrines), present in the country. The temple remains open only for a period of six months, due to heavy snowfall in the winter months. Testing the fervor and dedication of the pilgrims, the temple is not directly reachable by road.

The only way being, a 14 km trek path from Gaurikund. The present temple stands adjacent to the initial temple built by the Pandavas. According to historical data, Pandavas after winning the battle of Mahabharata, felt guilty of killing their own brothers. They came here in search of Lord Shiva, who kept hiding himself. Finally Bhima, the strongest Pandava brother recognized him. Lord Shiva, who was disguised as a bull, escaped leaving behind his hind part.

This led to the construction of the temple here. The present Kedarnath Temple has been built by huge slabs of gray stones, standing undeterred with all its glory and majesty. The divine peace and tranquility of the place leaves the devotees completely mesmerized. The haunting environment and secluded surroundings compel all the visitors to feel the inner connection with the Almighty. Thus, Kedarnath is considered a must visit place amongst pilgrims, before leaving this world.

Badrinath

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Badrinath

Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in India. It is situated in the hill town of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Along the river Alaknanda, the temple is essentially a Lord Vishnu shrine. Also known by the names Badri Vishal and Badrinarayan, it is one of the Char Dham sites and the one amongst 108 Divya Desams. This has contributed to the fact that Badrinath is vital with reference to travel and tourism.

The gates of the temple are open only for a period of six months, due to extreme weather conditions in Himalayas. There are a number of hot water pools here namely Tapt Kund, Narad Kund etc. These pools are filled with hot steaming water in the winter months also and are considered to posses medicinal properties. Many people even perform the last rites of the departed souls at Brahm Kapal.

It is a flat platform on the banks of river Alaknanda. Sheshnetra and Chandrapaduka are other rock boulders present along the river, which are believed to have footprints of Shesh Nag and Lord Vishnu. Another important temple here is the Mata Murti Temple. These temples are also considered as evidences of the rich historical past of Badrinath. Referring the mythological facts, it is believed that Lord Vishnu was practicing penance at this place.

In order to save him from the harmful rays of the sun, his divine consort Lakshmi took the form of a Badri plant and provided shade to him. Pleased by her fervor and devotion, the Lord told her that this place would be famous by her name. Hence, it came to be known as Badrinath. Splashed by Alaknanda, the divine site serves as an ideal location to experience the eternal bliss associated with spirituality.

Badrinath

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Char Dham

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Chardham tour 2011

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Uttarkashi : Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Goddess Kuteti Devi.

Guptakashi : is located in the Northern Himalayan belt within the Mandakini river valley, which has lush green forests. A number of streams and rivulets drain into the main Mandakini River. It has salubrious climate with its elevation being around 1,319 meters (4,330 ft). The snow sparkling view of the Chaukhamba peak is a lovely sight to behold in the morning hours from here. The valley has large magnolia trees (locally called Champa) that provide a sweet scented atmosphere to the place.

Pipalkoti : is a small and scenic town situated at an elevation of 1,260mts above sea level. It is located 17kms after Chamoli on NH58. Pipalkoti acts a relaxation point for people traveling to Badrinath, Auli, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. It is nestled amidst lush green mountains and terraced fields. Pipalkoti provides delightful views of the snow clad mountains and green hills all around.

Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge lies over the roaring Saraswati River. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.

Char Dham Tour Packages 2011

2011-03-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

The great Hindu philosopher and reformer Adi Shankaracharya initiated the Char Dham yatra in an attempt to revive the Hindu religion during the 8th century. The word “Char Dham” refers to the four abodes of God, namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri at the Himalayan region of Garhwal (Uttrakhand). All these locations are believed to be highly sacred by the Hindu religion. While Kedarnath is home to lord Shiva and Badrinath is home to Lord Vishnu. Yamunotri represent goddess of Shakti Yamuna, and Gangotri represent goddess of Shakti Ganga.

Char Dham Yatra Travel Packages 2011

2011-03-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Char Dham Yatra 2011 opening dates occur during Akshay Tritiya. Yamunotri temple opening date is May 6, 2011. Gangotri Temple will also opens on May 6, 2011. Kedarnath temple opening date in 2011 will be decided on Basant Panchami. And Badrinath temple opening date in 2011 will be decided on Shivaratri.

CHARDHAM YATRA -
One Expression around which all religions base their preaching. Peace of mind, body and soul. Since time immemorial both man and God have just one prayer - Shanti - for the living and the Departed. The Char Dham, also called the Deo Bhumi - The Adobe of the Gods - presents just the ambience where the Divine & the Sublime coexist.

Once there, the sheer magnificence and the tranquil beauty so immerses you into a world of spirituality that you experience true peace and humility. Nature in all its splendour, at once huge and overwhelming and yet humble in its exquisite beauty - the pilgrimage to the Char Dhams is the experience that will stay with you and beyond.

The Holy Himalayas :
The Himalayas - the world's most majestic & loftiest mountain chain, is the global heritage of all mankind. The sublime quality of this "Adobe of Snows' has, since time immemorial, inspired the sages & saints of India and has attracted tourists & pilgrims from world over to its awesome beauty & calm serenity. Uttarakhand abounds in places of sanctity where devotees converge every year to pay obeisance to their Gods braving vagaries of weather & other human travails in Himalaya. Closest to the celestial beings, devotees from all corners of the country have flocked to these Himalayan shrines of Char Dham - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath every year to seek salvation. The arduous trails remain in the ancient sanctuaries of faith for a fulfilling experience. The four dhams receive holy water in the form of four streams - Yamuna (Yamunotri), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri), Mandakini (in Kedarnath) and Alaknanda (in Badrinath).

Chardham Opening Dates Announced

2011-03-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

Chardham Opening Dates Announced
Gangotri, Yamunotri opens on 6th May 2011, Badrinath - 9th May 2011 & Kedarnath - Not decided yet

chardham yatra tour operater
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam:

Dehradun (Head Office)
GM (Tourism),
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
74/1, Rajpur Road, Dehradun-248001.
Ph.: 91-135-2740896, 2746817, 2749308, 2748478
Fax: 91-135-2746847
Email: gmvn@gmvnl.com, gmvn@sancharnet.in .

Rishikesh
AGM (Tourism),
Tourist Information Centre, Yatra Office,
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
Shail Vihar, Haridwar By Pass Road,
Rishikesh - 249201.
Ph.: 91-135-2431793, 2431783, 2435174
2430799, 2432648
Fax: 91-135-2430372.
Email: yatra@gmvnl.com, yatraoffice@sancharnet.in .

Rishikesh

2011-03-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

Rishikesh is yet another centre of pilgrimage and tourist attraction for Indians as well as foreigners. Rishikesh is popularly known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh is 28 kms from Haridwar on way to Badrinath and is situated at the foothills on either side of holy river Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik ranges from three sides. Rishikesh complex consists of three distinct areas, known as Rishikesh, Muni-ki-Reti and Swargashram. The town is well known for modem and ancient Ashrams. In addition, it has temples and other places which are in one way or other connected with Puranic legends. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did rigorous penances, the God appeared and the place was named 'Hrishikesh' and subsequently the place came to be known as Rishikesh. Bharat, brother of Lord Rama, also subjected himself to severe penances here and in his memory Bharat Temple was constructed. Temples are also dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Shatrughan. The other temples are Pushkar temple, Bharat temple, Rishikund and Raghunath temple. Thousands of pilgrims are visiting the place round the yea!. There are many spiritual Yoga and meditation centers located here which are regularly visited by large number of tourists from all over the world.

General Information about Rishikesh
Area: 11.20 sq km. Population: 29,145 (1981 census). Altitude: 356 m.

Temperature: Summer 18.3 to 32.2° C and Winter 14.4 to 29° C.

Rainfall: 1,524 mm (average) June to September.

Best season to visit : April to June or September to October.

Clothing: Summer-Cotton and Winter -Heavy Woollens.

Language spoken: Hindi, Garhwali and English.

What to See in Rishikesh

Laxman Jhoola : It is a beautiful sight about 7 km north of Rishikesh. There was a hanging just rope bridge across river Ganga (without pillar) till 1889 which was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1939. The suspension bridge has a span of 140. Raghunathji's temple is the main attraction at Laxman Jhoola. Laxman is said to have visited this place and is believed to have done penance to wash his sins for having killed a Brahmin. The suspension bridge connects Rishikesh with Tapovan across river Ganga where a temple is dedicated to Laxman.

Triveni Ghat: 1.6 km. A bathing Ghat, where three streams of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are believed to be flowing together underground. This is a sacred place where 'Pinda Shradha' is performed or food is offered to the departed soul. Evening Aarti (prayer) of goddess Ganga is also performed here.

Swarga Ashram: 8 km. It is a quiet place on the left bank of the Ganges opposite to Shri Shivananda Ashram. Swarg Ashram can be reached either by crossing Ganga by boat or by another Ram/Shivanand suspension bridge since built across river Ganga. An idol of Shri Badrinath Ji is enshrined in the temple which is surrounded by forest. Pilgrims visiting Badrinath temple also pay their visit to Swarga Ashram. The temple and Dharamshala is maintained by Kali Kamliwala Kshetra enroute. In fact Swarga Ashram is a self-contained township with restaurants, shopping centers alongwith temple, parks, libraries, meditation centers and Ayurvedic dispensaries.

Gita Bhawan : 8 km. Constructed by Geeta Bhawan Trust Gorakhpur in 1944 adjacent to Swarga Ashram complex. The temple and group of buildings have Gita and Ramayana inscribed on its walls. The Bhawan is controlled by a body of trustees, who are affiliated to the Gita Press, Gorakhpur. The mission of the trust is to serve the society through normal and spiritual education.

Baba Kali Kamliwala Panchayati Kshetra : It is one of the oldest institutions, founded by Shri Baba Vishuddha Nanda Ji and now run by a Trust. The main office of the institution is at Rishikesh and it has branches at all the pilgrim centres in Garhwal hills. They provide lodging and boarding facilities to the pilgrims all along the route even at the higher altitude of the Himalayas upto Kailash.

Shri Sivananda Ashram and Divine Life Society: 2.5 km from Rishikesh Bus stand on Rishikesh-Laxman Jhoola Road. This Ashram was established in 1936 by Shri Swami Sivananda Ji Maharaj, the renowned Yogi of India. A hospital is run here and experienced doctors attend the sick tree of charge. Arrangements of food and bedding for sick and ailing are made tree. In the serene atmosphere of the Ashram a large number of saints and devotees are leading holy lives and practicing Yoga here. The members of the Society believe in one religion and have vowed to help people in distress.

Shivpuri and Kodiyala: The challenge of violent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers, Shivpuri [ 16 kms] is having many rafting camps at Ganga beach [ September to June ]. Shivpuri and Kodiyala is the Place of Doing adventure Activities in rishikesh uttarakhand . River Rafting Is The Major Activities In Shivpuri And Kodiyala. Kodiyala is [20 Kms] from Shivpuri Rishikesh.

Ashram and Yoga Centres: Yoga Niketan Laxman Thoola, Yoga Sadan Ashram Rishikesh, Shri Vithala Ashram and Transcendental Meditation Centres of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Shankaracharya Nagar, Ved Niketan and Yoga study centre.

Temples in Rishikesh : Raghunath temple, Bharat temple, Pushkar temple, Shatrughan temple, Laxman temple, Sheshdhara, Rishikund and Bhagirath temple.

Nearest Visits

Narendra Nagar: The hill station of Narendra Nagar is 15 kms trom the foothill town of Rishikesh in Tehri district on the way to the holy shrines of Gangotri and Yamnotri. Narendra nagar was the capital of former Tehri State and the palaces of the former Maharaja Narendra Shah are located here. The offices of Tehri district are also located here. Kunjpura is an attractive place on top of a hillock near Narendra Nagar which provides beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Chamba : 62 kms trom Rishikesh. While staying in Rishikesh, visitors can go upto Chamba which is very pleasant during summer months. Chamba provides an impressive view of the Himalayan peak Bandarpoochh on a clear day. A tTuit belt has since been developed in Chamba and apples and apricots are grown here in plenty A tourist bungalow is available for spending a night. More about Chamba

Garur Chatti : 8 kms trom Laxman Jhoola. A temple is here which is dedicated to Lord Garur Maharaj.

Bhootnath Cave: 3 kms trom Laxman Thoola. An attractive place both for pilgrims and tourists as well as adventurers.

Neel Kanth Mahadev : 1675 m. This temple is dedicated to Neelkanth Mahadev (Lord Shiva) which is about 22 kms from Laxman Jhoola. According to mythology, Lord Shiva had consumed the effluent poison produced after Sagar manthan which had turned his throat blue and thus this place came to be known as Neelkanth Mahadev or Shiva with Blue throat. While going upto Neelkanth Mahadev one can have a wide spread view of Himalayan peaks, Bhabar forests and plains below. Pilgrims mostly come here during the month of July/August.

Adventure Sports in Rishikesh
The city has emerged as the Adventure Capital of India. As adventure travelers from all around the world come here to enjoy white water river rafting on the holy Ganges and enjoy other allied activities like River Rafting, White Water Rafting, Treeking, Kayaking, body surfing, Rock Climbing etc.

How to Reach Rishikesh

Reach Rishikesh by Air: The nearest air-port is Jolly Grant air strip (18 kms) on Rishikesh-Dehra Dun Road which is connected by air service with Delhi.

Reach Rishikesh by Rail: Rishikesh is connected with Haridwar by rail and Haridwar is connected by long distance trains to Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Ujjain, Gorkhapur and Amritsar.

Reach Rishikesh by Road: Rishikesh is connected by road and regular Bus service with Agra (392 kms), Dehra Dun (43 kms), Delhi (238 kms), Haridwar (24 kms), Mussoorie (78 kms), Badrinath (298 kms), Kedamath (223 kms), Yamnotri , (222 kms), Gangotri (235 kms), Chandigarh (252 kms) and Uttarkashi (154 kms). Bus Stands: Roadways and Yatri Bus Stand.

Local transport: Taxies, Three wheeler autos and Tongas as well as regular City Bus service are available in Rishikesh

VALLEY OF FLOWERS Uttarakhand

2011-03-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

Uttarakhand is one of the north India destinations which is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife, adventure and culture. The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand draws many a tourist from all over the world. Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, Nestled in the high Himalayas of Chamoli district of Garwhal region in Uttarakhand. The most striking feature of this park is its colorful flowers and scenic beauty. Valley of Flower is a picture perfect land of innumerable flowers that blossom throughout the year and creates a heavenly sight. Not only is this it also a home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered ones. Some of the wildlife species found here are musk deer, snow leopard, brown bear, Asiatic black bear, blue sheep and snow leopard. The Valley of Flowers is an outstandingly beautiful high-altitude Himalayan valley that has been acknowledged as such by renowned mountaineers and botanists in literature for over a century and in Hindu mythology for much longer. Its ‘gentle’ landscape, breathtakingly beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and ease of access complement the rugged, mountain wilderness for which the inner basin of Nanda Devi National Park is renowned. The place had disappeared from the tourist map due to its inaccessible approach but in 1931 when Frank S. Smythe a British mountaineer lost his way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet and he reached this valley which was full of flowers. He was so attracted towards the beauty of the place he named it as "Valley of Flowers". He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendors of the valley and thus threw open the doors of this verdant jewel to nature-enthusiasts all over the world.

In 1939, Miss Margarate Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies. While she was traversing some rocky slopes to collect flowers, she slipped off and was lost for ever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals.

Sprawling over an area of 87.50 sq km, and height of 3,600 m above the sea level, hemmed by glistening snowy mountains, the Valley of Flower is a haven for nature lovers. Come June and this valley gets flooded with beautiful and colorful alpine flowers. The flowering season starts in June and ends in October, so tourists must visit this Park during this period to capture the magic of flowers. The best time to visit the valley is during July and August when innumerable varieties of flowers bloom and present a spectacular sight. The valley itself is 10 Km long and about 2 Km wide in conical shape, with the river Pushpavati flowing through it. After one gets down at Govindghat on the main Badrinath highway, it involves a trek of 15 Km to reach Ghangaria, from where a further short trek of 5 Km leads one to the edge of the valley. The valley ranges between 3352 and 3658 mts. in altitude. Valley of flower is splashed with colour as it bloomed with hundreds different beautiful flowers, taking on various shades of colours as time progressed. Valley was declared a national park in 1982, and now it is a World Heritage Site. It is a mesmerizing high-altitude Himalayan valley offering picturesque landscape, gorgeous greenery, majestic mountains, breathtaking meadows of flowers and wilderness. Flowers mostly orchids, poppies, primulas, calendulas, daisies and anemones carpet the ground. Alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover a part of the area, and are home to tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, common langur, bharal, serow, Himalayan black bear and a huge variety of butterflies.

Literally hundreds of wild flowers bloom in this valley including the rare Himalayan Blue Poppy.Tread with caution because your visit should not endanger the things you have come to see. Also carry a little salt. The valley is infested with leeches in the wettest weather when the flowers are at their best. It is 36 Km from Joshimath. A naturalist’s delight, the valley is reputed to be the largest repository of the wild flowers in the natural surroundings in the world over 300 species has been identified. Only day visits are permitted. Night halt accommodation is available at Ghanghria.

The Track
While trekking towards valley of flowers, one can experience the beauty of shining peaks fully covered with snow. One can also see the beautiful view of surrounding greenery and various running streams with crystal clear water. There is no settlement in the national park and grazing in the area has been banned. The park is open only in summers between June and October, being covered by heavy snow during the rest of the year.

The Valley of Flowers is a national park which boasts of more than 500 varieties of flowers and a variety of wildlife species. It is a must-visit destination during your visit uttarakhand. If you are a nature lover and want to explore the beauty of nature in its complete way then non other in the world as Valley of Flower. Getting to the Valley of Flowers isn't exactly a cakewalk; getting here requires a trek of about 20 Km. The nearest major town is Joshimath in Garhwal, which has convenient road connections from railheads such as Hardwar and Dehradun, both about 270 Km from Joshimath. From Gobind ghat, a trek of 14 km brings hikers to the tiny settlement of Ghangaria, beyond which the toll gate to the National Park is about 3 km.

If you are planning to visit beautiful places in Uttarakhand and want to explore the beauty then Plan your tour to Valley of Flowers and get completely soaked in its overwhelming natural beauty. There are many travels and tour operators in India, provide you different packages to visit the beautiful land of flowers in Uttarakhand. You can also visit Valley of Flower during your Chardham Tour in Uttarakhand. The chirping of the birds, the flowers dipped in dew, colorful butterflies fluttering from flower to flower, refreshing air, and lush greenery is enough to make you experience heaven on earth. The Valley of Flowers is a famous attraction in your Visit Uttarakhand. This tour will surely make your holidays pleasurable and memorable.

Uttarakhand THE LAND OF GODS

2011-03-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

Uttarakhand is one of the beautiful states in North India popularly known as Dev Bhoomi or the Land of Gods. The holy rivers of Ganga and Yamuna find their origin in this beautiful state. Chardham Yatra, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Uttarakhand was carved out of the hilly parts of Uttar Pradesh in the year 9 Nov, 2000 and became the 27th state of India. The hills of Uttarakhand have all the ingredients for adventure, packed with excitement and thrill - an unexplored valley, towering peaks, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, a splendid combination of flora and fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow. It offers some of the best venues for adventure sports such as skiing, river rafting and rock climbing. Uttarakhand is also a treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and is an ideal location for eco-tourism, as well as wildlife tourism. The world-famous Corbett National Park is the pride of Uttarakhand. Other important sanctuaries are, Rajaji National Park, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilla etc. Dehradun, Capital of Uttarakhand state in India is also known as Doon valley and is situated at the foothills of Shivalik ranges in India. It is a major tourist attraction of the state. Some of the beautiful hill stations are- Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora, Kasauni, Ranikhet, Auli, Kanatal etc. with these Haridwar and Rishikesh are popular among Pilgrims. Rishikesh, Shivpuri are the two famous places known for White Water River rafting. For your perfect holidays visit Uttarakhand and spend your few days in the “Lap of Nature”. Uttarakhand is Famous For its Natural Beauty which You Can Find at any Place. Uttarakhand is Also Famous For Honeymoon & Adventurous Destinations in India. This state is well known for its natural splendor and bewitching beauty. Uttarakhand is a 'paradise' for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

Uttarakhand Travel Guide and Information

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Uttarakhand is a region of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Two of India's mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, and are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region.

Weather in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has two distinct climatic regions: the predominant hilly terrain and the smaller plain region. The climatic condition of the plains is very similar to its counterpart in the Gangetic plain. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures going over the 40°C mark and a lot of humidity. Winters can be chilly with temperatures going below 5°C at times.

Tourism in Uttarakhand
Indian National Parks in Uttarakhand include the Jim Corbett National Park (the oldest national park of India) at Ramnagar in Nainital District, Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District, and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi District. Berinag and Chaukori are tiny, pristine hill stations with spectacular views of the Himalaya peaks.

Places of Tourist Interest in Uttarakhand

Almora : Almora is cultural centre of Kumaon and a picturesque mountain resort. Sunrise offers a particularly beautiful view of the greater Himalayas. Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the center of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Situated at an elevation of 5400 ft, in the Kumaon Hills, Almora is known for its healthy climate. Almora is a horseshoe shaped town spred on a 5 km long mountain range.

Badrinath & Kedarnath : The temples of Shiva and Vishnu at Kedarnath and Badrinath have been the destination of pilgrims for centuries. The route to the two sources begins at Rishikesh and passes ancient temples and Valleys along the way. Badrinath is one of the four Dhams; a devout Hindu has to visit in his lifetime to attain salvation. One of Hinduism's holiest sites, it was founded by Sri Shankaracharya, in the ninth century. The temple, also known as Badri Narayan, is dedicated to Vishnu, who is said to have done penance in the mythical Brindavan that once covered the mountains of Uttarakhand.
Kedarnath : Kedarnath is the most important Hindu shrine in Himalayas, and among the major Shiva temples, of the country. Located at the source of the river Mandakini, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas, of Lord Shiva, and one of the Panch Kedars. Mythology identifies the deity at Kedarnath temple, with the rump of a bull, a form assumed by Lord Shiva, when eluding the Pandavas, who had come for repentance for killing their kith and kin, in the great battle of Kurukshetra. It is believed that the Pandavas constructed the temple of Kedarnath.

Corbett National Park : Corbett National Park lies in two districts - Nainital and Pauri - in the hill state of Uttaranchal in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighbouring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve over 1288 sq. km. Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism is allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife living here.

Dehradun : Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya, Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is recently declared as the Provisional Capital of newly created Uttarakhand State in the month of Nov'2000. The city has many beautiful rest houses and good hotels to provide accommodation to the tourist. For many years, it has been one of the best known educational centres in northern India. Dehra Dun is well linked by rail and road with Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Lucknow and Varanasi.

Gangotri : In the hinterlands of the Himalayas is Gangotri where, it is believed, Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time. According to the Hindu religious scriptures, the goddess manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirathi's sons, following his penance of several centuries. The Goddess Ganga is worshipped by the devout as a deity. The Gangotri temple was built in the early 18th century by a Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur.

Yamunotri : Yamunotri, the source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, located on a flank of the Bandarpunch peak. The trek along the riverbank is quite magnificent, dominated by a wide panorama of mountains.

Haridwar : Haridwar, on the right bank of River Ganga at the feet of Shivalik ranges, an ancient pilgrim city is one of the holiest places for Hindus. Haridwar is at the point where the river Ganga spreads over the northern plain. It lies at the base of the Shivalik Hills where the Ganga passes through its last gorge and begins a 2000 km journey across the plains. One of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, a festival held once in twelve years, it is among the seven sacred cities of India. A holy dip at Har-Ki-Pauri is a must for every devotee.

Rishikesh : Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, & Yamunotri. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. Legend has it that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance and, as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Rishikesh. Rishikesh also represents the site where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. The place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. In the 1960s, the place came into limelight as the place where the pop group Beatles met their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Mussoorie : The queen of hill stations is about 89 km from Haridwar and the salubrious climate and deep woods make it an ideal hill station. The name, Mussoorie, derives its name from plants of 'Mussoorie', found in abundance here. After its discovery, this place gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.

Nainital :
Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India. Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother Nature.

Ranikhet :
Ranikhet is a place, which has preserved its virginity and pristine charm. The sweep of Himalayan range visible from here is arguably the largest available from any place. It is a pure heaven 6,000 feet above the sea level, away from the bustling lifestyle of city life. In Ranikhet, nature's beauty overwhelms with its sheer abundance. It is believed that the hill resort of Ranikhet derives it name from the Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler. The queen was awe-struck by the beauty of the place. The queen was so captivated by the place that she decided to stay there, and the place came to be known as Ranikhet i.e. "the queen's field".

Festivals & Events in Uttarakhand
The people of Uttarakhand celebrate almost all the major Indian festivals including Basant Panchami, Bhitauli, Harela, Phooldei, Batsavitri, Ganga Dusshera, Dikar Puja, Olgi or Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Ghuian Ekadashi and Ghughutia. Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage takes place at Haridwar where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas. Haridwar is one of the four locations where pilgrimage occurs once at each locations every twelve years.

When to Go Uttarakhand
The best time to visit Uttarakhand is during the summer, when the weather is very pleasant. Some parts of the hills will be inaccessible in winter. The plains region is best visited in winter, when the weather is milder.

Uttarakhand Trekking Tours

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Trekking in Garhwal
Uttarakhand Trekking ToursThe Garhwal Himalayas are a trekkers delight. The beauty of Garhwal hills is picture-perfect, a fusion of high mountain valleys and lakes, of many streams and among India 's greatest rivers. Comprising the districts of Uttarkashi, Tehri-Garhwal, Pauri-Garhwal, Dehra Dun and Chamoli, the Garhwal hills are a vertible paradise for trekkers.

Trekking in Komaon
Limitless adventure trekking in Kumaon is waiting just for you! It offers a variety of trekking tour options, some soft, others not so. Pindari is reputed as the best trekking route in Kumaon that can be combined with Corbett National Park and Garhwal Kumaon motor safari. Other popular trekking routes include Kumaon-Garhwal high altitude link and The Gori Glacier.

Best time to trek in this region is between May to October. During winters you can also enjoy trekking at lower altitude

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Uttarakhand

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Wild life sanctuaries are the major attractions for tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand. At present, the following sanctuaries are being maintained and are under development.

1. Askot Sanctuary (altitude: 1,650 meters) 40.00
2. Binsar Sanctuary (altitude: 2,310 meters) 50.00
3. Corbett National Park 1318.54
4. Govind (Pashu Vihar) Wild Life Sanctuary (altitude: 6,315m) 953.00
5. Kedarnath Sanctuary (Distt. Chamoli) (altitude: 967 sq km) 967.00
6. Nanda Devi National Park (Distt. Chamoli) (altitude: 6,817m) 630.00
7. Rajaji National Park 820.00
8. Valley of Flowers National Park 87.50

1. Askot Sanctuary

Askot sanctuary is situated at a distance of 54 km from Pithoragarh. Askot was the ancient kingdom of Katyur dynasty it also has a palace of the last Katyuri king. The name of Askot has been derived from the word Asi-kot, that is 80 forts. There are remains of the ancient forts all over the area. The area is rich for its sal, oak and pine forest and rich waterfalls. The important assets conserved here are `Malika Arjun temple` and the `Swami Narayan Ashram`. The Askot Sanctuary has fascinating hilly areas, and the houses surrounded by greenery, adds more amazement to its already splendid beauty. Askot is located in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 1,650 metres, with the view of snow capped mountain peaks. The places of interest in the sanctuary are snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahrs, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors.

2. Binsar Sanctuary

The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the heart of Kumaon, 31 kms North East of Almora town in the state of Uttarakand in Northern India. It comprises about 50 sq kms of protected area on a mountain rising 8000 ft in the altitude above the neighbouring valleys with dense Oak, rhododendron and pine forests and its inhabitants-diverse wildlife and over two hundred birds as well as few exclusive estates made by the ruling British in the mid 19th century. Binsar was summer capital of the Chand kings. The stunning view of the entire chain of Himalayan peak from Yamunotri in Garhwal to Mt. Nampa in Nepal, Dominated by the sacred peak of Nanda Devi flanked by her sentinels Trishul and Nanda Kot is unsurpassed from the height of Binsar, with sweeping veiw of the mountains and valleys of Kumaon as far as the eye can see to the West, East and South, range upon range progressing like waves up to snow capped peaks ranging from 20,000 to 26,000 ft in altitude making a formidable barrier with China spread across the Northern horizon.

The grandeur of the views is not all that is special about Binsar, its forests, abundant in fauna and flora and steeped in Myths and legends dating from the mythological Saptrishis (the seven saints after whom a constellation is named ). To the British rulers and the Nehru family who onwed an estate in Binsar, capativate the imagination and senses with the feelling of unspoilt wilderness at its best. The silence of jungle is broken only by the sounds of animals and birds while oak tress hundreds of year old bear silent witness.

3. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is home to the roaring tiger, trumpeting elephant and the chirping birds, established in 1936, extends in an area of 1318.54 sq km comprising (Corbett: 520.82 sq km; Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary: 301.18 sq km and Reserve Forest: 496.54 sq km) lies in Pauri Garhwal and Nainital districts. The park has earned the name of "Land of Roar, Trumpet and Song". The Park is situated in the foothills of Uttaranchal gifting a sight of extraordinary beauty. It is the Patlidun, a broad flat valley, where the shining, rushing water of the river Ramganga wander through the hills andvalleys. Nature has spared no efforts against the green and coppery plants of the forest of Sal. The spread of the glowing red flowers and the glow of the Forest, the delicate hangings of ferns and creepers and the waving tiger grass produces an unforgettable scene of magnificence, while .the colourful birds, lost in otherworldly song, add to the charm of Jim Corbett Park. Although the Sal timber is droped and extracted in certain parts, the natural beauty of the area has remained undamaged. The Park is particularly attractive, when the flowering trees are in bloom.

The Rites of spring

On the occurrence of spring, the entire Jim Corbett Park transforms into a beautiful sight. The budding `sheesham` leaves, the gorgeous burgundy flowers of semal, the violet blooms of kachnar, blend into a Kaleidoscope of colours. These colours are reflected in the sparkling waters of the Ramganga. While the countless varieties of exotic (alien) birds in their colourful spring feathers, add to the beauty by adding their charm and filling the air with musical song.

Fauna of the Park

In Jim Corbet Park wild elephants, leopards, hyenas, jackals and wild dogs are found. There are also some superb hog deer, barking deer, sambhar, chital and bears, both lazy and Himalayan. There is an occasional grief and some goral, mongooses, palm squirrel, flying squirrel, ratel, wild cat, antelopes, deer, wild boar, otter and porcupine. There are eight watchtowers in the park and to view the wonders from November to June elephants are available in Dhikala and Bijrani.

The Glories of the Ramganga

The Ramganha Comes from the high mountains, it`s sparkling, rushing waters emerges through the hills below Sankar and enters the glories of the park. On each side of the river is nature-given scenery, magnificent and erotic. The clear water of the river is not snow fed, nor affected by the melting of snows, so big fishes can be seen in the pools. The river passes through the heart of the park and emerges into the plains at Kalagarh. Popular with anglers (a fisherman who uses a hook and line), it is stocked with the mighty Masher, Indian Trout and Goonch. The rapids make the ladle, spinner and plugs invaluable, but the big monasters in the pools can be lured by live bait. Fishermen use the synthetic fiber line of at least 15-20 pound strength, with a reel capable of holding at least 200 metres of line. The Mahseer is a good fighter, and the first rush is a tremendous damage on the line for at least the first 50 metres. A fishing permit is necessary. The shallows and backwaters are full of small fish.

4. Govind Wild Life Sanctuary

Govind Wild Life Sanctuary was established in 1955, and is situated in a lonely and complex area of Uttarkashi district. One has to trek from Chakras by the upper Shimla road. Part of the sanctuary is above the snow line, and includes mountains like Swarg Rohini, Black Peak and Banderpoonch. Apart from the Sactuary, the place is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of the beauty of its snow-clad peaks and glaciers. It attracts many trekkers and is famous for its fertile green beauty. The wide variety of animal species that lives here includes Himalayan black bears, tahr, serow, monal, snow leopard, brown bears, tragapan, chir, bharal, musk deer, koklas, kaleej pheasants and chukor. The best season to visit this sanctuary is from May to October.

5. Kedarnath Sanctuary

Kedarnath Sanctuary was Established in the year 1972 Kedarnath Sanctuary lies broadly at 967 sq km in the land of gods Garhwal. In the wasteland of this sanctuary, animals like snow leopard, snow cock, tahr, musk deer, leopard and serow can be seen along with many species of birds. To Study the details of the musk deer a project funded by WWF was undertaken between 1978 -1980. The best season to visit this Sanctuary is from April to June and again from September to November.

6. Nanda Devi Sanctuary

Nanda Devi Sanctuary is situated in Chamoli district. It lies just next to the Nanda Devi peak. It was established in 1980. The first men to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its perfect form, were the British mountaineers Eric Ship ton and Bill Tillman. The area had largely remained peaceful until then, except for Tillman`s successful attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936. The present sanctuary came into existence in 1939. There are no roads available and the area is unreachable. Te only way to reach this sanctuary is to drive from Joshimath 25 km by road upto Lata and then 51 km trekking up to the sanctuary. Fauna includes Snow leopard, Himalayan Bear, Musk deer and Pheasant. The best season to visit is from April to May. Nanda Devi Sanctuary covers an area of 630 sq km.

The spectacular sights of peaks surrounding the National Park are Trishul, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, and Bethartoli etc. The beautiful surroundings with lavish flora and fauna like Brahma-Kamal and Bharal make this a Sanctuary of Nature. In 1982, entry to trekkers into the Nanda Devi National Park was banned to protect its biodiversity. The Nanda Devi National Park, which has been declared a "world heritage site", has been opened recently for restricted number of tourists. Thus, this area has attracted many well-known International mountaineers. Sir Edmund Hillary in his autobiography has mentioned the soberness of this sanctuary.

7. Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is located in the state of Uttaranchal, the major entry point of the park is at Ramgarh which is only fifteen kilometers from Dehradun. To reach Rajaji National Park it takes a near about twenty minutes from the holy town of Haridwar, where the river Ganga emerges from the mountains. Rajaji`s forests were once contiguous with those of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, 170 km to the southeast along the Shivalik foothills; however, with spreading human settlements only isolated pockets of forest remain in the hills and the adjoining terrain plains. Quite a number of wide animals are found here, enjoying the holy abode with its plenty. They include Asian Elephant, Tiger, Goral, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Leopard-cat, Common Palm Civet, Sloth Bear, Jackal (above), Small Indian Mongoose, Common Mongoose, Barking Deer, Satmbar, Spotted Deer (Chital), Wild Boar (below), Osprey, Pallas`s Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Brown Fish Owl, Red Junglefowl, Indian Peafowl, Black Francolin, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Maroon Oriole, Large Cuckooshrike, Jungle Myna, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Spangled Drongo, Asian Paradise-flycatcher, Crimson Sunbird etc.

Among various hunting birds, Osprey, Pallas`s Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Brown Fish Owl deserve special mentioning. Other birds namely Greylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Comb Duck, Spotbill Duck, Stork-billed Kingfisher are found mainly near the banks of rivers.

In the year 1984, Rajaji National Park merges with the three sanctuaries Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla, thus forming a 820 square kms. The name of the park is attributed to the first Governal General of India and also C. Rajagopalachari, the famous freedom fighter of India.

The scenic beauty of the Rajaji national Park captivates the tourists who visit the park both from Indian states and other foreign countries. Dense evergreen forests include various trees sal, mahegony; other characteristic features are riverine vegetation and terrain grasslands, making the park lush with fruits, vegetables and other treasures of forestry.

Rajaji National Park is a home to various wild animals. Deer, Goral are found grazing on the grasslands of low hilly regions. Also as per 1999 census report, the number of wild elephants that are found in the parks amounts to four hundred and forty-five. More than 300 types of birds have been found in the Rajaji national Park. One such beautiful bird is Red Jungle fowl. Nice spots on their tails are easily identifiable. Woodpeckers and hornbills are also found in large numbers.

8. Valley of flower

The land of magnificence, enchantment, trance and splendor, the valley of flowers is undoubtedly the most important part of the Bhyundar Valley of Uttaranchal. Perched almost 3 kms climb from Ghangria, the valley of flowers is as if a dream suddenly turned into reality. Beauty drops her image on almost everything and everywhere. The motley of colours, the fusion of shades and indeed the vibrant magic of the valley have that entire exotic and mysterious splendor, veiled in her heart. With hundreds of flowering plants playing magic on the beholders mind and sight, with the seethe of those nameless flowers the valley is sure to enchant one whilst leaving, awestruck.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in Chamoli Garhwal, about 595 km northeast of India`s capital Delhi. Govindghat (1800 m) is a 22kms drive from Joshimath en-route to Badrinath. After the 15 km trek from Govindghat to Ghangria, lies the land of beauty, dream, colours and romance- " the Valley of Flowers". Spreading over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms and with the varying altitude ranging from 3,200 m to 6,675 m, the valley with its magical touch provides a great diversity of landscape and microhabitats. Thick white snow and colourless glaciers covers almost 73 percent of the valley. Forests in the National Park constitute only about 5.29-sq km that is only 6 percent area while the alpine meadows cover 18.63 sq km that is 21 percent of the valley. A riot of color amidst the frosty whispers of the snow and the evergreen verdure of the lushness makes the Valley of flower a dream world where magic weaves the saga of love. The vast expanse of fluorescent green enclosed by cliffs of glacial ice paints a magical picture of the valley

The brilliantly colored valley, which can amuse, bewitch, entice and mystify stands as the icon of freshness and sparkle whilst encircled by the peaks like Nar Parbat (5,245m) to the northwest, Nilgiri Parbat (6,479m) to the north, Rataban (6,126m) across the Bhuindhar Pass, with Gauri Parbat (6,708m) to the east and Saptasring (5,038) to the south. The flowing Lakshman Ganga from Lokpal lake (4,150m) in the Hemkund valley offers a holy dimension to the valley. Sub Alpine between 3,200m and 3,500m. Lower Alpine between 3,500m and 3,700m, and the higher alpine above 3,700m are the three main vegetation zones of the valley.

The credit to popularize the Valley of Flowers among masses generally goes to a British mountaineer- Frank S. Smythe who accidentally visited this area in 1931 and published a book "The Valley of Flowers"

The valley has been described as `Nandan Kanan` meaning "Garden of Indra in Paradise" in the Hindu mythology. Legends and myths lace the valley. Legend associates this valley with the area from where lord Hanuman collected `Sanjeevani` herb to revive Lakshman, younger brother of lord Rama, when Lakshman fell unconscious during war with Meghnad, son of Ravana.

The three kilometers trail to the valley just after crossing the log bridge over the Laxman Ganga from Ghangaria is indeed a gentle journey. The magical seethe of wild flowers, the exotic sight of those nameless, endless vast verdure lining the way, makes the journey as if a trip to paradise. The matching brilliance of colours teamed with the fluorescent hues of the butterflies that flit by makes the valley even more charming.

Among the important species that are found here are numerous mammalian species, namely, Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Ye How-throated Marten, Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Himalayan Mouse-hare, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Indian Flying Squirrel. Also some carnivorous birds like Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Common Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Black Eagle, thrive in some reclusive corners of the park.

Other birds include Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Snowcock, Snow Partridge, Hill Partridge, Chukar, Red-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Chough, Common Raven, Grandala, Snow Pigeon, Spotted Laughingthrush, Variegated Laughingthrush, Plain-backed Thrush, Upland Pipit, Rosy Pipit, Rock Bunting, White-capped Bunting. In fact the whole valley is filled with the music of these chirping birds.

Along side the coastal areas , numerous birds throng. These include Brown Dipper, White-throated Dipper, Spotted Forktail, Little Forktail, pines, maples, firs, spruces, rhododendrons, silver birch, asters, balsams, dandelions, edelweiss , gentians, geraniums, irises, lilies, poppies , potentillas, primulas, saussurea and senecios.

Uttarakhand the land of God

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Uttarakhand is described as the land of celestial beauty. Uttarakhand is one of the most bewitching and enchanting regions of northern India. Each and every corner of this place is worth seeing. Uttarakhand is also known as the Land of Gods or Dev Bhoomi, as it is the land of enormous beauty and spiritual bliss. It is believed that the peaks and valleys of this state were abodes of gods and goddesses. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttarakhand. It is difficult to describe the beauty of Uttarakhand in words as it has profound beauty. It seems that nature has blessed Uttarakhand immensely. The rivers, snow clad mountains, cliffs all add to the natural beauty of the place. Uttarakhand is both the new and traditional name of the state that was formed from the hill districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. Historically, Uttarakhand is believed to be the land where the Vedas and the Shastras were composed and the great epic, the Mahabharata, was written. Rishikesh is widely considered the Yoga capital of the world.

History of Uttarakhand
To its credit the name of Uttarakhand finds mention even in the early Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavat. Uttarakhand was also the ancient Puranic term for the central stretch of the Indian Himalayas. Its peaks and valleys were well known in ancient times as the abode of gods and goddesses and source of the Ganga River. The Pauravas, Kushana Empire, Kunindas, Gupta Dynasty, Katyuris, Pala Dynasty, the Chands, and Paramara Dynasty or Panwars and the British have ruled Uttarakhand in turns. The region was originally settled by Kols, an aboriginal people who were later joined by Indo-Aryan Khas tribes that arrived from the northwest in the Vedic period. At that time, the region also served as a haunt for Rishis and Sadhus. Among the first major dynasties of Garhwal and Kumaon were the Kunindas in the 2nd century B.C. who practiced an early form of Shaivism. They traded salt with Western Tibet. It is evident from the Ashokan edict at Kalsi in western Garhwal that Buddhism made inroads in this region. Between the 7th and 14th centuries, the Katyuri dynasty of Khas origin dominated lands of varying extent from the Katyur valley in Kumaon. Other peoples of the Tibeto-Burman group known as Kiratas are also said to have settled in the northern highlands as well as in pockets throughout the region. Further, in the year 1791 the growing Gurkha Empire invaded Almora, which was the seat of the Kumaon Kingdom. Later on, in the 19th century, expansion of the Gurkha Empire was brought to an end by British annexation of these regions. Garhwal and Kumaon had to yield to the British as part of the Treaty of Sugauli. After the Independence of the country, the state of Tehri was amalgamated into Uttar Pradesh where Uttarakhand composed of the Garhwal and Kumaon Divisions. The present state of Uttaranchal was earlier a part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed, as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh. It emerged as an individual state on 9th November 2000. It was formed as the 27th state of India.

Culture and Geography of Uttarakhand
Bordering Tibet and Nepal on the northeast of Delhi, the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon ascend from the lush and fertile Sub-Himalayan plains. This state was formed from the hill districts of Uttar Pradesh. The peaks and valleys of this state were known as the abode of gods and goddesses. Uttarakhand is situated between 77 degree 34 minutes to 81 degree 2 minutes east longitude and 28 degree 4 minutes to 31 degree 27 minutes north latitude. The climate of the state varies from subtropical in valleys to temperate on higher slopes. Uttarakhand is rich in natural resources as forest and water, as it has many glaciers, dense forests, mountain peaks and a network of mighty rivers namely Ganga, Yamuna River, Ramganga, Kosi River, etc. Uttarakhand has a total geographic area of 53,483 sq kms, of which 93 percent is mountainous and 64 percent is covered by forest. Most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers, while the lower foothills were densely forested. The unique Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a large number of animals, plants and rare herbs. Two of India`s mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, and are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region.

Flora and fauna of Uttarakhand Uttarakhand lies on the south slope of the mighty Himalayan ranges, and the climate and vegetation vary greatly with elevation, from glaciers at the highest elevations to tropical forests at the lower elevations. Indian National Parks in Uttarakhand include the Corbett National Park (the oldest national park of India) at Ramnagar in Nainital District, Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District, and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi District.

Culture of Uttarakhand
The people of Uttarakhand are called by the name Garhwali or Kumaoni. Some people are also known as Paharis. Majority of the people here are Hindus. Most of the people who reside here belong to the upper castes. However the scheduled caste section of the population preceded the later migrants in settling the hills. The upper castes can be further subdivided into two Indo Aryan groups. They are the original Khasi tribe that arrived in the hills by the Vedic era and migrants from North-Central India that arrived in the medieval period. The other communities of the state are Jadh, Marcha, Tolcha, Shauka, Buksha, Tharu and the Gujjar tribe. The Gujjar`s are mainly cattle herders. Majority of the people speak Hindi language. Kumaoni and Garhwali dialects of Central Pahari are spoken by the people. The tribal communities use Jaunsari and Bhotiya dialects. Several festivals are celebrated here such as Kumbha Mela, Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarakashi), Magha Mela (Uttarkashi), Vishu Mela, and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.

Education in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has several educational institutions of major importance. It is home to the oldest engineering college in Asia, the Indian Institute of Technology at Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee). Other universities and institutes of prime importance include Dehradun Institute of Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, H.N.B. Garhwal University in Srinagar, Kumaon University in Nainital and Almora, G. B. Pant University in Pantnagar, Gurukula Kangri University in Haridwar, new Doon University in Dehradun, Govind Ballabh Pant Engineering College, Pauri, and Kumaon Engineering College, Dwarhat. Garhwal and Kumaun Universities were founded in 1973 as part of the upsurge of regional sentiment that led to the Uttarakhand statehood.

Economy of Uttarakhand
The state of Uttarakhand is rich in minerals like limestone rock phosphate, dolomite, magnesite, copper graphite, soap stone, gypsum, etc. The number of small-scale industries here are 41,216 and there is an asset of Rs. 305.58 crore. There are the presence of 191 heavy industries which runs on a profit of Rs.2, 694.66 crore. Most of the industries here are forest based. In the year 2003, a new industrial policy with tax benefits for investors was started and this led to a massive upsurge of capital investment. Economy of Uttarakhand is mostly dependent on agriculture as 90 percent of the population here depends on agriculture and allied activities. To its credit the state has an excellent potential for hydropower generation. There are several hydroelectric projects here.

Tourism in Uttarakhand
Leisure, adventure, and religious tourism play a prominent role in Uttarakhand`s economy, with the Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve and the nearby hill-stations of Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora, Kausani, Bhimtal and Ranikhet being amongst the most frequented destinations of India. The state also contains numerous peaks of interest for adventure lovers. Valley of Flowers along with Nanda Devi National Park forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a number of pilgrimage sites in this state. Pilgrims have been visiting the region in the hopes of salvation and purification from sin. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the sources of both the Ganges and Yamuna fall in the upper reaches of the state and together with Badrinath (dedicated to Vishnu) and Kedarnath (dedicated to Shiva) form the Chardham of Uttarakhand, one of the most spiritually auspicious pilgrimage circuits. Rishikesh near Haridwar is known as the preeminent yoga centre of India while the spectacular view from Hemkund is of special significance to Sikhs. In addition, the state has an abundance of temples and shrines, many dedicated to local deities or manifestations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, references can be found in Hindu scriptures and legends. The architecture of most of these temples is typical of the region and slightly different from other parts of India, the ancient temples at Jageshwar being the most prominent for their distinct architectural features. Tibetan Buddhism has also made itself felt with the recent reconstruction of Mindroling Monastery and its Buddha Stupa, touted as the worlds highest, southwest of Dehradun. The district also offers scopes of mountaineering, trekking, skiing, and skating.

13 Districts of Uttarakhand
The present administrative set-up of Uttarakhand is inherited from state of Uttar Pradesh. There are 49 tehsils, 95 development blocks, 71 municipal areas, 676 Nyay Panchayats and 6805 Gram Panchayats. In total there are 15669 villages at Uttarakhand. There are 13 districts in Uttarakhand. These districts of Uttarakhand are divided into two divisions. The two divisions are Garhwal division and Kumaon division. There are seven districts under Garhwal division and six districts under Kumaon division. The seven districts under the Garhwal division are Chamoli, Dehradun District, Haridwar District, Pauri Garhwal District, Rudraprayag District, Tehri Garhwal District, and Uttarkashi District. The six districts that come under Kumaon division are Almora District, Bageshwar District, Champawat District, Nainital, Pithoragarh District and Udham Singh Nagar District.

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

2011-03-26T03:57:00.000-07:00

Mussoorie

Mussoorie, the queen of the hills, is one of the most popular and fascinating hill resort of northern India. Its green hills and varied fauna and flora make it a colourful and picturesque hill station, commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the North-East, and Panoramic view of the Doon valley to the south. Mussoorie is also frequented by Honeymooners and is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in North India.

Places to visit in mussoorie

Gun Hill : During British Raj a Gun used to be fired from this hill top to herald mid-day thus enabling people to adjust their watches. It had therefore been named as Gun Hill, which is now connected by a Ropeway (400 m) as well as a kilometre long bridle path leading from the Mall Road near Hakman's Hotel. The sheer thrill of the Ropeways ride is memorable. Gun Hill offers beautiful panoramic view of the Snowclad Himalayan ranges namely BandaI' Poonchh, Sri Kata, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and and bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley, particularly at night twinkling with lights as if the sky has come down on earth.

Lal Tibba : Lal Tibba (2438.4 m) is the highest point of Mussoorie. There is a high power binocular kept here which provides a close and magnificent view of snow covered Gangotri, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Sri Kanta peaks.

Camel's Back Road: It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this froad is horse riding and wlking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's Rock with a life like resemblace can be seen from the spot near MussooriePublic school.

Kempty Fall : 15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refresshing and enjoyable for children and adults alike.

Nag DevtaTemple:An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provies a charming view of DoonValley as well as of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake : A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are availble. It commands an enchanting view of DoonValley and nearby villages.

Sir George Everest House : 6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his offce and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill) : 9 kms 6to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2104 mtrs. Is the JwalajiTemple. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.
Clous End : The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, 8 kms from Library. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna river.

When to visit Mussoorie/Best time to visit Mussoorie

The best seasons to visit Mussoorie is between April to June and again during September to November. When the plains of North India experience heat waves, Mussoorie provides a welcome break. September - November is spring time here. During this season Himalayas are clearly visible. It is better to avoid monsoons as the roads to Mussoorie are in bad shape. Same thing applies for the winter when roads are blocked due to snowfall

How to Reach Mussoorie
How to Reach Mussoorie by Air : Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest Airport for reaching Mussoorrie (24 kms). Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines operate daily flights to Dehradun from New Delhi

How to Reach Mussoorie Rail : Nearest Railhead is Dehradun (35 kms) which is directly connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Gorakhpur, Kathgodam, Varanasi, Howrah, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Taxis are available from Dehradun railway station to Mussoorie

How to Reach Mussoorie Road : Mussoorie is connectd by regular bus services to all the major centres of tourist interest in the region. Direct buses are also available for some of the places as below

Barkot - 89 km
Srinagar Garhwal - 135 km
Hanuman Chatti- 129 km
Saharanpur- 110 km
Dehradun- 35 km
Nainital- 355 km
Tehri- 76 km
Delhi- 290 km

SME vendor development scheme launched

2011-03-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

The presence of leading companies like Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Hero Honda and Ashok Leyland, which have set up manufacturing units in Uttarakhand, is offering new opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Realising the immense potential, CII has launched an initiative to provide a platform which can help MSMEs look for new opportunities like the supply of components and provision of services like transport and logistics.

The recent three-day expo at the Haridwar industrial estate, jointly organised by CII and the state government, was an effort in this direction. It also ensured a dialogue between manufacturers, service providers and end-users, setting the stage for further industrial growth in the hill state.

More of such expos are in the offing. “We are planning to organise at least one such expo every year. The next time, we are planning to move to the Pantnagar industrial estate, which is a hub of big companies like Nestle, Britannia and Dabur,” said Vibha Malhotra, head of policy at the CII Northern Region here.

After the Centre announced a concessional industrial package for Uttarakhand in 2003, comprising tax sops and other benefits, the state government established several modern industrial estates where companies set up shop. In the next few years, over 2,446 new units entailing an investment of over Rs 29,000 crores were established.

CII roped in businessmen from various states to showcase the potential of the Haridwar industrial estate. The key highlight of the expo was the vendor development programme and procurement system, specially designed to promote intra-industry trade, healthy business relationships, outsourcing of MSME products and components, and the adoption of best practices, in order to avail of collective bargaining for common benefits from governments, public sector enterprises (PSEs) and industry.

A Sanyal, a senior deputy general manager at BHEL, said the company was looking for vendors to supply various components.

“The Indian auto component industry is expected to grow over four-fold to $113 billion by 2020, according to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (Acma). The industry is highly fragmented and we expect that such industrial expos will create a platform to boost this industry by providing meaningful opportunities and an interactive platform for MSMEs,” said S P Chowdhary, an official of Shivam Autotech, Haridwar.

Narinder Bhambra, president of the All Indian Fasteners Association, said he had fruitful talks with officials of Tata Motors and Sterlite Technologies, and hoped that something meaningful would come of it.

BS

Indian Govt., World Bank sign agreement for watershed project in Uttarakhand

2011-03-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Government of India and the World Bank signed agreements amounting to IDA credit of 7.98 million dollars additional finance for the Uttarakhand Decentralized Watershed Development Project which will support the ongoing watershed development Project in Uttarakhand.

The agreement was signed by Venu Rajamony, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India,i M. H. Khan, Secretary, Watershed on behalf of the Uttarakhand Government and Roberto Zagha, Country Director India, on behalf of the World Bank.

The additional funding of 7.98 million dollars for the Uttarakhand Decentralized Watershed Development Project will sustain support for ongoing activities like helping farmers set up small agribusinesses.

These are critical to achieving the planned 10 per cent increase in rural incomes in project areas by the end of the implementation period. The need for additional funds was brought about largely by increases in prices of goods and services since the Project began in 2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajamony said that if current trends are maintained, the targeted 10 percent increase in the household income by end of the Project is likely to be realized for the project.

"The additional financing will help support critical agribusiness activities and further boost rural incomes," he added.

The credit is provided by the World Bank's fund for the poorest, the International Development Association (IDA), and has 35 years to maturity and a 10-year grace period.

Uttarakhand is currently implementing 2 State projects together amounting to 203 million dollars. This constitutes around one per cent of the total net commitments in India. (ANI)

Supreme Court ends Tehri litigation in national interest

2011-03-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court has finally ended the protracted legal battle between global concerns Voith Hydro GMBH Co and Alstom over building the Tehri pump storage plant and paved the way for Tehri Hydro Power Complex to become a major peaking station with an installed capacity of 2400 MW.

The Supreme Court has asked Tehri Hydro Power Corporation (THPC) to complete scrutiny of tenders of the two companies within three weeks, saying national interest took precedence over personal one.

“Till today, even the contract has not been finalised. All this would invariably cause loss to the nation. After all, contractual rights of these companies are not more important than national interest,” Supreme Court said.

Voith and Alstom’s litigation over contractual rights has delayed the project that could benefit thousands. Keeping in mind national interest, Supreme Court said this case was a “classic example of the whole nation suffering on account of the fight between two multi-national companies”.

A bench of Justice VS Sirpurkar and Justice TS Thakur said the issue of “national interest is our prime concern, the importance of which cannot be undermined”.

The Supreme Court judgment quashes the stay on contracts given by the Uttarakhand high court on Voith’s plea. It also scraps unsubstantiated allegations of “bias” and “nepotism” made against the government-owned THDC.

Chamoli’s unsung green soldier acts locally, grows own forest

2011-03-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

SANKOT (Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India): Like many of his countrymen, 87-year-old Narain Singh Negi too has a large, extended family. But even by the standards of Indian extended families, the size of Negi’s family is colossally huge. When one adds up all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it numbers more than half a million. That’s half a million plants.

Spread over 27 hectares at the edge of his native Sankot village in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, Negi’s forest has a variety of trees and plants, among them rhododendrons, deodar, peach, pears, apricot and walnut. It also has more than 14 wildlife species.

Sankot is some 75 kilometers from the town of Karnaprayag in central Uttarakhand. The forest is a great source of biomass for the villagers, providing them with fruits, herbs and fuel wood, as well as fodder for cattle, without having to walk long distances. “Villagers need trees like banj (oak), and buransh (rhododendrons) for their biomass needs,” says Negi. “Their need for fodder, fruits and fuel wood are met by the forest.”

“This is a boon for us women and has greatly reduced our workload,” a villager, Hasuli Devi, agrees.

Negi served as the “sarpanch,” or head of the Sankot van panchayat — village forest committee — from 1968 to 1970. Van panchayats, created eight decades ago to manage forests that lie nearby villages, are unique to Uttarakhand. Some 12,000 community forests administer as much as 14 percent of the state’s forests.

Millions in Chamoli — the largest district in the state, with an area of more than 7,600 square kilometers — and Uttarakhand depend on forest resources for their livelihood. In fact, forest resources and tourism are the state’s leading source of income.

A 2007 study estimated that the annual contribution of Uttarakhand’s forest, based on the services they provide, may be as much as $2.4 billion (Rs. 10,700 crore). The study was conducted by two nonprofits, the London-based Leadership for Environment and Development and the Central Himalayan Environment Association, located in Nainital, Uttarakhand.

That Negi has led his forestation efforts in a state where quality forestland is dwindling at an alarming rate makes his campaign even more worthy.

Uttarakhand is one of the greener states of India, with more than 64 per cent of its area covered with forests, according to the state Forest Department. However, the exact extent of forest cover is a lot less — just a little over 41 per cent, the rest being degraded land, where forest was cleared for wood and agriculture. Mostly, even the so-called “forestland” is scarcely covered, as divulged by satellite images. Dense forests with canopy cover exceeding 60 percent is actually less than 15 five percent.

For some in Uttarakhand, the success of the octogenarian’s four-decade-old green movement with relatively limited personal resources — Negi estimates having spent at least Rs 15 lakh ($33,300) thus far — serves to highlight the failure of the state’s forest authorities.

“The Forest Department has an army of workers and officials who are supposed to grow forests on the extensive forestlands the department possesses,” says Bauni Devi, a former head of the nearby Urgam van panchayat. “But what they have done is to merely raise sparse monoculture forests — mostly pine in the hills and eucalyptus in the plains — in the 60-plus years after independence.

“It is a huge slap on the face of the policymakers and those wildlife lovers who propagate that people and wildlife cannot exist together,” says Rukmani Devi, 54, another villager supporting Negi in his crusade. “Animals like deer, monkey, bear and porcupine flourish in this forest that has been sustained by human efforts,” she adds.
Negi’s forest has been in the making for 45 years.

As in the case of many hugely successful citizen-projects, the inspiration for this one was also a local calamity. “In 1965, a massive landslide almost destroyed my village entirely and that prompted me to action,” he says. “I was contemplating a permanent solution so that such disasters did not recur,” he adds. The idea of growing a forest in and around the village germinated following detailed discussions with fellow villagers.

However, it was a tussle with some villagers and the then Chamoli district authorities, during his tenure as the van panchayat head, that really ignited his passion for the forest.
When a few villagers encroached upon Sankot van panchayat’s land during the time when he was serving as its head, Negi offered them cultivable land in return for releasing the usurped land. “I offered 6 nalis (about 0.12 hectare) of cultivable land but the villagers did not budge,” he recalls. Then, he lodged a case against them with the sub-divisional office at Karnaprayag.

“I also requested the sub-divisional magistrate to hand over the 27 hectares of land for the village panchayat to me so that I can raise a forest,” he says. But the official questioned his motive and doubted his integrity. “That day, I took the oath of Bharat Ma (“Mother India”) and promised that I’ll raise a forest,” he recalls.
What ensued was a one-man forestation mission.

First he built a stone wall around the area where he envisaged the forest. Then, he prepared a nursery of ringal (dwarf bamboo), walnuts, surai (cypress), among other plants. His initial nursery had 20,000 plants—all bought from the Forest Department for Rs. 2 a sapling.

Monikers followed. He was dubbed “sanaki” or eccentric by many. But in time, erstwhile skeptics turned into ardent admirers.

While raising his plant family, he often could not pay adequate attention to his biological family. The twice-married Negi has three daughters from his first wife, who died five years ago, and a son from the second wife, Laxmi Devi. The son, Nandan Singh Negi, works as a junior clerk with the Forest Department.

For his friends and supporters, Negi’s forest is a testament of one man’s ability to make a difference. That he has achieved this feat without any government or institutional support makes it all the more commendable.

However, so far the only recognition he has got so far for his silent, green revolution is the Gaura Devi Samman, an award commemorating the legendary Chipko leader Gaura Devi, which made him richer by Rs. 5,000.

His only other medal of achievement remains the Commemorative Shield, given to him by the Indian Army for taking part in World War II.

A true soldier protecting and nurturing the environment, Negi was a freedom fighter as he had worked as a soldier in the Azad Hind Fauj of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose during World War II.

Not surprisingly, there is a nationalist and patriotic fervor to his forest project as well, with each of its eight divisions named after Indian national leaders Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedhkar, Indira Gandhi, Gaura Devi, Veer Chandra Garhwali, Govind Ballabh Pant. A temple has also been dedicated to them, where daily pooja (worship) of these nationalist idols is conducted.

Negi, who’s aware of the significance and usefulness of his enterprise to the community, believes local initiatives like his are key to food security and campaign against climate change.

“It’ll keep the climate undisturbed and give us pristine air, plus good food and fruits to eat,” he says exhorting villagers to raise own forests. “Look, how much the temperature has risen today and look at the scanty snowfall. Only a good forest cover can save us from the jalvayu sankat (climatic crisis).” (Global India Newswire)

Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/124656/20110320/india-green-chamoli-uttarakhand-deforestation-environment-agitation-nandan-singh-negi-negi-s-forest.htm#ixzz1HCpcnqgu

Kedarnath Tour by Helicopter – A Heavenly Experience for the Pilgrims

2011-03-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

Kedarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage tour that takes the pilgrims to the serenity of its temples which are worshipped by the Hindus. This serene and holy destination is located in the gigantic and captivating mountain ranges of Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The pilgrims who visit the holy shrine of Kedarnath strongly believe that it washes away all the sins of human beings and add peace and tranquility in their lives.

The pilgrims from all the nook and corner of the world, desire to visit the holy destination of Kedarnath to fulfill their religious desires on the land of God. The Kedarnath tour by helicopter is the easiest way to explore its natural beauty and religious significance.

The Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter service is accessible for the pilgrims from the holy place of Agastya Muni, which is about 20 Kms away from the Rudraprayag to the shrine of Kedarnath temple. The complete helicopter tour gives the most magnificent and cherishing experience to the tourists.

The visitors that are making a religious visit to the land of Hindu Gods can easily afford and avail its service from Agastya Muni to Kedarnath which hardly takes 45 minutes in the complete travel across the places.

The pilgrims who wish to complete the Ek dham Yatra but are unable to do so due to their inabilities to travel in trains or walk the complete journey the Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is at their complete rescue. The pilgrims are officially granted half hour at Kedarnath and those who wish to spend a night in the spirituality and serenity of Kedarnath can stay at some hotel and catch the helicopter next day.

The detailed information on the tranquil and the sacred destination of Kedarnath is as follows:

Kedarnath: This place is believed to be the abode of the great Hindu God- the Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath temple is a beautiful place with the ultimate beauty of its own. The magnificent carvings and simple stones on the walls of temple give a splendid look to the temple and a delightful experience for the pilgrims.

The opening date for the Char Dham Yatra is decided by priests in Ukhimath in the month of May. The best of facilities are provided to the pilgrims to facilitate the Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter. The Kedarnath Dham Yatra by helicopter is the easiest, comfortable and the most privileged service for the visitors as the complete Yatra saves ample time of the tourists.

The Kedarnath Yatra is a bit difficult Yatra due to complex routes and time consumption. It can be simplified by the helicopter tour. Take the advantage and make your Yatra the most cherishing experience of life.