Rishikesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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