Uttarakhand

_Uttarakhand

_{The land of celestial beauty}

_{Blessed with magnificent glaciers, majestic snow-clad mountains, gigantic and ecstatic peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forest, this Adobe of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-Dham the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples- Badrinath,    Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri are nestled in the mighty mountains.}

_{A picturesque state, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, Uttarakhand promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.}

_History

_{Uttarakhand become 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 and comprises of 13 districts. It has a population of about 6.0 million at 94.4 per sq.km. It borders Tibet, Nepal, and Himachal Pradesh.}

_Nainital

 

_{Within the panoramic Kumaon at an altitude of 1938 meters above the sea level lies the district of Nainital. Its snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, Rolling Meadows and crystal lakes have beckoned lovers of nature since ages. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini Lake ringed by hills and named after Goddess Naini.}

_Haridwar

_{Situated at a height of 249.7 meters above sea level Haridwar is the gateway of pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. It’s also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirathi performed penance here to salvage the souls his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila’s curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from lord Shiva’s locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. Continuing the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand  in the  sacred  waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.}

_Pithoragarh

_{Pithoragarh, which lies in the arms of heavenly Himalayas, is the ideals choice for one who seeks beauty and adventure. This eastern most district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 1645 meters above sea level, is often referred as ‘Miniature Kashmir’. The district of Pithoragarh came into being in 1960 when it was carved out of the district of Almora. It borders with China (Tibet) on the north and Nepal on the east. The northern part of the district is thinly populated and adorned with many lofty snow covered peaks like Nanda Devi (west), Trishul, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Panchchuli group and many others. Below these lofty snows bound mountains are many charming alpine meadows and glaciers, like Milam, Ralam, Namikand and Sunder Dhunga glacier.}

_Mukteshwar

_{Mukteshwar, once a British cantonment, is located 52 kms from Nainital and is really quiet, green and picturesque. It offers some of the most magnificent views of the Himalayas peaks. The oldest town of the region, Almora, equidistant from Nainital and Mukteshwar is 60 kms away. Steeped in Indian culture and traditions, Swami Vivekananda recommended Almora as a great place to meditate in. The Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet, Kausani route is atypical tourist favourite.}

_Uttarakashi

_{Situated in the altitude of 1158 meters above sea level and at a distance of 145 kms from Rishikesh on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this picturesque town acquires importance because of the very significant pilgrimage-centre: Gangotri and Yamunotri.}

_Jageshwar

_{Jageshwar in the beautiful Jatganga valley, housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India. It is a complex of 12 temples. Two major fairs are held here, one at the occasion of shivratri and the other in the month of Shravan (July-August).}

_{A dip in the Jat Ganga and in the Brahmakund near the temple complex, is the great religious significance.}

_{Purnagiri Temple}

_{At a height of 3000 meters above the sea level this sacred shrine lies atop the Poornagiri hill. It is 29 kms from Tanakpur and 92 kms from Champawat. Large number of devotees visits the shrine from all over the country, especially during the Chaitra Navratri in the month of March-April. The area reverberates with the holy chants of devotees climbing the hill. The River Kali flows from here and is known as Sharda in the plains.}

_{Pauri Gharwal}

_{Diverse in topography, the district of Pauri Gharwal extends from the foothills of the Tarai of Kotdwar to the soul lifting meadows of Dhudatoli, sprawling at an altitude of 3000 meters, which remain snowbound during the winter months. The districts of Chamoli, Nainital, Bijnor, Haridwar, Dehradun, Rudraprayag and Tehri Gharwal ring Pauri Gharwal. Filled with places of tourist interest, most locations in Pauri offer a breathtaking view of the snow laden Himalayas splendour.}

_{Pauri City is situated at an elevation of 1814 meters above sea level on the northern slopes of Kandoliya hills. It is the headquarter of the district Pauri Gharwal and Gharwal Division. Pauri provides a panoramic view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks of Bandar Poonch, Swarga Rohini, Jonli, Gangotri Group, Jogin Group, Thalaiya Sagar, Kedarnath, Kharcha Kund, Sumeru, Satopanth, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Ghoriparvat, Hathiparvat, Nandadevi and Trisul.}

_{Dehradun – The State Capital}

_{Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. One of the most beautiful city in the sub mountain domain of India, known for its scenic surroundings. The town lies in the Dun Valley at an altitude of 640 meters above sea level, on the on watershed of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The name Dehradun is a collection of two-word “dera” meaning Camp and “dun” meaning valley. Some of the best public schools and convents of India exsist here. The Indian Military Academy, The Forest Research Institute, ONGC and other offices of national repute are also situated here.}

_Mussoorie

_{32 kms from Dehradun at an altitude of 2005.5 meters above the sea level is Mussoorie, a fascinating Hill Station commanding a wonderful view of the extensive Himalayan range to the north-east and Doon Valley to the south. Mussoorie known as the “Queen of Hills” , is one of the most popular summer destinations in the northern hills.}

_Rishikesh

_{Rishikesh, the ‘place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the banks of river ganga, located at an altitude of 365 meters above the sea level, it is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides.}

_{It is the starting point of the Char Dham Pilgrimage of the Hindus in which pilgrims go to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath to seek spiritual salvation. on the way Gharwal Himalayas and the Sikh shrine at Hemkund Sahib one through Rishikesh.}

_{Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to dwell deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism For the adventurous, Rishikeh is the place for starting trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 2nd to 7th Feb on the banks of the river ganga.}

_Bageshwar

_{Bageshwar (The Adobe of Gods), this quaint town abounds in religious legends, festive happenings and mind blowing surroundings. Famous  primarily for the ancient Shiva Temple, Bageshwar has its share of patriotic expressions and picturesque interludes. Situated on the confluence of Gomti and Surya rivers, Bageshwar is located at the height of 960 meters above sea level and is 90 kms from Almora. The Temples of Bagnath situated here in venerated by one and all. Devotees gather here on every Monday of the Holy month of Sharvan to worship the Lord Shiva, who is also known as the remover of sorrows. So if you are planning a complete  yet different break come to Bageshwar.}

_Champawat

_{Champawat situated at a height of 1615 meters above sea level, was once the capital of the Chand dynasty. It is famous for its natural beauty, pilgrimage centers, glaciers and meandering streams.}

_Auli

_{Auli is nestled in the laps of snow capped peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, and near the world-famous religious shrine of Badrinath. at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level, Auli’s well-dressed slopes are flanked by coniferous and oak forests, which offer a panoramic view of the Mountains. If you are out for adventure, fun and frolic in winters, find yourself in Auli, in the vicinity of the mountain peaks Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat. Best time to visit auli is from late November to late March.}

_Chakrata

_{Situated at 2118 meters, Chakrata is known for its pristine beauty. While a part of the town is a cantonment for the Indian army, the northern part of Chakrata is a fascinating landscape for trekkers and nature lovers with its virgin forests of conifers, rhododendrons and oaks. Some of the  most fascinating places to see around Chakrata; there are a few temples here and Ram Tal Garden 9 kms from Chakrata on Chakrata Mussoorie route. It is 30 meters long and 20 meters wide garden enveloped by greenery, making it an ideal destination to relax and enjoy time with family.}

_Almora

_{The picturesque district of Almora is a fine blend of mountain beauty, ancient cultural influences, thick forests, scenic valleys, quaint cottages, crystal lakes and gushing rivers…all inspiring one to call it the ‘Switzerland of India’.}

_{The district is situated at an altitude of 1646 meters above sea level adorned with garden orchards and provides a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Quaint hill resorts such as Chaukori, Sitlakhet, Ranikhet, Binsar, Kausani and Bageshwar are all around Almora and attract nature lovers.}

_{Tehri Garhwal}

_{The district of Tehri Garhwal, which is situated at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level stretches from the snow clad Himalayas peaks of Thalaiya sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group all the way to the foothills near Rishikesh. The name Tehri has been derived from “Trihahri”, signifying a place that washes away the three types of sins – sins born out of Mansa (thought), Vacha (word) and Karmana(deed). ‘Garh’ in Garhwal means fort. Prior to 888 AD, the region was divided into small garhs which were rules by independent kings. these garhs were brought under one province  by Kanakpal, the prince of Malwa.}

_{The gushing Bhagirathi which runs through seems to divide the district into two, while the Bhilangna, Alaknanda, Ganga, and Yamuna rivers border it on the east and west. Its immediate neighboring districts are Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Dehradun. Tehri, at the meeting point of the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangna, become the new Capital of Tehri Garhwal, Srinagar having been the old capital.}

_{Char Dham}

_{UP in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent station of Uttarakhand, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience for the most holy pilgrimages of India- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, collectively referred to as the Char Dham. For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked these  mystical vales known in the ancient Hindu scriptures “ Kedarnath”.}

_{Holy confluences, scenic surroundings and an aura of spiritual serenity make an ideal adobe for the Gods and are refreshing rewards for the pilgrims who visit from all over the country.}

_{Traditionally, the yatra is done from the west to the east- starting from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.}

_{Corbett National Park}

_{India’s first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms along the banks of the Ramganga river with elevation ranging from 400 meters to 1210 meters above the sea level, just 300 kms northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park.}

_{Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600 species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one or another. The reserve is not less than a paradise for bird-watchers, European bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to the reserve during winters when the birds diversity is at its peak. Birds that can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Plumbeous/White-capped Redstarts. Mammals include Tiger, Leopard, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur.}

_{Govind Wildlife Sanctuary}

_{In the beautiful and captivating environs of the Uttarkashi district is Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1995, covering an area of 953 sq. kms and ranging from 1,300 meters to 6,314 meters above sea level, it includes mountains like Swarg Rohini, Black Peak and Bandar Poonch. Apart from the sanctuary, the place is a popular tourists destination, mainly because of the beauty of its snow-clad peaks and glaciers. Attracting many trekkers and famous for its lush green beauty is Hari-Ki-dun. The variety of animal species that live here include Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Monal, Snow Leopard, Brown Bears, Trogopan, Chir, Bharal, Musk Deer, Koklas, and Chukor.}

_{Rajaji National Park}

_{Established in 1996 on the edge of the Dehradun valley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approximately 820 sq kms and ranging from 302 meters to 1000 meters above sea level. Located in the Shivalik Hills of Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal, Rajaji National Park is distinct for its pristine scenic beauty and rich bio-diversity. The wildlife here includes viewing these animals in their natural habitat here.}

_{Nanda Devi National Park}

_{Spread over an area of 630 sq. kms, and with an average height exceeding 4500 meters above sea level, just next to the Nanda Devi National Peak ( which is the second highest mountain in India – 7816 meters ), is the Nanda Devi National Park. It was established in 1980. The first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary were the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman’s successful attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936.}

_{However, from 1950 onwards the increasing number of treks and climbing expeditions to the area has somewhat affected the virgin character of this place.}

_{A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park. The fauna includes the brown and Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopards, Serow and Chir pheasants.}

_{Pindari Glacier}

_{Undoubtedly the best trekking route in the Kumaon Himalayas, Pindari Glacier in the Bageshwar District has lured mountaineer and trekkers providing them an unsurpassable and an exhilarating experience. Pindari’s rugged beauty offers a breathtaking sight, especially for the trekker who falls in love with nature here.}

_{It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nandakot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3627 meters. The Glacier is 5 km long, the snout is about 6 meters high and 2.5 meters wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3 kms in length and 300-400 meters in width, between altitude ranges of about 3600 meters to 5000 meters. It occupies an area of 339.39 sq. km. Enroute to the Pindari Glacier; one comes across numerous waterfalls, hanging valleys and tremendous rolls cliffs one has to go by road up to Saung which can be accessed from Almora, Bageshwar and Kathogdam and thereafter one has to trek 45 km up to zero point (Pindari Glacier).}