Welcome to Uttarakhand

By -:Megha Aggarwal

Uttarakhand  formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the "Land of the Gods“ due to the many holy Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand's name is derived from the Sanskrit words Uttara meaning north, and Khaṇḍ  meaning country or part of a country. Uttarakhand is known for its natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai.

It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region on the north; the Mahakali Zone of the Far-Western Region,Nepal on the east; and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the northwest.

The state is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon, with a total of 13 districts.

The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun, the largest city in the region, which is a railhead.

The State is carved out of Uttar Pradesh. It occupies 17.3% of India's total land area with 51,125 sq km.

About Uttarakhand It has a pleasant pollution free environment and is ideal

for vacation.

To enhance the attractiveness of the region are the several natural lakes in the region, which are the center of attraction of the town and good for sporting activities.

There are several highly venerated pilgrimage places, the tourists must visit in uttarakhand like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Henmkund Sahib, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Jageshwar, Bageshwar,Rishikesh and Haridwar etc.

Uttarakhand is ideal for several adventure sports activities because of its Geographical attributes. Adventure sports like trekking, ice-skiing, white water rafting, sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, yachting, water-skiing and parasailing.

While you are on a visit to Uttarakhand, make sure to visit the Valley of Flower National Park, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuaries, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind National Park, Assan Barrage National Park, Rajaji National Park and Corbett National Park.

About Uttarakhand contd.

There are 13 districts in Uttarakhand which are grouped into two divisions, Kumaon and Garhwal.

The Kumaon division includes the following districts: Almora Bageshwar Champawat Nainital Pithoragarh Udham Singh Nagar

The Garhwal division includes the following districts: Dehradun Haridwar Tehri Garhwal Uttarkashi Chamoli Pauri Garhwal (commonly known as Garhwal) Rudraprayag

Destinations To Be Covered Nainital Mussoorie Almora Auli Kausani Ranikhet Uttarkashi

Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas.

Beautiful hill town & attractive summer destination for north Indians and also from other parts of the country. 

Situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains,

Out of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south.

Nainital

Winter in Nainital is freezing cold, temperatures falling below zero .

Nainital gets its annual snowfall during the months from December up to February. 

Places most visited by tourists : Nainital Lake- Also known as Naini Lake, it is situated in the

heart of the city and it is owing to this lake that Nainital earned its name. The eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot and acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort.

Nainital Cont.

Naina Devi Temple- The temple is located on the northern shore of naini lake. The presiding deity of the temple is maa naina devi represented by two netras or eyes. Flanking naina devi are the deities of mata kali and lord ganesha. Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 shaktipeeths, where one of the body parts of goddess sati fell, when lord shiva carried her body. In nainital, the eyes (naina) of the goddess are assumed to have fallen.

Naini Peak- also  known  as China or Cheena

Peak or Naina Peak is  the  highest  peak  in  the  town, 

with an altitude of 2,615 m (8,579 ft). 

Nainital Cont.

and at a walking distance of 6 km (3.7 mi) from the north end of the town (Mallital). From atop the peak, one can not only see a broad swath of the snow clad high Himalaya, but also obtain a panoramic view of Nainital town itself.

Tiffin Top- also known as Dorothy's Seat. This terraced hill top (2,292 m (7,520 ft)) on Ayarpatta hill is a 4 km (2.5 mi) hike from the town centre and commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side.

Eco Cave Gardens- is a natural garden which is situated just next to Kumaon University Campus. It is just 1 km away from Sukhatal and 2 km from Mallital. It has six caves along with a musical fountain.

How to ReachAir: The nearest Airport is Pant Nagar, at a distance of 65 km

Rail: Kathgodam (34) is the nearest railhead.

Road: Nainital is well connected via roads.

   

Auli is an important ski destination in

the Himalayan mountains

of Uttarakhand, India.

Auli, also known as a 'bugyal' or Auli

Bugyal, in the regional language, which

means meadow, is located at an

elevation of 2500 to 3050 meters above

sea level.

Auli lies on the way to Badrinath

Auli  is  surrounded  by  coniferous  and  oak  forests, 

with  a  panoramic  view  of  the  lofty  peaks  of  the 

greatest  mountain  range  in  the  world,  the 

Himalayas.

Auli

Auli  also  boasts  the  Asia's  longest  -  4 km  - cable  car (Gondola).  It  also  has  a Chair 

Lift and a Ski-Lift. 

Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.

There are many peak Neelkanth, Hathigauri, Eravath and Comet mountains.

One can use ropeway to reach Joshimath.

AULI Cont.

How to reach AuliAuli By Air:The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 281 km from Auli. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Auli, which cost about Rs 4,000.

Auli By Road: The road leading to Auli is in dreadful condition and subject to frequent rockfalls (as a direct result of major deforestation). Travelling this route in winter carries serious risk.

KAUSANI

Kausani With a total area of 5.2 sq. km, situated at a height of 1890 m above sea level, located 51 km north of Almora.

The best season is between April to June and again between September to November.

Place to visit in Kausani

Chaukori- 87 kms from Kausani, a picturesque tourist spot amidst mighty Himalayan peaks.

Lakhudiyar- Known for its caves and rock paintings. Anasakti Ashram- Refresh the memories of 1929, when

Mahatma Gandhi, spent here 14 days while writing his book on 'Anasakti Yoga'. His spinning wheel (Charkha) and other memorabilia are kept here. There is also a study with a small library where one can find books on Gandhian philosophy. The Ashram can accommodate up to 300 people and every evening prayer is conducted in the main hall. One can enjoy mesmerizing sunset and sunrise from the Ashram premises.

KAUSANI Cont.

Pant Museum: Named after the famous Hindi poet, Sumitra Nandan Pant, who was born in Kausani, the Museum has the articles of his daily use, drafts of his poems, letters, his awards etc. This Museum is at a short distance from the Kausani bus terminal.

Kumaon Shawl Emporium: A fabulous collection of high quality woollen shawls, exquisitely designed by the local weavers, can be purchased from here. Beyond Kausani.

KAUSANI Cont.

Baijnath: Most important historical place in Uttarakhand, situated at a height of 1126 meters above sea level on the banks of River Gomti. It is 19 kms from Kausani towards Bageshwar. Main attractions are the 12th century old temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahama with beautiful carvings and sculptures.

Bageshwar: 40 kms away from Kausani, on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti lies the holy township of Bageshwar, an important centre of worship of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, the sage Markandaya lived here and spent many years worshipping Lord Shiva

KAUSANI Cont.

How to Reach

By AirThe nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (178 kms). One can hire a taxi from Pant Nagar to reach KausaniBy Rail The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (141 kms), from there one starts the climb to Kausani via Almora. An equally beautiful route is via Ranikhet (163 kms).By Road Kausani is linked to several other hill stations by road. Some of the major road distances are: Almora-51 kms, Rainkhet-60 kms, Pithoragarh-107 kms, Gwaldam-39 kms and Nainital-117 km. From Delhi it is 431 kms away. 

KAUSANI Cont.

UTTARKASHI

District : Uttarkashi Distance : 372 km NE of Delhi.

Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage centre, equated with Varanasi or Kashi in divinity. It is located in a wide stretch of a valley, this picturesque town is also the district headquarter. Uttarkashi as its name suggests is Kashi of north (Uttar). It is also called the land of gods and goddesses. Uttarkashi Town has 32 temples at present. Every year on the occasion of ''Magh Mela'' (January 14), people from far and near visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their local deities.

PLACE TO VISIT Nehru Institute of MountaineeringThe Nehru Institute of Mountaineering was established at Uttarkashi on 14 Nov, 1965 to honour the desire of a great mountain lover late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The new campus is situated 5 kms. away from this rapidly developing town atop a hill on the south bank spur of HOLY BHAGARATHI at an attitude of 1300M./4300ft amongst whispering pine trees and overlooking the sacred river and the valley of Gods. TREKKING: it is a major trekking hub Base town for treks to Har-ki-dun, Dodital, yumnotri and Gaumukh.

ANGLING:Cost is 500 for four anglers, but there is policy of “catch and return”

UTTARKASHI Cont.

Ranikhet

 Situated at a height of 1,829 meters, with an area of 21.76 sq. km.

Ranikhet has too much to present to the visitors - a healthy climate, tall coniferous trees, vast green meadows, tranquil surroundings, perfect peace and warm, open-hearted people.

Every season has its own irresistible charm.

This is what makes Ranikhet an all-season destination. Ranikhet also boasts of one of the best hill golf greens (9 holes) in the country.

How to Reach

Air: Nearest Airport is Pant Nagar, at a distance of 119 km.

Rail: Kathgodam (86 km.) is the nearest railhead.

Road: Ranikhet is well connected via roads. Roads run through Haldwani, Bhowali and Khairna during all seasons. Ranikhet has direct bus links with Nainital (60 km), Kathgodam (86 kms), Ramnagar (96 kms) and Delhi (366kms).

Ranikhet Cont.

PLACE TO VISIT: Chaubatia Gardens: 10 km south of Ranikhet are the famous

fruit-laden orchards,  known for delicious apples of several exclusive varieties, apricots, peaches.

Upat Kalika: One of the highest golf courses famous in India. Dwarahat: Dwarhat is of great historical and archaeological

importance,  Every year a grand fair is held here from 13th to 16th April known as Syalde - Bikhauti Mela.

Ranikhet Cont.

Almora Almora, another popular hill station of Uttarakhand is known as

the cultural capital of Kumaon. This town is situated on a 5 km mountain range situated at an

altitude of 1,650 m and from a distance its shape resembles a horse shoe.

 

How to ReachAir: The nearest Airport is Pant Nagar (127 km)

Rail: The nearest Railway station is Kathgodam (90 km)

Road: Almora is well connected by roads with the major north Indian cities. Delhi (380 km), Pithoragarh (122 km), Nainital (66 kms).

Local Transport: Private Taxis and Jeeps are available for local transport.

 

Almora Cont.

Nanda Devi Temple: One of the main attractions of Almora, This temple is almost a thousand years old. The carvings on the walls of this temple are exquisite. Every year, the Nanda Devi Mela is organized here in a big way.

Bright End Corner: This place is famous for the excellent of sunsets and sunrises. A picturesque and calm circuit house is close to this point.

Almora Cont.

Katarmal: After the Sun temple of Konark, Katarmal is the second important sun temple in India. This 800 years old temple is of archeological and architectural importance. Katarmal is 17 km from Almora.

Jageshwar: 34 km away from Almora, this secluded place amidst a dense Deodar forests, has a group of almost 125 temples dating back from 7th to 11th century AD. The majority of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and a few to different Goddesses. It is considered as one of the 12 holiest Jyotirlingas of the country.

Almora Cont.

Mussoorie Mussoorie, Queen of the Hills, located some 290 km north of

New Delhi, is among the most popular hill stations of the country.

It is a captivating paradise for leisure travellers and honeymooners.

A perfect summer resort and a major educational and cultural centre has been rolled into one hub.

Located on a 15 km long horseshoe ridge with the grand Himalayas as a backdrop, the colonial hill resort of Mussoorie spreads across at a height of 2,005.5 m above sea level.

Places to Visit Gun HillGun Hill is the second highest peak of Mussoorie. The Mall is the starting point for the cable car towards the summit of Gun Hill. The thrill of the ride is memorable and offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Ranges. Mussoorie LakeThe artificial Mussoorie Lake is situated about 6 km short of Mussoorie on the way from Dehradun. The Mussoorie Lake is a delightful spot where paddle-boats are available. It commands an enchanting view of Doon valley and nearby villages.

Mussoorie Cont.

The MallThe Mall is the main shopping area in Mussoorie. The Mall Road connects the two bazaars, Kulri and Library. It is the heart of the town. Alongside the Mall is the tourist office, rows of Tibetan trinket and sweater vendors and shops selling walking sticks and cane items. The Mall is the starting point for the cable car towards the summit of Gun Hill, 2142 m above sea level. On clear days, the peaks of Kedarnath, Badrinath and Nanda Devi can be seen from this hill clearly.

Mussoorie Cont.

Kempty FallsKempty Falls is located about 15 km away on the Yamunotri road. It is a popular and picturesque waterfall, located in the beautiful valley surrounded by the high mountains. The bath at the foot of the falls is refreshing. From Kempty Falls, the area west to the Yamuna gorge is being declared as a sanctuary. This sanctuary is rich in bird life, and also has some wildlife including leopards.

Mussoorie Cont.

Cloud's EndA British major had a building constructed in 1838. This beautiful building was converted into hotel and was named Cloud's End. It got the name because it appears that the clouds have ended here. From this place one can have a good view of the valley. Cloud's End is located some eight kilometers west of Mussoorie hills. Due to its location, at the end of horizon, it is very popular among the Honeymooners and Foreign tourists

Mussoorie Cont.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun (82 km). Taxis are available from the airport.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Dehradun (68 km).

Road: Dehradun is well connected by roads. Take the Tehri bypass from Mussoorie and drive down the Mussoorie-Chamba road.

Mussoorie Cont.