Important information Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi

The holy town of Uttarkashi is set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, on the main route to Gangotri. It is considered to have similar religious importance as Kashi. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva's Great Trident, made of eight major metals. It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali. It is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Gangotri. Uttarkashi has also emerged as an important centre for adventure sports.

\Tourist Acctration in Uttarkashi

• Gangnani
• Dodi Tal
• Dayara Bugyal 

Gangnani (39 kms.): It lies further up on the way to Gangotri. There is a temple dedicated to Sage Parashar. Visitors bathe at Rishikund near the shrine in a hot water spring.

Dodi Tal (32 kms.):The beautiful lake in the lap of high mountains is surrounded by tall majestic oak, deodar and rhododendron trees. The lake full of rare fishes like the Himalayan Golden Trouts, locally called as "Dodis" is an angler's delight. The trek for Dodi Tal starts from Kalyani, which is connected by road

Dayara Bugyal (28 kms.): Bugyal or a "high altitude meadow" at an altitude of 3048 metres affords awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas. There is also a small lake here.

Important information Yamunotri

 Yamunotri

Yamunotri, the mythological source of river Yamuna is the first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra.

Tourist Acctration in Yamunotri

• Yamunotri Temple
• Divya Shila
• Hanumanchatti
• Surya Kund
• Sapta Rishi Kund
• Jankichatti
• Sayanachatti 

Yamunotri Temple : The temple of Goddess Yamuna was built in 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. It is set at an altitude of 3,235 metres and is dominated by the towering Banderpoonch mountain (6,316 m.). The temple remains closed from Nov. to Apr./ May.

Divya Shila : This rock pillar is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Surya Kund : The hot spring here is formed due to volcanic heat. The blistering water immediately cooks potatoes and rice tied loosely in a piece of cloth.

Sapta Rishi Kund : It is the original source of river Yamuna. To trek upto here is a true test of endurance.

Jankichatti (5 kms.): Hot springs

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Hanumanchatti (13kms.): Confluence   of HanumanGanga and Yamuna rivers.

Sayanachatti (18 kms.): Scenic spot on the banks of river Yamuna.

  

Important information Corbet National Park

Corbet National Park 

The magnificent park established way back in 1936, is one of the  best  known sanctuaries of India. It is named after Jim Corbett, the famous hunter author and conservator. The park covers a large forested  area  of over   520   sq.   kms., comprising of foot hills of Shivalik ranges and  the  Patlidun  Valley   with   swiftly flowing  river  Ramganga.   The  varied topography thus provides home to rich and diverse wildlife.  The dense jungles of the park are famous for the tigers of Kumaon. It is also a haven for the panther, wild boar, sloth bear, elephant, deer, python, cobra, crocodile and gharial etc. The river Ramganga is full of mahseer, trout and goonch fishes. 

Important information Around Nainital

Tourist Acctration in Around Nainital

• Bhimtal
• Mukteshwar
• Naukuchia Tal 

Bhimtal (22.5 kms.) : Serene scenic lake resort. The lake here is larger than Naini lake.

Mukteshwar (50 kms.) : This small hill station amidst thick wooded forest affords majestic view of the Himalayas. Nearby is a stone hole of Chauli Ki Jali, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spectacular view of Almora and the peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the Chaukhamba peaks of Garhwal can be enjoyed a moonlit night.

Naukuchia Tal (26 kms.) : The beautiful lake 4 kms. short of Bhimtal has nine corners and is also of considerable religious importance. Migratory birds flock to the lake. Good boating and fishing spot.

Important information Nainital

Nainital 

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

Tourist Acctration in Nainital

• Naini Lake
• Naina Peak
• Laria Kanta
• Hanumangarhi
• High Altitude Zoo
• Khurpa Tal
• Lands End
• State Observatory 
• Raj Bhavan

Naini Lake : The eye (naina) shaped lake named after Goddess Naini set amidst lush hills is said to be formed when the eye of Goddess Sati fell here. The Naina Devi temple at the northern end of the lake marks the exact spot where the eye of Sati is said to have fallen. The gaily coloured yachts sail the waters of the lake is a sight to behold.

Naina Peak (6 kms.) : Popular picnic spot at a height of 2,610 metres. Breathtaking view of the Himalayas and entire lake region.

Laria Kanta (6 kms.) : Picnic spot at an altitude of 2,481 metre. Affords panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Hanumangarhi (3.2 kms.): Pilgrim site well known for spectacular sun-set views.

High Altitude Zoo (1.5 kms.): Animals living at high altitudes can be seen here.

Khurpa Tal (5 kms.): The lake onNainital - Ramnagar road is an angler's delight.

Lands End (4 kms.): The hill affords fine view of Khurpa Tal and the terraced fields.

State Observatory (4.4 kms.) : It is ideal for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial earth satellites.

Raj Bhavan : The magnificent Nainital Govt. House modelled after the famous Buckingham Palace was built in March 1900. Its 50 acres lush golf course was opened for public in 1994

Other attractions - Snow View (2.5 kms.); Dorothy Seat (4 kms.)

Important information Panch Prayag

Panch Prayag

'Panch Prayag' or the five most sacred river confluences of the Garhwal Himalayas are of immense religious importance.

Tourist Acctration in Panch Prayag

• Dev Prayag
• Rudra Prayag
• Vishnu Prayag
• Nandaprayag
• Kama Prayag 

Dev Prayag : It is set on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, on the Rishikesh - Badrinath route, about 87 km. from Narendra Nagar.

Rudra Prayag : On the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.

Vishnu Prayag : It is 12 kms. from Joshimath on the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga Rivers.

Nandaprayag : It is the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, about 21 kms. from Karnaprayag, on the main route to Badrinath. The famous Gopalji temple is situated here.

Kama Prayag : It is situated on the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Pindari rivers and is known for the Kama Temple and the Uma Devi Temple.

Important information Panch Kedars

 Panch Kedars

The 'Panch' or five Kedar lie in the valley between the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. According to legends, after the battle of Mahabharta, the Pandavas repented the killings of their cousins Kauravas and came here seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva. But, Shiva eluded them and took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When Pandavas sighted him, he submerged into the ground leaving behind his hump, which is worshipped at the shrine of Kedarnath. His arms are believed to have appeared at Tungnath, his face at Rudranath, navel at Madmaheshwar, his matted hairs and head at Kalpeshwar. These five most sacred Shiva temples of Garhwal came to be known as the 'Panch Kedars'.

Tourist Acctration in Panch Kedars

• Son Prayag
• Rudra Prayag

Son Prayag (20 kms.)

The sacred confluence of river Basuki and Mandakani lies on the main Kedarnath route, about 5 kms. from Gaurikund. Trijuginarayan, 12 kms. from Son Prayag is said to be the site of Lord Shiva and Parvati's marriage.

Rudra Prayag (86 kms.)

The pilgrim site on the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini is named after Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva. According to a legend Lord Shiva appeared here as 'Rudra' to bless Narad Muni. An ancient shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of 'Rudra'. Rudraprayag is of immense significance for the pilgrims of Chardham Yatra, as it is the junction for visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham.

Important information Around Kedarnath

Tourist Acctration in Around Kedarnath

• Guptkashi
• Okhimath
• Gaurikund
• Koteshwar Temple 

Guptkashi(39kms.) : Pilgrim site famous for the ancient temples ofVishwanath and Ardhnareshwar.

Okhimath (60 kms.) : It is the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath.

Gaurikund (14 kms.) : Trekking base for Kedarnath. There is a temple dedicated to Gauri (Parvati) and hot water springs of medicinal value.

Koteshwar Temple (3 kms.) : The cave temple of Lord Shiva lies on the banks of Alaknanda. It is said that Shiva meditated here before going to Kedarnath

Important information Kedarnath

Kedarnath

Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites is perched at an altitude of 3584  metres   amidst  towering snow-clad Himalayan peaks on the head of river Mandakini.

Tourist Acctration in Kedarnath

• Kedarnath Temple
• Shankaracharya Samadhi 
• Chorbari Glacier

Kedarnath Temple: The 8th century shrine built by Adi Shankracharya enshrines one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.The Jyotirlinga here resembles a hump of a bull. In front of the temple door is a large statue of Nandi as a guard. The mandapa walls are adorned with idols of the five Pandavas and Draupdi. There is also an image of Lord Ganesha. The shrines closes for the winters on the first day ofKartik (Oct. - Nov.) and re-opens in Vaisakh (Apr. - May).

Shankaracharya Samadhi : It is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. Adi Shankaracharya after establishing four sacredDhams is said to have gone into his samadhi here at an age of 32 years.

Chorbari Glacier (3 kms.) : River Mandakini emerges from here and later merges into the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag.

Reaching There :

Airport: Jolly Grant (246 kms.).

Railheads : Rishikesh (229 kms.) and Kotdwar (260 kms.).

Road   :   14   kms.   trek   from Gaurikund which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwar etc.

Important information Around Haridwar

Tourist Acctration in Haridwar

• Rajaji National Park
• Rishikesh
• Bharat Mandir
• Triveni Ghat
• Kailash Niketan Temple
• Shatrughan Temple
• Neelkanth Mahadev
• Lakshman Jhoola
• Shivanand Ashram
• Ram Jhoola 

Rajaji National Park (Chilla) (10 kms.) : The picturesque park covers an area of 820 sq. kms. on the edge of the Boon Valley. It was established in 1996 and has over 23 species of mammals and 315 avifauna species. Key fauna - elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild boar, barking deer etc.

Rishikesh (24 kms.) : Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is an important pilgrim and spiritual centre set on the right bank of holy Ganga. It is surrounded by Shivalik ranges on three sides and is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage. A large number of people interested in meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism also flock to this spiritual centre. 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 Ganga. It is connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is Dehra Dun's Jolly Grant (17 kms.).

Bharat Mandir : This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It lies near the Triveni Ghat and is the oldest temple in Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat: The sacred bathing ghat on the banks of Ganga is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati river. The evening Aarti \ ceremony here is worth attending.

Kailash Niketan Temple: The 13 storeyed temple lies near Laxman Jhoola.

Shatrughan Temple (5 kms.) : This ancient temple is dedicated to Shatrughan, Lord Ram's brother.

Neelkanth Mahadev: It is set atop a hill across the Ganga. According to mythological legends, Shiva drank the venom produced during 'Sagar Manthan' here, which turned his throat blue and was named Neelkanth.

Lakshman Jhoola (5 kms.): This hanging bridge across Ganga is on the way to Badrinath. It was originally a jute rope bridge without pillars and was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1889. On the side of this famous bridge is the well known Shri Raghunathji temple dedicated to Lord Ram.

Ram Jhoola : The hanging bridge similar to Lakshman Jhoola is built between the Shivanand Ashram and the Swargashram.

Shivanand Ashram (The Divine Society) : The famous spiritual centre was established by Swami Shivanand. It imparts lectures on spiritual life and training in meditation and Yoga.