Top Travel Destinations in Uttaranchal
Almora
In the Shivalik Range of Himalaya. If you are forecasting and outing in Uttaranchal, Majestic Tour India makes your tour to Almora to view the most pictorial part of Uttaranchal. Almora hill Station is located at height of 1,650 m above the sea level. Almora hill Station is a district of the Kumaon division of Uttaranchal. Almora is also called the Cultural Capital of Uttaranchal. In the tour of Almora you come across the intense forests of fir and pine while the snow-capped mountain peaks as the scenery makes it photograph perfect. The rivers Koshi is flow silently in the behind of Almora. It's really a magnificent experience.
Almora Hill Station is also famous for his many cultural activities such as fairs are believed here. Almost all the year in a circle major fairs and festivals are held in Almora. Almora also known for its 1000-year-old Nanda Devi Temple which is situated in the main market of the Almora town, Almora attracts tourists every seasons as well as during the Nanda Devi fair. The local people of Kumaon have great commitment for the local divine Golu ji. It temple dedicated to Golu deity called the Chitai Temple. It is situated 8 kms far from the town.
You can Plan your trip to Almora in the months of March to June or September to November. Almora Hill Station is well connected to all major cities through road.
Tourist attractions in Almora
Almora have a lot of places for tourist's attraction. Some of them are described below:
Bright End Corner :
Bright End Corner is 2 kms away from Almora. The main attraction of this point is the sunset and the sunrise seen from end to end the Himalayan peaks. Tourists can spend some time in this peaceful environment. Very close to Himalaya, Swami Vivekananda Library and ashram is also there one can spend time to read books or novel on that place.
Nanda Devi Temple - Almora :
This historical temple is one of the important tourist attractions of Almora. This is situated at the main market of the town. This is hundreds of year old temple and contains full faith of many people belongs to this area. Every year a fair "Nanda Devi Mahotsav" is organized there. Many cultural events are also organized on that duration. Peoples from all over come to this place and participate in this fair.
State Museum :
This museum is situated near the bus station Almora. This museum is called Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum. This museum is the best way to inform the development of art, culture, life style of this region. It is closed on Mondays. It is open from 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Chitai Temple :
Chitai Temple is one of the most demanding areas at Almora. This temple is dedicated to Lord Golu. The Kumaoni people worship him. Once a time wish is fulfilled people hang up a tiny bell in this temple, as a result there are thousands of tiny bells hanging there. The view of the Himalayas from the Chitai is tremendously stunning. Chitai temple is 8 kms away by hike through a beautiful pine forest.
Siyahidevi Temple :
Shiyahidevi is the very famous trekking root and picnic spot of Almora. Siyahidevi temple is also there. From Siyahidevi you can see very close view of the Himalayas.
Katarmal :
Katarmal is 800-year old Sun temple complex has one main temple, surrounded by 45 smaller shrines. It is second in consequence after the Sun Temple of Konark. Katarmal is 7 kms away from Almora.
Binsar Mahadev :
Binsar is one of the most famous temples at Almora. It is 30 kms far from Almora town. Binsar has a temple of Shiva who is also called Bineswar. Binser is 2412 mts above from sea level; this temple was constructed by King Kalyan of the Chand Empire. To Visiting in this temple gives one peace of mind.
Deer Park :
Deer park is 3 kms far from Almora. In the evening time it is excellent place for leisure walk.
Jageshwer :
Jageshwer Dham 34 kms away from Almora, this temple Deodar forest and has a lot of mythological importance. Here are about 164 temples of Shiva.
Auli
The world famous skiing centre in Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand Auli is located 8 kms from Joshimath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand known worldwide as a famous skiing destination in India. Auli offers not only skiing treks but also a majestic view of the Himalayan range - Nanda Devi, Trishul, Dron Parvat, Haathi Parvat to name a few. Every year winter sports are held in Auli, Uttaranchal and thousands of tourists visit this place.
Haridwar
Located in the foothills of Shivalik range, Haridwar is reputed as the gateway to the four Temples in the Uttaranchal region. It is on the banks of River Ganga. It's also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the rivers Ganga and the Yamuna. According to legend, Prince Bhagirathi performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to sage Kapil'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. In the tradition of Bhagirathi, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of there. Visit this sacred place that will purify your body, mind and the soul. The Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quiet and calm here. The water is clean and people prefer taking bath on the numerous Ghats built on the river shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana. Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths.
Spend some time on the Ghats in Haridwar that acquire a unique charm in the evening with countless oil Lamps floating in the waters of Ganges. Down the ages Haridwar has also become a major learning centre for science, arts and culture.
Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning centre for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its forever in Haridwar. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the Ghats become breath taking beautiful with thousands of Diyas (Oil Lamps) and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.
Tourist attractions in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar :
The sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga's aarti (Evening Prayer) ceremony at the ghat. The Har ki Paudi ghat is a sacred place for Hindus. The ghat is equivalent to the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, in religious terms. Har ki Paudi means Steps (Paudi) of Shiva (Har). It is believed that Shiva and Vishnu have visited the ghat in the Vedic era. The ghat is said to have a large footprint, supposed to be that of Vishnu. Legends have it that Brahma had performed a Yagna (Prayers) at the banks of Ganga, on Har ki Paudi. Later Shiva visited the place and found it suitable to release Ganga on the plains. The sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari.
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar :
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat, on the other side of the river Ganga. The story goes that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh were killed by Goddess Chandi hence the name Chandi Devi. It also said that Adi Shankaracharya established the original statute of Chandi in 8th century AD. The King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, constructed the temple in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat. Chandi Devi Temple is now accessible by a ropeway also, by the name of Chandi Devi Udankhatola, which starts near Gauri Shanker Temple. The length of Ropeway is 740 mts and height 208 mts. There is a dense forest on the other side of the hill inhabited by elephants and other wild animals.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar :
The temple on the top of Bilwa Parvat is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi. Here, one statue of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms. A beautiful view of the city can be had from this place. There is a Ropeway service by the name of Mansa Devi Udankhatola from lower station to the Mansa Devi Temple which takes only 5 Minutes to reach the Temple. The length of Ropeway is 540 mts and height 178 mts.
Daksha Mahadev Mandir, Haridwar :
This temple is an ancient shrine located at Kankhal, and is one of the five sacred places around Haridwar. It is associated with Sati, the spouse of Lord Shiva who immolated herself to preserve his honour on being insulted by her father, King Daksha Prajapati. This incident provoked the disciples of Mahadev and killed King Daksha. But later Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. The temple is an attribute to this legend. Daksha Mahadev Temple is also known as Shri Daksheshwar temple. It has a gilded image of a serpent symbolizing Shiva.
Saptarishi Ashram, Haridwar :
The Ganges flows in seven streams in front of this Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt Sarovar. It is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) trapped the Ganga and agreed to release the River on King Bhagirath's request. The Ashram commemorates the event. This is about 5 km north of Hari ki pauri, where the Ganga had to split into seven streams to avoid the displeasure of Sapta Rishis.
Kumbh Mela, Haridwar:
Haridwar, is famous for the Kumbh Mela, Ardha Kumbh and Shivaratri. (Places for Kumbh Mela are Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik)
Jim Corbett
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, Jim Corbett National Park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.
Jim Corbett National Park has a strong historical background, which can be traced from the early 1800 when their forests were private property of the rulers of the Terhi Garhwal.
Around the 1820's this part of the state was parted to the British Rulers in return of the assistance provided during the Gurkha invasion. The British exploited the timber potential of Corbett National Park forest and mercilessly felled the forests and plant 'TEAK' a precious hardwood, to fulfill the supply for Railway sleepers.
In 1858 the first step towards protection of Corbett National Park forest was initiated by Major Ramseyin form of a comprehensive plan, wherein farming and cattle intrusion were banned in the lower Patlidun valley. The Forest Department took control of the area and declared it as Reserve forest in 1879 under the forest act. Soon after the condition of these forest showed improvement and possibilities of forming a game sanctuary were proposed in the early 1900 by Michael Keen an officer with the Forest Dept. The proposal was turned down by the then Governor of The United Province John Hewett. More futile attempts were made in the 1916 & 1917 by E.R. Stevens and Smythies, both DFO's of the area to declare the sanctuary but were turned down.
In 1934 Governor Malcolm Hailey supported the proposal and declared the reserve forest into a sanctuary. Soon after Governor Hailey and Sir Smythies proposed the up gradation of the sanctuary to a national park. During this period Major James E Corbett was getting famous for his Man eating Tiger shoots. Corbett, who was well versed with area was consulted and helped in marking the boundaries for the proposed national park. On August 6th 1936, the UP national park act was enacted and Hailey National Park - named after Governor Hailey, came into being as India's first National Park and the worlds third covering an area of about 325 sq. kms.
Post independence the park was renamed after the Ramganga River - the main perennial lifeline of the area and was called the Ramganga National Park. James E Corbett died on 19th April 1955 in Nyeri, Kenya. In 1957 the park was again renamed, in honor of the legendary hunter turned conversationalist, Jim Corbett who spent most his life in the area and helped in setting up the park.
The wildlife protection act was enacted in the year 1972 and Corbett National Park was one of the first national park to launch Project Tiger a government sponsored program for the conservation of the Tiger and its habitat on 1st April 1973.
In 1991 the area of the reserve was further increased with the inclusion of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. Today Corbett National Park stands as one of the prime examples of efforts to conserve and is one of the best protected forest and tiger reserve in the world.
Kausani
Set at an altitude of over 6075 ft (1890 mt) above the sea level, the hill station offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and soul-stirring scenic beauty, which has earned it the moniker the 'Switzerland of India'. Besides being the birthplace of the famous poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, the place was also visited by Mahatma Gandhi, who was enamored by its dazzling natural beauty and stayed at the Anashakti Ashram here. Originally known as 'Valna', in the ancient texts, this mesmerizing hill resort of Kausani, offers a memorable vacation in its salubrious environs.
The attraction of Kausani is 'Anashakti Ashram', is a quiet and revered place where Mahatma Gandhi spent his some days and wrote his commentary of Anashkti Yog. Pant Museum is another place of importance, this is the place where the famous poet of Hindi literature, Sumitranandan Pant was born. This place is preserved in its original ancestral form and served as a reference library on him.
Lakshmi Ashram is one kilometer away from the Kausani, and is a center run by Kumauni women and dedicated for social service and up life of women. Gandhiji's disciple, Sarlaben (Kaitherine Heileman) spent her life here doing social service and established Anashakti Ashram. Lakshmi ashram is located in a solitary area among dense pine forest. Tea gardens (5 km on Bageshwar Road), Baijnath group of temples (16.5 km) and Bageshwar are the places of interest nearby. At Makar Sankranti (which is usually known as 'Uttarayani' in the local language)
Mussoorie
Referred to as Queen of Hill Stations, the incredible holiday destination Mussoorie is located in Uttaranchal in North India. Mussoorie is situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters on the Himalayan foothills. It gets its name from a shrub, Mansur, which is abundantly found in this place. The nearby snow-clad peaks offer breathtaking scenic beauty to this beautiful hill station. The modern bungalows, malls and well-laid gardens located on the small hills around the area attract tourists from around the world.
The heart of this hill station is its Mall. It has series of shops that sell beautiful handicrafts that tourists can buy as souvenirs. Every evening Mall is crowded with both locals and tourists who come to shop and enjoy the beautiful sunset. The Kulri Bazaar and the Library Chowk of the Mall are very famous.
From the Mall one may take a ropeway and visit the Gun Hill. It has been given this name as in the old days a gun kept at the top of this hill was fired at mid-day to denote the time. Gun Hill is the most important tourist spot of the hill station. Here tourists can experience the enchanting view of the great Himalayan peaks and get a bird's eye view of Mussoorie. They can also get their photographs clicked in various costumes.
Other important places to see in Mussoorie include Municipal Garden, Childer's Lodge, Camel's Back Road and Clous End. There are also many famous and beautiful places around the hill station. One of such popular tourist destination is Kempty Falls, which is located 15kms from Mussoorie. Jharipani Fall, Bhatta Fall, Nag Devta Temple, Mussorie Lake, Van Chetna Kendra, Jwalaji Temple, Naga Tibba, Dhanolti, Surkhanda Devi and Lakha Mandal are some other must see places near Mussoorie.
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar stands over a high ridge and serves as a Himalayan resort, fenced by fruit orchards and dense coniferous jungles, it provides a wondrous view of the Himalayas and the Almora town below on clear moonlit nights. Mukteshwar gets its name from an 350-year-old temple to Shiva, known as Mukteshwar Dham, situated atop the highest point in the town, within the IVRI campus, and close to which lie the overhanging cliffs, locally known as Chauli-ki-Jali, used for rock climbing and rappelling, with an excellent view of the valleys below.
Nainital
Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations of India. It is famous for its lake, after which it is named. Nainital is set amidst the towering peaks of the Kumaon Hills, the lake resorts of Nainital has a lot to offer. Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural splendor and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has a varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital's unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.
Tourist attractions in-around Nainital
The Naini Lake :
Naini lake is the star attraction and the main draw of tourists in Nainital. Its popularity the lake is splendidly beautiful. Its picture postcard scene here. The lake is surrounded by hills, cozy cottages and villages, the eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot and acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort. Here a person can either take a leisurely stroll or indulge in boating and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The northern end of the lake is called Mallital, while the southern one is called Tallital.
Snow View Points :
No one leaves Nainital without visiting Snow View Point. At an altitude of 2290m. it is not just higher than Nainital but also very colder. The main reason people come here is because of the view it gives of the white with snow peaks of Himalaya. The most favorite activity of tourist here is to take pictures of the spectacular sight, no one wants to miss the beautiful photo shoot opportunity here. Snow View Point is one of the coldest regions in Nainital. Here you can capture breathtaking pictures of snow-covered peaks and mountains. The ideal time to visit snow point is during the month of Oct to Nov. A sojourn to Nainital is undoubtedly incomplete without a visit to the Snow Point.
Naini Peak (China Peak) :
Overlooking the Naini Lake, Naini Peak (2611m) provides the most breathtaking view of the hill station of Nainital. Situated at a distance of about 6 km from the main town, Naini peak is the highest peak of the hill station. Horses or ponies can be hired from Snow View Point or Mallital, if one intends to visit.
Hanuman Garhi :
This is the famous Hanuman Temple in Nainital, around 4 km from the town. Not just the place is famous for the temple but its sun set view which is quite memorable.
Observatory :
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science was set up in Nainital in the year 1995 but shifted to Manora Peak in 1961. Monar Peak 5 km from Nainital at a height of 1951M. Studies are conducted here on astronomical science. It is an observatory for optical tracking of artificial satellites. You can visit this place to have a look at the instruments on working days.
Bhimtal :
Bhimtal is the around 22 km from Nainital, is the beautiful lake which is actually much bigger than the Naini Lake. There is a small island in the center of the lake which has a restaurant. People often do boating here and paddle up to the restaurant for a quick bite.
Saat Taal :
Saat Taal is around 30 km from Nainital. Saat Taal is a unique formation, it is a cluster of seven lake and it often compared with Westmore land of England. The first of these Nal Damyanti Lake follow by an ashram of English missionary Stainely John. Then there is a Panna Lake and a little ahead three lakes are clustered Ram, Sita and Lakashman Lake.
Tiffin Top :
Aryapatta Hill. This was the former home of Jim Corbett. It has been converted into a museum and houses Corbett memorabilia.
Boating :
In Naini Lake is a must, paddle boats can be hired by the hour. You can also hire a yacht from the Nainital Boat Club.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city located in the foothills of the Himalaya, it is a known as The Gateway to the Himalaya, Rishikesh is surrounded by two other districts namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. Rishikesh offers tourist with many adventurous activities, such as white water rafting, camps, trekking, skiing, and wildlife safari in national park. People can select from overnight camp & half day rafting from Brahapuri to Rishikesh, Rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a name of Vishnu that means "Lord of the Sense". The root wods Hrishik and ish join together to make Hrishikesh. Hrishikesh means Senses and ish means master Lord. Hence the world means Lord of Senses of Lord Vishnu. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to "Raibhya Rishi" as a result of his tapasya "austerities"
Tourist attractions in Rishikesh
Bharat Mandir :
Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple of Rishikesh, which lies in the centre of the old town on the Bank of the Ganges. Details of the temple are described in ancient records of "Kedarkhand". The inner sanctum of the temple has as idol of lord Vishnu, which is carved out of a single "Mailgram".
Rishikund :
Rishikund lies close to Trivenighat, and is the most ancient place of Rishikesh. Legends relate it to Kubz Saint, who was blessed by Goddess Yamuna by saturating the pond through its water. The pond reflects the temple of Ragunath, which is dedicated to lord Sri Rama and his soulmate Sita.
Triveni Ghat :
It is the main Ghat in the town area where pilgrims take a holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend the Ganga Aarti at the Ghat.
Geeta Bhawan :
It is one of the oldest temple complexes in the Rishikesh. The famous Indian epic Ramayana and Mahabharata are described on the walls of Geeta Bhawan.
Parmarth Niketan :
One of the most renowned temple complex and ashram in the area, which is known for great work on Hinduism. The ashram organizes "Ganga Aarti" and Hawan on the Parmarth Ghat every evening.