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Tour Travel India.
Uttaranchal is a part of the Western Himalayan ranges
starting from the Shivalik foothills to Greater Himalayas
with Tibet as its northeastern border. In the northwestern
corner of the state is Himachal Pradesh, while Haryana
celebrates its union with the newly formed state with
a gentle kiss. The state is surrounded by Uttar Pradesh
for most of its western and southern boundary.
About Uttranchal
The newly formed Indian state of Uttaranchal
is a haven for the tourism. Uttaranchal is a popular
tourist state of India for its natural beauty, varied
terrains, pilgrimage centers and the hill stations.
Tourists and devotees from India and abroad travel to
the sacred places in Uttaranchal like Haridwar, Rishikesh,
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. For the
sun-scorched souls of the plains the tours to the hill
resorts that dot Uttaranchal like Dehradun, Mussoorie,
Almora, Nainital, Ranikhet et al are rejuvenating. Uttaranchal
is indeed paradise for tourists of varied interests.
Uttaranchal's National Parks beckons animal lovers,
adventure seekers and tourists from all over India.
Tourists love the man-eaters in the Jim Corbett National
Park and pachyderms in the Rajaji National Park. Tours
to the alpine forests in the Indian state of Uttarachal
including the Valley of Flowers National Park (known
for its amazing variety of flowers), Nanda Devi National
Park, Govind National Park, Gangotri national park etc
makes travel to India terrific. Travel to Uttaranchal
offers tough challenges of high- and low-altitude trekking,
river rafting, para gliding, hang-gliding, mountaineering
and skiing to the tourists. Travel to the Indian state
with breathtaking natural splendor, grand wild denizens,
and simple people- Uttaranchal.
During your vacations in Himachal Pradesh, do visit
the valley of the Gods in Kullu. Kullu is renowned for
its temples, apple orchards, annual Dussehra festival
and the handicrafts. The other hill station in the Kullu
valley that will be a perfect retreat during your vacation
in Himachal Pradesh is Manali. Then there is the charming
and captivating destination of Chamba. Shimla, the capital
city of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most preferred
tourist destinations in India. The dashing vacation
destination of Dalhousie attracts several tourists through
out the year.
Garhwal
Garhwal resembles other parts of the Himalayas
where various ethnic groups live side by side. Following
chiefly the agrarian-pastoral way of life, native Garhwalis
make their living from the hilly land the best they
can. Some, like the Bhotia traders, migrate far and
wide, although the ancient trade routes with Tibet have
been closed since 1950. Most of the indigenous people
like Jaunsari, Bhotia, Buksha, Tharu, and Raji are heterodox
Hindus and Buddhists, while Sikh migrants from West
Punjab have settled in the lowlands since 1947. A few
Muslim groups are also native to the area, although
most of them have settled recently. The Muslim Gujjar
herders also migrate to the hills.
Kumaon
The inhabitants of the Kumaon hills are commonly known
as the Kumaonese. They belong to a predominantly patriarchal
society, which recognizes the superiority of men over
women. The social structure is based on the extended
family system, the eldest male member being the head
of the family. Women are respected in society but they
usually confine themselves to household activities.
No religious ceremony is considered complete without
the wife joining the husband. Women also work in the
fields and forests alongside the men. In Kumaon, bigamy
or polygamy has religious sanctions but polyandry is
prohibited. Widow marriage and re-marriage by divorced
women is permitted except in certain sections of high-caste
Brahmins and Rajputs. Child marriage is still practiced
in all classes of society despite legal restrictions
on it. It has all but disappeared from the educated
society.
Arts & Crafts
The peace and tranquility of Uttaranchal laid the foundation
for a treasure house of paintings and art. Out of the
two major art forms, the art of stone carving and woodcarving
are fairly well known. The art of stone carving gradually
died down, but woodcarving continued. Woodcarving could
be seen on almost every door of a Garhwali house until
only half a century ago. Woodcarving can still be seen
in hundreds of temple all over Garhwal. The remains
of architectural work have been found at the Chandpur
Fort, temple of Srinagar, Pandukeshwar (near Badrinath),
Devi Madin (near Joshimath), and Devalgarh Temple.
Fairs & Festivals
The major fairs and festivals of the Garhwal
region are Hatkalika Fair, Tapkeshwar Fair, Surkhanda
Devi Mela, Kunjapuri Fair, Lakhawar Village Fair, and
Mata Murti Ka Mela.The major fairs and festivals of
Kumaon region are Uttarayani Mela, Shravan Mela (Jageshwar),
Kartik Poornima at Dwarahat, Kasar Devi fair, and Nanda
Devi melas.
ALMORA
The picturesque district of Almora is a fine
blend of mountain beauty; ancient cultural influences,
sanctified spots, thickly wooded forests, scenic valleys,
quaint cottages, crystal lakes and gushing rivers
Almora, the capital of Kumaon,is a birth land of several
noted freedom fighters, and intellectuals, technocrats,
bureaucrats etc. has also been the prime administration
centre for the Chand kings, Gorkha invaders and the
British colonialists.The town is an amalgamation of
social and cultural influences from Kumaon. The district
is adorned with garden orchards and numerous places
of sanctity and provides a spectacular view of the Himalays.
Quaint hill resorts such as Chaukori, Ranikhet, Sitlakhet,
Binsar, Kausani and Bageshwar are all around Almora
and attract nature lovers and holiday makers alike for
respite from the hot summer's spell.
Places of Interest
Deer Park - Kasar Devi - Mohan Joshi Park - Chitai Temple
– Simtola - Brightend Corner Kamlimath Museum
Excursions
Doonagiri Temple - Jageshwar Temple - Ranikhet
BINSAR
Located at a distance of 26 kms from Almora,
Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chand Rajas (7th
to 8th centuries) is one of the most scenic spots in
the Kumaon Himalayas and a well acclaimed hill resort.
Binsar Hills known as Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height
of 2412 mts. And offer an excellent view of Almora town,
Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayas. The surroundings
abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species
of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the
majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 kms, stretch
on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba,
Trishul, Nanda Devi, nanda Kot and Panchchuli.
The forests of Himalayan oak and rhododendron are excellent
for trekking and communing with nature
Excursions
Almora, Gananath, Katarmal, Jageshwar.
CHARDHAM
The holy Himalayas up in the misty heights
of the majestic garhwal Himalayas that adorns the magnificent
state of Uttranchal, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual
experience for the devout.
Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages
of India – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Shri Kedarnathji
& Shri Badrinathji, collectively referred to as
the CHAR DHAM (or Four pilgrimage centres) of Hinduism.
For Centuries, saints & pilgrims, in their search
for the divine, have walked these mystical vales known
in ancient hindu scriptures as ‘Kedarkhand’.
Yamunotri: Prime Pilgrimage
Attractions - Yamunotri Temple - Surya Kund
Divya Shila - Hanumanchatti
Gangotri: Submerged Shivling
- Gangotri Temple
Excursion: Nandanvan Tapovan, Uttarkashi, Kedar Tal,
Gaumukh
Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple,
Shankaracharya Samadhi,
Excursions: Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund,
Guptkashi
Badrinath: Badrinath Temple-
Tapt Kund - Brahma Kapal – Neelkanth - Mana Village,
Hanuman Shila - Ganesh Gufa
Excursions: Hemkund Sahib
– Joshimath - Auli
Corbett National Park
India's first and finest park spread over 520
sq. Kms. along the banks of the Ramganga river,in the
foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park.
It was named as Corbett National Park in honour and
memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter,
naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped
in setting up the park.
The lake inside, with its scenic charm, has added to
the beauty of the park. Many species of water birds,
both migrant and non-migrant, frequent its water. Crocodiles
and long snouted fish-eating gharial have found new
homes here and their numbers have increased. For anglers
too, the lake is a paradise.
Over 50 mammal, 580bird and 25 reptile species have
been listed in the Corbett. Corbett is a known heaven
for tigers. Other animals which add to its attraction
are : Leopard, leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat,
Himalayan black bear, dhole, yellow-throated morten,
elephant, porcupine, chital, barking deer etc. Some
of the birds commonly seen here are crested serpent
eagle, blackwinged kite, Pallas's fishing eagle, spotted
eagle, babblers etc. The Indian python, viper, cobra,
krait and king cobra, the largest of the poisonous snakes,
also inhabit Corbett The main entry point to the park
is Dhangarhi, Main Tourist Centre & Dhikala.
Places of Interest
Jeep Safari - Elephant safari – Fishing - Nature
trails.
Haridwar
Haridwar stands as the gateway to the four
pilgrimages of Uttranchal. Geographically and geological,
Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e.,
Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttranchal Pradesh,
is a doorway. Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath performed
penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who
had perished due to the curse of sage Kapila. The penance
was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth form
Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the
sixty thousand sons of king Sagara. In the traditional
of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters
here, praying for salvation of their departed elder.
It is doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna,
3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the
central Himalayas. The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga
after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving
ritual.
Places of Interest:
Har ki Pauri - Mansadevi temple - Chamunda devi temple
- Pawan Dham - Bharat Mata Mandir
Vaishno Mata Mandir.
KAUSANI
Kausani is a dream. The vantage point for a
breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi mountainrange,amidst
dense pine forests. You can feel the proximity of the
snowy Himalayan peaks here and immerse yourself into
the scenic grandeur.
From an impressive height of 1,890 mtrs., the Himalaya
is unbound here. Look below and you'll see the Gomti
river rushing into the Katyuni valley.
Place of Interest:
Pinnath – Burapinnath – Bhatkot.
Excursions:
Chaukori - Anashakti Ashram - Kumaon Shawl Emporium
– Bageshwar – Baijnath -LaKhudiyar
Mussourie
Mussourie is located in the Garhwal hills.
Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussourie is known
as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young
from the British army was influenced by the beauty of
this place and made this place his residence. This marked
the foundation of a hill station called Mussourie. The
name, Mussourie, is derived from plants of 'Mussourie'
which were found in abundance here. After its discovery,
this hill station gradually developed as a center of
education, business, tourism and beauty.
Place of Interest:
Kempty Falls – Dehradun - Mussourie Trekking -
Gun Hill Trekking - Kempty Trekking.
Excursions
Dehradun – Dhanaulti - Sahastra Dhara Falls –
Lal Tibba.
Nainital
Kumaon is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan
necklace, blessed with scenic natural splendour and
varied natural resources. Within panoramic Kumaon lies
the district of Nainital. Perched at a height of 1938
metres in the Central Himalayas of the Kumaon region
lies picturesque Nainital. Its snow-capped peaks, verdant
valleys, rolling meadows and crystal lakes have beckoned
lovers of nature since ages. Nature has been generous
in endowing Nainital with natural beauty that transcends
the ordinary and an abundance of flora and fauna. Nainital's
unending expanse of scenic beauty is nothing short of
a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother Nature.
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
the Goddess Naini.
A throng of tourists flock to Nainital throughout the
year to explore its historical sites, wildlife reserve,
fruits orchards, sanctified spots and the panoramic
environs very few hill stations of India can equal.
Places of Interest:
Bhimtal – Sattal – Naukuchiyatal - Naini
lake - Naina devi temple - Ropeway ride.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet reflects the very best of the heavenly
Himalayas ; their lush green forests, majestic mountain
peaks, exotic plant life and attractive wild life. To
see nature and its elements in full harmony, the right
place to be is Ranikhet. According to a popular belief,
this spot had won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of
Raja Sudhardev. She chose this scenic place to be her
abode and since then, it has come to be known as Ranikhet,
literally " Queen's Field". At an altitude
of 1829mtres, above sea level, this hill resort is undoubtedly
a tourists' paradise. The invigorating mountain breeze,
the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas
- the sights, sounds and smells leave the onlooker spellbound.
During the rains, flowers sprout up every where in rainbow
colours, branches of tress stoop with ripened fruits
and sunlight peeping through the mist and clouds, endow
an enchanting effect all across Ranikhet. As winter
comes, the softly falling snowflakes cover the environs
in sheets of pure whiteness. The charm of every season
is irresistible in its own right. And this is what makes
Ranikhet an all season destination.
Places of Interest
Upat and Kalika – Chaubatia – Dwarhat -
Hedakhan Temple – Shitalakhet - Binsar Mahadev
Doonagiri – Majhkhali - Khairna-Manila.
RISHIKESH
Rishikesh represents the Gateway to the Himalayas
in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh. It abounds
in natural splendour. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing
through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight.
Several temples do the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is located at a height of about 1360 feet
above sea level. It is believed that several yogis and
sadhus lived and practiced penance here. Rishikesh represents
the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.
Places of Interest:
Bharat Mandir – Rishikund - Triveni Ghat - Ram
Jhula - Geeta Bhawan - Parmarth Niketan Laxmanjhula.
Excursions
Kunjapuri Temple – Vasishtha Goofa.
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