difocus l uttarakhand
The compelling natural landscapes, teeming wildlife, popular religious shrines, and adventure zones make it a thrilling vacation hotspot
T
he leisurely sprawl of Uttarakhand, formerly called Uttaranchal, lies cheek by jowl with the international borderlands of Tibet and Nepal to the east, in the Himalayan foothills. Uttar Pradesh, the state from which it was carved in 2000, lies
to the south, while Haryana borders its western extension, and Himachal
Pradesh the northwest. The state comprises two distinct regions, Garhwal and Kumaon dominated by the stunning snowpeaks of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya. Chief amongst these are the Nanda Devi and her retinue of peaks. Nanda Devi is the tutelary deity of the hillfolk whose omnipresent benevolence shines down upon them from her glacial home. One would be forgiven for oversimplifying Uttarakhand’s significance as the ‘abode of gods’ but there’s little denying its importance as one of Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage hubs set LIFE BY THE LAKE: A sooth-
ing sight of the Naini lake and the bustling hill station of Nainital nestled around it
amidst the stunning snow-ermined peaks and verdant valleys of the Kumaon and Garhwal Himalaya. These have been the centuries-old mythical setting for the earthly home of a galaxy of deities from the Hindu pantheon. Leaving their snowy beds in the Himalaya to bring their silted bounty to the northern plain, are some of India’ holiest rivers — the
Ganga, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and the Yamuna. Nature’s hand has been bounteous in creating some of India’s most enticing holiday offerings. While pilgrimage tourism may have played pivotal role in opening up time-honoured routes to the glacial playground of the gods, Uttarakhand’s compelling natural landscape makes it one of the country’s most-visited vacation hot spots for all age groups with a kaleidoscopic choice of holiday experiences — given its delightful of range of hill stations, exquisite wildlife retreats and a host of opportunities for adventure sports — mountaineering, river rafting, trekking, skiing and snowboarding and camping in bugyals, by lakesides and riversides or even forested ridges overlooking the Himalaya. To temper these adrenalin-pumping activities, there are tranquil sojourns in any one of the numerous yoga and meditation ashrams and health and wellness
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retreats scattered along the banks of the Ganga and the Yamuna.
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The salubrious climate
and lure of good hunting in Mussoorie’s rich forests lured a cavalcade of Europeans to populate this picturesque retreat
JITENDRA SINGH
HILL STATIONS
IN THE HIMALAYAS’ LAP
Sanctuary and the Bhadraj Forest. The Nag Tibba trek is for the adventurous. Mussoorie’s winter charm is growing amidst visitors and a good snowfall is always a sure winner.
The hill stations of Uttarakhand offer awe-inspiring mountainscapes, and are ideal summer getaways for cityfolk
A PIECE OF HEAVEN: (Facing page) A charming view of the popular hill station of Mussoorie; the lush tea gardens and terraced fields beyond in Kausani
India’s royals and aristocrats, followed suit with their summer
Nearby pine-filled Dhanaulti is good for a detour. The old hill
palaces. Despite the hoopla and noise of the 21st century you
resort of Chamba, seeing a revival slowly with holidaymakers, is
Almora (65 km from Nainital), once also the capital of Kumaon.
will still find enclaves of quietude and Raj nostalgia to soak in.
set amidst the verdant reaches of the Mussoorie range, two
No wonder Gandhiji spent some of his most tranquil moments at
Mussoorie is beloved still for its quiet walks amidst the whispering pines, picnics by gushing waterfalls like Kempti,
hours from town. Panoramic vistas of the snowpeaks, pristine
the Anashakti Ashram he set up at Kausani. The Sarla Ashram
wooded hills and walking trails are the magnet here.
set up by his devotee Sarlaben sells items made by orphaned
MUSSOORIE: The finest revelations of Mussoorie’s latent
Jharipani and Mossy Falls, and treks for the snow views to Lal
charms have been rendered by author Ruskin Bond, a longtime
Tibba on the Landour Ridge, the tranquil cantonment area with
98 km from Dehradun, Chakrata provides a fascinating land-
from the Kausani Tea Estate and check out poet Sumitranandan
resident of this picturesque hill station sequestered in the ver-
its red-roofed flowering-gardened cottages. The ridge also takes
scape for trekkers and nature lovers, and forests of conifers,
Pant’s Gallery.
dant Garhwal Himalayas. The gateway town to the Garhwal Hills
in the views of the pretty Doon valley spread below.The sable of
rhododendrons and oaks are best suited for long walks.
Around 15 km away lies picturesque Kanatal. Situated about
and poor girls schooling here. Pick up the famous Girias tea
Kausani makes a good base for visits to the Jageshwar
and capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, offers easy access by air,
the night twinkles with a zillion stars, the valley’s scatter of tin-
Getting there: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant and the
Temple and the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Heading back to
rail and road to one of India’s perennial summertime retreats
sel lights is a fairytale wonder below.
nearest railhead is Dehradun.
Almora stop by at the 9th-12th century Baijnath temple complex,
from the burning plains. The salubrious climes and lure of good
People watching is a favoured pastime at along the mall
Acommodation Assistance: Tourist office, GMVN, Hotel Garhwal
and then, 20 km further, Bageshwar, famed for its temple and
hunting in the rich forestlands lured a cavalcade of Europeans
between Kulri Bazaar and the Library Bazaar with restaurants,
Terrace, The Mall, Mussoorie. Tel: 0135 2632682,
Makar Sankranti Mela.
to populate this picturesque retreat. Convalescing battle veter-
pony rides, cable car rides and skating on offer, while boating
www.gmvnl.com
ans and memsahibs with their entourages, even eloping couples
beckons at the Company Bagh. Gun Hill serves views of
Getting there: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar and the nearest railhead is at Kathgodam.
followed. Away from the eyes of the big honchos of British India
Banderpoonch and Nag Tibba peaks. Backpack in the hills filled
KAUSANI: The 360-degree views of the snowpeaks of the
Acommodation Assistance: Tourist offices KMVN, Central
and their exploits in the summer capital of Shimla they carved
with a wide range of avifauna amongst the pine, oak and rhodo-
Nanda Devi range are the most spectacular from placid Kausani
Reservation Office, c/o Parvat Tours, Tallital, Nainital. Tel: 05942
out a social whirl spiked by scandal and mythical exploits.
dendrons. Savour day hikes to Pari Tibba, Benog Wildlife
in Bageshwar district, accessed from the gateway town of
231436, fax: 236374
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JITENDRA SINGH
Sattal is a
favourite destination for adventure seekers, and those looking for boating, hiking, rappelling and rock climbing
HILL STATIONS
AULI: The summer resort of Auli, 16 km from Joshimath in the
recommended. Treks around Pauri, 80 km away, are popular with
Garhwal hills, comes into its own in the dead of winter. The pristine
adventurists. Khirsu, 19 km from Pauri township, is one of the most
snowfields are a magnet for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts
unexplored destinations of Garhwal, and offers the widest view of
from home and abroad. In February-March, it hosts the much-
the Himalaya peaks.
awaited Winter Games.
Getting there: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant and the railway
Getting there: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant and the nearest
station is at Kotdwar. Taxis and bus connections are available.
A SIGHT TOO MANY: (Clockwise from facing page) A cable car ride offers awe-inspiring views of the snow-covered mountains in Auli; the beautiful slopes of New Tehri; a calming sight of the Raj Bhavan in Nainital; the lush Golf Course in Ranikhet
time out for lovely, pristine Mukteshwar, (50 km from Nainital), with its fabulous snow views and quiet walks. Getting there: The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar and the railhead is Kathgodam. Acommodation Assistance: Tourist offices, KMVN, Central
trips to the Zoo and the unique Eco Cave Gardens with its musical
Reservation Office, c/o Parvat Tours, Tallital, Nainital. Tel: 05942 231436, fax: 236374
railhead is the Haridwar Junction.
Acommodation: Tourist Rest House, Landsdown,
fountain. Treks to China Peak and other places in the inner folds of
Acommodation Assistance: Tourist Office, GMVN, Joshimath,
Tel: 0138 6262509
the hills are for the more intrepid visitors.
NAINITAL & KUMAON’S ‘LAKE DISTRICT’:
on Ayarpatta Hill. A game of golf can be enjoyed at The Governors
for its pristine enviorns, gorgeous snow views of the fabulous
Tel: 01389 222226
Yoga and meditation classes are on offer at Aurobindo Ashram
RANIKHET: A pretty cantonment town, Ranikhet is best loved
LANSDOWNE: India’s famous battalion of the Indian Army,
Uttarakhand’s Lake District in the Kumaon Himalaya revels in its
House, but Gurney House the old residence of hunter-turned con-
Nanda Devi Range and beautiful walks in and around the town. The
the Garhwal Rifles is based in the picturesque environs of serene
delicious holiday offerings for all age groups around its beautiful
servator Jim Corbett is now privately-owned. Kilbury is popular for
town, just 50 km away from Nainital, is the headquarters of the
Lansdowne, set amidst the folds of the Garhwal Himalayas, cheek
mountain lakes. Sprawled around the famous Naini Lake cocooned
drives offers stunning views of the snowline. The forest around
prestigious Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. Golf, trekking,
by jowl with pretty Pauri. Soaked in Raj memorabilia to be found
between the Ayarpatta Ridge and Sher Ka Danda is imbued with
Pangot, 15 km away, is a popular site for birding and camping.
leisurely picnics and visits to Chaubatia with its orchards and ver-
amongst its cemeteries, St Mary’s and St John’s churches and
the legend of Goddess Parvati, whose dismembered eye is said to
army mess, it’s a far cry from its more colourful colonial cousins
have fallen at hallowed spot. The Naina Devi Temple is one of
filled with darting carp. It’s a huge favourite for adventure camps
Mussoorie, Shimla and Nainital. Lansdowne offers walking trails,
India’s 64 Shaktipeeths.
with boating, swimming, hiking, rappelling, rock climbing, bonfire
Getting there: The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar and the rail-
sing-songs, and community visits on the cards.
head is Kathgodam.
picnics and snow views at Tiffin Top, birdwatching and somnolent
Nainital continues its run as a highly-favoured summer retreat.
Sattal, a short haul away, offers seven inter-locked waterbodies
dant Sithlakhet are must-do’s. Angling can be enjoyed at Khairna. The Jim Corbett National Park is a short distance away.
Acommodation Assistance: Tourist Office, KMVN
evenings by a fireside. The museum and views from the ivy-cov-
Boating on the lake, snacking and shopping on the Flats and the
ered Garhwal Rifles officers mess is worth a dekko.
Mall, and trekking to several of the town’s vantage points for views
waterbodies, angling, birdwatching and boating are alluring pas-
Central Reservation Office, c/o Parvat Tours, Tallital, Nainital.
of the hilltown and distant snowpeaks are must-do’s. Kids will love
times, along with nice homestays by the lakes on offer. Do take
Tel: 05942 231436
A temple tour of nearby Tarakeshwar Mahadev, a Siddhipeeth, is
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Head out for lovely Nauckuchiatal by way of Bhimtal. Placid
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The Corbett
National Park celebrates the efforts of Jim Corbett to establish a protected area for endangered creatures
RAJEEV SACHDEVA
WILDLIFE & NATURE
BIO-DIVERSITY RULES
NATURE REIGNS: (Left to right from facing page) The lush and blossoming Valley of Flowers; tiger cubs in the Corbett National Park; Zero Point in Binsar
Accommodation: Contact the Wildlife Warden, Binsar WLS, Range Office, Ayarpani. Tel: 05962 251179
GOBIND NATIONAL PARK: Spread over 953 sq km,
Of the state’s total geographic area, 64 per cent is covered by forest, and the Greater Himalayan ranges harbour a large variety of animals, plants and rare herbs
turned-wildlife conservator Jim Corbett to establish a protected
VALLEY OF FLOWERS NATIONAL PARK:
the area was designated a wildlife sanctuary to protect rare
area for highly endangered creatures. It is the first game park to
Come monsoon, the high-altitude Bhyunder Valley made famous
species. Apart from the 15 species of mammals, over 150 avifau-
be declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973, under the worldwide Project
as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ by Raj-era author Frank Symthe is
nal species have been recorded in its confines. Best time: May-
Tiger. Spread over 1,318 sq km, the park comprises the Corbett
ablaze with over 600 species of wild flowers in an area of less
June and September to November.
National Park, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest of
than 2,500 hectares. Best time: May to October.
Getting there: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport.
Nainital and Pauri Garhwal-Patlidun area in the Himalayan
Getting there: Jolly Grant is the nearest airport, Dehradun and
Dehradun is the nearest railhead. By road, you can reach here via
NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK: One of India’s
foothills. Best time to visit: November 15 to June 15.
Haridwar are the nearest railheads. Take the road from
Mussoorie-Purola-Saur or via Rishikesh-Uttarkashi.
most important biosphere reserves, the Nanda Devi National
Getting there: The nearest railhead is at Ramnagar
Joshimath to Govindghat, then trek to Ghangaria (13 km). From
Accommodation: Contact the Dy Director, Gobind Pashu Vihar
Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1988) was declared the
Accommodation: Corbett Reception Centre at Ramnagar.
here, it’s a four-kilometre trek to the valley.
National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, Purola, Uttarkashi. Tel: 01375
Nanda Devi National Biosphere Reserve in 1986. In the year
Tel: 05947 251489
Accommodation: Contact the Deputy Conservator of Forests,
223433, mob: 9450311293.
2000, the Biosphere Reserve was extended to 586,069 ha which
Nanda Devi National Park.
The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (600 sq km) in Pithoragarh dis-
included both National Park core zone and the Valley of Flowers
RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK: It spreads over 820 sq km
core zone. Best time: Summer.
and is bounded by the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri
BINSAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Declared an
district have been set up to save the endangered Himalayan Musk
Getting there: Haridwar is the nearest railhead. From Joshimath,
Garhwal. The park comprises three sanctuaries — Rajaji, Motichur
‘Important Bird Area’ by BirdLife International, a global alliance
deer. The Gangotri Wildlife Sanctuary provides a vital link in the
go up to Lata (25 km), and then a 51-km trek to the park.
and Chilla. In 1983, this collective whole was named the Rajaji
of conservation organisations working for the world’s birds and
green corridor that extends between the Gobind National Park and
Accommodation: Contact the Deputy Conservator of Forests,
National Park, and now houses around 23 mammals and 324
their habitats, the sanctuary is home to more than 200 bird
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Mussoorie’s Binog Wildlife Sanctuary
Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Dist. Chamoli.
species of birds. Best time: November 15 to June 15.
species, including Forktail, Blackbirds, Laughing Thrush, Kalij
was established for the conservation of the area’s dwindling avifau-
Tel: 01389 222179
Getting there: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, and the nearest
Pheasant, Nuthatches, Parakeets and Monal. The forests are also
nal species. The Asan Conservation Reserve at the confluence of
trict, and the Kedarnath Musk Deer Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamoli
railheads are Dehradun and Haridwar.
home to leopards, deer and bears. Best time: All-year-round.
rivers Yamuna and Asan near Dhalipur village in the Doon valley.
JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK: One of the
Accommodation: Contact the Director, Rajaji National Park, 5/1
Getting there: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam. By road,
The Jhilmil Tal Conservation Reserve in Haridwar Forest Division is
world’s finest game parks, it celebrates the efforts of hunter-
Ansari Marg, Dehradun. Tel: 0135 2621669
Binsar is about 35 km from Almora.
the habitat for the endangered swamp deer.
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ADVENTURE TOURISM
GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH The rugged terrain, impenetrable forests, challenging rivers and snowcovered mountains offer endless opportunities for adventure sports
ty and the danger associated with a rapid. GMVNL also offers instructions by professionals.
TREKKING: The Garhwal and Kumaon regions offers trekkers a stunning array of trails for all levels of fitness. The hill stations are famed for their hiking trails. In the Garhwal hills, the Mussoorie’s Pari Tibba hike is as beloved as the three popular treks — Mussoorie-Nag
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING: Auli, one of India’s
Tibba, Mussoorie-Bhadraj and Mussoorie-Dhanaulti. Har ki Dun is
top skiing resorts, attracts visitors from home and abroad. The
another moderate trek with Mussoorie as a base. Kalsi by the
venue of the Winter Games, the resort is one of the most inexpen-
Yamuna is a good trek out of Dehradun in the Doon valley.
sive places in the world to learn this exhilarating sport from professionals. This picturesque alpine meadow (bugyal) located at a height
Rishikesh and Haridwar are good hubs where one can combine treks and rafting at the rafting camps scattered along the Ganga,
of 2,915-3,049 m in Chamoli district, and in plain sight of the Nanda
Alaknanada and Bhagarthi rivers. Garhwal’s famous trekking routes
Devi range, is marked by state-of-the-art amenities to attract profes-
include the lovely Valley of Flowers trail, the Gangotri-Tapovan route,
sional skiers and budding novices alike. It has Asia’s longest cable
Roop Kund trek, Dodital-Bamsaru Khal Pass trek, Kuari Pass trek,
car, about four kilometres long, four pristine ski slopes, a chair lift
Gangotri-Kedartal trek, Gangotri-Yamunotri trek, and many more. In the Kumaon hills, you can head out on the stiff trek trails from
Apart from skiing, there is an interesting trek route also. The Indo-
Munsiyari to the Milam Glacier, Nimak Glacier and Nanda Devi
Tibetan Border Police has been trained on these slopes. Garhwal
National Park trail, Pindari glacier trek is accessed from Almora, and
Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL), involved closely in the inter-
the Adi Kailash Trek — out of Kausani.
national maintenance of the ski slopes, offers seven-day and 14-day
Some of the other popular adventure experiences in Uttarakhand
training packages that include stay, meals, equipment and trainers.
are mountaineering (Banderpunch, Bhagirathi, Bhanoti, Changabang,
Best time: January to March.
Chaukhamba, Gangotri, Kamet, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, Meru,
Getting there: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant and the railway
Nanda Devi East, Nanda Ghunti, Nanda Kot, Satopanth, and many
station is at Haridwar. Take a cable car from Joshimath to Auli.
more), jungle safaris in the major wildlife parks and reserve forests,
Accommodation Assistance: Log on to www.gmvnl.com for details.
and bird watching (at Rajaji National Park, Corbett National Park,
RAFTING: The gorgeous rivers Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Ganga,
Dehradun in particular), apart from the forested glades of the hill
AMITABHA GUPTA
and a ski lift. Gorson Top nearby makes a nice change for skiing.
Binsar WLS and the wetland reserve of the Asan barrage near Yamuna, Kali Ganga (Sharda), Alaknanda, Tons and Mahakali,
stations. Angling for mahseer at Corbett and Pancheshwar attracts
descending from icy beds of the Himalaya in both Garhwal and
visitors from abroad regularly. Cycling around the beautiful environs
Kumaon districts, offer a diverting range of adventure experiences
of both Garhwal and Kumaon is fast gaining popularity. The Aranyam
to both rafting professionals and novices. Oftimes, the rafting camps
River Retreat, Mohanchatti, on the banks of River Hyule, a tributary
set along the riverside at Mori (Tons), Rishikesh on the banks of
of the Ganga, is one of the biggest adventure campsites in the coun-
river Ganga, Shivpuri 30 km away, Marine Drive, a short distance
try offering a wide spectrum of adventure experiences from balloon-
uphill from Rishikesh, and Kaudiyala (36 km upstream from
ing, cliff-jumping, river rafting to wildlife safaris.
Rishikesh), offer a range of other activities that intersperse trips on
Contact: GMVNL, 74/1, Rajpur Road, Dehradun. Tel: 0135 2740896,
the river. These include treks, birdwatching, community visits, rock
2746817. www.gmvnl.com.
climbing, rappelling, kayaking, body surfing, angling, etc. Shivpuri
KMVN Central Reservation Office, c/o Parvat Tours, Tallital, Nainital.
and Kaudiyala near Rishikesh are the major hubs for rafter camp-
Tel: 05942 231436. www.kmvn.org or www.gmvnl.com
Angling for
six categories of rapids laid out by the international grading for white water, from Class I (the easiest and safest) to Class VI (the most difficult and dangerous) — reflecting both the technical difficul-
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THRILLING TIMES: (Clockwise from top, facing page) Trekkers
halt in Kafni valley on the way to the Pindari glacier; an angler catches a mahseer in Corbett’s Ramganga river; rafters in the Ganga
STEPHEN CUNLIFFE
sites by the Ganga, and rafting experiences cover anything from the
mahseer at Corbett and Pancheshwar regularly. attracts visitors from abroad. Cycling in the environs of Garhwal and Kumaon is also fast gaining popularity
Legend has it
that the Purnagiri temple is the spot where the navel of the dismembered Goddess Sati fell
JITENDRA SINGH
RELIGIOUS SPOTS
WHERE THE GODS SMILE
HEMKUND SAHIB & GURUDWARA SRI NANAK MATTA SAHIB: The remote Himalayan Sikh pilgrimage hub of Hemkund lies close to the gorgeous Valley of
THE PRAYER ROOMS: (Clockwise from facing page) Kedarnath is one of the Char Dhams; the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra is undertaken in honour of Nanda Devi; the Baijnath temple; the Nanak Matta Sahib
Flowers. The six-hour trek from Ghangaria follows a dangerous trail. Legend has it the tenth Sikh guru Govind Singh meditated
has it that this is the spot where the naval of the dismembered
cavalcade of temples and ashrams here are silent witness to the
here in one of his earlier births. It was discovered by a Sikh
goddess fell. The Purnagiri Mela (March 15-April 15) during the
power of prayer, meditation and Yoga. Centuries-deep rituals are
Havaldar, Solan Singh, and has been a pilgrimage hub since 1930.
Chaitra Navratras is one of Kumaon’s biggest fairs.
also performed by the Ganga — the most riveting of which
The Lakshman Temple can be found by the lake here. Gurdwara Sri
remains the evening aarti at Har ki Paudi in Haridwar. Popular
Nanak Matta Sahib (along the Khatima-Panipat National Highway
ADI KAILASH YATRA: For those who can’t go the full
hubs here are the Patanjali Yogpeeth Ashram and the Divya Yog
between Khatima and Sitarganj in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh dis-
course of the hazardous route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,
CHAR DHAM: Nestled in the remote outposts of the snowy
Mandir Trust associated with Swami Ramdev. In Rishikesh, the
trict) goes back to 1514, and is richly associated with Guru Nanak.
there is another equally revered option — the Adi Kailash Yatra.
reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas lie the Yamunotri, Gangotri,
Yoga capital of the world, the ritualistic Ganga snana at Triveni
It was also visited by Guru Hargobind Singh. The Nanak Sagar
Mt Adi Kailash or Chhota Kailash lies on the Indian side the Indo-
Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines. By tradition, the yatra begins
Ghat is very moving. Primary sites include Geeta Bhawan shrine
Dam reservoir, 22 km away, is a popular picnic and boating site.
Tibet border, and can be approached from the traditional
from Yamunotri in the west heading eastward via Gangotri and
and Parmarth Niketan Temple.
Kedarnath and terminating at Badrinath. The Yamunotri shrine is
Best time: All year round. Contact GMVNL, Yatra office, Muni-ki-Reti,
located by the holy Yamuna river emanating from the Yamunotri
Uttarakhand, known as Devbhumi, is the abode of the Char Dhams, the Hemkund Sahib, the holy town of Haridwar, and many other important pilgrimages
Mansarovar route up to Gunji. From here, you turn towards Jollingkong, from where Adi Kailash and Parvati Sarovar are a
Rishikesh. Tel: 0135 2431793, yatra@gmvnl.com
JAGESHWAR, BAGESHWAR, BAIJNATH, CHITAI, PURNAGIRI TEMPLES: Set in the folds of the Kumaon foothills lie one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — the
Contact: www.kmyatra.org/adi-kailash.html
Hindu rites of shradh and pind daan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the
NANDA RAJ JAT YATRA: The hillfolk of Kumaon and
Jageshwar Temple complex is home to 164 shrines. The
Kedarnath shrine is propitiated by the holy waters of the Yamuna
Garhwal participate joyously in the famous but hazardous Nanda Raj
Bageshwar Temple complex at the confluence of the Gomti and
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
and Ganga by pilgrims. The 8th century Badrinath shrine was
Jat Yatra held every 12 years (last held in 2000) to propitiate their
Saryu rivers at Bageshwar is 90 km from Almora. Makar Sankranti
Pt Deen Dayal Upadhaya Paryatan Bhawan, Near ONGC Helipad,
established by sage Adi Shankaracharya.
venerable deity the goddess Nanda Devi. The next yatra is sched-
is celebrated with deep devotion at this Shiva shrine. The cen-
Garhi Cantt, Dehradun 248001.
Best time: May to November
uled for 2013. The goddess is invited to visit Nauti village, her
turies-old Baijnath Temple complex is 20 km from Kausani hill sta-
Tel: 0135 2559898; Fax: 0135 2559988; dd-tourism-ua@nic.in.
parental home, from her husband’s earthly home in the Himalaya,
tion. The atmospheric Gollu Devta Temple, eight kilometres from
For online reservations, log on to www.kmvn.org or
HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH: The twin towns of
the Nanda Devi mountain. She leaves after a sojourn of six months.
Almora at Chitai, is quite unique. About 20 km from Tanakapur, the
www.gmvnl.com
Haridwar and Rishikesh lie by the banks of the holy Ganga. The
Contact: GMVNL Yatra Office Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh.
Purnagiri Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Sati/Parvati. Legend
glacier. The Gangotri shrine is a popular site for performing the
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short distance away.
All text contributed by Ranee Sahaney FEBRUARY 2012 - DISCOVER INDIA
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