TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT: Uttarakhand - Uttaranchal - Devbhoomi

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Uttarakhand - Uttaranchal - Devbhoomi

 

ATTRACTIONS OF UTTARAKHAND


Uttarakhand is an Indian state in the Himalayas. The state is popularly known as Devbhumi (land of Gods) due to the presence of numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites. As a result, religious tourism forms a major portion of the tourism in the state.

Uttarakhand is known for the composed Himalayas, holy rivers, spiritual centers, and spellbinding landscapes. Uttarakhand is also famous for adventure sports, and enrapturing a variety of flora and fauna, a charming history recorded in antiquated stones, and the most modest people.

Rightly called Devbhoomi, meaning, the land of the gods, Uttarakhand is where the spiritual aura is prominent. The state is home to a large number of Hindu temples that are situated in its remote corners. There are several holy rivers like the River Ganga which make it a sacred pilgrimage destination as well.

1. Auli

Auli is a hiking and ski destination and after the creation of the state of Uttarakhand, formerly part of Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. It is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the peaks of the Himalayas. The slopes are intended for both professional skiers and novices. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) a state government agency that takes care of this resort, and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department conduct winter sports competitions at Auli to encourage skiing in India. It has a 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) cable car, a chairlift, and a ski lift, along with a maintained trek route. There is a training facility of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small Hindu temple connected with the Hindu epic the Ramayana is also present.

Auli is a hiking and ski destination and after the creation of the state of Uttarakhand, formerly part of Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. It is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the peaks of the Himalayas.

The main difference is that Auli is more popular among people seeking winter/adventure sports. If you want quiet time off and sightseeing, Manali is the place to be. But if you want to take part in winter sports like skiing or water sports etc. Auli is probably among the best places in India.

2. Mussorie

Mussoorie, also known as Queen of the Hills, is among the most popular hill stations in the country. A Britisher, Captain Frederick Young, accompanied by an official named FJ Shore, had climbed up the hill from the Doon valley in 1827 and found this ridge offering great views and a salubrious climate. This visit laid the foundation for this grand hill station. 

A captivating paradise for leisure travelers and honeymooners, it is a perfect summer resort. Located on a 15-km-long horseshoe ridge with the grand Himalayas as a backdrop, Mussoorie spreads across at a height of 2,000 m above sea level. From this vantage point, it offers scenic views of Himalayas peaks in Western Garhwal.

Many famous personalities have made Mussoorie their home – most notable being authors Ruskin Bond and Bill Aitken. Filmstar Victor Banerjee resides in Mussoorie while deceased film star Tom Alter was born and brought up here. In the 1960s filmstar, Prem Nath had his house here while the son of Dev Anand studied in Woodstock school. Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are frequent visitors to this hill resort. 

The best time to visit Mussoorie is during summers, as it offers an excellent respite from the scorching summer heat. April-June: The months of April, May, and June witness the peak season owing to the pleasant climate while those looking forward to seeing snowfall should visit Mussoorie during winters.

3. Rishikesh

Rishikesh, the 'place of the sages' is a celebrated spiritual town located on the banks of the Ganga. It is believed that when Raibhya Rishi undertook rigorous penance, God appeared in the form of “Hrishikesh“ and henceforth this area came to be known as Rishikesh. During the 8th century Adi Shankaracharya, one of the most famous and revered sages from India, built several temples and ashrams in the region.

Rishikesh is a small serene town famous for meditation and yoga. It is Gateway to the Himalayas and being on the bank of the river Ganges it is an ideal destination for adventure activities like rafting, trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.

Lord Shiva is the main deity who is worshipped here in Rishikesh. You will notice several structures and idols of Shiva when exploring the city. Many temples have been denoted to Lord Shiva like Triambakeshwar Temple which can be seen from the famous Lakshman Jhula.

4. Nainital

Nainital is a popular hill station in India. It is the judicial capital of Uttarakhand, the High Court of the state being located there, and is the headquarters of the Kumaon division as well as an eponymous district. It also houses the Governor of Uttarakhand, who resides in the Raj Bhavan. Nainital was the summer capital of the United Provinces.

Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake, the amazing view, and the pleasant weather. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. You can find restaurants, offices, and hotels all located in the Mall.

Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of the "Lake District" of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Some of the important places in the district are Nainital, Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal. Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.

5. Chopta

Chopta is is a popular hill station and is famous for its picturesque snow-capped mountains and adventure activities such as skiing, trekking, bird watching and more! ... From here, you will require to trek 3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath from where its a 1.5 km trek further to reach the Chandrashila trek.

Chopta is famous for its monuments of historical and religious importance — from Chandrashila to the Tungnath Temple and more. It is also home to rare species of animals, plants, and birds and welcomes birders as well as trekkers and other adventure sports enthusiasts.

Chopta is a small region of meadows and an evergreen forest area that is a part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand. Chopta is also referred to as Mini Switzerland for its meadows and lush green pastures are located at an altitude of 2700 meters.

6. Harshil


Harsil is an unspoiled and hidden jewel of Uttarakhand state offering ample scope for people seeking peace and serenity in the lap of the Himalayas. It is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River at an elevation of 2620 mts above sea level.

Harsil is known for its apple products, which according to local lore, was introduced to the area by a British settler Fredric E Wilson. It is said Wilson fell in love with Harsil and a local girl and made this hamlet his home. He introduced apple cultivation to Harsil and changed its economy.

Harsil valley receives a constant amount of snowfall during winters. Between the months of December and February, the valley remains covered with a thick sheet of snow. During these months, the temperature in Harshil ranges from 0 to 10 Degree Celsius.




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