India Travel Guide

Places to Visit In India

Category : Uttaranchal

Narendra Nagar Fair & Festival

Kanjapuri Mela

This fair is held in mid October during the Navratri days. Over fifty thousand people gather to participate in the activities. The young display their strength and skills. Handicrafts and homemade articles are put up for sale.

Tehri Garhwal Fair & Festival

Surkhanda Devi Mela

This fair is held on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra at the Surkhanda Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.Situated 20km.from Mussoorie, the temple is an important pilgrimage centre & can be reached by a 2 km. trek from Kaddukhal via Dhanolti on the road to Chamba. The worship of the Goddess is the main attraction of the fair. In addition to folk music and dance, traditional handicrafts are also on display.

Roopkund

Roopkund is the venue for a pilgrimage known as ‘Nanda Raj Jaat’or ‘Jatra’. It is held every twelve years. This auspicious Yatra takes place when a four-horned sheep is born. This sheep leads the Yatra from Nauti village near Karna prayag and ends at Homkund beyond Roopkund, where the sheep disappears in wilderness. This is said to be the spot where Shiva married Nanda. Roopkund situated in the interior of the Chamoli district is a mysterious lake. However, it is one of the most popular treks in the Garhwal division as it abounds in spectacular mountain scenery.

Uttrayani Mela

This fair is held at a number of places including Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Sult Mahadev, Chitrashila (Ranibagh), Hanseshwar etc. on Uttarayani day. At Pancheshwar the dola of Chaumu comes down to the temple. Merchants from far off distances like Tibet and Nepal come to the fair for brisk trading. Among the things bought and sold are blankets, durries, cane and bamboo articles.

Nanda Devi Mela

A fair of great religious and cultural significance, it is held at Nanda Devi Temple in Septembar to commemorate the memory of Goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. It is said to have started in Kumano during the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand in the 16th century.

Nanda means prosperity and well-being. Nanda Devi Mela is held as a symbol of prosperity, both material and spiritual, of the hill regions.The Nanda Devi Melas are held at Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandidhara, Munsyari & Ranikhet, of which the Almora and Roopkund fairs are the most famous.

UJauljibi & Thal Fairs

Held every year on Makar Sankranti at Jauljibi, 68 km from Pithoragarh, the confluence of the rivers Kali & Gori. People come even from Nepal to this fair to sell horses, ghee foreign goods & take back foodgrains, jaggery etc. A similar fair is held at Thal on Vaishakh Sankranti (14 th April).

Syalde Bikhauti

Celebrated on the Vishuwat Sankranti day commemorating an ancient victory. The festival is held at Syalde Pokhar in the old town of Dwarahat. Enchanting music, songs & dance mark the occasion.

Devidhura Fair

Held on the day of Raksha Bandhan at the Varahi Devi temple. Devidhura is situated at the trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh & Nainital districts. A unique feature of the fair is the image of the goddess, kept in a locked brass casket. This casket is taken in a procession to a near by mountain spring where a blind folded priest ritually bathes the image and replaces it in the casket. The whole night the goddess is worshipped and the next morning the exciting “Bagwaal” fair is celebrated. Two groups of men duly purified, fight a “battle” in front of the temple flinging stones at each other. While thousands gather to watch.

The Somnath (Masi) Fair (Fish Festival)

This fair, also on Vishuwat Sankranti day is held in the Shiva temple at Masi, Almora. It is a famous fair of Pali Pachhaun. Brisk business takes place during the fair and animals, specially bullocks & calves are sold. The villagers bearing tumra come with jaal, fatyav and hathiya to the river to catch fish. The fish festival is locally known as Dahau.

Rishikesh Fair & Festival

Neelkanth Mahadev Mela:

Situated at a height of 1675 mts. on a hill above Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev is one of the most revered temples of Rishikesh. According to a legend, after the great ‘Sagar Manthan’ the churning of the sea by gods and demons, Lord Shiv drank all the effluent venom that turned up from the manthan. The poison turned his throat blue and hence the name Neelkanth (Blue throat). An important fair is held in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (July/Aught) when a visit to the temple is considered auspicious.

Ranikhet Fair & Festival

Doonagiri Mela

52 km away from Ranikhet, Doonagiri is a pilgrim spot noted for its ancient Durga temple. This temple attracts great number of pilgrims, during the fair days at Navratri.

Pithoragarh Fair & Festival

Punyagiri Mela:

Punyagiri Shakit Peeth (20 km from Tanakpur) situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali is the site for many fairs .The temple is very crowded during the Navratris of Ashwin and Chaitra months .The Punyagiri fair, starting from Vishuwat Sankranti is the longest fair of Kumaon, lasting for about 40 days.

Jageshwar Fair & Festival

Shravan Mela:

Jageshwar lying in the beautiful Jatganga valley, housing one of the12 Jyotirlingas of India is a complex of 12 temples in all. Two large fairs are held at Jageshwar, one at the occasion of Shivratri and the other in the month of Shravan (July-August). A dip in the Jat Ganga and in the Brahmakund near the temple complex is of great religious significance at the occasion.

Haridwar Fair & Festival

Kumbh & Ardh Kumbh Mela

Held at Haridwar every sixty years in January–February months, since it is believed that a few drops of the diving nectar also fell at Haridwar. It is at Haridwar that the river Ganga finally emerges in the northern plains.

Gangolihat Fair & Festival

Hatkalika Fair:

This fair is held on the Ashtami of Chaitra month in the Kalika temple at Gangolihat. People come with drums and flags to pay homage to goddess Kalika.

Dehradun Fair & Festival

Jhanda Fair

This fair marks the arrival of Guru Ram Rai, the Sikh Guru, at Dehradun. In the year 1699,Guru Ram Rai built a Gurudwara, Guru Ram Rai Durbar and hoisted his flag. Till this day a large fair is held here every year in the month of March / April on the sixth day after Holy and a flag (Jhanda) unfurled at Jhanda Chowk.

Tapkeshwar Fair

6 km. from Dehradun is the famous Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple. Annually a fair is held here on Shivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lakhawar Fair

This village fair is held during September-October and is very popular in the neighboring area of Chakrata, 78 km. from Mussoorie. The fair reflects the customs and tradition of the Garhwali tribes. Activities include cultural Programmes and sport competitions.

Badrinath Fair & Festival

Mata Murti Ka Mela

On this day the mother of Shri Badrinathji is worshipped and a large fair held at the Badrinath Temple in the month of Septembar. According to a legend, when river Ganga descended on earth to help the suffering humanity, she spread into twelve channels. The spot where the river tumbled become Lord Vishun’s abode. The place came to be known as Badrinath. The Mata Murti Temple is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.

Almora Fair & Festival

At Almora thousands of people take part in the procession carrying the dola (litter) of Nanda Devi The Nanda Devi temple of Almora built during the reign of Raja Udhyot Chand, is the venue for the three day long Nanda Devi fair.

Kumaoni Ramlila

The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and show all over Kumaon. Various Ramlilas are enacted depicting the story of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. The Almora Dussehra processing is unique with huge effigies of gods, heroes and demons paraded through the streets.

Uttaranchal Fair & Festival

Dwarahat Mela:

Situated in the wide valley of Ram Ganga (West), Dwarahat is 38 km from Ranikhet having a cluster of old temples. A hung fair is organized every year on Baisakhi Day.

Gananath Mela:

Situated at an elevation of 2,116 mts. above sea level, Gananath is 47 km from Almora and is known for its natural landscape. A fair is held here every year on Kartik Purnima (October / November), when thousands of pilgrims come to worship Lord Shiva and Ganesh. Childless couples also come here in large numbers to evoke blessings for the gift of a child.

Kasar Devi Mela:

The picturesque old part of the town is the venue for a fair held twice a year during the summer and winter months. Swami Vivekananda came to Almora and gained enlightenment in a small cave at Kasar Devi.

More Fair & Festival:

Almora, Dehradun, Haridwar, Narendra Nagar, Ranikhet, Tehri Garhwal, Badrinath, Gangolihat, Jageshwar, Pithoragarh, Rishikesh.

Uttaranchal_ Trekking

GANGOTRI  TREK

Gangotri, at a height of 3,140 metres, is accessible by road from Rishikesh but many prefer to trek the route. The trek takes 14 days and passes through important towns like Uttarkashi, Gangnani and Lanka.

KHATLING – SASHRATAL – MASARTAL TREK

From Rishikesh, trekkers can also attempt the Khatling – Sashratal – Masartal trek which takes seven days and passes through thick forests and lush green meadows.

PINDARI TREK

It is one of the most easily accessible of all Himalayan glaciers, nearly three kilometres long and a quarter kilometre broad. The Pindari glacier lies some 278 km from the railway station at Kathgodam. The trek to Pindari takes five days and passes through pine forests, wild flowers, undulating meadows and gurgling brooks. The famed temple-town of Bageshwar stands aloof on the banks of the Gomti and Saryu rivers.

GARHWAL

Dr T. Longstaff, renowed mountaineer, naturalist and trekker, has described Garhwal as the most beautiful land in the mountains of the Asian sub-continent. Garhwal with its beautiful mountain ranges and dance forests has immense opportunity for adventure. Trekking option is Garhwal are unlimited. They are not bound by any season. Hard, medium or soft treks can be tried at any time of the year.

PENCH-KEDAR TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : 15 Days

Trekking Route: Rishikesh–Pipalkoti–Kalpeshwar–Nail–Anyusa Devi–Rudranath– Chopta–Tungnath–Gaundhar–Madmaheshwar–Guptkashi – Kedarnath–Rudraprayag–Rishikesh.

VASUKITAL TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : 6 Days

Trekking Route: Rishikesh–Gaurikund–Kedarnath–Vasukital–Gaurikund–Rishikesh.

DODITAL – YAMUNOTRI TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : 9 Days

Trekking Route: Rishikesh–Uttarkashi–Agora–Dodital–Seema–Hanumanchatti– Yamunotri–Barkot–Rishikesh.

KALINDI KHAL TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : Month’s of July to August

Trekking Route: Gangotri–Bhojwasa–Nandavan–Basukitalapathar–Kalindibase–Rajparav–Ghastoli–Badrinath.

KHATLING – SAHASTRA TAL TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : August to September 14 Days

Trekking Route: Rishikesh–Uttarkashi–Silla–Kushkalyani–Kyarki–Parital–Sahastra Tal–Tadiuddyar–Kalyani–Kharsoli–Chowki–Khatling–Gangi–Ghuttu –Rishikesh.

HAR – KI – DUN TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : July to August 8 Days

Trekking Route: Rishikesh–Sankri–Taluka–Osla–Har Ki Dum–Osla–Sankri–Rishikesh.

ROOPKUND TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : July to August 10 Days.

Trekking Route: Rishikesh–Mundoli–Wan–Bedni–Bugyal–Bhaguwasa–Roopkund – Homekund–Sutol–Ghat.

BUDHAKEDAR–PANWALI–KEDARNATH TREK

Altitude : High

Season : Summer

Period : 12 Days

Trekking  Route: Rishikesh–Uttarkashi–Belak–Budhakedar–Bhaironghati–Ghuttu– Panwali Kantha–Triyuginarayan–Gaurikund–Kedarnath– Rishikesh.

Nandadevi National Park

General Information:

Area : 630 sq km.

Altitude : 2100 mt to 7817 mt above the sea level.

Languages : Hindi, Garhwali & English.

Temperature : Max 25.90°C in Summer.Max 12.50°C in Winter.

Rainfall : 1800.2 mm.

Best Season : April to October.

Nandadevi National Park

Nandadevi National Park

Introduction:

The Nanda Devi National Park is located in the upper Himalayan ranges, a part of the Garhwal Himalayas. Nanda Devi (7817 m) is the second highest peak in India. Some of the most unique high altitude flora and fauna of the world are found in the park. The forest cover in this park is mainly restricted to the Rishi Gorge and the main vegetation is of fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper. In the inner sanctuary, conditions are drier and near the Nanda Devi Glacier, there is almost no vegetation. It is the home of bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard, common langur, Himalayan musk deer The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 1883 , the first person W.W. Garden reached in this region. Mountain peaks surround it from all sides except the west where it is bounded by an inaccessible gorge. The Nanda Devi peak is considered to be one of the toughest peaks to climb in the world. The entry to the park is from Lata village.

Map Of Nandadevi National Park, Uttarakhand :


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Flowers Valley National Park

Flowers Valley National Park

Flowers Valley National Park

The splendid Valley of Flowers is located about 11 km from Gobindghat. The glacial corridor is about 16 sq. km. The Valley of flowers is truly, the valley is carpeted with wildflowers during the monsoon season. The valley becomes really colorful during July and August. It seems the valley is painted with so many colours during the season. Many species of flowers like Himalayan blue poppy, the uncommon varieties of primrose and orchid are fascinating to the visitors.

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park

Establish in 1936 as a India’s first national park, named after a great hunter and conserver, Jim Corbett. It is located at an altitude of 600 to 1100 metres and the foothills of the western Himalayas.The area of the park is about 920 sq km. Ramganga River is running broadly west by south west. The park is thickly forested with Sal, Sishu and number of variety of plants and grass. It is the home of tigers, leopards, elephants ,sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, black naped hare and many other animals. There is an opportunity to watch of about over 580 species of  birds in this park. The Indian python, viper, cobra, krait and king cobra  are also inhabitant of  the Corbett National Park.

Map Of  Corbett National Park,  Uttarakhand :


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Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh

Situated at an altitude of 1815 mts, Pithoragarh, the main town of the district of the same name, sits in a small valley that has been called “Little Kashmir”. Rich in natural beauty and dotted with lakes and glaciers, the Pithoragarh district, in the northern part of the Kumaon region, is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. This picturesque district is also the gateway to the Holy Manasrovar Lake, a highly revered spot among the Hindus.

Getting There:

Air: Nearest airport Naini Saini(5 km).

Rail: Nearest railhead Tanakpur(151km).

Tourist Attraction:

Reetha Sahib

Reetha Sahib

Reetha Sahib: The Sikh shrine is located near Lohaghat. It is associated with the visit of Guru Nanak. It is believed that the bitter ritha turned sweet after the touch of the Guru.

Chandak: 7 km from Pithoragarh, is a beautiful location, commanding a panoramic view of the Pithoragarh valley. It is 1.830 meters in altitude. An important fair is held at the Mostmanu temple in August.

Excursion:

Rameshwarghat: The Shiva temple is located 36 km from Pithoragarh, at the confluence of Ramganga and Sarju rivers is held in great reverence.

Thal Kedar: 16 km, from Pithoragarh is an important religious center and also noted for its natural beauty. A large fair is held on Shivratri. Dhwaj, 28 km from Pithoragarh, commands a wide view of the majestic snow-peaks of the north. It is also important for temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti.

Manu temple: The white temple is truly a worth visit. In it, is enshrined a powerful goddess known to bring rain to these mountains if properly invoked. There is also a large swing erected on the field at the base of a flight of steps leading to the temple. Here the goddess and her sister from a distant temple swing playfully when the other goddess comes visiting. No one can see them, but the swing moves.

Purnagiri: Located 20 kilometers away from Tanakpur is truly a worth visit. Perhaps, the most important religious center on Pithoragarh, Purnagiri temple, devoted to Maa Purnagiri. It is believed to lead to fulfillment of one’s desires.

Joshimoth

Joshimoth

Joshimoth

Joshimath was established by Adiguru Shankaracharya (a spiritual reformer) more than 1,250 years ago, a religious place to the Hindu. The old name of the Math was Jyotirmath, which later came too popular as Joshimath. Nanda Devi National Park is about 22 km away from Joshimoth. Many other glorious temples are also located in the place dedicated to God and Goddess. Joshimoth is paradise for the trekkers to the higher altitudes of the Garhwal Himalayas and many other wonderful destinations in this region like Valley of Flowers, Hemkund etc. Panoramic view of Himalaya can be seen on the way of these places.

Getting There:

Air: The nearest airport is that of Jolly Grant, 272 km from Gangotri, via Rishikesh.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh.

Tourist Attraction:

Ghangharia: It is a large meadow, occupied by shepherds or some shopkeepers who come during the season. Walk to Ghangharia is very easy; the way ascends and descends at regular intervals, passes through a thick forest of many types of trees and several meadows. The forest is partly covered with ferns, many types of moss and huge rocks. The gurdwara and tourist rest house at Ghangharia is resting point for most pilgrims who are too tired to go much further for the day. The trek from Ghangaria to Hemkund is through forests of pine and rhododendron where wild roses, ferns, and alpine flowers bloom.

Map Of Joshimath, Uttarakhand :


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Binsar

General information :

Altitude : 2412 mts.

Best Season : Summer is best season for tourists.  Winter is very cold here. Snow in winter.

Cloth Required : Heavy woolen cloths in winter and light cloths  in summer required.

Binsar

Binsar

Introduction :

Binsar situated at height of 2412 mts and about 30 km from Almora. The place offers a wonderful view of the Himalayas. The Chand Kings (7-8 century) used to camp here during summer. The region around abounds in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. A walk through the woods comprising mostly oak and rhododendron forest, leads to a vantage point at the summit.The view of sunset on two hilltops is the best attraction of binsar. Binsar is a beautiful destination for those who need peace in their life and not want to go any  crowded stations.

How to go Binsar :

Train : Nearest  railway station is kathgodam 100 km from binsar.

Road : Binsar is 30km from almora.

Map Of  Binsar, Uttaranchal :


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Nainital

General Information:

Altitude : 6360ft, above sea level

Population : 2,30,000.

Languages : Hindi, Garwali & English.

Temperature : In summer 27 degrees centigrade(max) and 10 degrees centigrade (min).In winter 15 degrees centigrade(max) and 3 degrees centigrade (min).

Best Season : March to June,September to November and December to January.

Nainital

Nainital

Introduction:

Set around the Naini Lake, at a height of 1938 mt, this charming town ship was discovered by an English a 100 years ago. Graceful weeping willows encircled the lake. Tiny villas and ancient bunglows dot the mountain sides. Poinies, rickshaws and sailboats beckon to discovered the town in its own special way. And as the sun sinks behind the mountains, myriad reflections of twinkling lights transform Nainital into a fairy land by night. The sapphire-like Nainital Lake, surrounded by densely wooded hills and rich pastureland, the home of the tiger, leopard, ghoral, etc.

How To Go Nainital:

Air: Nearest airport is Pantanagar 71 km away.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam 35 km away.

Tourist Attraction Of Nainital:

Naina Peak

Naina Peak

View Of Khurpa Tal

View Of Khurpa Tal

Snow View

Snow View













Naina Peak: 5.7 km away from Nainital. It has panoramic view of the town below and the soaring snow-clad Himalayas in the distance. A log cabin on the tourist department and a restuarant are situated here. The height of the peak is 2601 mts and is also known as Cheena Peak.

Dorothy’s seat: Situated at the height of 2290 mts. and 4 km away from Nainital. A memorial to Mrs. Dorothy Kellet built by her husband.

Laria Kanta: 5.6 km away from Nainital, the second highest in this area with a fascinating view of all the lakes around Nainital.

Bhowali

Bhowali: 11.3 km away from Nainital. A small health resort with an excellent climate. Famous for its apple orchards. Buses are available and tourist bungalow for staying.

Hanumangarhi: Located 3.2 km away from Naintal. A beautiful spot from where you can see vivid sunsets on clear days. There is also a temple to the monkey god Hauman. Nearby is the Astronomical observatory and the sattelite tracking center.

Khurpa Tal: Located 4.8 km away from Naintal. A paradised for anglers. Permists for fishing to be obtained from the District Magistrated, Nainital.

Kilbury: Situated at the height of 2528 mts. and 8 km away from Nainital. A lovely picnic spot, or for a weekend visit. Forest rest house provides accommodation.

Land’s End: Situated at the height of 2118 mts. and 4 km away from Nainital. It has breathtaking view of the Khurpa Tal on one side and the lush terraced fields on the other.

Snow View: Situated at the height of 2270 mts. and 2.4 km away from Nainital. Easily accessible by ropway splended view of the Himalayas.

Excursion:

Ram Garh

Ram Garh

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar

Ram Garh: 25.8 km away from Nainital. The home of the Kumaon orchards with a lovely view of Himalayas. Buses are available and tourist bungalow for staying.

Mukteshwar: 51.5 km away from Nainital. The Indian Veterinary Institute is located here. Accommodation are available at P.W.D. Inspection house and Guest house of the institute.

Dodi Tal

Dodi Tal

Kedartal

Kedartal

Dodi Tal: Dodital is located at an altitude of 3024 m. Lies down the high mountains with their magnificent snow-clad peaks and tall majestic oak, deodar and rhododendron trees, Dodital is a paradise of tourists.

Kedartal: Kedartal is located at a distance of about 17 km from Gangotri. The place serves as a base camp. Kedartal is a place where one forgets himself.

Jeolikot: 17.7 km away from Nainital. Midway on the Nainital-Kathgodam road with orchids and a bee keeping. Accommodation at the P.W.D. Inspection house.

Map Of Nainital, Uttarakhand :


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