Uttarakhand
![](state-info/Uttarakhand/uttarakhand-state-map.gif)
- Area:53,566 sq. kms.
- Capital:Dehradun
- Language:Hindi
The state of Uttaranchal was formerly a part of Uttar Pradesh, before it was formed on November 9th, 2000 as the 27th state of the Indian Union. Uttaranchal protected by the Himalayas since ages is one of the most healthy and wholesome tourist destination in India. Peace-lover's paradise, Uttaranchal is entirely the most idealistic destination for the tourist searching for nature and peace. Leaving apart its natural beauty, every corner of Uttaranchal has numerous attractions for display, showcasing numerous temples dotting it topography since the primitive ages. Lying in the north of India and cradled in the awesome beauty and calm serenity of the stately Himalayas, Uttaranchal is an expression of divinity, austerity, meditation, penance and attainment.
Showcasing some very magnificent snow clad peaks, rolling meadows, lush valleys, meandering rivers and rivulets, the untouched natural beauty of Uttaranchal is just bewildering. For a lot of people who decide to visit Uttaranchal the main interest is to relax and refresh themselves in the salubrious settings of the luring Uttaranchal. No other tourist destination in India offers the same opportunities to see such diverse natural abundance, often in very close proximity.
Besides the spectacular natural beauty and salubrious climate, the places of pilgrimages, abundant wildlife, and beautiful countryside - all these together make Uttaranchal a sizzling travel destination.
Also known as the "Devbhumi", Uttaranchal has attracted tourists and pilgrims from world over since time immemorial. Travel to Uttaranchal – a vast land amidst the majestic Himalayas known for its immense natural beauty. Uttaranchal has many excellent trekking routes and innumerous tourist destinations. Travel to Uttaranchal and know its panoramic sights, salubrious climate, vibrant culture and colourful folk dance. Travel to the picturesque Nainital, spiritual Rishikesh, wild Corbette National Park and the serene Char Dhams on your tour to Uttaranchal. Travel tour packages to Uttaranchal offers you a once in a lifetime experience, the memories of which will be cherished by you throughout the life.
Places of Interest
Dehradun
Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2,200 ft in the Doon Valley between two of the most important rivers in India, the Ganga and Yamuna. It offers beautiful scenery and a moderate climate in summer, and so is an ideal place to relax and escape the heat of the plains below. The town also serves as a convenient base for visiting the area's many tourist sites.
Dehradun has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and currently has a population of around 550,000. It is also famous for the Doon School, which is often referred to as the Eton of India.
How To Reach:
- By Air:Jolly Grant Airport ight aircraft only - currently only Air Deccan [2] flies to Dehradun, and there are two daily flights from Delhi, departing at 10:55AM and 1:40PM. The flights take around 1 hour.
- By Rail:Shatabdi Express (NR) - Dep. New Delhi, 0655. Arr. Dehradun 1240 - meals included,JanShatabdi Express (NR) - Dep. New Delhi, 1500. Arr. Dehradun 2100 - meals available (extra charge), Mussorie Express (NR) - Dep. Delhi Jn, 2215. Arr. Dehradun 0800 - no meals
- By Road:Semi-deluxe and ordinary Uttarakhand State buses depart every hour from ISBT, Kashmere Gate in New Delhi. There is also an overnight deluxe A/C service run by Uttarakhand Tourism.
Places to See:
The Kalinga War Memorial, The Gurkha Fort, Mindrolling Monastery, Chetwoode Hall, Clock Tower, Ram Rai Gurudwara, Tapkeshwar Temple, Sai Darbar Temple, Robber's Cave
Almora
Almora, a town of about 30 thousand, is situated in the Kumaon mountains of the Himalayas in eastern Uttarakhand. Most of the town is situated on a crescent shaped mountain about 5km long, and most of it is above 6000 feet. Unlike Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital which were developed by the English, Almora is a hill station totally developed by the Indians.
The town itself is your usual crowded hilltown in northern India, but the natural beauty around is astounding. Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. The mountain is visible from the nearby areas as well. Almora is an agricultural base and also a trade centre.
How To Reach:
- By Air:Almora can be reached by three different routes. The most common of it is via Nainital. Almora lies 110Km north of the nearest railway station at Kathgodam.
Places to See:
Jageshwar temple.
Ghangaria
Ghangaria is a village in Uttarakhand in India.
How To Reach:
- By Road:To get here one has to travel approx 350 kms by road from Rishikesh which is the nearest railway station and then trek up further 21 kms.
Places to See:
Valley of Flowers, Sikh Pilgrim center of Hemkund.
Haridwar
Haridwar, literally Gateway to God, is one of the Hindu holy places in India and a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries. Located on the banks of River Ganges (Ganga), at the point where the Ganges descends from the hills to the North Indian plains, Haridwar attracts a large number of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.
How To Reach:
- By Air:Dehardun's Jolly Grant airport, with twice daily service to Delhi on Air Deccan [3], is 20 km from Haridwar.
- By Rail:There are daily Rajdhani (overnight, Rs.900 for a 1st class A/C sleeper) and Shatabdi (daytime, Rs.400 for an A/C seat including meal) expresses from Delhi (4-5 hours) and Dehradun (1 hour). But buses are faster and much more frequent. The train station is located on the south side of town, within walking distance to most hotels but a 2-km hike to Hari-ki-Pairi.
- By Road:Haridwar's bus station, a stone's throw from the train station, is chaotic and has no signage whatsoever in English. There are regular bus services from Delhi (4-5 hours), Rishikesh (1 hour) and other important towns of North India to Haridwar.
Places to See:
Hari-ki-Pairi, Mansa Devi Mandir, Bharat Mata Mandir, Chandidevi Mandir, Daksh mandir.
Hemkund
Hemkund is a holy lake at a height of 4339m in Uttarakhand. Ghangaria can be made as the base camp from where one can go to Hemkund and Valley of Flowers
How To Reach:
Hemkund can be reached by a trek along the mountain from Ghangaria. Also there are horses carrying people, but its costly.
Places to See:
There are two temples near the lake. A Sikh temple and a Hindu Lakshman temple.
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is in Uttarakhand, India. Situated at little over 7000 ft, Mukteshwar is a small town made famous by Jim Corbett who composed his famous book The Man Eaters of Kumaon.
How To Reach:
From Delhi to Kathgodam travel by overnight train. From kathgodam it is better to take a car. Mukteshwar is 70kms from Kathgodam and the journey takes around 3 hrs. Stops can be taken at Bhimtal to see the lake and also a Detour to Naukuchiatal is worthwhile.
Places to See:
IVRI and 350 yrs old temple of lord Shiva.
Munsyari
Munsyari is a city in Kumounregion of Uttaranchal.
How To Reach:
Munsiyari is 300km north of Nainital. It can be reached using hired taxis and buses from Nainital and Almora. There are 3 different routes to reach Munsiyari from Almora.
Places to See:
Thamari Kund, Nanda Devi Temple, Panchachuli, Hanshling Parwat, Khaliyatop.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the world capital of yoga.
Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh.
How To Reach:
- By Air:Rishikesh is in close proximity of Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (about 15 kms) - a small, quiet airport handling 1-2 commercial flights a day, and a few chartered flights.All flights are suspended because of the reconstruction of the Airport since jan 2007.It will take sometime to resume air services.
- By Rail:A quiet branch line connects Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three slow trains daily. It's best to take the train to Haridwar and continue by bus (45 min, INR 17) or by taxi(30 mins, INR 400) available from taxi union office outside Bus stand and Railway Station.
- By Road: From Delhi the city is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A Bus journey may take about 5-7 hours - depending on the traffic - and costs you about 130-350 INR. An AC Bus will cost about 200-500 INR.
Places to See:
Trayambakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhavan, Swarga Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Neelkanth Mahadev Mela, Triveni Ghat.