An Infatuation with Thrill at Rishikesh

Named appropriately after Lord Vishnu’s one of the innumerable names, Rishikesh (Hrishikesh) has always done justice to its meaning. As the word Hrishikesh denotes Lord of the senses, the whole city brings one’s senses alive when it comes to appreciating the mysticism and natural charisma of the place. After winning the great altitude, as you pan your eyes from the red flags strewn all over this beautiful town to the blushing sun at the horizon, a surge of energy automatically flows into your veins. This is because you have always known the color red as the symbol of positive energy. Probably, this is why you will find red in the highest arc of a rainbow and it is the first color to disappear from your vision as the night approaches. But, the red lost during twilight is soon replaced by a spread of yellow as soon as the ‘Ganga Aarti’ begins at the Triveni Ghat. At this moment the concrete stairs, Vedic hymns, countless oil lamps and clinking bells outline a world oblivious to the usual commotion in this small town just 138 miles away from Delhi.

However, the geography of Rishikesh is what makes the place an incredible destination. Blessed with untamed rivers originating from some of the high altitude Himalayan glaciers, serene jungles around verdant hillocks and the some of the toughest pilgrimage roots, Rishikesh is a perfect holiday destination and a trip to Rishikesh is unquestionably incomplete without a fling with one’s adventurous streaks. For instance, a taste of Rishikesh rafting in the gushing white waters of the mighty Ganges flowing past the immaculate green cover is an adventure seeker’s final bliss and for an adventure seeker rafting is in itself a pilgrimage and the path leading to salvation definitely lies in the wild and turbulent river rapids! 

Setting aside the extreme monsoon months, September to December and March to June are the preferred seasons to go wild at the Ganges. Brhampuri Shivpuri, Byasi ,Kaudiyala near Rishikesh are the best spots to enjoy and explore the great Ganges abundant with rich flora and fauna by its sides. For the beginners it is the starting of an infatuation with thrill and for those already addicted, it satiates the hunger for adventure. This is because rafting stretches in Rishikesh include all types of rapid from grade I to the tougher grade V rapids with enhanced rafting facilities suitable for all types of adventure enthusiasts. 

The challenges involved in tackling the wild rapids are the most thrilling part and the lure of the wilderness is so intoxicating that challenging the great force of nature seems worthwhile for a change. The experience entraps one into a trance born out of sheer adrenaline rush and people come rushing all around the year just to discover the magic of rafting in the Himalayas. As they say, those born to be wild never mind experimenting.  Then, “…Darling' go make it happen…..Like a true nature's child, we were born, born to be wild…..” .The gurgling rapids you will encounter only represent your wilder side- rough and unyielding, yet deep and powerful at the same time. Moreover camping in Rishikesh is also famous with other adventures activities.

Almora Hill Station- An amazing Hill station in Uttarakhand

Almora was established in 1568. Almora is an amazing hill station to expediently enjoy the impressive snows cape of the Himalayas. Almora is placed at the top of a peak that is half round.

Almora is a town in the figure of a horse shoe. Almora is approx 5 km long mountain range. Almora has its own cultural, political and historical importance. In the olden time, it was the capital of Kumaon. It was set up by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563. The courts, governmental offices, forts and other historical monuments are still present today. Two rivers, Suyal and Koshi flow close to the Almora. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas seem like a long train of ice and snow from here.
Every spot of Almora is full with charming beauty and the city has maintained its olden tradition even today.

Almora is also called a city of temples. Placed in the middle of the city is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Not like Nainital, Ranikhet and Shimla, which were developed by the English, Almora is a totally developed by the Indians. Almora has lot of fruit gardens like apricots, plums, apples, peaches, etc.

Places to See in Almora:

Chitai Temple: Chitai temple is very famous temple in this area. Many people of Kumaon come here and worship of lord Golu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Golu. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang up bells in this temple. So there are many bells hanging on the wall. The vision of the Himalayas is very attractive from here.

Bright End Corner: Bright End Corner is 2 kms away from Almora. This point is famous for the sunrise and the sunset view of the Himalayan peaks. In this place you can spend some peaceful time surrounded by the nature. 

Katarmal: This temple is dedicated to the Sun. It is 800 year old temple. The temple is also called Sun temple. This temple is second in importance after the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. This temple is 17 kms away from Almora.

Deer Park: Deer Park is 3 kms away from Almora.

Nanda Devi Temple: This is thousand year old temple. This is the one main attraction of Almora. Every year a great festival held here.

Kasar Devi:  Kasar Devi temple is Near of Kalimutt. This was built in the second century. The distance between Kasar Devi and Kalimatt is very less. You can easily cover it by foot.

Around Almora:

Bageshwar:
Bageshwar is tourist place. It is 90Km. far from the Almora. Bageshwar is the main place for the Pindari Glacier tour. Bageshwar is placed at altitude of 3,825 meters.

Baijnath:
Baijnath is 70 kms. from the Almora. This is very old temple at the bank of Gomti River in a plane valley. Baijnath at a height of 1126 meters. The temples are observed upon, for its heritage and statue stone work. This temple was built by Katyuri leader.

Jageshwar:
Jageshwar is situated 34 kms from Almora. There is an olden Shiva temple at Jageshwar. This temple is enclosed by enormous fur trees. The Jageshwar Shiva temple holds archaeological importance too. The plan of this temple is appeal giving a close examination.

Travel Information :
By Road: Almora is well linked with all important cities of India by road like Delhi, Jaipur, Calcutta, Mumbai and many more .

By Air: The close airport is a Pant Nagar. During the summer regular flights are operational.

By Rail: The nearest railway station near Almora is Kathgodam.

Do Dham Yatra - Holiest Pilgrimage and Paradise

Char Dham Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimage tours in India.  Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri are conjointly called Char Dham. Those pilgrims are situated at the magnificent location, of the top of the Himalaya. Every Hindu wants to see those places once in the lifetime to wash all the sins and get the peace of body, mind and soul. 

All temples of Char Dham are up in the Himalayan Glaciers and every Dham is the main resource of holy rivers in India like Yamunotri is for Yamuna River, Gangotri is for Bhagirathi River, Kedarnath is for Mandakini River and Badrinath is for Alaknanda. 

Chardham Yatra takes a long time to complete so some devotees splits the yatra it in two terms each term is called Do Dham Yatra and covers two sacred shrines.

Do Dham Yatra and its shrine’s description are as followings: 

Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham:

Both famous temples are located into the top of Garhwal Himalaya. Shri Kedarnath Dham Temple is constructed by Adi Shri Shankaracharya, dedicated to Lord Shiva.  This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3584meters surrounded by snow covered mountains of majestic Himalaya. To arrive Kedarnath temples devotees need to cover 14kms trekking rout.  Main attraction of Kedarnath Dham are Shri Kedarnath ji temple, Gaurikund, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Agatsyamuni Temples, Ukhimath and many more.

Badrinath is 213kms far away from Kedarnath Dham. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is elevated at 3133meters above from the sea level. Badrinath temple is the main pilgrim of Chardham Yatra. It’s also created by Adi Shri Shankaracharya in 8th century. Badrinath temple has an amazing scenic location. Main spot to visit at Badrinath Dham are  Badrinarayan Temple, Badri Vishal Temple, Vridha Badri,  Adi Badri (Karnprayag)Tapt Kund, Narad Kund, Shishnetra, Panch Shilas, Vyas Gufa, Brahama Kamal, Panch Shila many more. Badrinath temple is well connected by road.

Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham:

Yamunotri is the origin of the sanctified river Yamuna. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yaumuna. It is situated at the altitude of 3165meters above from the sea level.  The main attraction of this place is Yamunotri temple, Divya Shila and Surya Kund, hot water pond. Devotees use this pond for making Prasad. There is 5kms trekking area to arrive the main temple.

Gangotri temple is located at 3042meters height. The holy river Ganga first came down to earth at this place. The sacred stone, designed as the locks of Lord Shivji is near the main temple. The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. According to mythology mighty Ganga came into the earth in form of river to wash the sins of King Sagar’s son.  Most visiting place at Gangotri are Gaumukh, Sattal many more. Gangotri is well connected by road.

Visiting those temples has not only spiritual importance but also a breathtaking adventurous and scenic experience. Do Dham yatra form covers the tour in short time duration without any lack of its religious significance. Best time duration of Do Dham Yatra is May to October. Skip the heavy rainy season July and August.

Gangotri – The origin of Sacred River Ganga

Gangotri Dham

Ganga, the sacred river for the Hindu’s is believed to be the embodiment of Goddess Ganga, the daughter of Heaven and Gangotri is the spot where this river comes into contact with the earth. The heavenly presence of the tall mountains and gushing streams make the ethereal beauty of this small town a very special experience.  Situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is one of the four holy spots of Chardham Yatra that covers four of the holiest spots in the Devbhumi (Land of God).  Mythological connection speaks of a beautiful story of Ganga who manifested herself in the form of a river in order to wash away the sins of King Bhagirath and his ancestors and to reduce the destructive power of her divine fall into the earth; Lord Shiva received her into his tresses.

This connection surely explains the fact that the whole Himalayan region in this part of Uttarakhand is scattered with many significant shrines of Lord Shiva. Bhagirath, grand son of King Sagar is believed to have performed sever penance to bring down Ganga so that she could cleanse away the ashes of his ancestors who were killed by sage Kapil’s rage.  Thus, Ganga and the land blessed by its presence is said to possess cleansing prowess.

The temples worth visiting near the area are Vishwanath temple, Ekadash Rudra temple, Gyaneshwar temple and Kuteti Devi Temple. Every year, during the ‘Magh Mela’ during Makar Sankranti (January) Uttarkashi is flooded with devotees who toil on to take a holy dip in Ganga.

Besides its religious importance, Gangotri is famous for its challenging Gangotri glacier that is a rafter’s ultimate challenge. The road up to the glacier is also trekked by hikers. The trek ends at a scenic spot called Nandanvan known for its serene meadows. However, the trek is a challenging task because of the high altitude. But, for the enthusiastic hikers there is an option to polish trekking skills in the form of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.

For nature lovers, Gangotri has many interesting spots carefully tuck away from the concrete life.  Kedar Tal just 18 kilometers away is a magnificent lake and the mighty Thalaiyasagar peak peepes out of its abode at its backdrop. Often used as base camp for trekkers, this lake area is Gangotri’s most beautiful spot. At the same distance there also lies Gaumukh, the muzzle of the Gangotri Glacier, the exact source of the Ganges. This spot is also considered sacred by the Hindus.

The religious importance of the place however demands expansion of this small town and accommodation facilities are gradually increasing. This has made travelling to Gangotri much easier now a day.  The small town does not have much entertainment to offer since the tranquility of the hills is supposed to sooth our minds the most uncomplicated way. One can collect ancient coins from the local market which is the best souvenir. This sacred town does not permit alcoholic indulgences and non vegetarian food is also not allowed inside the town premises. The best season to visit Gangotri is the summer months.

Safari in Corbett - The best way to explore wildlife and Nature

Everybody knows that Jim Corbett National Park is the biggest National Park in India. It spreads around 1218.56sq.km to explore its wildlife and nature. There is always a question in the visitors mind that why wildlife safari is compulsory to visit the park and can we take jungle trekking to visit the park and the answer is no. The Corbett Tiger Reserve is very strict about its rule; visitors are not allowed to take jungle trekking inside the tiger reserve area. The park is surrounded by very dense forest and full of various dangerous wild animals. To avoid any kind of tragedy they permit to visit park only with wildlife safari. 

About Wildlife Safari in Corbett

Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park

Corbett Tiger Reserve arrange three types of safaris i.e. jeep safari, elephant safari and canter safari. All safari permits are issued at CTR Ramnagar reception counter.  Every visitor has to give the identity details, number of person’s information and permit fees. After that they can hire their safari mode and go inside the jungle. 

Jeep Safari:   Jeep safari in Corbett is the most demanding safari mode. An open jeep takes you inside the forest. Maximum six persons are allowed once per jeep. One wildlife tour guide will be with you during the tour. He provides you all possible information inside the forest and helps you to know the animals call and their movement.

Elephant Safari: Elephant safari can be enjoyed over the back of elephant. At a time four visitors are allowed to ride on one elephant.  Elephant safari is more adventurous than jeep because it takes you into more deep areas of the forest where with jeep safari in not possible to go. 

Canter Safari:  Canter is an open bus; maximum eighteen visitors can sit once inside a canter.  Canter safari is allowed on sharing basis for safari. It is the best way to visit Dhikala forest zone.

Safari Zones of Corbett Park:

Jim Corbett Park is divided in main 4 zones for well management and safari. All zones are handled by separate gates. The main safari zone of Corbett and their gate are as follow:

Dhikala Zone:  Dhangari Gate

Bijrani Zone:  Aam Danda Gate

Jhirna Zone: Kalagarh Gate

Durgadevi Zone: Domunda Gate

Planning and Choosing the Best Timing:

June to November is the ideal time to enjoy full wildlife safari and explore its rich flora and fauna. Timing for safari i.e. morning and evening are scheduled by Corbett Tiger Reserve.

There are limited numbers of permits for safari, so anyone who wants to enjoy wildlife safari at Corbett has to plan their tour before reaching at there and book the safari permits in advance.

Wildlife Tour in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is well known wildlife destination in India. It is always being the first choice of every wildlife enthusiastic person in all over the world. Corbett Park is situated at Uttarakhand state and the nearest National Park from Delhi. Jim Corbett Park is the home of diverse species of plants and animals. The main wildlife attraction of this park are Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, Barking Dears, Spotted Dear, Chital, Himalayan Bears, Wild Boar, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Turtles, Cobras, Pythons, Dense Sal, Deodar, Oak forest and more than 600 species of birds.  

Deer at Corbett National Park

Corbett Tiger Reserve has divided in four tourist zones. The most famous zones Dhikala, Bijrani and Durgadevi opens mid November to mid June but Jhirna zone opens round of the year. There are numerous wildlife activities to do in Corbett National Park like open jeep safari, elephant safari, birds watching safari, mahasheer fishing etc. People can plan there long holidays and weekend trip to visit the park. Dhikala forest lodge is the best option to stay inside the park.

To visit Corbett Park you can find various kinds of tour packages through internet. You can select any of them as per your requirement. You can visit the main Corbett area during 2 nights 3 days. But long holiday tourist can take long elephant safari to explore the virgin wild landscapes. Wildlife photographer should always ready to capture the unique movement of wild animals inside the Jungle.

There are some enchanting places near Corbett Park to visit like famous Gariya temple, Jim Corbett Museum Dhangari, Kaladhoongi and Corbett Fall. Sitabani and Marchula are the buffer zones of Corbett those lie out of the tiger reserve but well known for tiger sighting and birds watching places. The lake city of India, Nainital and charming hill station Ranikhet is just 90kms far from this place. Tourists can enjoy their holidays with wildlife and hill station tour. 

It’s not a big deal to arrive Jim Corbett National Park. It is easily connected by road and train. Ramnagar is the base city of Corbett National Park. Pantnagar is the nearest airport to reach there. It is just 50kms far from Ramngar city. Peoples those are planning for Uttarakhand visit can add Corbett wildlife tour on their itineraries to take the unforgettable memories of wildlife fun with them. 

Mussoorie Hill Station - Visit the Queen of Hills

Mussoorie is one of the most charming hill stations in Uttarakhand. The unbeatable picturesque sceneries of this hill station rewarded it as Queen of Hills. Mussoorie is situated at the Garhwal Himalayas, an altitude of 2000meters above from the sea level.  This hill resort is set up in 1823, by British Captain Yong.  Mussoorie is placed of 34kms far from Dehradun.  This popular week end gateway provides the great opportunity to get the first glimpse of snow covered Himalayan Mountains for the travellers from the plain. 

                                                                                     Scenic Attractions of Mussoorie: 

Mussoorie Mall Road

There are various places to visit at Mussoorie like Children’s Lodge it is the highest peak of Mussoorie and has a telescope to watch an awesome view of the Himalayas and Doon valley. Gun Hill is the second highest peak of this place. Ropeway ride make this trip adventurous and memorable. Camel’s back road gives the finest sun set view.  Municipal Garden and the Jheel are the best picnic spots of Mussoorie. Artificial is there to enjoy boating and other water sports activities. Mussoorie is a must visit destination while having Uttarakhand Tour. 

Charming Kempty Falls, Bhatt Falls, Jharipani Falls, Mossy Falls, Nag Devta Temple, Bhardraj Temple, Surkhanadevi Devi Temple and Jwalaji Temple makes these places an amazing holiday destination in India. 

Shopping and Entertainment at Mussoorie

Travellers get everything at Mussoorie, charming tourist spots and various recreational activities centres.  The Mall of Mussoorie is the most herded area every traveller wants to go this place. Tibbatiens market is the main charm of this place. Here you will get various woollen stalls, metal ware, trekking sticks, colourful umbrellas, lazar guns, bowls, trays, hand panted clothes and various other handicraft items. Other attractions you can find amusement parks, Cinema halls, video game parlours, Disco clubs and skating halls.  

Generally visiting Mussoorie is possible round of the year.  Every time you will find the unique weather and beautiful sceneries here. This place is well connected by road and very close from Dehradun and Delhi.