Top 5 Tourist Places in Uttarakhand to Visit in This Summer

The cool climate of a hill station is undoubtedly the best option to beat away summer blues. A hill station for that matter becomes the heaven to laze away a humid summer week or two. And what do we do when there are plenty of such worth exploring hill stations? We dig out the best of the best to spend a few special days of bliss. Although, every hill station has its own charm to attract different minded people different ways, some special destinations always feature in the ‘must visit hill stations list’. For example, Uttarakhand being blessed with lofty mountains and a great healing climate is itself a world to explore. So blessed is the land that every step you take in Uttarakhand brings pleasant surprises. However, to make it easier for you, we just found out top 5 destinations in Uttarakhand that can actually blow your summer difficulties and your mind too.

1. Nainital Tourism- Located in Kumaon foothills Nainital best represents the Himalayan charm and is often considered as the most is picturesque hill stations in Uttarakhand. Blessed with a breath taking view of the high mountains and as many as 60 lakes, Nainital is the abode of the lakes with emerald settings. Named after the great Naini Lake in the area, this small town is easily accessible from the capital city of Delhi. The British colonial architecture in the town doubles its appeal and hence Nainital receives the highest footfall in the state. Also popular for adventure and recreational activities, Nainital is the starting point of an amazing journey in to Uttarakhand, the land of god. 

2. Mussoorie Tourism- A pleasant climate and the green woods strewn across the high-and-lows of the mountains make Mussoorie another important hill station in Uttarakhand. Miles away from the nauseating summer in the plains, Mussoorie serves the perfect summer retreat. Located in the Garhwal hills and blessed by the abundance of many natural charms like waterfalls and wild streams, Mussoorie is considered as Nainital’s best cousin to hang out. The modern architecture quite in contrast with the wild setting is the actual call of this place.

Camping at Rishikesh

3. Rishikesh- Apart from the religious connection, Rishikesh often stands out as an ideal summer gate away. Often covered as a part of the pilgrimage circuit covering Haridwar and Mukteswar, two other significant places, Rishikesh offers a great proximity to the holy Ganges. If the wild force of the water doesn’t scare you and you love taming the unstoppable then Rishikesh should be your call this summer. River rafting sessions and beach volleyball near the campsites by the Ganges are the most favorite activity of the visitors at Rishikesh. A moonlit bed of sand by the river as illumined as the moon makes a perfect escapade from the summer in the cities. 

4. Almora Hill Station- During winter season, the place is deep covered in snow and in summer this is an ideal location to trace the remnants of the snow in mountain curves. Often visited by nature lovers who love solitary walk by the woods in cool summer afternoons, Almora is renowned for its healing climate. The solitude of the place at times casts off a melancholic spell but those who seek tranquility prefer it to Nainital which is always crowded with visitors. Some rugged forts, tranquil temples and picturesque valleys compose the lyrical side of Almora. 

Himalayan View from Ranikhet

5. Ranikhet- The virgin hills of the quaint Almora stretches into Ranikhet as well. A well maintained cantonment area oozes an old world charm around the area and the small town in the vicinity looks like a picture perfect setting. The panoramic vistas of the Himalayan ranges only increases the appeal to a great extent. A visit to Ranikhet in summer can surely beat away summer stress and the words like green meadows, snowy hills, gushing rivers and crystal clear sky no longer seem like fairytale phrases.   

Corbett National Park Tour- Make it Memorable with these Seven Points

Tiger Resting at Corbett Jungle

When it comes to wildlife tracking in the jungles Jim Corbett National Park stands out as one of the oldest and most visited wildlife territories in India. The breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity around the park makes it one memorable destination and a visit to the park in search of nature and wildlife can be made even more worthwhile by simply following certain recommendations.

Here are a few tips on how to explore the wild and make the best out of the trip. 

1. Make a mental note of what interests you:

Corbett National Park is in itself a world of infinite. The trick to make the most of the trip is to recognize the ideal option to explore in the wild. The option can include jeep safaris, bird spotting, fishing, rappelling, elephant safari or just solitary walks. If you are there to just relax, opt for the walks or other recreational activities. And if natural science interests you, then you might like to do some personal research on the existing wildlife. 

2. Be prepared to put up with any kind of situation:

When in the wild, you are susceptible to different weather conditions and other unwanted changes in the schedule. Thus, an easily adaptable attitude helps in making a trip very memorable. This is because the wildlife system itself works on the adaptability concept. 

3.  Always carry your essential items:

Always carry your personal care products and medicines because a Corbett National Park is a much different place than where you actually belong to. You can’t go on expecting your essential commodities inside of a wildlife habitat. The only thing available there is nature. 

4.  Book accommodations prior to your visit:

Make sure, you book your accommodations and other trip facilities prior to landing up at the spot. This saves booking hassles and last minute rejection at the resorts and hotels. Once you get there properly booked, the only thing left to think about is the wildlife.

5. Conduct a research before planning the trip:

Do a small research about the specialty of the place before leaving for the trip. This will come handy when you find yourself drifting towards unwanted information. Information about the topography and the demographic characteristics of a place always helps. 

6. Discover the best at its best:

The best time to catch a glimpse of the wild habitat at its purest best is the morning hours. Try getting up early in the morning to discover nature unfolding in front of your eyes. The cacophony of the jungle is best deciphered in morning hours only. 

7. Document what you see:

Keep a journal or a camera to document your experience. They will make the trip forever memorable.  Apart from your mind, these things capture memories the most authentic way.

Kedarnath Temple- Abode of Lord Shiva

As the name suggests this place is dedicated to the shrine of Kedar (lord Shiva) and is probably one of the most visited religious spots in the Indian pilgrimage circuit. Situated at the altitude of 3,580 meter from sea level, Kedarnath is one of the four holy places that encircle the famous Chardham Yatra. Believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath shrine is considered as the heaven of every pilgrim and this is why people brave the distant hilly tracks to Kedarnath and in spite of its being the remotest site in all Chardhams, it always crowded with devotes. The Mandakini River flowing by this sacred spot serves the ideal setting to wash away one’s sins. But, pilgrimage is not always about washing one’s sins but to search for one’s soul.

Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the present day Kedarnath shrine was first set up by Adi Guru Sankarachrya. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath and the religious zest when blended with the natural beauty of the place enhances the charm of this mountain laced region. The elegantly carved architecture of the temple is more than a 1000 years old. However, the original temple was built by the Pandavas of Mahabharata and the mythology speaks of the Pandavas praying here to wash off their sins of killing so many people after winning the great battle at Kurukshetra.  The story also refers to the ‘hide and seek’ battle played between Bhima, one of the Pandavas and Lord Shiva. The outcome of this game now appears in an incomplete idol at kedarnath and the remaining parts are worshipped at places like Rudranath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, and Kalpeshwar. These spots are together known as Panch Kedar.

 The high altitude makes the winter season at Kedarnath very difficult. Thus, the temple only remains open for six month before the winter sets in. The gate closes during Diwali and opens once again in May. The opening of date of Kedarnath Temple depends on the Shiva Ratri and the priests in the temple fix it. During this closed period, people visit another nearby temple called Baba Baironath. 

There are many other places of interest in and around Kedarnath such as Gandhi Sarovar and Gaurikund. There is also Triyuginarayan, said to be the wedding venue of Lord Shiva and Parvati and a flame at the spot is perpetually kept ablaze. Kedarnath is also the ideal spot for mountain trekking and beautiful treks leading through the virgin jungles and windy mountains are a favorite among adventure sports lovers. One can start trekking from Gaurikund itself. The celestial Jyotirling is treated as to posses the divine presence that can provide salvation to those who die at this holy land. And one can find the road to heaven at Mahapanth beyond the shrine.  

Moreover, Sharavani Annakoot Mela, a fair is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August that is very popular among visitors. Booking for special worship at the shrine is also possible at Kedarnath.

For Kedarnath Yatra package and Chardham Yatra packages please visit web.

Shri Badrinath Dham-Most Holy Shrine in India

As the name suggests this place is dedicated to the shrine of Kedar (lord Shiva) and is probably one of the most visited religious spots in the Indian pilgrimage circuit. Situated at the altitude of 3,580 meter from sea level, Kedarnath is one of the four holy places that encircle the famous Chardham Yatra. Believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath shrine is considered as the heaven of every pilgrim and this is why people brave the distant hilly tracks to Kedarnath and in spite of its being the remotest site in all Chardhams, it always crowded with devotes. The Mandakini River flowing by this sacred spot serves the ideal setting to wash away one’s sins. But, pilgrimage is not always about washing one’s sins but to search for one’s soul.

Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the present day Kedarnath shrine was first set up by Adi Guru Sankarachrya. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath and the religious zest when blended with the natural beauty of the place enhances the charm of this mountain laced region. The elegantly carved architecture of the temple is more than a 1000 years old. However, the original temple was built by the Pandavas of Mahabharata and the mythology speaks of the Pandavas praying here to wash off their sins of killing so many people after winning the great battle at Kurukshetra.  The story also refers to the ‘hide and seek’ battle played between Bhima, one of the Pandavas and Lord Shiva. The outcome of this game now appears in an incomplete idol at kedarnath and the remaining parts are worshipped at places like Rudranath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, and Kalpeshwar. These spots are together known as Panch Kedar.

The high altitude makes the winter season at Kedarnath very difficult. Thus, the temple only remains open for six month before the winter sets in. The gate closes during Diwali and opens once again in May. The opening of date of Kedarnath Temple depends on the Shiva Ratri and the priests in the temple fix it. During this closed period, people visit another nearby temple called Baba Baironath. 

There are many other places of interest in and around Kedarnath such as Gandhi Sarovar and Gaurikund. There is also Triyuginarayan, said to be the wedding venue of Lord Shiva and Parvati and a flame at the spot is perpetually kept ablaze. Kedarnath is also the ideal spot for mountain trekking and beautiful treks leading through the virgin jungles and windy mountains are a favorite among adventure sports lovers. One can start trekking from Gaurikund itself. The celestial Jyotirling is treated as to posses the divine presence that can provide salvation to those who die at this holy land. And one can find the road to heaven at Mahapanth beyond the shrine. 

Moreover, Sharavani Annakoot Mela, a fair is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August that is very popular among visitors. Booking for special worship at the shrine is also possible at Kedarnath.

For Kedarnath Yatra package and Chardham Yatra packages please visit web.

Shri Badrinath Dham-Most Holy Shrine in India

As the name suggests this place is dedicated to the shrine of Kedar (lord Shiva) and is probably one of the most visited religious spots in the Indian pilgrimage circuit. Situated at the altitude of 3,580 meter from sea level, Kedarnath is one of the four holy places that encircle the famous Chardham Yatra. Believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath shrine is considered as the heaven of every pilgrim and this is why people brave the distant hilly tracks to Kedarnath and in spite of its being the remotest site in all Chardhams, it always crowded with devotes. The Mandakini River flowing by this sacred spot serves the ideal setting to wash away one’s sins. But, pilgrimage is not always about washing one’s sins but to search for one’s soul.

Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the present day Kedarnath shrine was first set up by Adi Guru Sankarachrya. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath and the religious zest when blended with the natural beauty of the place enhances the charm of this mountain laced region. The elegantly carved architecture of the temple is more than a 1000 years old. However, the original temple was built by the Pandavas of Mahabharata and the mythology speaks of the Pandavas praying here to wash off their sins of killing so many people after winning the great battle at Kurukshetra.  The story also refers to the ‘hide and seek’ battle played between Bhima, one of the Pandavas and Lord Shiva. The outcome of this game now appears in an incomplete idol at kedarnath and the remaining parts are worshipped at places like Rudranath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, and Kalpeshwar. These spots are together known as Panch Kedar.

The high altitude makes the winter season at Kedarnath very difficult. Thus, the temple only remains open for six month before the winter sets in. The gate closes during Diwali and opens once again in May. The opening of date of Kedarnath Temple depends on the Shiva Ratri and the priests in the temple fix it. During this closed period, people visit another nearby temple called Baba Baironath. 

There are many other places of interest in and around Kedarnath such as Gandhi Sarovar and Gaurikund. There is also Triyuginarayan, said to be the wedding venue of Lord Shiva and Parvati and a flame at the spot is perpetually kept ablaze. Kedarnath is also the ideal spot for mountain trekking and beautiful treks leading through the virgin jungles and windy mountains are a favorite among adventure sports lovers. One can start trekking from Gaurikund itself. The celestial Jyotirling is treated as to posses the divine presence that can provide salvation to those who die at this holy land. And one can find the road to heaven at Mahapanth beyond the shrine.  

Moreover, Sharavani Annakoot Mela, a fair is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August that is very popular among visitors. Booking for special worship at the shrine is also possible at Kedarnath.

For Kedarnath Yatra package and Chardham Yatra packages please visit web.

Shri Badrinath Dham- The Most Holy Shrine in India

Badrinath Dham, one of the holy spots for Hindu pilgrimage is often considered the end point of the Chardham Yatra that requires a trip across four major spots in Uttarakhand. Needless to mention, all these four places blessed with significant holy connections encircle an ideal salvation root for the Hindu devotees. But, beyond religion, the naturally blessed landscapes around these areas attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to whom the atmosphere itself speaks magic. The magic of the Devbhumi as believed by the visitors come alive in the Himalayan foothills and the experience no longer remains a humanely one. Devotes find divinity and the nature lovers find recreation- The magic of uttarakhand thus never disappoints anyone. Now speaking of the Chardham tour, it begins at Yamunotri, dedicated to the shrine of the Goddess Yamuna and ends at Badrinath, the shrine of the god Vishnu in his avatar of Badrinarayan.

Situated in the hills of Himalaya, at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level, Badrinath is often celebrated for its healing prowess. The healing of the soul in this case is attained only after a demanding trek through the steeped terrain up from Kedarnath, another point of the four pilgrimage spots. But, the root itself is a visual treat to nature lovers. Adorned with two natural hot springs names as Tapt Kund and Surya Kund, Badrinath Temple is believed to heal physical tribulations.

Built about two centuries ago by the Kings of Garhwal, the shrine of Sri Badrinath has a sanctum called Garbhagriha that houses Lord Badri Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad Rishi, Uthavar, Nar & Narayan. The temple also houses idols of Garuda Vahana (vehicle of Lord Narayan), Goddess Mahalaxmi and Adi Shankar. A black stone represents Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose. Also located at a distance of 24 kms from Badrinath is the temple Yogathyan Badri where Maharaj Pandu (father of the Pandava princes) is said to have prayed to Pandukeshwar.

But, those who love to explore go to Vyas Gufa at Mana village, located at a distance of 3 kms from Badrinath. Located on the banks of river Saraswati, this is the last Indian Village situated in the Indo-China Border. The Vyas Gufa has a very strong historical connection dating to the Mahabharata period. Vyas, the one who authored the epic Mahabharata is thought to have lived in these caves and Ganesha, the son of Shiv & Parvati, is said to have helped Vyas in putting the events in the epic. No wonder, Ganesh Gufa, another cave is also located in this village too. However, the attraction of the place does not end here as one of the natural wonders in the world that is profuse with a plethora of vibrant flowers finds its existence in the nearby valley. Known to the world as the Valley of Flowers, this location is in itself a paradise. 

The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter conditions. During this period the idols of Utsavo murti are taken to nearest Pandukeshwar. Thus, the best season for Badrinath Dham Yatra is May to June and September to October.

For more information on Badrinath Kedarnath Tour Package and Chardham Packages please visit web.