Unexplored

Tehri Garhwal

State

Tehri Garhwal is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, stretches from the snow clad Himalayan peaks of Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group all the way to the foothills near Rishikesh. The name was derived from the word ‘Trihari’, meaning a place that washes away the three major types of sins of thoughts, words and deeds.

History

The old town of Tehri lies at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers, the site of the Tehri dam. The town of Tehri was emptied to make space for the Tehri dam, and the population has been shifted to the town of New Tehri. The town is famous as the site of protests against the dam by Sundarlal Bahuguna and his followers during the Chipko movement.
Tehri was the capital of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal in British India, which had an area of 4180 square miles, and a population of 268,885 in 1901. It adjoined the district of Garhwal, and its topographical features are similar. It contained the sources of both the Ganges and the Yamuna, which are visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 101 km.

Rail: Rishikesk is the nearest railway station.

Road: Tehri is well connected by road to Dehradun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Pauri, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and other parts of the region.

District
Tehri Garhwal
STD Code
01376
Topic
Termperature
Summer 8 to 20°C, Winter -10 to 10°C
Best time to visit
April to September

Ramgarh

State

Ramgarh, was once the cantonment of the English army, is a small hill station and tourist destination on the way to Mukteshwar. It is located at such a strategic point that it provides an unobstructed view of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas. It abounds in apple, apricot, plum and peach orchards, because of which it is known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of Kumaon’.

History

The peaceful hill station has attracted my writers and thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore, Mahadevi Verma, and Sri Narain Swami to its peace and tranquility. Rabindranath Tagore is said to have done some of his major work here and also contemplated setting up Shantiniketan here.

Accessibility

Air: Pantnagar airport is the nearest domestic terminal. Delhi is the nearest International airport, which is 325 km away from Ramgarh. Delhi airport is well connected with major cities within the country and abroad. Taxis are available from Delhi and it takes about 9 hours to reach Ramgarh and fare is about Rs 6500.

Rail: Kathgodam Railway station, about 35 km away from Nainital, is the nearest railhead. Pre-paid taxi services are available from Kathgodam to Ramgarh which costs about Rs 750. Regular train services are available from Kathgodam to Delhi and also to other cities in India.

Road: Ramgarh is well connected with nearby cities like Nainital and Naukuchiatal in the state. Tourist and State owned bus services are available from Delhi to Ramgarh, covering the distance of 325 km.

Things to do

Fishing
In case you are fond of fishing, then all you need to do is just pack your bags and head to Ramgarh. Do not forget to carry your rod and a frying pan. For fish lovers there are plenty of masheers in the Kalirao and Kosi rivers. .However, make sure you get the permit from the Forest Department Office to play safe.

Rock Climbing & Rapelling
If you love challenges, then Ramgarh would be nothing less than a paradise for you. Enveloped by rocky terrains and mountains on all sides, the place gives you a perfect opportunity to explore your love for adventure. You can either inform the hotel wherein you are staying or arrange the adventure from a local tour agent. So, if you are all set to face the rocky terrain, Ramgarh would be the destination.

Nature Walks
Hill station and nature walk go hand in hand. Away from the pollution and restless life in cities, Ramgarh gives you ample of time to rejoice the beauty of nature and replenish your mind, heart and soul. The beautiful orchards of apples, apricots, plums and peaches are sure to refresh and revitalize your soul, apart from satisfying your gastronomic desires.

Camping
Camping outside is one of the most loved activities travelers indulge in when in Ramgarh. It is a complete contrast to what urbanites experience in their sedentary city life. There is nothing like sleeping right in the lap of nature and enjoying the rustic beauty and exquisiteness of the place. Amidst the luxurious greeneries, spectacular sunrise and blissful moonlights on the banks of River Kosi, Ramgarh would surely be a perfect location for family camping. However, stating prior information to the hotelier would be beneficial.

Mountain Biking: One of the challenging adventurous sports is mountain biking, and taking this challenge in the undulated region of Ramgarh is awesome. This is one of the finest ways to explore the hinterlands of this rocky forest area.

The mountain biking trips will provide you with the fascinating natural settings and the biking tracts in Ramgarh offer you much more excitement and enchanting views. Mountain biking will provide the real experience of adventure as the bike moves up the ridges and unexplored hilly terrains of this region.

Picnics
Picnics are the best way to reunite with family and friends and have an enjoyable time. And if the picnic is in the lap of nature, it becomes all the more a pleasurable experience to dwell in. in Ramgarh, there are umpteen options for you to indulge in picnics. The Khairna Bridge is one of the topmost places wherein you can have a wonderful time ahead.

District
Nainital
STD Code
06187
Topic
Termperature
Summer 15-30°C, Winter 0-24°C
Best time to visit
September to December

Kalsi

State

Kalsi, located on the banks of river Yamuna, is a small town is known both for its magnificent beauty and its historical values as well.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is a domestic airport located at about 73 km away from city center. Taxi cabs are available from airport to Kalsi city, which cost about Rs 1500. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi, which is about 285 km away.

Rail: Dehradun is the nearest railway station, which is about 49 km away. The station is well connected to many major cities in India. The taxi charge between Dehradun and Kalsi is about Rs 1000.

Road: Kalsi is well connected by state owned bus services. Many buses are available from Kalsi to Dehradun (49 km) and also to all neighboring cities. Private deluxe buses charge about Rs 3 per kilometer while state buses charge less than Re 1 per kilometer. Deluxe tourist buses go to Kalsi from New Delhi daily.

Things to do

Walks
An incredibly charming and easy walking trail (about 3½ km) runs along the ashram road past the boundary wall of the Snow Lion Estate and all the way to Katta Pathar Village, where the Yamuna River first bursts out of the mountains. The village gets its name from a now extinct iron mine.

To your left are the glorious 180 degrees panoramas of the Chakrata Hills, embellished at their base by the patchwork quilt of cultivated fields edging the banks of the turbulent Yamuna River. The river may be a muddy brown when it rains, but it’s a glorious aqua, clear as crystal, when the monsoons are banished. River crossings in the shallows are then most rewarding for anglers who can find a secluded spot to lure mahseer.

Punctuating the riverbanks are neat little beaches where you can have great picnics once the monsoon waters recede. Cross the stream rushing down to the river, by the quaint little wooden bridge, go pebble hunting along the banks past the water mill where the villagers bring their corn to be ground in fair weather. You can also drive up to various points in the Mussoorie and Chakrata foothills to walk down some designated jungle trails. Go armed with camera and binocs.

But for those who abhor any form of undue exertion on a holiday, within the bounds of the estate itself, are delightful walks amidst the trees and lawns.

River Rafting: While at Kalsi, one can witness the most beautiful form of River Yamuna with its crystalline water and a sparkling appeal. The winding paths of this majestic river through the lush meadows and the deep woods provide one with perfect rapids. A water lover cannot find a suitable place than this to perform rafting. This thrilling and adventurous event offers a rejuvenating vigor to the participants.

The gushing waters of Yamuna River satisfy both the beginners as well as the tough professional. It gives a rare opportunity to trench once spirit and proficiency against the tough nature as one negotiate in the rapids, contrive the bends, drive along canyons and shatter into gleaming waves.

District
Dehradun
STD Code
01360
Topic
Termperature
Summer 17-30°C, Winter 5-22°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Jilling

State

Jilling,nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas among the Kumaon ranges, is the perfect holiday retreat for those who enjoy basking in the arms of nature.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi (450 km), although Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport 72 km from Nainital but after the termination of Jagson airlines services in the year 2008 it has become non operational for general public.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam.

By Road: Interstate buses leave New Delhi for Kathgodam from Anand Vihar ISBT. Buses can also be booked till Nainital from where you can hire private taxis till Matial.

District
Kumaon
Topic
Termperature
Summer 19-47°C, Winter 4-25°C
Best time to visit
Mar - Oct

Jeolikot

State

Jeolikot is an ideal tourist destination on the Nainital-Haldwani Highway to spend the summer trip in calm, reclusive and cool surroundings. The hilly region sets out perfect trails for trekking and other such exploring activities. It also offers incredible panoramic view of the surrounding mountains particularly in the post-monsoon period when the skies are clear. It was once a favourite place for renowned philosophers including Swami Vivekaanada and Sri Aurobindo who enjoyed the calm and solitude of the place.

Accessibility

By Air: The major international airport near Jeolikot is Delhi, which is nearly 290 km away from the city.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam about 48 km.

By Road: Jeolikot down hill is well connected by state owned bus services. Many overnight tourist bus services run by private companies are available from New Delhi to Jeolikot.

Shopping

The tiny township of Jeolikot is credited with some finest shopping facilities. To have a real taste of fresh honey unadulterated with modern materials, Jeolikot shops offer you the best quality. It has many valuable items in its fold to sell to the shopping enthusiasts. The shops on the sides of the narrow paved ways provide you many items like fresh kiwi fruit, mushrooms, olives and strawberries.

There are some shops offering you with saplings and tiny potted plants. Also one can purchase some fresh wild flower honey from the verdant shops in Jeolikot. The government horticulture department sells many horticulture and floriculture items to the tourists.

Things to do

Trekking: Jeolikot is a nice destination for adventurous tourists. The countryside is very ideal for natural walks and low-level treks. The Kumaon hilly terrain and the thick forests offer lots of physical activity. Many trekking trails in Jeolikot offer mild to hard challenges to trekkers. The undulated Kumaon hills and the thick forestry region are really adventurous places to trek. These paths are not fully explored. Presently many tourists visit this area to have the enjoyment of natural walk, butterfly catching and forest safari.

District
Nainital
STD Code
05942
Topic
Termperature
Summer 15-25°C, Winter 8-15°C
Best time to visit
April - June, September - November

Dharchula

State

Dharchula is a remote town surrounded by mountains serves as the base camp for the sacred Kailash-Mansarovar yatra, the Chota Kailash yatra and a visit to the well-known Narayan Ashram. The town is called Dharchula perhaps for the reason that this small valley resembles a stove (Chula in Hindi) with various peaks (Dhar in Hindi) which complete the word Dharchula. is also a town that is split down the middle by the River Kali – into the Indian Dharchula and the Nepalese Darchula, and one the best excursions from here is to walk down to the market on the Nepalese side.

Accessibility

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Tanakpur 247 kms.

By Road: Dharachula is well connected with state highway. Pithoragarh - 96 kms. Tanda - 244 kms. Alrnora - 213 kms.

District
Pithoragarh
STD Code
05967
Termperature
Summer 35-45°C, Winter 5-15°C
Best time to visit
May - Oct
Famous For
Dharchula is an important camp along the Kailash-Mansarovar, Chotta Kailash and Narayan Ashram route.

Dhanaulti

State

Dhanaulti is a hill station known for its quiet environs amidst the alpine forests of Deodar, Rhododendron and Oak. It provides excellent views of the snow capped Himalayan ranges. It is the launching point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, especially to the Tehri region of Garhwal.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, situated 82kms from Dhanaulti.

By Rail: The nearest railhead to Dhanaulti is Dehradun situated at a distance of 60kms.

By Road: Dhanaulti is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of Uttarakhand state. It is situated 325kms from Delhi, 107kms from Rishikesh and 60kms from Dehradun.

Shopping

Being a small hamlet, the malls of a popular tourist destination are missing, one can buy locally spun shawls from the market there.

Best time to visit
April to June and November to February

Chopta

State

Chopta, also known as mini Switzerland, is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region providing a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding areas. Enchanting views of the Himalayas is visible from Chopta.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/varunshiv/3530069291/in/set-72157618483337…

Accessibility

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport of Chopta, situated 226kms away in Dehradun.

By Rail: The nearest railhead to Chopta is Rishikesh situated 209kms away. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India.

By Road: Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with major towns of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state.

Accommodation

There are a limited number of hotels in Chopta. Hotels in Chopta don’t necessarily provide world class amenities and superior luxury but you can find comfortable accommodation with affordable price.

A couple of GMNVL rest houses are available during peak season besides the local hotels (small rooms fair enough to spend few days in the laps of the Himalayas) at Chopta.

Some small rooms/hotels are also available at Tungnath during peak season.

Incase you are not able to locate a accommodation for you in Chopta, you may drive to Gopeshwar (39 kms from Chopta) where you may easily find Hotels for stay.

District
Rudraprayag
STD Code
01364
Topic
Termperature
Summer 15 to 24°C, Winter -15 to 5°C
Best time to visit
Apr - Jun, Sep - Nov

Chakrata

State

Chakrata or Chakrauta, earlier known as Jaunsar bawar, is a military cantonment, situated between the Tons and Yamuna rivers. Himachal Pradesh lies towards the west of Chakrata while it is graced by Mussoorie towards the east. It is known for its serene environs and pollution-free atmosphere

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chakrata_small.JPG

History

The area was earlier known as Jaunsar bawar, a near by village,[1] belonging to the Jaunsari tribe, which still has a marked presence in the surrounding villages.
A cantonment of British Indian Army, was established in 1866 by Colonel Hume of the 55th Regiment, British Indian Army,[2] and the troops and officers first occupied the cantonment in April 1869.[3]

View from Deovan of Chakrata
In 1901, Chakrata Tahsil was part of the Dehradun district, of United Provinces, with a collective population of 51,101, which consisted of the towns of Chakrata (population 1250) and Kalsi, with a population of 760 [1], which is most known for the rock edict of the Mauryan king Ashoka 2nd century BC, first discovered by John Forest, in 1860.[4]

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport, which is 116 km away from Chakrata.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Dehradun, which is nearly 92 km away.

By Road: Bus facilities are available in Chakrata to reach Dehradun (92 km), Ponta Sahib (70 km) and Kalsi (98 km).

District
Dehradun
STD Code
01360
Topic
Termperature
Summer 10 to 30°C, Winter -5 to 15°C
Best time to visit
April to June and September to November

Mori

State

Mori, situated along the banks of the Tons river in the Jaunsar Bawar region. It is an apt place for holiday camping, to rejuvenate and relax the body mind and whole life activities. It is well known for adventurous water sports activities

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Jollygrant which is 175 km away from Mori and is situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Mori and it costs about Rs 3300. Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 410 km away. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Nearest railway station is also Dehradun, which is nearly 175 km away from Mori. This station is connected to all cities in India. Taxi services are available from Dehradun to Mori, costing about Rs 3300.

Road: Mori is well connected to many cities in the region by buses. Private and public buses offer services from Mori to all nearby cities. Regular frequent bus services are available from Mori to Mussoorie (139 km).

Things to do

Camping: Camping turns out to be a hobby of many merry travelers, which offers the great enjoyment of boundless natural beauty, to peel away from the stress and strains of urbanized living style. A wonderful pleasant experience, camping in Mori is awesome. Amidst the luxurious greeneries, rosy sunrise and whitish moonlights, the banks of Tons river, Mori is a perfect location for family camping. Those who looks for intransigent adventures, this is an apt place which offers a charming camping outing which can bring a new lease of life.

Come over to Mori, lusting greeneries, challenging river rafting, trekking and rappelling, the camping here is a festival for any tourist. An ideal camping to unwind, relax and merge with the nature’s pristine environments, with strikingly beautiful greenish sceneries and lots of adventure.

Many private resorts offer fantastic camping facilities here. One can move out for an overnight outdoor camping in the striking peaky meadows in Mori. Be a part of the bonfire and barbecue all along the night and relax yourself, the offer of Mori camping is fabulous. Populated with exceptional and awesome flora and fauna, Mori is a camping paradise and camping here is really an experience not to forget.

Rafting and Kayaking: Tons river offers the ultimate enjoyment in rafting and kayaking for adventurous tourists. Tons is the largest offshoot of the Yamuna river, originating at Bandarpunch peak of 20,720 feet. With its exciting stream, Mori offers outstanding rush and the excitement of being with nature is fantastic.

Adventurous and highly motivated rafters and kayakers can opt for a multi-day outing trip on the Tons river up to the dam at Icchhari. In all, an unforgettable family tourist spot to camp in summer, with the grand feast of Rafting and Kayaking.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Mori is a school of teaching the Rappelling. One can start from kinder garten to graduate school of Rock climbing in Mori, with many natural rock faces surrounding the undulated hilly terrain. It is a very complicated exercise to have climbing in the hard granite faces of the rough rocks.

It is really worth trying out, make some fantastic moves and get satisfied with the adventurous activity undertaken. Really a challenging sports offered by Mori.

Trekking: Meander around the unfriendly terrains, undulated, rocky and challenging, Mori makes you to take up the challenge of jungle trekking. The Har-ki-Dun valley and the places, dense forested greenish surroundings, around Mori have some good trekking trails.

Motivated tourists can take outdoor memorable trips, nature walking, drinking the mesmerizing beauty of nature. One need to take in the bag the basic necessities for the trekking trip, choice is for an unforgettable effort. Trekking in Mori is really breath taking.

District
Uttarkashi
STD Code
0135
Topic
Termperature
Summer 9-23°C, Winter 2-10°C
Best time to visit
April - September