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Sonmarg

Sonmarg, literally means 'Meadow of Gold', is a place of enthralling beauty surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. It is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. The place is also renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions.

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History

Sonamarg, like the rest of Kashmir, owes a considerable measure of its natural beauty and stunning landscapes to the tectonic activity that took place millions of years ago. These subterranean forces carved out the valleys and mountains that in later years were draped with forests, wild flowers and grasses. Some of that age-old turmoil has only added to today’s chocolate-box picture with distant glaciers and jagged peaks covered with snow. Sonamarg, per se, does not have history that is replete with the ruins of an ancient civilization. Yet, this has been a place of significance on the route to Ladakh and as an alternative route to the cave of Amarnath. The fertile pasture ground has fed the flocks of the nomadic Gujjar people since ages. Sonamarg was a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and was a popular place for trekkers, bird-watchers and ‘shikaris’ during the years of British rule in India.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Sonamarg is located at Srinagar, at a distance of 70 kms away. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flights. Taxis are available from airport to Sonamarg for a fare of about Rs 1000.

Rail: The nearest major railhead is at Srinagar, which is 70 kms away. One can reach Sonamarg from railway station by taxis or buses. Taxi fare is about Rs. 1000.

Road: Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road. . J&K SRTC operates regular buses as well as sightseeing buses during the season. The route passes through the picturesque town of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the Sindh Valley, before reaching the resort. Spectacular views of the Harmukh range dominate the horizon all along the route.

Shopping

The range of possible shopping is somewhat limited in Sonamarg. The goods and handicrafts available include warm tunics ‘pherans’, shawls, wicker-work and scatter-rugs ‘namdahs’.

District
Srinagar District
Best time to visit
May To September, November To February

Pahalgam

Pahalgam, also known as "Land Of The Shepherds", is a hill station located at the confluence of Lidder River and the streams originating from serene Sheshnag Lake. The valley offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Himalayan Ranges and is also the base camp for the renowned pilgrimage to Amarnath. The unexplored undulating hilly terrains and the plain valley regions are equally eye catching. It is also perfectly suitable for adventurous activities like golf, horse riding, trekking and many water sports.

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History

The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar. It is placed at a distance of about 95 km from Pahalgam. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flight services. Taxi services are available at the airport and taxi fare from Srinagar to Pahalgam will be about Rs.1000.

Rail: The nearest major railhead is at Srinagar, which is 90 km away. One can reach Pahalgam from railway station by taxis or buses. Taxi fare is about Rs. 1000.

Road: Pahlagam is connected by Jammu and Kashmir state owned road transport corporation buses. Pahalgam is well connected to Srinagar (95 km, Rs. 50) by buses. Special luxurious buses will also be available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam.

Shopping

Pahalgam has small markets and the shops have a fine collection of products made of wool. You can purchase Gabbas and Namdas from local shops. If you want to do lots of shopping then Srinagar is a perfect destination for you, which has several big shopping bazaars and offer everything from A to Z.

Accommodation

Pahalgam offers a number of hotels and lodges from budget class accommodation to the luxurious one. Apart from this, one can find good facilities in trekkers' lodges, and JKTDC's fully furnished huts.

Pahalgam is dotted with a number of hotels and tourist lodges of varied ranges which are open only during summer months. Most famous hotels of Pahalgam include Woodstock Hotel, Hotel Heevan, Pahalgam Hotel, Senator Pine N Peak etc.

Things to do

Fishing: The Lidder River has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come - first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits and spinning are not allowed. For permits contact the Directorate of Fisheries, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.

Trekking: Spell bounding natural setting, adventurous trekking trails, snow capped undulated hilly terrain and the pleasant climate during springs and summers make the trekking expedition in Pahalgam a wonderful experience. Formidable mountain ranges, amazing valleys and plateaus make the region of Pahalgam suitable for all types of trekking, mild to very challenging.

Pahalgam-Suru Valley, Boktal Pass, Lonvilad Gali are all perfect trekking trails connecting Pahalgam. Pahalgam serves as the base camp for many trekkers. Mountaineering routes and trekking trails are all challenging for the adventurous travelers. Day treks and hikes are usual tourist activity in this region.

Breathtaking Kolahoi Glacier which goes via Aru is one of the most popular trekking route. Trek from Pahalgam to Chandanwari and to Sheshnag lake, trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam are all really worth experiencing.

Golf : Pahalgam has a fine golf course at a height of 2,400 mts above the sea level. Pahalgam Golf Club has 9-hole golf course, which is open for tourists. Golf equipments can be hired from the Pahalgam Tourist Office.

Horse Riding : Horse riding is one of the most interesting adventure options at Pahalgam. Tourists can hire ponies directly or through the Tourist Office. Tariff boards are displayed at all the important locations of Pahalgam.

District
Anantnag district
Best time to visit
May To September, November To February
Famous For
Amarnath Yatra

Jammu

Jammu, known as the ‘city of temples’, is located on the banks of river Tawind and is the winter capital of state of Jammu & Kashmir. In the west of the City, Jammu is seperated form Pakistan by the Line of Control.

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History

Jammu was founded by Raja Jamboolochan in the 14th century. It was named Jambu-Nagar which was subsequently camed to be called Jammu. Jambu Lochan's brother, Raja Bahu Lochan, constructed a fort on the bank of the Tawi River - The Bahu Fort - that is now one of the popular historical places in Jammu.

Jammu has been frequently mentioned in mythological books like Mahabharata, there is even evidence that suggests Jammu was part of the Harappan civilization. Jammu was also part of the Maurya, Kushan, Kushanshahs and Gupta kingdoms. Before becoming part of the British India, Jammu was ruled by Mughals, Sikhs, and Hindu Kings. It became part of Indian republic after independence.

District
Jammu
STD Code
0191
Topic
Best time to visit
October to March

Gulmarg

Gulmarg, popularly known as "Meadow of Flowers", is known for unparalleled beauty and is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. The place is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course and is popular as premier resort for winter sports in the country.

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History

Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862 – 1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.

The surrounding areas were politically restive during the 1990s uprising in Kashmir, but since a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003, the town has enjoyed a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter season and is a popular ski resort.[3].

With the abatement of militancy in the area, Gulmarg has quickly become one of the state's most visited destinations. The slopes of the Afarwat Hills of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya Chain boast one of the longest and highest ski slopes in Asia. The total distance covered by ski lifts is five kilometres and the resort peaks at an altitude of 3,950 m (12,959 ft), accessed by an aerial gondola (telecabine). The skiing project was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 25 December, 2004. The entire hill is guarded by the army at all times. The army, which is seen everywhere in the cities of Kashmir, is not in the town or the actual hilltop. Frisking is only done midway on the access road at 3 places: Tangmarg, near an army camp on the road from Tangmarg, and 5 km before entering Gulmarg. Gulmarg does not have any permanent residents. All living in Gulmarg are hotel employees and guests. Everyone else is required to leave the village by sunset, due to a curfew imposed by the army in 1990.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar, which is 56 km away from Gulmarg. Jeeps and Taxi cabs are available from airport to Gulmarg, which will cost around Rs 1000 – Rs 1200. Srinagar is well connected to Delhi with daily regular flights. Many other Indian cities are also connected to Srinagar by air.

Rail: Closest Railhead from Gulmarg is Jammu. Jammu is connected by rail to many cities in India; especially direct trains are available from northern cities.

Road: Gulmarg is 56 kms from Srinagar. J&K SRTC operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services from Srinagar. In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg (11 kms from Gulmarg), the remaining distance being covered with smaller vehicles. Tourist taxis also operate between Srinagar and Gulmarg.

Shopping

Gulmarg does not offer much to shoppers, better you shop in Srinagar which is home to a number of markets.

Accommodation

When you plan a visit to Gulmarg you need not worry much about accommodation options. Gulmarg has several hotels and tourist lodges which offer comfortable stay to guests at reasonable rates. If you visit Gulmarg in the peak season then it is advisable that book hotels well in advance. Some of the popular hotels of Gulmarg include Welcome Hotel, Hilltop Hotel, Nedous Hotel, Highland Park etc. You can also stay at hotels run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.

Things to do

Golfing Holidays: Gulmarg in summers - It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. Temporary members are also welcome: the payment of a daily fee entitles one to play 18 holes on course maintained by the State Tourism Department. A limited supply of golfing equipment is available for hire.

Horse Riding: This is the best activity by which all the sites of Gulmarg can be seen. Horses can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office.

Skiing: Skiing and snowboarding are two main activities which can be carried out in Gulmarg and it has become the most popular spot for skiing in India. Winter comes here with all its majesty and snow falling makes the landscape covered with thick glossy smooth snow. Long run Skiing is the major attraction for all kinds of tourists in Gulmarg.

Many ski resorts with all kinds of facilities for skiing and also for enjoyable vacations are out there in Gulmarg attracting huge flow of domestic and foreign tourists. A tourist can get the help of skiing guides from the resorts or government shops. They offer all supports for an enthralling and exciting skiing vacation in Gulmarg.

Sledging: Sledging at Gulmarg - A flat wooden board is taken up the hilltop and, without a navigator, allowed to slide downhill on the snow-covered slopes. Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are always available on hire. . There are also snow scooters and snow bobbing, neither requiring special skills.

Trekking: Gulmarg is a very popular trekking base in the Himalayan regions. Many trekking trails offering medium to hard adventurous trekking originates from the hilly terrains of Gulmarg. There are many resorts offering all supports for trekking expeditions and also there are many skilled guides.

Gulmarg-Khilanmarg, Gulmarg-Apharwat and Gulmarg-Alapther trekking trails are very popular among the trekking enthusiasts. The trekking through the breathtaking undulated snow covered sloppy Himalayan ranges is really an adventurous experience to extol. Majestic views of Namga Parbat, enchanting snow covered valleys and dense forests make the trekking in Gulmarg a wonderful experience for any traveler.

District
Baramula district
STD Code
0194
Best time to visit
May To September, November To February
Famous For
Winter Sports, Ski Resort and Highest Golf Course in World

Rishikesh

State

Rishikesh is a scenic town located on the banks of river Ganga and is an important access point to the famous pilgrim spots of the Himalayas. The various spiritual centers, yogic ashrams located here have earned this town the sobriquet “world capital of yoga”.

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History

The history of Rishikesh goes back several centuries. There are several mythical stories associated with this place. It is this place where Raibhya Rishi, a noted saint, performed stern penance while sitting on the banks of the holy River Ganga. He got his reward when the lord appeared in front of him and gave the name of this place as Rishikesh. There is also a famous landmark called Bharat Temple and legend states that the brother of Rama, Bharat also did severe penance at this place. One of the most well-known religious leaders of contemporary times, Adi Shankaracharya, visited Rishikesh in the 9th century AD and this place thus got catapulted to the status of one of the major religious spots of north India. Rishikesh is also popular for Kailas Ashram Brahmavidyapeetham that happens to be a 120 years old institute offering courses for the traditional Vedantic Studies.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Jollygrant which is 18 km away from Rishikesh and is situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Rishikesh and it costs about Rs 300. Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 224 km away. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Rishikesh railway station is linked to all cities in India. There are regular train facilities from Rishikesh to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Dehradun and Kotdwar.

Road: Rishikesh is well connected to many cities in the region by buses. Private and public buses offer services from Rishikesh to Pauri (117 km), Haridwar, Dehradun and Kotdwar.

Shopping

Of course, Rishikesh is a mainly a pilgrimage centre, but it offers plenty of opportunities for shopping as well. You can buy handicraft items made of shells, pearls and beads. In addition, you can buy sarees, kurtas, sheets, rugs and several other items. All these items are available in the Government Approved Handloom Shop, Khadi Bhandar and Garhwal Wool and Craft Shop.

Shopping in Rishikesh is a happy and rejoicing activity. One can get many items which are useful for day to day life from the small shops nearby the temple town of Rishikesh. Evenings are very busy with local people come out for shopping. Many religious and temple related articles like Rudraksha, Ganesha idols, Nataraja statues, religious books and mythological sculptures are available here in moderate rates.

Winter clothes, Kurtaz and Salwar kumeez beautifully knit are specialty of this location. Handicraft items made of shells, pearls and beads are other attractions in the shops of Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is part of the Shekhawati region, which is known across the world as the "Open Air Art Gallery". Being a part of Shekhawati, Rishikesh too therefore, basks in the glorious tradition of painting. The murals and paintings that once embellished the interiors of the havelis here are now recreated in miniature form on cloth and paper. These paintings are marvelous show pieces and are capable of making your interiors, your neighbor’s envy.

The carved wood furniture available in Rishikesh is also good buy, if you have the means to carry them back home in one piece. The local fabric and tie and die are also quite popular

The Govt. owned emporia, state handloom emporia, Khadi stores offers the best quality for the best price when it comes to shopping in Rishikesh. However, plenty more shops line the streets in Rishikesh and you are welcome to take your pick.

Rishikesh is a small town lying at the confluence of rivers Ganga and Chandrabhaga. Rishikesh see visitors of all kinds - pilgrims, people visiting for the purpose of Yoga and Ayurveda or adventure sports.

Since people visiting are for diverse purposes, Rishikesh has a market place which stocked well enough to meet all your needs. Whether it is puja essentials, ayurvedic medicines or rafting equipment, you get it all here.

Rishikesh, being en route famous pilgrimage destinations like Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedranath, proves to be a good stopover destination. On the Ghats of river Ganga, you will find small shops selling containers which people generally buy to carry back home Ganga Jal.

Also, in the markets here, you will find shops selling gems, precious and semi-precious stones, cloths, puja items and CDs of bhajans.

Accommodation

The Garhwal Vikas Manda Nigam's Guest House is the best place in the town and has dormitory as well as single and double rooms for the tourists. Rishikesh is a city of dharamsalas and most of the people prefer to stay in the dharamsalas. But, if you do not like to stay in dharamsalas, there are a number of good hotels for you.

Most of the hotels are situated at the centre of the town, providing good accommodation facilities. Some of the famous hotels of the town include Ananda-In the Himalayas, Explore Himalayas on the Ganges, The Glasshouse on the Ganges, Ganga Beach Resort, Hotel Ganga Kinare, Hotel Ganga View and The Camp 5 Elements.

Although Rishikesh is a tiny place, there are a good number of hotels in Rishikesh. Some hotels in Rishikesh offer world-class luxury in the lap of Himalayas.

LUXURY HOTELS IN RISHIKESH

Ananda In The Himalayas
Himalayan Hideaway

BUDGET HOTELS IN RISHIKESH

Hotel Ganga Kinare
Hotel Ganga View

Attractions

Yoga and Meditation in Rishikesh
If you are interested in Yoga and Meditation, Rishikesh is the perfect place for you. Rishikesh has a number of ashrams and yoga centres where you can take lessons on these two ancient Indian disciplines. You may contact Swami Shivananda's Divine Society Ashram, which is an authentic place. It is situated on the Tourist Bungalow side of the river. You may stay here for short term study or for longer three month courses. Other popular yoga and meditation centres in Rishikesh are Ved Niketan, Yoga Study Centre, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation Centre and Yoga Niketan - Rishikesh. These centre offer a variety of courses including food and lodging.

Things to do

Yoga & Meditation
Rishikesh has been serving as an important center for yoga and meditation in India, since a long time. There are a large number of ashrams in the city, where qualified gurus teach this ancient practice, at the basic as well as professional level. Yoga Study Centre, Yoga Niketan Ashram, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Sri Ved Niketan Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, Ananda Prakash Ashram, and Rishikesh Yog Peeth are the most popular yoga ashrams in Rishikesh.

Ayurveda & Spa
When in Rishikesh, do make sure to pay a visit to the world-famous, super-luxury Ananda Spa. It is located Narendranagar, approximately 16 km from Rishikesh, in the erstwhile palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. One visit to this spa resort and you will find yourself completely refreshed and rejuvenated. In fact, it is best place to get back your old energy levels.

River Rafting
Adventure seeks, not only from the corners of India, but the whole world, come to Rishikesh, to exploit the river rafting opportunities that it offers. The best time for rafting in Rishikesh is September to November and March to May. The most popular stretches here are Brahmpuri to Rishikesh, Rishikesh to Shivpuri, Devprayag to Rishikesh, Kudiyala to Rishikesh, Kaliasaur to Rishikesh, and Marine to Rishikesh.

Boating
If you like to play in water, but do not want to indulge in something as adventurous as white water rafting, don’t be disappointed. Rishikesh offers you the option of boating in the holy waters of the Ganges. You will love the experience of floating on river Ganga, while exploring the exquisite natural beauty all around.

Trekking
For the trekking enthusiasts, Rishikesh offers some of the most scenic trails, which help them explore the natural beauty of the place from up close. Kauri Pass Trek, Roop Kund Trek, Devi National Park Trek, KalindiKhal Trek, and Kankul Khal Trek are the best treks in the area. Best explored between the months of February and October, these treks take you through dense forests, maundering rivers and wild mountain ranges.

Jungle Safari
Though many people are unaware of the fact, Rishikesh also provides its visitors the option of going on a jungle safari. This particular activity owes its origin to the Rajaji National Park situated nearby. The rich and varied wildlife of the parks, combined with their diverse fauna, will woo you no end.

Rock-Climbing / Mountaineering
Since Rishikesh is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, it offers the visitors opportunities of rock-climbing and mountaineering as well. These activities are usually organized at George Everest House, in Phool Chatti (situated near Rishikesh). Apart from mountaineering and rock climbing equipment, you will also get trained instructors here.

Camping
One of the best ways to commune with nature is to spend sometime in its lap. What better way to do this than by staying in camps for a day or two. In Rishikesh, you will find numerous organizations offering camping facilities along the Ganges. Then, there are many camps that start just after Rishikesh and go up to Kaudiyala and Shivpuri, along the white sand beaches of Ganga River.

Pilgrimage
Rishikesh is counted amongst the holy cities of India. Apart from situated on the banks of river Ganga, its sanctity arises from the fact that it serves as the gateway to four most revered pilgrim destinations in India, also known as the ‘Char Dhams’. Then, there is Bharat Mandir and Neelkanth Mahadev, two famous temples in Rishikesh that are worth visiting.

White Water Rafting: The main sporting activity in Rishikesh is White Water Rafting. It has grown to a popular and adventurous spot for white water rafting enthusiasts as the place offers a spectacular experience of medium to very tough and rough rapids in the regions of River Ganges. Many adventurous tourists both from India and abroad visit this place to experience the real challenges of white water rafting.

All facilities for white water rafting is available here, and there are training guides for rafting from whom a tourist can take help in this sport. September-November and March-May are ideal for rafting.

District
Dehradun
STD Code
01364
Termperature
Summer 21-30°C, Winter 5-22°C
Best time to visit
March to November

Ranikhet

State

Ranikhet is a beautiful cantonment town and is the perfect destination for those who love to enjoy the calm and serene beauty of nature, away from the hustle-bustle of cities. The city is blessed with magnificent scenic grandeur of the majestic Himalayas as well as the blooming gardens and enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year. It derives its name from Rani Padmini, the queen of Raja Sudhardev, who was in love with this place and subsequently chose it as her residence.

History

According to popular belief, Ranikhet got its name when Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler, saw this place and was struck by its beauty. She was so captivated by the place that she decided to stay there, and the place came to be known as Ranikhet (literally, queen' s field). The region around Ranikhet was ruled by local Kumaoni rulers and later came under British rule. The British developed Ranikhet as a hill station for their troops and established a cantonment in 1869. Ranikhet is still a cantonment town and is the Kumaon Regimental Center.

Accessibility

Air: Pantnagar airport is the nearest domestic terminal, which is 119 km away. Pre-paid taxi services charge about Rs 2000 from Pantnagar to Ranikhet. Pantnagar airport is connected to Delhi by daily flights. Delhi is the nearest International airport, which is 350 km away from Ranikhet. 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 Ranikhet and fare is about Rs 6500.

Rail: Kathgodam Railway station, about 80 km away from Ranikhet, is the nearest railhead. Pre-paid taxi services are available from Kathgodam to Ranikhet which costs about Rs 1500. Regular train services are available from Kathgodam to Delhi and also to other cities in India.

Road: Ranikhet is well connected with nearby cities like Nainital (54 km), Almora (49 km) and Bareily (181 km). Tourist and State owned bus services are available from Delhi to Ranikhet, covering the distance of 350 km.

Shopping

Sadar Bazar: Present day market’s hustle and bustle is seen only in Sadar Bazaar of Ranikhet. This is the major shopping area in the Ranikhet region. Any small and petty shops are placed densely here in this bazaar. With a many restaurants and hotels, the bazaar is the most crowded and the noisiest area of the town. Shopping loving tourists can venture out here to taste the specially made eatables and also to purchase many locally made items including special embroider clothes.

The Mall: The Mall in Ranikhet is renowned for its tweed shawls, woolen fabrics like shirts, kurtas and jackets. In contrast to Sadar bazaar, the Mall in Ranikhet is relatively a calm shopping area. The shopping malls here offer many items a tourist look for. Main items sold here are fabrics, cotton and woolen. This is a prime sought area by shopping spree tourists. One can get handmade woolen fabrics of good qualities in an affordable price in these shopping malls. Now a day many electronic goods are available in these Malls.

The Mall offer the tourists the rare opportunity of mingling with local people and traders. Shopping is an art and if you are creative, you can get many good items from the Mall.

Things to do

Head for Trekking!
Trekking is best enjoyed in a group of friends. Chit-chatting, admiring scenic beauty, clicking pictures, etc, are just few reasons which always tempt people to go on trips. Trekking is also the best leisure activity that can be enjoyed by all age groups in Ranikhet. Amongst the popular trekking trails in the area, the one from Chaubatia Orchards to Holm Farm is quite popular. Then, there are trails from Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam, Ranikhet Club to Chevron Rosemount, Meghdoot to Jhula Devi Temple, and Chaubatia to the artificial lake - Bhalu Dam.

Nature Walks
When in Ranikhet, do not forget to indulge in nature walks, which will help you explore the beauty of the place in the best possible way. The best walking trails includes those from Nar Singh Ground to Meghdoot Hotel (via Ranikhet Club), from Meghdoot Hotel to Chaubatia, from Army Holiday Home to the AMU Guest House, from the Mall to the AMU Guest House, and from Jhula Devi Temple to the orchards of Chaubatia.

Explore Flora!
The beautiful plants and flowers, seen in Chaubattia orchards, make another good reason to visit this place. Originally known for growing apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, sweet chestnuts, quince, currants, gooseberries, figs, mulberries, strawberries and blackberries, these orchards now house the region’s first Horticulture Research Institute. Here, you can see a variety of amazing flowers, in different colors.

Try Fishing!
Bhalu Dam on Kosi River, a few kilometers from Chaubattia, is the place where anglers can enjoy fishing. But before this, you have to take prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden Dehradun.

Go Golfing!
Upat is just a few kilometers from Ranikhet, and offers great opportunity for golfing at high altitude. This 9-hole golf course is among the highest in the world. From here, it's always a pleasure to savor the spectacular view of snow peaks. However, you have to take permission for admission as well as playing, from the army, beforehand.

District
Almora
STD Code
05966
Termperature
Summer 15-30°C. Winter 0-24°C

Naukuchiatal

State

Naukuchiatal is small town located at the foothills of the Kumaon Mountains with a magnificent picturesque lake. It means “The lake of Nine Corners” and this lake is fed by an underwater spring and also holds the position of being the deepest lake in the Nainital district. It dates back to the times of Mahbharat, when the pandavas during their time of exile came to Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal.

History

According to the Hindu Mythology the Pandavas are supposed to have bathed here. Legend dictates that anyone who spots all the nine corners of the lake at one go attains Nirvana.

Accessibility

Air: Delhi International airport is the nearest one, which is 320 km away from Naukuchiatal. 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 Naukuchiatal and fare is about Rs 6500.

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

Road: Naukuchiatal is well connected with nearby cities like Nainital (26 km) in the state. Tourist and State owned bus services are available from Delhi to Naukuchiatal.

Accommodation

KMVN Tourist Rest House
Naukuchiatal
Telephone: 05942 – 247138

Things to do

Go Trekking!
Like any other hilly region, Naukuchiatal also offers umpteen opportunities to trek through jungles and orchards. Starting from the lake, different treks are organized to Jandhidhar and Jugliagaon, which are approximately 8 kms from Naukuchiatal. These treks also offer the chance to savor the abundance of flora and fauna of Kumaon.

Try Fishing!
If you want to try your hand at fishing, then the silent Naukuchiatal Lake is the best option for you. However, before indulging in this activity, you are required to secure permission from the local authorities. Once done, you may head towards the lake for fishing.

Enjoy Horse Riding!
For proficient horse riders, Naukuchiatal offers some challenging trails to groom their skills. But here, a novice can also make a move to enjoy horse riding without any ado.

Go Paragliding!
Though here guys won't offer you many gadgets and all that, they have simple equipments which can definitely give you the pleasure of paragliding. So, if you want to fly for few minutes, this is for you to experience.

Happy Boating!
After all boating can be the best activity for anyone in Naukuchiatal. People who don’t want to try anything else, they can do boating while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.

District
Nainital
STD Code
05942
Topic
Termperature
Summer 15-30°C, Winter 0-24°C
Best time to visit
March to August, October to December

Mussoorie

State

Mussoorie, popularly called the “Queen of hills”, is a hill station, perched on a horseshoe shaped ridge above the Doon Valley in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges. It provides great views of sprawling pine covered hills, velvety green valleys and snow capped Himalayan mountains in the north-east, and the enchanting views of the Doon Valley & Shivalik ranges in the south. It also acts as the gateway to the holy shrines of “Gangotri” and “Yamunotri”.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulhami/5284530402/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulhami/5281187461/in/photostream

History

Mussoorie was discovered in the 18th century by a British Captain Young and it soon became a popular summer retreat for the British.

The history of Mussoorie dates back to 1825 when Captain Young, an adventurous British military officer, together with a Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun explored the present site and jointly constructed a shooting lodge. This laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. In 1827 a sanitorium was built at Landour, which later became a large cantonment , Colonel Everest built a home here in 1832, and by 1901 its population was 6461, rising to 15,000 in the summer season. Earlier, Mussoorie was approachable by road from Saharanpur, 58 miles (93 km) away. Accessability became easier in 1900 with the railway coming to Dehradun, thus shortening the road trip to 21 miles (34 km).
The name Mussoorie is often attributed to a derivation of 'mansoor', a shrub which is indigenous to the area. The town is in fact often referred to as 'Mansoori' by locals.
The main promenade in Mussoorie is called, as in other hill stations, the Mall. In Mussoorie, the Mall stretches from Picture Palace at its eastern end to the Public Library (shortened to 'Library') at its western end. During the British Raj, signs on the Mall expressly stated: "Indians and Dogs Not Allowed"; racist signs of this type were commonplace in hill stations, which were founded 'by and for' the British. Motilal Nehru, the father of Jawahar Lal Nehru, deliberately broke this rule every day whenever he was in Mussoorie, and would pay the fine. The Nehru family, including Nehru's daughter Indira (later Indira Gandhi) were frequent visitors to Mussoorie in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. They also spent much time in nearby Dehradun, where Nehru's sister Vijayalakshmi Pandit ultimately settled full-time.
In April 1959, after fleeing Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Government of Exile in Mussoorie. The Government of Tibet in exile eventually moved to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The first Tibetan school was established in Mussoorie in 1960. Tibetans settled mainly in Happy Valley in Mussoorie. Today, some 5,000 Tibetans live in Mussoorie.
Now, Mussoorie suffers from over-development of hotels and tourist lodges, given its relative proximity to Delhi, Ambala and Chandigarh, and has serious problems of garbage collection, water scarcity and parking shortages, especially during the summer tourist season. Landour, Jharipani and Barlowganj have fewer such problems.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Jollygrant, which is 60 km away from Mussoorie and is situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Mussoorie and it costs about Rs 1500. Delhi is the nearest international airport, which is 270 km away. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Mussoorie has no railway station of its own. So one can get down at Dehradun railway station, nearly 60 km away and from there take bus or taxi to reach Mussoorie. Taxi services are available from railhead to Mussoorie and it costs about Rs 1500. Dehradun railway station is well connected to other major cities in India with super fast trains.

Road: Mussoorie is well connected with excellent bus services of state public bus services Uttaranchal State Transport Corporation. From Dehradoon and from other major cities in India private bus services are available to Mussoorie and fare is about Rs 3 to 4 per kilometer. Mussoorie is connected with Delhi (270 km), Nainital (355 km), Dehradun (60 km) and Garwal (135 km) by deluxe tourist bus services.

Shopping

Mussoorie, also called the 'Queen of Hill stations' in India, is one of the most visited hill stations and has thus developed accordingly. Mussoorie has a well stocked market place where you can shop around for just about anything you need.

The Mall road or the Mall is the hub of tourists in Mussoorie which has shops selling all kinds of products, besides a host of interesting eating joints. At all times during the year, this thriving market place at Mall road is seen crowded with shoppers.

Here you can find retail outlets of most of the famous brands - for clothes and apparels, electronics and so on. Besides, a little ahead is another busy commercial center of Kulri. Here too you can look for anything you want.

Through out these markets in Mussoorie you will frequently encounter Tibetans selling imported products at very reasonable prices. You can also find with them, fabric wall hangings and woolen clothes, Tibetan metal ware, lots of wooden items like walking sticks, trays, bowls, cane baskets, jewellery etc., all at descent prices.

Landour Bazaar: Landour Bazaar is located on a steep slope about 4 km up the hill from the Mall, and is a cantonment area. This is totally a silence zone, thanks to the handwritten signs nailed on the trees. A pollution-free zone, and with fresh pure air to breathe, recovery from any stress or disease is superbly fast here. During old times, the Britishers set up a rejuvenation center to enjoy the nature at its best.

Captain Young, who once upon a time discovered Mussoorie, used to live in this area. His house (Mullingar Estate) still stands, marking the proof of his existence, but in a bad shape.

Library Bazaar: A Victorian-style Library, built in the mid-19th century, stands proud towards the end of the Mall. This Library permits access only to members and it may not be possible to gain entry inside. Remnants of the town’s past are present in the form of a Band Stand, which used to play music all night. The entire day was spent in socializing away to glory, and all lived a life of content and leisure.

One can shop to your heart’s content in this area, with lots of shops arranged in a circle around the town. This bazaar is also referred to as Gandhi Chowk symbolic of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which stands in one corner of the bazaar.

Sisters Bazaar: Sisters Bazaar is named after the Nuns who served as nurses in the British dormitory present in this area. Contrary to the term “bazaar‿, this area is more of a residential colony with old cottages and a few shops spread across. It is a divine area, lined up with pines, oaks and deodars.

Do not forget to visit the famous confectionery shop of Sisters Bazaar — the Prakash Brothers Store. Other famous attractions are the houses owned by personalities, namely, Dev Anand, Tom Alter and Victor Banerjee. Especially impressive is the house owned by Victor Banerjee, known as The Parsonage, which has a rich history attached to it.

The Mall: The Mall is the heart of Mussoorie. A walk through the mall throws glimpses of the colonial period with the benches and lampposts lined up and is a beautiful experience. Being in the center of the city, one has to pass the Mall enroute to any place in the city.

The 1980s style video game parlors, skating rinks, the Methodist Church are all attractions in this area. The skating rinks are popular among children and adult alike, and are charged at Rs 80 per hour. Fans of Ruskin Bond seeking his autograph should not miss the opportunity to visit the Cambridge Bookstore, where he is often seen.

Things to do

Boating
If you are one of the water enthusiasts coming to Mussoorie, do not forget to explore the joys of boating in the hill resort. Mussoorie Lake, one of the most popular picnic spots in the area, offers you boating facility, with marvelous view of surrounding valleys forming the backdrop. Then, you can also go for boating in Lake Mist, a newly developed picnic spot that is situated about 5 km before the Kempty falls, on the Mussoorie-Kempty road.

Nature Walks
If you go to Mussoorie and do not indulge in nature walks, consider your trip incomplete. From the Mall area of the hill station, you will find diversions to several interesting walks, bringing you right into the lap of nature. Some of the most popular options are:
Along the road below Savoy Hotel, from the Library head to Happy Valley
From Valley view to Clouds End
Towards Kapurthala Chateau and Waverly Convent, on to Company Bagh
In the hillsides of Landour
The Barlowganj area

Paragliding
Want to soar high in the sky and look at earth from miles above it? If yes, then on your next trip to Mussoorie, do make sure to indulge in paragliding. Mussoorie Lake, apart from boating and picnics, offers you the opportunity to go paragliding as well (if the weather and air permit).

Roller Skating
The youngsters will love to explore the numerous skating rinks in Mussoorie. The resort Jaypee Residency Manor houses an open air skating rink. Then, there is ‘The Rink’ in Kulri Bazaar and ‘Disco Skating Rink’ behind the Tourist Office in Mussoorie.

Trekking
Mussoorie serves as the base for a number of interesting treks, to the nearby areas. For instance, you can trek up to the Gangotri, Yamunotri, the Black Peak, Har-ki-Doon and other treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Then, there is the option of explore the trekking trails in the nearby Himachal Pradesh as well. The closest place from Mussoorie, for indulging in trekking expeditions, is Barlowgunj, approximately two and a half kilometers away.

Mussoorie is the ideal place for adventure lovers and trekkers. Being surrounded by hills, there is a lot of scope for trekking in Mussoorie. You can comb the hills out through adventurous treks to various spots like Aglar river which is a trek from Lal Tibba, Park Estate, Bhadraj forest, Nag Tibba, to name a few.

The Himalayan Adventure Institute, along with various other activities like rock climbing, nature camps and river crossings, arranges the treks for those interested. Tourist bungalows or cottages can be arranged for the trekkers depending on the route taken. Try to avoid Rangan Gaon as the trek to this area could be dangerous.

Trout Fishing
If you are willing to drive to a few kilometers from Mussoorie, in the search of adventure, then Aglar River and Yamuna River would provide you with ample opportunities for trout fishing. However, you will have to take permits from the Divisional Forest Officer of Mussoorie beforehand.

Wildlife Sighting
The areas in and around Mussoorie are home to a rich and varied wildlife. If you are a nature lover, do not forget to visit Van Chetna Kendra, situated amidst pine forest and flowering shrubs, and have a look at the Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc. Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary is another place that you must visit on a trip to Mussoorie. Apart from the usual birds and animals, it also boasts of extinct bird species like Mountain Quail.

District
Dehradun
STD Code
0135
Termperature
Summer 14-30°C, Winter 0-24°C
Best time to visit
March to May and from September to November.

Kedarnath

State

Kedarnath, located in the Himalayan mountain ranges, is part of the 'Char Dham", or one of the four holy places a devout Hindu visits during his lifetime. The Kedar shrine is among the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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History

Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer. Shiva, is considered the embodiment of all passions-love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.

According to legend, the place came into being during the period when the five Pandavas brothers were asked to seek Shiva's blessings purging them of the sin of killing their cousins. Lord Shiva unwilling to give darshans to the Pandavas frled Kashi to live incognito in Guptkashi, where eventually he was detected by the Pandavas. While fleeing Shiva took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull and started to plunge underground when he was spotted by the Pandavas. He dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump on the surface. No wonder the natural rock formation that is worshipped here resembles the hump of a bull. Thus Shiva pleased with the determination of the Pandavas, exonerated them from their sin, gave them darshan & bestowed upon them the opportunity to worship his hump.

The other four places where Shiva is worshipped take their appearance from different parts of his body -the naval at Madmaheshwar, the arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair at Kalpeshwar. The latter four along with Kedarnath are known as the Panch Kedars.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km from Kedarnath. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is a domestic airport located at about 20 km away from city center of Dehradun. Taxi cabs are available from Dehradun airport to Kedarnath, which cost about Rs 3,500. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi. Nearest International airport is Delhi.

Rail: Nearest railhead at Rishikesh, 221 km away from Kedarnath. Prepaid taxi services are available in the railway station which charge about Rs 3,000. One has to travel 207 km by road and the rest 14 km by foot to reach Kedarnath.

Road: Kedarnath is well connected through road. The National Highway from Delhi to Mana (538 km) is accessible throughout the year. Kedarnath can be accessed by foot from GauriKund. Gaurikund is connected by state buses to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara, Haridwar and other hill stations of Kumaon and Garhwal Hills. The bus charges are not fixed. It will vary depending on season.

Shopping

Kedarnath is the abode of Lord Shiva according to Hindu mythology. From decades sages and mystics have traveled to Kedarnath in search of salvation. One of the major pilgrimage sites for Hindus, it is a town which has temples all over and there are shops beside and around these temples. If you are planning for Shopping in Kedarnath, then drop into these shops in Kedarnath.

There are not too many items for shopping in Kedarnath. For souvenirs you can visit the small shops in Kedarnath which sell portraits and photographs of the Kedarnath and Badrinath Temple or of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Besides these photographs or framed pictures of temples you can also get Rudraksh Malas made from Rudraksh, an essential fruit which is quite important to the Hindus. Besides these, the shops in Kedarnath also sell crystals, saligrams, herbs, Shilajit, natural vitalizers, precious stones and tulsi beads.

Moreover if you are going for shopping in Kedarnath do not miss the ornamental brass work. Beautifully embellished these brass items can be excellent souvenirs. The shops of Kedarnath in Uttaranchal also sell woolens and beautiful and intricately designed local handicrafts.

Accommodation

Kedarnath is one of the holiest places of worship for the Hindus and also a chief destination of pilgrimage. There are various options for travelers to accommodate themselves on their way to Kedarnath.

District
Uttarkashi
STD Code
01374
Termperature
Summer 15 to 30°C, Winter 0 to 24°C
Best time to visit
May to October

Kasauni

State

Kausani, also known as “The Switzerland of India”, is a hill resort located in the Kumaon Region.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fooboo/2805252196/in/photostream

History

Originally this place was called Valna. Later, it was called Kasauni. According to historians, the place where Kasauni is situated, there was a flourishing kingdom called Kartikyapur. The remains and ruins of this kingdom, can still be seen here. As such, there isn't much of history connected with this hill town. In 1929,Gandhiji, spend 12 days here and he wrote his book Anashakti Yoga. Kausani is also the birthplace of poet Sumitra Nandan Pant.

Modern History

A picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 Km-wide view of the Himalayas.Kausani also offers other scenic and beautiful spots for sightseeing. Snuggled amongst thick, dense pine forests, atop a narrow ridge, the view of the snow covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is so vivid, that one gets a feeling of the snow being within touching distance. Eulogized by poets and philosophers, this scenic and beautiful spot, offers the ethereal sunrise, that has attracted thousands of visitors to this place time and again. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed here at the Anashakti Ashram, and was greatly impressed by its environs. For Kausani has on offer, something or the other for every visitor from sightseeing, history, sport and pilgrimage to complete relaxation all year round.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Kasuni is Naini Saini in Pithoragarh, which is nearly 112 km away from the heart of the city. The major international airport near Kasauni is Delhi, which is nearly 425 km away from the city. Pre paid taxi charges nearly Rs 2500 from Pithorgarh to Kasauni and 8000 from Delhi to Kasauni. New Delhi is connected to all major cities in India and abroad by Air.

Rail: Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. Kathgodam railway station to Kasauni city is about 142 km, which can be covered by nearly 4 hours and for a cab it costs about Rs 2800, one way. Kathgodam is connected to many cities in the state.

Road: Kasauni is well connected by state owned bus services. Bus services connect Kasauni to other hill stations like Almora, Ranikhet, Nainital and Pittorgarh. Many overnight tourist bus services run by private companies are available from New Delhi to Kasauni. The bus charge is around Rs 1200.

Shopping

Kausani is often equated with Darjeeling because of the high quality tea produced here. Buying some packets of tea produced here is a must for every tourist. The tea gardens here are mostly those of Girias Uttaranchal Tea.

Also, you can buy some 'Himalayan Fresh' organic products such as pickles, herbs, jams and honey, local grains like cholai and red rice, rhododendron and other squashes. Kausani grocers also keep local kumaoni products like nutritious madua flour and the gehat and dals that you can buy for a Kumaoni favour back home.

Things to do

Explore Tea Gardens
A trip to Kausani will be considered incomplete if you do not plan a visit to the tea garden in the area. Amongst the most famous tea estates of Uttarakhand, Giria Uttaranchal Tea Estate is located about 5 km from the town, on the Bageshwar Road. With an altitude of about 1200 to 1800 m above sea level, this tea garden provides you with some of the most spellbinding views of the valley below. Do not forget to take some tea from here, on your way back.

Nature Walks
If you love communing with the nature, Kausani will provide you many options to indulge in long, lazy walks, which take you across some of the most scenic vistas and let you explore the natural beauty of the hill resort at your own pace. You can stroll through tea garden herein or even take the trail to Lakshmi Ashram, behind the market (though not much explored, it is surely worth a visit). So, go ahead, enjoy the beauty of nature, while moving from one trail to the other.

Trekking
You name any hill station in India and it will provide you wonderful opportunities of trekking. Kausani is no exception to this rule. The hills around the place, covered with pine and oak trees, have many trails on which you will enjoy trekking with your companions. For instance, Kausani serves as the starting point for treks like Adi Kailash Trek, Base Kausani Trek and Bageshwar Sunderdhanga Trek. You can also trek to Kafni Glacier, which is situated at an altitude of 3853 m. On the way, you will witness several breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan ranges.

District
Bageshwar
STD Code
05969
Termperature
Summer 15-30°C, Winter 0-24°C
Best time to visit
April-June, September-November