HILL STATION IN UTTRAKHNAD
AULI
AULI
Auli is an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli, also known as a 'bugyal' or Auli Bugyal, in the regional language, which means meadow, is located at an elevation of 2500 to 3050 meters above sea level. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla, Gulmarg or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand carved out from Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. The state is called "Dev Bhoomi" which means "Land of Gods" as there are important pilgrimage destination in this state mainly the 'Char Dham' (Gangotri-Yamunotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath). Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the greatest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The slopes here provide enough thrill to professional skier and novice as well. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited a govt agency which takes care of this resort, and Uttaranchal Tourism Department conduct winter sports competitions at this place to encourage skiing in India. have imported snow beater to maintain slopes. Auli also boasts the Asia's longest - 4 km - cable car (Gondola). It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. Apart from Skiing there is an interesting trek route also. There is a training facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small temple having connection to great epic Ramayana is also present. Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.
Auli is located at Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, India.Auli is starting to get popular among the ski-lovers.The world's highest man-made lake is at Auli, right next to the private hotel, Clifftop Club. The government has developed this in view of creating artificial snow on the new ski slopes in the event of low snow fall. The water from this lake will be used to feed the snow guns stationed along the ski slopes and thus provide a good skiing surface and extend the ski season.
ALMORA
Almora is a municipal board, a cantonment town in the Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Almora was founded in 1568.
It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Nearest railway station is Kathgodam 85 km from city bus station.
It has an average elevation of 1,651 metres. It is located on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range. In the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock, it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fir trees. Flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi, (Kaushiki), and Suyal (Salmale). The snow-capped Himalayas can be seen in the background. Almora got its name from "Kilmora" a short plant found nearby region., which was used for washing the utensils of Katarmal Temple. The people bringing Kilmora were called Kilmori and later "Almori"and the place came to be known as "Almora".
Almora has many unique temples like Golu Devta and Nanda Devi Temples. Other significant temples are Katarmal, Jageshwar and Kasar Devi. Katarmal is an 800 year old Sun temple. Enjoying the sunset or sunrise at Bright End Corner is a must to do activity in Almora.
The best seasons to travel are from April to June and from September to November. The winters are very cold out there in Almora.
BINSAR
CHOPTA
Located at an elevation of 7600 ft above sea level, Binsar is known to be the highest hill station in the entire Kumaon region. It is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand, and located amidst the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Witnessing the panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks from Zero point is the main attraction of this region. From nature lovers to adventure freaks, this region can satisfy all. The mesmerizing Himalayan oak and rhododendron woods are ideal for trekking. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary houses more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife including leopard, black bear, pine marten porcupine etc. Do not forget to have a glimpse of snow packed mountains of Kedarnath, Trishul, Shivling and the Nanda Devi from famous Binsar Zero Point. The Bineshwar Temple of 13th Century India is highly attention grabbing.
CHOPTA
Chopta is a village located in Uttarakhand state, India and a base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar which is at a distance of 3.5 km. Located at a distance of 1 km from Tungnath is Chandrashila Peak at 4000 metres plus above sea level, which offers a splendid view of snow clad Himalayan peaks.
Chopta, an unspoiled natural beauty destination lying in the laps of Uttarakhand Himalayas offers amazing views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2680 m above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forest of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in variety of flora and fauna.
This place is popularly known as 'Mini Switzerland' in Uttarakhand,india.
The best time to visit is from May to November. Chopta is also a popular destination during the winter months due to the snowfall that the area experiences. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila are covered with snow from December to March. It has another approach from Guptakashi.
CHAMBA
Chamba is a town and nagar panchayat in Tehri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at a junction of roads connecting Mussoorie and Rishikesh with the Tehri Dam reservoir and New Tehri.
Its nearby tourist places are Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi Temple, Ranichauri, New Tehri, and Kanatal, halfway between Chamba and Dhanaulti.
This is a very quiet and picturesque as well as an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate from the daily humdrum of a city life.
DIDIHAT
Didihat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand, India.One among the major tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Didihat is located 64 km away from Dharchula. The diversity of flora and fauna in this region is imposing. The entire region is enclosed with deep green ridge. Witnessing the Panchachuli Peaks from any corner of the vicinity is breathtaking. Being the ancient kingdom of Katyur Dynasty, Askot is a popular tourist spot in this area. The remains of many historical forts are also found here. The Malika Arjun Temple and the Ashram of Swami Narayan are major religious spots in Didihat.
DHARCHULA
Dharchula is a town and a nagar panchayat in Pithoragarh district in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. An ancient trading town for the trans-Himalayan trade routes, it is surrounded by very high mountains and is situated in a valley, on the banks of the Kali River at 915 m elevation. The Kali is the western boundary of Nepal with India. Nepalese and Indian nationals cross unrestricted, however there is a customs checkpoint for goods.
Dharchula is very cold during winters, but it does not usually get snow. Summer temperatures are similar to the plains.
Dharchula is a lower hilly region in Uttarakhand. Slightly detached from all major cities, this location is one of the unexplored getaway destinations in Uttarakhand. This is an excellent option for those who seriously need a break to relax. Flourishing forest is perched with trees like Pine, Oak, Apple and Deodar. An extensive variety of dry fruit plants are also found here. You can visit some popular places like Jaulijibi, Narayan Ashram, Askot Sanctuary, and Chirkila Dam.
GANGOLIHAT
If you are planning for a religious tour to Uttarakhand, the divine land of Gangolihat has some of the best spots for you. It is a small hill town in Pithoragarh and famous for its Shaktee Pithas of Hat kalika or Goddess Kali. There are a number of ancient temples and underground caves to explore in this place. Temples like Haat Kalika Mandir, Chamunda Mandir, Vaishnavi Mandir, and Ambika Dewaal are very significant from a religious point of view. The Vaishnavi Mandir is situated atop the Shail Parvat and the panoramic view of the Himalaya mesmerizes the devotees and travelers alike. Exploring the underground caves like ‘Shaileshwar Gufa’, ‘Patal Bhuvaneshwar’, ‘Mukteshwar’, and ‘Pataleshwar Gufa’ is truly interesting.
LOHAGHAT
MUNSIYARI
Lohaghat is a town and a nagar panchayat (Notified Area Council, N.A.C.) in Champawat district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This is a hill station with many tourist spots around.Lohaghat is a 1745m high hill station in Uttarakhand. Well acclaimed for its pleasant environment this little quaint destination is important from mythological as well as historical point of view. This small town is situated by the river Lohawati and a retreat from the mad rush of city life. Salubrious weather, abundant nature trails, and deep green landscapes rejuvenate the flagging spirit. Abbot Mount, Shyamal Tal, Gurudwara Sahib, Forti Village, Vanasur Fort, Galchaura are some of the significant tourist spots in this area. Try to visit the mystical Mayawati Ashram popular among the follower of Advaitins. Adventure lovers can participate in river water rafting as well.
MUNSIYARI
For those young and enthusiastic individuals who love to feel the thrill of adventure, Munsiyari has multiple options. Located in Pithoragarh district at an altitude of 2298m above sea level this less polluted holiday destination houses a number of high altitude trekking routes. From beginners to experts, all can quench their thirst of trekking. Observe the mesmerizing view of the snow capped peaks of Himalaya while trekking. If you are in a long trip and want to explore more, do not forget to look for the multiple varieties of wildlife which is enriched by the rare species like Himalayan griffon, Himalayan bear, wagtail, raven, falcon, monal and many more. Birthi Fall is around 35/kms from Munsiyari and a must-see tourist attraction. A very old temple called Nanda Devi is another attraction of this vicinity. March to May and October to November is considered to be the best period to visit this mini Kashmir of Uttarakhand.
MUSSOORIE
Mussoorie is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani.
Being at an average altitude of 1,880 metres, Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists.
Tourism is the most significant segment of Mussoorie's economy. It has a nature walk known as "Camel's Back Road". This road takes its name from a rocky outcrop in the shape of a camel's hump. Along the road, a cemetery is located about mid-way on the loop. There is also "Gun Hill" where a cannon was used to sound out midday for many years. Gun Hill is accessible by the cable car on the Mall road. The oldest Christian church in the Himalayas, St Mary's, is situated above Mall Road, and is currently undergoing restoration. Kempty Falls is a nice picnic spot.
NAINITAL
Nainital About this sound pronunciation is a popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.
Nainital has temperate summers, maximum temperature 27 °C; minimum temperature 7 °C, during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of northern India. In winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15 °C and a minimum of −3 °C.
Nanda Devi temple on the northern bank of the lake is a historical sightseeing spot. Sher-Ka-Danda Ridge, Guano Hills, Tiffin Top, and Eco Cave Gardens are some of the popular places in Nainital. Nainital Zoo has a few rare species of animals like snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and steppe eagle. Enjoying boat ride on the pristinely set environment of Naini Lake is incredibly blissful.
NAUKUCHIATAL
Naukuchiatal or ‘lake of nine corners’ is a small hill station in Nainital district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The lake is 175 feet deep and is situated at 1220 mts above sea level. It is surrounded by hills covered in trees and shrubs. It is the deepest of all the lakes in the Nainital region.
If solitude is your bosom friend, Naukuchia Tal is the perfect tourist spot for you. Known for its one km long nine-cornered lake, this wonderful tourist spot is situated at an altitude of 1220 m above sea level. Unpolluted, clamor-free environ is echoed with the chirping of birds. Enjoy paddling by the lake side which is a great experience. If you want to explore some other destinations, Mukteshwar and Sat Tal are not very far.
NEW TEHRI
The only planned city of Uttarakhand, New Tehri is a renovated form of Old Tehri Town. Mainly visited by the dwellers of plains in summer for its pleasant weather, this modern town is spread over an altitude of 1,550-1,950 m above sea level. Tehri Dam is known to be the tallest dam in India. The panoramic views of Chamba are spectacular.
Tehri district has lot of option for tourists to spend their leisure. The most visited places that are actively maintained are Devi koonjapuri temple, chandrabadni, Mahasar taal, Sehstra taal, and Khatling glacier. Some areas of tehri are viewable but neglected by the Uttrakhand Government, including Panwali Kantha, Belhbagi Bugyal, and Khait parvat, but these places have the potential to attract tourists for mountaineering.
RANIKHET
Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.Ranikhet, which means Queen's meadow in Hindi, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,though no palace exists in the area.
Ranikhet has an average elevation of 1,869 m.The climate of the village is very cool. The cantonment is spread across two ridges, the first, called the Ranikhet ridge, is situated at an elevation of 5,983 ft (1,824 m) and the second, the Chaubattia ridge, is at an elevation of (2,116 m).
Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best enjoyed from March to October. Ranikhet gets snowfall in the winter season, mainly in the months of December, January and February. But in the rest of the months the weather of Ranikhet remains pleasant.
There are a few beautiful temples at Ranikhet, among which Jhula Devi Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Katarmal(Sun Temple) are noteworthy.
KAUSANI
Kausani is well known for the beauty of the landscape that offers you beautiful and mind boggling views of the Kumaon Himalayan region and the himalayan peaks Nanda devi, Trishul as well as the Nandakot
Anashakti Ashram is a quiet and revered place where Mahatma Gandhi spent some days and wrote his commentary of Anashkti Yog. Pant Museum is another place of importance, this being the place where the famous poet of Hindi literature, Sumitranandan Pant was born.
LANSDOWNE
Lansdowne is a cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It has an average elevation of 1,706 metres. It is situated en route Kotdwara-Pauri road, NH-119. One has to take a right turn from NH-119 at a place where The Garhwal Rifles has put a huge signboard by painting the directions on rocks.
Famous Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple with its special Shivalinga and a Kund (a small pond) known as Gauri Kund is situated 39 km away from Lansdowne. People take bath in Gauri Kund before entering the temple. Two other famous temples, Durga Devi Temple and Jwalpa Devi, which are on the Pauri-Kotdwar road are 24 km and 47 km away respectively. Durga Devi Temple is one of the oldest Siddha Pithas in India.
MUKTESHWAR
Mukteshwar is a town and tourist destination in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. It sits high in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2286 meters, 51 km from Nainital, 72 km from Haldwani, and 343 km from Delhi.
Mukteshwar gets its name from an 350-year-old temple of Shiva, known as Mukteshwar Dham, situated atop the highest point in the town, on the veterinary institute's campus. Close to it lie the overhanging cliffs, locally known as Chauli-ki-Jali, used for rock climbing and rappelling, with an excellent view of the valleys below. The sunrise point is at the government-run PWD guest house. One can also visit the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). Mukteshwar is the abode of a saint — Shri Mukteshwar Maharaj ji — who lived at the Top Cottage Temple where his samadhi is. One of his disciples, Swami Sanshudhanand ji, now stays there. The whole temple complex is a Tapovan and an ideal place for meditation.
Mukteshwar is rich in scenic beauty, with magnificent views of the Indian Himalayas including India's second-highest peak, Nanda Devi.
Because of the hilly topography, agriculture in the area consists chiefly of potato fields and fruit orchards on terraces cut into the hillsides.
KANATAL
Kanatal is a city in Uttarakhand, 78 km ahead of Dehradun (Capital of State Uttarakhand), 38 km ahead of Mussoorie which is also known as the Queen of Hills & 12 km from Chamba. Kanatal is a hamlet built around numerous hills, a locale which personifies the romantic aura of Tehri District, Uttarakhand, State. Located on the Chamba-Mussoorie highway.
A pleasant and relaxing weather throughout the year, Kanatal is lovely weekend getaway from the scorching heat, humidity and pollution laden atmosphere of the metro cities. The temperature here hovers between 10-20 degrees Celsius in summers. In winters, it presents a mesmerizing sight of snow carpeted grounds and trees presenting a white wonderland& temperature lies in between 5-10 degrees.
PAURI
Pauri is a town and a municipal board in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
The salubrious weather and astounding scenic beauty of Pauri is enough to make your short holiday trip to Uttarakhand surprisingly memorable. The picturesque landscape is perched with skyscraping mountain peaks covered with pristine white snow. Witnessing sunrise atop the mountain peaks is an unforgettable experience. Kedarnath, Bander Punchh, Gangotri Group, Neelkanth, and Nandadevi are some of the significant mountain peaks that one can witness from Pauri.
PITHORAGARH
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Set amidst breath-taking natural scenario and holy spots, Pithoragarh is a significant hill station in Uttarakhand. Located at a height of 1,650m above sea level, this small village is a historical place too. Mansarovar and Kailash pilgrimage start from this region. Nepal and Tibbet are the neighbouring countries close to Pithoragarh. Pouring waterfalls, white glaciers, tranquil lakes, and gushing rivers gulp down the tiredness and boredom of the travelers. Walk around all unique elements of Pithoragarh starting from sightseeing to nature exploring and let your inner soul rejuvenate.
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan Monal Pheasant and other high altitude birds.
For the nature worshippers of the neighbouring regions to Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a paradise. This famous World Heritage Site is located at an elevation of 3658 m above sea level and covers an area of 87.50 sq km of Myriad Alpine flowers.This boundless land of multihued flowers is perched with many nameless species of flowers including some of the significant species like Brahmakamal, Cobra Lily, Blue Poppy and a lot more. Other than nature lovers, this can be a paradise for Botanists. Trekking is the ideal way to explore this myriad flower bed. This 3 days trek passes through the precarious cuts on the mountain sides and edges the serpentine source of river Ganga. The trek starts from Govind Ghat and ends at Ghangria.
love to read your blog. such a beautiful places in uttrakhand. binsar is my one of fav place.
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