|
|
| |
North India Tours >> Uttaranchal Tours |
 |
|
Uttaranchal
Formerly a part of Uttar Pradesh was formed on November 9th, 2000 as the 27th state of the Indian Union. It is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region of northern India. Nature has endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi, the Land of Gods . Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents the soul of India- her rich culture, history and civilization. In Sanskrit 'Himalaya' means Abode of Snow, truly characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line.In the heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of Uttaranchal with Kumaon region in its east and Garhwal in the west.
Uttaranchal finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manakhand and Himavat. The Kushanas, Kudinas, Kanishka, Samudra, Gupta, the Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, the Chandras and Pawaras and the British have ruled in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and shrines. The hilly regions of Uttaranchal offer un spoilt landscapes to the tourist -pilgrim.
The present state of Uttaranchal was earlier as part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh which came into existence in 1902. In 1935, the name of the state was shortened to the United Province. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it came into being on 9 November 2000, the 27th state of India.
Mussorie
Popularly called the "queen of the hills", this wonderful place is famous for its scenic beauty and towering snow clad mountains present awe-inspiring view. This small town of Mussoorie has an atmosphere that is reminiscent of a fairytale. The glittering view of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik range are simply spectacular. The climate at Mussoorie is pretty chilling in the winter. It is however pleasant in summer. The murmur of the cascading waterfalls is charming. The woods in the neighborhood offers a fine hiking trail. It also acts as a wonderful ecological reserve.
The history of Mussoorie dates back to 1827 when a young and adventurous military officer, Captain Young chanced upon this wonderful place. The place simply mesmerized him with its beauty and it was from then onwards that Mussoorie gained importance as a getaway resort. At Mussoorie you will get all the facility and amusement that you want. The place also acts as a base camp to many a challenging destinations like Yamunotri and Gangotri.
Haridwar
Located in the foothills of Shivalik range, Haridwar is reputed as the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttaranchal region. Visit this sacred place that will purify your body, mind and the soul. Spend some time on the ghats in Haridwar that acquire a unique charm in the evening with countless diyas floating in the waters of Ganges. Down the ages Haridwar has also become a major learning center for science, arts and culture Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths.
Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar.
Nainital
The Nainital tourist district is the pride of the Kumaon region in Uttaranchal. While there are many other places equally beautiful, Nainital is certainly the most popular tourist destination in Kumaon. It's a pleasant hill station. For tourists looking for hustle and bustle the best time to go is the summer months when a lot of traffic ascends from Delhi and the plains.
In Indian mythology, Nainital is regarded as one of the 64 'Shakti Peeths'. Legend has it that a grief stricken Lord Shiva was carrying Sati's body and one of her eyes fell here. The Nainital Lake is shaped like an eye and the town derived its name from the combination of Nain (eye) and Tal (lake). The Naina Devi temple is located at one end of the lake.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India.
One of the many pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, Rishikesh is where Raibhya Rishi is believed to have done penance to please God who appeared as Hrishikesh, hence the name. Millions of Hindus come here every year hoping to absolve their sins by bathing in the holy Ganga.
Kausani
At the hill resort of Kausani the mountains rise so dramatically as if to reach the heavens. In fact not just Kausani the entire Kumaon Hills have been known for their idyllic beauty with the huge mountains silhouetted against the sky. Kausani was originally called Valna. Kausani offers the magic of the deep pine forests and the majestic mountains. Kausani the birthplace of the famed poet Sumitra Nandan Pant and is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' .
The major attraction at Kausani is that is offers wondrous vistas of the Kumaon Himalayas. You may enjoy the endless stretch of famous peaks like the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and the Nandakot.
There is the Anashakti Ashram a landmark of Kausani. The Anashakti Ashram is renowned for its association with Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Till date the Ashram acts as a rest place for the weary tourists to Kausani. You will be able to catch some scintillating spectacles of the Himalayan peaks from the Anashakti Ashram. The magnificent library of the Ashram is worth visiting too.
Almora
The ancient town of Almora, before it's establishment was under the possession of Katyuri king Baichaldeo. He donated major part of this land to a Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. Later on when Chand kingdom was founded in Baramandal, the town of Almora was founded at this centrally located place in 1560 by Kalyan Chand.
In the days of the Chand Kings it was called Rajapur. The name 'Rajpur' is also mentioned over a number of ancient copper plates. The town of Almora is situated over a horse saddle shaped ridge of a mountain. The eastern portion of the ridge is known as Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. The market is at the top of the ridge where these two, Talifat and Selifat jointly terminate.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is the place which wonderfully mirrors best of the heavenly Himalayas; their lush green forest, magestic mountains delicate plant life and attractive plant life. To view nature and its elements in full harmony the right place is to be is Ranikhet. According to the popular belief this place had won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev. She chose this scenic to be her adobe and since than it has come to be known as Ranikhet, literally QUEENS Feild.At an altitude of 1829 mtrs above sea level,this hill resort is undoubtedly a tourists paradise.
The scented mountain breeze, fresh and pure, the singing birds,the panoramic view of Himalayas the sight sound and smell leave the onlooker spell bound, during the rain, flowers sprout up every where in rainbow colour, branches of tree spout up with ripend fruits and sun light peeping through the mist and clouds endow an enchanting effect all accross the Ranikhet. As winters come ,the softly falling snow flakes covers the environment in sheet of pure whiteness. The charm of every season is irresistable in its own right. And this is what makes Ranikhet an all season destination. Discover Kumaon takes you to the following places ideal for picnic as well us pilgrimage. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
International Tours Packages |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
