Bageshwar

Bageshwar, the 'Abode of Gods' is an important pilgrim and tourist centre. It is located about 90 kms from Almora on the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti. The town is famous for ancient Bagnath Temple and the annual Uttaraini fair held in January.

The beautiful town is also a delight for adventure sports lovers. The famous Pindari, Sunderdunga and Kafni glaciers can be reached via Bageshwar.
Bageshwar gets its name form this ancient temple of Lord Shiva set in the heart of the town. According to mythological legends, sage Markandey lived here and the place was visited by Lord Shiva in the form of Bagh or tiger.


Bageshwar Stats

District Headquarters: Bageshwar
Area: 2310 sq km
Total Population: 241,659
Literacy: 71.94%


Places to Visit in Bageshwar

Bagnath Temple: Bageshwar gets its name form this ancient temple of Lord Shiva set in the heart of the town. According to mythological legends, sage Markandey lived here and the place was visited by Lord Shiva in the form of Bagh or tiger.

Chandika Temple: This beautiful shrine of Goddess Chandika attracts large number of devotees during the holy Navratras.

Shri Haru Temple: This important shrine lies about 5 kms from Bagheswar. It is believed that the wishes. of the devotees are fulfiled here. A large fair is held here on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashmi.

Around Bageshwar

Baijnath (26 kms): This historical and pilgrim site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 kms from here.
Another sacred site nearby is the Pandusthal, which is said to be the legendary battle ground of the Kaurvas and Pandavas.

Pindari Glacier: This world famous glacier is situated in the Pinder Valley at an altitude of 3353 mts. between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains. The glacier is a trekker's paradise, as it is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. The rugged beauty of the glacier presents an aweinspiring site. The glacier is 5 kms long, the snout is about 6m high and 2.5m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3kms in length and 300- 400m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3600m to 5000m. The colour of Pindari Glacier is very white and Pinder river emerging from it is a sight to behold.


How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport for Bageshwar is Pantnagar (206 kms)

By Rail: Nearest rail head is Kathgodam (180 kms)

By Road: Bageshwar is well connected by road to major towns and cities.

Almora

History of Almora

Almora is a town with long and ancient history. The Kashaya Hill on which Almora is built finds mention in the Skanda Purana. Raja Kalyan Chand of Kumaon in 1560 made Almora his capital kingdom. In the days of the Chand kings, Almora was known as 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 rule of the Chand dynasty came to an end after the gorkhas from Nepal occupied the area in 1790. The British defeated the Gorkhas in 1815, and established a small Army and a Cantonment.

Culture of Almora

The festivals celebrated by the people of Almora are:
Nanda Devi Festival
Jageshwar Shrawan Mela
Dushara Festival Almora
Doonagiri Mela
Dwarahat Mela
Gananath Mela
Somnath Fair

Almora is endowed with exceptional natural beauty and is also called as the 'Switzerland of India'. Besides natural beauty, Almora is famous for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, delectable cuisine and exotic wildlife.

This charming hill resort was the flourishing capital of the Chand dynasty. The region was earlier under the reigns of the Katyuri king Baichaldeo, who donated this area to a Gujarati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. In 1560 the capital of Chand Dynasty was shifted to Almora (from Champawat) by Kalyan Chand. The beautiful town is set on a 6 kms long horse saddle shaped ridge. It affords breathtaking views of the snowy summits of Himalayas and is an excellent place for a peaceful holiday.

Almora Stats

District Headquarters: Almora
Area: 3090 sq km
Latitude 29° 36' N
Longitude 79° 30' E
Total Population: 630,567
Literacy : 74.53%


Places to Visit in Almora

Chitai Temple : Eight kms from Almora is the Chitai Temple, dedicated to Golu Devta. An incarnation of Gaur Bhairav, he is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper ask for it with a clear conscience. All he asks for in propitiation is a bell, as was evident from the thousands of bells strung across the temple premises. Anyone can even seek Gol Devta's divine intervention by writing to him. A stack of letter ws pinned up next to his image, astride a horse.

Kosi Temple (10 kms): The temple was built in the 12th century by the Katyuri dynasty. One of the earliest Sun temples in India.

Someshwar : about 35 kms north from Almora, Someshwar has an ancient Shiva temple considered to be constructed by the founder of the Chand Dynasty, Raja Som Chand.

Kausani : This charming hill resort set amidst several snow- capped peaks is endowed with exceptional natural beauty. Mahatma Gandhi came here in 1929, and was fascinated by the scenic grandeur of Kausani. His commentary on the Gita-AnaShakti Yoga was written here at the Anashakti Ashram. Sumitra Nandan Pant, a noted Hindi poet was born here.

Jageshwar : The pilgrim site located in a verdant valley is 38 kms from Almora and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga's in the country. The Swayambhu Linga named Nagesh is enshrined here. The temple complex has 124 shrines and hundreds of statues noted for exquisite craftsmanship. In Jageshwar, fairs are held during Shivaratri and in the month of 'Shravan' (July - August). The place is frequented by both religious as well as nature lover tourists.


How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport for Almora is Pantnagar (127 kms)

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms), which is connected with Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata (Howrah).

By Road: Almora is well connected by road. Main road distance from Almora are - Lucknow (466 kms), Dehradun (412 kms), Nanital (71 kms), Delhi (382 kms), Bareilly (205 kms), Kathgodam (90 kms), Pithoragarh (122 kms), Haridwar (357 kms), Haldwani (96 kms).

Uttarkashi

The holy town of Uttarkashi is set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, about 145 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. It is considered to have similar religious importance as Kashi. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva's Great Trident, made of eight major metals. It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali.

It is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Gangotri. Uttarkashi has also emerged as an important centre for adventure sports.


Uttarkashi Stats
District Headquarters: Uttarkashi
Area: 7951 sq km
Total Population: 295,013
Literacy: 66.58%


Places to Visit in Uttarkashi

Dayara Bugyal (28 kms) : Bugyal or a "high altitude meadow" at an altitude of 3048 metres affords awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas. There is also a small lake here. The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari, 28 kms from Uttarkashi on Gangotri road. Vehicles can go up to Barsu village, from where one has to trek for 8 kms.

Gangnani (39 kms) : It lies further up on the way to Gangotri. There is a temple dedicated to Sage Parashar. Visitors bathe at Rishikund near the shrine in a hot water spring.

Maneri (13 kms) : It lies on the Gangotri route and has a dam across river Bhagirathi. The resultant lake adds to the beauty of Maneri.

Gangotri
It is the spiritual source of Ganga, the holiest river in the country and is one of the 'Char Dhams' of Uttaranchal. The Gangotri temple is situated at an altitude of 3048 metres, about 99 kms from Uttarkashi. The 20 ft. high temple on the left bank of Bhagirathi is made of white granite. It was built in early 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha General and was renovated in 20th century by the ruler of Jaipur. It is believed that Raja Bhagirathi worshipped Lord Shiva at the sacred stone nearby. There is also a 'submerged' shivlinga, which is believed to be the site where Ganga descended into the matted locks of Lord Shiva.


Around Gangotri

Gaumukh (18 kms) : The Gaumukh glacier is the physical source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and is of great importance to the pilgrims. One has to trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh.

Yamunotri
Yamunotri, the mythological source of river Yamuna is one of the sacred 'Char Dham'. The temple of Goddess Yamuna (Yamunotri Temple) was built in 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. It is set at an altitude of 3,235 metres and is dominated by the towering Banderpoonch mountain (6,316 m.) in the back drop. The temple remains closed from Nov. to Apr.


How to Reach

By Air: Airport - Jolly Grant, Dehradun (162 kms)

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (145 kms)

By Road: Uttarkashi is well connected by road to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns of the state and region.

Tehri

New Tehri - The newly built well planned modern town nestles at a height of 1,550 metres overlooking the massive artificial lake and Tehri dam built on the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana river. It has taken over as district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal from the Old Tehri town and was established to rehabilitate the Old Tehri, which will be submerged into the waters of the Tehri Dam. In fact New Tehri is considered to be Asia's most comprehensive and successful rehabilitation programme. The gleaming township has developed into a lovely hill resort.

OLD TEHRI

It is 16 kms from New Tehri and 84 kms from Rishikesh on the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. This transit point to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath was chosen as the capital of Tehri Garhwal by Raja Sudarshan Shah after the expulsion of the Gurkhas with the help of the East India Company in 1815. The town is studded with historical buildings and temples.


Tehri Stats

District Headquarters: New Tehri
Area: 4085 sq km
Total Population: 604,747
Literacy: 67.04%


Places to Visit in Tehri

Tehri Dam

Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in Asia and the fourth tallest rockfill dam in the world sprawling over an area of 45 sq. kms in the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana valleys near Tehri town. It is expected to produce 2400 MW of electricity, provide irrigation and drinking water. But, the dam is being opposed by scientists and environmentalists, as it is considered to be an environmental catastrophe. Opponents of the project argue that this mamooth project is destined to be a failure.

Chamba

Charming Chamba, the idyllic resort at a height of 1676 metres is 48 kms from Narendra Nagar on the road to Gangotri. It affords spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the serene Bhagirathi valley. It has gained importance as routes for Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Tehri and New Tehri converge here. The ChambaMussoorie fruit belt is also famous for its delicious apples.


How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun (93 kms)

By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Rishikesh (76 kms)

By Road: Tehri is well connected by road with major towns of the area.

Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag - A small pilgrim town on the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini which is venerated as one of the five sacred confluences or the 'Panch Prayag'.

Rudraprayag It is named after Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva. According to a legend Lord Shiva appeared here as 'Rudra' to bless Narad Muni. An ancient shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of 'Rudra'. Rudraprayag is of immense significance for the pilgrims of Char Dham Yatra, as it is the junction for visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham.


Rudraprayag Stats
District Headquarters: Rudraprayag
Area: 1896 sq km
Total Population: 227,439
Literacy: 74.23%


Places to Visit in Rudraprayag

Koteshwar Temple (3 kms) : The cave temple of Lord Shiva is located on the banks of river Alaknanda. There are several idols which have been formed naturally. It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here before going to Kedarnath. Large number of devotees visit the shrine during the months of August and September.

Around Rudraprayag

Agatsyamuni (19 kms) : It is believed that sage Agatsyamuni meditated here. There is a temple dedicated to him.

Guptkashi (39 kms) : This important pilgrim site has the ancient temples of Vishwanath and Ardhnareshwar. The Manikarnik Kund here is said to be the confluence of two streams of Ganga and Yamuna. It is believed that the place is named Gupt or hidden as Lord Shiva hid here for some time to evade the Pandavas.


How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (159 kms)
By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Rishikesh (142 kms)
By Road: Rudraprayag is well connected by road with important towns of the region.

Pauri

Panoramic Pauri is perched at an altitude of 1814 metres on the northern slopes of Kandoliya hills. The peaceful resort affords a fine view of the snowy Himalayan peaks.


Pauri Stats

District Headquarters: Pauri
Area: 5438 sq km
Total Population: 697,078
Literacy: 77.99%


Places to Visit in Pauri

Kandoliya (2 kms): The temple dedicated to Kandoliya Devta, a folk deity is located on the Lansdowne road amidst scenic surroundings.

Chaukhamba Viewpoint (4 kms): The ridge overlooks the splendid Idwal valley and Chaukhamba Peak.

Kyunkaleshwar Mahadev: The 8th century Shiva temple affords stunning views of the snow-clad peaks.


How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport for Pauri is Jolly Grant (155 kms).

By Rail: Nearest rail head is Kotdwar (108 kms).

By Road: Well connected by road with important town of the region.

Haridwar

Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh is the heart to the piligrimage centers of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand Haridwar has been a holy place of pilgrimage from time immemorial. Haridwar is also known as Gangadwar and Tapovan Haridwar is situated on the right bank of the river Ganga at the base of the Shivalik Mountains. In the ancient days it was known as Mayapuri. On every twelth year when Kumbh is held in Haridwar thousands of pilgrims throng to Haridwar. Pilgrims come here in search of salvation from wordly sins.

Haridwar is also famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held once in every 12 and 6 years respectively. Millions of devotees assemble here during this auspicious occasion and take a dip in the holiest river of India. It is said that drops of amrit (nectar) obtained after the 'Sagar Manthan' fell at four places Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik and the Kumbh fair is held at these four sacred sites.

Haridwar Stats

District Headquarters: Haridwar
Area: 2360 sq km
Total Population: 14,47,187
Literacy: 64.60%

Places to Visit in Haridwar

Har ki Pauri: This most sacred Ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari, who is said to have meditated on the banks of Ganga in Haridwar. It is also known as Brahamakund and is the site for the famous Kumbh Mela. Large number of devotees take a holy dip in Ganga over here.
The evening Ganga Aarti provides a truly enchanting experience as large lumber of ornate oil lamps (diyas) with dozens of flames burning in pure ghee are offered to Mother Ganga accompanied with devotional songs and prayers. A temple on the river bank here is said to have an imprint of Lord Hari's footprint.

Maya Devi Temple: The ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is regarded as one of the Siddhapeethas and according to mythology the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen over here.

Mansa Devi Temple: It is perched atop the Bilwa Parwat and can be reached by a rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars or on foot. A statue of the Goddess here has three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. The temple commands a fine view of Haridwar.

Gurukul Kangri University: This old centre of herbal medicine and traditional studies is located on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. The Ved Mandir Museum here exhibits archaeological exhibits.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport for Haridwar is Jolly Grant (41 kms)

By Rail: Connected with major cities of India- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Varanasi, Allahabad, Ujjain, Amritser, Dehradun, Lucknow, etc.

By Road: Hardwar lies on N. H. 45 and is connected to all major cities. Delhi (214 kms), Agra (386 kms) Ambala (168 kms), Badrinath (325 kms), Dehradun (52 kms), Kedarnath (250 kms), Saharanpur (81 kms), Nainital (286 kms)