Saturday 25 November 2017

Places to see Near Mussoorie

Mussoorie excursions consist of some of the finest places near the Mussoorie city. Excursions around Mussoorie, Uttarakhand are a must see for those visiting the city. Some of the famous places to visit around Mussoorie are the following.

Haridwar
Haridwar is situated not too far from Mussoorie and it is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. 

Rishikesh
Another very popular pilgrimage destination for the Hindus, Rishikesh is located close to Haridwar. It is also known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. This is also the place where the Ganges leaves the mountains and joins the plains. 

Kempty Falls
Towards the western side, a little outside the city of Mussoorie, is the Kempty Falls. It is about a 15 km. drive from Mussoorie. It can also be reached by bus; regular bus service is available to and fro Kempty Falls. 

It is a beautiful place, where the water stream rushes down through boulders and rocks to reach down. The journey down towards the Kempty Falls is a 20 minute stroll, while the way up is a 30 minute walk. There are regular rope-way services also available for the visitors who prefer a more comfortable and relaxed way of visiting the Kempty Falls. Apart from this, there are many snack bars here, for the tourists. 

Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba is the place for people who love to trek. It is located about 55 kms. from Mussoorie and is an absolute paradise for trekkers. Nag Tibba is the highest place in the city of Mussoorie. The actual trekking part to reach Nag Tibba starts about 21 kms. from the place. The journey from Mussoorie is done on taxi or a bus and the rest of the trekking to reach Nag Tibba has to be done on foot. 

Gun Hill
A very enjoyable way to spend a day is to take the ropeway ride from the Mall to the Gun Hill. Around its flat top are many snack stalls and many photographers who wait to click some snaps of the visitors visiting the place. From the top of Gun Hill, one can have an all round view of the city of Mussoorie, Dehradun, the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas and even the small town of Landour. 

Dhanaulti
After passing the clock tower, there is a road which leads to the green meadows and the beautiful, quiet place called Dhanaulti. Located about 24 kms. from Mussoorie, it is a place which provides some enthralling view of the whole Doon valley. It is also a place where the visitors can spend a weekend away from the relative hustle-bustle of the city of Mussoorie. There is a forest bungalow and a tourist bungalow for overnight stay.

Places to See near Nainital

Nainital excursions consist of some of the finest places near the city. Excursions around Nainital, Uttarakhand are a must see for those visiting the city. Some of the famous places to visit around Nainital are:

Bhowali
Bhowali is situated at an altitude of 1,706 metres above sea level and is 11 kms. from Nainital. This place is very famous for the panoramic view that it provides. It is also famous as a hill fruit mart. It was established back in the year 1912.

Ghorakhal
Ghorakhal is a place that is famous for the temple of Lord Golu that is located here. Lord Golu is worshipped by the local people. There is also a Sainik School situated here.

Sat Tal
Sat tal is located at a distance of about 23 kms. from Nainital, and at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level. It is a very beautiful place which has seven lakes which are set in the oak forests. All these lakes are situated at an altitude of 1,370 metres. In Hindi, the word Sattal means seven lakes. This is one of the few places which is still unspoilt and unpolluted.

Every year, lots of migratory birds make their way to Sattal because of its fresh water lakes. The seven lakes that make Sattal are the following:
  • Panna or Garud Tal
  • Nal-Damyanti Tal
  • Purna Tal
  • Sita Tal
  • Ram Tal
  • Laxman Tal
  • Sukha Tal or Khurdariya Tal
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is situated at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level and is 22 kms. from the city of Nainital. The prime attraction of Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake which has a beautiful island at the centre. Apart from being a main tourist destination, it is also the mini district Headquarters since most of the offices of the district administration has been shifted here. Bhimtal is named after Bhima of Mahabharata.

Naukuchia Tal
Naukuchia Tal is located about 26 kms. from Nainital and 4 kms from Bhimtal, at an altitude of 1,220 metres above sea level. The Naukuchia Tal Lake is a beautiful lake that is 983 metres long and 693 metres broad. There is provision for rowing, padding and yachting at the lake as well.

Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is located at the Nainital - Almora road, about 9 kms. from Bhowali and 17 kms. from Nainital. It is a pilgrimage centre which has achieved huge recognition for the ashram of famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kainchi Dham is named because of the two sharp hairpin bends of the road. Kainchi is a local term of Uttarakhand..

Mukteshwar
Another very important excursion around Nainital is Mukteshwar. Situated at an altitude of 2,286 metres, it is in the Kumaon hills. As with most of the other places of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar provides a beautiful view with the Himalayan ranges surrounding it. From here, one can view the second highest peak of India, Nanda Devi. A renewable park which is developed by The Energy and Research Institure (TERI) is also a prime attraction of Mukteshwar. This park uses solar energy for its electricity needs.

Ranikhet
Located about 60 kms. from Nainital, Ranikhet is a very beautiful hill station. According to mythology, Ranikhet had won the heart of Rani Padmini, who was the Queen of Raja Sudhardev. Since the Queen chose Ranikhet as her place for her abode, this place came to be known Ranikhet ever since. Ranikhet, in Hindi means 'Queen's Field'.

Kausani
Kausani is another excursion spot that is located not too far from Nainital. It is situated in some thick pine forests, on top of a narrow ridge. Mahatma Gandhi spent 12 days in the year 1929, in Kausani and he penned his experience on the Geeta Anashakti Yoga. It is an ideal spot for those looking to get away from the usual hustle-bustle of the city.






Ranikhet is a beautiful hill station, located in the state of Uttarakhand. The various tourist attractions of Ranikhet are the following:

Golf Course
The Golf Course at Ranikhet is the second biggest natural golf course in the country today. It is a nine-hole course and is one of the major attractions of the Ranikhet town. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kalika is located very close to the Ranikhet Golf Course. 

Jhula Devi
Jhula Devi is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This temple is more than 800 years old. It is said that if a person asks for something and gets it, then he is supposed to tie a bell in the temple. Situated very close to the Jhula Devi temple is another temple, that is dedicated to Lord Ram. 

Chaubattia Garden
Chaubattia garden is a world famous apple garden which is also famous for breeding apple plants. One can buy fresh fruit juice, etc. from the counters at the outlet, during the season. The research laboratory located here is a must visit place. Also, the Chaubattia garden provides a wonderful view of the Himalayan ranges. Hairakhan Temple The Hairakhan temple is located about 4 kms. from the city of Ranikhet in the town of Chiliyanaula. The Hairakhan temple was established by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. From here, one can also get a very good view of the Himalayan valley. The GD Birla Memorial School is also located not far from this place. 

Binsar Mahadev
Situated about 15 kms. from Ranikhet, is the Binsar Mahadev Temple. It has a beautiful and fresh water stream flowing very close to it. Apart from the temple, Binsar Mahadev also has cedar forests surrounding the place. 

Dronagiri and Pandavkholi
The 1,100 year old Dronagiri temple is located about 52 kms. from Ranikhet. Legends have it that during the Ram Ravan battle, when Laxman got injured by Medhnath's arrow, Hanuman was sent to get Sanjivani buti from Himalayas. This buti fell from his hands where the Dronagiri stands now. About 5 kms. ahead of Dronagiri is the famous cave of Pandavkholi which finds its description even in the famous autobiography of a Yogi of Lahiri Mahashay. 

Baijnath Temple
The Baijnath temple is located about 70 kms. from Ranikhet. There is a stone idol of Goddess Parvathi inside the temple. This temple is an beautiful example of ancient art. Here, one can also enjoy feeding large number of fishes but please keep in mind that fishing in this area is strictly prohibited. 

Katarmal (Sun Temple)
Situated about 25 kms. from Ranikhet, a beautiful trek leads one to one of the two Sun temples of the country. If you do not quite feel like trekking all the way up, there is also the option to drive although it won't take you up all the way to the temple. This beautifully designed temple was created in the 12th century this temple is protected and preserved by the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI). 

Dwarahat 
Dwarahat is located about 37 kms. from Ranikhet. It is a prime tourist attraction of the Kumaon region. It was once the power centre of the Katyuri rulers back in the 16th century.

Friday 24 November 2017

Uttarakhand Festivals


Basant Panchmi
Basant Panchmi is a very famous festival, celebrated not only in Uttarakhand but in the whole of North India. This festival marks the onset of spring season. It is celebrated between the months of January and February. On the occasion of Basant Panchmi, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. According to various legends, Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of learning and music. She is also highly respected and people seek her blessings by praying and offering to her.

Bat Savitri Festival
Bat Savitri festival is yet another very popular festival of Uttarakhand. This festival is not only celebrated in Uttarakhand but in the whole of India by the married women for the well being of their husband. The Bat Savitri festival is generally celebrated on the last day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshtha, according to the Hindu calendar.

Harela and Bhaitauli
This festival is mostly observed by the women folk as most of the customs of this festivals are for the women. During this festival, they fill their baskets with soil and atleast seven different kinds of seeds are sowed in the soil. These seeds are regularly watered and are given ten day's time to germinate. After ten days, the seeds sprout as green grasses shoot out from the soil.

Khatarua
According to some people, this festival is celebrated to mark the victory of King of Kumaon. This festival also marks the starting of the autumn season. During this festival, bonfires are lit and cucumbers are offered to the fire. According to popular belief, fire has the strength to do away with all the evil. During this festival, animals are taken special care of and are fed fresh grass.

Makar Sankranti
The festival of Makar Sankranti is an important festival as it marks the beginning of the season of change. It is considered as a very auspicious festival and it is celebrated not only in Uttarakhand, but throughout the country.

Olgia Festival
The Olgia festival is celebrated on the first day in the month of August. During this festival, the agricultural fields are filled with crops that are ripened and there are lots of fruits and vegetables in the trees and the cattle are very productive as well. The agriculturists, during this festival, give various presents to the owners of the land.

Phool Dei
The Phool Dei festival is a special festival which marks the welcoming of spring season, by praying for general well being and by preparation of special foods. Young girls are the most keen to participate in this festival. They gather together and fill their plates with rice, jaggery, leaves and flowers. Many artists perform on this occasion.