PLACES OF UTTRANCHAL

Places to visit: Dehradun, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, Kausani
City Info : Situated in northern part of India, Uttaranchal is surrounded by Tibet & Nepal in the North, Madhya Pradesh in the South, Haryana, Delhi & Rajasthan in the West and Bihar in the East. Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital and Ranikhet are the valleys with immense natural beauty. The sacred river of Hinduism, the Ganges flows through holy places in Uttaranchal. Uttaranchal is a scenic state, which has got many hill stations sprinkled along the foothills of the Himalaya. The place has many excellent trekking routes and countless other tourist destinations.


Uttaranchal Tourism :
Dehradun the capital city of Uttarachal is a complete blend of city and hill culture. It is set in the foot hills of Himalayas at the centre of the 120 kms long Doon Valley. The name Dehradun is literally made up of two words where Dera means Camp and Dun stands for Valley. The beautiful town is referred as the gateway to Mussoorie and Garhwal interior. It is perhaps one of the oldest cities in India and was occupied in turns by the Sikhs, Mughals and Gurkhas before coming under the reigns of the British. Elite educational and other institutions were established during the British period.

Dehradun Tourist Map
Dehradun is today proud of its institutions like the Forest Research Institute, Doon and Welham Schools, ONGC, Indian Military Academy, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India etc. The Survey of India was established in 1767 and its greatest achievement was to determine the height of Mt. Everest. Being a host of large Cantonment area, the city is a popular retirement spot. It is also famous for aromatic long grain rice - Basmati Chawal (Rice) and delicious litchies.

Assan Barrage (40 kms): The wet land near the confluence of rivers Assan and Yamuna attracts large number of migratory birds and is an 'ornithologist's paradise'.

Mussoorie : Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills' perched at a height of 2000 metres is one of the most popular hill resort of the country. It was set up in 1823, by Captain Young during the British era and is 34 kms from Dehradun. This popular weekend retreat provides first glimpse of snow-clad Himalayas for the travellers from the plains.

Gun Hill: This second highest peak of Mussoorie had a gun mounted over it, which was fired to herald mid-day. Travelling by the 400 m ropeway connecting the Mall to Gun Hill is quite exciting.

Childrens' Lodge: It is the highest peak of Mussoorie and has a telescope which provides aweinspiring views of the Himalayas and Doon valley.

Camel's Back Road: It is a charming pony trek or walk which girdles the northern base of Gun Hill. A fine view of sun-set can be enjoyed from here.

Municipal Garden: Beautiful garden and scenic picnic spot. An artificial lake and boating facilities.

Nag Devta Temple: The ancient temple on Cart Road is 6 kms from the town and is popular among devout followers, who believe that wishes are fulfiled here.

The Jheel: Fine picnic spot on Dehradun - Mussoorie road.

Clouds End: The beautiful bungalow amidst lush deodar forest was one of the first four buildings of Mussoorie. It has now been converted into a hotel.

Around Mussoorie

Kempty Falls (15 kms): The picturesque waterfall is a popular attraction of Mussoorie.

Bhadraj Temple (15 kms): It is dedicated to Lord Balbhadra, brother of Shri Krishna. Panoramic view of the Doon Valley and Chakrata ranges.

Surkhanda Devi (35 kms): The temple of Surkanda Devi is located 8 kms from Dhanolti. The temple commands a majestic view.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill) (9 kms): The shrine amidst lush forest affords a fine view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and. Yamuna valley.

Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is an important pilgrim and spiritual centre on the right bank of holy Ganga. It is surrounded by Shivalik ranges on three sides and is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage.

It also attracts large number of people interested in meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 2nd to 7th Feb on the banks of Ganga.

Bharat Mandir: This temple is deidicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It lies near the Triveni Ghat and is the oldest temple in Rishikesh.

Triveni Ghat: The sacred bathing ghat on the banks of Ganga is believed to be the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati river. The evening Aarti ceremony here is worth attending.

Shatrughan Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Shatrughan, Lord Ram's brother and is situated 5 kms from Rishikesh.

Neelkanth Mahadev: It is set atop a hill across the Ganga. According to mythological legends Shiva drank the venom produced during 'Sagar Manthan' here, which turned his throat blue and was named Neelkanth.

Lakshman Jhoola: This hanging bridge across Ganga is about 5kms from Rishikesh, on the way to Badrinath. It was originally a jute rope bridge without pillars and was rebuilt with iron ropes in 1889. On the side of this famous bridge is the well known Shri Raghunathji temple dedicated to Lord Ram.

Kailash Niketan Temple: The 13 storied structure is the main temple at Laxman Jhoola.

Ram Jhoola: The hanging bridge similar to Lakshman Jhoola is built between the Shivanand Ashram and the Swargashram.

Shivanand Ashram (The Divine Society): The famous spiritual centre was established by Swami Shivanand. It imparts lectures on spiritual life and training in meditation and Yoga.

Mussoorie
Located at a height of 2000 mete,rs, this picturesque hill resort was set up during the days of the "Raj". It's treks and walks down the famous Camel Back Road welcome visitors in the summer and in the winter. For the Angler, fishing is available for Trout or Mahsee.
Sight Seeing: Gun Hill, Camel's Back Road, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, The Jheel

Dhanaulti
Situated on the Mussoorie-Chamba route, Dhanaulti is 31 kms from Mussoorie via Landao Bazar. It is located amidst thick, virgin forests of deodar, rhododendrons and oaks. The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm, lovely weather and fabulous view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday.

Sight Seeing: Surkanda Devi, Chamba and New Tehri.

Nainital
Nainital is a lake resort set at a height of 1,938 meters in a beautiful valley. Surrounded by seven hills, the sparkling waters of a natural lake make it a gem among hill resorts. Legend has it that the lake was formed when the Goddess Sati lost her eyes at this spot.
Sight Seeing: Naini Lake, Snow View, Naina Peak, Hanuman Garhi

Ranikhet
It reflects the best of the heavenly Himalayas; their lush green forests, exotic plant life, attractive wild life and majestic mountain peaks. According to a popular belief, this place had won the heart of Rani Padmini, Queen of Raja Sudhardev. She chose this scenic place to be her abode and since it has come to be known as Ranikhet, literally "Queen's Field". The invigorating mountain breeze, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas - the sights, sounds and smells leave the onlooker spellbound. During the rain, flowers cover the valley and as winter comes, the soft falling snowflakes cover the environs in sheets of pure whiteness. Ranikhet is an all season destination.
Sight Seeing: Chaubatia, Bhaludam, Jhoola Devi Ram Mandir, Mankameshwar, Upat and Kalika, Hairakhan Temple, Tarikhet, Binsar Mahadev, Majkhali, Dwarahat, Chaukhutia, Bhikiasain, Manila, Naithna Devi Jaurasi, Khairna and Pandukholi.

Almora
Almora, the capital of Kumaon is situated between Kaushiki (Kosi) and Salmali (Siyal) rivers. This is the birth land of several noted freedom fighters, intellectuals, technocrats and bureaucrats. This place has been the prime administration center for the Chanol Kings, Gorkha invaders and British colonialists. Quaint hill resorts such as Chaukori, Ranikhet, Sitlakhet, Binsar, Kausani, Jageshwar and Bageshwar are all around Almora which attract nature lovers.
Sight Seeing: Public Museum, Nanda Devi Museum, Bright & Corner, Deer Park, Chetai Temple, Simtola

Kausani
1890 meters above sea level, Kausani, provides a breathtaking view of the snow capped peaks of Panchchuli, Nandakot, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda, Ghunti and Chaukhan. The famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant and the famous folk singer Gopidas belong to Kausani. Gandhiji wrote a book 'Ana-Shanti Yoga' as he was impressed by the serenity. You can enjoy the sight seeing of Katarmal and Baijnath Temple.
Sight Seeing: Annashakti Ashram, View of the Nanda Devi Hill  

How to Reach
By Air: The airport for Dehradun is Jolly Grant (24 kms):
By Rail: Dehradun is well connected by rail with important towns of the country.
BY Road: It is connected by good network of roads and highways.      


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