Blog

Popularly known as Devbhumi “The Land of God” this place attracts enthusiasts of all kinds throughout the year, Lofty mountains and Himalayan peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, glaciers, wildlife parks, mysterious lakes, and many more, there are plenty of things to be explored in Uttarakhand

This is the only enticingly diverse state in India offering interests for all kinds of travelers, India’s best place for trekking, camping and rafting, wildlife-watching, scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna, green peaceful natural heavens, yoga schools, rich cultural heritage, home to many ancient temples, and beautiful holiday retreats throughout the state

The hill state of Uttarakhand is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and is home to snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, glistening waterfalls, and pristine rivers. The beautiful hill state offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This region is a nature lover’s paradise, and its scenic beauty attracts visitors worldwide.

Uttarakhand has been ranked as one of the most attractive states for tourists in India by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The state’s scenic beauty, spiritual significance, and adventure sports opportunities fascinate travelers and visitors from all across the globe

If we look at the rich past of this wonderful region dating back to ancient times Uttarakhand was a part of the Kuru and Panchal kingdoms. During the medieval period, the region came under the rule of various dynasties such as the Katyuris, Chandras, and Gurkhas. The Katyuri dynasty ruled this region for many centuries and played a significant role in the development of the region. The British took control of the region in the 19th century. After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, this region became a part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. However, due to its unique cultural and geographical identity, there were demands for a separate state, which were eventually fulfilled in 2000, and Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India.

During the British period, many hill resorts were developed in Uttarakhand as summer retreats. The region’s cool climate and stunning natural beauty made it an ideal location for hill stations. Some of the most famous hill stations developed by the British in Uttarakhand include Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora. These hill stations were designed to resemble English towns, with colonial-era architecture, well-manicured gardens, and amenities such as golf courses and many other features of that time. Today, these hill stations are popular tourist destinations and continue to attract visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and rich history of these charming towns.

Uttarakhand is mainly divided into two regions – Garhwal and Kumaon. These regions are further divided into districts, each with its own unique culture, history, and natural beauty. Both Garhwal and Kumaon offer a unique travel experience to visitors, with their own distinct culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and rugged terrain of Garhwal or the picturesque landscape and serene lakes of Kumaon.

Garhwal is located in the western part of Uttarakhand and is known for its rugged terrain, stunning mountain peaks, and ancient temples. The region is home to several popular destinations such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Haridwar.

Kumaon, on the other hand, is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand and is known for its picturesque landscape, serene lakes, and beautiful hill stations. The region is home to several popular destinations such as Nainital, Ranikhet, Kausani, and Binsar.

Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station that is often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills” due to its stunning natural beauty and charm. The town is situated at an altitude of over 2000 m above sea level and is surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. The town was founded by the British in the 19th century and served as a summer retreat, many of the colonial-era buildings and churches in Mussoorie have been preserved and are popular tourist attractions. The hill town is known for its pleasant climate, breathtaking views, charming markers, and colonial-era architecture. The town is home to several tourist attractions, including Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, and Company Garden. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, and many more.

Mussoorie has often been described as presenting a “fairyland” atmosphere to visitors, due to its stunning natural beauty and charm. The town is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, and the misty clouds often add to the magical ambiance. The beautiful colonial-era buildings, well-manicured gardens, and picturesque landscapes give Mussoorie a dream-like quality that is hard to resist.

Many famous writers and artists, including Rudyard Kipling, Ruskin Bond, and Sir George Everest, have drawn inspiration from the town’s natural beauty and have described it as a fairyland in their works. The town’s stunning vistas and idyllic surroundings make it a perfect place for artists and writers to work in peace and tranquility.

Nainital is a beautiful lake town located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of around 2100 m above sea level and is surrounded by the green Kumaon hills. The town is named after Naini Lake, which is the centerpiece of the town and is surrounded by lush green hills. One of the most charismatic hill stations that India harbors, known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and colonial-era architecture. The town is home to several tourist attractions, including the Tiffin Top, and Snow View Point, and many others. The town was founded by the British in the 19th century and served as a summer retreat. Many of the colonial-era buildings in Nainital have been preserved and are popular tourist attractions.

Naini Lake is a beautiful natural freshwater lake located in the heart of Nainital. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the town and is surrounded by lush green hills on all sides. The lake is pear-shaped and is believed to have been formed by a glacier that melted thousands of years ago. Naini Lake is a popular destination for boating, with visitors being able to rent boats and paddle around the lake while enjoying the serene surroundings. There are also several restaurants and cafes around the lake that offer stunning views and serve delicious local cuisine. The Lake is surrounded by several walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding hills are also a popular spot for bird watching, with several species of birds being found in the area.

There are many lake towns around Nainital that offer a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and are worth visiting for their stunning natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.

Bhimtal is a picturesque lake town located about 22 km from the main town of Nainital. The town is named after the Bhimtal Lake, which is the largest lake in the Kumaon region. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water sports at the lake, and also visit the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, which is situated on the banks of the lake

Sattal is another beautiful lake town located about 23 km from Nainital. The town is named after the seven interconnected freshwater lakes that are surrounded by lush green hills. Visitors can enjoy boating, camping, and birdwatching at the lakes, and also visit the Butterfly Museum and the Methodist Ashram, which are popular tourist attractions in the area

Naukuchiatal is a serene lake town located about 26 km from Nainital. The town is named after the Naukuchiatal Lake, which is famous for its nine corners. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and birdwatching at the lake, and also visit the Hanuman Temple and the Butterfly Research Center, which are situated in the town

Khurpatal is a peaceful lake town located about 12 km from Nainital. The town is named after Khurpatal Lake, which is surrounded by dense forests and lush green hills. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing at the lake, and also visit the Kainchi Dham, which is a popular temple located nearby

When we move a little ahead from Nainital there is a beautiful hill town named Ranikhet the famous hill station is situated at an altitude of around 2000 m above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Ranikhet is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, green meadows, and colonial-era architecture, the town was originally developed as a cantonment by the British in the 19th century and was later turned into a hill station. Many of the colonial-era buildings in Ranikhet have been preserved and are popular tourist attractions. One of the main attractions of Ranikhet is its serene and peaceful atmosphere. The town is surrounded by dense forests and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely walk through the town’s quiet streets and soak in the tranquil surroundings. The Golf Course in Ranikhet is one of the highest golf courses in Asia. The Golf Course is located a little from the main town of Ranikhet. It is a 9-hole golf course that has become one of the best attraction sites

Kausani is a beautiful town situated at an altitude of around 2000 m above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks. It is known for its natural beauty, tranquil surroundings, and stunning views of the Himalayas. One of the main attractions of Kausani is its panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains from several vantage points in the town, including the Kausani Tea Estate, the Anashakti Ashram, and the Rudradhari Waterfall.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kausani is also home to several historical and cultural attractions. The Anashakti Ashram, located in the town, is where Mahatma Gandhi spent some time in 1929 and wrote his treatise on the concept of Anashakti Yoga. The Lakshmi Ashram, located about 1 kilometer from Kausani, is a women’s ashram that was established in 1948 by Catherine Hillman.

Kausani is also known for its tea gardens, which produce some of the best tea. Visitors can take a tour of the tea gardens, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the tea.

Binsar is a small town situated at an altitude of around 2500 m above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine trees. If you want to sit in the lap of nature then Binsar is the best place. It is known for its natural beauty, serene surroundings, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.

Binsar is also home to several temples and shrines, including the Binsar Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region and attracts devotees from all over the country. Visitors to Binsar can also enjoy several adventure activities such as camping, trekking, and rock climbing. The town is a perfect place to relax and unwind and offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the main attractions of Binsar is the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including oak, rhododendron, pine, and deodar trees, and several species of birds and animals such as barking deer, leopard, and Himalayan black bear. Visitors can take a tour of the sanctuary, enjoy a trek through the forest, and take in the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.

Uttarakhand is known for its rich and diverse wildlife. The state has several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas that are home to a variety of animal species such as tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Nanda Devi National Park situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its alpine meadows, glaciers, and wildlife such as the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer.

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Located in the Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts of Uttarakhand, the reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, glaciers, and forests. The reserve is home to several rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including the Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, and Asiatic black bear.

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a combination of two national parks, the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park. The site is located in the Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts of Uttarakhand and is known for its stunning alpine scenery and rich biodiversity.

Rajaji National Park located in the Shivalik range of Uttarakhand, the Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Uttarakhand is also home to the famous Jim Corbett National Park, which is one of the oldest national parks in India and is known for its population of Bengal tigers. The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, a British hunter, conservationist, and author who played a significant role in the establishment of the park.

The area that is now known as Jim Corbett National Park has a long and rich history. The park lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and is part of the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands eco-region. This region was once home to several indigenous tribes, including the Boksas, Tharus, and Buksas, who lived off the land and relied on hunting and gathering for their livelihood. During the British colonial era, the region was heavily forested, and wildlife thrived. However, the rapid expansion of agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development during the 19th and early 20th centuries led to deforestation and habitat destruction, which caused a significant decline in wildlife populations.

Jim Corbett was a famous British hunter, who was born in Nainital in 1875, his real name was Edward James Corbett, he earned fame after he tracked down and killed a number of man-eating tigers and leopards, he spent most of his life in the region and was a keen hunter. However, he also became concerned about the decline of wildlife and was one of the first people to call for the establishment of a national park to protect the tigers. After India gained independence in 1947, the park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the man who had done so much to protect the area’s wildlife. Today, the park covers an area of over 520 square km and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and hundreds of species of birds.

In addition to its wildlife, the park is also an important cultural and historical site, with several ancient ruins located within its boundaries. The park attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its natural beauty and experience the thrill of seeing tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Uttarakhand is considered to be a place of great religious significance in India. It is often referred to as the “Land of the Gods” due to its many holy sites and pilgrimage destinations.

The state is home to four sacred Hindu shrines known as the Char Dham Yatra (Sri Yamunotri, Sri Gangotri, Sri Kedarnath, and Sri Badrinath), which are visited by millions of pilgrims each year.

Sri Kedarnath Temple an ancient temple and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The temple is located at an altitude of around 3600 m and is surrounded by the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. It is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism, collectively known as the Char Dham. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The current temple was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankara, also called Adi Shankaracharya. Sri Kedarnath Temple is visited by millions of devotees each year who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.

Uttarakhand is home to many other sacred cities and important pilgrimage sites, such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, and Joshimath.

Haridwar the sacred city, located on the banks of the Ganges, is considered one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism, while Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and attracts spiritual seekers from around the globe. The sacred city of Haridwar is known for its numerous ancient temples and ghats (riverfront steps) along the Ganges, where pilgrims come to take a dip in the sacred river, which is believed to purify their souls. The most famous ghat in Haridwar is Har Ki Pauri, which is a major attraction for visitors. The sacred city of Haridwar also known for the Kumbh Mela, is one of the largest gatherings of people in the world, where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the Ganges and seek blessings. The sacred city is a unique and unforgettable destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and spirituality of India.

Aarti pooja is performed every evening at Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the river Ganges. The ceremony is called Ganga Aarti and is a major attraction for visitors to the city. The Ganga Aarti ceremony involves several priests dressed in traditional attire, performing a choreographed ritual with oil lamps, incense, and flowers. The ceremony is accompanied by the chanting of mantras and devotional songs, creating a spiritual and mesmerizing atmosphere. The Ganga Aarti in Haridwar is a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who witnesses it. The ceremony is a beautiful blend of culture, religion, and spirituality, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Haridwar.

Rishikesh is one of the holiest cities in India in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy river Ganges. It is often referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers, yoga enthusiasts, and adventure lovers. Rishikesh is home to several ancient temples, ashrams, and yoga centers, including the famous Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram. These ashrams and yoga centers offer a range of programs and courses on yoga, meditation, and spirituality.

Rishikesh is also the gateway to the Himalayas, with several trekking and hiking trails starting from the city. Visitors can explore the stunning natural beauty of the region and witness the majestic Himalayan peaks. The city is also known for its adventure activities, such as river rafting, bungee jumping, and camping. The river Ganges offers a perfect setting for these activities, with its clear water and scenic surroundings.

Overall, Uttarakhand is the place that attracts enthusiasts of all kinds, a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and great religious significance make it a must-visit destination.

With Shamrock Journeys, you’ll discover all this and much more; we design exclusive features for the best exposure and experiences that help you lift the lid on this spectacular land

Our tours aim to uncover cultural intricacies and connections across a wide range of subject areas and themes including art, architecture, archaeology, history, culture, and the natural image of destination India

 

Follow us – www.facebook.com/Shamrock.Journeys

 

Follow us – www.instagram.com/shamrockjourneys/

 

Follow us – www.twitter.com/Shamrockjourney

 

Mail us – travel@shamrockjourneys.com / shamrockjourneys@gmail.com