 |
Mukteshwar (2291M):
The views that Mukteshwar offers are unmatched anywhere
else in Kumaon. On a clear day one could see high
Himalayan peaks like Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti, Nanda Devi,
Trisul and Panchchuli. Jim Corbett came here to shoot a
tigress and fell in love with the place. One can walk to
one’s hearts content among the peach, plum and apricot
orchards and in the conifer forests.
Places to see: Mukteshwar temple,
Chauthi Jaali, Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Binsar (2310M):
Ruled by the erstwhile Chand Rulers, Binsar derives its
name from Bineshwar temple in the area. Binsar today is
sanctuary to a host of animals ranging from deer to
panthers to bears. It is epitome of serenity and
tranquility and is most popular for Avi-fauna and the
panoramic views it offers. Binsar is a nature lover’s
delight.
Munsiyari (2290M):
Munsiyari literally means the place with snow.
Situated on the banks of river Gori Ganga and on the
ancient ‘Salt route’ from Tibet, Munsiyari is becoming a
fast growing destination for nature lovers and trekkers. A
large number of high altitude climbers and trekkers use
Munsiyari as a base. Munsiyari is at the entrance of the
Johar valley which, extends along the path of the Goriganga
river to its source at Milam Glacier. It is inhabited
mainly by the Shauka people (referred to as Bhotiya by the
non-Shaukas), who are its original natives. Munsiyari is
the center as well as the gateway of the Johar region. The
whole Johari Population of Munsiyari would migrate to
their summer settlements to engage in trade with the
advent of spring. Although, Johars still deal in woolens
and herbs, there are a number of Johars who have turned to
agriculture and horticulture. Nonetheless they all are
confined to Munsiyari alone.
Places to visit: Khaliya top, Birth Falls and Madkot; hot
water springs.
Kausani (1890M):
Kausani is nature's own reserve of solitude and greenery.
Several snow-capped peaks stand in a stately row, over 300
kms in length, shining against the azure sky making the
horizon as seen from Kausani and enviable spectacle.
Mahatma Gandhi, who spent 12 days in 1929 at Kausani,
penned his memorable commentary on the Geeta-Anashakti
yoga inspired by the scenic grandeur of this richly gifted
spot. The guesthouse where the Mahatma stayed is now known
as Anasakti Ashram. Hindi poet laureate Sumitranandan Pant
was born in Kausani. Some of his early poems composed here
have described nature in its myriad manifestations. There
is small museum to earmark that sacred spot. You could
also visit the Nanda Devi temple and Baijnath temple.
Kausani is ideal for those who wish to spend a quiet
holiday in the lap of nature.
Nainital (1993M):
The legend has it that King Daksha held a great Yajna in
which he did not invite Parvati and her consort Shiva.
Parvati could not take the insult and gate crashed into
the Yajna and leapt up in flames. Her half charred body
was retrieved by Shiva and while carrying her to Kailash
Parvat; the eyes of Parvati fell here hence the name
Nainital. Present day a European merchant, Mr. Barron
and an enthusiastic hunter from Rosa near Shajahanpur who
took fancy to this land founded Nainital in 1841.This region
was called Khasdesh in ancient times and Khasis ruled this
region before Christ was born. The name "NAINI" is derived
from a temple to the goddess 'Naini Devi" built on the
upper edge of the lake and was destroyed by the landslip
of 1880. It was subsequently replaced by a modern
structure.
Places of interest: Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal,
Observatory, Naina peak, Land’s End, Snow View. One could
try hand at boating, horse riding or walk along shady
roads; take the Ariel ropeway and shop for woolen
handicrafts, shapely candles and wicker ware.
Mussoorie (2005M):
Mussoorie is popularly known as the Queen of the hills. It
is a charming hill station situated 34 kms further up from
Dehradun. Captain Young of the British army visited the
area in the year 1820 and was so charmed by the beauty of
the region that he made it his residence. It has since
then developed as a major tourist center. The name of the
town is derived from plants of ‘Mussoorie’, which were
found in abundance here.
Places of interest: Gun hill, Jharipani Fall, Kempty Fall,
Nag Devta Temple, Sir George Everest House.
Mori (1130M):
Mori offers an escape from sultry heat of the Delhi. White
Water Rafting on the Tons (the biggest tributary of the
Yamuna with its source in the snowfields of the 20,720ft
high mountain, Bandarpunch), a small volume, Class 4 river
offers an excellent adrenaline rush and adds to the
excitement of being in the outdoors. Staying at a camp in
the midst of thickly forested hillsides and riverside
beach combined with hikes and overnight treks in the hills
and fishing for trout, make it a memorable holiday. The
camps in Mori run from May till July each year in the
western part of Uttarakhand, in the Jaunsar Bawar region
on the banks of the Tons River. The area is rich in every
type of western Himalayan flora and fauna, densely
forested with deodar, pine, alpine oak, birch, chestnut,
rhododendron and jamun. The Tons valley also boasts of the
only temple dedicated to Duryodhana.
Nandaprayag (914M):
On way to Badrinath, Nandaprayag is situated at the
confluence point of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Named Nandaprayag, it honours the pious and truthful king
Nanda, who had performed a 'Yagya' and given donation to
the Brahmins to win the love and blessings of God. The
famous Gopalji temple is also situated here. Today, it
serves as a major halt point for tourist traveling from
Kumaon to Garhwal or vice-versa.
Ranikhet (1830M):
Ranikhet reflects the very best of the heavenly Himalayas;
their lush green forests, majestic mountain peaks, exotic
plant life and attractive wild life. To see nature and its
elements in full harmony, the right place to be in is
Ranikhet. According to a popular belief, this spot had won
the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev. She
chose this scenic place to be her abode and since then, 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
rains, flowers sprout up everywhere in rainbow colours,
branches of trees stoop with ripened fruits and sunlight
filtering through the mist and clouds; endow an enchanting
effect all across Ranikhet. As winter comes, the softly
falling snowflakes cover the environs in pure white
sheets.
Places of interest:
Pilgrimage: Jhoola Devi Ram Mandir, Naithna Devi,
Mankameshwar, Binsar Mahadev, Hairakhan Temple.
Nature: Chaubatia, Bhaludam, Upat and Kalika (one of the
best 9-hole golf courses in the area and is surrounded by
lush pine forests). The Kali temple and a forest nursery
nearby are worth visiting,
Chaubatia (famous for its natural beauty and fishing
center)
Corbett National Park (400M- 1100M):
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms.
along the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 kms.
North- east of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is
the Corbett National Park. Established initially as Hailey’s National Park on August
8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of
the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga
National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as
Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the late Jim
Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author
and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and
demarcating its boundaries.
Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the
world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds
recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600
species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from
Corbett at one time or another. A wide variety of birds
can be spotted at Corbett ranging from Brown Fish Owl,
Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Plumbeous/White-Capped
Redstarts, Little/ Slaty backed Fork tail and Mountain/
Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagles to Blue Whistling Thrush and
Red Jungle Fowl.
Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambar,
Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur.
Animals of the Himalayas and those of peninsular India can
both be seen here and over 50 mammal and 25 reptile
species have been recorded at Corbett. Among the predators
are the tiger, leopard, diverse species of lesser cats and
the dhole - the wild dog.
The primates (rhesus and langur) and other animals like
jackals, foxes, civets, wild boar, sloth bear, black bear
and a range of reptiles including the cobra, python and
two species of crocodile. The rare fish eating, long
snouted gharial and the more robust mugger can be seen
basking along the sand banks and pools of the Ramganga.
The river, which is also noted for its sporting fish, the
mighty mahaseer and the malee, is popular with anglers.
Almora (1650M):
The picturesque district of Almora is a fine blend of
mountain beauty, ancient cultural influences, thickly
wooded forests, scenic valleys, quaint cottages, crystal
lakes and gushing rivers. The district is adorned with
garden orchards and provides a spectacular view of the
Himalayas. Quaint hill resorts such as Chaukori, Ranikhet,
Sitlakhet, Binsar, Kausani and Bageshwar are all around
Almora and attract nature lovers.
Places of interest: Kasar Devi temple, Deer Park, Chitai
temple, Jageshwar temple.
Lansdowne (1760M):
Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, the hill
station of Lansdowne is a place devoid of the hustle and
bustle of other hill stations. It is a place for the
tourists who want to enjoy nature in its eternity.
Lansdowne was originally a popular hill station of the
British. Attracted by its salubrious climate and natural
beauty, they established a cantonment here. The famous
Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army still has its command
office here. They have maintained the old-world charm of
the 19th century and the place is still an ideal getaway.
Places of interest: The ancient Karnva Ashram (legend has
it that Shankuntala gave birth to prince Bharat here,
after whose name the country is called Bharatvarsh) and
Tarkeshwar Mahadev (30 km) is a temple of Lord Shiva
situated at an altitude of 2092 m, on top of a hillock
surrounded by a thick forest of deodar, blue pine, and
oak. The temple is among one of the oldest in the world.
Joshimath (1890M):
A popular center of pilgrimage, Joshimath serves as a base
for trekking to the famous Valley of Flowers. The season
here is short lived from mid- July till end- August.
Valley of Flowers (3858M):
While on an expedition to Mt. Kamet, Frank S. Smith, an
English mountaineer, explorer and Botanist, discovered the
valley of flowers. Bustling with beautiful, lively and
vibrant colours, this park spread over an area of 87.5 kms
has the largest collection (gene pool) of wild flowers
species. More than 300 species of wild flowers like the
Himalayan blue poppy, daisy, dianthus, calendula, white
and yellow anemones bloom & swing with life during the
monsoons. Also inhabiting the place are the Himalayan
black bears, musk deer, brown bears, snow leopards, tahr,
bharal, serow & a wide variety of butterflies. A large
number of natural lovers, environmentalists and tourists
descend upon the valley every year. The valley can be
visited only during the day and overnight stay is
prohibited. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley
had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar valley.
Legend associates this valley with the area from where
Hanumanji of Ramayana epic collected 'Sanjeevani' herb to
revive Lakshman.
|
|
