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| UTTARAKHAND |
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The spanking new state of Uttarakhand, previously Uttaranchal was carved out of the state of Uttar Pradesh. It came away richer with some of the finest tourist attractions in its portfolio. Presided over by the snowy reaches of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas, the 'abode of the gods' with their galaxy of deities standing vigil over their people Uttarakhand offers travelers some of the most exciting holiday experiences in the country. From wilderness safaris to pilgrimages to some of Hinduism's most revered enclaves, from yoga to treks to pristine glaciers, from river rafting to camps by lakesides-it's a kaleidoscope of precious holiday moments for all age groups. The Goddess Nanda Devi is revered by the people of both the Garhwal and Kumaon hills. Surrounded by her retinue of inaccessible peaks she serves up some of the most enticing aspirations for adventure seekers and devotees alike. The snow bound reaches of the Himalayas here are the birthplace of the holy Ganga and Yamuna rivers, by the banks of which lie some of Hinduism's mot important pilgrimage points. Rishikesh is the yoga centre of the world today and bathing at the Ganga at Haridwar a purification ritual over millennia. Gandhiji found peace at Kausani and even today visitors from around the globe throng the ashrams offering meditation and yoga at Rishikesh and Haridwar. Corbett National Park is India's first National Park and savior of many endangered wilderness inhabitants-not the least the tiger and the Asiatic elephant. Scattered over the state are a clutch of hill stations, established by the British which continue to offer holidaymakers a respite from the searing heat of the plains-Mussoorie, Naintal, Ranikhet, Lansdowne just to name a few. A slew of adventure activities can be enjoyed year round-trekking to Milam glacier, birding at Naukuchital, camping at Sattal, rafting at Shivpuri, skiing at Auli and mountaineering in the hills.
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| ACCESS |
Getting There And Around
The Garhwal hills are best accessed from the railway stations at Dehra Dun and Haridwar with superfast trains from New Delhi. The Kumaon Hills are accessed from the Kathgodam railhead. For Corbett National Park you can get off at Ramnagar. Both Dehra Dehra Dun's Jolly Grant
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Airport and Panthnagar are not in operation currently. Good interstate bus connections available from Delhi across Uttarkhand. Taxis, Jeeps and private and government run buses offer connections within the state itself. Roads deteriorate during the monsoon.
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| GRAND TOUR |
Dehra Dun
The state capital is also the gateway town into the Garhwal Himalyas and is an excellent base for trekking , climbing, river rafting and climbing trips. The Rajaji National Park close by is home to the Asiatic elephant. Less than an hours drive away is the popular hill station of Mussoorie established by the British. You can enjoy hikes in the hilld, head out for the Tons River for some serious rafting and enjoy its balmy climate during the summers. It's becoming very popular as an all season holiday destination now.
Landsdowne
Home to the Garhwal Rifles this quiet hill station in Pauri Garhwal has rich nuances of its Raj-era history with a scattering of churches with beautiful stained glass windows, Tiffin Top a popular picnic point and an old cemetery.
Haridwar
This is one of Hinduism holiest places with the Ganga River offering devotees a chance to purify themselves in its holy waters. The evening aarti on its banks is particularly moving. The old town has many ashrams which attract yoga enthusiasts from around the world. Rishikesh, a short distance away is where the Ganga leaves the mountains for the plains. The holy town is considered the yoga centre of the world and is also popular for the river rafting on the Ganga, which starts from nearby Shivpuri. At Uttarkashi is the famous Nehru Institute of Mountaineering which offers courses for mountaineering.
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Auli
In March the snow fields are home to Winter Games. Its fun for non-skiers too who can enjoy snowball fights, sledding and cable rides. Its also popular has a summer time retreat from the heat of the plains.
Nanda Devi National Park
This protected mountain enclave in the Garhwal Himalayas is home to the tutelary deity of Uttarakhand the Goddess Nanda Devi. An important pilgrimage is held in her name annually by devotees of the Garhwal and Kumaon hills. The great Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is held every 12 years. Trekking is only permitted to its outer boundary of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another protected area is the Valley of Flowers National Park, part of the Nanda Devi National Park biosphere. It attracts many trekkers of all age groups during the monsoon when it's awash with a fantastic carpet of flowers. Only day treks are permitted in the park. Close by is the holy Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib a popular pilgrimage point.
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