UTTRAKHAND

The Divine Land Words fail to describe the awesome charm and enchanting beauty of this magical land. The splendor and the beauty of the land is to be seen and and felt. Blessed with magnificent glaciers , sparkling and joyful rivers, gigantic and ecstatic Himalayan peaks, natural biospheres, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains.This is the land where Vedas and Shastras were composed and great Indian epic- The Mahabharath- was written. The land has always been the source of inspiration for nature lovers and seekers of peace and spirituality. 

The land of Celestial BeautyBlessed with magnificent glaciers , majestic snow-clad mountains, gigantic and ecstatic peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this Abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains.

A picturesque state, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, Uttaranchal promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.

State Capital The city of Dehradun, has been declared as the interim capital of the new state. Though the debate on making Gairsain as the new capital is still on. Dehradun is situated at the Himalayan foothills in the fertile Doon Valley. The valley is well known for its salubrious climate and natural beauty. It is due to this reason, Dehradun has been one of the favorite residential cities. It is also an important educational centres of the country. Some of the best public schools and convents are housed here.The Indian Military Academy, The Froest Research Institute, the Oil and Natural Gas comission and many more offices of Central and State Govt. are also situated here. Dehradun is one of the most important town in the new state and is well linked with rail, road and air routes to all the parts of the country.

Environmental Gains  After being carved out of Uttar Pradesh,Uttaranchal has been richer in terms of wild-life and forest area. The thick forests and mountains house a variety of wild life and plant species. According to Chief Wild Life Warden, UP, Dr Ram Lakhan Singh, the total protected wildlife area of Uttaranchal would be 34,359 sq km, while Uttar Pradesh would be left with just half of that -17,259 sq km. Twelve areas- Nanda Devi national park, the valley of flowers, Gangotri national park, Govind national park, Rajaji national park, Kedarnath sanctuary, Ascod musk deer sanctuary, Mussoorie sanctuary, Binsar sanctuary, Sanadi sanctuary and Govind sanctuary are now looked after by Uttaranchal. The ecological zones likely to fall in Uttaranchal are

upper Himalayas called the snow-bound zones, lower Himalayas and Shivaliks. All these zones support many rare plants and animal communities. 

Economy 

The state of Uttaranchal has tremendous potential of developing tourism industry due to the beautiful landscape, religious places, trekking trails, national parks, mountain peaks and historical and archeological sites. Apart from tourism, the rural population is engaged in agriculture. Doon Valley, Nainital district, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts produce large quantities of food grains. The state has immense potential for the development of horticulture crops-apple, orange, malta,pear, grapes peach, plum appricot, litchi,mango, guava etc are widely produced fruits. The region also holds good promises for developing herbal pharmaceutical industry owing to abundant medicinal plants. The industrial sector of state is insignificant. It is hoped that by development and proper exploitation of its natural resources, Uttaranchal can overcome its economic backwardness. Due to its water resources the state has the capacity to generate many mega watts of power. Presently,it is producing 500 MW of power. There are 17 hydro-electric projects already producing electricity and many ambitious power projects including Tehri Dam are under construciton.  The population of the state is around 7 million. The land area is about 55,845 sq km. The region is mostly hilly (approx 88 percent) and the

remaining 12 percent falls in the plains.The state is very rich in natural resources especially water and forests as it has many glaciers, rivers, forests, mountain peaks. The famous peaks of Uttaranchal are Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, Bandarpunch and Mt Kamet. The major Glaciers include Gangotri, Pindari, Milam and Khatling. The Ganga, The Yamuna, Ramganga and Sharda are principal rivers of this region.

Longitude 77deg 34' 27" E to 81deg 02' 22" ELatitude 28deg 53' 24" N to 31deg 27' 50" NTotal land area 51125 Sq. KmHilly area 92.57%Plains 7.43%Forest cover 63%Literacy 65%

OUR DISTRICT

Almora Bageshwar Champavat Nainital Pithora Garh Uttar Kashi Rudra Prayag

OUR DISTRICT

Tihari GarhwalDehradunHaridwarPouri GarhwalChamoliUdham Singh Nagar

ALMORA

ALMORA - LOCATION

Almora is one of the three hill districts of Kumaon. The other two being Nainital and Pithoragarh. It is the cultural capital of Kumaon. Almora is also referred to as the unspoilt child of nature. It is situated on a three-mile long horse saddle-shaped ridge and is surrounded by four hill ranges . Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Shayahi Devi and Katarnal. The three peaks have temples of Goddesses while Katarnal has an ancient Sun temple worth visiting.

ALMORA - WEATHER

Almora stands at a height of 1,638 meters. It has a moderate and salubrious climate. The best season is April-June and September-November. For those interested in snow views the best time to visit is in early summer and autumn. The rainy season is also very pleasant here.

ALMORA - ORIGIN

Almora was the capital of the Chand dynasty, which ruled Kumaon for more than one thousand years.One remarkable fact about Almora is that while almost all hill stations were discovered and developed by British, Raja Kalyan Chand founded Almora in the year 1568 when he transferred his capital from Champawat to Almora. Legend has it that about 500 years ago Raja Kalyan Chand, then the ruler of Kumaon with its capital at Champawat, was riding hard in pursuit of prey on this horseshoe shaped spur. The

hunted quarry saved itself by taking refuge in a thicket of Kilmora a wild bush and revealed to the royal hunter the site of his would-be capital. The origins of settlement in Almora may have been different but the story continues to hold sway in the minds of many of the locals. Bounded by the Kosi and Suyal rivers, the local of the new capital was well suited strategically. Till the Gurkha onslaught, in the last decade of the 19th century, Almora remained well protected naturally.

ALMORA - TO SEE

Almora is situated in the midst of the Himalayas, the king of mountains and abode of the gods. From time immemorial people have visited this region for peace, solitude and liberation of the soul.Almora is a good place to conveniently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the

central Himalayas. On a clear day and most days in Almora are flawless you can see forever and almost every peak. Almora allows you to enjoy the mighty Himalayas together with ridge after ridge of hills painted in different hues of blue and green. The terraced fields, the stone slatted barrack-like village houses have so far put up a valiant fight against the encroachments of urban expansion and destructive development. Almora also has some beautiful health resorts. The chief among them is Ranikhet (1,829 meters). Ranikhet literally means queen' s field. It is said that a Ranicamped here once and gave this name to the city. During the days of the Raj, Ranikhet was a British cantonment.

There are a number of places of tourist interest around Ranikhet. Chaubatia is famous for its orchards; Tarikhet, eight kilometers away, was once the nerve center of the Freedom Movement. Mahatma Gandhi also lived here for a while; Majkhali presents a fascinating view of snowy peaks and Upat, about six kilometers from Ranikhet, has an exquisite golf course. Kausani, 32 miles from Almora, is situated at a height of 1,890 meters. An enterprising Englishman, Mr. Norman Troop, developed it as a tea garden. Binsar, about 32 kilometers from Almora is situated at height of 2,412 meters. The Chand Rajas used to camp here during summer. It offers a wonderful view of the Himalayas. Bajinath situated on the banks of the Gomti (a local river) in Garur Valley, is an idyllic place. It is famous for its 13th century temples. Jageshwar has a group of Shiva temples and is on the Almora-Pithoragarh road and is situated in a densely wooded beautiful narrow valley. The temples were constructed in the 13th century. They are a marvel to see for their artistic beauty and craftsmanship. Jageshwar is among the 12-jyotir lingas in the country.Bageshwar and Sitalakhet are other places of interest. Bageshwar is one of the main camping sites for the journey to Pindari Glacier, which is situated at a height of 3,820 meters. Kafni Glacier is also close by (3,860 meters) and Sitalakhet is the new tourist resort on the Syahi Devi hill.

Almora has a museum that is a storehouse of information about the cultural heritage ofKumaon. There is a deer park on the outskirts of the city. The Nanda Devi temple in the heart of the city is a must for visitors.

AROUND ALMORA

One can visit the picturesque places around Almora, for sightseeing. Binsar, which has now been designated a sanctuary, is an hour' s motor drive from Almora. Binsar hill, locally known as Jhandi Dhar, rises to a height of 2,412 meters and offers a panoramic view of Almora town, the Kumaon hills and the Greater Himalayas. The region around abounds in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. The brow is reached by an unpaved ridge lined by prosperous private estate. A walk through the woods comprising mostly oak and rhododendron forest, leads to a vantage point at the summit, which offers an uncluttered view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valley. Binsar was the favorite summer resort of the eminent Hindi poet Ajneya.Way back in 1929, Mahatma Gandhi spent three fruitful weeks at this charming spot called Kausani (51 kilometers from Almora) in the Kumaon hills and described it is India' s Switzerland. Today, despite deforestation in the area, Kausani can still lay claim to the title bestowed on it. Quaint villages, orchards laden with fruit and hill slopes covered with pine trees escort one into Kausani. In the distance, snow mantled peaks glitter in the sun and the breeze carries with it much of the cool freshness of the snows.All through the day the mountains around Kausani seem to change in shape and color. Each change provides an entrancing spectacle and induces a deeper communion with nature. The Anakshakti Ashram atop a hill where the Mahatma stayed commands one of the most

magnificent views of the mountain ranges around Kausani. The vast sweep of the mountain view (simply called , The View locally), which encompasses a remarkable 350 kilometers at Kausani, is the central point of attraction in this little hill station.

All round are gentle walks where a profusion of wild flowers keep one company. There are shady paths carpeted with pine needles and in the air is the wonderful, inimitable fragrance of pine. Terraced fields add a distinctive touch to the pastoral picture around.

VISITING ALMORABy AirThe nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). Regular flights operate during the summer.By RailThe nearest railhead for Almora is Kathgodam.By RoadAlmora is well connected with all-important cities by road.ALMORA - ACCOMODATIONThere are hotels, Inspection Bungalows, private cottages available to suit all budgets.

Bageshwar

Bageshwar

Bageshwar situated at the confluence of river Saryu, Gomati and the latent Bhagirathi, lies the holytownship of Bageshwar: also revered as the pious land associated with

lord Sadashiva, the redeemer of all sins, As the pauranas state,this Undoubtedly is the place capable of lebratingone from the eternal bondage of births and deaths.With the east and west flanked by the Bhileshwar and Nileshwar mountains and surrounded by Surajkund and Agni Kund in the south , this land of Lord Shankar is of great religious, historic and political significance. The Nila Parvat, ituated between the river Saryu and Gomati is inhabited by all the 33 croresgods of hindu pantheon, the celestial being like siddha, gandharwa, Vidhyadhar, Urvasi etc. and many sages. Irrigated by the Saryu the Nilparvat is held to be more important than the Vidhyanchal.Those who desire to embrace death at the place between Saryu Kund and Agni Kund, become equvalent to the Gods by attaining salvation at the feet of Lord Shiva himself.  SIGHT SEEING:- 

We take you to the ancient Shiva temple situated in the heart of the town. This place is a cluster of temples. Then we go to Chandika temple. A beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika stands at an distance of about half a kilometer from Bageshwar. Then is shri Ram Temple (5 kms), the devotees believe that prayers for wish fulfillment here never go in vein.

KANDA This picturesque place is a treat for nature lovers and is situated at a distance of 25 kms from Bageshwar. An ancient Bhadrakali temple lies very near to Kanda.

VIJAYPUR It is situated at a distance of 30 kms. from Bageshwar town. One can have a panoramic view of snow capped Himalayan ranges from here. Because of its high altitude, the view is breathtaking.

PANDUSTHAL To reach Pandusthal a bus service is available from Garur to Jakhera. From Jakhera, it is a 20 kms trek through the mountains. According to legends, Pandusthal was the battle ground where Kauravas and Pandavas had faught. There exist a natural ground half a kilometer in breadth. The Himalaya is so near, that one can get an excellent view of ranges.

BAIJNATH Situated at a distance of 26 kms from Bageshwar, Baijnath stands at the bank of river Gomati. Many temples with idols of Shiva and Parvati can be seen here.

CHAMPAVAT

Champawat district comes in the Kumaon region .It was once the capital of the Chand dynasty.Champawat is not only famous for its natural beauty, glaciers, meandering streams, pilgrimage centers but also as a newly developed district .It is a peaceful place with peace loving people and enchanting natural beauty.

General Information Of Champawat

Total Area: 5 Sq. kms. (City area) Altitude: 1615 Mts. From the sea level Temperature: 30-32ºC cenregate in Summer05-08ºC in Winter Clothing: Summer- Cottons/ light woolens, Winter - Heavy woolensLanguages: Hindi, English and Kumaoni

NAINITAL

Set at the edge of Nainital Lake, this sprightly and bustling hill station is welcoming, hospitable and open. Full of hidden surprises, it also has its constants: and one of these is its beauty. Perhaps that is why generations of pleasure seekers have surrendered to its seductions. 

THE DISCOVERY OF NAINITAL The names of two Englishmen must always be linked with the discovery of the Lake at Nainital. One of them G. W. Traill, Commissioner of Kumaon and Garhwal, was the first European to set eyes on it in 1823. Nevertheless, the lake had been known for quite some time to herdsmen from villages nearby and held in great reverence as an abode of gods and spirits. Traill had great respect for the traditions and beliefs of the hill folk. To his way of thinking, crowds would violate the sanctity of the place, so he kept the discovery strictly to himself.On the other hand, P. Barron, a trader in sugar from Shahjahanpur and an intrepid traveler, had no sooner caught a glimpse of the lake in its sylvan setting than he realized its potential as a hill resort and went full steam a colonizing it. The year was 1839. Barron first reached the lake through a trick, a fact mentioned in his book Wanderings in the Himmala. He knew there was a large lake in the heart of Kumaon. He also knew that local guides deliberately misled Europeans who wished to go there, in order to keep the location a secret. 

Sure enough, Barron' s guide declared he had never heard of the lake, at which Barron placed on the guide' s head a large stone and told him to carry it till they managed to find the lake. He said there were reputedly no stones near the lake and he needed come to build a house. Desperate to be rid of the load, the guide soon confessed he knew the lake well enough and there was no scarcity of stones in the general area. Barron says that other Europeans also resorted to the same trick till such time that Nainital found a place on the map.

On his second visit, Barron got the better of a local thokdar (village headman) Nar Singh who had laid claim to the lake and the surrounding hills as his ancestral property. The matter was pending settlement in court. Barron persuaded Nar Singh to accompany him for a ride on the lake in his (Barron' s) own private boat, a rarity in those days. In the middle of the lake, Barron threatened to upset the boat if Nar Singh did not waive his claim, thereby admitting the right of the honorable Company Bahadur to the disputed land. Nar Singh had no choice for, unlike the others, he could not swim. He wrote the needful in pencil on the page of a pocketbook provided by Barron. Mission accomplished, Barron promptly applied for a plot to construct a house. Land was allotted for the purpose just above the present Nainital Club at an annual lease of two annas! Here, Barron constructed the house Pilgrim Lodge, his pen name being Pilgrim. The house stands to this day.

The sapphire-like Nainital Lake, surrounded by densely wooded hills and rich pastureland, the home of the tiger, leopard, ghoral and pheasant, appeared to P. Barron as by far the most beautiful sight I have witnessed in the course of a fifteen hundred mile walk in the Himmala.

The water is as clear as crystal! A beautiful little stream supplied from the springs of the overtopping mountain is continually running into it and a smaller one flowing out of it.The Nainital Lake and its environs have changed much since Barron made the above entry in his diary. However, the charm that initially bowled over all those who set eyes on it is still here. You come up the Kathgodam. Nainital highway, all excitement asking eagerly, Where's the lake? How much longer to the lake? And there, when you are least expecting it, the lake springs a delightful surprise! Green to its very depths, silvered by moon and sun and splashed with the cheerful colors of yachts and rowing boats, the Nainital Lake is an open invitation to a holiday.

NAINITAL - THE MUST-SEE SITES

If you have a car at your disposal (for your sake we hope you don' t, for that way you miss out on a lot that' s very, very interesting), you can drive down the Mall from the entry point at Tallital (lower end) to Mallital (upper end of the lake). If you. re lucky enough to be footing it, you take the side wall along the brim of the lake and pass under an extended canopy of the sun spangled leaves while images of poplar, cypress and willow gently ripple on the surface of the water to your left. To your right the hills take off again, rising from the edge of the Mall in one giant sweep of habitation. Nainital is studded with buildings, shops, restaurants, private homes, hotels and boarding houses. During the last decade or so, it has witnessed the emergence of mega hotels and the construction of houses by agencies as against private individuals. However, despite the commercialization, it' s fun place, with so much to do there' s never a dull moment.

You could of course go for a boat ride. The single-seater rowing boats are all gone but the largerdouble ones and pedal boats are aplenty and except in choppy weather, the ride is satin smooth. But take care, don't go boating when there. s a mist on the lake and never change your seat midstream. For yachting enthusiasts there is a yacht club and temporary membership is available. Swimming used to be popular but the scope has been reduced by the presence of algae in the water.

the Mallital end of the lake, you have the flats, a vast expanse of level ground, which in season is a cheerful colorful sea of humanity. One portion does duty as a car park, another houses an assortment of bazaars, notably the Tibetan market. At one end stand the Gurdwara and the Naina Devi temple complex. The spread of the flats offers a very welcome venue for sports events like football and hockey tournaments, held regularly every year.

Nevertheless, Nainital is an outdoor place, with a dozen or more picnic spots within easy reach. If you are not overfond of walking, you could hire a pony and clip-clop your way up. Seven hills surround the lake and provide excellent trekking. Ayarpatta, Deopatta, Handi Bandi, Cheena, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher-ka-Danda. goes the impressive roll of names. Cheena (Naina) Peak, at 8,568 feet. the tallest of all. commands a superb view of the Himalayas and an intriguing bird. s-eye view of Nainital. Kilbury, the second highest, has a forest rest house that offers a quiet weekend. But snow view on the Sher-ka-Danda hill is the most easily accessible, if not on foot then via the cable car that skims its surface and whisks you away merrily to the top. Once there you can only gaze in wonder at the glittering panorama of Himalayan snows spanning the distant horizon. Tiffin Top (Dorothy. s Seat) is every bit worth the climb. Land's End affords a charming view of the lake known as Khurpa Tal and the terraced hills surrounding it, while Hanuman Garhi, with its famous temple, is reputed for its glorious sunsets. Near the temple stands the Uttaranchal Government observatory and the Satellite Tracking Center.

Ayarpatta Hill is a haven of trees oak, fir, deodar, pine and rhododendron. Some of the roads are narrow and still paved with brick. On this hill stands Gurney House, home of the great Jim Corbett, the fearless famous hunter, conservationist and writer to remember. The house was named after Corbett' s father. It is now a museum of Corbett memorabilia. shikar trophies, fishing rods, books, writing desk and old moth-eaten maps of Nynee Tal.For all those who love nature and admire Corbett' s sensitivity to it, this is hallowed ground.

Nainital no longer enjoys the distinction of being the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh, but people come from all walks of life. short-stay tourists and those who spend the entire length of the season, be it April. June or September. October. Autumn is marked by a month long festival with a torchlight yacht procession, which, for sheer beauty, is incomparable. There is a hamper of fun with something for everyone: games and sports, a beauty contest, musical gatherings, plays and campfires. During the rainy season, Nainital is wrapped in mist and dotted with a million flowers. Lights twinkling through the mist give it the appearance of the never never land of fantasy. Winter at Nainital is great fun too, what with the sharp and bracing air, hotels begging for customers and all the facilities available at half rate. January and February bring overcast skies, intermittent rain and the eagerly awaited snow. They also thin out the crowds to make of Nainital a holidaymaker's paradise.

NAINITAL - THE LEGENDARY LAKE The Nainital Lake finds mention in the Manas Khand (chapter) of the Skanda Purana (scriptures) as the Tririshi Sarovar, i.e., the lake of the three sages. Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha. Legend has it that in the course of their pilgrimage the three sages arrived here, only to find the place without water. Meditating on the sacred and bountiful Mansarovar Lake, they dug a hole here. So great was the power of their tapas (meditation) that the hole soon filled with water. The name Nainital is derived from an old temple of Goddess Naina Devi on the shore of the lake. The origin of the temple is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that Lord Shiva, gone berserk after the death of his consort Sati, strode the earth like a colossus, with Sati. s half-charred body over one shoulder. As he passed over the lake, Sati. s left eye dropped there. The place was sanctified as the home of the Goddess Naina Devi (from naina, meaning eye).

LAKES AROUND NAINITAL

Bhimtal You might say poplars have overrun Bhimtal. As you enter the little town, clouds of translucent sliver-green leaves wave you on and on, right to the southern end of the expansive lake. Bhimtal has oak forests too and the habitation is thick enough to permit wildlife to exist side by side. hill birds, chiefly the pheasant, serao, kakar, sambhar (varieties of deer), the occasional beer and leopard.

Bhimtal, 23 km from Nainital, is your place for a quiet holiday. It has lovely dappled paths, ravines festooned with dog rose and wild raspberry, farm houses set among terraced fields and citrus trees hung with galgal like so many golden balls. The lake offers scope for boating and many a home sports a brightly painted, private boat as well. In the middle of the lake, there is anintriguing looking island with a restaurant. The only thing that disturbs the peace is a gaggle of geese that has made the island its home.

Bhimtal has a large roomy, comfortable Tourist Bungalow with a grandstand view of the lake. The family cottages attached are particularly cosy and welcoming. The bazaar is an old time affairs, as quaint as could be, and for the more energetic tourist, there. s a large up and coming industrial estate to explore.

Sat Tal If you are a fish fan, be sure to reach the tin-roofed Government fish depot at Sat Tal by 8 am for your pick of carp. Spanking fresh, netted right there at the crack of dawn. However, Sat Tal has a lot more besides fish to recommend it. Originally a cluster of seven lakes, now reduced to five (since two have dried up), Sat Tal (21 km from Nainital) has all it takes to veil the place in a kind of mystique. densely wooded hills, roads that glide under a canopy of gossamer green oak trees, pines and dark brooding firs, little creeks along the shores of the lakes, boat rides on the placid waters, a log cabin that's sheer temptation.

A large part of Sat Tal is really the estate of the Methodist Church, South Asia branch. An ashram founded by the late Rev. Stanley Jones, evangelist, holds camp for young people every year. There is a small Tourist Bungalow, the above-mentioned log cabin and a string of country shops that cater to the needs of the day visitor. More important, there are birds around and occasionally a leopard makes its appearance. When evening falls, you can sit by the side of Ram-Lakshman Tal and ask the boatmen for ghost stories. They will be only too happy to oblige.

NAINITAL - THE SCHOOLING GROUNDS Some of the best-known men in India are alumni of the schools and colleges at Nainital, founded by European missionaries in the last century. These priests and nuns brought exemplary dedication to the task, imparting to their students not only learning but a wealth of tradition cherished to this day. Sherwood College, the oldest European school in Nainital, goes back to July 1867. Shifting from one campus to another, braving fire and epidemics, the school eventually found a permanent site on a spur of the Ayarpatta hill in 1897. Today, Sherwood College can boasts of alumni like Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Amitabh Bachchan and Kabir Bedi. St. Joseph. s College, with its solid fortress-like walls, was originally known as St. Joseph. s Seminary. Its birthplace was Darjeeling, from where it was shifted to Nainital. The well-known All Saints. School for Girls is housed in a distinguished-looking building with anestate of 14.57 hectare adjoining the grounds of the Government House. There is St. Mary's for girls too, founded in 1878. Among the more recent ones are the Birla Vidyamandir for boys, the Balika Vidyamandir for girls, a polytechnic and government colleges for both boys and girls. Headquarters of the Kumaon University, Nainital houses one of its constituent colleges, known as Dan Singh Bisht (DSB) College.

WHEN NAINITAL ROCKED No account of Nainital would be complete without reference to the terrible landslip of September 18, 1880, on the Sher-ka-Danda ridge. Before this catastrophe, it had rained steadily for four days, the rain soaking into the cracks in the ridge, making it unstable. Bang in the path of the slip stood the Hotel Victoria. Below it on the verge of the lake was the Naina Devi Temple. At about 10 am on

the fateful morning the first slip occurred, carrying away a portion of the outhouses and the western wing of the hotel. At about twenty past one, a large boulder from the cliff above camehurtling down. And in another ten minutes, the whole hillside seemed to erupt in one mass of semi-fluid matter that made a clean sweep of the hapless hotel. The dead and missing numbered 151. The Naina Devi temple was destroyed and later rebuilt on its present site. In itself a great disaster, the landslide nevertheless focused attention on the need for proper drainage around the hills of Nainital. It also literally created the flats. The rubble that fell choked one end of the lake and was later evened out to form a vast level stretch of ground, one of the assets of Nainital today.

NAINITAL - GETTING THERE The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 71 km away. It is connected by Vayudoot services with Delhi. A coach takes the tourists to Nainital. Taxis are also available.

The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 35 km away. Nainital is connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow. Taxis and buses are available from Kathgodam to Nainital.

Nainital is connected by good, all-weather roads to Delhi (322 km), Bareilly (141 km), Almora (66 km) and Ranikhet (60 km). Public and private bus companies ply regular bus services between Nainital and Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Hardwar, Dehradun, Almora, Ranikhet, Ramnagar and other important towns in the state.

NAINITAL - WHERE TO STAY There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to suit every budget. 

Distance From Delhi:- 303 kms Almora:- 63 kms Ranikhet:- 60 kms Kausani:- 115 kms Munsyari:- 288 kms Bageshwar:- 138 kms Pithoragarh:- 210 kms Jim Corbett Park:- 117 kms Best time to visit March - June(Summer)October - December(Winter)

PITHORA GARH

The district of Pithoragarh was carved out of the district of Almora, Uttar Pradesh in 1962. Pithorgarh boasts majestic peaks like Nanda Devi East, Nanda Devi West, Trishul, Hardeol, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Bambadhura, and the Panchchuli group amongst others. It has its fair share of magnificent glaciers too, like the Milam, Namik, Ralam, Meola and Balati glaciers. From these flow the mighty rivers of Kuti, Dhauli Ganga (East), Gori Ganga, Ram Ganga (East), Saryu and Kali (Sharda) which provide ample scope for rafting and canoeing. The lower hill ranges are home to picturesque summer resorts like Champawat, Lohaghat, Pithoragarh, Didihat and Berinag. The lush forest cover is home to a mind-boggling variety of flora and fauna.On the south, Pithoragarh district touches the Tarai area of Nainital The northern part of the district is the abode of exotic and colourful tribes whose adventurous spirit is legendary in the annals of mountaineering and exploration.

The Raji tribe, on the verge of extinction, makes its home in the jungles of the Himalayan rangeFestivals and religious ceremonies take place in all parts of the district all year around. The festival of Devi Dhura is famous for its large scale stone-pelting by two rival teams. Some of the ritualistic festive events of Beas, Chaudas and Darma Valley takes place once in 12 years. The festival of Kanar-Chhiplakot is another major event in this area. The temple of Punyagiri on the banks of the river of Sharda is frequented by thousands of devotees from the plains of Uttar Pradesh throughout the year. Pithoragarh is in the inner Himalayas at a height of 1,851 meters in a spectacular valley, called Little Kashmir in the northern state of Uttaranchal. Some parts of the district are at a height of 3,000 feet while the others are at 4,724 meters. The area of the district is 8,856 square kilometers and one-third of it is covered by snow perpetually. It isthe main town of a region that borders both Nepal and Tibet. Pithoragarh has a cool climate which makes it comfortable all year round. Pithoragarh, till recently, was part of Almora district. It was given the status of a separate district on February 1,1960.

PITHORAGARH - STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Pithoragarh is the gateway to the gateway to the marvelous Milan Glacier, Chota Kailash and Namik. The strategic importance of the Pithoragarh lies in the fact that six passes to Tibet are in this district. The local inhabitants carried lucrative trade with Tibet through these passes before 1962. With improvement in Sino-Indian relations, some of the passes have been re-opened for trade.

PITHORAGARH - FLORA AND FAUNA

It is rich in flora and fauna and is famous for its bugyals or pasture grounds of velvet-like green grass. The area was closed to tourists till 1981. But with the start of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, tourist interest in the area is increasing by leaps and bounds.

PITHORAGARH - FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pithoragarh is famous for its cultural-religious fairs. These are celebrated throughout the year. They are deeply rooted in the history, tradition and culture of this area. People celebrate them with gay abandon. Some of these fairs also serve the purpose of trade fairs.At Jaul Jibi, a fair is held every autumn when woolens, copper pots and small, shaggy-maned Himalayan horses are bought and sold.

PITHORAGARH - SITES TO VISIT

There are a number of lakes around Pithoragarh. Two of them, Jolingkong and Anchherital are situated at a height of 4,634 meters and 3,658 meters, respectively. Some beautiful old temples are also scattered around the district. A visit to the shrine at Purnagiri, 20 kilometers from Tanakpur, is believed to lead to fulfillment of one' s desires. There is also a Sikh shrine near Lohaghat called Ritha Sahib, associated with the visit of Guru Nanak. It is believed that the bitter ritha turned sweet after the touch of the Guru.

The white Manu temple is also an oft visited site. In it, is enshrined a powerful goddess known to bring rain to these mountains if properly invoked. There is also a large swing erected on the field at the base of a flight of steps leading to the temple. Here the goddess and her sister from a distant temple swing playfully when the other goddess comes visiting. No one can see them, but the swing moves !

PITHORAGARH - SITES NEARBY

Baleshwar is 76 kilometers from Pithoragarh on the Tanakpur road. Its temples are the best examples of hill architecture. They were constructed by the early Chand rajas in the 8th century. At Gangolihat, 77 kilometers from Pithoragarh, is a Shakti peeth established by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple stands amidst a dense deodar forest. Two kilometers away is another temple that of Chamunda Devi. It is believed that the evil forces conquered by the Goddess still dwell in the adjoining caves. Patal Bhubaneshwar, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is 14 kilometers from Gangolihat. The way to the temple is through a tunnel. Chemical reactions in the cave have given rocks the appearance of various Gods and Goddesses.

About 30 km from Pithoragarh on the crest of a ridge, is a market proclaiming Panchuli View. On looking straight ahead and one can see, rising against the distant, blue, sky the five snow-covered peaks of Panchuli. About 62 km from Pithoragarh, is Lohaghat, an important historical center. About 2 km from here one can visit Abbot Mount and Mayawati. Abbot Mount is noted for its exceptional view of the northern hill ranges. A number of bungalows of the British Raj can still be found here. Mayawati, houses the headquarters of the Adwait Ashram. It was sanctified by Swami Vivekananda and is known for its scenic locales.

Chandak, 7 km from Pithoragarh, is a beautiful location, commanding a panoramic view of the Pithoragarh valley. It is 1.830 meters in altitude. An important fair is held at the Mostmanu temple in August. Thal Kedar, 16 km, from Pithoragarh is an important religious center and also noted for its natural beauty. A large fair is held on Shivratri. Dhwaj, 28 km from Pithoragarh, commands a wide view of the majestic snow-peaks of the north. It is also important for temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti.

PITHORAGARH - WHAT TO DO

There are immense possibilities for development of adventure sports like hang gliding, paragliding, river rafting, canoeing, skiing and trekking. Chandak (6,350 meters), Dhawj (2,134 meters), Munakot and Saleti present ideal spots for flying. Between Tanakpur and Pancheshwar (Kali Ganga), Jauljibi and Madkote (Gori Ganga) and Pawar to Ghat in Ram Ganga one could enjoy rafting and canoeing. Khaliya Top and Batulidhar are ideal for skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of rivers in the district which offer many good spots for fishing wild trout and mahaseer.

PITHORAGARH - HOW TO REACH

Various centers of Pithoragarh are connected with good metallic roads and regular transport service. There are buses to Almora, Nainital, Haldwani, Delhi and Tankapur. However, to reach some far flung areas, one has to still use horses, ponies, mules, yak and sheep! The nearest railhead is at Tankapur, at a distance of 151 km south. The nearest airport is at Patnanagar, 249 km from Pithoragarh. An all weather air strip has been constructed at Pithoragarh. It is hoped that it will give a tremendous boost to tourism. 

Tourist bungalow is available for accomodation.

Devidhura: 45 kms from Lohaghat lies Devidhura at a height of 2500 mts. It is the site of the famous temple of Barahi Devi, and also the venue of a grand fair on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Gangolihat: Gangolihat, an important religious site, lies 77 kms from Pithoragarh. At the ancient Kali temple, a colourful fair is held during Navratris. The famous Patal Bhuvneshwari caves are located 14 kms away. PWD and Zila Parishad Dak Bungalows are available for accomodation.

Chaukori: 112 kms from Pithoragarh is picturesque Chaukori which boasts a splendid view of the Himalayas. Tourist rest house is available.

Berinag: Berinag lies 102 kms from Pithoragarh, which also provides a fantastic view of the great mountains. PWD and Forest Rest Houses are available.

Jaul Jibi: 68 kms from Pithoragarh, Jaul Jibi is the venue of a grand fair, held every year at the confluence of the rivers Gori and Kali, in the month of November, which attracts people from neighbouring Nepal too. The Sub-Divisional Headquarters town of Dharchula is 16 kms north of the Nepal border. Tourist and PWD rest houses are available.

Rameshwar: 36 kms from Pithoragarh is Rameshwar, located at the confluence of the Ram Ganga (East) and Saryu rivers. It is the site of a Shiva temple, where a huge fair is held every year on Makarsankranti (January).

Milam Glacier: This majestic glacier lies 208 kms from Pithoragrah. From Munsiyari one has to trek for 54 kms. Rest Houses are available enroute.

Munsyari: Munsyari lies 154 kms from Pithoragarh enroute to Milam Glacier. Perched at an altitude of 7000 feet, Munsyari commands a fascinating view of the Panchchuli Range and Gori river. It also forms the base for treks to Milam, Namik and Ralam glaciers. Munsyari is also the venue of numerous fairs during August and September. Tourist rest house is available for accomodation.

Shyamla Tal: 132 kms from Pithoragarh is Shyamla Tal, a beautiful natural lake at the bank of which is located Swami Vivekananda Ashram where accomodation facilities are available on request.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is conducted by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. The road journey for this Yatra concludes at Tawaghat near Dharchula. From this point pilgrims have to trek through the valley of Kali (Sharda river). Campsites are centred arond Narayanswamy Ashram, Sirkha, Budi, Gunji, Navedhang and Kalapani. From Gunji (3500 mts) there is a diversion to Kuti valley which leads to Chhota Kailash through the village of Kuti.

Kuti Valley

Adventure Tourism: 

The upper reaches of Pithoragarh district provide thrilling treks like Trail's pass, Milam Glacier, Ralam Valley, Chhota Kailash, Sinla etc. All these lie above 300 mts. These are good not simply for treks but some great skiing during winter. Several snow peaks like Mount Hardeol challenge the most intrepid of mountaineers. The Gori and Sharda rivers are wonderful for river rafting while the lakes and rivers in the lower reaches are apt for angling. Pithoragarh is one of the best sites for hang-gliding.

Facts and Figures  Population : 42,200  Languages : Hindi, Kumaoni, English  Area : 8856 sq. km  STD : 05964 

UTTER KASHI

Uttarkashi is the district headquarters.This district is more famous among the pilgrims rather than tourist because it is a district of many prominent temples such as Gangotri and Yamunotri temples with glaciers which leads on to several major peaks of Himalayan mountain range .Uttarkashi is also a favorite trekking and mountaineering place as an adventure sports center.

Facts Of District Uttarkashi Total geographical Area - 8016.00 sq. Kms. Total Population: 2,39,710 (1991census) Literacy - Male 68.74 % ,Female - 23.57 % (approx.) Total Literacy - 47.23 %(approx.) Police Stations - 7 Post Office - 124 Telephone Connections - 2000 (approx.) No.Of Schools,Colleges and Institutions - 872 (approx.)

RUDRA PRAYAG

Rudraprayag is named after the Lord Shiva (Rudra),The entire region of Rudraprayag is blessed with immense natural beauty, lakes & glaciers , important Hindu temples such as Kedarnath, Shankaracharya Samadhi , Gaurikund ,Son Prayag , Panch Kedar ,Madmaheshwar,Tungnath,Koteshwar , Guptkashi etc. This small town , Rudraprayag , is situated at the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and river Mandakini , at a distance of 34 kms. From Srinagar (Garhwal). The presence of two separate routes for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag render great importance to the place. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath.

General Information Of Rudraprayag Total Area : 610 Mts. Season: Round the year. Clothing: Summer - Cotton, Winter - Woolen Languages: Garhwali, Hindi & English

TIHRI GARHWAL

The beautiful Tehri Garhwal was once the centre place of ecomomic activities and politics during the time of the King Of Garhwal.Today the district is in the limelight because of the controversial "Tehri Dam Project".he headqurter of tehri is situated in New Tehri , which is a newly well planned town.Four major rivers ,Bhagirathi Bhilangna, Alaknanda, Ganga and Yamuna flows through the district. Tehri's immediate neighbouring district are Dehradun, Pauri , Uttarkashi , Chamoli and Rudraprayag . 

General Information Of Tehri:-

Total Area: (Data Not Available)sq. kms. Total Population: (Data Not Available) Altitude: 1550 Mts. to 1950 Mts. (Above the sea level) Temperature:- 23-28 Degree in Summer03-10 Degree in Winter Clothing : Summer- Cottons/ light woolens (some times) Winter - Heavy Coolness Languages : Hindi, English and Garhwali.

DEHRADUN

Dehradun, one of the most important towns of the state of Uttar Pradesh, located at an altitude of 700 m, serves as the gateway to Mussoorie. The town lies in the Dun Valley, on the watershed of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. It derived its name from the camp ( 'Dehra' means camp ) of Ram Rai, the son of Hari Rai, the 7th Sikh guru. Apparently, Ram Rai was not made guru after his father, and consequently, disputed the decision. Defeated, he came to Dun Valley, where he was accorded a warm welcome by the Garhwal Raja. In the latter half of the 17th century, Ram Rai established a gurudwara in the Jhanda Mohalla area, which still draws hordes of devotees. During the British Raj, Dehradun was the summer base of the Viceroy's Bodyguard, and transformed into an educational centre and military cantonment. At present, it is also the base of the Indian Military Academy. Dehradun also boasts of the Forest Research Institute, dating back to the British Raj period, and the Wildlife Institute of India.

What to See

Like the Forest Research Institute, the mulberry demonstration farms of the Sericulture Institute, are also one of the highlights of the town. Eight kms from Dehradun, is a popular picnic spot, Gucchu Pani, or Robber's cave. Five kms away is Tapovan, where the legendary Dronacharya, the great guru of the heroes of the Mahabharata, is believed to have performed penance. A monument to the hero of the great siege of Kalanga, Balbhadra Singh Thapa, is also about eight kms from the town. The Sahastradhara, 14 kms away, is renowned for its sulphur springs. The Rajaji National Park, another tourist attraction, is 20 kms away. The site of prime historical interest is Kalsi, 50 kms from Dehradun, which boasts of a rock inscription of Asoka, the great Mauryan emperor. 6 kms from the centre of the town is Tapkeshwar Mahadev, a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, by the banks of a river. According to a tale from the Mahabharata, Shiva made milk flow from this cave for Asvathama, the son of guru Dronacharya.

How to Get ThereBy air: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, 25 kms away, on the outskirts of the town, that has daily flights to Delhi. By rail: Dehradun is a major railhead on the Northern Railway line with direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Varanasi and Lucknow. By road: UP Roadways operates regular bus trips from Simla, Haridwar and Delhi to Dehradun. Where to Stay Madhuban, Meedo's Grand, Hilton, Hotel Drona ( Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd. - run ), and Chandra are some of the popular means of accomodation. Contact::. The Tourist Information Bureau9, Astley Hall, Dehradun. Tel: 26508Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.74/1, Rajpur Road, Dehradun. Tel: 26817

HARIDWARHARIDWAR

Haridwar, 214 km northeast of Delhi, is at the base of the Shivalik hills, where the Ganga, coming down from the mighty Himalayas, meets the plains. Amongst the many pilgrimage spots that are situated along the length of the holy Ganga, Haridwar,perhaps, is the holiest in the land. Literally translated, Haridwar means the 'Gateway to the abode of gods'. Its long history, which goes back to pre-historic times, has lent it many names. In Hindu mythology, it is known as Kapilsthan. Legend has it, that the Suryavanshi Prince Bhagirnath, performed penance here, to salvage the souls of his ancestors, who had perished, due to the curse of the sage Kapila. The penance was answered, and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks, and its bountiful waters revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Amongst its other names, are Gangadwar, and Tapovan. Known also as 'Mayapuri' in the Puranas, it is mentioned in the memoirs of the celebrated Chinese traveller, Hieun Tsang.According to the myth attached to Haridwar, drops of nectar churned out from the primordial ocean, fell at the four sites of the Kumbh fair, which included Haridwar.The Kumbh, and the Ardh Kumbh fairs are grand events, when millions of devoted Hindus take a holy dip in the Ganga.

What to See

Har-ki-Pauri This is one of the most famous bathing ghats at Haridwar. The best time to visit this spot, is at sunset, when you can see the 'Aarti' of Ganga being performed. A daily ritual, it is a breathtaking sight, as thousands of earthern lamps light up the night.

Bhimganga Tank On the way to Rishikesh, this tank is said to have been made by Bhim, with a jab of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.

Canal Centenary Bridge Located near Har-ki-Pauri, this bridge commands a beautiful view of the canal, and all the ghats.

Parmarth Ashram About six kms, on the way to Rishikesh, is this Ashram, housing a beautiful image of Goddess Durga.

Manasadevi Temple Situated on the Vilwa Parvat, it can be reached on foot, by road, or through the ropeway.

Chandi Devi Across the main Ganga river, on the other bank, is the Neel Parvat, on top of which is the Chandi Devi temple. The summit can be reached, after trekking for about 3 km on the hill.

Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund Located at Kankhal, which is one of the five sacred places around Haridwar, the site has a story attached to it. Legend has it, that Daksh Prajapati, Sati's father, performed a yagna at this place. He did not invite Lord Shiva. Sati, feeling insulted, consequently, burnt herself in the Yagna Kund, here.

Pawan Dham The Ashram, here, is famous for its Hanuman temple, built with pieces of glass.

How to Get There

Haridwar is 24 kms from Rishikesh, by road. They are well connected by rail to Howrah (1438 kms), Bombay (1574 kms), Delhi (199 kms), Lucknow (475 kms), Agra (365 kms). Dehradun, Jolly Grant, Bhaniawala airports are connected to Delhi and Lucknow.

Where to Stay Aarti, Railway Station Road (Tel: 427456). Amba Niwas, Choti Sabzi Mandi, Vishnu Ghat.

When to Visit The best season to visit, is between May and October/November.

Contact Regional Tourist Office, Upper Road (Tel: 427370). UP Tourist Information Bureau, Near Bus Stand, Station Road

POURI GARHWAL

Pauri can be teremed as the gateway to the splendour of garhwal. Forests of Deodar and other mountainious trees, the trademark of Garhwal, enliven the ascent from Pauri. Pauri's every nook and corner offers a panoramic view of Central Himalayas.

ACCESSIBILITY

AIR: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) 155 KMs

RAIL: Nearest railheads are kotdwar, 106 kms and Rishikesh 135 kms

ROAD: Regular bus services and private jeeps links the entire Garhwal region with pauri

CHAMOLI

                                                        

Chamoli is associated with spirituality and a great number of Hindu religious myths and legends and temples. Mother Nature has has blessed Chamoli with the enchanting land in the arms of the Himalayas, “Valley of Flowers” which has an amazing wealth of flora set aglow with the golden rays of the sun,great temples with greater importance in Hindu religion. Unspoiled and Untouched by the pollution and haste of metro life, Chamoli waits to open vistas of Nature in their pristine glory.District chamoli is also a main center for various activities in Gerahwal region and it is a place of administrative activities .

Facts Of District Chamoli

Total geographical Area - 7520 sq. Kms. Total Population: 45,4871(1991census) Literacy - Male 68% ,Female - 34% (approx) Total Literacy - 50.0%(approx.) Police Stations - 5 Post Office - 372 Telephone Connections - 4300(approx) No.Of Schools,Colleges and Institutions - 1133(approx)

General Information Of Chamoli

Total Area: 8.7sq.kms.(city area) Total Population: 45,4871(1991census) Altitude: 960 Mts. . From the sea level Temperature: 32-35ºC cenregate in Summer                       03-05 ºC in Winter Rainfall: Average 828mm(33'') Clothing: Summer- Cottons/ light woolens, Winter - Heavy woolens Languages: Hindi, English and Garhwali

UDHAM SINGH NAGAR

District Udham Singh Nagar is carved out from Nainital District in the year 1995.The                                                                                       district is divided in three main sun divisionKashipur , Rudrapur andKhatima.The districtwas named after Late Udham Singhtocommemorate this great freedom fighter who killed General Dyre for his sinful act atJaliyanwala Bagh . 

Facts Of District Udham Singh Nagar

Total geographical Area - 3055 sq. Kms. Total Population: 9,15,000 (1991census) Literacy - Male 66.7 % ,Female - 33.3 % (approx.) Total Literacy - 39.3 %(approx.)

General Information Of Udham Singh Nagar

Total Area - 1989 acre. Altitude: 550 Mts. From the sea level Total Population: 61,280 ( City) (1991 census) Temperature: 41.5ºC in Summer8 to15 ºC Degree in Winter Clothing: Summer - Light cottonWinter - Woolen Languages: Hindi ,English and Punjabi

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BHUWAN CHANDRA KHANDURI, AVSM,MAJ.GEN.(RETD.)  E-Mail         : cm-ua@nic.in

BHUWAN CHANDRA KHANDURI, AVSM,MAJ.GEN.(RETD.)  E-Mail         : cm-ua@nic.in

                                                                              

                                                                                       

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