Tourist Attractions In Uttaranchal:
Uttaranchal, also called the Devbhoomi, meaning the "Land of Gods" is one of the most enchanting part of India. Cradled by the cool and soothing Himalayas in the northern part of India, Uttaranchal is the most perfect destination for the people lasting for a place to relax and rejuvenate. Uttaranchal is abundant with innumerous tourist and pilgrimage destination. Every step you take here, you will find a sight to behold and appreciate. The abundance of Hindu pilgrimages has drawn millions of pilgrims to this place since time immemorial. This most salubrious tourist destination is every travellers first choice for its captivating and hypnotic surroundings. Almost every region of Uttaranchal has something to offer its tourists from round the world.
A picturesque state, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, Uttaranchal promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. The land of celestial beauty, Uttaranchal is blessed with magnificent glaciers, majestic snow-clad mountains, gigantic and ecstatic peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests. This Land 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 of Uttaranchal.
Tourist Places in Uttaranchal:
Be it nature, wildlife, adventure, and pilgrimage tourism; the Uttaranchal tour has immense opportunities for the tourists. The major tourist destinations in the state are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Almora, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital, Ranikhet, and Pithoragarh.
Badrinath
The name of the town Badrinath was derived from the Badri Van, where the lush green Badri trees grow heavily. One of the Char Dham pilgrim centers for the Hindus; millions of tourists throng Badrinath every year.
Corbett National Park
The Corbett National Park set up in 1936 is India's first national park. The great hunter Jim Corbett established the Corbett National Park. The park spans across some 920.9 square km at an altitude of 600 to 1100 metres about the foothills of the western Himalayas in the districts of Nainital and Pauri Garhwal in the state of Uttaranchal (formerly part of Uttar Pradesh). It includes the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of its 1,319 sq km of reserved forest area.
Gangotri
Gangotri is an ideal location to satiate your spiritual as well as adventurous motives. Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, attracts numerous tourists with its mystical aura that India is quite famous for.
Yamunotri
The Garhwal Himalayas nestle one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites - Yamunotri. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna and is famous for its thermal springs and glaciers.
Haridwar
Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar and Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures and epics; Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for the Hindus in INdia.
Rishikesh
The Garhwal region of north India is speckled with some of the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage sites and Rishikesh is one such major tourist attractions. Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is also an attraction for the ones in search of adventure and passion.
Temples in Uttaranchal:
Yamunotri Temple – this temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is situated at an altitude of 3235 meter. It has a hot sulphur spring pond in its nearby region where devotees cook potato and rice and offer these to the Goddess.
Gangotri Temple – Located at an altitude of 3200 meter, this temple enjoys a pristine surrounding comprising of deodars and pines. Near this temple is a river where it is believed that Lord Shiva received Goddess Ganga in his matted locks.
Kedarnath Temple – this temple is made of grey slabs of stones. This holy shrine id dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple a garbha griha and a Mandapam is found. Besides, there is an image of Nandi Bull also outside the temple gate.
Badrinath Temple – this temple houses an image of Lord Vishnu. This image was established by Adi Shankarcharya. Near this temple there is a hot water sulphur spring known as Tapt Kund.
Naina Devi Temple – located in the city of Nainital, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It also houses an image of Goddess Sati.
Mansa Devi Temple – located in the city of Haridwar, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi.
Gaurikund – dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is very popular for its Hot and Cold Water Tanks.
Baij Nath Temple – located in Kausani, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How to Reach Uttaranchal:
by Air: The state has its only airport in Jolly Grant, which is close to the state capital Dehradun. Nearly all public and private airlines operate regular flights to Dehradun.
by Road: Although Uttaranchal is a very young state in India, an extensive road network covers the state. The state has excellent road connection with Delhi and state highways link the destinations and important places like Corbett National Park, Haridwar, Rishikesh of the state to each other
by Rail: Rail network is also very convenient in Uttaranchal. The keys Railway Stations in the state are Dehradun, Haridwar and Kathgodam. Many super-fast express and passenger trains service these stations.