Category - Destinations

Kedarnath – The place of holy destination

October 22, 2015

All Things Food, Destinations, Travel Tips

Kedarnath, a city in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is called when one of the ancient rulers, King Kedar. . Famous due to ancient Kedarnath temple, it’s one of the noted Char Dham sites and conjointly one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. The temple is known to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century. In a recent tragic event in 2013, the town of Kedarnath was severely affected due to the sudden flash floods in the region. The temple together with the city is known to have suffered the worst damage ever.

Kedarnath Tourism

Kedarnath is considered as one of the most sought-after holy destinations. The Kedarnath Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, and has a large number of pilgrims visiting the shrine every year.

There are also the majestic peaks of Kedarnath at 6,940 m and the Kedar Dome at 6,831 m, amongst other peaks of the Himalayan range.

Kedarnath has something to offer to all types of tourists from nature lovers, to adventure seekers, to pilgrims.

Some of the must-see places in the town of Kedarnath include: Kedarnath Temple, Udar Kund, Hans Kund, Bharo Nath, Navdurga Mandir, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Ishaneswar Mahadev Temple and Ret Kund.

Best Time to Visit

Kedarnath experiences very harsh winters, that last for 6 months from the month of Nov to Apr. Due to heavy snowfall, the temple is closed for 6 months, as living in Kedarnath becomes impossible, so the locals conjointly shift their base to near villages. The region experiences monsoons from July to August, and landslides are known to affect tourism, making it unfavorable as a vacation spot. Hence, the best time to go to Kedarnath is during summers, particularly between could May till October.

Being a famous traveller spot, the city is flooded with shops, particularly around the Temple. You’ll be able to buy images and portraits of the Kedarnath Temple, or Lord Shiva and Parvati. Other than religious things, you will find a lot more in those small shops, such as: Rudraksh accessories, Crystals, Saligrams, Herbs, Precious stone.

Eating out

Eating choices are often very limited in Kedarnath. Though there can’t be found any big restaurants, but the small eateries or dhabas serve decent vegetarian food. The restaurants in Kedarnath serve only vegetarian food, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the region.

Enjoy the fantastic Kedarnath – The place of holy destination!

Travel to Bhimtal

October 18, 2015

Chris

All Things Food, Destinations, Travel Tips

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Bhimtal, named after the mythological Bhima of the Mahabharat, is near Nainital in Uttarakhand. The city has come up around one amongst a group of the many natural lakes in Nainital, the Lake District in the state.

The small green city at an altitude of 1370 meters in the Kumaon Hills in the lessert he Himalaya, is at a lower elevation than Nainital, winters could be a pleasant all the year around destination. In summer it can get hot and the winters are not as cold at the hill stations. As it is closer to Delhi than Nainital, it is fast becoming a popular weekend getaway from the city.

Dotted with small temples atop the green Kumaon hills, and natural H2O lakes in shut proximity, Bhimtal could be a serene city, good for relaxation and pleasing destination. Most visitors stop here en route to Nainital, but one can stay at the numerous hotels in Bhimtal and make excursions to the nearby lakes and temples. Boating in the lake is a favorite pastime, as this lake is bigger than the Nainital Lake and not as crowde

As Bhimtal is a quiet town, you can enjoy the solitude, the beautiful natural setting, take walks around the lake and trek to the other lakes, which are a few kilometers away. Dense oak, pine trees and shrubs surround all the freshwater lakes.

Nature lovers can watch the migratory birds and butterflies around the lakes. There are many species indigenous to the area. The lakes also have fish in them, but fishing is prohibited. The local people have also set up private camp sites near the lakes.

Best Time to visit

Bhimtal is a year round destination, though the best time to visit is from March to June in summer and September to November in winter. In the months of December and January, it is cold in Bhimtal but not as cold as in the surrounding hill stations of Uttarakhand. In Monsoons in July and August, the hill roads are not very good to travel and are landslide prone.

Shopping

This steel city, being a major industrial region, is not much known for shopping. However, the place houses some good market areas, which provides different options for shopping to both its residents as well as tourists. Civic Center, one of the oldest shopping places, is among the favorable shopping destinations of the locals. This place gives opportunity to get indulged in long time shopping that attracts shop lovers the most. The other two famous shopping complexes of this city are Akash Ganga and Gangotri. Apart from selling various types of modernized products, these market places of Bhilai even offers varied local handcrafted items.

Image by his restless eyes,aniruddha.kibey Under Creative Common License.

Places to See in Nainital

October 15, 2015

Chris

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Naina Lake

The meaning of ‘tal’ is lake and also the city of Nainital is called after this lake. The lake is pear formed and is encircled by green mountains. It is the key attraction of this hill station. The lake attracts lots of tourists who come back and luxuriate in boating, yachting, or paddling n the lake. As night descends the lake reflects the lights from houses and hotels surrounding the lake making it appear magical.

Naina Devi Temple

The Naina Devi temple is a necessary place of worship in Nainital. Placed atop the Naina hill, it attracts lots of devotees annually. It’s believed that Goddess Sati’s eyes fell at the exact same spot where this temple is constructed. The temple is reached by mounting to the highest of the Naina hill. Apart from the main idol of Maa Naina Devi, inside the temple there are two idols, one of Mata Kali Devi and the other of Lord Ganesh.

Naina peak or China peak

Placed at an altitude of 2611 m, it is the highest peak of Nainital. About 6 km from the town, a horse ride or trek can take you to the Peak. The Naina Peak gives magnificent panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayas and an excellent view of the Nainital city.

The Mall Road

The Mall road stretches from the north end to south end of the lake and is the famous and busiest road of the town. The road has many street shops, shopping centers, banks, hotels, restaurants etc. During peak season vehicles are not allowed to enter mall road so that commercial activities keep going on smoothly.

Dorothy’s Seat

Placed on Ayarpatta hill at 2292 m, Dorothy’s seat is dedicated in the memory of Dorothy Kellet. After her death in a plane crash, her husband built a memorial for her at this place. As her favorite spot, the hill spot was chosen and stonework was built here, hence the name ‘Dorothy’s Seat’. The local name for this spot is Tiffin Top as it used to be popular for picnics during the British Raj. From here the visitors can view the beautiful green neighboring countryside.

Snow View Point

Located at an altitude of 2270 m, one will reach here by foot or taking an option of the ropeway. From the top one will see the breathless views of snow capped mountains and may conjointly visit the small temple dedicated to Dev Mundi. Further ahead is the Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Monastery.

The Governor’s House

Built for the Governor of North West Province, presently it is the residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand and additionally is a house to state guests. A prior permission is mandatory for the stay. It is a well maintained lovely property with swimming pool, golf links and a grand garden.

Enjoy the fantastic places to see in Nainital!

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Travel to Almora

October 12, 2015

Chris

All Things Food, Destinations, Travel Talk, Travel Tips

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Almora could be a district set in the Kumaon region of the Himalaya, towards the eastern side of the state of Uttarakhand. The name of the town originated from a plant name “Kilmora”, found in the region. Supported in 1568, Almora is considered as the cultural centre of the Kumaon hills.

Due to a range of altitudes and therefore the nature of valleys, it sees wide climatic variations in temperature and precipitation, therefore giving a range of vegetation. The flora in the region is classified as tropical, Himalayan sub-tropical, sub alpine and alpine. It is a well known fact that alpine and sub alpine zones offer the most effective environment for a large number of medicinal plants.

Almora Tourism

With picturesque views of snow-capped Himalayas in the backdrop, Almora is enclosed by thick pine and fir tree forests. The town incorporates a list of religious spots, that are among the most attractions for tourists from across the planet. With the exception of a number of the most effective views, hill station offers choices for adventurous treks. In fact, Almora turns into an ideal honeymoon destination throughout winters.

Almora offers a chance for an opportunity for travellers from their busy town lives. Apart from the sightseeing and traveller spots to be confirmed, numerous festivals may also be tried out like the Nanda Devi Fair and the Uttraini festival of Bageshwer.

Location

Almora is situated at an average elevation of 1,638 metres, and is a hillock of the shape of a horse saddle. The rivers Koshi and Suyal flow alongside the Almora city.

The city is surrounded by the Pithoragarh district bordering Tibet on the East, the Garhwal district on the West, Bageshwar district on the North, and the district of Nainital on its South.

Best Time to Visit

Surrounded by the Himalayas from all sides, Almora mostly experiences a pleasant weather throughout the year. The temperature in summers varies between 28° C to 12° C, which during winters varies between 15°C and as low as 2°C. Monsoons last from August to October and the city experiences moderate rainfall, making it look greener and beautiful, apt for sightseeing. Though, winters can be harsh, months from April to June, and September to November can be the best time to visit Almora.

Plan a Travel to Almora and have fun!

Image by sumpsimus,R. Mitra Under Creative Common License.

Places to See in Mussoorie

October 6, 2015

Chris

Destinations, Travel Tips

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As the second highest peak in Mussoorie, it’s believed that in the past a canon was fired every afternoon, providing the time to the local residents, who then adjusted their watches accordingly. At present the location houses a water reservoir. Tourists will witness spectacular views of the snow capped peaks of Himalayas from the hill and it can be reached by taking a ropeway ride or by trekking. Check out the must visit places to see in Mussoorie.

The Christ Church

Built in 1836, the church is believed to be the oldest church in Himalayas. Designed in Gothic style, the events in the life of Jesus Christ are illustrated in the glass windows within the Church. The church has an ancient William Hill organ, about 100 years old and the church vicinity has a deodar tree planted by Princess of Wales in 1906.

Camel’s Back Road

It is a stretch of roughly 3 km long road from Library point to Kulri Bazaar. The road got its name from its rocks formed sort of a camel’s hump. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, the road is known for its natural beauty and offers beautiful views of sunrise, sunset and mountains. It’s ideally used by locals for morning and evening walks. Horseback rides are also available on this road.

Lal Tibba

The highest point in Mussoorie, the hill is also referred as Depot Hill. The Indian Military services are positioned at Lal Tibba. Broadcasting stations of All India Radio and Doordarshan are situated atop Lal Tibba. From here sightseeing through the lens of an old Japanese telescope is possible. Beautiful views of sunrise and sunset can also be witnessed from this vantage point.

The Mall

It’s the main shopping location situated at the center of Mussoorie, with lamppost and benches lined up besides the road, the mall throws a glimpse of the colonial period. One has to pass through the Mall to reach any place in Mussoorie. Apart from shopping the main attractions of the mall are video game parlours, restaurants, skating ring, windy point and the Methodist Church.

Happy Valley

The valley is popular for Tibetan Buddhist temple – Shedup Choepelling temple, the IAS Academy and also the Municipal Garden. Set on the western side of Library point, the valley leads to Cloud’s End, a tourist place where the borders of Mussoorie end and further on is the Hathipaon Park Estate. The valley is known for its estates, gardens, and temples.

Sisters Bazaar

The bazaar got its name from the Nuns who served as nurses in the British dormitories during this space. The area is more like a residential colony with a few shops spread across. One will visit the celebrated confectionery shop of the Bazaar- “the Prakash Brothers Store”. Other famous attractions are the residence of celebrated personalities like Dev Anand, Victor Banerjee and Tom Alter.

Image by paulhami,Michael Scalet Under Creative Common License.