Uttarakhand medley – Almora & Pithoragarh

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Uttarakhand medley – Almora & Pithoragarh

(All the blog links provided also contain short duration videos for the destination as well)

The panorama of Himalayan ranges as seen from Ranikhet

       In continuation of my earlier blogs that was published for promoting tourism in Nainital region, the present blog starts with the other part of Uttarakhand’s linguistically identified region i.e. Kumaon.  Kumaon region can further been identified as four distinct regions i.e. Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh and Champawat.  The blog of the series highlights Almora and Pithoragarh alongwith places around it.  Here is the video that covers this region –

Almora

A view from Almora

The famed Jageshwar temple complex

A distant view of Katarmal Sun temple on hill side

Almora is the headquarters of the biggest district of the State and is a well-known destination of Uttarakhand, it is situated about 63 Kms. from Nainital.  Almora is situated on a ridge at the southern end of the Kumaon hills at an average elevation of 1861 meters.  The famous Almora bazar is saddled across this ridge that is appears like a saddle with two ends at Eastern and Western sides known as the Talifat and Salifat respectively.  Historically speaking, the Almora town is one of the oldest in the region that traces back its existence to 1568, as being established by Raja Kalyan Singh of Chand Dynasty and has been in existence in the present form since then, but its existence can be traced to pre-Mahabharata period also.  The town also symbolizes the cultural heritage of the Kumaon and accordingly has hosted various luminaries like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore etc. and was home to many other illustrious persons like Sumitra Nandan Pant (Poet), Gobind Ballabh Pant etc.  The town has many places of historical importance and other distinct identity of Almora is the Katarmal Sun temple.  There is also a very well-known Shiva temple complex in vicinity of Almora and here are the links to my blogs about them –

i)                   https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/almora-visiting-jageshwar-katarmal.html

ii)                 https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2013/12/revisiting-almora-ranikhet-photo-blog.html

iii)              http://shantanuroybiswas.blogspot.com/2016/09/divinity-of-jageshwar-dham.html

Apart from the above, there are other destinations that can be visited from Almora and some of them are as follows –

Binsar

View of Himalayan ranges from Binsar

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand rulers and situated about 33 Kms from Almora at an elevation of 2412 meters.  In order to conserve the natural flora and fauna of this region, an area of about 45 sq. kms. was converted into a Wildlife reserve in 1988.  Here is the blog link for the destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/kumaon-binsar-v-iew-of-cloud-covered.html

Sitlakhet

View from Sitlakhet

Sitlakhet is a lesser known nondescript little destination of Almora district that is about 35 Kms. from Almora and 20 odd kms. from Ranikhet.  It is perched at an altitude of about 1900 meters and is a delight for nature lovers and trekkers.  Here is the link to my blog about this destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2017/03/sitlakhet-destination-of-snow-solitude.html

Ranikhet

Early morning view of Himalayan ranges from Ranikhet

Ranikhet or the Queens meadow is a charming little destination that offers outstanding views of the Himalayan ranges.  It is a well known Cantonment established by the British in 1869 as headquarters of the famed Kumaon regiment and at present also acts as the headquarters for the equally famous Naga regiment.  It has a salubrious climate all through the year and a nature lover’s delight.  Perched at an altitude of 1869 meters, it is an immensely popular summer destination.  Here are the links to my blogs about this destination –

i)                   https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2012/04/ranikhet-queens-meadow-photo-essay.html

ii)                 https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2013/03/ranikhet-meadow-of-queen-revisited.html

iii)              https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2019/02/monsoons-in-kumaon-pictorial-display-of.html

Dunagiri & Dwarhat

The famed Dunagiri temple

The Dwarhat region is a conglomeration of 116 villages and is situated at a distance of about 73 kms. from Almora and about 33 kms. from Ranikhet.  It houses an old 11^th Century old temple complex and is more well known for the famed ancient temple of Dunagiri situated about 14 Kms. from Dwarhat and is perched at an altitude of about 2400 meters.  Here is the link to my blog about the destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2013/02/visiting-dunagiri-dwarhat.html

Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is the easternmost district of the Kumaon region and borders Nepal and China (Tibet).  This region is replete with various glaciers that are ideal trekking destinations for the adventure loving tourists.  Apart from this, there are several hill stations that offer spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges, being present within the district precincts.  There are several valleys and bugyals that offer moderate treks and resplendent views of Himalayas as well as rich flora & fauna for the nature lovers.  The most well known destination in this district is Munsiyari and on our way from Almora, the first destination that is worth mentioning is Chaukori.

Chaukori –

View of the TRH, KMVN in Chaukori

Chaukori is a small village, but an amazing destination with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam offering good accommodation and views from its property situated here.  It is about 115 kms. from Almora via Bageshwar and one can throw in a night’s stay in Kausani (in Bageshwar district) while travelling to this destination.  The destination offers a splendour of colours during the sunrise and sunsets over the Himalayan ranges from this destination.  It has also some old tea gardens situated within its precincts.  Perched at an altitude of 2010 meters, this idyllic destinations offers a few nights of relief to tourists from the plains below during the hot summer months, with a few temple destinations around it.  Here is link to my blog about the destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/kumaon-chaukori-view-of-himalayan.html

Berinag –

The Naga temple in Berinag

Situated at a distance of about 15 kms. from Chaukori is the temple town of Berinag, perched at an altitude of 1869 meters and is home to the famous  and ancient Nag (Snake) temple, which is reverend by the locals.  Here is the link to the blog about this destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/kumaon-traveling-from-chaukori-to.html

Munsiyari –

View of Rajrambha peak as seen from Munsiyari

Sunset view of Panchachuli from Munsiyari

 Munsiyari in local dialect means ‘place with snow’ and as the name suggests it is one of the most resplendent hill stations of Kumaon region.  Perched at an altitude of 2298 meters, it offers spectacular views of the Panchachuli ranges alongwith being an launching pad for the Milam, Namik and Relam glacier treks in Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve.  It is a must visit destination for the avid nature lovers.  Here is the link to my blog about the destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/kumaon-munshiyari-view-of-rajrambha.html

Pithoragarh -

Pithoragarph township (photo sourced from Widipedia)

It is the district headquarters of the district that goes by the same name.  Perched in a valley at an altitude of 1541 meters with air connectivity, it is known as the Soar valley or at times as the little Kashmir.  It has historical antecedents and is home to some old temples and a quaint destination to be enjoyed throughout the year, although air connectivity remains suspended during the winters.  Here is a short blog about the destination –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/pithoragarh-little-kashmir.html

Note – Although all the blogs are relatively old, but the geographic locations as well as the information about the destinations remain unchanged and hence can be referred to for that purpose.

© S Roy Biswas

Uttarakhand medley – Nainital & around

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Uttarakhand medley – Nainital & around

  

The famed Naini lake of Nainital

In continuation of my earlier blogs that was published for promoting tourism in Garhwal region, the present blog starts with the other part of Uttarakhand’s linguistically identified region i.e. Kumaon.  Kumaon region can further been identified as four distinct regions i.e. Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh and Champawat.  The first blog of the series will start with Nainital and places around it  Here is the video that covers this region –

  

Nainital

Nainital is the most well-known destination of Uttarakhand and is also the district Headquarters that goes by the same name.  Nainital is also known as the ‘Lake district of the State’, as this district has many small and big lakes scattered all around.  The entry to Kumaon region is through Haldwani or Kathgodam, which is the last rail head.  From Kathgodam the journey for Kumaon region commences and the most famous destination in this circuit is Nainital.  Nainital, named as the place where the ‘eyes’ (Naina) of ‘Sati’ fell here and is revered as one of the 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’, is the most famous destination in the Kumaon region.  The lake is about 1.3 kms. long and about 0.5 kms. in breadth, while the northern end of the lake is called the ‘Mallital’ and the southern tip as ‘Tallital’.  The lake is situated at an altitude of 1940 meters and is surrounded by many peaks, some of which tower over 8,000 feet i.e. China Peak.  It is a destination enjoyed by tourists, both during summers and winters equally.  Apart from Nainital, there are other equally enthralling destinations having lakes around Nainital and easily accessible from Nainital during a day tour and to name a few (ascending order of distance from Nainital) –

Sattal – This destination as the name depicts, is a conglomeration of seven lakes and is also perched at around an altitude of 1300 odd meters.  This destination is enjoyed by tourists for boating and is a much sought after destination for ‘Birders’, as it offers sighting of plethora of birds;

A view of the Sattal lake

Bhimtal - This quaint little township perched at an elevation of 1370 meters, houses the biggest lake of the region and accordingly named Bhimtal.  It is an enjoyable destination that offers facilities of boating and fishing;

View of Bhimtal lake

 Naukuchiatal – As the name suggests, the lake in this destination is ‘nine cornered’ one and perched at an elevation of 1220 meters.  It is the deepest lake in the region at is about 175 feet deep and tourists can enjoy boating, angling and bird watching in the destination.

 

The Naukuchia lake

Here is the link to my blog encompassing all these destinations –

1)      https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/nantial-lake-district-of-kumaon.html

Panghoot

View of Panghoot or Pangot

Also known as Pangot, this destination is a sublime one, away from hustle and bustle of Nainital and a drive of 13 Kms. from the township.  Perched at an elevation of 6,510 feet, this quaint little village destination is a must visit for avid bird watchers, as about 580 bird species have been identified visiting this area.  Here is the link to the blog for the destination - https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2012/09/walking-through-clouds-panghoot-around.html

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar - the house where Jim Corbett used to stay during summers

This township is about 51 Kms. from Nainital and perched at an elevation of 2171 meters i.e. about 7500 feet, this destination is named after the 350 years old Shiva temple situated here.  This destination offers fantastic views of sunrise and sunset alongwith sporting activities like rappelling etc., to add to the charm of this destination.  It is a must visit destination for nature lovers and those who enjoy the splendour of the hills.  Here is the link to the blog about this destination -  https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/kumaon-mukteshwar-view-of-sitla-from.html

Kainchi Dham

The famed Kainchi dham temple

Kainchi is a beautiful ashram located in secluded mountain of the Kumoan Hills in Uttarakand. The temple was first inaugurated in June 1964. It is approximately 38 km from Nainital. Many hundreds of people visit the temples here every day, during the season.  It was some time in 1962 when Maharajji called for Shri Poornanand of Kainchi village while he himself waited sitting on parapet wall by the road side near Kainchi. When he came, they refreshed the memories of their first meeting which they had 20 years back in 1942. They discussed about the place around. Maharajji wanted to see the place where Sadhu Premi Baba and Sombari Maharaj had lived and performed Yagyas. The forest was cleared and Maharajji asked for the construction of a Chabootara (rectangular platform) covering the Yagyashala. Maharajji contacted the then "conservator of forests" and took possession of the requisite land on lease.  The Hanuman temple is built over the platform mentioned above. His devotees started coming from different places and a chain of bhandaras, kirtans, bhajans started. The Pran-Pratishtha of idols of Hanumanji and others was performed on 15th June in different years. Thus, 15th June is celebrated every year as Pratishtha Divas Each year, during the famous June 15th bhandara.  The place is of international repute boasting of followers like Steve Job & Mark Zuckerberg.

© S Roy Biswas

Uttarakhand medley – Garhwal (Kotdwar and Dehradun side)

Uttarakhand medley – Garhwal (Kotdwar & Dehradun side)

In my previous blog about Garhwal, I had discussed about destinations accessible from Haridwar side.  In this video I have tried to cover destinations that are easily accessible from Kotdwar and Dehradun side and provided links that give detailed description of the destinations through my blogs –

Kotdwar –

As the name suggests, it is the entry point to the other side to Garhwal region and is a small township situated on banks of River Khoh.  The railway station was established by the Britishers way back in 1890 and the first passenger train arrived here in 1901.

Lansdowne –

Perched at an altitude of 1706 meters above mean sea level, this small hill station is home to the famed Garhwal Rifles regiment that migrated from Almora in 1887.  It is a small nondescript little destination for idling out for a few days and is situated about 45 Kms. from Kotdwar.

Here is the link to the blog about Lansdowne –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2012/01/visiting-lansdowne.html

Khirsu –

Khirsu is a small village perched about an altitude of 1700 meters and is nestled amongst the Oaks & Rhodendrons that offers a 300 Km. view of the Himalayan ranges on a clear day.  It is about 11 Kms. from Pauri via Bua Khal and about 119 Kms. from Kotdwar and one can visit the famed Jwalpa Devi temple enroute from Kotdwar.

Here is the link to the blog about Khirsu –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2012/01/khirsu-nature-lovers-delight.html

Mussourie –

Although this destination is not easily accessible via Kotdwar and there are other better ways of reaching Mussourie.  I am putting up the details of this destination in this blog, as it is one of the most renowned tourist destinations of Garhwal and amongst one of the best hill stations of India and best accessible from Dehradun.

Here is the link to the blog about Mussourie –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/mussourie-queen-of-hill-stations.html

Chakrata –

Like Mussourie, this destination is not easily accessible through Kotdwar, but for the same reason, I am putting in the details of this destination, as it is a place of solitude and to be one with nature.   Definitely a nature lovers delight and best accessible from Dehradun side.

Here is the link to the blog about Chakrata –

https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/search?q=chakrata