Yamunotri – The Origin Of Yamuna River

One of the Char - Dhams, Yamunotri is nestled in the lap of Banadarpunch range of Himalayas at 3322 Meters surrounded by lofty mountains. Around the temple there are three hot springs. The most important among them is Suryakund. A religious stone "Divya Sila" is there near Suryakund. Before offering puja to the Yamuna mata, devotees take bath in Suryakund and offer puja to the Divya sila.

The Prasad of Yamuna Mata is boiled rice in the hot water of the hot spring. You can get the parboiled rice from the stalls around the temple.

How to reach Yamunotri:

To reach Yamunotri you have to reach Janakibai Choti from Haridwar, or Rishikesh by hired car, or share taxi or by bus. The distance of janakibai Choti from Rishikesh is 280 Km and Haridwar 300 Km.

Previously car used to come up to Hanuman Choti, 13 Km from Yamunotri. Now after renovation of the road you can drive up to Janakibai Choti, 8 Km from the Yamunotri. From here you can trek 8 km through the exquisitely beautiful trek route. If, by chance you don't want or, unable to walk take the help of pony, doli, or kandi. See the details and photos at Kedarnath Page, porters and guides.

If you are reading this article in any website other than in "TRAVEL INDIA" or, INDIA STUDY CHANNEL", then you are reading a copied and stolen content. Enjoy the original site here http://ourtravelindia.blogspot.com

Where to stay at Yamunotri:

GMVN Rest House Yamunotri: Dormitory available @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Hanuman Choti: Ph: +91 1375 223371 DB @ INR 600; Dormitory @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Janaki Choti: Ph: +91 1375 235639 DB @ INR 700; Dormitory @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Sayan Choti: Ph: +91 1375 235639 DB @ INR 300

Other than these there are plenty ordinary hotels and dharamashalas in Yamunotri for staying are always available. You need not to book beforehand.

Photo attribution:http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenchik/

Gomukh – Origin Of The Holy River Ganges

The snout of Gangotri Glacier is Gomukh, the origin of the holy river Ganges. Gomukh is at 4255 meters 14 km from the Gangotri temple.

The exquisite natural beauty is waiting for you along a thin walk able serpentine trek route from Gangotri to Gomukh. The first destination on your trek route is Chirbasa 7 km from Gangotri. Up to Chirbasa dense green vegetation of Himalayas including pine, rhododendrons, deodar, birch will sooth your eyes. Restless Ganges will accompany you throughout your trek. Small waterfalls will wash your route time to time. Refreshing cool breeze will wash away all your tiredness of walking. At Chirbasa, there are shops and at tourist bungalow you will find food and stay if you wish. Take rest a while, here at Chirbasa, have some snacks and start walking to your next destination, Bhujbasa.

Drastic change of nature you will observe while you move towards Bhujbasa. The vegetations will be sparse as you move forward. The yellowish mighty Himalayas on your left and silvery Ganges down below will be your accompaniment in this route. This part of trekking is little more tiring than the earlier trek up to Chirbasa. The tiny luggage which you will be carrying will be heavier. The strong cool breeze here will add to your discomfort. But I can assure you, you will forget everything after reaching the destination Bhujbasa. The place is called Bhujbasa, because of the abundant Birch trees (Bhuj), which used to be available here earlier. Now the place is barren and like a ground with magnificent view of Himalayan peaks, and the flowing Ganges and a glimpse of Gomukh. A GMVN tourist bungalow comprising of only dormitory accommodation is available here for staying. You can choose to stay in tents for a change.

Start next day for Gomukh, your final destination, 4 km from Bhujbasa. There is no definite walk able route in this part of your journey, rather you have to find your way through and over the boulders carefully. On the boulders the direction of Gomukh is nicely marked with the white chalk. You will walk alongside the Ganges. Different sizes of slabs of ice you will see floating in the holy river in this region. The beautiful Shivling Peak is so near in front of you, as if you can touch it! Deep blue sky, mighty snow peaks, marvelous Ganges will relieve the stress of your tiring trek. Slowly you will reach Gomukh, a huge cave, having similarity with a mouth of cow. Muddy water of furious Ganges roaring out through this cave and chunks of ice are falling on the stream, breaking from the wall of the cave. A view you will remember for your life time.

Gomukh is at an altitude of 4255 Meters. Surrounding Gomukh there are beautiful snow peaks like Bhagirathi, Bhrigupath, Meruparvat, Chaturangi, Shatpath, Kalindi, Basuki, Shivling and so on.

Where to stay at Gomukh:

Unfortunately you cannot stay in this divine place in a hotel or, resthouse. If you can manage permission then tenting is allowed. You have to stay at Bhujbasa 4 km from here.

GMVN Tourist Bungalow: Only dormitory available @ INR 250

Other than this you can be accommodated at Lal Baba Ashram @INR 140 with food per person.

Contact:

Baba Lal Bihari Das.

Lal Baba Dharmarth Trust,

Bhujbasa Ashram, Gomukh

Post: Gangotri,

Dist: Uttarkashi,

Pin 249137.

You can also choose to stay at Harshil, where a GMVN Tourist Rest House is available DB @ INR 700

Few Important Points to Note:

Recently the regulations has become stricter due to different reasons. The new regulations are following:

• Only 150 tourists will be given permission to enter this area, Gangotri national Park daily. These tourists include tourists for Gomukh, Trekkers of Nandan Kanan, Tapovan and Kalindi pass and glacier, porters and guides.
  
• Permission will be given by Chief Wild Life Warden, 5, Chandravani, Mohabbewala, Dehradun Ph: +91 135 2644691. Or, DFO, Uttarkashi Ph: +91 1374 222444 Fax: +91 1374 222964. Permissions are give on first come first serve basis.
  
• Fees to enter the park: Indian Nationals INR 25 per day. Foreign Nationals: INR 175 per day
  
• Ponies and horses are not allowed on this route.
  
• You have to see Gomukh from a distance of 500 Meters.
  
• You will be returned from the check post if you don't have permission. It is impossible to get permission after reaching Gangotri. Collect it before hand either from Uttarkashi or, Dehradun as mentioned above.

Dear Reader,
If you are reading this article in any website other than in "TRAVEL INDIA" or, INDIA STUDY CHANNEL", then you are reading a copied and stolen content. Enjoy the original site here http://ourtravelindia.blogspot.com

Photo attribution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maneeshks/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thaddeus/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/niranjansrinivas/

Gangotri – One of The Four Dhams (Char Dham)

You don't have to walk to reach Gangotri. Your vehicle will reach near the temple. 300 km from Haridwar, though can be travelled in one day by car, but it is better to halt at Uttarkashi (200 km) at night. Drive 100 km next day to reach this divine place at 3140 meters, surrounded by gorgeous Himalayan peaks.

This temple was built in early eighteenth century by Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa. The main deity in the temple is Ganga Mata. Other than her, Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhagirath and Sankarachaya idols are also present there.

Gangotri is a small place comprising of few shops, hotels and dharamashalas scattered along both the banks of Ganges. Two iron bridges on Ganges connect the two banks. Ashrams of saints here and there add divine touch to the natural beauty of Gangotri. Suraj kund is a place, where fierce Ganges is jumping down below between the boulders.

Dear Reader,
If you are reading this article in any website other than in "TRAVEL INDIA" or, INDIA STUDY CHANNEL", then you are reading a copied and stolen content. Enjoy the original site here http://ourtravelindia.blogspot.com

Where to stay at Gangotri:

STD code of Gangotri: +91 1372

GMVN Tourist Rest House: Ph 22221 DB @ INR 300 – 700; Family suite @ INR 1000; Dormitory @INR 100

Other than this there are PWD and Forest department's rest house and very affordable hotels and dharamashalas e.g Kalikamli, Punjab Sindh, Birla Mangal, Dandibaba etc.

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/huggy47/

Uttarkashi – Garhwal (Uttarakhand) Your Halt Before Gangotri And Gomukh

148 Km from Rishikesh at 1150 Meters on the bank of Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is a major township on your way to Gangotri. You can reach here from Haridwar or, Rishikesh in 6 – 7 hours. 28 km from Uttarkashi, at Dharasu one road is going to Yamunotri. Gangotri is 100 Km and Yamunotri is 128 Km from Uttarkashi.

Being fairly large township in respect to other places in Garhwal, you will find hotels of different budgets and restaurants and even some non vegetarian foods, which is very rare to find in Garhwal.

Places to see in Uttarkashi:

The most important place in Uttarakhand is Nehru Mountaineering Institute or NIM. This the famous mountaineering training institute in India. Trekkers and mountaineers can hire the different mountaineering gadgets and accessories from NIM for their adventure. Other than NIM, you can also see Ujali, Vishwakarma Temple, Gyaneshwar Temple, Bhairavi Temple etc.

How to reach Uttarkashi:

You can get bus, share taxi or jeep or, you can hire the full car @INR 1800 – 2000 from both Haridwar and Rishikesh. It will take 6 – 7 hours to reach Uttarkashi from these places.

Where to stay at Uttarkashi:

STD code of Uttarkashi: +91 1374

GMVN Tourist Rest House: Ph: 222271, 222222 DB @ INR 500 – 1000; Dormitory: @INR 125

There are many private small hotels; those are trekkers favorite DB starts from @ INR 250

• Bhandari hotel
  
• Neelkant hotel
  
• Amba hotel
  
• Hansalok Hotel
  
• Meghdoot hotel
  
• Shekhar hotel etc.
  

You can choose to stay at few dharmashalas, like Kalikamli, Punjab Sindh, Birla's etc,

which are available at a very nominal cost .

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nishita/

Visit Auli In Winter

You cannot reach Auli through the usual winding mountainous 14 km road which takes you Joshimath to Auli. The whole route and the surroundings remain covered with few feet of snow from January to March. The only means by which you can reach Auli is the cable car or rope way. The 5 km, possibly longest in Asia , ropeway ride in the winter is really an amazing experience you will cherish for long. You will cross slopes of ices one after another and witness the bird's eye view of the colorful skiers. Each coach carry 25 passengers at a time @ INR 200 for one way travel. Cable car runs daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Winter Game Federation Of India organize National Ski Championship during February and March each year. The temperature of Auli at winter is usually minus 4 – 5 degree Celsius. Heavy woolens and other winter accessories including the sunglasses are absolutely required. At GMVN and Cliff Top Resort you can get the latest gadgets for skiing. You can learn ski also by different courses available here.

It is wonderful to see the skiers with their vibrant colorful dresses skiing from one end to the other of the ice field; kids and elders are enjoying playing with the ice.

How to reach Auli in winter:

To reach Auli, reach Haridwar first. From Haridwar reach Rishikesh (25 km) by auto rickshaw. From Rishikesh you will get bus for Joshimath (250 Km). To cover such a long distance by bus you must start your journey very early in the morning. You can hire a car to reach Joshimath directly from Haridwar. If such a long journey is tiring for you, halt at Rudraprayag and travel next day to Joshimath.

The cable car or the ropeway is the only means of transportation to reach Auli at winter. You can reach up to Garsan Top by cable car. From here to the GMVN bungalow, chair lift is available. The tariff and running time of the ropeway I have mentioned earlier in this article.

Where to stay at Auli:

Cliff Top Club Resort, Auli.

Description : Welcome to "CLIFF TOP CLUB, AULI", a luxurious ski resort, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of the northern Indian state of Uttaranchal. At more than 10,000 ft. above mean sea level we are literally at the top of the world, [being the second highest located resort in the world] and the only skiing resort in Asia which is located right on the ski slope.

Visit their website for booking and other details http://www.clifftopclubauli.com

The Other options are:

GMVN Tourist Rest House: Ph: +91 1389 223208/ 223305

Auli is costly if you want to stay there. It is possible to visit and come back to Joshimath for night stay, a cheaper option.

Where to stay at Joshimath:

GMVN Tourist Rest House (old) Ph: +91 1389 222118 DB @ INR 400 – 1200 and dormitory @ INR 100.

GMVN Tourist Rest House (new) Ph: +91 1389 222226 DB @ INR 500 – 600 and dormitory @ INR 100.

Kedar – Badri Temple Committee Dharamashala Ph: +91 1389 222083

There are many other private hotels in Badrinath @ INR 500 + for DB rooms.

Kedarnath Temple- A Splendor

Kedarnath being one of the 12 Jyotirlingam is a famous pilgrim site for Hindus in India. Located at a height of 3590 meters of Garhwal Himalayas, the huge temple made of granite stone with mighty Kedar range of Himalayas in the background will make you spellbound at first sight.

Inside the temple, a stone looking like hump of an ox is Mahadev, Kedarnath. Many other idols of God are engraved on the wall of the temple inside. In front of the main gate of the temple a black statue of Nandi, the ox of Mahadev is guarding the temple.

Best time to visit Kedarnath: Plan your trip between May and October, otherwise you cannot reach, it will be a snow covered.

Reaching Kedarnath:

Apart from the temple itself, reaching Kedarnath is an adventure. Throughout your journey to the temple you will be amazed frequently by the natural beauty of the nature.

You have to reach Gourikund, the last motor able road before Kedarnath. Gourikund is 233 km from Haridwar and 200 km from Rishikesh. It will take 10 – 11 hours to reach Gourikund from these places, so You have to start your journey very early in the morning. It is very tiring too. So it is better to halt somewhere in between. The place I will suggest is Rudraprayag or, Chandrapuri.

You have to stay in Gourikund for a night before starting your journey to the temple. There are many cheap hotels in Gourikund. The best option is GMVN Tourist Rest House Ph: +91 1364 269202 DB @ INR 500 – 700 and dormitory @ INR 100 per bed.

From Gourikund it is a continuous uphill trek of 14 km to Kedarnath. The scenic beauty throughout your trek is mind-blowing. Mandakini River throughout the journey will accompany you sometimes jumping from a cliff and sometimes hiding in a gorge. The natural beauty will alleviate all your exhaustion of climbing. Walk slowly and take rest in between. Buy a walking stick and polythene sheet to cover you in case of drizzle, which is quite common. Take care of your camera and don't forget a polythene bag for it exclusively. You can buy these on the route of your trek. Stalls for snack and tea are also available at few places on the route, where you can rest a while. If you don't want to walk at a stretch there is a option to halt at Ramwara for a night at either at Kalikamli Dharmashala or GMVN rest house.

Though nature can be enjoyed most if you walk, it may not be possible for everyone to trek due to physical reasons. Pony, dandi or, doli (a chair carried by four persons), Pithhu ( a basket carried by single person mainly for kids, light weight people, and goods) are available for them. The rate depend on the weight of the person but whatever they take, I think it is less for the kind of labor they give! Please don't bargain with them. They are extremely poor and earn for few months with their hard labor and run their family throughout the year.

By the way don't throw away your walking stick while coming down, the mistake done by me! The stick is more required while coming down.

Reach Kedarnath by helicopter:

Pawan Hans conduct a helicopter service from Agyastamuni helipad 17 km from Rudraprayag

5 passengers are carried at a time. The flight starts at 6.30 am , 8.10 am, 9.40 am, and 11.10 am. It takes 20 minutes to reach Kedarnath. Time allotted to visit temple is 1 ½ hour. The fare for round trip per person at present @ INR 8500 and one way fly to Kedarnath @INR 5000 and return from there @ INR 4000. Round trip cost include the temple visit fee. Children below 2 years are charged 10% of the fare, while age over 2 has to pay the full fare.

Contact:

• Agastyamuni Helipad Ph: +91 1364 256825
  
• Delhi Office at Safdarjang Airport Ph: +91 11 24651248, 24632273, 24610465
  
• Monal Resort Rudraprayag Ph: +91 1364 233901/ 02
  
• GMVN Dehradun Ph: +91 135 2746817
  
• GMVN Haridwar Ph: +91 1334 224240
  
• GMVN Rishikesh Ph: +91 135 2435174

Where to stay at Kedarnath:

GMVN Tourist Rest House Ph: +91 1364 263218/ 263228 DB @ INR 350 – 1000. Dormitory @ INR 100 per bed.

Dharmashala of Kedarnath Temple Committee: +91 1364 263231

Other Dharmashalas of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Madras Bhawan, Gujarat Bhawan etc.

Trekking from Kedarnath:

For the enthusiasts, there are something more in store at Kedarnath. A astonishing short trek to Chorabalital (Gandhi Sarovar) at 4275 meters is 4 km uphill trek from Kedarnath. En route you will see Mandakini Glacier, from where Mandakini river originated. More enthusiasts should walk 4 km more up to Basuki tal (4328 meters) If you plan to go up to Basuki tal carry food and take the help of a guide.

Triyugi Narayan from Gourikund:

While coming back from Gourikund either to Haridwar or, Badrinath you can visit Triyugi Narayan Temple 12 km from Gourikund. It is said that the wedding of Shiva and Parvati was held here.

Chandrapuri – A Tranquil Halt

A heavenly and calm place surrounded by dense green mountains, cheerful Mandakini and glimpse of Kedar range of Himalayas, Chandrapuri can be your excellent halt before your journey to Kedarnath. Chandrapuri is only 25 km from Rudraprayag.

On the left side on the bank of Mandakini river is GMVN Tourist bungalow. If you walk down about 5 km along the road you will reach the small main locality of Chandrapuri comprising of few shops and a jeep stand. You will be charmed whole day by the chirps of different birds and the melody of flowing Mandakini. Come down up to the river bed jump around the boulders on the river, or just feel the cool river flowing over your feet, while you can enjoy the sunset sitting over a boulder.

Since there are no other place to stay in Chandrapuri except the GMVN; always get your booking before hand if you choose this place for your halt. Adjacent restaurant will serve you food but don't forget to place the order before hand, otherwise you have to go up to market to find something to eat.

How to reach Chandrapuri:

From Rudraprayag you will get share taxi or bus to reach Chandrapuri at a distance of only 25 km. You can hire car from Haridwar or Rishikesh to reach here directly.

Where to Stay at Chandrapuri:

GMVN Tourist Rest House Ph: +91 1364 258207 DB @ INR 300 – 500 Dormitory @ INR 100 per bed.

Rudraprayag – Where Mandakini Meets Alakananda

Nestled at the junction of two rivers Mandakini from Kedarnath and Alakananda from Badrinarayan at an altitude of 610 meters, Rudraprayag is a busy District Head Quarter of Garhwal. Surrounded by dense forest all around, with many memories of man eater and Jim Corbett, Rudraprayag is one of the famous Pancha Prayag (Five Holy River Junctions) Pilgrim places. Kedarnath, one of the famous of twelve Jyotirlingam is in Rudraprayag district.

Rudraprayag is an important junction for you also for your Kedar – Badri trip. From here on the left, along with of Mandakini river the hilly road goes up to Gourikund, the last motorable point before Kedarnath; and accompanying Alakananda, the road goes to Badrinarayan on the right side. While coming from Haridwar Rudraprayag is mid point from both Kedar and Badri. So, if you wish, you can take a halt here for one day. I can assure you that, you will not be disappointed.

Rudraprayag itself has fascinating scenic beauty where calm Mandakini meets bubbly Alakananda. A big rock, Narad Sila is there at the sangam (junction) of them and a temple Narad Temple is place on that rock. The story is Narad used to play his bina ( a kind of guitar) sitting on that rock! From the river bed there are steps to reach at a height where Shiva, here known as Rudranath temple is situated. From Rudranath, the name of Rudraprayag originated.

The other temples nearby are Jagadamba Devi, Annapurna, Naradeshwar, Kalpeshwar, Gopeshwar etc.

From Rudraprayag you will share taxi, or bus to either Gourikund or, Badrinath.

Distances of Important places from Rudraprayag:

• Rudraprayag to Haridwar : 163 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Rishikesh: 139 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Srinagar: 34 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Gourikund: 85 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Kedarnath: 99 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Badrinath: 159 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Chandrapuri: 25 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Sealsore: 27 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Ukhimath: 40 km
  
• Rudraprayag to Chopta: 69 km
  

How to reach Rudraprayag:

Either from Haridwar (163 km) or, Rishikesh (139 km) you can reach Rudraprayag by car in 5 – 6 hours. Regular bus services are also there from these places to Rudraprayag.

Where to stay at Rudraprayag:

STD Code: +91 1364

No doubt the best place to stay at Rudraprayag is GMVN Tourist Rest House right at the junction of rivers.

Ph: 233347 DB @ INR 900 – 1200; Dormitory @ INR 100 is also available.

Other Hotels at Rudraprayag

Monal Resort Ph: 233901/02

Pinaki Resort

Shangrilla Resort

Hotel Suri

You can get Dharmashalas also in Rudraprayag of Kalikamli and temple committee

Dhanaulti – A Peaceful Break In Himalayas

Only 28 km from Mussourie a serene hill station a 2250 Meters in the shade of pine and oaks a picturesque village is Dhanaulti. Mist, Deodar, Pine, oak, Rhododendrons, and glimpses of Himalayan peaks, altogether a heavenly combination to witness.

How to Reach Dhanaulti:

Dhanaulti is situated on the highway from Mussourie to Chamba. Though there is infrequent bus service from Mussourie to Dhanaulti, you cannot depend on this. Private cars charge betweet INR 1000 – 1200 for 28 Km journey. The rate is not fixed; it varies with the season. You have to bargain a lot before fixing the rate.

You can reach Dhanaulti from Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and other places from Garhwal by hired car.

Where To Stay At Dhanaulti:

GMVN Tourist Rest House Ph: +91 1376 226223 DB @ INR 700 – 1000; Dormitory is also available @ INR 100 per bed.

Mussourie – A Beautiful Hill Station In Garhwal / Uttarakhand

At 2000 meters, one of the finest hill station and all time favorite for tourists is Mussourie, in Garhwal. Lush green wavy hills and the view of Bandar Punch range are the beauty of Mussourie. You can see the range of Bandar Punch, Gangotri, Swargarohini beautifully from the Gun Hill, if the weather is clear. To reach the Gun Hill avail the ropeway from the Kachari point at Mall road. Presently ticket per head per ride is @ INR 50. From the Gun hill the bird's eye view of the Mussourie town is excellent.

The most attractive place at Mussourie perhaps The Kempty falls, 12 km from the town. Reach at the base of the falls, float in small colorful boats, take a refreshing bath – it's a great experience. 9 km from here is Jharipani falls, another beautiful water fall to see. Nagtibba, a temple of Nag Devi is 6 km from Mussourie at Kart Mackenji Road. To reach Surkanada Devi temple you have to walk 2 km after a 20 km drive from the town.

3 km long camel's back road, is a romantic serpentine road in the shades of pine. Leisurely walk along this road alone, or with someone special will remain in your memory forever.

Binog Mountain Quail Sanctuary is comparatively new addition is 11 km from Mussourie. This sanctuary is rich in both flora and fauna. Both Herbivores and Carnivores are found in this area, viz Himalayan Goat (GHURUL), Panther,and Himal- ayan Bear. Ghurul is the flag- ship species of the area. This is the only area.in U.P. where endangered bird Himalayan Bater (The Mountain Quail) was seen long back. This sanctuary is specially made to protect the endangered Mountain Quail from extinction. You can also see Cloud's end and Lal Tibba here.

How to reach Mussourie:

From Delhi to Dehradun, Air Deccan has their daily service.

Dehradun is well connected by road and railways from all over India.

From Dehradun Government busses frequently run and reach Mussourie in one hour. From Haridwar in 3 hours you can reach Mussourie by bus or car. There is regular direct bus service from Delhi to Mussourie.

Where to stay at Mussourie (Hotels):

STD code of Mussourie: +91 135

• GMVN Tourist Rest House Garhwal Terrace Ph: 2632682/83 DB @INR 800 – 1200
  
• Hotel Hill Queen Ph: 2632238
  
• Hotel Raj Ph: 2632334
  
• Hotel Jeet Ph: 2631131
  
• Hotel Savoy Ph: 2632010
  
• Hotel Peakview Ph: 2632052
  
• Hotel Shipra Ph: 2632662
  
• Hotel Great Value Ph: 26331442
  
• Hotel Green Castle Ph: 2632657
  

There are plenty of hotels other than these, choose according to your budget and choice.

Dehradun

Shivalik range at north, Yamuna valley on the west and valley of Ganges at east, Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand, one of the famous cities in India. Distance from Haridwar is 52 km.

According to Mahabharata the archery school / ashram of Guru Dronacharya was here in Dehradun and the 'Doon' term came from Drona! At present Indian military Academy is situated here.

To see places in Dehradun, it is better to hire a car or, auto rickshaw for the whole day. You will see Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple 5 km from the city on the bank of the Tamsa river. This temple is within a cave, and water from a natural fountain is continually dropping on the Shiva Lingam, hence the name Tapkeshwar. Tapak means dropping in Hindi. Other places worth visiting are Sahasradhara, Khalsi deer park on the slope of Shivalik hill 10 km from the city. See Doon School, Tapovan Ashram, Lakshman Sidh Temple, Sirdi Sai Temple, Chandraboni, Indian Forest Research Institute, Dehradun Church etc.

These place are also shown in a whole day conducted tour from Haridwar along with the Kempty falls in Mussourie.

How to reach Dehradun:

From Delhi to Dehradun, Air Deccan has their daily service.

Dehradun is well connected by road and railways from all over India.

Where to stay in Dehradun ( Hotels):

STD code of Dehradun: +91 0135

• GMVN Hotel Drona - Ph: 26522794/ 4371 DB @ INR 450 – 1000; A/C , Non A/C, Family suites are available.
  

The following hotels tariff starts from INR 400 for DB room

• Victotria Ph: 2623486
• Hotel Great Value Ph: 2744086
  
• Park View Ph: 2653231
  
• Deep Shikha Ph: 2659888
  
• Gaurav Ph: 2654215
  
• Prince Ph: 2627070
  
• Krishna Palace Ph: 2629630
  

There are many such hotels, you can choose according to your choice and budget.

Rishikesh / Hrishikesh In Uttarakhand

While travelling Garhwal you can chose to stay at Rishikesh, if you like a quieter place than Haridwar. The routes of 'Chardham' starts from Rishikesh. From Rishikesh also you can hire the vehicle for your tour at taxi union.

Rishikesh is situated at an altitude of 356 meters and 24 km from Haridwar. It is a very sacred place, where in ancient times saints used to meditate in ashrams. You will enjoy the charming scenic beauty along with the famous bridges over Ganges ' Lakshman Jhula' and ' Ram Jhula' and countless temples and ashrams along the bank of the river on either side. The other places you will like to see near by are Muni Ki Reti, Swargashram, Triveni Ghat, Pushkar Temple, Bharat Temple, Chandreshwar Temple, Someshwar Temple, Rishikund, Raghunath Temple etc.

How to reach Rishikesh:

From Haridwar you can reach Rishikesh by auto rickshaw or, taxi. Up to Haridwar see here.

Distance of important places from Rishikesh:

• Rishikesh to Haridwar : 24 km
  
• Rishikesh to Srinagar: 105 km
  
• Rishikesh to Rudraprayag: 139 km
  
• Rishikesh to Gourikund: 224 km
  
• Rishikesh to Joshimath: 250 km
  
• Rishikesh to Uttarkashi: 148 km
  
• Rishikesh to Gangotri: 248 km
  
• Rishikesh to Jankibai Choti (Yamunotri): 216 km
  

Where to stay at Rishikesh (Hotel):

STD code of Rishikesh: +91 0135

• GMVN Tourist Rest House – Bharat Bhumi A/C DB @ INR 1000; Non A/C DB @ INR 450 – 600 Ph: 2433002
  
• GMVN Tourist Rest House – Rishilok at Muni ki Reti A/C DB @ INR 1000 – 1400; DB Non A/C @ INR 200 – 800 Ph: 2430373
  
• Sesame Jhari - A/C DB @ INR 1800; Non A/C DB @ INR 1100; Dormitory @ INR 150/ bed Ph: 2438651
  
• Indralok – ph: 2430870
  
• Nataraj – Ph: 2431099
  
• Akashganga – Ph: 2430870 / 451
  
• Sree ji – Ph: 2431068
  

There are many more to fit every budget.

Haridwar (Uttarakhand) - Gateway To Garhwal

Situated at he base of Shivalik range of Himalayas, Haridwar in Uttarakhand is the gateway to Garhwal Himalayas. Sacred Ganges touches the plane land here in Haridwar. Every 12 years Kumbha Mela is held here. The next Kumbha Mela in Haridwar is due on 2010.



The main attraction of Haridwar is Har - ki - pauri Ghat, From here to Vishnughat along the banks of Ganges there are market, hotels and temples. You will love to stay here for a day or two. Non vegetarian food is not allowed in this part of India and not sold too. You can get eggs at some places.



Every evening at 6 - 30 pm at Har Ki Pauri Ghat a fascinating aarati to Devi Ganga is held and thousands of small boats made with leaves with lighted candles (diya) are floated in the river by the devotees. Thousands of diyas floating on the river is a wonderful experience one can ever had.



Many devotees and tourists take holy bath in Ganges here in Haridwar. A word of caution is while taking bath don't ever leave the chain, which is provided for bathing.

A rope way service to Mansa Temple at the top of Bilwa Hill (175 meters) is available from HarPuari Ghat. It is a nice ride of 600 meters. From the top you can see the whole Haridwar town and the Ganges flowing. Chand temple is another temple 6 Km from here, you can reach by rope way. Anjani Devi temple is near Chand temple. The other temples in Haridwar can be very easily seen by hiring a taxi or, auto rickshaw are Baishnovevi temple, Kankhal, Bharatmata temple, Pawandham, Saptarshi Ashram etc.

3 Km from Haridwar is Nildhara bird sanctuary. Migratory birds flock here in winter, is a worth visiting spot.

How to Reach Haridwar:

Haridwar is well connected by Railways from all over the country. From ISBT Bus stand Delhi bus service is also available to reach Haridwar in 5 Hours.

Distance of some important places from Haridwar:

• Haridwar To Hrishikesh: 24 Km.
• Haridwar To Dehradun: 52 km.
• Haridwar To Delhi: 203 Km.
• Haridwar To Luxar: 28 km.
• Haridwar To Lucknow: 595 km
• Haridwar To Uttarkashi: 172 km
• Haridwar To Jankibai choti ( Yamunotri): 240 km.
• Haridwar To Gangotri: 272 km.
• Haridwar To Rudraprayag: 163 km.
• Haridwar To Gourikund: 233 km.
• Haridwar To Badrinath: 326 km.
• Haridwar To Mussourie: 86 km.
• Haridwar To Kedarnath: 247 km.

Where to stay ( Hotels) at Haridwar:

STD code of Haridwar: +91334

• GMVN Tourist Rest House Rahi Motel: Ph: 228686/ 226430 @ A/C DB INR 1000- 1200; Other rooms DB @ INR 600 - 1200 ; Dormitory @ INR 150/ bed.

Other Hotels DB @ INR 500 onwards

• Ganga Gaurav: Ph: 226166
• Lion Ph: 227534
• Trishul Ph: 224811
• Saraswati Ph: 220948
• Vasubndhara Ph: 226010
• Panama Ph: 227506
• Vikrant Ph:266183
• City center Ph: 227906
• Bhaskara: Ph: 221800
• Tirtha Ph: 225211
• Midtown Ph: 227507
• Himalaya Ph: 226816
• Tirtha Ph: 225211
• Ashok Ph: 227328
  

There are plenty such hotels in Haridwar. There will never be dearth of accommodation. Stay in Haridwar will fit all kind of budgets.

Important information regarding hiring car from Haridwar:

Before hiring car please chalk out you route of travel as you may like to visit some off the route places while you are going to some destination and you may not like to return through the same route. in all such cases it is better to clear the things with the driver and the car owner before starting of journey to avoid unnecessary problems later on.

The approximate fare for a 5 seater car per day at present @ INR 1500 and 8 seater car @ INR 1800.