Badrinath : One of the Scared Shrine among the Four in India

Badrinath is the one of the holiest shrines among the four in india.it is in the supercilious Himalayan heights in the Garhwal (Uttarakhand). It is considered that the revered shrine is still alive there. its state of being holy give special importance in the ancient scriptures as "there are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to badri.

Badarinath Dham is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage located The way to Badarinath is one of the most interesting one due to the lofty bumpy terrain, curves and cliffs within the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.

During the way to Badarinath there are many pilgrimage sites at Deo Prayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Vishnuprayag as well as Pandukeswar where king Pandu did Tapasya with his queen Madri and where his sons Pandavas, stayed during their pilgrimage to heaven.

It is believed that at Badarinath Lord MahaVishnu have done his forfeit. As Lord Vishnu was doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is supposed to undertake the form of Badari tree to offer him shelter to face the offensive of the adverse weather conditions, therefore the name Badari Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad rishi that Nar & Naryans forms were his own.

Behind the temple of Lord Badarinarayan is the Lakshmi Narsimh mandir, with shrines to Desikacharya and Ramanujachary.At Badarinath one can witness one of the greatest wonders of Nature in the Hot water springs of Taptkund on the banks of ice chilled river Alaknanda. The temperature of the water in the Kund is 55 degree centigrade whereas the normal temperature in this region for most part of the year remains at 9-10 degree centigrade to sub-zero levels. Before visiting the temple the pilgrims take a holy bath in the Taptkund. 

The Temple structure was built by the Kings of Garhwal. The Temple has three sectors - Garbhagriha (Sanctum), the Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap. The Garbhagriha (Sanctum) houses Lord Badari Narayan, Kuber (God of wealth), Narad rishi, Udhava, Nar & Narayan.

Lord Badari Narayan (also called as Badari Vishal) is armed with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a lifted posture and two arms rested on the lap in Yogamudra.The principal image is of black stone and it represents Vishnu seated in meditative pose. The temple also houses Garuda (Vehicle of Lord Narayan). Also here are the idols of Adi Shankar, Swami Desikan and Shri Ramanujam. Guru-Shisya parampara is supposed to have its roots here.

Haridwar: Holy City of Uttarakhand

Haridwar is a holy city of Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. In mythology it has been variously mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It is also an entry point to the Char Dham.

Haridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit. Haridwar has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and culture. The Haridwar city has a long-standing position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul. Today, Haridwar is developing beyond its religious importance, as a major industrial destination of state, with the fast developing Industrial Estate of State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation, SIDCUL, and the close by township of BHEL and its affiliated industries.

Haridwar is a holy city of Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. In mythology it has been variously mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It is also an entry point to the Char Dham.

Haridwar located on the foot hills of Shivaliks and on the banks of River Ganga. This major pilgrimage center is well connected by trains to all the major towns of India. In fact trains bring the major load of pilgrims and tourist inflow to Haridwar. Haridwar is located at a height of almost 300 meters . One Should never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. During the summers the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury dipping as low as six degrees. So neither of the seasons are suitable or ideal for tourists to venture in Haridwar. The monsoons further add to the miseries of the visitors.

Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It’s also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the rivers Ganga and the Yamuna. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to sage Kapil’s curse. The penance was answered and the river.

Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Hardwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Hardwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath taking beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges. About three and half lakh People reside in this city. Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and English are the main Languages of Communication. 

Mussoorie - ‘Queen of Hills’

Mussoorie is a famous hill station in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas also known as ‘Queen of Hills’. Mussoorie is surrounded by very beautiful scenic views, flourishing green hills, marvellous views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges.

Mussoorie is considered as the doorway to the Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines of Northern India. Mussoorie is an perfect holiday destination in the summers due to its pleasing weather which remains relaxing even in the central of summer, During spring, the town looks attractive with blossoming flowers all around surrounded by lush and green trees. Mussoorie is well linked by roads with Dehra Dun, Delhi, Roorkee and Saharanpur. There are some good hotels, recreation clubs and restaurants to cater to the needs of the tourist.

Here are some good places which should be visited in Mussoorie:

Gun Hill

Gun Hill is the second highest peak of Mussoorie also provides very thrilling experience of ride. You can also experience a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from this hill which is quite amazing.

Camel’s Back Road

For photography lovers a very beautiful scenic view of the sunset and a life like similarity of a sitting camel can be seen from this place. One can also get pleasure from long walks and horse riding here.

Kempty Fall

15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road, this is the most attractive and the biggest water fall, located in a beautiful valley of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake

This is a newly designed picnic place on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. You can also enjoy boating here.

Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary

It is famous for the vanished bird species, Mountain Quail(Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.

Dhanolti

Dhanolti provides a overwhelming view of the valleys and the Himalayan peaks. The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable residents, lovely weather and fabulous view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday.

Nagtibba

34 kms from Mussoorie one reaches Thatyur. 7 Kms further is devalsari and a 14 kms further trek to Nagtibba is an ideal spot for trekking.

Bhadraj Temple

Bhadraj provides a authoritative view of the Doon Valley. Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar Bawar areas can be viewed from here. Bhadraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna.

Municipal Garden

The garden with its artificially created lake is a perfect picnic spot.

Yamuna Bridge

About 27 kms from Mussoorie on Chakrata-Barkot road, is an ideal spot for fishing.

Surkanda Devi

The temple of Surkanda Devi is situated on the top of the mountain and is of great religious significance. A fair is held every year on “Ganga Dussehra” during May-June in which thousands of people participate.

Nainital Tour

Nainital, the attractive paradise lake city that lies amidst with beautiful hills of Himalyan, is a india's no one hill resort that captures every bit of you, leaves you completely fascinated and driving for more. Nainital reminds you the beautiful Dal Lake of Kashmir; however, Nainital is naturally sprinkled with many othert lakes all over which have recently developed themselves to offer tourist more holiday splendid and activities like boating, canoeing and yachting.

Nainital is far-famed for the Naini Lake which is believed that Lord Shiva performed his tandava with Parvati’s body. The Naini peak is having height of 2611mts. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. You can find restaurants, offices and hotels all located in the Mall.  You can also vist Nainital Zoo where you can find rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. The Governor House of the Raj Bhavan with its sprawling gardens is one of the few Raj Bhavnas open for public viewing. Nainital’s latest attraction is the Eco  Cave Garden where your children can learn about ecosphere.Nainital has many other lakes also like 'BhimTal', 'SaatTal',  'NaukuchiaTal' and 'KhurpaTal'.

Nainital is the best hill holiday resort of India that forces tourist to visit here for its spectacular and photogenic natural beauty from across the globe though springtime, summers and autumns form the peak seasons and finding accommodation can be difficult unless you book in advance. It offers a panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayas perched at a height of 1938 mts above sea level dressed with lush green forests that has a host of vibrant Flora and Fauna. You can take a leisure walk over the lake bridge connecting 'Mallital', the northern and upper end and 'Tallital', the southern and lower end dividing the district into two parts or alternatively you can enjoy a pony ride through the tall Pine Trees surrounding the area.

Nainital was once covered with thick and dense forests before it was converted into a holiday destination before 1839 and mainly inhabited by Tribal people of the Kumaoni race. It was initially developed as the summer retreat for the British and post independence became the summer destination of work from April to October of the Uttar Pradesh State Government; however the State Government ceased its function in 1963 and the Secretariat got converted into a High Court of this District.

Enjoy shopping while on a tour to Nainital at the numerous shops and make your pick for some nice gifts and souvenirs. The several lodges and hotels in Nainital offer a marvelous blend of tradition and modernity as well as a comfortable stay for the tourists.

Badrinath Uttarakhand

Badrinath is the most sacred dham of the Hindus situated at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. It is one of the famous dham among all four dhams in India. The town of Badrinath comes between Nar and Naryana mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak, 301 km north of . The town is located at an elevation of 3,133mts above sea level on the left bank of Alakananda River.

The main palce of Badrinath is the Badrinath temple also known as the Badrinarayan temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy shrines of Vaishnavities. The present temple is conical in shape built two centuries ago by the Garhwal kings. 15 idols are present in the temple complex, each built in black stone. Lord Vishnu is represented here in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nar and Narayan. According to legend, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankaracharya which was renovated several times after its establishment. Badrinath is also one of the Panch Badris. The other four badris are Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Bridha Badri or the Old Badri and Adi Badri.

Vishal Badri : Refers to the main Shri Badri Narayan Temple and is considered to be the most sacred.

Yogathyan Badri : Located at a distance of 24 kms from Badri Nath and at 20 kms from Joshimath. This is also the place where Maharaj Pandu (father of the Pandava princes) prayed to Pandukeshwar.

Bhavishya Badri : This is located at 17 kms from Joshimath and is a small village.

Preetha Badri : Located at 17 kms from Joshimath at a place called Animath. Adi Shankar is believed to have worshipped Lord Badrinath here for some time.

Adi Badri : This is located at a distance of 16 kms from Karnaprayag. Several temples constructed during Gupt Dynasty are here of which Mana Narayanan temple is considered to be the most popular one.

Some of the other attractions of Badrinath include the Tapt Kund a natural thermal spring on the banks of the Alakananda. It is believed that the water of this kund has medicinal properties. An important pilgrimage detination of both the Hindus and the Sikhs is Hemkund Sahib located at a distance of 43kms from Badrinath. Neelkanth is another prime attraction of Badrinath which is a snow-covered peak of Badrinath. You can also visit the Panch Prayag i.e. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Vishnuprayag; from Badrinath. You can also visit the Mata Murthi temple which is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. 3km from Badrinath is Mana village inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe.

Jim Corbett National Park Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett national park located in Uttrakhand provides you the greener landscapes with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is India's first national park established in 1936 as Hailey national park which was changed to Corbett in memory of famous hunter of Kumaon and Garhwal Jim Corbett.

Various Attractive Toursit Activities In Corbett National Park

There are various safari zones which should be explored While visiting Jim Corbett National park : Bijrani Safari Zone, Dhikala Safari Zone, Durga Devi Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone.

Bijrani Safari Zone Known for its vast grass land. It is one km away from Ramnagar. It is Open for tourist from 15th October to 30th June.

Dhikala Safari zone This safari zone is situated in the deep forest, approximately 31 km away from the main entrance of corbett national park. The safari zone is opened for tourist from 15th November to 15th June.

Durga Devi Safari Zone This safari zone is 28 km away from Ramnagar. The zone is a hilly area situated along with the bank of ramganga and it is open for tourist from 15th November to 30th June.

Jhirna Safari Zone This is the only safari zone in corbett national park is opened throughout the year. It is 16 kms away from Ramnagar.

Attraction of Jim Corbett National Park

The Activities to do in jim corbett national park refers to all those adventure activities that is done in jim corbett national park as follows:-

Canter Safari : Canter is a way to enjoy the beauty of corbett national park. There are four canters available for safari in a day. In 18 people can sit in the canter in single time.

Elephant Safari : Elephant safari or ride is very exciting subject among children and adults also. It is the best way to investigate the wildlife inside the coebett national park as it reach in deep forest gives an expanded excitement.

Jeep Safari : it is the best way to explore the wildness of corbett national park. At a time six people can sit in a single jeep.

Fishing & Angling : April – June and October, November is the best time for fishing in corbett national park. Attire in Corbett National Park- Relax attire in Corbett National Park is light and comfortable clothes in summer with umbrella and goggles and warm and wooly clothes in winter for the opposite atmosphere.

A large numbe rof tourists from various countries comes every year to visit the varied wild life of India. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful gift of nature with all the basic amenities offered within the national park.

Uttarakhand History

Uttarakhand also known as Uttranchal is a fascinating land full of fantastic glaciers, valley of flowers, skiing slopes, snow-clad mountains and dense woods. This ‘abode of Gods’ is a rich repository of innumerable shrines and pilgrimage spots. It is a pictorial state that promises its tourists a sojourn replete with fun and treasured moments. There are many things about Uttarakhand that draw the tourists from not only abroad but also from the world over.  

History of Uttarakhand:Uttarakhand has several mythical and historical associations also known as Devbhoomi (land of the gods). According to the ancient scriptures, this place was known as Uttarakhand and the ancient kingdoms such as Pauravas, Kushanas, Kunindas, Guptas, Katyuris, Palas, the Chands, and Parmars are said to have ruled this place. The Pandavas are said to have frequented this region and Sage Vyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata here. Uttarakhand also has its mention in the 7th-century travelogue of Hiuen Tsang.

The Kumaon region was for a long period of time under the rule of the Katyuri dynasty during the medieval times. They ruled from the seventh to the 11th century, exercising complete control over large areas of Kumaon, Garhwal, and western Nepal. The capital of this dynasty was the town of Baijnath near Almora and at the same time was a key center of the arts. The Katyuris built a large number of temples and the important architectural innovation introduced by them was the substitution of bricks with hewn stone. After the Katyuris, the Chand rulers gained control over the region and built the wonderful temple complex at Jageshwar, with its group of a hundred and sixty-four temples.