City: Uttarakhand
Top Things to do in Uttarakhand
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Things to do in Uttarakhand, India: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Uttarakhand (English: /ˌʊtəˈrɑːkʌnd/), officially the State of Uttarakhand (Uttarākhaṇḍ Rājya), formerly known as Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Devbhumi (literally "Land of the Gods") due to many Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is known for the natural environment of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. On 9 November 2000, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India, being created from the Himalayan and adjoining northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh. It borders Tibet to the north; the Province No. 7 of Nepal to the east; and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the west and north-west as well as Haryana on its south-western corner. The state is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon, with a total of 13 districts. The interim capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun, the largest city of the state, which is a railhead. The High Court of the state is located in Nainital.
Restaurants in Uttarakhand
1. Hemkund Sahib
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By bobbysings - Mumbai, India
My Hemkund Sahib Yatra with a local jatha in July was truly a remarkable experience. Day 1 : Mumbai - Dehradoon - Srinagar :- Yatris gathered at the Mumbai airport on the beautiful early morning of July pregnant with monsoon. Wearing the identical Tee shirts & patkas provided in the Travel Kit by the Jatha not only looked outstanding on the Yatris but also helpful to the Veers, performing distribution of breakfast kits, to identify these yatris amongst the general passengers at the waiting lounge of the Mumbai airport. The delicious breakfast served was just a start for the mouth watering food which was unfailingly served all along the yatra. The flight to Dehradoon was full , occupied majorly by the yatris. The Jaikaras by the Sangat energised the emotions in the airplane's cabin, setting the tone for the seven day spiritual journey. The logistics of the yatra was a reliable event due to dedicated Bus's / Seat's / Hotel room's numbers being handed over to yatris in advance. Greeted by mild rains on landing at Dehradoon airport, Yatris were quickly transported in waiting mini buses to a large banquet hall in Ranipokhari ,a distance of four kms from Dehradoon airport ,for lunch Langar Seva organised by the local jatha. After Lunch ,melodious kirtan presentation & felicitation of sewadars ,Yatris commenced the onward travel of 100+ kms for an overnight stay at Hotel Chhahat / River Side Resort in Srinagar over looking the beautiful Alaknanda river. The landscape during this uphill journey to Srinagar is both beautiful & enchanting, making one feel like floating in the monsoon clouds. The non stop sight & sound of the dancing river all along the journey is another event which remains etched in the memory. Arriving in evening at Hotel Chhahat in Srinagar , yatris were served piping hot langar seva of dinner ,while kirtan followed by a lucky draw was parallely being conducted. The atmosphere was full of joy, happiness and anticipation for the forward journey of the next day to Govind Ghat. After a full tummy & tiredness of bus travel the well appointed airconditioned hotel rooms were a major relief & a welcome sight to the Yatris. Day 2: Srinagar - Pipakkoti - Govind Ghat :- The day started with an amazingly elaborate 5 am breakfast / Kirtan program at Hotel Chhahat , since Yatris had to reach Pipalkoti an uphill distance of 100+ kms for brunch. At Pipalkoti brunch was mouth watering in addition to very clean toilet facilities available. Thereafter by the grace of Waheguru Ji , onward journey of 50+ kms to Govind Ghat was completed by 2 pm or so due to absence of land slides ( a common occurrence on this stretch ) & clear open gate access at Joshimath. Hotel Check in was smooth at Govind Ghat . Thereafter Yatris have a choice to visit the town of Badrinath ( 25 kms ) & be back by sunset or alternatively spend time in Govind Ghat , admiring the beauty of the striking alakhnanda river & the spiritualness at the Govind Ghat Gurudwara Sahib & there after night stay. Day 3: Govind Ghat - Ghangaria ( Govind Dham ) :- At 6.30 am after the Ardaas at the Govind Ghat Gurudwara Sahib , most of the Yatris start the onward journey to Govind Dham located in Ghangaria a distance of thirteen kms by foot. Out of the thirteen kms the first four km stretch i.e. upto Pulna is a motorable road which can be covered by shared SUV's or by foot . Horses , Palkis can be hired at Pulna for the onward journey of eight kms to Govind Dham. Yatris also have the option to fly from Govind Ghat upto Gobind Dham by a 2-3 minutes of helicopter ride. However helicopter service has weight limit of luggage & is not available during rains or fog which is quiet common feature. All the Yatris reach Govind Dham by Lunch hour & check in at the dedicated Hotels. Afternoon the day is spent at Govind Dham with kirtan, path & Langar at the Gurudwara Sahib & also enjoying , exploring the local landscape thereafter. Langar seva of excellent dinner takes place in the hotel. Day 4: Govind Dham - Hemkund Sahib Ji - Govind Dham / Govind Ghat :- This is the most important day -To reach Hemkund Sahib Ji located at 15200 feet .Yatris start the journey from Gobind Dham between 5 to 6 am for a constantly delightful steep uphill walk of six kms .Oxygen levels are lower than normal at such heights which is the reason that everyone has to start the descend by 2 pm back to Govind Dham on same day. There are Horses & Palkis available at Govind Dham for Hemkund Sahib Ji for Yatris who do not wish to walk up. On arrival at Hemkund Sahib ji be prepared to be looking at the most beautiful sight on earth - Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib Ji at the edge of the enchanting Sarovar surrounded by seven Hills. Celebrating their arrival with a dip in the super chilled waters of the sarovar , Yatris then get immersed in the melodious kirtan at Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib Ji followed by the much deserved delicious though simple langar & Tea. After darshan , Yatris start the descent & reach Govind Dham by late afternoon for a small break & then majority of Yatris start the onward journey for a night stay at Govind Ghat. Yatris who stay back at Govind Dham have to leave early morning the next day for Govind Ghat. Dinner & stay facilities are available at both Govind Dham & Govind Ghat as per Yatris real time location. Day 5:Govind Dham / Govind Ghat - Srinagar Yatris still at Govind Dham, start the journey to Govind Ghat at 5 in the morning to join the batch of Yatris already reached the previous evening , to eventually catch the Bus heading for return journey home. After a small ,but very high on religious sentiments, Nagar Kirtan followed by Aardaas at Govind Ghat, all Yatris board the buses by 11 am . Lunch break enroute to Hotel Chhahat / River Side Resort ( Srinagar ) is at Pipalkoti. Arrival at Hotel Chhahat / River Side Resort is early evening followed by lip smacking snacks , dinner & light entertainment. Day 6: Srinagar - New Delhi The day starts with a rich & impressive 5 am breakfast at Hotel Chhahat / River Side Resort. Lunch break enroute to Delhi is at astonishing Gurudwara Sahib at Rishikesh. Arrival at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in Delhi is early evening. This journey was an life altering experience which also earned me a spiritual , meaningful & some light hearted conversations with so many of Co Yatris.
2. Kedarnath Mandir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By DAGANKIT - Raipur, India
Kedarnath Temple is located in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas, some 220 kms from Rishikesh,is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.Lying against the backdrop of the magnificent Kedarnath Range, at an altitude of 11745 ft. The nearby flowing Mandakini River, mesmerizing vistas and splendid sceneries in the form of the snow capped mountains, greenlust forests, make Kedarnath a tranquil and picturesque landscape.It is one of the most prominent pilgrimages,particularly for the Hindus. Although you can trek the 20km route but i personally suggest you to take helicopter and spend time there. do take warm cloth as gets very cold out there and midnight abhishek and puja is something to look forward to.
3. Tungnath Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By pawanagni - Kanpur, India
This is the highest Lord Shiva Temple, situated at 14000 mtrs. above sea level and is also known as fourth Kedar at Chopta.. The climb is steep and tiring although only 3.5 kms... but the satisfaction you get after taking darshan is very mesmerizing.. You can take horse also for reaching the temple... the priests here are very polite and not there to rob you of your pocket...Amazing views of mountains and scenery will keep you spellbound during your trek to Temple.. Sight's are truly to behold... the experience cannot be described here in words... A MUST visit for All...
4. Shri Badrinath Ji Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 480 reviews
It is a Religious Shrine of Lord Vishnu & One of Most Religious Pilgrimage in Char Dham Yatra. It is Located in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand at a elevation of 3,133 mts. We at Uttarakhand Holidays provide all Kind of Services During Badrinath Yatra to the Pilgrimages.
Reviewed By VikasB655
Of all 4 dhams I must say with certainity I found Badrinath most beautiful. Gangotri-Gaumukh is at second place for me. Badrinath is vast open beautiful picture postcard landscape with wide beautiful valley view, and awesome pilgrimage + sightseeing route through Mana Village to Vasudhara Falls. There are hot water kunds near main temple called Tap Kund and Narad Kund latter being closer to river Alaknanda.The temple darshan however is highly restricted these days. You get darshan from window of temple outer wall from where you see the Lord some 10-15 feet away sadly. Only those who pay for special pujan and darshans are allowed inside the temple. Darshan queue can be huge May-Jun and can take 2-6 hours. Other places to visit are Mana Village through there Nar-Narayan temple on one side and on other Saraswati-Alaknanda rivers sangam, Lord Ganesha-Ved Vyas caves, Mansarovar Stream, Bhim Pul, Saraswati River, Saraswati Temple, Draupadi Temple. These are within 1.5-2.5 kms walk in same area around Mana village. And finally Vasudhara Falls from Saraswati & Draupadi temples endpoint of Manaa 5-6 kms further trek up the glaciers. See my reviews on these places. See my review for Vasudhara Falls for details of trek! Darshan closes by 9.30 PM night!
5. Bhootnath Temple
6. Hanuman Dham
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 320priyas
Beautiful temple inside and outside, plus they have open space for mahamrityunjaya jaap. It is a good spiritual experience!
7. Swarg Ashram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Uttarakhand-Travel1 - Haldwani, India
Swarg Ashram is also known as Shri 108 Baba kali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji situated in picturesque surrounding and the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxman Jhula. The area is also known as the “Ground Zero” which is surrounded by Ashram and Temples and the spot where from ages of yore the famous yogi and rishis have been doing the Tapasya from the ancient times.
8. Har ki Pauri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,567 reviews
Har Ki Pauri Haridwar : Haridwar is one of the most ancient pilgrimage centers in India that has been reverence from times immemorial. Hari means (Lord/God) and Dwar means Gateway. Hence Haridwar means Gateway to the Lord. According to the India mythology, it is one of the four places where drops of elixir, Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher or Kumbha, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. These four spots have today become places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in succession - Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad. Millions of devotees and tourist congregate from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges.
Reviewed By captaincoolest - New Delhi, India
Har Ki Pauri at Haridwar is the real gateway to heaven.This place has a great significance in Hindu mythology and it is highly worshipped.This is the place where ashes are submerged in Ganges since time immemorial. This is one of the greatest pilgrimage in Hindu religion.The Har Ki Pauri is worshipped like none other place in human history.The Ganges is worshipped every morning and evening without fail and it is termed as Ganga Arti.The Ganga Arti is attended by thousands of people who come here to seek blessings of mother Ganga.The river Ganga is considered as mother in hindu religion and it is highly respected and worshipped by Crores of Hindus all over the world.The people take holy dip in this pious river to wash away their sins and seek divine blessings.The month of Sawan during monsoons is considered to be the most sacred period to take holy dip in Ganges.People from far away towns of Delhi,Haryana,Rajasthan walk several hundreds of Kilometers during Kanwar yatra.The Kanwarias carry Ganga water in pots,cans and walk all the way from har ki pauri to their home towns.The Kanwar yatra takes place for almost 15-20 days and culminate on the occassion of Maha Shiv ratri when holy water of Ganga is poured over Shiv linga. The har ki pauri comes to a standstill during Kanwar yatra when millions of people flock togehter to take a holy dip in mother Ganga.
9. Chandi Devi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By 9971600663 - Ghaziabad District, India
Category : History/ Religion Ideal Time - 3 Hrs / Rating 4.6 Out 5 Chandi Devi Temple :Located 3.5 Kms from Har Ki Pauri . The Temple Is Dedicated to Chandi devi , a form of the Hindu deity Durga .The chandi devi Temple is one of the most ancient Temples in india and Attracts Thousand of pilgrims during The festivals of Navratra and the Kumbha mela . The Temple was Founded By the Ancient Hindu Philosopher adi Shankaracharya who Lived During 700 -820 AD. All Day open (6 Am to 8PM )With aarti timings at 5 :30 Am . Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Ropeway validity - 3Days Validity - Rs 350 , Child below 110 Cm - Rs 200
10. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,089 reviews
Ganga Aarti Means Prayer for the River Ganga. The Ganga is holy river in India. It is worshipped as a goddess. Every day Morning and Evening Ganga Aarti is organised by Ganga Sabha at Har Ki Pauri. Morning and evening time for Aarti is according to Sunset and Sunrise. There is no entry fees or charges for the ceremony. A large number of people gather on both side of the river Ganga to experience and take part in this amazing ceremony. Ganga Lahari Mantra is chanted while making offering to Ganga "Panchamrut" anf flowers. Last part of the Ganga Aarti is special Aarti song for river Ganga which pilgrims / visitors can hear through loud speakers. Pandits will be offering Aarti during the song with special copper "Diya". During some festivals and busy season like may june overwhelming crowd gather here specially during the evening ceremony. Place to seat is difficult sometimes. It is best to reach at least one hour before the sunset time if you want to find better place.
Reviewed By 183gitaj - Ahmedabad, India
Amazing & divine experience of Ganga Aarti in the evening!! Enjoyed more as Hotel Ganga Lehri had organised with local Guruji & we were sitting very near to main aarti place! The diyas in all the Aartis & it’s shadows in the river created magnificent view. Amazing to hear Aarti & people’s participation in it! One gets the feeling of heaven on earth !! Har har Gange!!
