Valley of Flower's

Way back in 1931, English mountaineer Frank Smythe, on his way back from an expedition to Mt Kamet, literally stumbled across the paradisal Bhyundar Valley, an 8-km long glacial corridor in Chamoli Garhwal. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and carpeted with flowers- some 500 species, including the elusive brahmakamal, the cobra lily, the Himalayan edelweiss and the ethereal Himalayan blue poppy- the Valley forms one of India's most unusual protected areas. Declared a National Park in 1982, the Valley of Flowers stretches over an expanse of 87.50 sq km- an area which has steadily gained in popularity, not just among nature lovers, but also among eager-beaver trekkers over the past few years.

This part of Uttaranchal, in the upper reaches of Garhwal, is inaccessible through much of the year. But when the snows melt and the monsoon arrives, the earth comes to life- all along the Bhyundar Ganga river. For miles on end, flowers- orchids, poppies, primulas, calendulas, daisies and anemones among them- in every conceivable colour, carpet the ground. Alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover a part of the area, and are home to tahr, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, common langur, bharal, serow, and Himalayan black bear. They're elusive, though, and a trek through the Valley may not result in actually seeing much wildlife other than the myriad butterflies which flutter over the blossoms.The local villagers say that the Valley of Flowers is inhabited by fairies who carry off anyone who ventures too far into their domain; and that there bloom, in the valley, flowers with a fragrance so potent that it can make you faint. Another story would have you believe that this valley- known in Hindu mythology as `Nandankanan'- was created when the gods showered flowers down on earth. The last story's actually very believable. See for yourself. Entry RequirementsAll visitors to the Valley of Flowers need to obtain an entry permit from the Forest Checkpost at the entrance to the park, beyond Ghangaria. The fee is a nominal one- at least for Indians, who pay significantly less than foreigners. The permit is valid for three days, and additional charges are levied for still cameras; video cameras are allowed only if you're carrying a special permit from the Chief Wildlife Warden in Lucknow. Visitors are allowed into the park only during the daytime.
AccessGetting to the Valley of Flowers isn't exactly a cakewalk: getting here requires a trek of about 17 km. The nearest major town is Joshimath in Garhwal, which has convenient road connections from railheads such as Hardwar and Dehradun, both about 270 km from Joshimath.From Joshimath, a vehicle can be hired to take you to within 17 km of the park, to the settlement of Gobindghat. The route from Joshimath to the Valley of Flowers goes along the main road to Badrinath; roughly midway along this road, a minor road branches off to Gobindghat, the roadhead for the Valley. From Gobindghat, a trek of 14 km brings hikers to the tiny settlement of Ghangaria, beyond which the toll gate to the National Park is about 3 km.
Best time to visitThe Valley of Flowers is accessible only in the summer, between June and October. The rest of the year, heavy snows make passage impossible, and usually block off the trail leading up to the National Park. Although you can visit the park any time during the summer, it's best to go in August or September, when monsoon showers turn the valley into a mass of blooms.
AccommodationVisitors are not allowed to stay overnight at the Valley of Flowers; in consequence, there are no facilities for accommodation within the park. Places nearby, however, have a fairly respectable range of accommodation facilities- none of them too luxurious, but usually adequate. There are state-run tourist resthouses at Joshimath and Ghangharia; both in addition, have several tourist lodges and resthouses. Accommodation tariffs along the way can range from anywhere between Rs 50 to 700. Further information on the Valley of Flowers National Park can be obtained from the many offices of the GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) in Uttaranchal, or from the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Chamoli District, Garhwal, Uttaranchal

Valley of Flower's

Valley of Flower's

History

The history of Garhwal is older than that of the Ramayan and Maha- bharata. It is a land of popular myths, like that of Lord Shiva appearing as Kirat, of Urvashi, Shakuntala and the Kauravas and Pandavas. Worship of Lord Shiva is pre-dominant in this region. Historically, it has been described in the ancient text of Kedarkhand to extend from Gangadwar (modern day Hardwar) in the South to the high mountains in the North, and from the Tamsa (Tons) river in the in the West to Buddhachal (probably the Nanda Devi group of peaks between Garhwal and Kumaon) in the East. Today it is an administrative division of the raising state of Uttaranchal, comprising the districts of Chamoli, Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri and Uttarkashi.

The people of Kumaon are said to have been the original inhabitants of the Kols (also related to the Mund, ethnic group). One of their groups migrated to Kumaon after they had been defeated by the Dravidians. The Shilpkars of Kumaon are said to be the descendants of the Kols. The Kirats are believed to have been the ancestors of the tribes which are today known as Shaukas, Banrajis. Tharus and Boksas. While the Shaukas were active from the Tarai region to Tibet, the Tharus and Boksas confined themselves to the Tarai, and the Banrajis had always lived in 'splendid' isolation. Later on, the Khasas came from West Asia and settled down in many parts of Himalaya. A major portion of the population of Kumaon is said to have descended from the Khasas.

HISTORY

Uttaranchal finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manakhand and Himavat. The Kushanas, Kudinas, Kanishka, Samudra, Gupta, the Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, the Chandras and Pawaras and the British have ruled in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and shrines. The hilly regions of Uttaranchal offer unspoilt landscapes to the tourist -pilgrim.
The present state of Uttaranchal was earlier as part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh which came into existence in 1902. In 1935, the name of the state was shortened to the United Province. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it came into being on 9 November 2000, the 27th state of India.

Area
: 55,845 sq.km.
Population
: 70.45 Lakhs
Capital
: Dehradun
Districts
: 13
The new State Uttaranchal, formerly a part of Uttar Pradesh was formed on November 9th, 2000 as the 27th state of the Indian Union. The districts include Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Hardwar, Pauri Garhwal, Bageswar, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar. Dehradun has been made the capital. Nitya Ananda Swami of the B.J.P party has become the Chief Minister of the state. Details under construction.

Beautiful Kumaon

Kausani

Location:Standing 1890 mts. above the sea level, Kausani is nature's own reserve. Even the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi had contemplated on the beauty of the region.Several snow- capped peaks stand in a stately row, over 300 kms. in length, shining against the azure sky making the horizon as seen from Kausani and enviable spectacle. The glory of the snow crowned Himalayan range reaches its pinnacle when the sunrays turn them into crimson and gold.Mahatma Gandhi, who spent 12 days in 1929 at Kausani, penned his memorable commentary on the Gita-Ana-Shakti Yoga inspired by the scenic grandeur of this richly gifted spot. The guest house where the Mahatma stayed is now known as the Anashakti Ashram.Hindi poet laureate Sumitra Nandon Pant was born at Kausani. Some of his early poems composed here have described nature in its myriad manifestations.Kausani is ideal for those who seek to escape from the din and dust, hustle and bustle of big cities and wish to spend a quiet holiday in the lap of nature. Indeed, Kausani is a veritable heaven of beauty to which an excursion must be made on visiting Kumaon

How To Reach
By Air: Nearest airport to Kausani is at Pant Nagar.
By Rail: Nearest railway station to Kausani is at Kathgodam, which is 35 km away. Kathgodam is connected with major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Dehradun and Calcutta.
By Road: Kausani is well connected by surface network with major cities like Delhi, Nainital, Almora and Ranikhet.

Chaukori

Chaukori

Location:Chaukori is a dream,surrounded by the towering Himalayan peaks and dense forests. At a height of 2,010 mtrs. above the sea level. Chaukori is not just another hill station, but it's for the very few, who want to be there, in the majestic proximity of the Himalayas for an unbound view of the Nanda Devi and Panchchuli peaks.Sight Seeing: Chaukori is the vantaage point to the Himalayas. Due to it's small population(just 300), high altitude and the magnificent location, it's one of the most ideal spot for the travellers who seek a ideal hideaway, far from the maddening city life.One can look at the awe-inspiring distant peaks, walk in at own pace amidst forests and orchards or do nothing, just relax

How to Reach
By Air: The nearest Airport is Pithoragarh(125 Kms.).No regular flights are available at present
By Rail:The nearest Railhead Kathgodam,215 kms. By Road: Chaukori is connected through metalled hill roads with all the major towns in the area
Where to Stay:1. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Rest HouseTel:05964-2443452. Him Darshan Hotel3. Hotel Panch Chuli4. Jhaltola Estate5. Uttarayan Rest HouseMany Private hotels at Berinag, barely 8 kms. from Chaukori

Harsil

On the way to Gangotri,at a distance of 73 Kms. from Uttarkashi,this sleepy hamlet offers immaculate beauty of the Himalayas,at an impressive height of 2,620 mtrs. above the sea level.Harsil is still a sleeping beauty, unexplored by the travellers. It has unlimited beauty in the form of green valleys and sleepy meadows,surrounded by the breathtaking splendour of the Himalayan peaks.Harsil is a cantonment area. So it is restricted for the foreign tourist. Apart from being at the way to Gangotri, it's also the entry point to Kinnaur Himalayas in the Himachal Pradesh. One can walk through the pristine valleys,tall trees,encircling lakes and go for long treks

The Camp is a very scenic beach camp by the Ganga river, located upstream from Rishikesh and before Kaudiyala, in the Himalayan foothills. It stretches onto 800 meters of silver sand beach, surrounded by thick forests and mountains, bright sunshine and constantly flowing emerald green river Ganges. Night on the beach has its own mystic charm - starlit sky, silhouette of the mountains, the moon shimmering on the river, the rippling sound of water and the camp fire romance. This is a great way to explore the outdoors.Accommodation is in safari tents with a living area of the size of 10 x 12 feet which have a centre table and two beds with mattresses and sleeping bags. Each unit is weather proof and well ventilated with roll up windows. Dining is an interesting affair as well. Keeping up with the forest department guidelines we have dry pit toilets (sanitized by lime powder) at one end of the camp which also houses bathing tents and general wash area. People at the camp generally prefer to bathe at the river but hot water is also made available on request.Dining: Food is laid out in a separate dining tent overlooking river Ganga. Drinking water at the camp is sourced from a natural water spring about 200 meters from the camp. Alternatively bottled water is procured for drinking and cooking purposes. Adequate supply of bottled drinking water is also maintained at the camp. The camp kitchen takes care of the meals in a buffet arrangement with a large spread. The meal pattern is generally vegetarian. Chinese and continental food is also served at the camp with prior information and request for groups. Liven up your evenings on the beach under a starlit sky with mouth watering bar-be-cue, tandoori delights, music and bonfire !Activities: A host of activities await you here - rafting, kayaking, body surfing, forest walks, village visits, trekking, bird watching, star gazing, beach volleyball, cricket, rugby or simply building sandcastles or sunbathing. It is also a great venue for corporate programs like outbound training, team building, stress management. For those interested in adventure we offer rafting and kayaking on the Ganges with experienced river runners. The wilderness around the camp encourages you to go for scenic walks in the invigorating and pure morning air. Also on offer is trekking, rock climbing and rappelling

Binsar, located in the serene and heavenly Kumaon hills, lies 25 kilometres north-east of the town of Almora. Binsar is situated in the midst of a forest reserve known as the ‘Binsar Reserve’ which has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary. Binsar is perched on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills and completely surrounded by dense forests. Oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar grow in amazing abundance. The forests of Himalayan oak and rhododendron are excellent for trekking. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 kms, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli

Ramgarh is a picturesque hamlet in the heart of orchard land in the foothills of the Himalayas, located 25 kms from Nainital. Many writers and thinkers have been drawn to the beauty of Ramgarh and it is an ideal place for long walks, to let your creative juices flow or just unwind or introspect. This is the place where Rabindranath Tagore was inspired to write his Nobel Prize-winning collection of poems, Gitanjali.

At 8000 ft, Mukteshwar is an idyllic sojourn in the lap of the mountains and rolling meadows. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it provides a majestic view of the Himalayas. It is popular for the centuries old Shiva Temple, Chauthijalli rock formations, Angora wool sheep farm, rejuvenating forest walks and enchanting sunsets

Nestling amongst thick, dense pine forests, atop a narrow ridge, and separated from the towering mountains of the Nanda Devi range by low medium mountains, Kausani commands an incredible view of 300 km of silvery majesty of the Himalayan range. Praised by poets and philosophers, this scenic spot offers sightseeing, history and complete relaxation. Gandhiji stayed here at the Anashakti Ashram in 1929 and was inspired by the superb Himalayan panorama and the Hindi poet laureate Sumitra Nandan Pant grew up here

Ranikhet with no hustle-bustle of a busy hill station, no touts offering the best accommodation bargain in town, or cajoling to book a sightseeing tour for the morrow, or offering to escort you to ‘sunset point’ or ‘himalayan point’ in the evening is a perfect place for a peaceful and tranquil getaway !It is also the home for the Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC). As soon as you enter the town, the ethereal beauty of the majestic deodhar welcomes you. Since the time the Britishers discovered this celestial piece of earth to the outside world, the ambience of the place seems almost unchanged. Ranikhet has a 9 hole golf course, ringed by verdant pine meadows.

Bhimtal is a small mountain haven with a huge lake, and is only 298 kms from Delhi and 16 kms from Nainital. Bhimtal at 4500 feet, is known for its tranquility and idyllic natural setting. It is famous for its beautiful lake, serene beauty and picturesque mountains.

Situated at a height of 8500 feet and built over a sprawling 5 acre plot, The Terraces comprises of 20 luxury rooms, each of them with a grand view of snow clad Himalayan Peaks. Each tastefully decorated room at this boutique resort is equipped with a wide range of latest amenities. Also fireplaces in each room ward off intense cold during winters. From here you can go for many walks in the adjoining forest and short treks around. Surkhanda Devi, on the other side, is almost a must-do. It is located 6 kms, from The Terraces, by road to Kaddukhal towards Mussorie and then a 2 km trek on foot to the little temple at a height of 9995 feet.