On the foothills of the Himalayas lies Uttrakhand, a state filled with purity, spirituality and beauty. It is here the mythological tales make themselves home, and why not? It is the home of gods – Devbhoomi.
Verdant hills, meandering rivers, bigger than life lakes and encompassing mountains protect Uttarakhand and make it desirable for travellers. The presence of such landscapes also promises adventure sports in the region.
If this is inadequate for an itchy foot, the strategic location of Uttarakhand provides it with the benefit of having the two most sacrosanct rivers in India – Ganga and Yamuna. It appears that the state is competing to become the best, for mere coincidence cannot put the highest Shiva temple, i.e. Tungnath temple, and the highest gurudwara, i.e. Hemkunt Sahib, in the state.
The place is a marvel for peace, yogic balance, spiritual connection with the divine. Not just Hindus, people from all religions come here.
Each corner is tucked with gripping stories. Along with that, flora and fauna are possibly found in their best mood here; some of the highest peaks, national parks, reserves and sanctuaries preserve everything delightfully. The King of Himalayan flowers – Brahma Kamal – also blooms here.
It is divided into two regions: Kumaon and Gharwal. Both areas have their cultures, traditions, foods and languages.
Coming to History, Uttrakhand is the 27th state of independent India and is famous for its Chipko movement.
For Hindus, Uttrakhand is no less than the home of gods. Often revered as Devbhoomi, Uttrakhand is a land where each home, temple, the lake holds a mystical, magical story. One’s journey to Uttarakhand is a journey of the inner and outer self. The vibrance and uniqueness of the state don’t let you go without experiencing it.
Nestled at a whopping height of the Himalayas is the Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand, where the four most holy sites revered by the Hindus are situated: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
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Rishikesh, also known as “the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and “the Yoga Capital of the World”, is a famous pilgrimage town. It is where ancient sages, munis, and saints attained spiritual knowledge. Rishikesh is also where the river Ganga leaves the Shivaliks and joins the plains of Northern India.
Mussoorie is a famous hill station some 35 km from Dehradun. It is popularly known as “the queen of hills”. Flocked mainly by tourists in Summer and Winter, Bhadraj Temple, Dhanaulti, Kempty Falls, Jharipani Falls are famous locations.
Haridwar is the second-largest city in Uttrakhand that serves as an essential destination for bathing and getting salvation in the river Ganga. Mainly Hindu temples and ghats are here. It is one of the seven sacred cities in India. Historically, an elixir from Lord Vishnu’s vehicle spilled here, one of the four places, as a result of which Kumbh Mela is organised here once every 12 years.
Bageshwar is a small town of religious significance where it is said that a person breaks away from the circle of life and death. We don’t know how true it is; we certainly know that we want you to witness how people believe in this. You know, if you will truly listen to their stories, you will start accepting the same.
Uttarakhand has everything for an adventurous soul. It offers many snow sports in Auli. And to reach this, you can come to Joshimath and then take a 3.5 km cable car from there. Otherwise, by road, Auli is 14 km from Joshimath.
Chopta is also the base point of the famous Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in India. The place is known for its meadows, where camping under the starry nights is everyone’s dream. Then, it is also a famous trekking spot where a 360° view of Nanda Devi, Chaukhambha and Trishul gives you glances that leave a mark on you for a lifetime.
Carpeted at an elevation of 2000 m, Nainital is a Himalayan resort town. It is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. It experiences dry cold during winter.
One among the Chota Char Dhams, Kedarnath, is mainly revered by devotees of Lord Shiva who reach the temple after trekking for 22 km. There is no other alternative way to get to the temple.
In 2013, it was hit by a flash flood. The debris did not do much damage; only some cracks can be seen on one temple wall.
Joshimath or Jyotirmath acts as an entry point to trekking trails, expeditions and pilgrim centres like Badrinath. It is a sacred destination and the winter seat of Lord Badri.
True to its name, Munsiyari refers to the place of snow. It is at an elevation of 2200 m and enjoys views of the Goriganga river beside it. This is also the place under the ancient salt route from Tibet.
Uttrakhand is a trekking destination. Here are the significant treks that happen in the state:
Although the state is gradually increasing its connectivity, Uttarakhand is mainly connected by roads that take us to many remote areas.
Uttarakhand has three airports: Jolly Grant Airport, Naini Saini Airport and Pantnagar Airport.
There are as many as 16 railway stations within the state that connect with the rest of India.
This is the best mode of transportation in Uttrakhand.
INR 1000 per day.
Kafuli, Bhang ki Chutney, Baadi, Dubuk, Jhangora ki kheer, Arsa, Aloo ka Jhol, Singori.
A typical trip to Uttarakhand is of 7 to 8 days. All sightseeing locations along with activities can be covered in this duration. But if you want to get involved in trekking or other adventure activities, be prepared and make an assertive plan.
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Kedarnath Badrinath best time to visit - Motherland India Holidays
The weather in Kedarnath and Badrinath can be unpredictable, and it is always recommended to check the forecast before planning a trip.
In the summer months from May to June, the weather is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures during the day and cool nights. However, there may be occasional showers or thunderstorms during this time.
During the monsoon season from July to October, heavy rain can lead to landslides and road closures, making travel difficult.
The winter months from November to April are cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. Snowfall is common in these months, which makes visiting these places for tourists a bit of a challenge.
A person’s spirituality inspires them to set out on a holy quest to find tranquility and peace. One such journey is the holy Chardham Yatra, which takes place in the formidable Garhwal Himalayan range. Exploring the oldest Hindu traditions in the world is made possible by the Char Dham Yatra.
A significant pilgrimage is the Chardham Yatra. It is thought to free you from the cycle of life and reincarnation and erase all the sins you have committed.
*Chardham Yatra Travel Tips
Plan ahead:
Because the Chardham Yatra is a well-known pilgrimage, be sure to reserve your lodging and transportation well in advance. Obtaining your permission and making any essential preparations for porter services or pony rentals are also crucial.
Get in shape:
It’s crucial to be in top physical condition prior to starting the Chardham Yatra because it entails a lot of walking and climbing. Starting a regular workout routine many months prior to your vacation is advised to get your body ready.
Pack wisely:
Pack warm clothing and rain gear because the Himalayan weather can be erratic. Bring a nice backpack and a pair of strong shoes as well. A solid first aid kit, a torch, and a water bottle are also suggested.
Be prepared for altitude:
Due to the high altitude of the Chardham Yatra, it’s critical to be mindful of the signs of altitude sickness, which include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. It’s a good idea to acclimate before starting the trek.
Respect the culture:
Given that the Chardham Yatra is a holy pilgrimage, it’s crucial to respect regional culture and traditions. This includes not littering, removing your shoes before entering temples, and dressing modestly.
Going on a Chardham Yatra in India is a spiritual and cultural journey unlike any other. Visit the best holy places during this pilgrimage including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Haridwar. Apart from these well-known sites, several lesser-known destinations are also worth exploring.
For instance, Joshimath provides stunning views of the Himalayas and is home to the revered Adi Shankaracharya Math. Similarly, Guptkashi boasts of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Manikarnika Kund, which are believed to have supernatural powers. Another noteworthy stop during the Chardham Yatra is Rudraprayag – where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers converge.
A visit to these thirteen must-see sites in India’s northern regions is sure to leave visitors with lifelong memories of spirituality and breathtaking natural beauty.
Excellent Blog! Uttarakhand is a small and beautiful state of India. Uttarakhand known as a Devbhoomi .Very nicely they express and write about Uttarakhand .Thanks for sharing this information.
THINGS TO CARRY FOR CHARDHAM YATRA 2023 : THE MOST KEY ELEMENT OF OUR JOURNEY IS PACKING WHEN WE ARE PLANNING A VACATION OR A CHARDHAM YATRA. IT CHOOSES WHAT TO CARRY AND WHAT NOT TO CARRY. EVEN AFTER PACKING A LOT OF THINGS INTO OUR SUITCASE, IF WE DON’T MAKE A LIST OF THE NECESSARY GOODS, WE’LL FEEL LIKE WE’VE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT.
YOU MAY PREVENT THIS BY MAKING A LIST OF NECESSARY ITEMS BEFORE YOUR TRIP. BY DOING THIS, WE CAN TRANSPORT THE NECESSITIES FOR OUR TRAVEL. THE CHARDHAM YATRA IS A PILGRIMAGE TO YAMUNOTRI, GANGOTRI, KEDARNATH, AND BADRINATH. THESE WELL-KNOWN LOCATIONS ARE FOUND IN UTTARAKHAND AT THE PEAK OF THE HIMALAYAS.
HENCE, WHEN WE DECIDE TO TRAVEL TO CHARDHAM YATRA, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE REMEMBER WHAT TO PACK AND CARRY AND STICK TO OUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST SO THAT WE DON’T RUN INTO ANY PROBLEMS.
Chardham Yatra from Bangalore 2023: One of the greatest tours to take is the Chardham tour. Have the chance to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath’s famous temples by booking our Chardham yatra package from Bangalore 2023. Each Dham has its own significance. Starting in Bangalore and ending in the famed Chardham, this holy pilgrimage.
Prepare for a religious tour and make the most of your trip by doing so. Choose from one of our premium Bangalore to Chardham packages to enjoy fascinating tour itineraries that have been proven to be the best.
Duration: 11 Nights/12 Days
Destinations will be covered: Delhi – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Joshimath – Badrinath.
Duration of stay: 04 NIGHT / 05 DAYS
Uttarakhand Tour: Uttarakhand, also referred to as Devbhoomi or the “country of the gods,” is bordered by the Himalayas and is separated into the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Explore the 13 lesser-known locations from the state’s 13 districts in addition to the several well-known locations like Nainital, Mussoorie, Corbett National Park, and Auli and pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Every traveller can find something to enjoy in Uttarakhand, a magical place of mountains and mythology, stunning landscapes and exhilarating adventure, wellness, and yoga.
This is such a detailed guide. I have a trip to Uttarakhand with my family for the next month and I am very excited to explore these beautiful spots. Keep sharing such helpful posts!! Thanks!
Amazing post!!! I liked that you have written the post to the point. We all colleagues are planning to go for trekking in Uttarakhand as a part of our trip and this post has given the list of various places where we can trek. Keep sharing your knowledge of such beautiful places with the readers.