Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal

The famous hill station Pithoragarh is in Uttaranchal, which seems to be attracting a lot of tourists these days, because the state not only offers the tourists a chance to enjoy natural beauty but also a chance to try various adventure sports, such as white river rafting, hang-gliding and skiing. So whether you want to spend a holiday close to nature or have the time of your life. Come to Pithoragarh and make Hill resorts in India your travel partner, so you can choose the right holiday package to this beautiful hill resort.

Location Pithoragarh stands at a height of 1,851 meters in a valley, fondly called the 'Little Kashmir' in the northern state of Uttaranchal. The district covers an area of 8,856 square kilometers and it borders both Nepal and Tibet.

Places to Visit
While you are at a tour of Pithoragarh, you can check out a number of lakes around Pithoragarh. There are two of them which are quite famous, one of them being Jolingkong and the other one being Anchherital. While the former is at a height of 4,634 meters, the latter is situated at an altitude of 3,658 meters. The district is dotted all over with many old temples that you visit. There is a shrine at Purnagiri, which is only 20 kms from Tanakpur, and there is another Sikh shrine near Lohaghat called Ritha Sahib. According to a belief, Guru Nanak touched the bitter ritha and it turned sweet after his touch.A tour to the White Manu Temple is also a must if you are in Pithoragarh. It is dedicated to the Goddess, who on invocation brings rain thus good fortune to the mountains.

Excursion
If you are in Pithoragarh for a few days, you can travel to Baleshwar, which is 76km away on the Tankpur Road. There you can see the beautiful temples which were built by early Chand rajas in the 8th Century. About 77 kms from Pithoragarh is a Shaktipeeth, which was established by Adi Sankaracharya. About two kilometers away is Chamunda Devi temple.Around 14 kms from Gangolihat is Patal Bhubaneshwar, a temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Interestingly enough, one has to go through a tunnel to reach the temple.Around 62 kms from Pithoragarh is Lohaghat. About 2 kms from here is the Abbot Mount and Mayawati. At Mount Abbot, one can see a lot of Bungalows, which belong to the colonial era. This place also offers a great view of the Northern Hill Ranges. Mayawati is known for the headquarters of Adwait Ashram. At a distance of 7km from Pithoragarh is Chandak. It is at a height of 1,830 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the Pithoragarh valley. 20 kms from Tanakpur is Punyagiri, which has the Punyagiri temple, which is devoted to Maa Punyagiri.

Mayawati Ashram
22 kms. from Champawat and 9 kms. from Lohaghat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 mts. Mayawati shot into prominence after the Advaita Ashram was established here. The ashram attracts spiritualists from India and abroad.

Abbot Mount
11 kms., Remarkable for scenic beauty Abbot Mount is situated 8 kms. from Lohaghat. The place is famous for peaceful secluded holidays .

Devidhura
45 kms from Lohaghat Devidhura is famous for its Varashi temple, where the traditional Bagwal (organised stone throwing between two grops) is held once every year on Raksha Bandhan.

Vanasur - Ka - Kila
This fort is situated at an elevation of 1859 mts., 7 kms. from Lohaghat and 20 kms. from Champawat. (Lohaghat to Karnakarayat is 6 kms. by bus and Karnakarayat to Vanasur-ka-Kila 1 km. by foot .

Visiting Pithoragarh
There are frequent buses to Pithoragarh from Almora, Nanital and Delhi, so getting to Pithoragarh by road is no problem.The closest railhead is at Tanakpur and the closest airport is at Patnanagar, which is 249kms from Pithoragarh.

Mukteshwar, Uttaranchal

At a distance of 52 km. from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is a beautiful Himalayanresort. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest, it provides a majestic view of the Himalayas and the Almora town below in glittering moonlit nights. The famous Indian Veterinary Research Institute is also located here.

Sightseeing

The View of Himalayas
Mukteshwar provides a panoramic view of the magnificent Himalayas. This splendid view has been a great attraction to the visitors

Indian Veterinary Research Institute
The Institute, well known for its contributions in the research relating to animals, is located here

Excursions

Ramgarh : 26 km. A picturesque hamlet in the heart of apple, plum, peaches and apricot orchards. This fruit belt of Kumaon is famous for its juicy fruits all over India.

Bhowali : 40 km. Situated at an altitude of 1706 mts. on the main Haldwani-Almora road, Bhowali is a popular health resort.

Ghorakhal : Ghorakhal 37 km. Famous for the temple of Gollu Devta, a demigod highly revered by the Kumaonis.

Mussoorie, Uttaranchal Hill Station

Mussoorie, Popularly known as the Queen of Hills, this charming hill station, 34 kms from Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2003 mts in the Garhwal hills. above sea-level. Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India and the most frequently visited. It provides excellent respite to people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains, especially since it is close enough to the capital to make just weekend trip. Also, major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.

In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made it his residence. The name, Mussoorie is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a centre of education, business, tourism and beauty.

Mussoorie (Places to See)

Gun Hill
Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable. Gun Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

Municipal Garden
A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 4kms by cycle rickshaw, pony or by car and only 2 kms on foot via Waverly Convent Road.

Childer's Lodge
Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.

Camel's Back Road
It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this froad is horse riding and wlking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's Rock with a life like resemblace can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public school.

Jharipani Fall
8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.

Bhatta Fall
7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.

Kempty Fall
15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refresshing and enjoyabled for children and adults alike.

Nag Devta Temple
An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provies a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake
A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are availble. It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Van Chetna Kendra
At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Sir George Everest House
6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his offce and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill) 9 kms 6to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2104 mtrs. Is the Jwalaji Temple. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Clous End
The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, 8 kms from Library. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna river. The most ideally suited resort for fireigners and honeymoon couples.

Mussoorie (Institution)

Rich in history and beauty, Mussoorie has given birth to many institutions that are known virtually all over the country. Since 1959, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration has been training and molding batch after batch of raw probationers into the country's finest bureaucrats, foreign service officers, and police officers. the Academy, situated at Charleville, continues to train officers for the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service. A fire broke out in the Academy some years ago and destroyed, among other buildings and papers, its precious library rated amongst the best in the country. While many of the books destroyed in the fire are difficult to replace, a new beginning has already been made by acquiring a fine collection of books.

While the Academy belongs to the post-Independence period, most of Mussoorie's institutions date back more than a century. The Waverley Convent, a school for girls, was established in 1845 and has commemorated 150 years of distinguished existence. While some of its buildings were destroyed in an earthquake in the early years of this century, then by a fire, and then again in the recent earthquake, Waverley still retains much of the old-world architectural charm. The cable cars swing between the Hall and Gun Hill more than 100 times a day.

Mussoorie (Excursion)

Naga Tibba
About 55km, an ideal spot for trekking. Naga Tibba is the highest peak around Mussoorie at 10,000 feet and is covered by thick forests.

Dhanolti
On Mussoorie-Tehri Road 25km away, it has deodhar forests and mountainscapes.

Surkhanda Devi
Surkhanda Devi Temple at 10,000 feet, 35 km down the Mussoorie - Tehri road. Perched on a peak, the temple demands a stiff two-km climb form devotees. The temple, goes the legend, was built on the site where the head of Shiva's consort (Shiva is the destroyer in the Hindu trinity) fell after it was chopped off to stop Shiva's terrifying dance of death that was shaking the universe to its very core.

Lakha Mandal
80 km away on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri Road. Linked with the Mahabharata with idols of archaeological importance.

Mussoorie (When to visit )
Mussoorie is a hill station which has pleasant climate around the year. It is a very cool place with greenery at its full bloom during September to November. The best seasons to visit Mussoorie is between April to June and again during September to November. When the plains of North India experience heat waves, Mussoorie provides a welcome break. September - November is spring time here. During this season Himalayas are clearly visible. It is better to avoid monsoons as the roads to Mussoorie are in bad shape. Same thing applies for the winter when roads are blocked due to snowfall

Mussoorie (Travel Information)
There are regular flights from Delhi to Doon Valley (Jolly Grant). From the Jolly Grant airport, taxis and buses ply to Dehradun, from where they go up to Mussoorie (2¼ hours, 60 km). The overnight Mussoorie Express links Delhi to Dehradun, the railhead for Mussoorie.
Delhi to Mussoorie is 290 km by road. Dehradun to Mussoorie is 35 km. There are direct buses from Delhi to Mussoorie, along with private taxis. Buses ply every half hour from Dehradun to Mussoorie. Private taxis and shared taxis are favored by a majority of visitors.

Mussoorie - Local Transport
Hand pulled rickshaws, taxis and cars are not allowed on the Mall, but can move in other motorable parts of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie (Accommodation)
Mussoorie has more than a hundred hotels to choose.

Mussoorie (What to Wear)
In summer, light woolens are advisable while heavy woolens are a necessity during winter.
The summer season extends from April to June. The winter season is from September to December.

Area : 65 sq km
Altitude : 2005.5 m
Temperature in Summer : 31.2°C(max);7.2°C(min)
Temperature in Winter : 7.2°C(max);1.1°C(min)
Languages : Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit : April-June and September-October

Almora

Location:Almora is a town within the district by the same name. It is located next to river Kosi and Suyal. It has a rich and bustling bazaar and a rich cultural heritage. Some of the important places in the district are Almora, Dania, Ranikhet,Someshwar,Dwarahat. History:Almora was established on land owned by Katyuri king Baichaldeo who donated the land to Gujrati Brahmin Sri Chand Tiwari. It became the capital of the Chand kingdom who ruled over big chunks of current Uttarakhand (see also history of Uttarakhand).

Travel Information

By Air:
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar (airport code is PGH) which is also the seat of a famous agricultural university and located about 127 Kms from Almora. Flights from Delhi are available through Jagson Airlines and others.
By Rail:
You can travel upto

• Kathgodam (90 Kms.away) through Ranikhet Express #5013/5014 which starts from Delhi
• Kathgodam(90 kms away) through KGM DDN Express #4319/4320 which starts from Dehradun the capital of Uttarakhand.
• Lal Kuan (115 kms away) through Bagh Express #3019/3020 which starts from Howrah/Calcutta and goes through Lucknow.

Good taxi/bus services are available from both Kathgodam and Lal Kuan for travel to Almora. Be prepared to haggle/bargain for fares with them. By Road:
Almora is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular roadways buses run from Delhi (380 kms away), Agra, Dehradun (415 kms away), Haridwar, Lucknow (466 kms away), Kanpur & Bareilly daily (by Delhi Transport Coporation, KMOU Ltd, UP Roadways, Haryana Roadways).Beside this,luxury coaches are available from Delhi.

The unofficial things to do

• Walk in lala bazaar with brief stops in front of Ramjay college for breathtaking views of the himalayas. Be prepared to hear a mouthful from the gappi (gossipy)people of the area.
• Eat plenty of local sweets such as Baal mithai and Kachauri. If in season, don't forget to eat the local red berries named as Kafal.
• Avoid brushing against the local bush named Shishoona to avoid getting a nerve wracking sensation of needles on the skin for some time.
• Have a quick trip to Chitai temple (located around 20 kms from Almora). It has a good collection of brass bells. If you can count all of them in a day drop me an email.
• Chat with some locals about the family tree of the natives. Some of the common area include Palyon/Pandeykhola(house of Pandeys),Dania/Jhijar/Shailakhola(house of Joshis),Chidgal(house of Pants).
• If visiting during the month of September, do attend the Nanda devi festival.
• Learn to make aipan - the traditional form of rangoli