Travel To Uttarakhand
Awareness
Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi, the land of gods. Nested in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a beautiful northern state of India that enthrals everyone with its spectacularly scenic landscapes. Surrounded by states of Himachal Pradesh in the west and Uttar Pradesh in south and shares its international boundary with Nepal.
Filled with snow-capped peaks, quaint villages along the winding mountain roads, serpentine rivers that carve its way through the hills, water hurtling down slopes creating number of waterfalls and fresh water lakes.
People of Uttarakhand reflect a sincere bond with nature and gods with their simple lifestyle and honesty. This state is rich in flora and fauna and provides a wide diversity of natural habitats for its rich ecosystem. Various trekking routes are available to explore the scenic beauty of this land which is also the birth place of Ganga.
Chaukori
As the name of the place suggests, this place is like a bowl surrounded by snow capped mountains situated amidst the Himalayas. Snow laden peaks of Nanda Devi and Panchchuli are visible from this place. Located at an altitude of 2010 meters this is a dream destination for travellers. This place is also known for Hindu temples and provides an excellent place for natural photography.
Chaukori is also surrounded by forests of pine and deodar as well as orchards. The pristine and spectacular landscape provides great travelling experiences. The people of Chaukori are very friendly, affectionate and helpful.
By Air: The nearest airport to Chaukori is Pantnagar Airport. Pantnagar Airport is situated about 230 kilometres from Chaukori. Taxis are available to Chaukori, Almora and Bageshwar from Pant Nagar Airport. Chaukori is well connected by motor-able roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand.
By Rail : Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Chaukori situated at a distance of 200 kilometres. Kathgodam is well connected with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Trains are frequent to Kathgodam as it is the gateway of Kumaon region. Buses and Taxis are easily available to Chaukori from Kathgodam railway station.
By Road : Chaukori is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of northern India. Buses to Kathgodam and Almora are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. From Almora taxis are available to Chaukori.
Ojaswi Resort: It is a beautiful resort, with spacious and well decorated rooms. Hot and cold water facility is available. Food is freshly prepared and served at restaurant. This resort also has a lovely garden, but mountain view is not available from this resort.
Hotel Misty Mountain: This hotel is known for its unique location surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched forests and the nearest neighbour is a kilometer away. Lovely comfortable cottages, that has views of the Himalayas. The patio outside the cottages has cushioned seating provided uninterrupted peaceful view of the mountains. Rooms are with all the amenities and caring staff with lovely restaurant that serves veg as well as non-veg delicacies.
Parwati Resort: The resort symbolizes the warmth and traditional hospitality of the people of Uttarakhand. The room is spacious and comfortable with amazing view. Food is delicious served in a rooftop restaurant. The road to this resort takes you through the majestic mountains and winding roads of the hills lined with pine and deodar trees. There are no AC or Fan in the room as this place stays cool throughout the year.
Patal Bhubaneshwari: Located about 37 kilometres from Chaukori, this is a cave temple where it is believed that Pandavas with their wife Draupadi stayed for some time.
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple: Sage Kapil constructed this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a very religious place for Hindus.
Nagmandir Berinag: Located about 10 Kilometres from Chaukori, this temple is dedicated to SheshNag. SheshNag is the serpent with multiple heads forming the bed of Lord Vishnu.
Dharchula
Dharchula is a small town in Pithorgarh district of Uttarakhand known for its scenic beauty. Completely Surrounded by mountains, the views from this place is simply breathtaking. This place is closer to border in Nepal and is surrounded by to Pine, Oak and Deodar trees. A peaceful place with lot of culture and traditional history. Travellers looking for peace amidst nature love this place for its natural beauty.
Situated on the banks of River Kali, this place is en-route to Chota Kailash. The the entire range of Panchchuli peak is visible from this place. River Kali divides this town into two parts one is in the Indian side and other is Nepal. People are very friendly, affectionate and helpful.
By Air: The nearest airport to Dharchula is Pantnagar Airport. Pantnagar Airport is situated about 335 kilometres from Dharchula. Taxis are available to Dharchula. It is well connected by motor-able roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. It takes around 10 hours drive to reach Dharchula from Pantnagar Airport.
By Rail: Tanakpur is the nearest railway station to Dharchula situated at a distance of 240 kilometres. Tanakpur is connected with major destinations of India like Allahabad, Delhi etc. Taxis and buses are available to Dharchula. It takes around 8 hours to reach Dharchula from Tanakpur.
By Road: Dharchula is well connected by motor-able roads with major cities of northern India. Buses to Almora are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. From Almora taxis are available to Dharchula. The distance from Almora to Dharchula is about 210 kilometres and it takes around 7 hours to reach.
Hotel King: This is a basic hotel with basic amenities. Located close to Dharchula stadium. The ambience and rooms are good along with good food. You will not find fans or AC in this hotel as the temperature itself is cool.
KVMN Rest House: Located besides Kali river one can view the Nepal side from the Indian side and even take a walk into the Nepal side. Rooms are good with TV and basic amenities. This is a government rest house and serves quality food.
Chirkila Dam: Located about 20 kilometres from Dharchula, this is a hydro power station build on river Kali.
Askot Musk Deer sanctuary: This deer sanctuary is located about 45 kilometres from Dharchula for protecting the endangered Musk Deer.
Narayan Ashram: This Ashram is situated at an altitude of 2800 meters. Located about 25 kilometres from Dharchula. This ashram is located in a serene and peaceful location and is a meditation centre.
- Shopping :- One can shop warm jackets from the Nepal side at a very low cost. A bridge connects Dharchula on the Indian side with that of Nepal.
Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a picturesque hill station situated at an altitude of about 2300 meters. This town is situated at the base of Himalayan mountain range and is the starting point of various treks. This town is a paradise for nature lovers and is often compared with Kashmir for its natural beauty.
Munsiyari is tucked away behind the tall hills of Kumaon. Literally in the lap of the snow-capped Panchchuli peaks. The entire Panchchuli range is visible from this place. The weather remains cool throughout the year. The people are very helpful and provide a warm welcome to tourists.
By Air: The nearest airport to Munsiyari is Pantnagar Airport. Pantnagar Airport is situated about 320 kilometers from Munsiyari. Taxis are available to Munsiyari, Almora and Bageshwar from Pantnagar Airport. Munsiyari is well connected by motor-able roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. It takes almost 10 hours drive to reach Munsiyari from Pantnagar.
By Rail: Tanakpur is the nearest railway station to Munsiyari situated at a distance of 280 kilometres. Taxis are available for Munsiyari. Tanakpur is connected with major destinations of India like Allahabad, Delhi etc. It takes around 9.30 hours to reach Munsiyari from Tanakpur.
By Road: Munsiyari is well connected by motor-able roads with major cities of northern India. Buses to Kathgodam and Almora are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. From Almora taxis are available to Munsiyari.
Milam Inn: A family run hotel, with great view of Panchchuli range with clean and spacious rooms with balcony and all the basic amenities. Food is great and delicious.
KVMN Tourist Rest House: Located about a kilometre from the main market this is a government run guest house and the rooms are well maintained and spacious. Basic amenities are available. Each room has mesmerizing view of the Himalayas. The food is good and delicious and the quantity is nice as well.
Pandey Lodge: Located near the main market, this lodge faces the mountains and each room has a view. Rooms are cosy with basic amenities. Warm and good hospitality along with delicious food. There is a room in the top floor providing 360 degree view of the Panchchuli range.
Vijay Mount View Resort: This resort is located at some distance from the main market.Rooms are spacious and clean and staff are warm and responsive. Each room has view of Panchchuli range. Basic amenities are available with delicious food.
Milam Glacier: This place can only be reached by trekking and it is about 53 kilometres from Munsiyari through Gori Ganga.
Birthi Falls: This waterfalls is located about 33 kilometres from Munsiyari. The falls is spectacular to watch.
Madkot: This is the place where travellers can find hot water springs. People bath in this water for their curative effects.
- Khaliya Top :- Known for skiing during the winters when there is a lot of snow around.
Binsar
Binsar is one of the most scenic spots in Kumaon Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 2430 meters, it is ideally located amidst the snowy peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchchuli. This is a place to unwind yourself and love the natures paradise. Binsar Wildlife sanctuary is the habitat of rare birds and animals.
Binsar Zero Point provides a view of entire panoramic peaks of Himalayas. This is also a Hindu pilgrimage site with the existence of ancient Bineshwar Mahadev. Summers in Binsar are moderately hot but winters are cold. With friendly and affectionate people this place provides tourists with lot of hospitality.
By Air: The nearest airport to Binsar is Pantnagar Airport. Pantnagar Airport is situated about 145 kilometres from Binsar. Taxis are available to Binsar from Pantnagar Airport. Binsar is well connected by motor-able roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. It takes around 5 hours drive to reach Binsar from Pantnagar.
By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Binsar situated at a distance of 110 kilometres. Taxis are available for Binsar. Kathgodam is connected with major destinations of India. It takes around 4 hours to reach Binsar from Kathgodam.
By Road: Binsar is well connected by motor-able roads with major cities of northern India. Buses to Almora are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. From Almora taxis are available to Binsar which is about 30 kilometres away.
Binsar Forest Retreat: This retreat resort is surrounded by oak forest and a spectacular view of Himalayas. This hotel is in the south west flank of the wildlife sanctuary. Rooms are spacious and elegantly designed. Rooms does not have TV and limited Wi-Fi and food is vegetarian (eggs are served). Staff are friendly and helpful.
Club Mahindra Binsar Valley: Situated about a couple of kilometres away from the mail town, this resort provides magnificent views of Himalayas. All the amenities are available with 24 hours front desk. Staff are friendly and food is delicious.
Binsar Eco Camp: This is a great place to stay amidst nature. The road to the resort is a track that gets muddy during monsoons. But once inside the resort traveller feels closer to the nature. Owners and staff take good care of all the visitors. Nice and spacious rooms that are clean. Food is delicious and provides traveller peace of mind. This place has limited Wi-Fi access.
KVMN Tourist Rest House: This rest house is situated in a serene location inside the jungle. Rooms are nice and spacious and good food is available. The views of the jungle and Himalayas provides a stunning landscape. Electricity is a bit of problem and is only available for 2 hours in the evening.
- Suman Nature Resort: This resort is in the midst of lush green pine forests, Splendid views of mountains and good staff. Each room has balcony with all the amenities. It is about 12 kms from the main town. Food is good and delicious.
Bineshwar Mahadev Temple: This temple is the most important Hindu pilgrimage temple around this place. Situated about 6 kilometres away from the town, this temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.
Binsar Hill: This hill offers a complete panoramic view of the Kumaon Hills and the Himalayan range. During night lights of Almora town can be seen clearly.
Binsar Widlife Sanctuary: Located on Jhandi Dhar hills, this sanctuary provides a habitat to large variety of flora and fauna.
- Khali Estate :- This Estate was once occupied by Sir Henry Ramsey and later by Smt. Vijaylakshmi Pandit, this now houses a heritage hotel. It has superb lawns and one can relax here.