Garhwal
Garhwal is smack in the middle of the Himalayas, with Himachal Pradesh
in the West and North-West; Tibet in the North; the plains of Western
Uttar Pradesh in the South and Kumaon in the East.
History of Garhwal
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
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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.
Places of interest in Garhwal
Char Dham
With the majestic and mystifying Himalayas as the backdrop, the four
most holy pilgrimages of India never cease to amaze travelers and
visitors. Char Dham, or the four pilgrimage centers, comprising of
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are frequented by the
religious minded as well as those intrigued by the remnants of bygone
years.
Dehradun
Surrounded by lush green forests and hills, Dehradun has always been a
favourite with the tourists. Dehradun, the district headquarter is
located at an altitude of 2,200 feet above sea level in the picturesque
Doon valley. It is endowed with a pleasant, moderate climate & is
well connected with other important places.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie or the "Queen of Hills", as it is Popularly known
is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty,
Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young
from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and
made this place his residence. This marked the foundation of a hill
station called Mussoorie. 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 center of education,
business, tourism and beauty.
Kumaon
Kumaon, like neighboring Garhwal, lies right on the main axis of the
Great Himalaya range. From the eastern ramparts of Nanda Devi, 25,645
feet, on through Nanda Kot and the Panchchuli group, both twenty two
thousanders, finally meeting up with the Nepalese Api group along the
gorge of the Mahakali, the Great Himalaya rises in a gentle sweep from
the plains of Uttar Pradesh.
Kumaon is a land of fairs and festivals, legends and mythology snow
capped mountains and glaciers, valleys and glades, verdant forests and
alpine meadows, lakes and gushing streams, birds and animals,
butterflies and flowers, all combine to make a sum of delight
unsurpassed elsewhere.
A peep into the history of Kumaon
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.
Places of Interest in Kumaon
Nainital
Naini, a word that almost brings the cool air with it is a secret hide
out of the tourists each year. Situated at an altitude of 1,938mtrs,
this dreamland town with its beauteous splendor is one of the most
popular tourist resorts of the country. The nucleus of Naini Tal's
exquisite beauty is her lake which is a haven for water sports like
Yachting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Boating.
Almora
Perched on a hillock at an elevation of 1,646m, Almora appears like a
large horse shoe, Sitoli forming the front arm and the bazaar the other.
In the 16th century, the capital of the Chand rulers was shifted from
Champawat to Almora. It is the district head quarter and the Vivekanand
Hill Agricultural Laboratory, as well as the defence agricultural
research laboratory are housed there.
Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh (1,645m) is strategically important. On the north it is
bound by Tibet and on the east by Nepal. Located in the midst of the
extensive Sor valley, Pithoragarh is serenely beautiful. The famous
international pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar passes through this
region. The famous Adi Kailash as well so the glaciers, Milan, Ralam and
Namik are located in this district. Pithoragarh is famous for its
leather, woollen, wooden and cane goods.
Adventure Sports - Garhwal & Kumaon
River
Rafting
Rishikesh
Ganges River has always remains a mystery for explorers and full of
surprises for the rafters. Ganga near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal is a
popular spot for white water rafting. The whitewater river rafting
stretch of the Ganges is from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh where the river has
12 major rapids over 36-kms long, most of which are easily negotiable
and some require our expertise.
Skiing
Pithoragarh in the Kumaon hills
The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal in the
east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh, is often called 'Miniature
Kashmir'. Nestling amongst the spectacular Kumaon Himalayas, at a height
of 5412 ft., in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide,
Pithoragarh was an important centre, of the Chand kings of Kumaon. Apart
from the excellent skiing slopes, Pithoragarh and its environs, are
known for their profuse natural beauty, and fine temples.
Auli, (Garhwal)
Snow capped slopes of Auli are flanked by all, dense deodar forest
which cuts wind velocity to the minimum 16-kms from Joshimath on the
Badrinath route, Auli offers a 180 panoramic view of Himalayan peaks
like the Nanda Devi (7,817m) Kamet (7,756m) Mana Parvat (7,273) and
Dunagiri (7,066m) seemingly only a snow ball thrown away. Seasonal
skiers have a clean stretch of 10.20-kms of absolutely virgin slopes to
sport on. These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross country
and downhill skiing events.
Dayara Bugyal, (Garhwal)
During winter Dayara Bugyal provides excellent ski slopes over an area
of 28 sq. kms. Dayara bugyal affords a panoramic view of the
breathtakingly beautiful Himalayas. There is a small lake in the area
that provides an excellent camping site.
Munsiyari, (Kumaon)
Munsyari is situated at a distance of 66 kms. from Jauljibi and 127
kms. from Pithoragarh via Thal. Munsyari is the center as well as the
gateway of the Johar region. Munsyari is the base of treks to Milam,
Namik and Ralam glaciers. Khalia Top and Betulidhar are two high
altitude places that offer excellent condirions for skiing.
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Skiing
in Himalayas
One can make a beginning in an area, which does not initially require
much exertion. The Terai forests along the foothills of Nainital give
one an introduction to the pleasures of cycling and yet do not unduly
tax your physical capabilities. One can start from Thakurdwara and cycle
on to Ramnagar on the outskirts of Corbett Park.
Camping
Camping in Nainital
Among the Indian wilds and forest regions there are various places
where one can enjoy wildlife camping. Among the northern regions is
Chitrauli, situated near to the hill station of Nainital in Uttaranchal
and is considered to be a prime camping paradise in this region, where
nature lovers can witness panoramic views of the Himalayas and the
Ratighat Valley with the Ghuna River in between.
Camping in Chitrauli
Chitrauli is situated in the north-western part of Nainital on the Alma
Hill range. This area is primarily a trekker's paradise. This is the
place from where one gets a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the
Ratighat Valley with the Ghuna River in between. The valley and slopes
around Chitrauli abound in beautiful flora and fauna offering ample
opportunities to Naturalists, Trekkers, Painters and Bird watchers. The
walk to Chitrauli Wild camps takes us out of the tourist's Nainital with
its inevitable mall, picnic spots, tourist touts and noise. Few lazy
turns of the track and we are amidst Oaks, Deodars and patches of
stately Pines. The entire area is set off by a single burst of the deep
welcoming red Rhododendrons with the fallen flowers gently colouring the
moist ground.
Jungle
Safari
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is 115-km from Nainital, via Kaladhungi. The
pride of Corbett National Park is the distinction of being the first
national park of India. It sprawls over an area of 1,200-sq-kms and was
established in the year 1935 as the Hailey National Park, after Sir
William Malcohm Hailey, an enthusiastic conservationist who was at that
time governor of united provinces
Heli-Skiing
Auli
The auli heli skiing expeditions involve helicopters, which are going
to drop keen skiers onto peaks as high as 6,500m. The high peaks reduce
the wind speed at lower levels where one skis, resulting in consistent,
light and powdery snow. Powder skiing is easier to learn with the new
thick kind of skis, especially if you are new to skiing.
Pithoragarh in the Kumaon hills
The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal in the
east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh, is often called 'Miniature
Kashmir'. Nestling amongst the spectacular Kumaon Himalayas, at a height
of 5412 ft., in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide,
Pithoragarh was an important centre, of the Chand kings of Kumaon. Apart
from the excellent Heli skiing slopes, Pithoragarh and its environs, are
known for their profuse natural beauty, and fine temples.
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