Uttarakhand Tour Tourism tripadvisor

Nature & Eco Uttarakhand

One of the most primitive things that Uttarakhand is known for is its diverse and conserved natural environment. Away from the busy cities and the commotion, it offers a pollution free environment where one can actually experience the serene beauty of what we call – Nature. Having a diverse flora and fauna, it comes out to be a healthy, balanced bio-diverse land and thus maintains a nutritious ecology. Consisting of heritage sites, rivers and lakes, mountains along with glaciers and Conservation Parks, Uttarakhand is a land full of pro environment people and culture.

Naini Lake
Nainital Lake is a sparkling gem in the splendid Himalayan kingdom. This picture perfect region of nature is dotted with many lakes, earning it the distinction of being known as the ‘Lake District of India’. Nainital Lake is an important lake of this region. This lunar-shaped natural freshwater lake was born from a depression in the Nainital town of the Kumaon region, owing to tectonic movement. The lake is fed by freshwater streams from the upper slopes and is surrounded by peaks blanketed with vegetation, characteristic of high altitude vegetation such as conifer forests and pine. Nainital Lake is one of the four major lakes in the Kumaon hills, the three other being Sat Tal, Bhimtal and Naukuchiya Tal. Three mountain peaks border the lake, namely the Naina Peak on the north-western front, Tiffin Top on the southwestern front and snow-capped peaks on the northern front. This enchanting lake is Nainital’s tourist hot spot, with yachting and boating being very popular activities. All the elite hotels are in the lake’s vicinity and it is also a popular recreational spot.

Bhimtal
Situated 22 kilometers from Nainital, at an altitude of 1,370 metres, Bhimtal is a small town in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is named after Bhim, one of the five Pandavas mentioned in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. With its intimate association with history and interesting tourist spots, Bhimtal is a popular tourist destination, with the most prominent attraction being the ‘Bhimtal Lake’, which is larger than the famous Naini Lake. The emerald green waters of the Bhimtal Lake mirror the lovely greenery of the surrounding hills and conjure a striking view. Spread over a vast area, Bhimtal Lake is home to a rich diversity of aquatic life.

During the winter months, the lake is visited by migratory birds. Boat cruises are an excellent way to soak in the beauty of the place. Located on the banks of the lake is the famous Bhimeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Bhim actually constructed the temple himself. However, the temple was reconstructed in the 17th century by Baz Bahadur of the Chand Dynasty. Close to the temple lies a small hill called the Garg Parvat, which is the source of the Gargi River. Another famous spot in Bhimtal is the hill of Karkotaka, known for its ‘Nag Temple’, visited by devotees on the auspicious day of Rishi Panchami, to seek the blessings of ‘Nag Karkotaka Maharaj’. About five kilometres from Bhimtal is a small hill known as ‘Hidimba Parvat’, named after Bhim’s wife, Hidimba. Today, the hill houses a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, known as Vankhandi Ashram. Within a range of two kilometres from Bhimtal, lies a small natural lake called and locals consider this place to be sacred. Apart from that, the Nal-Damyanti Tal is also known for being a popular picnic spot

Naukuchiya Tal
Naukuchiya Tal is perhaps the most beautiful lake in Uttarakhand. This unique nine cornered lake lies in the foothills of Kumaon, at an altitude of 1,219 metres, and is 24 kilometres away from Nainital. Fed by an underwater spring, this lake is surrounded by dense oak forests on all sides. The locals believe that whoever sees all the corners of the lake at first glimpse, at once attains Nirvana. It is also ironically believed that no mortal can ever see the nine corners simultaneously. Naukuchiya Tal is not only laden with picture-perfect natural beauty, but also offers tourists the opportunity to explore and discover the varied biodiversity and species of wildlife contained in its mesmerizing tranquility. Uncommon adventure sports like angling, trekking, bird-watching, paragliding and parasailing attract a major chunk of visitors to this place.
bird-watching, paragliding and parasailing attract a major chunk of visitors to this place.

Devaria Tal
Devaria Tal (also known as Deorai Tal) is a stunningly picturesque lake located near Ukhimath in Uttarakhand. Perched at a height of 2,438 meters in the depths of the Kedarnath area of the Garhwal Himalayas, the beautifully positioned lake is surrounded by a rare rhododendron forest, overlooked on the other side by the magnificent Chaukhambha range of the Himalayas. Spread over 700 meters it is an ideal spot for birdwatchers and anglers. On a sun-drenched day, one could one is able to see a grand reflection of the Chaukhambha upon the serene waters of the lake. One could not wish for a place more idyllic and comforting.

Hemkund Lake
The Hemkund Lokpal Lake at the cirque floor of the Saptshringi Glacier. Surrounded by seven snow-crested peaks this large glacial lake reflects these blissful and divine surroundings on its sparkling and lucid waters. The lake is nourished by glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks. A diminutive stream flows out of this lake and is known as Himganga. Lying in the upper reaches of the Charmoli district at a height of 4329 meters, in Garhwal, it is a well known pilgrimage site for the Sikhs, since Hemkund Sahib is located on its banks. Hindus and people from other faiths also hold it in high esteem. A temple dedicated to Laxman is also built on the banks of this lake

Shivling
The lofty Shivling Peak is perhaps one of the most imposing peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas, positioned at an altitude of 6,543 metres. This important Himalayan mountain range and can be accessed through the Chaturangi Vamak route. The mountain actually has two summits and rises like a pyramid above the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. Its impressive appearance has often been compared to the Matterhorn in the Alps. Between Gaumukh and Shivling, is the mesmerizing Tapovan meadow which is also a well-known pilgrimage site. The Shivling Peak is surrounded by rocky terrain on three sides. The west side of the peak slopes moderately and this is where snow accumulates. It forms the western gateway for the lower Gangotri Glacier and is a popular climbing peak today, owing to its easy accessibility.

Gaumukh
The Gaumukh Glacier is the source of the Holy Ganga and is therefore held in special regard by devout pilgrims. It is an 18-kilometre walk from the Gangotri Glacier. Measuring 8 kilometres by 24 kilometres, it is the source of the River Bhagirathi, which joins the Alaknanda River to form the Ganga at Devprayag, from where the river flows 2,480 kilometres into the Bay of Bengal, nourishing the life and culture of the Indo-Gangetic plain.
The place at which the Gangotri Glacier terminates is said to resemble a cow’s mouth and is therefore called Gaumukh.

Ganga
The holiest of all Hindu rivers, the River Ganga takes shape in Uttarakhand. In Uttarakhand, the Ganga flows in many places in the form of smallest stream, rivers and tributaries. With its source at Gaumukh, the river begins in the heights of the Gangotri Glacier.
The glacial waters then take a 25 meter plunge into the Gauri Kund, from where the river starts her cross-country journey, which terminates at the island town of Ganga Sagar in West Bengal. The Ganga river system drains a large chunk of the Himalayas right from the eastern slopes of the Shimla ridge to eastern Nepal, which is actually the central Himalayas that incorporates the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. With its famous tributaries, the Yamuna and Kali, three smaller river systems are formed, namely the Yamuna system, the Ganga system and the Kali system. The river in its upper stages is known as Bhagirathi. As it flows down, it acquires different names crowned with religious significance. Before merging with the ocean, the river divides itself into several streams and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Also merging with the Ganga here is the River Brahmaputra.

The Ganga assumes other names here, such as the Padma and the Meghna. Hindus believe that a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga purges mortal souls of all sin. The Ganga is not just an attraction for soul-searching pilgrims, but is also a very popular hub for water sports. The raging rivers are perfect for adventure enthusiasts who can get their fill of thrill with white water rafting in the upper reaches of the river, where rapids are many and challenging. If hurtling over steep rocky river terrain on speedy icy waters isn’t your thing, other river activities like boating or kayaking can be enjoyed.

Yamuna
The Ganga isn’t alone in her holy flow. The great river splendidly branches out into tributaries and distributaries that go on to flow in their own enlivening ways. River Yamuna is a tributary and rises in the Yamunotri Glacier, at a height of 6,387 meters in the Uttarkashi district, in the flank of the south-west slopes of the Bandarpunch peak in the lower Himalayas. Some say the source of the river is the Saptarishi Kund, a glacial lake. The Yamuna and its tributaries also form part of the Ganga catchments. The Doaba region drained by the Ganga and the Yamuna is considered to be one of the most fertile regions in the Indian sub-continent.

It drains Western Garhwal, broadly covering almost half of Western Uttarkashi, a small part of the Tehri Garhwal and about two-thirds of the western regions of Dehradun. It travels a total length of 1,376 kilometres, draining practically forty percent of the entire Ganga basin, before merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad, the site for the famous Kumbh Mela. This site is believed to be the place where Hanuman offered penance. The Yamuna is sometimes considered to be even holier than the Ganga, because it was here that Lord Krishna spent a lot of his childhood. Like the dip in the Ganga, it is believed that bathing in the Yamuna will release the soul of all sin, and further its progress toward emancipation.

Bhagirathi
Originating from the Gaumukh is the source stream of the River Ganga that transforms into a turbulent river. The headwaters of the River Bhagirathi are born in the region of the Gangotri and Khatling Glaciers in the Garhwal Himalayas. From here, the river flows for about 205 kilometres before meeting the Alaknanda River in the town of Devprayag. As it flows downstream from this sacred confluence, the river is known as the Ganga. White water rafting and kayaking are popular on the Bhagirathi, and in fact, the river expeditions on the waters of the Bhagirathi are some of the best rafting experiences to be enjoyed. Some of the famous rapids include the “Elephant Rock”, “The Chute”, “Sharp S”, “Confluence Rapids” and many more, up to Devprayag.

Ramganga
Ramganga is also a river of the Ganga system. It drains the western parts of Almora and south-east portions of the Garhwal district. It rises in the slopes of the lower Himalayas in central Kumaon on the south-east side of the water divide of the Alaknanda River. It flows through the Dun valley of the Corbett National Park and joins the Ganga near Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh. The Ramganga’s course through the Corbett National Park sprouts flora and fauna amidst a wilderness brimming with dense forests, which are home to endangered tigers, leopards, elephants and over 600 species of birds. Fish like the Golden Mahseer and Gounch (Cat Fish) swim in the waters of the Ramganga and the river is renowned all over the country as the angler’s paradise

Valley of Flowers
A sprawling expanse of 87 square kilometers in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers is set in the backdrop of the majestic Zanskar Ranges. This virtual paradise on earth has been unknown to the outside world till the great Mountaineer Frank S Smith discovered it in the year 1931
A world heritage site, the valley is situated at a very remarkable area, which is the conversion point of Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas. This fairyland located in the high altitudes of Himalayas is protected by snowy mountains. Bounded by the magnificent mountain ranges and glittering glaciers, this place unfolds the charisma and charm of nature at its best.

Unspoiled by human invasions this imposing land lay iced up in the colder months, and burst into its majestic boom on the arrival of hotter months. During these months the valley sheds its somnolent nature with its multitudes of exotic flora. When the monsoon clouds began to drizzle, the valley shows its flowery face and the entire region would glisten like a colourful carpet. A scenic place where the nature blooms with its entire vista can be accessible by a tedious but lovely stroll. Eye catching spectacles like the cascading waterfalls, small streams and above all the flowery meadows awaits the visitors all through the way. With the flamboyant paddocks, crystalline streams and majestic peaks, this baroque of flowers is a worthy watch spectacle.
Also witness the wildlife in national park: Lime Butterfly, gray langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, red fox, Himalayan weasel.

Uttarakhand Tourism

Uttarakhand or Uttaranchal God's own land is a top tourist destination. We bring Uttarakhand Tourism Latest Detailed Information Online on Char Dham, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Rishikesh and Uttarakhand district such as Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, Almora, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Bageshwar, Rudraprayag and Champawat online to millions of viewers round the world.
Uttarakhand is surrounded with high snow covered peaks, natural beautiful surroundings, major pilgrims centres and beautiful valleys, jungle safaris, adventure sports, mighty holy rivers and wellness resorts a complete package for the tourists in a single platter.

There are around 152 important tourist places to visit here in Uttarakhand. Some of them are are Mussoorie the queen of hills, Nainital the lake district, Almora the switzerland of india, Ranikhet the queen's fields, Bageshwar the land of the lion, Chamoli and Uttarkashi and many more. The char - Dhams - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath is well known with around lakhs of pilgrims visiting the holy sites every year. Haridwar one of the seven scared cities in India lies in the foothills of Shivalik ranges. Hemkund Sahib, Lokpal, Nanakmatta, Meetha Reetha Sahib and Piran kaliyar very sacred and holy place visited by lakhs of pilgrims from all over the world.

Uttarakhand is also a paradise for adventure sport tourists, they may choose mountaineering in Bhagirathi, Chowkhamba, Pindari, Sahastrataal, Milam, Kafni, Khatling and Gaumukh. The tourists can enjoy the beautiful shiny peaks fully covered with snow, lush green jungles, alpine meadows, glaciers and scenic surroundings along with the excitement of the adventure sports. In Uttarakhand, tourism for trekking and skiing, tourists may choose from Auli, Dayara bugyal , Munsyari and Mundali. Water Sports like Rafting , Bungee Jumping, Boating, Angling, Aero Sports and Hand Gliding and Paragliding in Pithoragarh, Nainital, Rishikesh Yoga Capital of the world and Pauri Garhwal. Uttarakhand is rich in exotic flora and fauna and is well known for eco tourism and wildlife tourism. Some of the well known national park sanctuaries are The Corbett, The Rajaji National Park and the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.