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Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal) is a state in northern India, which was created as the twenty-seventh state of the Republic of India on 9 November 2000 after several years of agitation.From 2000 to 2006, it was known as Uttaranchal.In January 2007, the official name of the state was changed to Uttarakhand, keeping in mind the sentiments of the local people.The state borders Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east.Himachal Pradesh in the west and Uttar Pradesh in the south are its bordering states.Before its formation in 2000, it was a part of Uttar Pradesh.This region has been mentioned as Uttarakhand in traditional Hindu texts and ancient literature.In Hindi and Sanskrit, Uttarakhand means northern region or part.The state has Gangotri and Yamunotri, the origin places of Ganga and Yamuna, the holiest rivers of Hinduism and India’s largest rivers respectively, and many important pilgrimage centers of Vedic culture situated on their banks.
Dehradun, being the interim capital of Uttarakhand, is the largest city of this state. A small town named Gairsain has been proposed as the future capital considering its geographical location, but due to disputes and lack of resources, Dehradun still remains the temporary capital. The state high court is in Nainital.
The state government has recently taken some initiatives to promote handicrafts and handloom industries.Besides, attractive tax schemes have been presented to encourage the growing tourism trade and high-tech industries.There are some controversial but big dam projects in the state which have been criticized many times across the country, the special one being the Tehri Dam project built on the Bhagirathi-Bhilangana rivers.The project was conceived in 1953 and was finally completed in 2007.Uttarakhand is also known as the birthplace of Chipko movement.
Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi or Uttar Kashi is a district of Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The headquarters of this district is Uttarkashi town. Uttarkashi district is situated at the height of the Himalayan range and both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers originate in this district, which is visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Uttarkashi town, located on the main route to Gangotri, has many temples and is considered a major Hindu pilgrimage centre. Himachal Pradesh state lies in the north and northwest of the district, Tibet in the northeast, Chamoli district in the east, Rudraprayag district in the southeast, Tehri Garhwal district in the south and Dehradun district in the southwest. The administrative headquarters of the district are located at Uttarkashi city. For administrative purposes the district is divided into 6 tehsils and 2 sub-tehsils. These are: Bhatwadi, Dunda, Chinyalisaur, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Joshiyara (sub-tehsil) and Dhauntari (sub-tehsil). Additionally, the district is also divided into 6 development blocks: Bhatwadi, Dunda, Chinyalisaur, Naugaon, Purola and Mori. The entire district falls under the Tehri Garhwal parliamentary constituency, and has 3 Uttarakhand Assembly constituencies; Purola, Yamunotri and Gangotri.
Saptarishi Kund
Saptarishi Kund is situated 14 km ahead of Yamunotri Dham at an altitude of about 16 thousand feet. In the Puranas it is called Malinga Sarovar. Where under the guidance of Malinga Rishi, penance was done to free Ganga from serpents. The holy Yamuna river originates from here.
Shani Temple
There is a temple of Yamuna’s brother Shani in Kharsali village. This village is also the winter migration point of Yamuna. Yamuna ji is pleased by worshiping in Shani temple and her brother Shani is pleased by bathing in Yamuna.
Kalp Kedar
This is the only surviving temple of a group of 240 temples located 75 km from Uttarkashi on the Gangotri Highway. In Samvat 1700, due to the collapse of Mala Awana mountain near Sukki, a 14 km long lake was formed on Bhagirathi, in which all the temples were covered. Only a few years ago, this temple was found safe during excavation on the banks of Bhagirathi. Remains of other temples also keep emerging.
Dayara Bugyal
8 km away from Raithal and Barsu villages of Bhatwadi block, Dayara Bugyal, a velvet grassland spread over about 28 square km at an altitude of 10 to 11 thousand feet. In summer, colorful flowers and herbs are spread here, while in winter, these natural slopes, which are covered with 4 to 5 feet of snow, are ideal for skiing. The master plan to develop this as a ski resort has not yet come to fruition.
Parashuram Temple
Located at Uttarkashi district headquarters, it is the only ancient temple of Parashuram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Puranas, Lord Parshuram had performed penance here. Recently this temple was renovated.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
There is a big Shivalinga of Kashi Vishwanath at Uttarkashi district headquarters. Because of this temple this place is named Uttarkashi. During the Yatra season, a large number of pilgrims come here for darshan and worship. Dodital- Dodital, the origin of Asi Ganga, is considered to be the birth place of Lord Ganesha. The natural beauty of this lake, situated at a walking distance of 21 km and at an altitude of 3045 meters, is worth seeing. A large number of domestic and foreign tourists arrive here every year.
Gangnani
Gangnani hot water pond is situated on the Gangotri Highway, 45 km from Uttarkashi. Apart from getting relief from skin diseases by bathing in these hot springs, bathing and worshiping here also has religious significance.
Gomukh
The mouth of Gangotri Glacier is known for the origin of Gomukh Ganga. Every year a large number of devotees and tourists reach Gomukh for worship at Gomukh, located at a walking distance of 18 km from Gangotri.
Chamoli
Chamoli is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This place situated amidst snow covered mountains is quite beautiful. Chamoli is situated on the Badrinath road near the Alaknanda river. It is a district of Uttarakhand state. This is one of the major religious places. A large number of tourists come here. The natural beauty of Chamoli attracts tourists. There are many such temples in the entire Chamoli district which attract thousands of devotees. There are many big and small temples in Chamoli and many such places which provide accommodation facilities. This place is called Chaati. Chatti is a type of hut situated on the banks of river Alaknanda. Chamoli is situated in the middle of the Central Himalayas. Alaknanda River is the famous river here which originates from Jaskar range of Tibet. The area of Chamoli is 8,030 square km. Is. Administration
Alaknanda River is the famous river here which originates from Jaskar range of Tibet. The area of Chamoli is 8,030 square km. Is.
Valley of Flowers
As its name suggests, this valley would be filled with flowers. This valley is exactly like its name. More than 500 species of flowers can be seen here. This valley looks so beautiful and full of attractions that after going here one does not feel like coming back
This valley of flowers is not only famous in Uttarakhand, but is famous all over India as well as the world. That is why tourists from different corners of India and also from abroad come to visit here. In ancient texts this valley was known by the names Nandankanan and Gandhamadan.
Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib situated in Chamoli, Uttarakhand is very famous for Sikhs. There is a Gurudwara for Sikhs here. A very good crowd is seen here. Hemkund Sahib is located near the Valley of Flowers, which is at a distance of about 3 kilometers. Apart from the Gurudwara, there is a very big lake here, which looks very beautiful.
Auli
Auli beyond which it is said that even Manali is nothing. Auli is a small and very beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand famous all over India mainly for snow fall, trekking, skiing and camping, where you can go and enjoy all these things in winter. After going to Auli, one can see high mountain peaks covered with snow, snow above and below the big pine trees, tourists camping, trekking and skiing on top of the piles of snow lying on the ground.
Joshimath
Joshimath is a very beautiful place in Chamoli district. It is said that it was founded by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The name of this Joshimath was earlier Jyortimath. This monastery is located at a distance of about 50 kilometers from the main city.
Badrinath
Badrinath Dham, also known as Badrinarayan. It is named not only among the tourist places of Chamoli and Uttarakhand but also among the tourist places of the whole world. There is an ancient temple of Hindu religion situated on the banks of Alaknanda River in the lap of Himalayas in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state of India, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinarayan, a form of Lord Vishnu, is worshiped here. This temple is one of the Char Dham, included in the major pilgrimage sites of India. Talking about the height of this temple above sea level, it is situated at an altitude of 3135 meters.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is a city and nagar panchayat located in Rudraprayag district of Garhwal division of Uttarakhand state of India. Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag of the Alaknanda River, and the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers is located here. The Hindu pilgrimage site Kedarnath is 86 km away from here.
Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva. Rudraprayag is situated on the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. From here, Alaknanda goes to Devprayag and meets Bhagirathi and forms the river Ganga. Rudraprayag is located at a distance of 34 kilometers from Srinagar (Garhwal). The confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers is a unique beauty in itself. Looking at them it seems as if two sisters are embracing each other. It is believed that music maestro Narad Muni had worshiped Lord Shiva here and to bless Narad ji, Lord Shiva had incarnated in the form of Raudra. Shiva and Jagadamba temples located here are among the major religious places.
Rudraprayag Nagar Panchayat was formed in the year 2002, and gained the status of municipality in 2006.
Agastmuni
Agastmuni is an extremely beautiful and holy city situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayas and on the banks of the Mandakini River. In fact this small village was built in ancient times in the name of the famous sage Agastya, who used to have his Gurukul here. Agastmuni village is a very peaceful and beautiful place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and other hill stations. Tourists often like to come here to spend solitude amidst natural beauty with their family, friends or their couples. Apart from these, Agastmuni also serves as an important place for Char Dham Yatra as it has a helipad from where helicopter tours of Char Dham are done.
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a cave temple situated on the banks of Alaknanda River. There is a common belief among the locals and devotees that Lord Shiva meditated in the caves while visiting Kedarnath, where naturally formed sculptures can be seen. Because of this, this temple holds a very important place among the religious places of Rudraprayag and attracts pilgrims and tourists visiting Rudraprayag to have the darshan of Lord Shiva. Let us tell you that a fair is also organized by the temple during Maha Shivratri, during which a large number of devotees from different parts of the country come here and participate in the fair. If you are also going to visit Rudraprayag around Maha Shivratri, then definitely be a part of this fair.
Kedarnath
Situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters above sea level, Kedarnath Temple is one of the major religious places of Rudraprayag. Situated in the spectacular backdrop of snow capped peaks and forests, Kedarnath Temple is a major part of the Panch Kedar Temple and Char Dham Yatra which is visited by lakhs of devotees every year. The temple has a conical shaped Shiva Linga which is believed to be the hump of Shiva. Said to be established by the Pandavas, this temple was re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th/9th century.
The special thing about Kedarnath temple is that this temple opens for darshan only between the months of April to November and people wait throughout the year to come to Kedarnath temple. Another special thing is that after the closure of the temple, the idol of God is shifted from the temple to Kedarnath in Ukhimath and till the temple opens, it is worshiped in Ukhimath only.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath situated in Rudraprayag district is one of the major famous pilgrimage site of Rudraprayag which is known for its ancient temples dedicated to Usha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Aniruddha and Mandhata. Let us tell you that Ukhimath is the holy place where after the doors of Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath temples are closed in winter, the idol of God is enshrined in Ukhimath and till the temple opens, he is worshiped in this temple. Due to which it is also known as Kedarnath in winter. Nestled in the lower hills of Rudraprayag, at an altitude of 1300 metres, is a very beautiful hill station that attracts devotees and travelers alike from all parts of the country. Ukhimath also offers some spectacular panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks which add to its charm.
Chopta
Chopta is a small village situated in the wonderful valley of Rudraprayag which is a very attractive tourist destination. Chopta Trek is one of the most amazing and exciting treks in India to trek in the winter season which attracts a large number of trekkers and tourists. In fact, trekking through the snow-clad Himalayan mountains during the winter season is one of the most spectacular experiences of life as you witness the beautiful landscapes of snow-clad peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhambha. Apart from this, this attractive place is decorated with alpine and cedar trees which is enough to fascinate any tourist. If you are going to visit the main tourist spot of Rudraprayag with your friends, then definitely visit Chopta Valley.
Sonprayag
Sonprayag, one of the places to visit in Rudraprayag, is situated at an altitude of 1829 meters. Sonprayag is a place where the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place. Due to which this place holds a very revered place among tourists and Shiva-Parvati devotees. Surrounded by the bounty of nature and magnificent snow-clad peaks, it is a place where river Mandakini meets river Basuki. According to the beliefs, it is believed that by taking bath in this Sangam, one directly reaches Vaikuntha Dham. If you are also on a trip to the famous tourist spot of Rudraprayag, then definitely come to visit this holy place and take a dip here.
Kalimath
Kalimath, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is one of the famous temples and religious places of Rudraprayag, which remains a center of faith for the local people as well as the pilgrims visiting Rudraprayag. Kalimath is situated at a short distance from Guptkashi and Ukhimath. Let us tell you that in Kalimath, every day as well as on occasions like Navratri, a large crowd of devotees gather here who come to see Goddess Kali and offer water to her.
Guptkashi Temple
Guptkashi Temple, located at a distance of 47 kilometers from Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, is a major temple. Let us tell you that Guptkashi is a major religious place of Hindu religion which is situated at an altitude of 1319 meters above sea level. Guptkashi also serves as a tourist destination offering a spectacular view of the snow-clad peaks of the Chaukhamba mountains. Let us tell you that there are two ancient temples located in Guptkashi, named Vishwanath Temple and Ardhanareshwar Temple. Apart from this, Manikarnika Kund located here is another popular place in the city, which attracts a large number of pilgrims.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a famous place of Hindu worship located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Triyuginarayan Temple, situated at an altitude of 1,980 meters above sea level, is one of the most famous temples of Rudra Prayag. The name of the temple “Triruginarayan” is made up of three different words: Tri means three; Yugi refers to Yugam and Narayana refers to Vishnu. Another distinctive feature of this temple is the continuously burning fire in front of this temple. This fire is believed to be burning since the time of the divine marriage, and hence this temple is also known as Akhand Dhuni Temple. The temple also has four sacred ponds or kunds filled with fresh water where devotees can take a dip before entering the temple.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is situated on the banks of river Mandakini which is considered the gateway to spirituality and salvation. Gauri Kund is a very attractive place in Rudraprayag whose beauty surprises everyone. This place is a perfect place to indulge in devotion. Gaurikund is situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level and is considered a very sacred place by devotees. Devotees heading for Kedar Nath consider this place as a base camp for the trek. Apart from this, Gaurikund Temple and Gauri Lake located here are also very famous places here.
Rudranath Temple
Situated at the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, Rudranath Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Rudprayag got its name from this temple. There is a famous legend associated with this temple, according to which it is believed that Lord Narad Muni had done penance to Lord Shiva to learn the secrets related to music, due to which Lord Shiva was pleased and appeared in this temple in the form of Rudra. Even today, pictures of Narad Muni singing praises of Lord Shiva with Rudra Mala around his neck can be seen in this temple.
Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple, situated on the top of the mountains in Rudraprayag district, is one of the ancient temples of Rudraprayag which is believed to be about 1000 years old. Located at a height of 3680 meters above sea level, this temple was built by the Pandavas. This temple is built with very beautiful architecture and there are many temples around it which is very amazing. During the rainy season, the idol of Lord Shiva is removed from this temple and installed in the Tunganath temple in Chopta and after the rains end, the idol of Lord Shiva is again installed in the Tunganath temple along with drums and musical instruments. If you are searching for the famous temple of Rudraprayag to visit with your family or friends, then you must visit Tunganath Temple.
Tehri Garhwal
Tehri Garhwal is a district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. This place situated between the mountains is very beautiful. Every year a large number of tourists come here to visit. This place is also very famous as a religious place. Here you can visit places like Chamba, Budha Kedar Temple, Kempty Fall, Devprayag etc. The natural beauty here attracts a large number of tourists. Let us tell you that recently New Tehri city of “Tehri Garhwal” has been included in the list of most developed cities of the country. The old name of Tehri was “Trihri”.
Sem -Mukhem
This is a major pilgrimage site and Siddhapeeth site under Pratapnagar development block of Tehri district. It is also considered to be the fifth Dham of Uttarakhand. This place is the playground of Lord Krishna. Lakhs of pilgrims come here every year. Here the ancient grand temple of Nagaraja is situated in Mukhem. The temple of Sem Nagaraja is situated at a distance of about 5 km from Mukhem. Whose religious belief has spread far and wide. Presently the state government is developing it as the fifth Dham. There are many exciting tourist places in this place which attract devotees.
Khatling Glacier
Under the development block Bhilangana of Tehri, the trek from the motor head named Ghuttu ahead of Ghansali to Khatling Glacier is very important for tourism, which is at a distance of about 100 km and is full of natural beauty. This is the origin place of Bhilangana river. Where every year thousands of domestic and foreign tourists go to enjoy nature. It is scattered with natural beauty. Wherever a person goes, he becomes mesmerized.
Sahastratal
This tourist place, as is known by its name, has many small ponds, natural ponds and lakes are situated at this place, and at some places there are clusters of ponds. The entire area is filled with natural beauty. . Although Bhilangana development block is completely rich in the field of tourism, but this area is like heaven.
Panwali Kantha
At a walking distance of about 15 km from Ghutu, this walking stop place full of natural beauty is very beautiful and has green Bugyal spread far and wide. Pedestrians coming and going from Gangotri via Budha Kedar go to Kedarnath via Kantha-Trijuginarayan.
Shivpuri
This small town situated on the banks of river Ganga and holy place, at a distance of 25 km from Rishikesh, is the best place for river rafting activity on the banks of river Ganga, where many national level companies are established. Shivpuri has now been recognized on the adventure tourism map even abroad.
Kempty Fall
Kempty Fall is the second most tourist attraction place in the district, which is located at a distance of 13 km from the famous tourist place Mansoori. The natural waterfall here is the center of attraction. During summer, about 10 thousand tourists come here every day for entertainment. Photography business is very good here.
Vyaasi
Located at a distance of 31 km from Rishikesh, it is a major and traditional stopping place on the Badri-Kedar route. Which is surrounded by dense Sal forest on the banks of Ganga. Abundant road facilities are available here.
Devprayag
Devprayag’s name figures prominently among the major pilgrimage sites of Garhwal. This city is situated at the confluence of the holy Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers. Other philosophical places here are Sangam Ghat, Raghunath Temple, Tindeshwar and Betal Shikha. There are adequate facilities for the travelers to stay here.
Dhanaulti
This small town of Tehri district ranks first in terms of natural beauty and climate. Which is situated between Mansoori-Chamba motorway. And is very important from tourism point of view. Tourists come here during summers. Here the dense pine forests and the long range of snow covered Himalayas are very beautiful and clearly visible and undoubtedly fascinates the mind.
Surkanda Devi
The unique place of Maa Durga, the grand temple of Surkanda Devi is situated at a height of about 10 thousand feet on the skyscraper peak, which is the daily faith center of thousands of devotees. It is situated at a 2 km walking distance from Kaddukhal on the main motorway near Dhanaulti. This is an ancient historical temple associated with the ancient historical story of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati. Where the state government is going to install a ropeway for the convenience of pilgrims so that the livelihood resources can be increased for the people associated with the tourism business here throughout the year. .
Kunjapuri
Located at a distance of 28 km from Rishikesh, this is the second Siddhapeeth where Sati’s Kanj had fallen. The said temple is situated on a mountain peak on the link road of 05 km from a place called Hindolakhal on Rishakesh-Tehri motorway. Which is the center of faith of thousands of devotees. A huge fair is organized here during Navratri days.
Pauri Garhwal
Pauri Garhwal is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The headquarters of the district is Pauri. Which is situated in a geographical area of 5,440 square kilometers, this district is situated in the form of a circle, in the north of which Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal are situated, in the south are Udham Singh Nagar, in the east are Almora and Nainital and in the west are Dehradun and Haridwar. Pauri is the headquarters. The mountain ranges of the Himalayas add to its beauty and the big mountains and forests make the beauty of Pauri very attractive.
Chaukhambha View Point
Chaukhambha View Point is situated at a distance of about 4 kilometers from Pauri. It gets its name from its shape as the viewpoint is square shaped. From here one can see beautiful and attractive views of Nanda Devi Hill, Gangotri Glacier, Neelkanth etc.
Kankaleshwar Temple
The idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Kartikeya have been installed in the Kankaleshwar temple. This temple is an eighth century temple situated on a high peak of the mountains. This temple is certainly special, but the view of the surrounding environment from this temple looks quite beautiful and attractive. That means, along with the temple, the view of the beautiful environment seen from here is also very special, which is enough to attract a tourist.
Dhari Devi Temple
Dhari Devi Temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is said about this temple that the idol of Maa Kali installed in this temple got stuck in a stone near Daru village while sitting in the flood. People also say about the idol of Maa Kali installed here that the idol is a Changes her position three times a day. First she takes the form of a girl, then a woman and then finally an old woman.
Jwalpa Devi Temple
This temple of Jwalpa Devi is situated at a distance of 33 kilometers from Pauri. This Jwalpa Devi Temple is a major temple associated with Hindu religion dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees come here on occasion to visit this temple.
Khirsu
Though Khirsu is a village of Pauri Garhwal, but it becomes special when it is known that this village is known for a picnic spot surrounded by beautiful mountain oak trees and grasslands. This village is located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Pauri main city. From here the Himalayas are very close and clearly visible.
Kandoliya Temple
Kandolia Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is quite famous because of Kandolia Market and Kandolia Park. Because often people who go to Kandoliya Market or Park, also come here to visit. There is a forest with oak trees all around this temple, which further enhances the beauty of this temple.
Danda Nagaraja Temple
Danda Nagaraja Temple is a major temple of Pauri district associated with Hindu religion, located in Pauri district of Uttarakhand, known for an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple and the view around this temple look quite beautiful.
Binsar Mahadev Temple
Located about 15 kilometers from Ranikhet, this temple is said to be of the 10th century. Many such temples can be seen near Binsar Mahadev Temple, but here in this temple especially the installed idols of Lord Har Gauri, Ganesha and Maheshmardini are prominent. All the temples located here are built in such a way that the viewer keeps looking at them. The work of enhancing the beauty of this Binsar Mahadev Temple is done by the cedar and other types of trees located on the hills and hills here. The credit for building this temple is given to Maharaja Prithvi.
Tarakeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tarakeshwar Mahadev Temple is an attractive and famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although this temple is built with the help of beautiful artefacts, but what adds to the beauty of this temple is the forest spread around it with deodar and water trees. A large number of devotees come here during Shivratri for special puja.
Haridwar
Haridwar, also spelled Hardwar, is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, with its headquarters located in the city of Haridwar. This district is bounded by Dehradun district in the north, Pauri Garhwal district in the east, Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh state in the west and Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor districts of Uttar Pradesh state in the south.
Haridwar district was established on 28 December 1988 under Saharanpur division of Uttar Pradesh state by combining Haridwar and Roorkee tehsils of Saharanpur district, 53 villages of Sadar tehsil of Muzaffarnagar district and 25 villages of Najibabad tehsil of Bijnor district. On 9 November 2000, Haridwar became part of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand.
It is the most populous district of Uttarakhand with a population of 18,90,422 in 2011. Haridwar, Bhel Ranipur, Roorkee, Mangalore, Dhandera, Jhabreda, Laksar, Landhaura and Mohanpur-Mohammedpur are the important cities of the district.
Har Ki Pauri
One of the first places to visit in Haridwar is the sacred ghat of Har Ki Pauri – meaning feet of Lord Shiva – which is situated on the banks of river Ganges. Interestingly, the Vedic literature mentions that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited this place, and you can also see a large footprint on one of the walls, which is said to be that of Lord Vishnu. . Also known as Gangadwar, it is the place where the river Ganga first leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
Har Ki Pauri is considered to be the most sacred ghat in the entire city where the mythological bird Garuda accidentally dropped the nectar, and it is believed that if you take a dip here, all your sins are washed away. The Ganga Aarti held at the ghat during evening and dawn attracts a large number of devotees.
Mansa Devi Temple
Another popular place to visit in Haridwar is the Mansa Devi Temple atop Bilwa Mountain on the Shivalik Hills, and due to its location it is also known as Bilwa Tirtha. This Siddhapeetha is dedicated to Goddess Manasa, who is considered to be the form of Goddess Shakti and is said to have been created from the mind of Lord Shiva.
It is one of the most revered temples in North India as devotees strongly believe that all their wishes are fulfilled by Goddess Manasa (the name of the deity means wish). You can reach this hilltop temple either by trekking or by ropeway, which is one of the unforgettable things to see in Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is another Siddha Peetha dedicated to Goddess Chandi – a form of Goddess Durga and is visited by thousands of devotees to get their wishes fulfilled. The temple is situated atop Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, which was the mythological battlefield where the goddess killed the demons Chand-Munda and later Shumbha-Nishumbha. The temple is believed to have been built by King Suchan Singh of Kashmir, while the idol was installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Kankhal
Kankhal, one of the Panch Tirthas of Haridwar, is a small colony that is home to the famous Daksh Mahadev Temple and Maa Anandamayi Ashram. The first temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by innumerable devotees especially during the holy month of Saavan. The latter is a spiritual centre, built in honor of the Bengali mystic leader Ma Anandamayi.
Maya Devi Temple
Completing the trio of Siddhapeethas in Haridwar is the Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Maya, who is the main goddess of Haridwar and due to her reverence the city was earlier known as Mayapuri. According to mythological literature, this temple is built at the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.
It is one of the oldest temples in the entire country which was built in the 11th century at Har Ki Pauri Ghat. Although hundreds of devotees visit the temple every day to seek the blessings of the Goddess and fulfill their wishes, the number of devotees increases immensely during Navratri and Kumbh Mela.
Shanti Kunj
One of the most popular spiritual and moral enlightenment centers in the world is Shantikunj in Haridwar. Established in 1971, it is the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Parivar (AWGP) which has millions of followers across the world. Apart from spiritual and moral upliftment, the center also promotes national integration as well as cultural and moral values. Shantikunj also has a research institute (Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan) and a residential university (Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya).
This must-see attraction has been visited by many world-famous personalities including the Dalai Lama. You can also stay here for two days for free, during which you will have to participate in all their daily activities including bhajans and aarti.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
Sapt Rishi Ashram, situated on the banks of the river, is one of the popular places to visit in Haridwar. Along with Hindu devotees, the ashram also sees a large number of visitors looking for a peaceful retreat for meditation and yoga. The serene atmosphere of this place is so perfect for meditation that it even attracted the famous seven sages, and thus got its name – Sapta means seven and Rishi means sage.
According to the legend, seven sages – Kashyapa, Vashishtha, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam – were meditating on the bank but were disturbed by the sound produced by the flowing river and thus they captured the river. . Later, Ganga divided the flow into seven streams (Sapta Sarovar) to reduce the noise of the rushing water.
Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Mandir, literally meaning Bharat Mata Temple, is a unique multi-storey temple in Haridwar dedicated to patriots and freedom fighters. Inaugurated by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983, the 180 feet tall temple with 8 floors celebrates the spirit of unity in diversity, truly reflecting the true essence of our great nation.
Each of the eight floors has a different theme – dedicated to Mother India, Shur Mandir dedicated to Indian heroes, Matri Mandir dedicated to famous women personalities, Sant Mandir dedicated to saints, Assembly Hall depicting religious harmony, sixth floor dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The seventh floor is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the eighth floor is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Pawan Dham
Pawan Dham, an ancient temple and a social non-profit organization, is managed by Geeta Bhawan Trust Society of Moga. Along with the elaborate architecture, stunning interiors and exquisite glass work, beautiful sculptures adorned with precious gems and stones are the highlights of this iconic site. The main attraction is the beautiful statue of Lord Krishna who is seen preaching to his disciple Arjuna. Due to the intricate mirrors and glass work, the temple is often known as the Glass Temple which is very famous not only among the Hindu devotees but also among the local and foreign tourists.
Dehradun
Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand state of India. Its headquarters is in Dehradun city. The district consists of 6 tehsils, 6 community development blocks, 17 towns and 764 inhabited villages. Apart from this, there are also 18 villages where no one lives. Located 230 kilometers away from the country’s capital, this city has a glorious mythological history. This city, full of natural beauty, is also known for its many famous educational institutions. Many national institutions like Oil and Natural Gas Commission, Survey of India, Indian Institute of Petroleum etc. are located here. Dehradun has many educational institutions like Forest Research Institute, Indian National Military College and Indian Military Academy. This is a famous tourist spot Due to its beautiful scenery, Dehradun attracts tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts from different walks of life. The exclusive Basmati rice, tea and litchi orchards further enhance its fame and add beauty to the city.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a very famous tourist destination in Dehradun. Spread over 830 square kilometres, the park is filled with animals like elephants, tigers, Asian bears, Sambar Nilgai, rabbits, deer, boars and many more.
Safari jeeps are used to visit this park, which can seat 6 tourists at a time. The fare for this trip is approximately Rs 2200.
Maldevta Waterfall
Maldevata Waterfall is a very peaceful place where you can sit peacefully and purify your thoughts while watching the playful flow of the flowing river.
Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park is a very famous zoo of Dehradun. Famous as Mini Zoo, this zoo has animals like leopard, peacock, parrot, ostrich, deer, rabbit, crocodile, python and tortoise. It is also known as Mini Zoo.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is a famous place in Dehradun which is full of natural beauty. It is situated at a distance of 14 kilometers from Dehradun and very close to the Robbers Cave. The best time to visit this place is between September to March.
During this period, there is natural flow of water here and cool water is found flowing at many places. With the ropeway facility present here, tourists can enjoy the exciting views of the huge mountains.
There is also a Shiva temple here which is a worth visiting place for Shiva devotees. There is a park at this place which has swings, water slides etc. which makes this place a family picnic spot.
Robbers Cave
Robber’s Cave (in English – Cave of Robbers) is another famous tourist spot of Dehradun which is also known as Guchhupani. This cave is 600 meters long, inside which a waterfall flows, in which you can take bath without any restriction.
It is said that during the British rule over India, there was a robber named Sultan who used to hide the salmon looted from the British in this cave and that is why this cave was named Robber’s Cave by the British.
Tapkeshwar Temple
There is a huge crowd of devotees in Tapkeshwar Temple situated in Dehradun. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is about 7 kilometers away from the main city of Dehradun.
Inside this temple situated on the banks of the river, there is a Shivalinga over which water keeps dripping from the ceiling of the cave. Thousands of tourists visit this place every year to see this view. There is a belief here that this cave was adopted by Guru Dronacharya and that is why it is also famous by the name of Drona Cave.
Boating can also be enjoyed here and that is why it is a very popular tourist spot. There is also a cafeteria where light snacks are available.
Lachhiwala Nature Park
Lachhiwala Nature Park located in Dehradun is a very beautiful place which is famous for its peaceful environment and forest full of natural beauty.
Boating can also be enjoyed here and that is why it is a very popular tourist spot. There is also a cafeteria where light snacks are available.
Sikhar Waterfall
Sikhar Waterfall is a very beautiful waterfall falling from the top of the mountain which is located at a distance of about 13 kilometers from the main center of Dehradun. Every year many tourists come here to enjoy this view.
Almora
Almora is a municipality and cantonment town in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is also the headquarters of Almora district and is considered the cultural capital of the Kumaon region of the state. It is situated in the southern slopes of the Kumaon hills of the Himalayas. Kaushika (Kosi River) and Shalmali (Suyal River) flow near the city. It is also a tourist spot.
Bageshwar
Bageshwar district is bordered by Pithoragarh district in the north and east, Chamoli district in the west, and Almora district in the south. Bageshwar district was created on 15 September 1997 from the northern areas of Almora. According to the 2011 census, it is the third least populous district of Uttarakhand after Rudraprayag and Champawat. This district is famous for religious stories, festival events and attractive natural scenes. On the basis of ancient evidence, the word Bageshwar is considered to have evolved from Byaghreshwar. This word is more famous in ancient Indian literature. Bagnath Temple, Kausani, Baijnath, Vijaypur etc. are the major tourist destinations of the district. Pindar and Saryu rivers originate from the glaciers like Pindari, Kafni, Sunderdhunga etc. located in the district itself.
Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This area is spread over 7090 square kilometers. According to the population census of 2011, a total of 4,85,993 people live here. The headquarters of the district is Pithoragarh. Hindi language is used here officially and for education. Apart from this, a large number of people speaking Kumaoni language live here. On 24 February 1960, Pithoragarh district was formed by merging 30 areas of Pithoragarh and two areas of Almora.
Nainital
Nainital district is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The headquarters of the district is Nainital city.
Nainital district is located in the Kumaon division and is bordered by Almora district to the north and Udhamsinghnagar district to the south. Haldwani is the largest city in this district.
Champawat
Champawat is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Its headquarters is in Champawat Nagar. The historical Champawat district of Uttarakhand is famous all over the world for its attractive temples and beautiful architecture. The rivers flowing through the mountains and plains create a wonderful atmosphere here. Champawat offers tourists everything they want from a mountain destination. From wildlife to lush green fields and trekking facilities, everything is here.
Champawat is situated at an altitude of 1615 meters above sea level. Champawat city was the capital of the rulers of Kumaon for many years. The remains of the fort of Chand rulers can still be seen in Champawat.
Udhamsinghnagar
Udhamsinghnagar is a district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The headquarters of the district is Rudrapur. There are 9 tehsils of this district namely Kashipur, Khatima, Sitarganj, Kichha, Jaspur, Bajpur, Gadarpur, Rudrapur and Nanakmatta.
Udham Singh Nagar was earlier in Nainital district. But in October 1995 it was made a separate district. This district is named after Late Udham Singh. Udham Singh was a freedom fighter. It was he who killed General Dyer, the main British officer in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
