Places to See
Corbett
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. along the banks of the
Ramganga river, just 300 kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas
is the Corbett National Park. Established initially as Hailey National Park
on August 8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United
Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957,
it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the latc
Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer
who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.
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Dehradun
Nestled in the mountain of the Himalaya, Dehradun in one of the odlest cities
of India. Also known as the Abode of Drona , Dehradun has always been an important
centre of the Garhwal rulers which was captured by the British . the headuarters
of many National Institute like ONGC , Servey of India , I.I.P. etc. are located
in the city . Dehradun has a string of premier educational institutes like the
forest Research Institute, Rashtriya Indian Military College and the Indian
Milirary Academy. It is favoured tourist destination as it attracts tourists,
piligrims and enthusiasts From various walks of life to its serene environs.
Add to this the abundance of special Basmati rice, tea and leechi gardens which
contribute in turning the city into a paradise.
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Deoprayag
Deo Prayag is situated at an altitude of 618 mts., at the confluence of Alaknanda
and Bhagirathi river. It is commonly believed to be the birth Place of Ganga
. 70 kms. From Rishikesh on Rishikesh Badri-Kedar route. The famous Raghunath
and Shiv temple are situated here.
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Haridwar
"Among the many pilgrimages that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar
ranks among the most holy in the land " Accroding to Hindu mythology Haridwar
was known as Kapilsthan.
Lagend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire
at this spot following a cused of rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhhagirath
requested the ganga to descend on Earth.
Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and
Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly energes into the northern
plains.
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Mussoorie
Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating
hill resort. Commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges
to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur
and Haridwar to the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists.
Its history dates back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventurous military officer,
explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort which
now has few rivals.
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Rishikesh
Rishikesh, also known as the 'place of sages' is Haridwar, at the confluence
of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of 'Hrishikesh'
had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth
the place derived its name. It is the starting point for the Char dham pilgrims
but also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects
of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, rishikesh is the suggested place for
starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting.
Also, International Yoga Week which attracts participation form across the world,
is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the Ganga.
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Rudraprayag
Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraparyag is situated at the holy confluence
of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms. From Srinagar (Garhwal).
The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its
own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed
that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who
appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad. The Shicve and Jagdambe
temples are of great religious importance. Till recently, Rudraprayag was a
part of district Chamoli and Tehri were conjoined to form Rudraprayag as a new
district.
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Mukteshwar
52 kms from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is a beautiful Himalayan
resort. 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.
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Nainital
A perfect Gem Popularly called the lake district because of a string of closely
located lakes (Bhim Tal, Sat Tal, Naukuchia Tal and, of course, Naini, Nainital
district has other claims to distinction : Corbett, India's first national park:
Kathgodam, nucleus of the timber trade and a railhead for Kumaon: Bhowali, Major
fruit market; and Kaladhungi, fertile wheat bowl and home of Jim Corbett. Having
its origin in the fropped left eye of goddess Sati, consort of Shiva, the Naini
lake waters are considered to be holy. The temple to Naini Devi on the lakes's
edge turns into a huge fair ground every autumn.
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Ramgarh
Rabindra Nath Tagore and Mahadevi Verma spent a long time in Ramgarh, which
is on an altitude of 1784 mts. and 26 kms, from Nainital and also famous for
its juicy fruits apples, plum, apricot and peaches.
Besides Mahadevi Verma's house, the Aurobindo Ashram is another place worth
visiting at Ramgarh. The Arya Samaj and a school were established here by
Narayan Swami.
In summer, the jungles of Ramgarh resound with the cry of the Kafal Pakko
bird. From, Bhowali one can reach Dhanachuli Bend and Shahar Phatak via Ramgarh
or Chafi-Padampuri.
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Ranikhet
Ranikhet is the place, which mirrors the best of the heavenly Himalayas; lush
green forests, majestic mountains, delicate plant life and attractive wild life.
To view nature and its elements in full harmony, the right place to be a
Ranikhet. According to popular belief, this spot had won the heart of Rani
Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev. She chose this scenic place to be her abode
and since then, it has come to be known as Ranikhet, literally "Queen's
field".
At an altitude of 1829 mts. above sea level, this hill resort is undoubtedly
a tourists' paradise. The scented mountain breeze, fresh and pure, the singing
of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas-the sights, sounds and smells
leave the onlooker spellbound.