With Uttrakhand restoring itself fast from the pandemic situations, travelers are getting ready to plan their next tour in this land of fairytales and euphoria. Uttrakhand’s weather conditions and scenic beauty has attracted tourists for many decades and it still stands the same. While some prefer to live in a luxurious hotel amidst a variety of crowds, some seek peace and tranquility by staying in nature’s lap.
Ranging from low to high altitudes listed below are 5 places in Uttarakhand that will suffice the purpose of both the tastes even during the pandemic-
Rishikesh-
Image Courtesy: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/rishikesh/
The jade blue waters of the river Ganga and the warmth of the crowd are the two factors that make Rishikesh one of the most sought tourist destinations. People from all over the world come here to find inner peace and to bond with their spiritual levels.
You can start with your morning either by a refreshing walk by the river or doing yoga and meditation in the multiple ashrams the town holds. And as the sun starts setting over the snow-clad mountains, you can sit back and relax in a riverside café, enjoying your alone time with your thoughts or with a bustling group of friends.
Being located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is an origination point to numerous trekking routes. The presence of many hotels and hostels in Rishikesh, the place also offers comfortable stays and gives the travelers a chance to experience the auspicious Ganga Aarti.
Elevation- 372 mts
Patal Bhubaneshwar-
India is a land of mythology and ancient stories which has got entangled with not only people but also places. Patal Bhubaneswar caves in Uttarakhand are limestone caves whose mythological values are much greater than the geographical ones. This place is said to contain the shrines of Lord Shiva and the other 33 Hindu gods. The ominous but mystic atmosphere gives the tourists a feeling of ancient India. The pilgrimage history of this cave began in 1191 AD.
During monsoon, the oxygen level inside the caves drops, and tourists are not allowed to explore without a guide. Once you enter the cold darkness of the caves, there is no going back. An iron chain is provided inside and holding that while keeping on the route, you can only go forward to the exit point. This makes it an ideal spot for adventure seekers, but do make sure that you are in proper health before you take the plunge.
Elevation- 1350 mts
Pangot-
For all the bird watchers out there, Pangot is the ideal destination for you. This place is considered as the heaven for bird watchers with over 580 species migrating and nesting here. Even if you are not so much interested in going out and spotting the birds, you can just sit still somewhere, and listen to nature putting up its best show, with melodies of the birds like Himalayan Griffon, woodpecker, Minla spotted and many more, with periodic mountain winds blowing through your hair, touching your soul. The flora species of Pangot is also very noticeable and covers up the region with lush greenery.
This region is far from the bustling crowd of Nainital, and with every new month, new seasons arrive here. In the evening, when you look up to the horizon, you can see the sky changing hues, forming different shades of red, orange, and yellow with a tinge of blue, and if you listen closely you can even hear nature whispering to you.
Elevation- 1984 mts
Auli-
Image Courtesy: https://www.moxtain.com/blogs/auli-uttarakhand-hill-station
With tourists inclining more to different variations of snow sports, Auli offers them what they are seeking. With vast and gorgeous landscapes and snow-covered mountains, this has become the number one skiing destination in India and has stolen the hearts of many.
Within this beauty, a mystery lies hidden for many years, the Roopkund Lake. Many human skeletons have been discovered from this lake, which lies just below the Trishul peak. The stories revolving this lake have attracted many tourists and the cold temperatures have enhanced the suspense.
Another reason why Auli has become a favorite tourist destination is the majestic views of the Nanda Devi peaks. The gorgeous and clear scenic beauty has left everyone awestruck and if you are very lucky then maybe you can even catch a glimpse of a red fox or a snow leopard. The place maintains a perfectly balanced atmosphere of silence and harmony.
Elevation- 2800 mts
Gangotri-
Image Courtesy: https://www.goibibo.com/destinations/gangotri/
Ganga, the largest river of India holds a very important economical and religious stature in Hindu mythology. The river originates from the Gangotri glaciers in Gomukh cave situated in the upper Himalayan regions. This place is visited by many over the years. While some come for soul searching others just breathe in the pureness of this holy region.
The hiking route goes through various small villages and if you are enthusiastic about Indian folklores then hiking is the best option. The mountain trail which starts from the Gangotri Temple towards the Gomukh caves promises travelers with green meadows, natural mysteries, and enchanting ambiance.
Given the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, the river here is much swift and the water is freezing cold. Time stands still at these parts of the Himalayas, almost like an old alchemist captivating the soul of the travelers who visit here.
Elevation- 3415 mts
Apart from the famous travel destinations, there are various other valleys and trails hidden somewhere, waiting to get discovered. Uttarakhand offers its travelers serenity, peace, and love from nature’s own gallery and it is our responsibility not to ruin or pollute it.
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