Chakrata Tourism Uttarakhand

Chakrata, the previous name was Jaunsar Bawar is situated at the elevation of 5500-6500 feet from the sea level in Dehradun district, the capital of Uttarakhand state. Chakrata is 92 km away from Dehradun and 73 km from Mussoorie in the Garhwal region of state between the Yamuna and Tons River. It was originally a cantonment of British Indian Army. The main population is Jaunsari tribes, thats why it was known Jaunsar Bawar in earlier. Chakrata is a keen beautiful hill station between rhododendron and oak trees and a better option to enjoy Uttarakhand tourism apart from crowded hill station like Mussoorie and Nainital.

The place is ideal destination for those who wants to take some rest from their fast and busy life. You will definitely get relieved and quickly revitalized among the powerful presence of natural beauty. Chakrata is ideal place for adventure lovers, nature lovers, couples and family vacation.


Local Attraction of Chakrata

Tigar Fall: This is the popular attraction of Chakrata. The beautiful and highest water fall of Uttarakhand falling from 312 feet, visitors can be reached here by easy trek between the rhododendron and oak trees forest with enjoying of natural beauty of Uttaranchal.

Chilmiri Neck: This is the area where Garhwal Rifles Mess and quarters are situated. It leaves unforgettable impact on travelers due to its scenic view of dense forests. This is the ideal spot for watching natural beauty, watching birds of different colours and panoramic view of Himalayan peaks.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun after that you have to take bus or taxi to reach there.

By Train: The nearest railway is also Dehradun and bus and taxies are available here. If you are coming from New Delhi you can take Jan Shatabdi Express (2055) from Delhi to Dehradun.

By Road: The place is well connected by road with Dehradun and Mussoorie. So you can reach Chakrata via Dehradun and Mussoorie by your personal vehicle or taxi. It is around 92 km from Dehradun and approximately 335 km from Delhi by road.

Tehri Garhwal

Tehri Garhwal is one of the major district of Uttarakhand state. The administrative headquarters of Uttarakhand Govt. is in New Tehri. Tehri is situated on outer ranges of mid Himalayas, which is surrounded by the districts Uttarkashi from the north side, Rudraprayag from the east, Pauri Garhwal from the south and Dehradun from the west. Tehri is also an historical place in Garhwal’s history; it was merged into the Indian Union in 1947 by the ruler Maharaja Manabendra Shah.

New Tehri – the new built and well planned city due to reason of Tehri Dam is situated at the height of 1550 meters and 16 kms away from old tehri. In fact, the New Tehri is considered to be Asia's most comprehensive and successful rehabilitation programme due to submerged of Old Tehri into Tehri Dam water. The new town is well developed as a lovely hill resort.

It can be a wonderful tour for a week of Tehri Garhwal to discover Uttaranchal’s major cities like Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and New Tehri. I was also enjoyed this tour in the summer season and I took some beautiful images of these cities during my Uttaranchal Tourism (some pictures are posting below). If you are leaving Delhi to discover Tehri Garhwal, there is 8-9 hours journey from Delhi to Mussoorie.

Dhanulti Eco Park - Tehri Dam Tehri Garhwal

Mussoorie: - Mussoorie is most famous hill station of Uttaranchal, it is also known as “Queen of Hills”. You can stay here 2-3 days and can be discover the prime locations like Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Lake, and Mall Road. You can enjoy the ropeway ride from Mussoorie to Gun hill and if you are interested in shopping move towards the Mall Road, there is large number of shops. After Mussoorie, you can move to Dhanaulti, which is around 30 kms away from here at Mussoorie – Chamba Road.

Dhanaulti: - It is also an ideal destination for tourism in Garhwal. You can stay here 2-3 days and can enjoy the trekking tours; you can also enjoy the camping tour in Dhanaulti. Dhanaulti is not much famous hill station but it is very peaceful place far away from market place and population. During your stay, you can visit Dhanaulti Eco Park, developed for eco-tourism by Uttaranchal Govt. Surkanda Devi Temple, just 6-7 kms away from here situated at Kaddukhal village. You can also visit to Chamba, around 30 kms away from Dhanaulti the oldest market place. After that you can move to New Tehri.

Tehri Dam – After leaving the Dhanaulti you can reach New Tehri via Chamba. There is large numbers of hotels and lodges are available to stay. You can stay 1-2 days here and can visit Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake. The Tehri Dam is made on Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, which is world’s largest and most controversial hydroelectric project. It was under construction since 1978 and completed in December 2002. Finally the Old Tehri town and other 72 villages submerged into the reservoir (it’s made by Tehri Dam).


How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. You can take buses and taxies from here to Mussoorie.

By Train: The nearest railway station is also Dehradun. Jan Shatabdi Express (2055) runs between Delhi to Dehradun regularly. You can also take buses and taxis from here to Mussoorie.

By Road: Mussoorie is well connected by road with all major cities. The distance is around 280 kms. from Delhi and direct buses are available for Delhi to Mussoorie. But if want to go Dhanaulti directly, you have to go Dehradun first and you can take taxi or bus from there to Dhanaulti.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2010

Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand) is also known as “Dev Bhoomi” means “Land of Gods”. Haridwar is the main pilgrimages city of Uttarakhand state. On every twelve year “Maha Kumbh Mela” organize in Haridwar. The next Kumbh Mela 2010 will be organizing soon in Haridwar, Kumbh Mela 2010 will be start from January 14, 2010 and end on April 28, 2010. Uttaranchal Govt. is ready to organize this event.

Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering fair not only in India but also all over the world for religious purpose. According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. Along with Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, the Ardh Kumbh Mela organizes on every 4th year at Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad then Maha Kumbh held on 12th year, the site of the observance rotating between these four pilgrimage places. According to Hindu mythology, some drops of Amrit fell down on these four places during the battle between Devtas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) for Amrita Kalasha (pot of nectar of immortality), which was recovered from Samudramanthan (the churning of the primordial sea). So, to commemorate this holy event of the Amrita Kalasha, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these four places.


The last Ardh Kumbh Mela was hosted at Allahabad during January-February 2007 and the next Kumbh Mela is going to celebrate in Haridwar during January 2010 to April 2010. Millions of people will be come from all over the world for a holy dip, during Kumbh Mela. Hotels and Guest houses will be full in Haridwar during this fair, so if you are going to plan in Kumbh Mela 2010 you must have to book hotel room in advance. There are lots of cheap hotels, luxury hotels, budget hotels and guest houses are available to stay in Haridwar.

Main Bathing Dates during Kumbh Mela 2010

14 January, 2010 Makar Sankranti
15 January, 2010 Mauni Aamavasya - Suryagrahan Snan
20 Jauary, 2010 Basant Panchami
30 January, 2010 Maagh Purnima
12 February, 2010 Shre Maha Shivratri Shahi Snan
15 March, 2010 Somawati Aamavasya Shahi Snan
16 March, 2010 Navsamvarambh Snan
24 March, 2010 Shree Ramnavami Snan
30 March, 2010 Chaitra Purnima (Parv Snan)
14 April, 2010 Mesha Sankranti Shahi Snan - Mukhya Snan Parv
28 April, 2010 Vaisakh Aadhimaas Purnima Snan


How to Reach Haridwar

By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant in Dehardun, around 35 km far from Haridwar.

By Train: It is well connected by rail to the major cities. Nearest railway station is Haridwar. Some major trains are – Delhi-Haridwar-Dehardun & Bombay-Haridwar-Dehradun.

By Road: It is well connected to all major cities by road. The state Govt. buses and private buses are available from Delhi to Haridwar. The distance is around 200 kms from Delhi.