By- Medha & Aditi
Uttarakhand is the state lies in the northern part of India. Uttarakhand is formally known as Uttaranchal. The state is often referred to the Land of God's because of the large number of Hindu Temples and Pilgrimage centres found. The state shares international borders with China in the north and Nepal in the east. The state is divided into two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon with a total of 13 districts.
There are many such places that people may or may not know. And if you don't know do add this to your bucket list.
1. AULI
Auli is a Hill Station and Himalayan Skiing destination in the northern part of India. The glittering mountain slopes and extremely clean environment invites visitors. Auli is surrounded with apple orchards, oaks and pine trees. It is also surrounded by the Nanda Devi and Nar parvat mountains. It is located at 2800 metres above sea level. The snow capped mountains gives a breathtaking view. Long cable car links Auli to the town of Joshimath.
You will find many pilgrimage centres around auli and also the famous Valley of Flowers National Park.
If you are wishing to visit Uttarakhand. Add this place in your list.
2. BHIMTAL
Nainital is a major attraction in Uttarakhand but people do miss visiting Bhimtal which is just 22 kilometers from Nainital. Bhimtal is a town in the Nainital district. The weather in Bhimtal is very pleasant during summers so if you wish to get relief during the summer season you should visit Bhimtal. Also it is extremely cold during the winters but that is even fun.
The main attraction in Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake. The other attractions are Bhimtal Lake Aquarium, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple, Victoria Dam, Hidimba Parvat, Nal Damyanti Tal and many more.
The place also offers the paragliding and bird watching experience to the tourists.
3. KAUSANI
Kausani is a village situated in the Bageshwar district. It is a hill station lies in the north east of Nainital. Kausani is a part of the lesser Himalayas. One of the major attraction of Kausani is the Baijnath Lake.
Kausani is also famous for its wide panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli.
Kausani lies where the dense pine trees of Someshwar valley on one side and Garur and Katiyur valley on the other side.
Add this to your list if you would love to witness this beauty.
4. KHISRU
Khirsu is also a hill station in the district of Pauri Garhwal. It is also famous for its scenic beauty. This hill station gives a 300km wide panoramic view of the snow capped mountains that includes the Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli and also the Nandakot peaks. There are many such peaks that are still unknown they do not have their names.
Khirsu region is filled with apple orchards, Oak trees and Deodar tress And you will also find different types of species of birds.
Also the Dehradun city is around 92 kilometres away from Khirsu.
One will always feel rejuvenated after visiting this place.
5. MANA
Mana is a village in the district of Chamoli.
Very few visitors pay a visit to this place. There are people who still do not know about this place even after paying a visit to the famous pilgrimage Badrinath.
The Badrinath is just 3 kilometres from Mana.
There is a cave called the Vyas Gufa (Cave in Hindi). It is said that it is named after the Maharshi Vyas who had composed the Hindu Epic legendary narrative Mahabharata in the cave. There is also another cave called the Ganesh Gufa. Visitors can pay visit to both the places. The other attractions include Vasudhara Falls, Satopanth Lake, Bhim Pul, Saraswati Temple and many more.
Also the secnic beauty of this place is jaw dropping.
6. MUNSIYARI
Munsiyari lies in the region of Pithoragarh district. It is at the base of the Great Himalayan Mountain Range with snow capped mountains.
The most popular day trip destinations and special attractions are Khalia Peak, Mesar Kund, Thamri Kund, Betuli Dhar, Darkot Village, Dana Dhar Ridge, Sarmoli Village, Hotspings at Madkot and Sera, Tribal Heritage Museum and many more.
Also the view from the valley is breath taking. Munsiyari is also known as the Little Kashmir. Munsiyari lies between the Nanda Devi, Nandakot, Rajarambha and Nepal Himalayas.
Munsiyari is also the starting point of many treks. The main trekking route is to Milam and Ralam and Namik Glacier. High altitude trekkers would love these places for trekking.
7. PANGOT
Pangot lies in the Nainital district. It is called the Paradise of Birdwatching. Pangot is famous for Himalayan view of Nanda Devi series and Kilbury. Kilbury is famous for birding spots.
The main attraction of Pangot are the birds. People come here from all over the globe for birdwatching. There are around 580 bird species that have been recorded.
You may find variety of Himalayan species such as the lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, blue-winged minla, rufous-bellied woodpecker, rufous-bellied niltava and so many other different species.
The hill stations passes through the greenery of Naina peak through Himalaya Darshan and Echo Zone which gives a view of the Nanda Devi.
This area is surrounded by different flora and faunas which are home to a variety of animals like the leopards, ghorals, barking deer, sambhar and other animals.
Add this to your list if you love bird watching or if it's your first time.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
If you are planning to visit Uttarakhand do not miss these beautiful, spell binding places. Add these places to your Check list and give us your feedback. Till then wait for our next blog.
Writing- Medha Nayak
Edit- Medha & Aditi
Research- Aditi & Medha