Guide to travel Rishikesh

Rishikesh –also known as the gateway of chardham yatra(which include Kedarnath , Badrinath , Gangotri and Yamunotri) . Rishikesh is a beautiful town of Dehradun district in the northern state of India, Uttrakhand . Rishikesh is situated at foothill of Garhwal Himalyan Range, surrounded by Shivalik range, about 409 meter above sea –level. The holy city Rishikesh is not only famous between tourists for the spiritual reason but also for the people who are nature lovers  and  who are crazy about adventures sports like river rafting in the glorious river Ganga and trekking to the Himalyan peak.

Rishikesh is 27 km away from Haridwar and 90km from Mussoorie these places are also attractive spots nearby for travel purpose. Since Rishikesh is a holy city, so it has attracted many sages from ancient times for peace of soul and meditation. Also the International yoga week in Rishikesh attract many travelers to this place across the world.

Tourist attraction in Rishikesh:

Lakshman Jhula:

Lakshman jhula is actually a suspended bridge. As Hindu methodology it is said that Lakshman the brother of lord Rama has crossed the river help of this rope.  From the Lakshman jhula a person can see the panoramic view of the glorious river Ganga and the city.

Rama Jhula:

Rama Jhula is also a suspension bridge between two ashrams they are Shivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram. At one end of the rama jhula there is shivananda Ashram, Yog niketan Ashram and omkarnanda ashram and at the other end there is Swarg Ashram , Gita Bhawan and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir:

It is said that during Samudra Manthan Lord shiva the panoramic view of the glorious river Ganga and the city.

drank all poison from that day he is also known as Neelkanth Mahadev. Thousands of devotees came here to visit during shivaratri and Kanwar Mela.  Temple timing is from 5Am to 1PM and from 4PM to 9 PM. The route to this temple is from swarg ashram through road and also through trekking for adventure lovers.

Shivananda Ashram (Divine life society):

It was established by Shivananda Swami who lived here for about 30 years . This ashram is dedicated to the activities like yoga meditation and hospital. This ashram also has guest rooms, meditation hall, yoga hall and music hall. It is situated near Rama jhula.

Bharat Mandir:

Bharat Mandir is dedicated to lord Vishnu. Which is situated in center of Rishikesh and near the main market. There is also museum here. The timing to visit here is from 5 AM to 11 AM and 3 PM to 9 PM.

Time to Travel Rishikesh:

A person can travel whole year  to rishikesh as the weather of Rishikesh is pleasant whole year. But for people who like adventures like river rafting the monsoon time is not good. But travel purpose it is excellent.

Things special in Rishikesh are :

Ganga Aarti:

A person should miss the ganga Aarti ,just take a deep bath in the holy Ganga at the ghat and watch the evening aarti at parmarath Niketan anf triveni ghat.

A person should definitely try the yoga and  the meditation in Rishikesh as it is the most useful things required for healthy body, soul and mind in today’s fast life.

Try Adventures in Rishikesh:

Rafting :

From Bramhpuri(11 km rafting), Shivpuri( 18 km rafting) and Kaudiyala(25 km  rafting) are small villages in Rishikesh from where a person can start their adventures rafting. Octobar to june are the month suitable for rafting.  

Camping:

Camping is also really fun as weekend activity by enjoying the beauty of nature ,and river. camping can be enjoyed in jungle and near river .there are many camp available many of them also provide interesting activities. There are options for camping according to budget like budget camping, luxury camping and deluxe camps , best time for camping is Octobar to may.

Bungee Jumping:

Activities like bungee jumping, Flying Fox and Giant Swing are available in Rishikesh . Bungee jumping is done about 83 meters above the river Ganga.   This place is situated at Rishikesh-Neelkanth road about 15 km away from Rishikesh.  

Trekking:

Trekking is most adventures and exciting activities which famous between the sports lovers. Here options for soft, hard and moderate treks. Small treks are between villages and near waterfalls(like Neer garh (Neer Gaddu waterfall trek, Kunjapuri trek, Neelkanth Temple Trek, Jhilmil Gufa Trek and Trek near Rajaji National Park). And others are about one day long in mountains etc like Gomukh (Gaumukh) Trek, Valley of flower Trek, Tungnath Trek, Devoria tal Trek, Hemkund sahib trek, Kuari Pass Trek and Roop kund Trek.

How to get to Rishikesh:

By Roadways:

Rishikesh is connected to every city in country by Road.  A person can travel by bus and also can hire cab it is 232 km away from Delhi to Rishikesh, takes about 5hrs. 11mins. And ther is also way to head back to Delhi.

By Airways:

There is about daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun on Dehradun jollygant airport, from where Rishikesh is 25km away.

By Railways:

There are many trains available like Shatabadi express and Mussoorie express  to Rishikesh. the Haridwar raiway station is the nearest railway station.

Summer Vacation at Manali

Beautiful Manali is the place full of breathtaking views of nature and  is situated in the mountains of the north Indian state Himachal Pradesh ,near it’s  northern end of kullu valley at altitude of about 6,726ft.  Manali is situated at the bank of river Beas. Manali is most amazing and exciting place for the summer vacations. Manali is not only the favorite hill station but also place for pilgrimage. Manali is most famous between the tourists who love adventure as here sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding ,rafting, trekking, kyanking and mountain biking are available here. Manali is the hill station with beautiful mountains covered with snow gives a cool and relaxing feeling in the hot summer!.

Attractive spots in Manali:

There are many famous sightseeing in Manali some of them are:

Manu Temple:

Manali got it’s name from great sage Manu, it is said that Manu was the creater of human race on earth. Manu temple is the only temple of Manu in India. As it is also place for pilgrimage

Arjun Gufa:

Arjun Gufa has very special meaning according to the hindu epic Mahabharat, which says that the great warrior Arjun practice his  austerities to get Pasupata astra(weapon) from lord Indra. Arjun Gufa is is situated at the left of bank of river Beas .

The Handima Temple:

As said Manali is also palce for pilgrimage as here are many temples having great importance in hindu methodology. Handimba temple is totally dedicated to goddess Handima ,who was the wife of Bhim, Bhim was the one of the five brothers(pandwa’s of mahabaharat) and son of kunti .this temple was build in 1553 and situated in the middle of the forest known as Dungiri Van vihar. The temple is full of  extraordinary examples of Indian crafting. It has crafted roof having four tier pagoda and also superb crafted doorways. Handima later became patron goddess of the great royal family kulu.

Vashit hot water springs and temple:

Vashit temple is a stone pitramidal temple totally dedicated to the Vashit Muni.there is also temple of lord Rama. This temple is situated across the river beas , near a small village also known as Vashit on the name of sage Vashit Muni . there is also a awesome modern bathhouse which is really exciting and different having Turkish style showers, and there is suppliy of hot water pipe for visitors. People generally visit here for medicinal properties.

Rohtang Pass:

Rohtang pass is basically a highway to keylong/leh, 51kms away from Manali.the rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahaul spiti, Pangi and leh Valley. In winter this pass is closed and gets open in june to October for motor vehicles, this is the  best time to visit this pass. Tourist who loves thrilling and adventures  activities here like snow scooter and mountain biking. This place is full of Nature beauty with glaciers , peak and also the beautiful Chandra river flowing through the Lahual valley, there is also a waterfall known as Rahala waterfall  flowing from altitude of 2,500 meteres giving it’s wonderful amazing look, it is 16kms away from Manali.

Tibetan Monasteries:

In Manali there is three Tibetan buddhist Monasteries which attracts the people most. These Monasteries are Gadhan Thekchhokling, thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. This place is full of the Tibetan culture ,literature and crafts, their handcrafted like painting and craft leaves people speechless.  This really amazing place to visit.

Weather of Manali to visit:

Best time to visit and enjoy the beauty and cool climate of the Manali is May to june when temperature is between  15 degree to 25 degree.

How to get in there in Manali:

By Railways:

Since Manali is famous hill station so there is a facility to travel by railways from  kalka railways station which connect almost all part of country, the closest railway station is broad gauge tracks.

By Airways:

The closest international airport is from Delhi is Indira Gandhi international airport. And the closest domestic air port is Chandigarh.  

By Roadways:

The distance of Delhi to manali is about 554km will take 11hrs and 24min. one can also enjoy the views of the way to Manali . There is also the facility to book the cab.There is also facility to head back from Manali to Delhi.

  

A Tour to Shri Vrindavan

    Holy city Vrindavan is a birth place of Lord Krishna. It has a great importance according to Hindu methodology , Vrindavan is situated on the bank of river Yamuna in the district Mathura, of Uttar Pradesh, India. Vrindavan is located 140 km south-east of Delhi and 60 km north-east of Agra, Vrindavan covers a area of about 3,800 sq. km.

The  Brajbhumi has basically two part specially to travel ,In the eastern part is holy river Yamuna , with places like gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajana and in the western side of Yamuna covers Mathura region which have Vrindavan ,Govardhan, Kusum Sarover, Barsana and NandGram.

Places to visit in Virndavan:

Govind Dev Temple:

This temple is the most important temple in Vrindavan, devoted to Lord Krishna who is also known as Govind dev. The Idol of Lord Krishna was brought here by the Rajput king of jaipur, Maharaja Sawai jai Singh II.

 Krishna-Balaram Temple:

The Krishna Balaram Temple was build by International Krishna Consciousness religious group (ISKCON). The presiding duties are of Radha-Shyamsundara, Gaura-Nitai , and Krishna-Balrama.  Krishna Balrama mandir was set up by Bhaktivendanta Swami Prabhupada. He was the founder of ISKCON.

Keshi Ghat:

Keshi Ghat is situated on the bank of river Ganga, according to the legends after killing the demon Keshi lord krishna took bath in this ghat. This place is great attraction for travelers.

Bankey Bihari Temple:

This temple was build in 1862 by swami Haridas who was the guru(teacher) of the famous musician in Akbar’s court Tansen. Swami Haridas wanted to keep away the idol of lord Krishna from the hands of Mughals.

Sahji Temple:

This temple has great example of Indian art and architecture.Inside it is Darbar Kamra decorated with chandeliers and wall paintings.

Ranganathaji Temple:

This Temple was build in1851.Dedicated to LordVishnu(Lord Ranganath) .This Temple has beautiful gopuram, and this whole temple is build in Dravidian style. This place is famous between the tourists. It has beautiful and amazing architecture.

Seva Kunj:

Seva kunj is very famous place in Mathura, as Lord Krishna performed the rasalila  with Radhaji and gopis. This place is blossomed with the power with the love shri Krishna and shri Radha.there is temple dedicated to radha-shyam called Rang-Mahal.

In the Nidhuban Krishna rested with his loved one Radha Rani.

The most attraction in Mathura is Holi, the festival of color and joy. Holi is celebrated in Mathura with great enthusiasm and excitement, Holi is celebrated here in the month of feb-march for several days.

When to Travel:

As there is too hot in summer in Vrinadavan.The perfect season to visit Vrindavan is January, February, March, Octobar , November, December.

How to reach Mathura, Vrindavan:  

The nearest international airport is Delhi. A person can travel through bus by taking bus from bus stand near Hotel Mansarovar Palace. Can also hire a cab from Delhi to Mathura, which is about 162 km away and take time about 2 hrs. 24 min. and also facility from Delhi to Vrindavan directly, it is about 164 km and take time about 2 hrs. 27 mins.

Accommodations:                                                               

 For Accommodations there are various Dharamshalas. Hotels are not much available.

Tour to Nanital

Nanital is one of the amazing and beautiful tourist spot in the outer range of Himalyan hills, It is the city blessed with  beauty of nature and natural resources. It is also known as the city of lakes having about 60 lakes in area beside Naini lake.

Nanital is one of the popular hill station situated in the beautiful Uttrakhand state   (kumaon region) of India. It is one of the famous tourist spot for both  domestic tourists as well as the foreigners. Step farming one of the occupation of people there besides tourism. Nanital is famous for it’s famous Naini lake which has great importance according to the hindu methedology , according to the epic the eye of the goddess sati felled in this place when lord shiva was carring her burning body, this place is one of the 64 shakti peeths.

Nainital is popular between tourist specially in summers because of it’s beautiful wheather where temperature is about a maximum 27 degree Celsius and minimum 10 degree Celsius.                            
Some of the famous places to visit in the Nanital:

Naini Lake:

The famous Naini Lake is most attractive spot for tourist is situated at middle part of the town. People enjoy here by doing boating .

         

Naina Peak:

Naina Peak is highest peak in Nanital situated at altitude of about 2,615 meters above sea level, people enjoy trekking here. Naina peak is also known as china peak By local people . Any person can have amazing look of this whole valley and Nanital from Naina peak.

Land’s End:

Located at the average elevation of  2,118 kilometers above sea level. It has beautiful and amazing view of surrounding hills. It is Famous between trekkers.

         

                                     

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St. John in the Wilderness:

It is a Church ,which is situated at the north part of the Nanital. This church was established in the year 1884. This church is surrounded between the deodar forest.church was named after a Bhisop of kolkata ,who lived in the unfinished house in this wilderness of forest when he was ill.

 PT. G.B Pant High Altitude Zoo:

It is general public zoo many species of animals like Snow Leopard, Himalyan Bear, Tibetan wolf etc. are found here,This Zoo was established in 1884 and opened for people in 1995.

Sita Bani Temple:

This temple is important according to Hindu methodology, that after giving her two son Luv and Kush to Lord Ram she went back , inside the earth from where she came.

Eco Cave Gardens:

Eco Cave Garden is a Park which has series of seven connected caves. There is a musical fountain which is a special attraction for kids. Tourist enjoy to see this amazing place.

Snow View:

Snow View Point is one of the breathtaking view of nature. One should visit this Place with their family. It shows the peak trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Knot.

 Tiffin Top: 

Tiffin Top is located at the altitude of 2,292 meters above sea level. It is situated at the Ayarpatta hill .The place is named after one of the british Painter Dorothy Kellet who used to sit at this spot and paint this place is also known as Dorothy’s seat.It has beautiful natural view.

 Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:
It is a bird Sanctuary having about 240 species of birds , both from the resident  and also bird species from other places. This sanctuary is located at the village Pangot, surrounded by forest.

Gurney House is famous for the house of Jim Corbett. Who established the first national park of India.Who was a conservationist. Now this place is turned as a museum.

Places Around Nanital:

Some of the beautiful districts around Nanital are also attraction for visiting, they are Ranikhet, haldwani, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukhuchiatal. Ranikhet, which situated at approximately 56km is known for it’s orchards of fruits. Bhowali which is famous for apricots, apples and strawberries etc. it is about 10 km away from nanital. Haldwani is about 30km away from Nanital.And Mukteswar has special for hindu religion because of temple of Mukteswar Dham temple of Lord Shiva.

How to travel:

There are many transport facility available:

One can travel from Delhi to Nanital By flight, and can also travel by Railways and by taking a cab.

The heritage site Agra

  Agra is one of the most wonderful place in India ,situated at the bank of river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh . Most popular between the tourist because of the famous Taj Mahal ,made with beautiful white marbles also know as Symbol of Love. Taj Mahal was build by the Mughal ruler in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal . Taj Mahal is also known as one of the seven wonders of world.

Agra was one of the important capital of Mughal ruler’s , apart from that Agra is also mentioned in the epic Mahabaharat  where it is called Agraban . Besides Taj Mahal Agra has also two UNESCO World heritage sites : Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikari other than these heritage spots there are also more attraction spots in Agra like itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb,  Mariam’s Tomb , Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Rauza etc.

Agra is also famous for it’s beautiful art. Agra is very famous for leather goods, beautiful carpets, gold and silver jewelries and handicrafts, marbles and stone works.

Agra Red Fort was built by Mughal ruler Akhbar in1565 A.D for military purpose. It is known as Red Fort because it is build by a kind of sandstone. The Red Fort is surrounded by 70 foot tall walls .It has seven Gates. The Fort have some building also in it’s campus like jahangiri Mahal, A mahal build by Akhar for his wife Jodha Bai.

Visiting time in Red Fort:

The Red Fort is Open from Sunrise to the Sunset.

Time to Visit Agra:

 A person can travel Agra In the month of January, February, March , Octobar and November the Min and Max temperature is between 7degree celsius to 29 degree celsius .

Transport facility in Agra:

Agra is about 212 km away from Delhi. It takes about 3hrs and 2 min to travel by Road. A person can take cab or can travel by bus. Can also travel by flight . Railway is also one option.

There are also facility to way back to Delhi by road like, can hire the cab which is very comfortable from Agra to Delhi.

Varanasi –The City Of Ghats:

Varanasi, one of the oldest city of the world situated at the bank of holy river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh , India. Varanasi can also be called as “The Spiritual capital of India ”, there are 360 ghats like assi ghat, marikarnika ghat, dashashwamedh ghat and many more, they all have their own importance according to hindu methodology. There are more than 1000 temples in Varanasi including Vishwanath temple which has some parts build with gold and is dedicated to hindu god lord Shiva.

Varanasi is also known as “Kashi” in ancient times, has a great importance in the Hinduism. Varanasi from centuries has always been symbol of Hindu’s renaissance, culture ,  Indian art etc. Sarnath which is situated at  10 km away from Varanasi , is a pilgrimage place for budhuism as Buddha preached his first sermon here after enlightenment.

Every day in the evening there is Ganga arti done by the priests at the Dashasaswmedh Ghat. Through the arti they also perform the Agni pooja where commitment is made to lord Shiva, Mata Ganga, Surya(sun), Agni(fire) also to whole universe which is made by lord Shiva.

ShankatMochan, which is temple of hindu god lord hanuman, has very special importance . People across the world come here. The meaning of “sankatmochan is relief from all problems”. Sankatmochan is situated at the southern part of the Varanasi , at the way of Durga mandir anf New Vishwanath temple BHU Varanasi. This temple was build by the educationist and freedom fighter and also founder of Asia largest university , Banaras hindu University  Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya in early 1900s.

Every year the birthday of lord Hanuman’s celebrated by organizing a special “sobha yatra” a sort of parade from durga kund to Sankatmochan.

Traveling from Agra to Varanasi

It is about 605km and take not more than 9hrs and 3 min. one can travel through car by hiring cabs. And there is also facility of bus and train.

A person can also travel from Delhi to Varanasi by roads by hiring cabs it is about 803km. There is also facility to travel through Airways from Indira Gandhi airport to the Babatpur airport, Varanasi .