Destinations

Uttarakhand is famous as Dev Bhoomi or the Abode of Gods. The culture and religion of the people derives inspiration from nature, with which it is intricately linked. The state has diverse culture and traditions at regional and local levels, which are the identity of a place. The state has several destinations of pilgrimage importance. The four Dhams of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamnotri and Gangotri in Uttarakhand are visited by lakhs of people every year. Almost all the important hill stations like Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, Pithoragarh Mussoorie are located in middle Himalayas. These areas are thickly forested with rich bio-diversity and scenic beauty. Within the forest areas natural sites with eco-tourism potential are being identified and linked to form tourism circuits. The forest areas near existing tourist places have been taken up to attract the tourist towards the nature based tourism. The local community/Van Panchayats are encouraged to participate in the ecotourism activities.

Rampur Mandi

Rampur Mandi is an ecotourism destination and Bird watchers Paradise, located close to Asan Barrage on the bank of river Yamuna about 40 km from Dehradun on DehradunPonta Sahaib road. It is an important conservation and education centre for students, bird lovers and researchers.

Asan Barrage located at the confluence of river Yamuna and Asan near Dhalipur village. The 444.40 ha of area have been declared as a Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is an ideal habitat to a large number of migratory and resident birds. During winters it is not unusual to count as many as 800 waterfowl with species diversity. More than 250 bird species including 80 water birds have been recorded. It is marked by presence of Brahminy ducks, Rudely shelduck, Dabbling duck, Birds include Herons, Egrets, Storks, Ibises, Geese, which can be easily spotted during winter season (Nov to Feb). Other Attractions Nature walk to the nearby pristine Sal forest of Timli offers an opportunity to learn about the vegetation & environment. At Kalsi, which is about 19 km from Rampur Mandi is Ashokas pillar built in 450 BC. It represents the post warfare era when king Ashoka converted to Buddhist faith. The climate of the area is pleasant with temp in summer max. 380 C, min. 150 C and in winters max. 210 C, min. 20 C, the rainfall is during July to September. Accommodation FRH with 2 A/C suites overlooking the river Yamuna. 4 A/C double-bedded cottage with attached baths. Camping facilities. Play ground. Mini Zoo. Food and Guide facilities. Local community is involved in operation of the Destination and package tour. Access Destination is easily accessible by road from Dehradun (40km), which is linked by road and rail from major cities such as Delhi, Lucknow etc. Dehradun is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (52) km. It is also approachable from Delhi, via Saharanpur (about 78km), which is connected to major cities by rail. Contact: DFO Chakrata Kalsi Dist Dehradun Uttarakhand Phone &Fax:01360 275078

Dhanolti Eco Park

It is located amidst thick, forests of Deodar, Rhododendron and Oak and has atmosphere of perfect peace and tranquility. The wooded slopes, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely weather, splendid view of the Himalayas make it an ideal holiday retreat for enjoying nature. The Dhanolti Eco Park has two Parks Ambar and Dhara with nature trails, amusement area for children, herbal garden and a Kiosk named Van Shilp Kutir for providing marketing facility for village based articles produced by women organizations. The park offers excellent opportunity of nature interpretation, botanical exploration and bird watching. The committee DEEDC of local community is involved in eco-tourism activities. Location and access Dhanolti is situated about 31 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie Chamba road. It is (65 km) one and half hours drive from Dehradun. Dehradun is connected by road, rail and Air from Delhi. Accommodation near the Eco park is available with two suites in Forest Rest House, 4 bamboo huts, Garhwal Mandal TRC and several private Hotels. Contact: Divisional Forest Officer Mussoorie, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. District Dehradun Phone No: 0135-2632335, TeleFax 0135-2631765

Aranyam Eco and Herbal Park

at Virahi is located along the Alaknanda river on the Rishikesh Badrinath National Highway, about 6 km from Chamoli. This eco-tourism destination offers splendid experience of nature, enchanting forests, beautiful valleys, mesmerising river Alaknanda, and majestic Himalayas. It provides an excellent opportunity of nature interpretation, trekking and bird watching. It is an ideal place for organizing workshops and trainings in the lap of the Himalayas. It has guided nature trails, Bamboo huts for accommodation and a great view of the Himalayas. Badrinath Dham is 90km from this place. Nearest town is Chamoli at a distance of 6 km. The Herbal Park There are about 50 species of plants of medicinal value being raised for sale in the herbal garden. They are tagged with their name, use of plant parts and diseases it can cure. Facilities: Forest Rest House with 2 suites Bamboo Cottage (Four suits Double bedded) Beach Camp along River Alaknanda (Three Double bedded Tent), though fishing swimming are not allowed in the river Phone and cell phone connectivity is available Eco Friendly Conference hall with all facilities Film & Slide Show by local communities Weather is cold & pleasant, A/C not required

Generator facility is also available Water supply is from natural water sources, which is usually pure, no aqua-guard facility is available but mineral water bottles can be purchased. Canteen serving Indian & Garhwali cusine Adequate parking space

Access: By Road from Rishikesh (181km) (6-7Hours). From Haridwar it takes about 6 to 7 hours. About about 230 km from Dehradun.( (about 7to 8 hours) Dehradun and Haridwar are well connected by rail with major cities. Jolly grant is the nearest Airport connected with Delhi. akhand Contact : Divisional Forest Officer Alaknanda Soil Conservation Forest Div. Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Ph : 01372-252210 e mail : dfo_alaknandasoil_uta@yahoo.co.in

Chakrata-Kanasar-Devban-Budher Circuit
Chakrata

Chakrata 92 kms from Dehradun and 73 kms from Mussoorie is at an elevation of 2200 metres above msl. Once a cantonment town in British, India it is known for its pristine and unparalleled beautiful landscape, majestic coniferous forest of deodar, oak, rhododendron fir and spruce. It offers great opportunity to experience stillness and sereneness in nature. Kharamba peak, (3084 mts) is one of the most amazing peaks visible from here.

Tiger Falls : a breathtaking trek of 5 kms from Chakrata takes you to Tiger Falls. The waterfall is at a height of 50 m. Tiger Fall creates a small pond, which renders an enchanting effect to the picturesque surroundings. Accommodation: At Chakrata FRH is available with prior booking. Food is provided on demand. Access: Rail : Nearest railhead is Dehradun. By road Chakrata is 92 km via Kalsi and takes about 3 hrs. It is 122 kms from Saharanpur via Herbetpur 122 km and takes about 4 hrs. From Dehradun via Mussoorrie distance is 117 km and takes about 3 to 4hrs.

KANASAR

Kanasar is a beautiful place at an elevation of 2100m above mean sea level and is endowed with immense natural beauty. It is at a distance of 26 km from Chakrata and 105 km from Dehradun, and is located on the Chakrata- Tuni motorable road. Backdrop of towering peaks and dense forests cuts out Kanasar as the idyllic retreat. The night halts at picturesque Forest Rest Houses and camping in nature bring nearer to nature and is a memorable event. Ram Tal Garden, which is 9 kms away from Kanasar located on the route of Chakrata to Mussoorie. It is a very beautiful garden with greenery and serenity.

Activities offered are nature appreciation and interpretation, camping, trekking, bird watching, village visit etc. It is best suited for educational tours, bird watching, nature trails and treks. Infrastructure FRH Kanasar with 2 double-bedded suits with attached bathroom, 10 twin sharing barracks with common toilets & bath, camping in tents. No electricity is available though solar lighting is provided. Food is provided at the FRH on demand Access: From Dehradun via Kalsi & Chakrata 118 km/ / about 3.30 hrs.

From Saharanpur via Herbetpur via Chakrata 148 km./ / about 4 to 5 hrs. From Dehradun via Mussoorrie 135 km/ about 4 hrs. Climate- Pleasant weather with temp in summer max. 250 C, min 100 C, winters max. 150 C, min. -20 C Devban : 16 kms, away from Chakrata this place is surrounded by dense forests and lies at an altitude of 2300 m. There is a famous Vyas Peak about 3km from here, which provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. A trek of 10 km for Kanasar is for adventure lovers. There is no electricity, however, solar lantern facilities exists. Accommodation is available at the FRH, which has 2 suites. During winters the FRH receives heavy snow. BUDHER

It is about 10 km from Chakrata at an elevation of 2100m with pristine deodar forest. 3km Trek to Moilla tibba leads to an alpine meadow from where there is clear view of the Himalayas. Budher is accessible by road. Activities: Nature interpretation, trekking, enjoyment of pristine eco-system. Suitable for educational tours, bird watching, nature trails and treks. Accommodation facilities are available at FRH with 2 double-bedded suites with attached bathroom. Indian & local food (veg.) is available. For Chakrata-Kanasr-Budher Circuit Contact: DFO Chakrata Kalsi Dist Dehradun Uttarakhand Phone &Fax:01360 275078

Nainital Circuit
KILBURY

Situated about 12 km from Nainital town at elevation of 2215 meter. It provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, 9 km trekking to Naina Peak through dense forest of deodar, oak, Surai & burans, extensive Himalayan view, animal and bird watching. ] Heavy snowfall is experienced during winter. Forest Rest house has 2 suites and food is available on demand. Nature guide facility is through villagers at reasonable rate. Package tour includes stay, food, guided nature walk and Bird watching. Best time is April to June and September to March.

VINAYAK And KUNJAKHARAK

Lake city of Nainital is in the central Himalayas and is a vantage point to view the great Nanda Devi massif. Vinayak and Kunjakharak ecotourism destinations lie 22 and 37 kilometers respectively from Nainital, on Nanital Kilbury road. The destinations of Vinayak and Kunjakharak have dense mixed forest dominated by ban-oak, pine and rhododendron, which cover most of the area and surrounding hills. A large part of the landscape is characterized by dense vegetation. Numerous perennial creeks and streams crisscross the area. The area and its surrounding hills have a record of more than 200 Himalayan bird species and rich wildlife. These include Hill Patridge, Khalij Pheasant,Cheer Pheasant,Grey hearted woodpecker, Oriental turtle dove, Grey bushchat, Fire breasted flower pecker and many more. Wildlife includes Himalayan bear, leopard, tiger, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, etc. Accommodation: The FRH at Vinayak has two suits and five camping sites, facilitated with water, solar light and clean toilets. However, campers have to carry their own tents and sleeping accessories. Booking for the FRH is available round the year. Package includes stay, food, guided nature walk and Bird watching. Kunjakharak is situated about 37 km from Nainital at an elevation of 2323 m, 15 km ahead of Vinayak. It is an attractive place for eco-tourists and provides an opportunity to experience nature, animal and bird watching, bear caves, trekking etc. in the dense oak, pine and deodar forests. Accommodation is available at Forest Rest House, with two suites and at camping sites with facilities of solar light, rainwater harvesting system & clean toilets. However, campers have to carry their own tents and sleeping accessories. Nature guide facilities available through villagers at reasonable rate. Temperature: Low 2oC (winter); High 27oC (Summer). Booking for the FRH is available round the year. Access: Nainital is 335km (7-8 hours) journey from New Delhi by road and Vinayak and Kunjakharak are 1 hour and 2 hours drive respectively from Nainital. Many trains connect Nainital with New Delhi either through Kathgodam or Ramnagar. Food is available and nature guide facility is through villagers at reasonable rate. Package includes stay, food, guided nature walk and Bird watching. Best time is April to June and September to March. . Contact: DFO, Nainital Forest Division, Ph: 05942-221354.

Other Attractions in Nainital: Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Nainital Zoo Nainital marks a specific and important place in the international tourism map. This is a favorite visiting place for tourist, student and children. The Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital has established its identity in the field of education, research and as a tourist spot. It lies in between Shivalik and middle Himalayas mountain range and has an evergreen oak and cupressus forest cover, all three species of oak are found in the zoo campus. Nainital zoo is kept completely polythene free.

Location Nainital Zoo is situated in the hills of Sher ka Danda at about 2 km. from Tallital Bus station at an elevation of 2100 m. above mean sea level and well connected by a motorable road. Himalayan Botanical Garden

located at Sariyatal near Nainital has a butterfly Park, a fernatum, Orchidarium, Interpretation center, beautiful waterfall and aquatic garden, a herbarium and a library. It is a unique project for providing awareness on Himalayan Environment and Nature education. It is located about 10 km from Nainital on Nainital Kaladhungi Road and can be approached either from Naintal or from Ramnagar though Ramnagar Kaladhungi Nainital Road. It is a beautiful spot where one can easily spend 2 to 3 hours learning and enjoying Nature with the help of local trained guides. Accommodation: Available at Vinayak, Kunjakharak and Maheshakhan (Under construction).

Almora & Ranikhet Circuit

SONI
A camping site to enjoy the Chir pine and Oak forest is situated about 20 km from Ranikhet on Ramnagar - Ranikhet road at a height about 1800 m. It is an ideal place for short holiday for appreciating and experiencing nature and getting rejuvenated. Accommodation is available at the FRH in the midst of forests. FRH has 3 suites and 5 camping sites with necessary amenities. Food is available and nature guide facility is through villagers on reasonable rate. Package includes stay, food, guided nature walk and Bird watching.

Other attractions are Binsar Mahadev temple, beautiful town of Ranikhet and Binsar wild life sanctuary. Access: Soni camping site can be approached from railhead Ramnagar from where it is 85 km or from railhead Kathgodam, on Kathgodam-Ranikhet road via Bhowali from where it is about about 100 km. Nearest airport is Pantnagar 140 km from Soni.

EDADEO
A Forest Rest House house with 2 suites along with 2 camping sites is located at the top of mountain accessible by road about 55 km from Almora at a height of about 1800 m. amidst Chir pine and oak forest. Almora and Kausani are two townships near it. Kausani is 51 kilometres from Almora and is blessed with picture perfect beauty. Mahatma Gandhi had visited Kausani and called it the 'Switzerland of India'. Food is available on demand and nature guide facility is also available through local community.

Pauri -Landsedowne Circuit

Khirsu

Khrisu is a serene place with pristine forest for nature lovers and environmentalist. It is located 20 km from Pauri town and 30 km from Srinagar at an elevation of 1790m above sea level. Only the chirping of birds breaks the tranquility of the thick Oak and Deodar forests. It is an ideal place for peaceful holiday in the midst of Himalayan forest the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Kamet and many more can be seen at a stones throw distance. It offers an excellent opportunity for enjoying nature, interpretative trekking and bird watching. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is well worth a visit. Accommodation: Forest Rest House with 2 suites & camping sites for 5 tents with necessary amenities along with eco-services by Eco Development Committee of villages. How to reach: Air: Nearest Airport Jollygrant (150km) is connected by air service from Delhi. Rail: The two nearest railheads are at Kotdwar and Rishikesh and are 106km and 126 km respectively from Pauri. Pauri is connected by all weather road with Rishikesh and Kotdwar.

Saneh
Saneh FRH having 2 suites is located about 12 km from Kotdwar to Ramnagar via Kalagarh Road inside mixed forest of Sal and its associates providing a good opportunity, for wildlife sighting and trek routes to several places of environmental importance.

Kolhuchaur
This FRH consisting to 2 suites is further 9 km away from Saneh (21 Km from Kotdwar) at a height of 400 m inside dense mixed forest of Sal and associates providing a good

opportunity for wildlife and bird watching along the river Kolhu as well as inside forest area. These are several trekking routes connecting places of environmental importance.

Nauri
Naudi FRH consisting single suite is situated 23 km away from Kotdwar on Kotdwar-Dugadda-Sendhikhal road at an elevation of 800 m. Being a part of elephant corridor it provides ample opportunities for various wildlife sighting inside dense mixed forest of Sal and its associates. This complete area of Saneh, Kolhuchaur, Naudi falls under elephant corridor on the fringe area of Corbett Tiger Reserve. How to Reach: Kotdwar is a rail cum road head connecting Garhwal to Delhi and Lucknow. Contact: DFO Lansedowne Kotdwar Dist Pauri, Uttarakhand. Phone &Fax:01362 228467

Uttarkashi Circuit
Dodital
A popular lake destination at an elevation of 3048 m is nature lover's paradise. This high altitude lake is crystal clear, in the midst of thick forest of Oak, Rhododendron, Fir and Deodar and is the starting point of several rivers in this region. It is an opportunity to camp in the lap of nature and enjoying absolute peace and tranquility. A high ridge called the Dyara Top an alpine meadow, which gives a panoramic view of high peaks of Garhwal, guards one side of the lake. The region is very rich in flora and fauna. The Dodital Lake is a fresh water lake and a trout pool with multitudes of shining trout floating in the crystal clear waters. The 22 km trek for Dodital commences from Sangamchatti, which is motorable (12km) from Uttarkashi. Sangamchatti to Agora village is a gradual 6 km climb through woods, fields and villages along a mule track. Agora village is situated by trek at about 2300 m above sea level inside beautiful forest of deodar, oak, spruce & fir. It is connected to Dyara Bugyal by 15 km trek. Accommodation FRH with 2 suites, 10 eco lodges, and a big camping site for tents are available with necessary amenities. Villagers at prescribed rates provide boarding and other services.

There are several trek routes within 2 km from the FRH joining each other. Home- stay option is also available. The trek from Agora to Dodital is steep and through thick forests. Majhi camping site located 11km from Agora also has a camping site for around 50 tents. Basic amenities of drinking water, solar lights, kitchen, toilets etc are available. Potters / guides are available for the trek. A 15 km trekking route from Majhi to Dyara Bugyal an alpine meadow has also been developed. Activities offered are Camping in beautiful and serene surroundings, Trout Angling and trekking to Dyara alpine meadow.

Dyara Bugyal:
Bugyal in the local language means High Altitude Meadow. Situated at an altitude of about 3048 m, this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty. The panoramic view of the Himalayas here is breathtaking. There is a small lake in the area, and to camp by its side is a memorable event. From this spot one can trek down through dense forests to Dodital. The road to Dyara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari a place on Uttarkashi- Gangotri road about 28km from Uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu from where one has to trek up to a distance of 8 km to reach Dyara and other is via village Raithal, 10 Km from Bhatwari, from where one has to trek 6 km to reach Dyara Bugyal. The villages can be reached from Uttarkashi either by Bus or taxi from Uttarkashi. Home stays and campsites are available at Raithal and Barsu villages.

Access: Well-maintained motorable road links Sangamchatti with Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi is well connected by road to Haridwar (194 km, 6 hrs) and DehraDun via Rishikesh (215 km, 7 hrs) Haridwar and Dehra Dun are connected by Road and Rail with Delhi and other major cities. Jollygrant is the nearest Airport. Delhi is the nearest International airport. Contact: DFO Uttarkashi Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Ph No & Fax: 01374-222444

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