Exploring– Uttarakhand, the Devbhoomi Part 1 – (Dehradun)
As you set cruise to your trip to the Devbhoomi (Land of God), Uttarakhand; you surely will take away pebbled memories of the nature’s magnificence. Memories so full that it is beyond par in regard to any other destination you have ever travelled to or you will be travelling somewhere in the future.
Starting from its breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges till its lush greenery spread over the state, one can expect nothing more than pure satisfaction of the purity of mother nature.
As I write this column exploring the insights of this great land, I shall stop by for the world to witness the greatness of this majestic and mystical land of Uttarakhand.
Dehradun stands as the most common name among the tourists when it comes to the attractions of Uttarakhand. Following this capital city are the other cities / tourist places which includes – Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Nainital, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Almora, Auli and many more.
The Indian Military Academy’s Chetwode Hall.
Commonly renowned for its decorated Indian Military Academy, the Forest Research Institute of India and the Head Quarters of the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited; the city of Dehradun hosts the tourists with several other recreational sites, shopping centers – Indira Market and Paltan Bazar, the Ghanta Ghar just in the heart of the city. The scenic Jolly Grant Airport; adds to the glamour. For luxury and ambiance, you should be prepared for a warm welcome at your arrival to the posh hotels here – The Madhuban, The Saffron Leaf and The Lemon Tree.
Forest Research Institute of India, backed by the Shiwalik ranges of the Great Himalaya.
For a tourist and a newcomer, Dehradun is the gateway to a several options of travelling destinations. Among them, the frequent choices are –
- Shimla : 230 Kms
- Chandigarh : 170 Kms
- Nainital : 300 Kms
- Jim Corbett National Park : 200 Kms
- Rishikesh : 45 Kms
- Haridwar : 60 Kms
While the above are the obvious preferences, the travel-bees often leave out some contrasting centers of attraction neighboring this city. Very less heard among those are:-
Paonta Sahib, Himacahal Pradesh
Located along the Border of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, Paonta Sahib shares its sanctity both as a religious shrine of the Sikh religion as well as a hub to visualize the nature’s bounty. The neighboring Kalesar National Park will add to the aesthetic beauty of this place as this small sacred town is both vested with the Yamuna River as well as the greenery of the neighboring forest belt of the forest.
Built in the memory of the tenth guru of the Sikhs – Guru Gobind Singh, this Gurudwara, entertains pilgrims and tourist from all parts of the land everyday.
Sunset view of the Paonta Sahib Gurudwara, Himachal Pradesh.
Located at a distance of 45 Kms away from Dehradun, the place though not under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand state; is a must visit tourist location near Dehradun.
Kalesar National Park, Haryana
An epitome of natural beauty, the Kalesar National Park shares its boundaries with the neighboring states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. While the Yamuna River separates it from U.P., the park is bounded by the Shiwalik ranges of the Himalaya from the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The high observation tower in the national park machaan is a thing not to miss if tourists stop by at this place. Flora and fauna here shows a good number of variety ranging from seasonal to full time. Among the greenery, trees like Khair, Jingan, Sain, Chhal, Sal and Sisam are found here. The park’s sal belt is an asset of compliment in terms of forest resources. Animals like Rhesus monkey, Antelopes, Wild boars and Leopards are most common. Guests from neighboring forest belt coming here includes the herds of wild elephants.
68 Kms far from the Dehradun city, this place is a spot to count on !
View to the Shiwaliks from Kalesar National Park
Chakrata, Uttarakhand
Distanced from the buzz of the city life and pollution, this place is a picturesque spot stuffed with the natural bounty and the panoramic taste of the nature. An ideal spot for adventure and nature enthusiasts, this hill station is blanketed with snowfall during the winters.
Far from the busy Dehradun at a distance of 85 Kms, this place shelters a plenty of ancient caves and Hindu temples. Options for small treks around Chakrata and skiing opportunities is expected to be in the spring and winter seasons respectively.
DEnroute Chakrata
