Travel: 5 Things to do in Uttarakhand, India

Home to over 1.2 Billion people, India is a land of diversity, culture and colour. The physical attributes of the twenty-nine states are as versatile and as varying as their inhabitants – one can escape into the mountains, be enchanted by majestic forests, sail along winding rivers, drive through scorching-hot desserts or lush farmland or be caught in the rat race of hectic and noisy city life. Similarly, you can find people of every colour, shape and size and it is a wonder how everything comes together in an amalgamation of beautiful chaos to form a country that is often misunderstood for that chaos but at the same time is undeniably charming and inviting.

For as good a combination of all the things that India can offer you in one trip, to just one of the many coveted destinations in the country, one should pay a visit to Uttarakhand (previously known as Uttaranchal), a state redolent of the beauty one can find in certain European countries like Norway and Switzerland. Known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or ‘Land of The Gods’, because of its naturally beautiful terrain and its significance in Hindu mythology – making it a destination for many Hindu pilgrimages and backpackers alike – Uttarakhand has rolling green hills, stunning views of the Western Himalayan mountain range, warm and handsome people, the freshest produce and lots of rich history. The people are referred to as ‘pahadis’ (hill people) and the people from the Western region are known as Kumaonis, and the people from the Eastern region, Garhwalis.

Get your cameras ready and your hiking boots packed for a travel adventure that will stick with you for a long time to come. Listed below are just some of the many things you can occupy your time with on this trip.

1. Visit Jageshwar Mandir

Mandir means temple in Sanskrit. This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, dates back to the 6^th Century AD and its majestic shines are home to many tales and folklore. Come be enthralled by the stories, which might invoke wonder and some terror as you walk through the temple grounds. Flanked by age-old trees and rushing rivers, the town area is also quaint and exceedingly pretty. There is an inexplicable air of peace that seems to waft through the town, possibly owing to its strong spiritual presence, that is quite unparalleled and regardless of whether you’re a spiritual person or not, you’ll come to see this is true.

2. Visit and Stay in Ranikhet

Located some 1869m above sea level, Ranikhet is approximately four hours drive away from the main train station, Kathgodam, in the Almora District – the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is a gorgeous haven, atop green hilly terrain, from where you can almost kiss the skies. Some people from the bigger cities, like New Delhi and Bombay, choose to retire in beautiful cottages they have built for themselves in Ranikhet, although the town has a relatively small population. Perhaps the people who build their homes in the area choose the location for its tranquility and natural beauty or for the fact that during the months of October through to March, there are unobstructed views of the grand peaks of the Western Himalayas. Whatever the reason, it is an ideal location for peace and calm, with plenty of fresh air and greenery to boot. Despite the quietness and lack of tourists, Ranikhet is still a great place to visit, for the young and old traveler alike. Opt to stay with family or friends or live in one of the several homestay programmes in well tended-to cottages with all the facilities provided, hike for hours in untouched redwood forests, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, photograph the beauty around you, sip fresh tea in front of a fireplace and if you’re lucky – even spot a panther or two.

3. Visit and Stay in Nainital

A hill station located in the Kumaon foothills, Nainital, which means ‘City of Lakes’, is a beautiful destination that offers you both lake and misty mountain views. Still reminiscent of strong British influence, Nainital is far more populated than its quieter neighbor Ranikhet, and is frequented by tourists from all over the world. One would even say it bears strong resemblance to another famous hill station in the Northeast of India, famous for its tea – Darjeeling – because of the mist, slightly damper air and bustling life in the main town area. This lovely hill station is also home to some of India’s best boarding schools, with many students from various parts of India and some from around the world, attending them. One can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Naini Lake, hike up to Tiffin Top and enjoy a great picnic as you look out onto the vast beauty that surrounds you, pay a visit to the world famous Jim Corbett National Park, attend and visit one of the many festivals and fairs by the fair grounds and perhaps even pay a visit to one of its most famous and posh schools, Sherwood College, established in 1869, where there is a proud display of an actual MiG Fighter jet that is perched slightly precariously, above the sporting grounds.

4. Attend Kumbh Mela in Haridwar

Lauded as the biggest religious festival in the world, Kumbh Mela, Hindu or not, is a celebration you don’t want to miss out for the sheer fact that it is an experience like no other. Millions of pilgrims, from all walks of life, flock to the famous festival that is held at the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganges and mythical Saraswati rivers and hence takes place in four locations in India. It takes place four times every twelve years in Haridwar, Uttarakhand and is a truly grand affair. There have been many documentaries made about this festival but nothing can rival actually being there to listen to the amazing stories of the sadhus (Holy men) and witness the pomp and festivities firsthand.

5. Nanda Devi Trek, Valley of Flowers & Mussorie

The hilly regions of the vast state boast some of the best hiking and trekking trails. The majestic two-peaked Nanda Devi mountain sits at 7816m (25,643ft) high and is the second highest mountain in India and is a truly stunning sight, visible from various parts of the state. If you opt to trek to all three places, the journey is quite long, and will probably take about ten days if you choose to do it without rest in between. For a slightly less hectic trip, plan to keep at least two weeks free so that you can enjoy the best experience and not have to go sleepless nights on long treks. On this trek you will enjoy the Garhwal Himalayan experience through the Kuari pass, and relatively isolated Hindu settlements which will offer you unrivaled and up-close views of the Western Himalayas. You will then ascend the pilgrimage trail to Hemkund, that leads to the famous Valley of Flowers where you will find flora and fauna of every kind as well as a beautiful holy lake. The Valley of Flowers is located close to two other breathtaking hill stations, Mussorie and Rishikesh – the birthplace of Yoga, which you may choose to visit accordingly.

Diya-Maya Tsering Bhalla