Unheard Beauty, just 12 kilometers away from Nainital

Bored and tired from crowed hill station… come with us to an unseen landscape crafted by nature for you… Surrounded by green hills three sides. You will be amazed to see the view of Snow covered mountains at one side while other side river, water reservoir, fields at distance.

Where is this place…. this is Pangot, just 12 kilometers away from Nainital.

What to see:

Sun Rise, Mountains snow covered, Birds, Kosi river, Dabka River, water reservoir, Sun Set, Night Safari

Take my photo, before i fly

Eagle taking Rest

Full Moon

Full Moon

Planning a vacation this summer: few beautiful places to visit – Part 1

Whether you are planning a vacation with your family or friends? Want to go for a weeklong vacation or want to just enjoy your weekend at a cool and beautiful place. We will tell you about a few beautiful places in North India, which are not only beautiful and serene, but also offers you to do few adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, and rappelling. We are sure if you visit these places, you would love to visit again and again. In this series of blog post part 1, we will talk about Nainital and Mussoorie.

1.    Nainital
Known as the lake city of Uttarankhand, Nainital is located around the Naini Lake. This place is named after the Goddess Naini Devi, the presiding idol of the area. According to some tradition, it is believed that angry  Shiva placed Sati’s body on his shoulder and ran about the world, crazed with grief. The Gods called upon the god Vishnu to restore Shiva to normalcy and calm. Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s lifeless body, following which Shiva regained his equanimity.  It state that Sati’s body was thus dismembered into 51 pieces which fell on earth at various places. It is said that Sati’s one of the eyes fell here. It is situated at a height of 1,938 mts. Nainital is set in a valley containing a V-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains. This is a heavan for summer vacation, where the maximum temperature hovers around 27 degree centigrade.

Naini Lake, Nainital

2.    Mussoorie
Known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is located at a distance of 35kms from Dehradun, at a height of 2000mts above sea level. The day temperature is normal to hot but evenings are cooler. The best time to visit Mussoorie is between the summer months of March and June. The main attraction here is Kempty Falls, situated at an altitude of 4,500 ft, is one of the popular tourist places of Mussoorie. It is a beautiful waterfall, which falls from a height of about 40 ft from a mountain. Tapovan is another beautiful place located on the banks of holy river Ganges. Bounded by lush green forests and chanting of Vedas all around, the place is popular for numerous rituals and other religious ceremonies. Possessing a rich historical and religious significance, the place is popular for being the site where Guru Dronacharya underwent penance. Guru Dronacharya is a saint mentioned in epic the Mahabharata, who had his ashram located in close vicinity of Tapovan.

SunSet at Mussoorie

Stay tuned to this series. We will cover about other hill stations of North India. If you have visited any good place in summer, do share your experience and recommendations with our other readers.

5 Unique things of Nainital

5 Unique things of Nainital

5 Unique things of Nainital

Nainitaal – if one has to define this heaven in a word, it’ll be Marvelous! This dreamland town with its stunning magnificence is one of the most famous touristy hill stations of the country.

Naini Lake:
This beautiful blue and green lake is which Nainital derives its name from. This captivating lake is so called because of its eye-like shape. It’s the most famous tourist hub of the hill station, with such impressive features and attractive appeal it provides facilities for boat ride.

Naina Devi Temple:
Along the Naini Lake lies the Nanda Devi Temple. And as the history says that Goddess Sati, wife of Lord Shiva, jumped into a sacrificial bonfire, in order to escape humiliation. To mourn the death of his beloved wife, Lord Shiva carried her body across the country, and as the moved the remains of the sacred body of Sati fell at various places, which according to the belief of the local populace all became sacred places, Naini Lake is one of them and Naina Devi Temple is constructed in its respect.

Naina Peak:
Being the highest peak in Nainital, you can walk or take safaris to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital, reaching its top you can visualize Nainital in a bowl shape.

Snow View:
Going by its name one can imagine is beauty and its scenic pictures of the scintillating snow of Himalaya. Being the most easily accessible hill top in Nainital one can have thew breathtaking view of Himalaya and if you strong binoculars you can see Nanda Devi at an elevation of 7817 m , which is the second highest mountain in India. This place is reachable through the ropeway or the safaris available at the Mallitaal.

St John’s Church:
Constructed in 1847, soon after British arrived India, the church is a home to the brass commemoration, in the memory of the victims of a tragic landslide. The few bodies that were recovered from the debris were buried in the church site. The church is very popular among the tourists because of the very fact and its unique architecture.

Want to go Nainital, contact us

info@planTripForMe.com

Delhi 0-98188-18355    Dhaunalti   0-99272-33009    Rishikesh 0-98379-19290    Kausani 0-94111-98555

5 Popular Excursions From Nainital

5 Popular Excursions From Nainital

5 Popular Excursions From Nainital

 

Located around Naini Lake and set amidst mountain ranges and clear skies; Nainital is the most charming destination to visit. The 5 popular excursions from Nainital are:

1. Jim Corbett National Park:

Though it lies in the same district of Nainital, it’s located on the foothills around 90 km from the main city. The park carries a reputation of being the first national park in India, and it is a home to the most ferocious tigers of the country. For long tome the park had been the famous hideout for tourists visiting Nainital and fauna freaks. Tourism is allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife living here.

2. Bhimtal:
About 22 Kms. from Nainital at an height of 1370 m lies, Bhimtal, a beautiful lake which offers magnificent vistas for tourists. As it’s is bigger than Naini lake, one can have more fun boating in the lake. There is an island in the middle of the lake and a restaurant is located on top of it. Tourist visit it to admire its beauty and have a life time experience.

3. Ranikhet:
Perfect in its charm, Ranikhet with its majestic pine trees and an unusual sunset have always been one of the famous destinations among the tourists. Lying just 60 Km from Nainital, it is one of the famous excursions that tourists generally visit. An altitude of 1829 m, the scented mountain breeze, fresh & pure environment, the birds rhyming and the panoramic view of the Himalayas makes the destination a paradise for the visitors.

4. Mukteshwar:
This beautiful place is located at an altitude of 2286 mt and lies 51 Km from Nainital. It is surrounded by fruit gardens and dense coniferous forest.  Its scenic beauty attracts many visitors to the place who have a very placid and calm time walking around the place capturing photographs.

 5. Naukuchiatal:
is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all the lakes in Uttarakhand. A unique nine-cornered lake, it is situated 24 km away from Nainital, in the foothills of Kumaon, at an altitude of 1,219 meters. The beautiful lake is alimented by an underwater spring.

Naukuchiatal is a must-visit for those who love getting lost in the serenity of nature. The enchanting views of meadows and pastures that the lake provides to its visitors make it look more picturesque. This is a perfect place to get away from all the rush of the cities and rejuvenate your body as well as soul. An overview of Naukuchiatal gives an assumption of ‘picture-perfect’ beauty. The captivating surroundings and varied biodiversity that can be seen in the area within 10 km radius of Naukuchiatal gives it the perception of virtual heaven.

Want to go Nainital, contact us

info@planTripForMe.com

Delhi 0-98188-18355    Dhaunalti   0-99272-33009    Rishikesh 0-98379-19290    Kausani 0-94111-98555

The Weekend Destination: Dhanaulti

The Weekend Destination: Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is an impending hill station famous as weekend destination for the visitors of Delhi/NCR. Dhanaulti is located amidst wide and dense forests of deodar, rhododendron and oak. The ambiance of Dhanaulti is very serene and relaxing. Dhanaulti is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters above sea level on Mussoorie – Chamba Road. Dhanaulti is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand state. The long forested slopes, pictorial views, cuddling breeze, divine weather and marvelous snow covered mountains makes it a perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Many tourists love to visit Dhanaulti as it is far away from the madding crowd of Mussoorie, Dhanaulti also offers luxury hotels in nominal prices. The tourists visit Dhanaulti throughout the year. During summers the place acts as a relief from the humid conditions of the plains and during winters the place is covered with a blanket of snow.

Famous Places

Surkanda Devi 
The temple of Surkanda Devi is situated on the top of the mountain. This temple is heavily covered by intense forests at an altitude of about 2,903 meters above sea level. The temple is also famous for the annual fair on Ganga Dussehra in autumn in which many people take part. This place also offers trekking prospects around Dhanaulti – Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri.

Eco-Park

It is the most recent attraction of Dhanaulti. This park has been developed by Forest Department of Uttarakhand .There are two Eco-parks, Amber and Dhara about 200 meters apart. It basically protects a small patch of forest with vegetation of Deodar trees. Mussourie Forest Department is also running Eco-huts for the tourists come to enjoy serene landscapes of Dhanaulti. These are built by green technology and are eco-friendly. This park also provides employment to the local people.

Aloo Khet:

In Dhanaulti, the large farms of potato are known as Aloo Khet, is a place where the tourists can have a walk and horse ride. The potato farms are about 1 km from the main market and from here the Doon valley is evidently visible. Some fields belong to the government and also are owned by private farmers. The potatoes grown here are supplied to many places outside the state of Uttarakhand.

Kanatal

Kanatal is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Dhanaulti and is located along the Mussoorie-Chamba road in the Uttarakhand state. This is also a hill station where tourists usually come during their trip to Mussoorie or Dhanaulti. Kanatal is also famous for its beautiful sights, lush forests, relaxing conditions. There are many hotels and lodges to stay here.

Himalayan Weavers

The Himalayan weaver is a showroom at Dhanulti Mussoorie road. This is a showroom in which all environmental friendly natural products like hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and products made up of Himalayan wool, eri silk and hand-spun pashmina from Ladakh are available.

Want to go Dhaunalti, contact us

info@planTripForMe.com

Delhi 0-98188-18355    Dhaunalti   0-99272-33009    Rishikesh 0-98379-19290    Kausani 0-94111-98555

Tranquilizing Lansdowne

Tranquilizing Lansdowne

Lansdowne is an attractive hill station in Pauri Garhwal of Uttaranchal. Lansdowne was popularized by the Britishers in the India. Lansdowne is unlike other hill stations as it is well connected to Kotdwar – Pauri road but secluded in its own way. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests. The dominating vegetation is of tall oaks and blue pines. These mountainside forests are divine, dark and deep, just ultimate for long walks and picnics. There are amazing mountain views of the Western Himalayas. Lansdowne is ideal travel destination for holidays. It is one of the most popular weekends spot for the visitors from Delhi NCR Region.

 

History of Lansdowne

Initially Lansdowne was known as, Kaludanda, Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill). Lansdowne was founded and got its name on Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887. Lansdowne was urbanized by the British for the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters during British period. Presently, Lansdowne has the command office well-known Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army.

The salubrious climate and pure surroundings of Lansdowne makes unforgettable experience for the travelers. It provides an ideal condition for the meditation and invigoration of your soul. Adventure activities like, trekking, bird watching, boating, paddling etc. can be done in a visit to Lansdowne.

Lansdowne’s Attraction

Lansdowne is famous as weekend destination amongst tourists. The tourist’s attractions of this place are:

Jungle Safari:

The deep forest surrounding the Lansdowne is an appropriate place for Jungle safari. The thick vegetation of the Oak trees and blue pine woods make the environment of the forest adventurous for the tourist. The ambiance is very breezy all through the year. Many tour agents arrange the planned jungle safari with affordable rates in the forests surrounding the Lansdowne hill station.

Kanvashram:

It is a revered ashram located near Lansdowne hill station. This ashram is bounded by broad forests and knolls, which create magnetism for the tourists. A most noteworthy attraction of this place is the well-known Malini River flowing near to this Ashram. This ashram is also correlated to the Indian mythology related to the Sage Kanvan. It is believed that ‘Shakuntala’, the step daughter of Sage Kanvan has given birth to her son “Bharath” in this Ashram. Lodging is obtainable for the people, to spend holidays here. This is an accurate place for meditation and amalgamation with the nature.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple:

This temple is located nearby Lansdowne and is atop of a hill of height 2092 meters. It is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or Siddhapitas. The main idol is Lord Shiva and many devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers. Every year there is a magnificent celebration on Mahashivarathri. The temple place is surrounded by thick blue pine forests, oak trees and dense Deodars. The stunning facet is that even at this high altitude, there are many water pools around this place.

Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial:

This War memorial at Lansdowne was opened on 11 Nov 1923 by Lord Rawlinson of Trent, the then Commander in Chief of India. This museum is located at the Parade Ground. This is one of the major attractions for the tourists.

St. Marry’s Church:

This ingenious church was built by Colonel AHB Hume in 1896. St Marry’s Church fell into disuse after 1947. The building has been restored; now watch out by Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre. Pre Independence photographs, audio and visual display of Regiment are displayed in this place.

Tip-In-Top (Tiffin Top or Tip and Top):

Tiffin top is situated in the crest near St. Mary’s Church; Tip-in-Top is a popular point amongst the tourists visiting Lansdowne. This is an easy trekking spot which starts from dense forest and craggy landscape end up at a pictographic spot from where the enchanting Himalayas can be viewed.

Bhulla Tal (Lake):

Literally ‘Bhulla’ means younger brother in Garhwali. This artificial lake is created to acknowledge contribution of the young Garhwali youth of Garhwal rifles. Boating and paddling facilities are also available at Bhulla Tal. A children park, bamboo machan and fountains are established for entertainment and beautification of pristine surroundings.

Regimental Museum (Darban Singh Sanghralaya):

This museum was inaugurated in 1983, named after Darban Singh Negi. A rare collection of all artifacts, including photographs, arms, captured weapons, operation history and other information is displayed in this museum. There are many items, such as medals won by Garhwal Rifle soldiers are displayed, and this also includes the Victoria Cross awarded to Darwan Singh Negi and Gabar Singh Negi.

Bhim Pakora:

It is believed that during the period of exile, Pandavas stopped at this place and cooked food. It is also said that Bhim placed one rock on the other; these rocks are so well placed on each other even when touched by one finger by tourists it never fell down. Bhim Pakora is located in Dhura.

St. John’s Church:

This church is located at the mall road. Its architecture is Roaman Cathollic, was established in 1936, under the guidelines of Agra Diocese. In 1951, this Church was handed over to Government of India. On April 28th 1983 the Church was handed over to RT. Rev.Dr.Paulins Jeerakath CMI, Bishop of Jagdalpur. Since then, the church is open for the daily prayers.

Want to go Lansdowne, contact us

info@planTripForMe.com

Delhi 0-98188-18355    Lansdowne 0-99272-33009    Rishikesh 0-98379-19290    Kausani 0-94111-98555

Unleashing the queen of lakes: Nainital

 

Unleashing the queen of lakes:  Nainital

Nainital is placed in the valley of the Gagar range of the Himalayas, which extends from east to the west and connects to the crest of China in the north. Thousands of tourists visit Nainital due to its amenity panorama and pleasant weather. Nainital is encircled by major peaks and hills; it is one of the most enthralling hill stations within the Indian subcontinent.

People visit Nainital mainly due to Naini Lake. It is within a perimeter of 2 miles and is bordered by seven hills; seven hills that surround the Nainital Lake are Ayarpata, Alma, Deopata, Sher-ka-Danda, Laria Kanta, Cheena and Handi Bandi. People enjoy boating, and paddling in the tranquil waters of the lake. According to the historical evidence earlier the water was so transparent and one could see the reflection of the seven peaks of the surrounding hills in the lake.

Tourist’s Attractions

Nainital Lake

Nainital Lake is also known as Naini Lake, it is a natural lake which is situated in the centre of the city. The Nainital got its name from this lake, it is believed that the left eye of ‘Sati’ fell here hence, the name ‘Naini’ was derived. This lake is eye-shaped and acts as a catalyst for the tourism for the state. The northern end of the lake is called Mallital, while the southern one is called Tallital,  both of which are connected by a Lake bridge called ‘Danth’ which features the only Post Office in the entire world that is constructed on a Lake Bridge.  Many people stand or leisurely walk through this bridge to admire the green waters and its backdrop. People enjoy this lake by fabulous boating.

 

 

Naini Devi Temple

The temple is located on the northern shore of Naini lake. The word “naini’ is synonyms with the eye of Maa Naina. Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeths, in Nainital, the eyes (naina) of the Goddess are assumed to have fallen. Inside the temple, devotees have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Mata Kali Devi, the centre representing two eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh. One can also get an astonishing sight of the hill station and the lake from the temple.

The Mall Road:

Mall road is the busiest road in the town surrounding Naini Lake. During tourist season of May and June, vehicles are not allowed to enter mall road as it is a popular strolling point amongst tourists. Mall road is now named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. The road is filled with hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, banks, travel agencies and street shops.

Snow View:

Snow View is situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters and located atop the Sher-ka-danda Ridge.  The best way to reach snow view is a ropeway or cable car ride. From the months of October and November, it offers an extravagant view of the snow bound mountains including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. Tea, snacks and other refreshments are also available atop this hill.

Naini Peak or China Peak:

It is also known as China or Cheena Peak. Naina peak is situated at elevated altitude of 2615 meters above sea level. Naina Peak is the highest point of the town and is at a walking distance of 6 km from the north end of the town (Mallital). From top of the   peak, one can see a snow claded high Himalaya, a panoramic view of Naini Lake and Nainital town.

Zoo:

 Govind Ballabh Pant high altitude zoo is situated around 2km from the bus station. The zoo is set at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level. The zoo was established in 1984 to provide natural environment for the animals like Leopard , Hill Fox, Siberian Tiger (snow tiger), Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Monkeys, Rose ringed Prakeet, Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, White Peacock.

Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan):

Governor’s House was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style by the architect F.W. Stevens. It was built as the summer residence of the governor of the North West territory. Presently, Raj Bhavan is the official guest house for the governor of Uttarakhand and for visiting state guests. The complex is made up of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming poo, and golf links. Obtaining prior permission is must for visiting.

Tiffin Top ( Dorothy’s Seat):

This terraced hill top is situated at 2,292 meters on Ayarpatta hill. Dorothy’s Seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built in memory of an English lady painter Dorothy Kellet by her husband after her death in a plane crash.

Gurney House:

Gurney House is the former residence, of Jim Corbett, which is located on Ayarpatta Hill. The building is now a private residence as it was sold to a zamindari family of Bihar by Jim Corbett and his sister Maggie. The house is open to visitors as a museum of Corbett memorabilia.

 

The High Court of Uttarakhand:

The building of The High Court of Uttarakhand was formerly known as the ‘Old Secretariat’, when Nainital was the summer capital of United Provinces.

Going to Mussoorie? Check this out!

 

Situated in the state of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is a popular “hill station” getaway for people from cities like New Delhi and Chandigarh, this picturesque town has had untimely and unorganized construction due to the ever increasing tourist trade.

Going off the beaten path and venturing into the lesser known sections of Barlowganj and Landour is a great way to explore the region.

To guide you through this quaint town overlooking the Doon Valley, here, PlanTripForMe share some points that YOU should keep in mind:-

 

The Car Ride
Situated some 8 to 9 hours from New Delhi, Mussoorie can easily be reached in a day by car from the capital. While taking the Meerut and Roorkie ByPass makes the trip more bearable, if traveling after the rainy season be prepared for a bumpy ride due to broken roads. Plan your trip ahead and make sure you reach your destination well within daylight time as night driving in the hills can prove to be strenuous and dangerous.

 

The Mist 
One of the most wonderful sites in Mussoorie was to watch the mist play hide and seek with the mountains as I sipped hot tea in my hotel balcony. It is both beautiful and dangerous as the mist can suddenly descend upon the mountains making it difficult to see anything if you are driving. Beautiful and deadly, the mist gives Mussoorie stupendous character.

 

Mall Road 
Probably the main attraction of Mussoorie, this stretch of road from the Picture Palace to the Public Library is lined with shops, street vendors, and an idyllic view of the valley. Unfortunately its upkeep has been rather poor and it is advised that you walk with one eye on the road, else you are bound to step on horse excreta. With bikes and cars whizzing past during the day, it is not always the best place for a calm and quiet walk. At night, with lights blinking in the hills, Mall Road can prove to be quite romantic when less crowded.

 

Those Cozy Evenings 
While the day time can get extremely hot, the evenings and night time are almost always cooler. With the mist coming down and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, carrying light woolens is always advisable.

 

It’s feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!
Mussoorie might be 6000ft above sea level and amidst lush green mountains, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get hot over there. Carry an umbrella for those sudden rain showers and also to protect you from the direct rays of the sun that will surely make you sweat. Either way, without an umbrella, you are bound to get wet.

 

Ruskin Bond 
I am never really sure whether it is Mussoorie that made Ruskin Bond famous or vice versa. In my book, Ruskin Bond, author, remains the most celebrated person of Mussoorie. Although I have never been lucky enough to meet him, those who have come across him have always had fond lifelong memories of interacting with this humble and gentle individual. His stories are a must read for all bookworms.

 

Stay a week
While you might be planning a short trip, if you really want to experience Mussoorie, stay for a week and take in the charm of this hill station. You will have more time to explore and the chance to spend your vacation at your own pace.

 

Hiking
Although there aren’t that many “proper” hiking trails, Mussoorie has enough paths all around in the mountains to make any adventurous hiker jump with joy. A chance to take in some fresh air and exercise your body while enjoying the flora and fauna is highly recommended.

 

Warm Street Food
India has always been synonymous with street food. Walking on the Mall Road you are bound to find numerous vendors selling all sorts of street foods from boiled eggs to popcorn to candy floss, perfect to warm you up during those cozy evening walks.