gauchar
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Best time to visit Gauchar

Gauchar is a beautiful town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is the 1st town/city of the Chamoli Garhwal and is located on the starting border of the Chamoli district. If you are planning to visit Chamoli then we recommend you stay in Gauchar for sure. You can reach Gauchar via helicopter from Dehradun, Tehri, and Srinagar Garhwal. Every week 3 three-day flights are operated from these helipads, you can book your ticket online from the official website of Pawan Hans or Heritage Aviation. These two companies currently provide heli services from Gauchar to Dehradun and Dehradun to Gauchar.

For more information, you can call us for online ticket booking or any other travel and informational purposes. We also provide tour guide and cab services from Gauchar helipad to any destination in Uttarakhand.

So if you are planning to visit Gauchar and don’t know what the best time to visit Gauchar, then in this article all your doubts will be cleared.

The best time to visit Gauchar is from April to June and from September to November. You must consider visiting Gauchar during November and enjoy the Gauchar mela festival. Gauchar Mela is one of the biggest fairs in Uttarakhand and it is held from 14 November to 20th November every year. It is a cultural and trade fair and you will see plenty of attractions in Gauchar mela.

There are some other beautiful locations nearby Gauchar you can visit also.

Best Places to Visit in Gauchar

Gauchar is a small town, there is not much to explore, but you can visit some locations and temples nearby.

Rudraprayag Sangam
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Rudraprayag Sangam Travel Guide

Rudraprayag a small town and district in itself of Uttarakhand offers you some pleasing and peaceful places where you can go. One of the holy places in Rudraprayag is Rudraprayag Sangam. The Sangam is the confluence of river Mandakini that originates from Kedarnath and Alaknanda from Badrinath. These two rivers meet here and the newly formed river remains Alaknanda upto Devprayag.

Kedarnath Dham is also located in Rudraprayag district, and the road to Kedarnath passes nearby from Rudraprayag Sangam. You can also choose the alternate bypass route if you don’t want to visit nearby Sangam. If you are planning to visit Kedarnath then you must visit Rudraprayag Sangam it is one of the best places to visit in Rudraprayag.

Why visit Rudraprayag Sangam

If you are searching for a peaceful and calm location near Rudraprayag and want to some relax. Then I recommend you to visit this place on the eve or in the morning time, you will feel so relaxed and pleased. If possible take a bath at the Sangam it will be more helpful for you and bathing at Sangam has relegious importance in Hindu Dharma.

Once you reach here after passing through a narrow gate and then stare down to the Sangam where there is an ancient temple and about its importance and whole history we will discuss below.

At Rudraprayag Sangam, you will feel another type of positive and relaxing energy. Sit on the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini and see the beauty of both the rivers meeting with each other and the sunset view. It will make your day.

Mythology about Rudraprayag Sangam

Historians and other Hindu books and other texts say that in ancient times, Nrad Muni(a character from mythologies in the Hindu religion) meditated here upon the benevolent Lord Shiva for the gift of excellent music. After that, the knowledge of music spread to the whole world.

When visit Rudraprayag Sangam

The best time to visit Rudraprayag Sangam is throughout the year, and in the evening and morning, it is the best place to go. This place remains open to all the days and throughout the whole year.

For meditation, this place is best. You will really love this place for sure.

CategoriesExplore local-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Places to visit near Binsar

Binsar is a wildlife sanctuary in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state. It is located in the Almora district of Kumaon region, approximately 33 Km north of the district. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 47 square KM and is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning panormic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Once upon a time, Binsar was the summer capital of Kumaon’s Chand Dynasty monarchs, who ruled from the 7th to 18th centuries AD.

There are plenty of places to visit nearby Binsar and we will explore those places in this article. So if you are planning to visit Almora then you must visit these places nearby Binsar. So let’s get started.

1 – Mary Budden Estate

It is a restored bungalow home with 2 cottages and a Shiva temple in Binsar. This house was constructed in the British era and now it is renewed by the forest department for tourist purposes. It is one of the historic sites mostly visited by tourists who travel to Binsar.

2 – Khali Estate

Khali estate was the home of the commissioner(Sir Henry Ramsay) of the Kumaon division during the british era from 1856 to 1884. Ramsay had been to the zero point at this place and heaved a flag for which the hill is called Jhanda Dhar Hill.

3 – Kansar Devi Temple

Kansar Devi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Kali which was built on 2nd century. This temple is located near Kalimath. If you are in Almora then you must visit this temple and explore this ancient temple.

4 – Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Golu Devta Temple is the world-famous temple in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is believed that Golu devta fulfills the wishes of devotees and people write their wishes on white paper and hang them on the bells of the temple. And whenever their wishes get fulfilled, they revisit the temple to thank the God Golu Devta. You can see the beautiful and majestic view of the great Himalayas from Chitai temple.

5 – Kathgodam

Kathgodam is known to be the starting point of the Kumaon region. This town is a historic town of Uttarakhand and the oldest railway station is Kathgodam it was built during the British era. Hedakhan Ashram, Kalichaud Temple, Seetla Devi Temple and Corbett Falls are the main attractions of Kathgodam.

6 – Jalna

Jalna is a beautiful small village located in the Almora disrict of Uttarakhand in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the smallest villages of Almora and you will make you near to nature. You can see green lush forests, jungle cats, mountain deers and boars where you can occasionally see bears and leopards is the charm of the village.

7 – Zero Point

Binsar Zero Point is the highest vantage point of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctury, from where you can see the 360-degree view of the Himalayan beauties namely Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and the group of Nanda Devi peaks. If you are in Binsar then you must visit Zero Point to see the beauty of the Himalayan range.

8 – Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar Temple is one of the holy temples of lord shiva in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is a complex of 125 ancient Hindu temples which were constructed between the 7th and 14th centuries.

So these were the best places to visit in Binsar where you can visit with your friends, and family, solo or as a group. For nature lovers and photographers, some of the sites are paradise. So whenever you are planning to visit Binsar you must consider adding these places to your travel list.

Final Words

So these were some places to visit nearby Binsar, where you can go with your friends, family or solo. There is a lot to explore in Binsar as a traveler and nature lover.

Agastyamuni temple rudraprayag
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Agastyamuni Temple Rudraprayag

Agastya Muni Temple is an ancient temple located in the Augustamuni town of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This holy temple is dedicated to Agastya sage, who meditated here in ancient times. It is one of the temples in Uttarakhand which is made in South Indian style and later some changes were made around the temple. I remember my first visit when I was in the 3rd standard, I visited Agastya Muni Temple. It is one of the best places to visit nearby Rudraprayag.

There is a holy Kund of Agastya Muni and the idol of his disciple Bhogajit. It is believed that sage Agastya Muni had meditated on this place for many years.

This temple is dedicated to sage Agastya Muni and they are worshipped here. In the temple premise, the temple of Lord Shiva and Agastya Kund are present. At this place, Agastya Muni had done penance of the Sun and Shrividya god in the ancient era.

After that, this holy place was named Agastyamuni town in the name of Sage Agastya Muni. This temple has religious importance in the Hindu religion and hundreds of people visit this temple every month.

If you are traveling towards Kedarnath, then we recommend you visit this temple during your Kedarnath trip. Agastya Muni Temple lies on the Kedarnath route.

Location of Augustmuni

Augustmuni town is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on the way to Kedarnath. This small town is located on the holy bank of river Mandakini which originates nearby from Kedarnath Dham. Augustmuni market is a decent market, you will get all the stuff here at a reasonable rate. If you are looking for pahadi items to buy you can buy from here, such as Pahadi pulses, Pahadi juice, Manduwa ka aata and other pahadi products.

How to reach Augustmuni

By Air

The nearest airport to Augustmuni is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, from Dehradun you can take a Helicopter to Augustmuni directly.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Augustmuni is Rishikesh, which is approx 160 Km from here. In the upcoming few years, the nearest railway station will be in Rudrarayag.

By Road

Agastya Muni is well-connected with the national highway NH 95 which is also known as Kedarnath highway. Agastya Muni temple is just 4 Km away from the main market Augustmuni.

Best time to visit Augustmuni

You can visit Agastya Muni temple in any season of the year. The temple remains open throughout the year, but we recommend you visit the temple between the months of May to October. During winter, the weather is very cold here, so carry enough warm clothes. Avoid traveling in the rainy season because you may face road blockage and other problems due to heavy rainfall. Also, book your hotels in advance for hassle-free travel.

Urvashi-temple
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Urvashi Apsara Temple Badrinath Uttarakhand

Urvashi temple is an ancient temple of goddess Urvashi devi located in the Badrinath region of Chamoli district. Devi Urvashi was created from the left lotus thigh of Lord Vishnu(Narayana) in Badrikashrama.

This temple is located just 1.5 Km away from the Badrinath temple on the holy bank of river Alaknanda in the Bamini village. If you are in Badrinath then you must consider visiting this temple also, it is easily accessible by walking.

The Urvashi temple is set against the backdrop of Urvashi Parvat, Narayana Parvat and Nilkanth Parvat. There is also a beautiful waterfall of Rishi Ganga which enhances the beauty of this location. From here you can see the panoramic views of Nara Parvata along with other snow-capped peaks and mountains. If you are a nature lover then you are going to love this place. Urvashi temple is one of the best places to visit nearby Badrinath and Mana village.

Vedic History of Urvashi Temple

The Urvashi Temple is located at the site where Devi Urvashi appeared from the thighs of Lord Vishnu(also known as Narayana). Lord Narayana was engaged in penances here along with Nara.

The 4th canto of holy Bhagwad Purana explains the appearance of Sri Nara – Narayana as the son of Dharma Prajapati and his wife Murti Devi.

After the appearance of Sri Nara – Narayana at this place, the entire world was in a joyous mood and there was absolute serenity everywhere.

There were celebrations all around the world and on different planets. The Kinnaras and Gandharvas sang while the Apsaras danced. Flowers were showered from heaven and all the devtas including Lord Brahma were delighted and came forward to express their happiness.

Devtas offered prayers to please Sri Narayana and the Lord accepted their prayers.

The king of Devtas Indra thought that Lord Narayana wanted to take over his kingdom. To counter this he sent some beautiful apsaras from his court. Apsaras are celestial beauties found in the upper planetary system of the universe. Whose job is to entertain the devatas through their dances.

After the apsaras arrived at this place where Lord Narayana was engaged in penances, they started seducing them with their exciting dances and moves to disturb them after the order of king Indra. But Sri Nara – Narayana was already alert about this.

After that Lord Narayana touched his lotus thigh from which a beautiful woman appeared and after seeing that woman the apsaras were ashamed of their own beauty and activity.

Sri Narayana conveyed that they have not interested in taking over the throne of Indra and they are doing penances only for spiritual realization.

The beauty who appeared from the thigh of Lord Narayana was named “Urvashi”.

After that, she was sent to the court of King Indra along with other apsaras on the order of Sri Nara – Narayana.

Urvashi temple was built here to honor this lila of Lord Narayana.

The architecture of Urvashi Devi Temple

The architecture of the temple is simple as usual other common local Hindu temples we see in different parts of India. The simple architecture of the temple is based on the Nagara style of architecture found in north India. This temple is so simple in architecture, the same as the other temples we see in northern India.

A small shikara stands over the sanctum, a big brass bell marks the entrance of the temple.

There are two big decorated pillars at the entrance of the temple. Inside the Urvashi temple, there is a huge hall where devotees can come and have darshan and perform pujas.

Urvashi Devi temple timings

Urvashi temple remains open throughout the day. Devotees can visit the temple for darshan at any time from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Best time to visit Urvashi temple

The best time to visit the Urvashi temple is from May to June and September to October. We recommend you avoid visiting in monsoons.

How to reach Urvashi temple

Once you reached Badrinath town, visit Badrinath temple first and then you can visit the Urvashi temple. The cheapeast and easiest way to reach Urvashi temple is via the road network. Badrinath Dham is well-connected to the national and state highways, so you will not face any problems in finding vehicles to the Dham.

By Road

Badrinath Dham is well-connected to all the major cities of Uttarakhand via bus and cab services. You can get a bus directly from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, which is approx 289 Km from Badrinath. Within a few years, you can reach Karnaprayag via train. But for the time being, the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh.

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport. From Dehradun, you can take a helicopter to Gauchar and then the rest of the journey is possible only via road network.

Chandpur garhi
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Chandpur Garhi Fort Chamoli

We all know that Uttarakhand is the hub of tourist places and is also known as Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, because of the Char Dham which are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The history of Uttarakhand is so long from the ancient era and in this article, we are going to talk about an ancient site that was the capital of the Garhwal kingdom, and the site is Chandpur Garhi. Chandpur Garhi Chamoli is one of the historic sites and best places to visit nearby Karnaprayag Chamoli. If you are in Karnaprayag then you must add this place to your travel list.

History of Chandpur Garhi

In ancient times there were 52 kingdoms in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, they were called Garhs at that time. And one of the garh(kingdom) was Chandpur Garhi. This was the capital of the Panwar generations and then later the capital was shifted to Srinagar Garhwal because the kingdom was becoming weaker due to regular attacks.

According to ancient historians and pieces of evidence, it is believed that the first king of Chandpur Garhi was King Kanalpal who established this fort and set up his capital here. He was one of the most powerful kings of that time, and all the 52 garhs(kingdoms) were under his influence. There is no proper evidence to proof the history of this mysterious fort and kingdom.

Ajaypal was the last king of Chandpur Garhi as per the historic writings. He shifted the capital from Chandpur Garhi to Devalgarh under his rule. Devalgarh site is located in today’s Pauri district of Uttarakhand, nearby Srinagar Garhwal.

Architecture and location of Chandpur Garhi

The fort was built with flat plate-like stones from the nearby stone mine. That stone mine is approx 3 Km away from the main site. Chandpur Garhi is located approx 500 meters on a hilltop from the Nainital national highway. The whole site is surrounded by hills tops and a few villages are located on those hilltops. The fort is surrounded by green, lush trees and small mountains. You can see the old traditional style Okhlis here, which were used to smash the grains at that time. Okhlis can be seen in almost all the villages of Uttarakhand. Today, only 20% structure of the fort is left and this site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

How to reach Chandpur Garhi

Chandpur Garhi is located 3 Km before Adi Badri temple and is well-connected with the national highway NH 109. The approximate distance from Karnaprayag to Chandpur Garhi is 16 Km. You can get a cab or bus from Karnaprayag to Chandpur Garhi or travel via your personal vehicle.

Conclusion

So if you are a history enthusiast who wants to explore the history of Garhwal then you must visit Chandpur garhi. It is one of the best tourist destinations nearby Karnaprayag Chamoli. We recommend you visit this site for sure if you really want to explore the history of the Garhwal region.

Benital
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Benital a Picnic Spot in Chamoli

We all know that Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states of India, and there is no place in this state where you don’t see the beauty of nature. Every village and location in Uttarakhand itself is a beautiful tourist destination. In this article, we are going to talk about a hidden and underrated tourist destination in Chamoli. That location is Benital. It is one of the most beautiful locations I have seen where there is a very big lake located at a high mountain plane. Benital is one of the best tourist destinations nearby Karnaprayag.

The lake is surrounded by green lush forests and small green grass. The total area of Benital is spread over approx, 34000 naali. There is a beautiful old-style bungalow in Benital which is private property, so you can’t enter there. If you are in Karnaprayag and looking to spend some quality time with your loved ones or as a couple, then Benital could be a great choice for you.

Recently, the Chamoli district administration announced that Benital will be developed as an Astro village. Benital is well-connected with the branch road and the nearest town is Simli and then Karnaprayag.

Benital is just 31 Km away from Karnaprayag and easily accessible via road. There are a few beautiful villages in between the Benital route, so you can enjoy the beauty of those villages. Benital is also a good location for trekking and bird watching. The views from here are so mesmerizing and you are going to love the peace and greenery.

Benital a beautiful lake in Chamoli

Basically, Benital is a still-water lake that is surrounded by a green small grass fields. Benital is a popular picnic spot in the Karnaprayag block of Chamoli district. For decades, the land of Benital is used by locals to feed their cows and buffaloes. There is almost no infrastructure in Benital like resorts, hotels, and others. But in the upcoming future, you will see some buildings of GMVN guest house and other things here under the project Benital Astro Village.

Generally, few people visit Benital on an average day and there is no staying facility here, so you will have to return from here in the evening. If you are searching for a homestay in Benital then you will need to travel 5 to 7 Km down from Benital and you will find a location Ghandiyal where there is a homestay. Where you can stay and get some food items.

So overall Benital is one of the best picnic and camping spots in Chamoli Uttarakhand. If you want to do camping, then you will need to carry the necessary equipment and food items for camping in Benital.

snow view point nainital
Categorieslocal-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Snow View Point Nainital

Nainital, the city of lakes, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The city boasts numerous vantage points, where one can witness the stunning beauty of the surroundings. Among them, Snow View Point is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places to visit. Situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters above sea level, the Snow View Point Nainital provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul, and Nanda Kot Peaks. During winter, Snow Viewpoint may be crowded because Nainital is one of the best honeymoon destinations and winter destinations as well.

History and Location of Snow View Point

The Snow View Point was established in the early 19th century by the British, who used it as a vantage point to observe the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. The point was earlier accessible by a ropeway, but now it can be reached by road. The road to the point passes through a dense forest of Deodar and Pine trees, which adds to the beauty of the journey.

Snow View Point is located just 3 km away from the town center, and one can easily reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a shared cab. The place remains open from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is nominal.

Attractions at Snow View Point

The Snow View Point offers a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Apart from the Himalayas, one can also see the beautiful Nainital town, including the Naini Lake, the Mall Road, and the Governor’s House. The place is also famous for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

Apart from the view, Snow View Point has a few other attractions. There is a small temple dedicated to Devi Maa, which is visited by many devotees. The place also has a small cafeteria that serves hot tea and snacks. There is also a small souvenir shop where one can buy handicrafts, woolen clothes, and other local items.

Tips for Visiting Snow View Point

If you plan to visit Snow View Point, it is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid the rush. The point is located at a high altitude, so it is advisable to carry warm clothes, especially during winter. The place remains closed during heavy snowfall, so it is better to check the weather conditions before planning the trip.

Conclusion

Snow View Point is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nainital. The breathtaking view of the Himalayas and the serene surroundings make it a perfect spot to unwind and relax. The place is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wants to witness the beauty of the Himalayas.

gopeshwar town
CategoriesExplore local-destinations By garhwalitraveller

Places to visit in Gopeshwar Chamoli

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Gopeshwar Chamoli is a small town located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Known for its serene atmosphere, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Gopeshwar Chamoli attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. From snow-capped mountains to ancient temples and scenic waterfalls, this town has a lot to offer to visitors. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Gopeshwar Chamoli.

Hook: Are you planning a trip to the Himalayas? Look no further than Gopeshwar Chamoli, a hidden gem in the Garhwal region.

Gopeshwar Chamoli

Gopeshwar Chamoli is located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level and is situated on the banks of the river Alaknanda. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and majestic mountains, providing a picturesque view of nature. It is the headquarters of the Chamoli district and is home to several ancient temples and shrines.

Gopeshwar Chamoli is well-connected to other cities in Uttarakhand and can be reached by road, rail, and air. Read the full guide on how to reach Gopeshwar. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 222 kilometers away from Gopeshwar Chamoli. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is approximately 199 kilometers away. See our Chamoli travel guide and places to see in Chamoli Uttarakhand.

Places to Visit in Gopeshwar Chamoli

Below is a list of some popular tourist places in Gopeshwar.

1 – Tungnath Temple: The Highest Shiva Temple in the World

Located at an altitude of 3680 meters above sea level, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage and is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in Hinduism. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. It can be reached by a trek of approximately 4 kilometers from Chopta.

2 – Chamunda Devi Temple: A Sacred Shrine for the Devotees

Chamunda Devi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on the banks of the river Mandakini and is surrounded by dense forests. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings.

3 – Gopinath Temple: A Majestic Temple in Gopeshwar Chamoli

Gopinath Temple is a famous temple located in Gopeshwar Chamoli. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. It is believed that the temple was built by the Katyuri kings in the 11th century. The temple is surrounded by scenic views of the Himalayas and is a must-visit destination for the devotees of Lord Krishna.

4 – Vasudhara Falls: A Scenic Waterfall in the Himalayas

Vasudhara Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains, providing a breathtaking view of nature. The waterfall is approximately 400 feet high and is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Himalayas. It can be reached by a trek of approximately 6 kilometers from Mana Village.

5 – Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: An Ecological Haven in Gopeshwar Chamoli

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 975 square kilometers and is known for its diverse wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, musk deer, and many more. It also offers several trekking trails, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.

6 – Anusuiya Devi Temple: A Spiritual Haven in Gopeshwar Chamoli

anusuiya devi temple

Anusuiya Devi Temple is an ancient temple located in the town of Gopeshwar Chamoli in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Anusuiya, the wife of Sage Atri and the mother of Dattatreya. It is believed that the temple was built in the 9th century and is one of the most revered shrines in the region.

Conclusion

Gopeshwar Chamoli is a hidden gem in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature. From ancient temples to scenic waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries, Gopeshwar Chamoli has a lot to offer to visitors. So, if you are planning a trip to the Himalayas, don’t forget to add Gopeshwar Chamoli to your itinerary.