Uttrakhand is one of the holiest regions of the Himalayas. The newly formed state of Uttranchal constitutes regions of Garhwal and Kumaon, named after former mountain kingdoms. Garhwal consists of the districts of Pauri, Chamoli, Teri, Dehradun and Uttarkashi; Kumaon  of Nainital, Almora and the well known Pithograh.
Uttarkhand is famous not only some well known hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital, but also fro Dev-Bhumi, Land of the gods, in Garhwal.

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Garhwal is believed to the holiest land in India. A land where the most ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas, are said to have been composed. The Vedas refer to the land of  the Saptasindhu – the seven rivers – as the home of the Aryans. The Dev Bhumi also has the four Principal mountain pilgrimage sites, better known as the Char Dhams, visit to which are believed to ensure salvation. These are Yamunotri, the source of the river Yamuna; Gangotri the source of river Ganga; Kedarnath, the adobe of Lord Shiva; and finally Badrinath, the valley of Lord Vishnu.

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One of the most important towns in the Himalayan foothills, lying in the fertile Doon valley, Dehradun, at 700m, is the gateway to Missouri. It boasts of the prestigious Indian military Academy and some of the best public schools like – The Doon School, alma mater of the former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi and Welham’s High School. The Forest Research Institute and the Wildlife Institute of India are also among Dehradun’s many outstanding institutions. It has a main railhead of the Northern railway which has direct trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta (Kolkata), Lucknow and Varanasi. It can also reached by road.

Places to see at Dehradun:

The Forest Research Institute, Mulberry Demonstration Farms of the Sericulture Institute; Robbers cave, a picnic spot 8 km from the town centre. The places with religious connections are Tapovan (5 km) and Lakshaman Siddh (11 km). The sulphur springs at Sahastra Dhara (15 Km) and Klasi (50 km from town) also hold a special charm.

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Mussoorie, 2005m above the sea level, is the perfect gateway from the summer heat of plains. One of the most easily accessible hills stations from Delhi; it is a very popular tourist destination round the year. During the monsoon and winter months it is visited by people in search of some peace and quiet. Mussoorie is most easily accessible from Dehradun (35 Km) which is also the nearest railhead.
The heart of the town is the busy mall, alongside which is the tourist office, rows of Tibetan trinket and sweater vendors and shops selling walking sticks and cane items. Hand pulled rickshaws manufactured in Glasgow can still be seen plying down the mall.

The mall is the starting point for the cable car towards the summit of Gun Hill, 2142 meters above sea level. On clear days the peaks of Kedarnath, Badrinath and Nanda Devi from this hills, can be seen clearly. A pony trip can be taken along the North facing camel’s Back Road, named so, because of its appearance. A footpath leads from near the Library to the Municipal garden which has a Children’s park a café with a small pool, besides being a good view point. At the opposite end of the mall is Landour, an Indian style bazaar. Lal Tibba, at 2438m and the height point in Mussoorie, is the peak above Landour, 5 km from the centre of town.

Excursions from Mussoorie

15 km away, on the Yamunotri road, is a popular & picturesque picnic spot Kempty Falls. From kempty falls, the area west to the Yamuna gorge is being declared a sanctuary. Rich in bird life, it also has some wild life including Leopards.
The Mossey Falls is a picnic spot, 6 km from the centre of Mussoorie. 24 Km along the Tehri road, is Dhanaulti. Is the ideal place for a quiet weekend.
Surkhanda Devi temple is the highest point in the area, located at 3021m. it is 45km from Mussoorie and 8 km from Dhanaulti.

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Rishikesh, 24 km from Hardwar is a town of ashrams and temples, amidst beautiful hills. The Ganga tumbling down from the mountains is joined here by Chandrabhagariver. Buses provide connections to Haridwar (24 km) and Mussoorie (77 km). a terrific view of the town and the river below can be had from either of the two suspension bridges the Ram Jhula and the Lakshman Jhula. The ashram of the Divine life society is located here which offers courses in yoga.

Places to see at Rishikesh:

Maharshi Mahesh Yogi’s transcendental meditation centre, temple of Neelkanth Mahadev. (11km from town) Lakshman Temple (3 km from town) Rishikunda and Raghunath temples where lord Ram is said to hane bathed, are located here. The road from Rishikesh to Kedarnath and badrinath runs past the painteresque Deoprayag. Some 35 km further on the valley of Srinagar the ancient capital of  Garhwal.
Rudraprayag, at the confluence of the Mandkini from Kedarnath and Alkananda from Badrinath, lies 34km beyond Srinagar. The route to Badrinath via Joshimath is the main town on this road and is developing into a hill station in its own right. 16km from Joshimath is Auli an ideal winter resort which offers perfect skiing conditions. The snow-capped slops of Auli are flanked by stately coniferous & oak forest which cut wind velocity to the minimum.

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Nainital derives its name from Naini ‘Tal’ or lake. It was once the summer headquarters of the United Provinces and retains a degree of its old world charm. The kidney shapes Naini Lake; its clear water changing hues with the passage of the day is the centerpiece around which the whole resort revolves. Nainital has both rowing and pedal boats for boating enthusiasts.

Places to see at Nainital:

Alittle over half an hour’s drive is Bhimtal (22 km from Nainital). Just a short distance further is deepest lake of the area, the nine cornered Naukuchiya Tal Besides being the deepest of the lakes it is also reputed to harbor the biggest mahaseer fish. The route to Sat-Tal, made up of seven small inter connected lakes. Diverts just before it reaches Bhimtal. Both these lake resorts are ideal for a secluded holiday, if you enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and quiet walks into the hills & forests.
Pantnagar airport is 71 km away and is connected by air from Delhi the nearest Railway station Kathgodam, 36 km away.