India Travelogue Discover India Uttaranchal Vacations: Nainital, Corbett Park, Mukteshwar, Dehra Sun, Mussorie. Book hotels online

Corbett National Park

This park, named after the famous hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett, who popularised this land and its animals in his book "The Man-Eaters of Kumaon" is where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The park has a core area of 520 sq. kms with hilly ridges covered by sal trees. Lower down are the grasslands and bamboo growth. A list of species reported from Corbett included 582 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians and 50 species of mammals.

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar, once a British cantonment, is located 52 kms from Nainital and is really quiet, green and picturesque. It offers some of the most magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. The oldest town of the region, Almora, equidistant from Nainital and Mukteshwar is 60 kms away. Steeped in Indian culture and traditions, Swami Vivekanada recommended Almora as a great place to meditate in. The Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet, Kausani route is a typical tourist favourite. Plenty off beat options are also available.

Dehra Dun

The capital city of the state of Uttaranchal, it is situated in the Doon valley at the Himalayan foothills with the Ganges in the east and Yamuna in the west. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya meditated here at one time when the city was known as Drona Ashram. The British found the climate here very pleasant and decided to establish many institutions including the Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy, ONGC, Survey of India, some of the best public schools like Doon School, Welhams, Col. Browns, Jesus & Mary Convent and St Josephs School. Very near Dehradun is the hill resort of Mussoorie. Other places of interest are Tapkeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; Sahastra Dhara, the sulphur springs; Robbers Cave a picnic spot; Tapovan a place where Guru Drona did penance; Kalanga Monument in memory of Gorkha General Balbhadra Thapa and the Ashoka Edict at Kalsi. A park, named after the famous hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett, who popularised this land and its animals in his book "The Man-Eaters of Kumaon" is where Project Tiger was launched in 1973.

Mussoorie

Garhwal region, where Mussoorie stands, is the source of the Ganga and the Yamuna, two of India's mightiest rivers. On a clear day the north side of Mussoorie offers great views covering hundreds of kilometres of the Himalayan Mountains. Many peaks tower over 20,000 feet. The south side of the ridge overlooks the Doon Valley and the Shivalik Hills. Popular because of its proximity to Delhi, away from the bustling Mall, the walk around Sisters Bazaar has quaint cottages perched amidst pine, deodar and oak forests. the area around Mussoorie offers some interesting hikes ranging from easy to moderate and difficult.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, supremely sacred, beside the river Ganga on its way from the Himalayas to the plains of India, has been the tapasya-sthal of many rishi-munis. An incredible place of high energy, it is a pilgrim town with many ashrams, a center of yoga, and recently, of adventure activities. It is the gateway to the sacred pilgrim places of Garhwal and makes a perfect base to plan and rest from journeys into the higher Himalayas.