Wednesday 28 January 2015

Chopta is a picturesque hill-station located in the Garhwal region. It lies at an altitude of about 2,900 above sea level at a distance of about 40 kilometers from Gopeshwar. Perched on Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road, Chopta offers a kaleidoscopic view of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas and is also known as “Mini Switzerland’. 
Chopta slopes on softly, among alpine and grassy meadows, and in this valley of abstract but absolute natural beauty, one does actually stand at any hilltop and spin around as a practice of spotting the multitude of peaks visible.
 Chopta has rich biodiversity and beautiful views of the Himalayan landscape. 
 This place is popularly known as 'Mini Switzerland' in Uttarakhand, India.
The valley is a great place for adventure buffs and trekking enthusiasts, because trekking is a popular activity in the valley.
Chopta is surrounded by dense forest, and offers majestic view of Snow Clad Himalayan Ranges and lush green meadows.
Chopta is possibly the only valley town in Uttarakhand, that has minor human alteration, and a good place for intermediate trekkers to brush up their skills while exploring locally renowned tourist spots, like the Tungnath Temple and the Deoria Tal, which are both accessible after a well guided trek.
It is one of the many untouched pristine places which is any travellers peaceful dream , considered one of the most picturesque places in the Garhwal region.
Chopta is well connected by motorable roads and it lies on the Ukhimath - Gopeshwar road. It is one of the most picturesque spot of Uttaranchal state as the natural splendors seen from here are very diverse. 
The hill station attracts a good number of tourists and has become a famous destination to enjoy holidays with family and friends.
Chopta is one of the most visited hill stations in the state of Uttarakhand. The place is quite famous amongst tourists due to its picturesque views and scenic charm. 
How to Reach
By Road: Chopta is well connected by motor able roads with major towns of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. Follow NH58 until you reach Rudraprayag and after reaching Rudraprayag follow the route to Kedarnath and take right turn to Ukhimath. Chopta is situated 40 kms from Ukhimath. Chopta is also accessible from Gopeshwar. Buses and taxis to Chopta are available from major towns of Uttarakhand region. 
By Rail: The nearest railhead to Chopta is Rishikesh situated 209kms away. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. Buses and Taxis to Chopta and Ukhimath are easily available from Rishikesh.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport of Chopta, situated 226kms away in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. The remaining journey has to be covered ether in a taxi or in a bus. Taxis are easily available to Chopta from Jolly Grant Airport.
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Chopta,Uttarakhand,India

Saturday 17 January 2015

Uttarakhand is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and Bhimtal is like a jewel in Uttarakhand’s crown. It is a picturesque lake located in the district of Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand. This beautiful lake is named after the legendary Bhima of Mahabharata.It is surrounded by lush green mountains that give tourists a rare chance to witness the rich beauty of the place.
For recreation one can do boating at the lake or explore the surrounding jungle on foot. It can also be made as a center for exploring the surrounding lakes. There is a large Victorian dam at one end of the Bhimtal lake and terraced flower gardens can be found on either side.
Bhimtal is a place of religious significance as well. A temple complex is located in the town of Bhimtal, and this complex attracts pilgrims from in and around the region. Called Bhimeshwar, the temple complex was built in the 17th century. The exquisite architecture under which the temple has been constructed will surely delight architecture buffs who travel to Bhimtal.
Dotted with small temples atop the green Kumaon hills, and natural fresh water lakes in close proximity, Bhimtal is a serene town, good for relaxation and an enjoyable destination.
As Bhimtal is a quiet town, you can enjoy the solitude, the beautiful natural setting, take walks around the lake and trek to the other lakes, which are a few kilometers away. Dense oak, pine trees and shrubs surround all the freshwater lakes.
During your visit to Bhimtal, you can also enjoy a range of adventure activities or sports. Some of the most popular sports include paragliding, trekking, rappelling and rock climbing.
Other place worth visit while on tour to Bhimtal is the Folk Culture Museum which exhibits a fine collection of ancient wooden artifacts, information about traditional rites and rituals of the local region, and various other items of archaeological importance.
Bhimtal is slightly on the warmer side in mid June, but makes for an all year round destination.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, some 58 kms from Bhimtal. From pantnagar one can take bus or private taxi to Bhimtal.
By Rail
The closest railhead for Bhimtal is at Kathgodam, 22 kms away. Trains (Ranikhet Express or Uttar Sampark Kranti Express) connect Kathgodam with Agra, Bareilly, Lucknow and Delhi. From Kathgodam you can take a hired taxi or bus to Bhimtal.
By Bus
Regular bus service links Bhimtal with Kathgodam. Private taxies are available from Nainital, Bhowali & Haldwani.
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Bhimtal – Uttarakhand – India

Thursday 15 January 2015

The Peb fort is situated next to Matheran Mountain. The Peb fort  starts from Neral (3.5 km) and it takes about 2 hours to reach the fort. The path passes through water streams, rocks, grassy meadows, forests and a ladder at the end. 
Peb fort derives its name from the Goddess 'Pebi'. It is also called Vikatgad because its pinnacle is supposedly in the shape of the Elephant headed god - Ganesha. The fort lies in the Matheran range itself and is adjacent to Matheran. 
The fort is famous for its caves which are maintained by disciples of Swami Samartha and the meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain. To get inside the meditation chamber, one has to crawl through a narrow passage and then climb down into the meditation chamber. The chamber is very well maintained with tiles on the floor for people to sit and meditate. 
The fort also has a temple dedicated to Swami Samartha on the top and has the footwear or Padukas worn by the great saint kept on the top. The view of the entire Neral and Karjat region from the top is worth the climb. Another attraction of the fort is the only standing Bastion or Buruj facing the Panorama point of Matheran, the view from here is breathtaking.
The beautiful waterfall on the way is the main attraction here. Surrounding scenery looks marvelous from the cave in the monsoon. From here we also see the pinnacles of Navara-Navari, Bhatoba and Irshaal, along with forts of Chanderi, Prabalgad and Malanggad and also Nakhind. 
This is one of the popular one-day monsoon treks near Mumbai and also one of the top things to do in Matheran hill station. The fort lies at an altitude of 2100 feet above mean sea level.
Ways To Reach :
From Neral station :
Alight at Neral station on the central railway route and take right. The way on the left takes us to Matheran. A ground, a poultry farm and some houses under construction could be remembered as landmarks on the way. Then proceed towards the huge electric towers on the way. After we arrive at a tower with a big cement base, we see a big waterfall. There are three ways near this waterfall.
1.The way along the waterfall
2.Main way from the center
3.The way along the towers
The way along the waterfall goes through forests and it’s not possible to proceed along this way. Whereas the way along the towers is very very lengthy and there is a diversion on this route, which go towards Panvel. One might get lost on this way. So the best way is the central one, which takes us to the cave on the fort. On this way we see a rock with carving of Lord Ganesh. Ascend from the right side of this rock. Though this is the way of a small waterfall, proceed along the same way. This way takes us at the ridge. From the ridge turn at left and go further. Here we see a big white rock. Climbing this small patch and walking for 10 minutes we reach at a cave. It is advisable to go with a guide. 2 to 2½ hours are required to climb the fort.

Peb Fort - Maharashtra - India

Wednesday 14 January 2015

Sudhagad (also called Bhorapgad) is a hill fort situated in Maharashtra, India. It lies about 53 kilometres west of Pune, 26 kilometres south of Lonavla and 11 kilometres east of Pali in Raigad District. The summit is 620 metres (2,030 ft) above sea level.
Sudhagad was originally referred to as Bhorapgad, after the Goddess Bhoraidevi who was the family deity of the Pant Sachivas family who ruled over the Bhor district in which the fort lies. However the origin of this fort is said to date back to the 2nd century B.C.
Once at the summit there is a 50 acre plateau with undulating green meadows and is a perfect place to sit or lie down and stare at the beautiful landscape amidst the clouds.
The first reference of Sudhagad is in the year 1436 when the Bahamani Sultan won over the fort. In 1657 the fort came under the control of Marathas and the name was changed from Bhorapgad to Sudhagad.
On the large plateua at the summit, there are two lakes, a house, a big granary, some tombs, a shrine (Vrindavan) and numerous other ruins, scattered around the fort area. There are three main gates the largest of which is called the Maha Darwaja. From the top, other forts like Sarasgad, Korigad, Dhangad, Taila-Baila are clearly visible.
The Sudhagad fort is one of the most beautiful forts in the Sahyadri ranges and is mostly visited by trekkers for a one day trek as it has a very easy endurance level.Sudhagad is an amazing place to trek during the monsoon and seems like a stairway to heaven. The fort is surrounded by lush greenery and the weather is just beautiful.
How to Reach
By Air
Mumbai is a nearest airport.
By Rail : 
Nagothane  is the nearest railway station.
By Road : 
Savashnicha Ghat (A pass of Savashni) :
Come straight to Dhondase village from Pali village, which is at a distance of 12 km. It takes 3 hours to reach the fort from this place and the way is quite tiring. But it is straightforward; hence there are least chances to loose the way. We reach to Dindi Darwaaja by this way.
Nandand Ghat :
Move to west from Akole village keeping Dhangad to the left. We reach Nandand Ghat within 45 minutes. Next to that there is Bavdhan village. Then move towards Pachchapur village to reach at Thakurwadi. From here we can reach the top within 2 hours.
From Pachchapur :
The distance between Pali to Pachchapur is 12 km, whereas Pali to Thakurwadi is 13 km. You can walk from Pachchapur to Thakurwadi. From Thakurwadi, one has to ascend by a ladder. This route is not only slippery, but also exhaustive. It takes two hours to reach to the fort by this route. This way takes us directly to Pachchapur Darwaaja.

Sudhagad - Maharashtra - India

Monday 12 January 2015

Auli is nestled in the lap of snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, near the world famous religious shrine of Badrinath. At an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 m above sea level, Auli’s well-dressed slopes are flanked by coniferous and oak forests, which offer a panoramic view of mountains. 
 Auli is one of the very few places in India where skiing is a major pastime. Gradually Auli is growing like other hill stations in India. The bitter cold winds, the vast snow-covered landscape, the sylvan mountains, all add up to make Auli a skier's paradise.
 The slopes of Auli are known for providing a thrilling ski experience for professional skiers as well as learners.
 Feel the rush of air on your face, blaze a defiant trail as you go skiing on the well-dressed snow slopes. Or pelt each other with snow-balls on a blanket of snow. And if you’re a lover of natural splendour let your eyes feast on the breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks all around you.
 There are many picturesque and interesting spots around Auli. Joshimath, also called Jyotirmath is the site of one of the four religious centers established by the Hindu religious saint Adi Shankara. Badrinath, and Hemkunda sahib are among the famous religious centers located close to Auli.
 Not only is the surroundings otherworldly, the history of Auli is also spiritual. Its roots dates back to 8th century. It is said that this beautiful place is blessed by the holy Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have mediated here. Now Auli is visited by thrill seekers and people who want to enjoy the bliss of mountains.
 Auli is also the home of Asia's longest and one of the world’s highest cable cars covering a distance of 4km.
 The Chair Lift and Ski-Lift of cable car have remote-controlled hydraulic and pneumatic braking system, with a storm warning device. The ropeway connects Auli with Joshimath in a ride of 25 minutes. The round cable car ticket costs around 500 INR.  Skiers with their ski gear can reach to the highest top of the mountain and make their way down. Other visitors can simply enjoy the enchanting views of Himalayas distinctly visible from the Gondola.
 The snow-clad peaks, the dense deodar and oak forests away from hustle-bustle of the fast moving cities, surely are the place to unwind oneself. One can sit for hours on end, relaxing in own resorts & delightfully enjoy the scenic vista.
 The golden rays of sun on the snow-laden peaks fill the atmosphere with a divine glow.
Generally from December end to March is best season for skiing lovers. 
How to Reach 
By Air 
The closest airport is situated in the capital city Dehradun - "Jolly Grant" of Uttarakhand. The distance between Auli and Dehradun is around 279 kilo meters. Jolly Grant has comfortable connections with Delhi and Chandigarh as well. From Jolly Grant airport you can book private taxis to Auli.
By Rail 
If you are making up your mind to travel by train, go to the closest railway station Rishikesh, which is situated at a distance of 234 kilo meters from Auli. Tourists can also board the train from Delhi, where Shatabdi runs between Delhi and Auli. Trains are also available from the sacred city Haridwar, 273 kilo meter away from Auli. Other railway stations near to Auli include Ramnagar (RMR) 136 km, Kathgodam (KGM) 141 km and Kotdwara (KTW) 144 km.
By Road 
The major cities in northern India are conveniently joined by road to Auli. Private and State buses are ply regularly from well known cities such as Delhi the capital city of India, Dehradun the capital city of State Uttarakhand, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Joshimath. Tourist can also choose the ropeway to reach Auli from Joshimath. Tourists can also first travel to Joshimath, and cover the remaining distance by way of scenic trek
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Auli – Uttarakhand – India

Sunday 4 January 2015

Almora is a picturesque town in the Kumaon region in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand. Blessed with a breathtaking panoramic view of The Himalayas, its scenic charm has put it on the tourist map. The town bustling with activity is also endowed with rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wilderness. Founded in 1568, Almora is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Perched at an elevation of 1638m above sea level, Almora lies snuggled between Pithoragarh to the east, Garhwal region to the west, Bageshwar to the north and Nainital to the south. The hill town is situated on a horse shoe shaped ridge of a mountain.  Talifat is the eastern end of the ridge and the western one is known as Selifat.
Almora has also been a famous destination among the scholars of yore as it offers serene surroundings to meditate and assimilate knowledge. One of the great personalities to have taken birth and also spent his time in Almora is Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, when he was on a himalayan sojourn also stopped here.
Popularly known as the “Switzerland of India” Almora is a beautiful hill station in the state of Uttaranchal. Located on a ridge 5900 ft above sea level, it is a big hit among tourists looking for tranquility, fresh air, and natural beauty. High mountains and a terrain with plush green luxury adorn this lovely town from all sides. It possesses rich cultural heritage and history.
The hill getaway of Almora can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit is from September to March as the weather is at its best. The pleasant weather, the mystical fogs and the charming views are absolutely charming. Travel plans are best suited for winters. Summer season and monsoon is equally delightful.
How to Reach
By Air
Pantnagar is the closest airport about 125 km away. Daily flights operate between Delhi and Pantnagar. Some hotels also arrange taxis to pick up tourists from the airport. The closest international airport is at Delhi (290 km). Delhi is connected to many cities of India and most major cities across the world. Taxis are easily available from the airport for Almora.
By Train
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead situated at a distance of 91 km. Cities like Kolkata, Dehradun, Delhi, Jammu, Kanpur, etc. are connected to Kathgodam by rail. Taxis are easily available from Kathgodam station to Almora.
By Road
State-owned bus services connect Almora to most major neighbouring cities like Ranikhet (57 km), Kasauni (55 km), Nainital (71 km), Pithoragarh (122 km), etc. Daily overnight buses ply from Delhi to Almora.
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Almora – Uttarakhand – India

Saturday 3 January 2015

Gorakhgad is a small fort at Dehri village near Murbad. Named after Saint Goraknath, the fort is at a height of 2150 ft above sea level. It is located in Murbad region, on the extended range of Bhimashankar mountains. 
Two spectacular pinnacles can be seen from Dehri  the smaller one is Machchindragad and the bigger one Gorakhgad.

Fort Gorakhgad is quite small in size. It had strategic importance during the reign of Shahaji Raje. However, no major battle is recorded to have taken place here. It was used in Shivaji’s era to patrol the nearby region and was used as a stopover station during the journey to Junnar via Naneghat.
Gorakhgad attracts trekkers due to its inviting pinnacles, which offer good opportunities for rock-climbing. This region of Gorakhgad and Machhindragad has a dense forest cover.
Though small in size, there is enough availability water and a lot of space for accommodation. The fort gets its name from Saint Gorakhnath, who performed his “Sadhana” in this place.

The top of the fort is very small. There is small Mahadev temple with Nandi. From top of the fort one can see a wide region ranging from Siddhagadh and Macchindragad up to Ahupe Ghat.
How to Reach
By Rail
There is no railway station near to Gorakhgad in less than 10 km. Kalyan Jn Rail Way Station (near to Kalyan) , Badlapur Rail Way Station (near to Badlapur) , Vangani Rail Way Station (near to Badlapur) , Shahad Rail Way Station (near to Kalyan) are the Rail way stations reachable from near by towns. How ever Thane Rail Way Station is major railway station 66 KM near to Gorakhgad 
By Road
Badlapur , Kalyan are the nearby by towns to Gorakhgad having road connectivity to Gorakhgad
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Gorakhgad - Maharashtra - India