8 Mesmerizing Waterfalls in Uttarakhand

The state of Uttarakhand divided into two zones or regions called Kumaon and Gharwal. The six districts in the Kumaon region are Bageshwar, Almora, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. On the other hand, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Gharwal, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Pauri, and Haridwar fall in the Gharwal region. Uttarakhand’s natural beauty is beyond words. Uttarakhand is having multiple tracking sites, Lakes, Rivers, Waterfalls, Wildlife sanctuary, and National Parks.  In this section, let’s have a closer look at the waterfalls in the region.

Corbett Falls: The fall located near the free-flowing Ramganga river in Ramnagar, a town in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Apart from fall, Ramnagar is also famous for Corbett National Park. The place reached via airways, Pantnagar Airport. Tourists charged an entry fee of 50 rupees for Adults, 25 rupees for children, and 100 rupees for four-wheelers.

Kempty Falls: Around 1835, the fall in Ram Gaon in Tehri Garhwal district was developed into a tourist destination by a British officer. There is also a famous story behind the name, “Kempty Falls” derived from Camp-tea, and believed that numerous British officers organized tea parties besides the waterfall. The best time to visit the fall is in June.

Birthi Falls: The fall located near Munsiyari in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The mesmerizing view of the waterfall attracts many from different parts of the country. The best time to visit this magnificent waterfall is in September. Tourist also gets to explore the Milam and Ralam Glaciers.

Tigers Falls: The highest direct waterfall in Chakrata in Dehradun reached via airways, Jolly Grant Airport. The fall, a picnic-spot has no entry fee and surrounded by pine trees.

Vasundhara Falls: The mesmerizing fall located in Badrinath in Chamoli district of Gharwal. The best time to visit from May to June. The fall surrounded by mountain ranges like Chaukhamba and Nilkantha Peaks.

Rudradhari Falls: The fall, named after Lord Shiva (Rudra) located in Kausani in Almora. The place is famous for trekking and other adventurous activities.  Tourists can explore many ancient caves like Rudradhari caves near the fall.

Dokaney Waterfalls: The hidden fall is in Bhowali, on the way to Almora. The lesser-crowded waterfall, Dokaney waterfalls hidden by the pine tree. Tourist visiting enjoys trekking on the way to fall.

Sahastradhara Falls: The fall is in Dehradun. The name,” Shastradhara” means a thousand streams. There is no entry fee. The water in the fall contains sulfur content that makes it apt for medicinal properties.

8 Must try traditional Cuisine of Uttarakhand

The tourism industry is evolving at a much faster rate than we ever thought possible. Food tourism is all about exploring food culture for a better understanding of people and places. Now, a day’s people like to visit food festivals to taste the food of a particular region. People travel to different places to feel the cultural vibe of a particular place. Food and language develop an unbreakable bond between people and place. Uttarakhand Cuisines are prepared with fresh vegetables and spices locally grown. The food is not rich in spices but tastes simple, healthy, and seasonal. Let’s explore must try, eight mouthwatering kumaoni dishes.

Aloo Ke Gutke (Aloo Gutook): Highly rich in proteins and carbohydrates Aloo Gutook or stir-fried potatoes is prepared with steamed potatoes mixed well with the spices consisting of coriander, red chilies, salt, and turmeric. It is served with traditional Bhaang ki chutney. 

Jhangora ki kheer: Jhangora is also called barnyard millet, a highly digestible protein grain mostly grown in the Himalayan state. Jhangora is kept in water for a few hours; water is drained then fried in ghee and cooked in milk; sugar is added, although it tastes better with jaggery.

Bhang ki chutney: Bhang ki chutney is prepared by bhang (hemp) seeds [seeds doesn’t contain any narcotic content therefore safe for kids]. Bhang is roasted and grounded with green chilies. Some fresh lemon juice and salt are added to enhance the flavor of chutney. Locals prefer to eat it in the winter season. 

Bhatt ki Dal (Bhat ki chudkani): The favorite dal of the Kumaon region is also called black soybean. It is prepared by frying dal in ghee or oil when dal stops crackling, wheat flour is added and fried till it gets brown, and then spices and salt is added, and fried little more. Finally, water is added to the mixture and boiled for a few minutes. It is garnished with green coriander and served with hot rice.

Nimbu Saan: A Kumauni dish which locals prefer to eat in the winter season. A dish of lemon (Pahadi Nimbu) and roasted bhang (hemp seeds), lemon is peeled and pulled into pieces by hand, mixed with curd, thin slices of radish, green chili, and paste of roasted bhang seeds. 

Kumaoni Raita: It is prepared with cucumber. Grated cucumber, curd, black mustard seeds, green chilies, turmeric, coriander, and salt are mixed well. It is served cold. It is served with puri-sabji on several occasions. 

Palak ka Kaapa: It’s like a Spinach curry, boiled and turned into a puree. In the cauldron, cumin seeds, red chilies heated in mustard oil, and then puree is poured along with water and cooked till it becomes thick. It tastes well as it is but other spices such as asphotadia, coriander, curry leaves can also be added to increase the taste. 

Sisun Saag (Nettle Leaves): Rich in fiber, nettle leaves are found in the Himalayan region. It is most commonly used to punish naughty kids as it stings mildly when touched on bare skin. Sisun is boiled in water, fried in mustard oil with green chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric, and salt.  

8 Amazing places to visit in Uttarakhand

 8 Amazing places to visit in Uttarakhand

 Uttarakhand is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site. The land of gods and goddesses is located in the foothills of Himalayas, filled with vegetation, spirituality, and surrounded by splendid natural beauty. Some people visit hill stations to relax, beat the summer heat, some for site seeing and some for religious purposes or others. People from neighboring countries, state and, the outside country have gradually developed a great fascination for the places of Uttarakhand. The climatic condition is an important factor that needs proper consideration before planning a trip to Uttarakhand.

      Gangotri Group of Peaks: Gangotri Group of Peaks is one of the most difficult treks for mountaineers, is located in the western Garhwal Himalaya, near the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. Gangotri group of Peaks lies six kilometers south of the Hindu holy site of Gaumukh, which is the source of the river Bhagirathi. As far as the name Gangotri is concerned, it symbolizes the Shivalinga. The peak has a lot of similarity with the Alpine Peak. The Europeans called the peak, Matterhorn Peak. Between Gaumukh and a twin –summited mountain called shivlinga lies the Tapovan Meadows, which is a popular pilgrimage site. Best time to visit: April-October; Tourist Attraction: Lakes, waterfalls, Hot springs and rivers; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Railway: Dehradun Railway station.

      Gopinath Mandir: Gopinath Mandir is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which falls in the Gopeshwar village. Gopinath Mandir is topped by the magnificent dome-like structure and a sanctum sanctorum assembled by doors. Gopinath Mandir is an Architectural marvel. The existence of broken idols around the temple indicates the presence of multiple temples in its proximity. Gopinath Mandir consists of four short inscriptions written in the Devanagari script. Best time to visit: March-October; Tourist Attraction: Multiple temples in its proximity; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Railway: Dehradun Railway Station.

          Chakrata:  Chakrata is a cantonment town in the Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand. The place is an access restricted military cantonment where certain restrictions placed on visiting foreign tourists. Chakrata is the permanent garrison of the secretive and elite Special Frontier Force. Chakrata is the only ethnic Tibetan unit of the Indian Army. The weapons and survival training is imparted by intelligence services in Chakrata. Best time to visit: March-June; Tourist Attraction: Tiger Falls, Hathnikund Barrage; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Railway: Dehradun Railway Station.

      Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Madhyamaheshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva. Madmaheshwar is located in the Mansoona Village of the Garhwal region. Madmaheshwar temple is located at a height of 3,497 meters; Madhyamaheshwar is the fourth temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The circuit is consisting of five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region i.e. Kedarnath, Tungnath, Maheshwar, Kalpeshwar, and Rudranath. In Madhyamaheshwar, Madhya means middle or belly part of the navel (nabhi) of the bull, a divine form of Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple. Madhyamaheshwar is in a valley, surrounded by snow peaks of Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth, and Kedarnath in Himalayan ranges. The Kedar hills give a view of the mountain formation with several glaciers, which include the source of the Mandakini River. Best time to visit: April/May; Tourist Attraction: The region is particularly known for its rich flora and fauna, endangered bird like Monal and Himalayan musk deer; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Railway: Rishikesh Railway Station.

          Surkanda Devi: Surkanda Devi is a Hindu temple situated close to the small resort hamlet of Dhanaulti in the village Uniyal of Tehri District in the state of Uttarakhand. Surkanda Devi is located at an altitude of approximately 3,030 meters, close to hill stations of Dhanualti and Chamba. Extremely Dense forests and a scenic view of the cities like Dehradun and Rishikesh surround it. Many people visit the temple to celebrate Ganga Dusshera festival. Best time to visit: April-October; Tourist Attraction: Robber’s Cave and SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre, Dehradun; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Railway: Dehradun Railway Station.

          Govindghat: Govidghat is a town in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Govidghat is located at the meeting point of two rivers i.e. Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga Rivers. Govidghat lies at an altitude of 6,000 feet and approximately 22 kilometers from Joshimath on National Highway 58. Tourists visiting the Shree Badrinathji and Hemkund Sahib visit this site as it falls on the way to these places of religious importance. Best time to visit: May-October; Tourist Attraction: Hemkund Sahib, Valley of flowers; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Railway: Rishikesh Railway Station.

          Dharchula: Dharchula is a town and a nagar panchayat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Dharchula is an ancient trading town, surrounded by high mountains. Dharchula lies in a valley, on the bank of Kali River at an altitude of approximately 3000 feet above the sea level. In the higher altitude region, Dharchula receives snow during December, January, and February. The area also receives heavy rainfall, during July, August, and September, causing heavy landslides in the mountains. The entire town is the epitome of natural beauty. Best time to visit: May-October; Tourist Attraction: Om Parvat, River Kali, Valley of Flowers; How to reach: Airport: Pantnagar Airport, Railway: Tankpur Railway Station.

      Tapovan: Tapovan is the region above the Gangotri glacier and the base of Mount Shivling. Tapovan is India’s highest grassland and also most adventurous trek on Gaumukh-Tapovan trek. Best time to visit: May-June, September-October; Tourist Attraction: Mount Meeru, Mount Shivling; How to reach: Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Railway: Dehradun Railway Station.