Wednesday 20 March 2013

PLACES NEAR ALMORA


Binsar

Rating for Binsar : 3.8/5 based on 98 ratings!
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Binsar Tourism - Travel Guide

Perched at an elevation of 2,412mts above sea level, Binsar is situated amidst Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Binsar is an ideal destination for writers, nature lovers and adventure lovers. The dense Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of 200 bird species, Barking Deer, Himalayan bear, leapord, fox, musk deer, langur, porcupine, flying squirrel, chital, jungle cat etc.
The views of major peaks like Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Kedarnath are distinctly visible from here. There are limited number of hotels in Binsar so do make prior bookings before visiting. If you are a die-hard nature lover then prepare yourself to add Binsar in your must see places. It is an ideal place for Bird watching and wildlife photography. An entry ticket of Rs. 40 per person and Rs. 50 for a car has to be paid at the entry point of Binsar. Electricity is limited in Binsar region so as to prevent the natural beauty.
Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon, from 11th to 18th centuries AD enjoyed their summers at Binsar. Binsar offers salubrious climate throughout the year. During monsoons Binsar offers varied greenery and it receives snowfall during winters. Take woolens with you while planning a trip to Binsar. There are several popular excursions in the proximity of Binsar. Enjoy peaceful and serene walks in Binsar enjoying the unmatched beauteousness of nature. Binsar is situated in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state and it is well connected by motorable roads. The main attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayan peaks situated 300kms away.


Chaukhutia

Rating for Chaukhutia : 2.8/5 based on 15 ratings!
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Chaukhutia is a small town located on the banks of Ramganga in the Almora district of Uttarakhand state. The town of Chaukhutia is situated at the meeting point of four picturesque and important places of Uttaranchal. It's name is derived from a Kumaoni word Chakuta which means four feet in four directions, where first direction is towardsRamnagar, second towards Karanprayag, third towardsRanikhet and Almora and the fourth direction is towards Tadaktaal and Kheera. The entire region of Kumaon and Garhwal is easily accessible from Chaukhutia. It is situated on NH87 which meets at Karnaprayag with NH58 to reachBadrinath Dham
Chaukhutia's historical past and religious significance can be seen basking in its glory in the nearby areas. Kali temple, Vaishno Devi's temple, ancient fort and ruins of Katyuri dynasty all makes Chaubhutia an explorer's delight. The valley of Chaukhutia is very fertile and agricultural with bumper crop of rice, wheat and Mangoes. Chaukhutia was used to be the Capital of Katyuri Kings during their reign and it was known as Rangilo Gewar at that period of time. But it’s not just the roads that lead one out of it that make it so interesting. Ruins of ancient forts and remains of Katyuri dynasty and a visit to the Kali and Vaishno Devi temple makes it an interesting place to visit. Chaukhutia is angler’s paradise as this place is popular for fishing. The valley of Dwarahat, Ramganga is visible from Chaukhutia. 
The place is also famous for its historical past and it is believed that Pandavas had their abode in Chaukhutia and adjoining areas during the period when Pandavas were in secret exile. Chaukhutia can be visited at any time of the year as the weather remains salubrious throughout the year.

Dwarahat

Rating for Dwarahat : 3.3/5 based on 36 ratings!
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Dwarahat is situated in Almora district of Uttarakhand, 37kms from Ranikhet and is popular for a group of 55 ancient temples. It is quite a small place in the centre of Ranikhet and Garsian at the intersection of Ranikhet - Kasauni road and Almora – Badrinath road.
As the name suggests, Dwarahat means way of Heaven where Dwara means way and Hat means Heaven. A visit to Dwarahat gives you a feeling of closeness with God. Dwarahat has a population of 2543 where 53% constitute males and 47% females. Though it is not a very popular education center of the region, it houses a government engineering college called Kumaon Engineering College. There are also two government colleges in Dwarahat one exclusively for girls and the other a co-education college.
Dwarahat is famous for its ancient temples which were constructed mainly by the Katyuri kings and its architecture resembles the Gurjari School of Art. Maa Dunagiri temple located at a distance of 20km from Dwarahat belongs to the mountain brought by Pavandev. Eevery night of navratri is dedicated to none different forms of Goddess Durga. They are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmachaarin, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmaanda, Skand Maa, Maa Kaatyayini, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Chaamunda, and Mata Sidhidaarti.To reach the Durga temple or Paban Maharaj Ashram on the highway, you have to climb 500 steps on the top of a hill.
You can get both food and lodging facilities in the Ashram. Almora, Ranikhet and Kasauni are visible from the Ashram which also provides an excellent view of the mountain peaks of the Himalayas. A couple of fairs are also held at Dwarahat. These are Doonagiri Mela about 52kms from Ranikhet and Syalde Bikhauti Mela which is celebrated on Vishuwat Sankranti day. Music and dance form part of this festival. Like other places of the Kumaon, Dwarahat celebrates festivals like Makar Sankranati, Basant Panchami, Herala and Bhaitauli, Olgia, Khatarua, Bat Savitri and Ganga Dusshera.

Jageshwar

Rating for Jageshwar : 4.0/5 based on 57 ratings!
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Jageshwar Tourism (Jageshwar Temples Travel Guide)

Jageshwar is religious town having more than 124 temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at an elevation of 1,870 mts above sea level at a distance of 37kms from Almora. Jageshwar is an important tourist destination of Kumaon and receives thousands of visitors every year. It is situated amidst dense deodar forest with a stream flowing at its backyard. 

Jageshwar Temples

The cluster of Jageshwar temples depicts the ancient culture and design. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the deodar trees and the Jata Ganga which meanders its way into the temple complex. It is also acts as an important center for meditation because of its tranquility and calm environment.
The main temples of Jageshwar include Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nau Durga, Nava-grah Temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple.Mrityunjaya Temple is the oldest and Dandeshwar Temple is the largest shrine of Jageshwar.

History of Jageshwar Temples

There is no definite dating of the construction of Jageshwar group of temples but according to the ASI, they belong to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval eras and are estimated to be about 2500 yrs old. These temples range in the period from the 8th century (early Katyuri Dynasty) to the 18th century (Chand Dynasty). The temples were renovated during the reign of Katyuri King Shalivahandev. There is an inscription of Malla Kings on the main temple premises indicating their devotion to Jageshwar. The Katyuri Kings also donated villages to the temple priests for its maintenance. The Chand Kings of Kumaun were also patrons of the Jageshwar temple.
Over 25 inscriptions of different periods are inscribed on the walls and pillars of the Jageshwar temples. Most of these belong to the period between the 7th century AD to 10th century AD. The dialect of inscriptions is Sanskrit and Brahmi.

Jageshwar Legend (Mythology)

It is believed that Guru Adi Shankaracharya visited Jageshwar and renovated and re-established many temples before leaving for Kedarnath. The Samsan ghat of Jageshwar is also the cremation ground of the erstwhile Chand Kings. It is possible that sati, the act of self-immolation, may have been performed here. The main temple in the temple complex at Jageshwar Mahadev is dedicated to Bal Jageshwar, or the Child Shiva.
Jageshwar Weather Climate
The temperature of Jageshwar between April and September is around 25-30°C (max) 10-15°C (min). The temperature falls through October and until March there may be cold frosty nights with slight change of snowfall. The monsoon occurs during July-September when heavy rainfall should be expected, heavy prolonged periods of rain are also possible from April-June.

Ranikhet

Rating for Ranikhet : 3.8/5 based on 108 ratings!
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Ranikhet Tourism Ranikhet Travel Guide

The charming hill station of Ranikhet is located in the Almora district of Uttaranchal at an elevation of 1,829mts above sea level. Ranikhet has everything to pacify the nerves of an avid city dweller. 

Ranikhet Hill Station

The salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows and placid surroundings makes Ranikhet a unique hill station. The magnetism of each season in Ranikhet is always capable of luring tourists, making it an all season destination. The majestic Himalayas, lush green forests, sounds and smell of the flora and fauna leaves an unforgettable impact on the visitors. Ranikhet draws thousands of tourists each year for its unforgettable natural beauty, worth watching excursions, ancient temples, fascinating picnic spots and exciting treks. Ranikhet also headquarters one of the glorious regiment of Indian Army - Kumaon Regiment.
Ranikhet literally means “Queen's Meadow”. It is believed that Queen Padmini of Kumaon was in love with this tiny hill paradise. Kind Sudhardev had to oblige her by building a palace here and named this place Ranikhet, the queen’s field. Though no trace of the palace can be found here today, but the place remained the same: bewitching, full of flowers, trees and green meadows in the midst of heavenly Himalayan surroundings. 

Ranikhet History

Lost into oblivion for long, the picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the Britishers. In 1869, the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. Ranikhet is a cantonment town and is the home for the Kumaon Regimental Centre & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army. The main city of Ranikhet is fairly crowded but the military area offers serene environment. 

Ranikhet General Travel Information

  • Total Area: 21.76 sq.kms
  • Altitude: 1829 metres
  • Taxi Stand: Uttaranchal Taxi Union, Gandhi Chowk, Ranikhet
  • Clubs in Ranikhet: Ranikhet Club and KRC Golf Club
  • Shopping area in Ranikhet are: Sadar Bazar, Zaroori Bazar and Khari Bazar

Ranikhet Weather and Climate

  • Summers: Max. 35.0 C, Min. 10.0 C

  • Winters: Max. 8.0 C, Min 2.0 C





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