Uttarakhand is known as the Land of God due to the various shrine are located in it. But also it is surrounded by the beauty of nature which makes it exquisite. The trip was about 10 days, back in December 2017.
My journey started in Mumbai. From Mumbai, we took the afternoon train and reached Delhi at 7.30 am the next morning. The weather was cool and windy, making the trip perfect. I would say, there is so much to see in this city place that 10 days weren't enough to explore.
The Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri: Considered one of the most sacred cities in India, Haridwar is located at a distance of 225 kilometers from the national capital of Delhi. Haridwar is well serviced from Delhi and the other cities in Uttarakhand by a well-maintained and extensive network of roads. I reached Haridwar from Delhi in about 6 and a half hours via the national highway 334. The roads in the hilly Uttrakhand region are well maintained to provide free movement from one place to another.
After reaching there, we checked in to the hotel which was already booked. It was almost midnight so the staff told us that the Ganga Arti started at 5.30 am in the early morning. We got fresh, took some rest, got ready for Ganga Aarti, and reached Har ki Pauri Ghat at around 5 am. The Aarti experience is beyond words. I would suggest trying to get a seat at the place where all Pandits and Pujari doing Aarti rather than on the opposite side.
The home of Yoga - Rishikesh: So the same morning at around 10 am we started our journey towards Rishikesh by bus. (You can easily get a share Rickshaw to go Rishikesh from Haridwar hence do not spend money on car) Rishikesh is an ancient city in India's northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. Rishikesh is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. It is the yoga capital of the world.
We reached Rishikesh around 4 pm from there we went to Laxman Jhula, Bharat Mata Mandir, and all nearby temples. One thing is sure that the Ganga River is much cleaner on side of Rishikesh. After then we took lunch at a famous restaurant and explore delicious dishes at Chotiwala. They are very popular for their traditional vegetarian cuisines. Their variety of North Indian thalis is a must-try. Then in the evening, we had Arti at Triveni Ghat. I liked this Aarti more.
There are certain places to visit in Rishikesh are Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Trayambakeshwar temple, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Kayaking, and White water river rafting.
After exploring Rishikesh for about 6 hours, at night we started our journey towards Nainital.
Majestic the Himalayan range in Nainital: Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with a scenic natural appearance. Nainital is a paradise for nature lovers. Nainital is one of the most popular and exquisite hill stations located in the Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand. It is a distinct and famous tourist destination in India. Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters (6,837 ft) above sea level. Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake and surrounded by mountains. The highest point nearby is Naina Peak or China Peak, with an elevation of 2,619 m (8,593 ft).
The next afternoon we reached Nainital. Checked into the hotel near Mall road. We got fresh, took some rest, and then in the evening the first place we visited after reaching there was the famous Naini Jheel which didn’t even require much effort to reach as it was in the middle of the city and closest to the bus stand.
Wondering what to do in Nainital first? Don’t worry, one of the best things to do in Nainital is to go around and take a tour of the scenic lakes. (unfortunately, we went in the evening so we couldn't enjoy the scenic lake) So then we headed to the nearby market. Mall road is your go-to place for some delicious food, especially if you are a momo-lover, it is heaven for you. Other attractions include local crafts, woolens, and candles. Collecting candles of various forms, shapes, and sizes is one of the best things to do in Nainital. The locals make amazing candles here – designs and patterns that you have never seen. Don’t forget to buy some and include them in your home décor. Bargain to strike the best deal. Also, we had amazing steam momo, Tibetan thukpa, and ice cream here in the winter season is one of the best things to do in Nainital in December.
The next morning we got ready and headed to the snow view point. It is only 1.6 km far from the main city. One of the best viewpoints in Nainital, the Snow View located at an altitude of 2270 m, Snow View offers spectacular views of the Naina Devi Peak. It provides amazing and picturesque views of the snow-capped Himalayas with major peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul. Snow View Point is one of the most visited places by tourists for watching the majestic Himalayas.
The city of Nainital seems truly splendid from the top of this mountain. If this view does not inspire you to get the cameras out, we do not know what will. The highest point in Nainital, Cheena Peak is a famous trekking point. For a rewarding view alongside rows of Cypresses, Deodars, and Rhododendrons, you should head to the top of the peak. Also called Naina Peak, it is an epic place to enjoy splendid views of the Himalayas. The peak leads the way for many spots to enjoy camping in Nainital. After coming back from the snow viewpoint, the whole day was resting day (as we all were tired).
The same day evening we started roaming around the mall road and had masala maggie as an evening snack. Then went back to the hotel and the next day morning we started our journey towards Ranikhet.
Travelling has a different inference for people on various levels. One such experience was my trip to Ranikhet, which is sixty kilometers farther from Nainital, India. Ranikhet is a charismatic hill station cantonment town in Uttrakhand which is being managed by the Indian Army and is home to the Kumaon Regiment. The best part about this town is that it is very well maintained with lovely windy roads on which I can keep walking till my legs give up completely.
We reached Ranikhet around 3:00 pm. It was a nice road trip with good weather being on our side with clear blue skies after the rains. The twists and turns of the mountains with the spectacular landscapes spiced up our journey. We entered the forest area and took the road to the hotel which is a little away from the main town and is nestled in the woods with no network. This was the best part of this stunning and memorable vacation.
The next morning, left Ranikhet. Headed to Jim Corbett, Delhi and for that, you need to reach Ram Nagar. We reached Ram Nagar by night. It takes five hours to reach Ram Nagar. Had dinner and checked in to Jim Corbett Hotel for rest.
The next day, early in the morning we went on a jungle safari. Along with the jeep, you will be accompanied by a guide who will inform you about the forest. The driver of the safari had told us to be ready by 6 AM and we obeyed. The driver was punctual and was waiting for us at the exact time. From the resort to the zone the ride was wonderful. Sun was still rising, the birds were chirping and the dogs were wagging their tails and there were very few people on the roads.
After the jungle safari, we came back to the hotel and took a rest the whole day long. At night, we took the bus from Jim Corbett to reach Delhi station. Loved every bit of our short stay at Jim Corbett, where we could experience life beyond the much-hyped Jungle Safari and Tiger Spotting. :)
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