Chamba

Beauty Untouched

Uttarakhand is the heartland of the Himalayas. A wide expanse between the Himalayas in the North and the Shivalik range in the South, it offers the most breathtaking views of the mighty peaks; mist covered deep gorges and verdant valleys. At the doorstep of this heaven, overlooking the snow-clad peaks on one side and offering a magnificent view of the valley on the other, about 60 km from Mussoorie is the small hill town of Chamba, Uttarakhand (don’t confuse it with Chamba in Himachal Pradesh). Chamba is at an altitude of 1676 mt above sea level. An unspoilt territory and covered with lots of pine and deodar trees, Chamba offers you a never explored interlude. Unlike Mussoorie, the place is very quiet serene and offers picturesque beauty and is an excellent place to relax and fun and drive away the city blues. One can reach Chamba in about two hours from Rishikesh. After the submergence of old Tehri, Chamba is the emerging tourist spot in Tehri Garhwal being a central point. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas, the awe inspiring views of the verdant gorges and the enchanting valleys all around the river Bhagirathi will undoubtedly leave you spell bound, amidst the salubrious apple growing fields.

What to See

If one moves beyond the crowded market places,l; one will have a breath-taking view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks of Thalay Sagar and Jonli. All of a sudden, the awe-inspiring scene of the gushing river Bhagirathi into the wide valley will open up before your eyes. Once a part of the Gorkha kingdom and later ruled by the kings of Garhwal,  Chamba  has  many unknown jewels, still unexplored by the outer world. Neighbouring districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag give this town a unique advantage of being the point to the inner Himalayas. Stroll around the hills, breathe pure air to rejuvarate the innersoul go for a trek, visit the local temples and see the mists encircling the town with it’s mysterious shroud in any sudden hour of the day. Just unwind, to recharge your energy.  The scene is picturesque, the weather is salubrious and the people are friendly. It’ll be your most rewarding journey to a never experienced world.

Beyond Chamba

Mussoorie: 55km from Chamba, known as the Queen of the Hills. The Mall, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill are the major attractions here.

New Tehri: The district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal is 11 km from  Chamba  and a new model town adjoining one of the biggest dams in the hills. Meeting  point of the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana.

Rishikesh: Around 60 km from Chamba, Rishikesh is one of the holiest cities in the Himalayas, known to world for it’s many Ashrams and meditation centres.

Narendra Nagar: 44 km from Chamba, it is a picturesque hill town. This, once the capital of Garhwal Kingdom offers a fine view of the River Ganga and Doon Valley. Ananda resort in the Himalayas, a well-known super luxury spa in the Himalayas is also located nearby.

Surkanda Devi Temple: Located 24 km from Chamba, one of the Shaktipeeth, Surkanda Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage centre in the Himalayas. 3 km trek takes you to the temple complex, at the top of the hills.

How to reach

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at dehradun 20 km from Rishikesh and 58 km from Mussoorie.

Rail: Rishikesh, at a distance of 60 km.

Road: National Highway no. 58 links Delhi with Rishikesh. Mussoorie  can be reached from Dehradun easily. The road is well tarred as mountains pass with sharp bends in a zigzag & curvavceous motions. Stunning looks of Himalayas will give you magnificent company

Where to stay

• Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Tourist Rest House
• PWD Tourist Bungalow
• Classic Hill Top Resort
• Hotel Neelkanth
• Hotel Akash Lok
• Social Place

 

 

 

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Dhanaulti

An Enviable Hideaway

Dhanaulti is fast emerging as a gem among the major travel destinations is Uttarakhand, on Mussoorie-Chamba road, at 2,250mt.above the sea level. It comes as a pleasant surprise for the weekend enthusiastic travellers, who find it more peaceful, more relaxing and serene. It’s a different experience altogether. Dhanaulti is away from the crowd, busy market places and pollution. Set amidst thick virgin forests Deodars, Oaks and Rhododendrons it’s an ideal location that insures absolute peace of mind and soul. The green meadows, towering trees, breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, make Dhanaulti an enviable hideaway for tourists.

The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely pleasant weather and fabulous enchanting view of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday sojourn.

Dhanaulti is the base point for numerous treks into the snow capped Himalayas, especially to the Tehri region of Garhwal. The most popular treks are through the dense alpine forests that take you to Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri, the sacred three Shaktipeeths of the holy Devi Darshan Triangle.

It’s easy to let yourself surrender in the vicinity to Dhanaulti’s charms-just give youself a chance that will surely revive your entire experience!
Best time to visit Dhanaulti is between March and June.

 

What to See:

Dhanaulti is not a colonial town but it is a sleety hamlet, surrounded by towering mountains, tall trees and green valleys which reverberates the entire day with charm & happiness. Spend the whole day walking through the wildrness and tranquility –to soak the rejuvenating elixir of nature. Of course, If you’re bitten by

the adventure bug, you can trek, rock climb or enjoy camping to discover yourself in a new way.

Beyond Dhanaulti:

Mussoorie: 25km from Dhanaulti, populary known as ‘The Queen of the Hills!  Places of interest here are The Mall, Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Gun Hill, Jharipani Fall, etc.

Surkhanda Devi: The famous temple is at the top of the hill, at a distance of 9km from Dhanaulti situated at an altitude of 3,050mt. above the sea level. It’s a centre of great religious importance. Every year a fair is held on Ganga Dussehra (June), when thousands of pilgrims, congregate to pay their obeisance. A picturesque trekking path takes you to the temple complex.

Chamba:  31km from Dhanaulti, the town of Chamba, situated at a height of 1,676mt provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the Bhagirathi river. It’s also in the midst of an apple growing region. The serpentine road passes through breathtaking mountain ranges and fruit laden orchards. Both government or private accommodations are available in the town.

New Tehri: The newly constructed township is built around a mountain miracle overlooking, the massive Tehri dam, that has been built on the confluence of Bhilangana and Bhagirathi river. New Tehri town is a spectacular achievements as Asia’s most comprehensive resettlement exercise came into being with the submergence of old Tehri in water. It’s fast developing tourist destination.

Accommodation is available at hotels and GMVN Tourist Rest House.

Trekking Trails: Trek from Mussoorie to-Dhanaulti,a distance of 26km, through green valleys and misty mountain trails.

Contact ‘Himalayan Adventure Institute’, near Kempty Falls, Mussoorie, for guides and equipment.

 

How to Reach:

• Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun (82km). Taxis are available from the airport.
• Rail: The nearest railhead is Dehradun (168km).
• Road: Dehradun is well connected by roads. Take the Tehri bypass from Mussoorie and drive down the Mussoorie –Chamba road.

 

Where to Stay

• Forest Rest House
• GMVN Tourist Bungalow
• Dhanaulti Retreat
• Apple Orchard
• Crown Plaza Drive in Dhanaulti
• Himalaya Guest House
• And other private tourist resorts.