Haridwar
Haridwar is the main doorway to the four chardham pilgrimage destinations. It is located in the foot hills of the Shiwaliks. It is a divine place for pilgrims arriving in Uttarakhand. Haridwar
occupies its area on the banks of the holy river Ganga. Char dham yatra comprises of traveling to
destinations Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnathji, Badrinathji. Haridwar is also known by titles like
Gangadwar, Tapowan and Mayapuri. Pilgrims also call it "The Gateway Of Chardham", "The Spiritual
Land Of Hindus" etc. The rishis named it Haridwar. As in the Hindu mythos it is also known as Kalilsthan. The well known Kumbh Mela is organized in Haridwar once after every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbh Mela comes after 6 years. Apart from being a sacred place, it is also very much popular for arts, science and culture. The holiest of all, the great Ganga River flows through it.
Mythologically, during the fight between Gods and Demons to get "Amrit" a few drops fell at four different locations on earth. Haridwar is one of them. The remaining ones are Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain. All these places are popular sacred destinations for pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Haridwar occupies an area of 12 sq. km, located at an elevation of 2,927 mts. above sea level. Munies, Rishis, men, women, sages and children visit here to take a holy dip in the Ganga at Haridwar.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh has been a pilgrimage destination of utmost significance. The name of the city is derived from"Hrishikesh". Hrishikesh represents the other name of the Hindus god Lord Vishnu. It remains perched at an altitude of 356 meters above sea level. This town is located on the right bank of the sacred river Ganga. Himalayan regions confine Rishikesh on all three sides. The holy destination features several dharamshalas, meditation centers and yoga places. Mythologically it is believed that Raibhya Rishi did his penance at this site. It is said that during his penance, he had an appearance of god named Rishikesh. Since then till now it is called Rishikesh. After the appearance of the Lord Rishikesh, this area became very significant for pilgrims.
Thousands of followers and devotees reach Rishikesh for the satisfaction of their soul. It is
conceived that Adi Shankaracharya visited this site in 9th century AD. This city also became very popular for its divinity from medieval age. "Bharat" also made bad self-punishment in Rishikesh, brother of god Rama. . The ancient legends also state that Lord Rama carry out his penance here. He paid his penance after killing Ravana. Ravan was the king of Lanka.
Dehradun
Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It is one
of the most beautiful resorts in the sub mountain tracks of India, known for its scenic surroundings.
The name Dehradun is a collection of two words "dera" meaning camp and " dun" meaning valley.
Said to be one of the oldest cities in India, it is believed that Lord Rama and his brother did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king. During the 17th and 18th centuries Dehradun changed hands several times: Guru Ram Rai retreated here from Punjab, the Mughal Governor Najib-ud-Daula occupied it from 1757-1770 and the Gorkhas overran it on their westward expansion before ceding it to the British in 1815. Under the British, Dehradun became an elite town with many a fine institutions like Forest Research Institute, Doon School and Welham Schools for girls and boys, many more, like the ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies, were added in time. Dehradun has now become an important tourist destination. It is near of Mussoorie.
Robber's Cave
Forest Research Institute
Malsi Deer Park
Sahastradhara
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a very natural vacation spot in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the grayest
hill stations. Tourists from all major part of the country visit here for exciting holiday fun.
The pocket city Mussoorie is lovingly called the Queen of hill stations too. The Queen City lies
in the foothills of the beautiful Himalayan ranges. It seems to be very calm while viewing the
beautiful sight of foggy mountains in Mussoorie. In 1827 this city was discovered by a military
officer, his name was Captain Young. The greenery, hill stations, cool and snowy atmosphere and
lakes makes it as a heaven. The city perched at an elevation of 5,991 feet above sea level. The
word Mussoorie is taken from a Shrub named "Mansur" hence it is called "Mussoorie". Year after
year Mussoorie is getting changed into a major tourist's site.
Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie. The pilgrimage destinations like Kedarnath, Bandar
Poonch, Sri Kantha and Nanda Devi peaks are also can be viewed from here. Mussoorie also includes
the very popular Lal Bahdur Shastri National Academy of Administration. This institute provides
premier training for Indian Administrative Service and other civil services too. This institute
is located at about 2 kilo meters from Gandhi Chowk. Camel's Back Road which is so popular for
its beauty. It attracts hundreds of people every day. Gun Hill is the second highest point in
Mussoorie.