The landlocked district of Garhwal was formerly a major district of the British India, in Kumaon Division of British United Provinces. Also known as The Land of Forts, Garhwal district is the place where a tourist will be travelling through serene routes and huge scaly mountains of Uttarakhand. Garhwal has so much to offer for the avid traveller! This beautiful district lies in mighty Himalayan range and is bounded by Tibet on the north, Kumaon division on south and Himachal Pradesh on its northwest.
Garhwal division is composed of seven districts namely Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkhashi, Tehri Garhwal, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. The Garhwal division is home to local Garhwali people who live here with unadulterated innocence, love and unique blend of magical culture and traditions. Garhwal gives the soul to every Garhwali, which can be easily identified in the mother tongue they used to converse.
Pauri is the division’s administrative center town. Garhwal division Himalayas are the part of Shivalik hills or the outer Himalayas. The division provides tourists and travellers with a whole lot of beautiful Himalayan towns and Hill Stations to enjoy with the magnificence of huge waterfalls, dense vegetation, beautiful culture and varied wildlife. Tourism sector being the primary livelihood for people, it is assured that a visitor in Garwhal district would simply get the most memorable holiday experience with a lot of experiences to enjoy.
Tourist Places of Garhwal
Chopta
The serene and calm hill station of Chopta is one of the best places to visit in Garhwal region on your holdiays. Popularly renowned as the “Mini Switzerland”, this mini hill station is gradually getting it’s recognition among travellers. Chopta is situated at the Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand.
Being surrounded by thick conifers and a variety of vegetation Chopta is also appraised by travellers for its majestic views of the snow clad Himalayan peaks and golden pastures. Chopta is also the beginning trekking point towards Chandrashila Summit and the renowned Tugnath Mandir also known as Panch Kedar Temple. There are a number of reasons as to why a traveller must make a visit to this splendid Himalayan town of Uttarakhand.
Chakrata
The enthralling weekend destination of Chakrata is one of the most popular hill stations of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand which lies at an altitude of 2270 mts above the sea level in Dehradun district of the state of Uttarakhand. The secluded hill station has a complete peaceful environment located at around 100 kms North-west of the city of Dehradun. Earlier this small little region had the name of Jaunsar Bawar and most of the population in this town comprises of local Jaunsari Garhwali tribes.
Pauri
Pauri is truly a destination with diverse features to look at, the beautiful meadows, breathtaking views, enchanting forests and friendly locals of the town make this destination a must visit for travellers. Located at the northern foot slopes of the greater Kandoliya Hills, the town of Pauri lies at a height of 1814 mts above the sea level. Being among the most renowned towns of Garhwal Region, the town is blessed with natural exquisiteness and grandeur. The town is copiously blessed with Mother Nature’s bounty such as dense forests, snow-capped Himalayan Peaks and welcoming people with rich tradition and cultures. Being the headquarters of Pauri Garhwal District it is named after the town’s popularity.
Dhanaulti
For travellers who have been to the famous hill station of Mussoorie and are mesmerized by its enthralling natural wonders, the small hill station of Dhanaulti will completely leave them astonished with Mother Nature’s delights surrounding them everywhere. The hill station is perched at a height of 2,286 mts above the sea level, the town provides travellers with lofty Himalayan peaks, varied flora and fauna and friendly town people. Nowadays, the town of Dhanaulti is gradually emerging as a renowned gateway destination from Delhi as it can easily get accessed to just afford the tranquility and exquisiteness of nature.
Auli
The town of Auli, which is located at the higher reaches of Chamoli district, is situated at a breathtaking elevation of 3049 mts. Also known as the winter capital of Uttarakhand, the famous little town of Auli attracts tourist crowd year wide. Auli or Auli Bugyal (grassland) is perfect to visit year wide. This town has a lot to offer for someone who is in love with winter and adventure sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Auli is home to the Annual Winter Sports and National Winter Games that are organized by the state government. Participants are included from all parts of India and everyone loves to see this little town fill with joy during winters.
Chamba
Being perched at 1,676 mts above the sea level within the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Chamba is an ideal retreat for travellers who are in love with everything about Uttarakhand. Situated on the Chamba-Mussorie road Chamba has gained importance as a renowned hill station due to its panoramic excursion spots and unpolluted natural beauty. Chamba has its good share of tourism with a greater level of exquisiteness and tranquility.
Pilgrimage Places of Garhwal
Badrinath
The town of Badrinath is among the most renowned religious towns of the Hindus which mainly lie on the Chamoli district of the state of Uttarakhand. Out of all of the four (Char) Dhams Badrinath is the most prominent town and is a place of religious importance. Badrinath town is situated between Naryana and Nar mountain ranges and is also covered in the shadow of the mighty peak of Nilkantha which is 301 kms away from the north of the town of Rishikesh. The pilgrimage town of Badrinath lies at an elevation of around 3,133 mts at the left side on the banks of Alaknanda River.
Kedarnath
The holy Hindu town of Kedarnath is located in the land of Uttarakhand India. Kedarnath is one of the famous Char Dhams situated just below the mighty Himalayan range at an altitude of 3584 mts above the sea level near head of the Mandakini River. The town is also one of the most popular pilgrims for all of the Hindus among the world. The temple of Kedarnath lies amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges and snow-capped Peaks and is also visited by a large population of tourists annually. Due to extreme weather conditions, the authorities in Kedarnath prompt the temple for remaining open from April end to the starting of November month.
Gangotri
The beautiful spiritual town of Gangotri is one of the most holy sites of northern India that is visited by travellers and devotees throughout the year. Gangotri is located at a breathtaking altitude of 3,048 mts above the sea level in the district of Uttarkashi in Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. The beautiful little town is situated on the banks of the holy river of Bhagirathi, and is also a major Dham amongst the Char Dhams of the state.
Yamunotri
Being the source of Yamuna river, the town of Yamunotri also remains one of the sites of the renowned Char Dham Yatra. The holy town is situated at a breathtaking elevation of 3293 mts above the sea level and has its location in the district of Uttarkashi. The place is completely surrounded through mountains on different sides and rests in closeness with the Indo-China border.