Tourist Places with Their Main Attractions in Uttarakhand.

Whenever I got chance to Visit some Places, I Always try to Cover all and Every Places nearby that place, so that we didn't regret in future that we didn't watch that or we missed it. 

So I always prepare a document for the places which we have to cover in visit.

Today I am going to share one of my compilation which I created, when we went to visit the Places in Uttaranchal(UK) with family.

But it's very difficult to everyone to cover all places in a short span of time, we too despite of all effort missed some places.

Mussoorie :- The Queen Of Hills Stations

Camel’s Back Road :- The place offers a picturesque view of the sunset and a life like resemblance of a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here.
Lake Mist :- About 5 km before Kempty falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road is a developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also available. The place showcases nature in an exquisite manner. With the Kempty river flowing through it, Lake Mist has many small but beautiful waterfalls made by the river. Thus, this is a gem in the queen of hills.
Gun Hill :- One can enjoy a thrilling ropeway ride to Gun Hill, the second highest peak of Mussoorie(2122 mts). The peak offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Cable Ride :- Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable. 
Mussoorie Lake :- A newly developed picnic spot situated on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. The lake is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.

Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary :- 11 Kms to the south of Library Point lies an old sanctuary established in 1993 and covering an area of 339 hactares. It is famous for the extinct bird species, Mountain Quail(Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.
Kempty Fall :- 15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road is the most fascinating and the biggest water fall, Kempty located in a beautiful valley of Mussoorie. 
Dhanaulti -Dhanolti :- 24 Kms from Mussoorie. Dhanaulti Dhanolti provides a breath-taking view of the valleys and the Himalayan peaks. The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely weather and fabulous view of of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday. Know more about Dhanaulti 

Surkanda Devi :- Situated at an elevation of 3030 mts above sea level near village Kaddukhal the temple of Surkanda Devi is 33 kms from Kaddukhal and one has to trek about 2 kms. The temple of Surkanda Devi is situated on the top of the mountain and is of great religious significance. A fair is held every year on “Ganga Dussehra” during May-June in which thousands of people participate.

Lakha Mandal :- Lakha Mandal is situated on the Yamunotri road, past Kempty Falls. There are hundred of idols of archaeological importance which have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. According to the legend, the Kaurvas made a shellac house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.

Bhadraj Temple :- About 15 kms from Mussoorie, it is an ideal spot for trekking via Park Toll-Clods end, Dudhi. Situated on the extreme western region of Mussoorie town, Bhadraj offers a commanding view of the Doon Valley. Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar Bawar areas can be viewed from here. Bhadraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna.

Childer's Lodge :- is the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba, it is situated at 5 km from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. The view of snow-clad mountains is exhilarating.
Jwalaji Temple :- The Jwalaji Temple is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga. The temple is surrounded by the thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley

Bhatta Fall :- About 7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics. 
Van Chetna Kendra :- At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc. .

Tourist Attractions of Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat

To be found in the heart of town, is the most famous bathing ghat, where most pilgrims take a holy dip earlier than they visit the various temples. This is done generally in the early mornings, with the pilgrims offering prayers and milk at the Ghat and feeding the fish in the water. An amazing sight here is the evening arati, a ceremony accompanied by lights, drums and chanting, with the entire ghat lit with lamps glowing from a distance.

Bharat Mandir

Near the Ghat, is the temple known as Bharat Mandir said to be the oldest temple here built by the Adi Shankaracharya. This 9th century temple has the deity of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single black stone popular as Saligram, and is placed in the inner chambers of the temple. The original temple was said to have been destroyed in 1398 AD. If you are lucky, catch the spring festival also called Basant Panchami celebrated here.

Rishikund

Close to the Triveni Ghat is the very old place of Rishikund where the Saint Kubz is said to have been blessed by the Goddess Yamuna, who filled the pond with her water. The temple of Raghunath dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita is sited here.

Lakshman Jhula

2 kilometers from Swarg Ashram, is the well-known Lakshman Jhula a suspension bridge 450 feet long and built in 1939. Named after Lord Ram's younger brother Lakshman, it has temples dotting its either side, including the famed Lakshman Temple at Tapovan. One more noteworthy ashram is the 13 storeyed Kailashananda Ashram, with each storey being dedicated to a different deity.

Ram Jhula

Ramjhula is situated 3Km north of Rishikesh. It's a very popular place amongst people coming for religious purposes because it has very known Ashrams. Most known is Geeta Bhavan & Swarg Ashram and these temples are very important in Hindu society and you will see much more commotion here then in Lakshmanjhula.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

To be found at a distance of 12 km from Rishikesh, this temple stands at a height of 926m on top of a hill across the river Ganga. It derives its name from Lord Shiva. According to mythological belief; the cosmic churning of the oceans (Sagar Manthan) for the potion of immortality (amrit) by the Gods and the Demons; produced a venomous liquid, which was consumed by Lord Shiva at this place. As a result, his throat became blue in color, which in Hindi literally means 'Neelkanth' (blue throat). The place is a favorite among the religious tourists.

Gita Bhavan

Near the Lakshaman Jhula, is the newly constructed building of Gita Bhavan. It runs a free Ayurvedic dispensary and also has a branch of the Gita Press, Gorakhpur. There are more than a hundred rooms for visitors and this edifice houses various striking paintings and statues of ancient mythological characters. The stories of the ancient epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are beautifully illustrated on its walls. The place is also popular among the tourists.

Tourist Attractions of Dehradun

1. Sahastradhara - The name Sahastradhara literally means ‘The Thousand Fold Spring’ is a popular tourist destination in Dehradun. It comprised of waterfalls, caves and steppe farming lands and provides a totally marvelous and rejuvenating experience to its visitors. The name is due to the water that drips from the limestone stalactites in the caves and its waterfalls.

2. Tiger Falls - Located at a height of 1400 meters above sea level, the Tiger Falls are 50 meters high waterfalls. The waterfalls are situated amidst a picturesque setting of dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas. The water converges into a small pond which provides a perfect setting for an outing with friends and family.

3. Robber’s Cave - The 600 meters long river cave (Robber’s Cave) is known by the locals as Gucchupani. The cave is divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long. The place is known for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream. The place was believed to be used by the robbers to hide during the British Raj hence owing to its name.

4. Tapovan Tapovan is known to be the place the Guru Dronacharya performed his penance according to the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. The place is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered to be a major pilgrim spot. Tapovan is also known for its amazing meadows known as Nandavan which are trekked by various pilgrims and trekkers.

5. Mindrolling Monastery Founded in 1965, The Mindrolling Monastery houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India. The monastery is a re-established facility of the original Mindrolling Monastery and was established by Khochhen Rinpoche. The well maintained gardens and a 60 meters high stupa and contains various rooms which are decorated with murals and house various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold.

6. Tapkeshawar Temple - Tapkeshawar Temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand and is located at the banks of the Nandi River. The Temple is located within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam placed here. The cave is also the site to the shivratri festival that happens every year.

7. Rajaji National Park - Spread over a massive 820 sq kilometers of land, the Rajaji National Park falls in a region shared by 3 districts, Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand. The reserve consists of subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests that house a plethora of wildlife, birds and fish species. It is also a major habitat of the Asian elephant and the Bengal Tiger in India.

8. Forest Research Institute - The premier research institute of forestry in India is located in Dehradun. The Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 as the British Imperial Forestry Service. The site also contains a museum for forestry with six main sections that are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and Entomology Museum.

9. Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort - Developed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam at the Asan barrage, the water sports facility was opened in 1994. Located at the Dhalipur Lake the Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort offers various types of water sports facilities like boating, kayaking, canoeing and is also known as a shutterbug’s delight for its various migratory birds.

10. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology - Previously known as the Institute of Himalayan Geology, the facility is one of the best centers of Himalayan Geology in the country. The best attraction here is the museum that displays the diverse geographic locations of India and visitors often get to know a few stunning facts about the geology of different regions in India.

Places to See in Haridwar

Har ki Pauri: It is also known as Brahmakund and it is believed to be the place where divine nectar fell from the pitcher. It is the site for the famous Kumbh Mela which is celebrated in 12 years. Large number of devotees comes especially to Haridwar to take a holy dip in the Ganga River. At twilight, when evening aarti is performed the reflection of the golden diyas that keep floating on the river offers an enchanting view of the ghat to the visitors. This sacred Ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari, who is said to have meditated on the banks of Ganga in Haridwar.

Chandi Devi Temple: Situated on the top of the Neel Parvat, Chandi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir. The temple can be reached after a 3km trek from Chandi Ghat. The main statue of Chandi Devi Temple is said to be established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. Cable car has also been introduced upto Chandi Devi Temple.

Maya Devi Temple: It is believed that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell here when Lord Shiva was taking her corpse. Maya Devi Temple is regarded as one of the Siddhapeeth's. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar.

Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi temple is perched on the top of the Bilwa Parwat and it is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. Mansa Devi can be reached either by a ropeway that carries pilgrims to the temple or on foot. A statue of the Goddess here has three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. The temple affords bird's eye view of Haridwar.

Sapta Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar: It is believed that seven sages meditated at this place. Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam were the seven rishis. Ganga split herself into seven streams to avoid any disturbance to their meditation.

Daksha Mahadev Temple: This ancient Dsksha Mahadev Temple (Daksheswara Mahadev Temple) is located in the south Kankhal with Lord Shiva as its residing deity. According to mythology, this temple is supposed to have been the site of a yagna conducted by Daksha.

Bhimgoda Tank: This tank is at a distance of about 1 km from Har ki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhim made this tank with the blow of his knee.
    
Bharat Mata Mandir: 5 km north of the center. Dedicated to Mother India, this is half temple, half nation building exercise, with seven floors stacked with deities, saints, and secular heroes of all Indian faiths.

Ma Anandamayee Ashram: Located at Kankhal. The samadhi of Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee (Anandamayi) is located here and is also the Head Office of the revered organisation. 

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.

Doodhadhari Barfani Temple: Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially the temples of Rama-Sita and Hanuman.

Sureshvari Devi Temple: Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary.

Pawan Dham: A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, Pawan Dham is now a popular tourist destination. The temple complex was constructed by the effort of Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj and the institute located there is growing under the leadership of Swami SahajPrakash Ji Maharaj. People from Moga in Punjab have put considerable efforts and money to erect this place.

Parad Shivling: Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Parad Shivling (Mercury Shivling) weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.

Ramanand Ashram: Situated in shravan nath nagar of the town near railway station, this is the main ashram of Ramanand Sampraday in Haridwar. Mahant Bhagwan Das is the chief of this ashram.

Shantikunj: Shantikunj is the headquarter of famous spiritual and social organisation All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) established by Pt Shriram Sharma Acharya. Its located at a distance of 6 Kilometers from Haridwar railway station towards Rishikesh/Dehradun on NH58. At the bank of the holy Ganges and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, its also a place of attraction for tourists as well as seekers of spiritual guidance.

Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust): Patanajli yogpeeth is situated on Haridwar - Delhi Highway. this is a yoga institution and research center of Swami Ramdev. every day 1000 of person come here for yoga n other purpose. This is one of the best place in Haridwar to see

Sati Kund: another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.

Rajaji National Park: It is gifted with immaculate beauteousness covering an area of 820sqkms on the edge of the Doon Valley. It is situated around 10kms from Haridwar. Rajaji National Park was established in 1996 and has over 23 species of mammals and 315 avifauna species. It is a safe haven for panther, bear, chital, elephant, tiger, sambar, wild boar, barking deer, python, monitor lizard etc. Elephant Safari is also available at Chilla and Dholkand.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple : Thousands of devotees visit Neelkanth Mahadev every month throughout the year. It is situated on the summit of the mountain across the sacred Ganga River. According to mythology this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom produced during 'Sagar Manthan' which turned his throat blue and was thus the place was named as Neelkanth. Neelkanth and Mahadev are names of Lord Shiva. It is situated 66kms from Dehradun city.

Haridwar has several other  beautifully made Ashrams/temples of significance such as ShantiKunj, Jairam Ashram, Bhuma Niketan, Bharat Mata Mandir, Vaishnav Devi Temple, Radha Krishan temple, Shravan Nath Math, Pawan Dham, Doodhadari temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev temple, Shahi Gurudwara, Parmarth Ashram, Prem Nagar Ashram, Ma Anand Mai Ashram etc. All of these places are worth seeing.

जीवन जीने के बहाने...

बहुत पहले एक हिन्दी गाना बहुत प्रसिद्ध हुआ था, " जीने के बहाने लाखो है, जीना तुझको आया ही नहीं, कोई भी तेरा हो सकता था, कभी तूने अपनाया ही नही. " इसका अर्थ आज मुझे अच्छी तरह से समझ में आ गया। 

सच ही कहा है ये जीवन जीने के लिए हमें हमेशा ही बहानो की जरुरत पड़ती ही, जिससे की हम अपने जीवन को सार्थक सिद्ध कर सके,  अन्यथा बेमानी जीवन जीने से क्या फायदा जिसका कोई औचित्य ही न हो?

बिना किसी उद्देश्य के कोई लम्बे समय तक, खाली जी भी नहीं सकता। सभी जानते है पैदा होते ही जीवन सबकी उम्मीदों और आकांक्षाओं पर निर्भर होने लगता है, अब करवट लेना है, अब बैठना है, फिर खड़े हो कर बोलना और चलना है, फिर तो माँ पिता की आँखों का तारा बनना है, खूब पढ़ना और आगे बढ़ाना है. 

माँ , पिता भी सीमा निर्धारित करते रहते है और उसको और जटिल से जटिल बनाते रहते है, ये झलावा दे कर की बस आगे तो आराम ही आराम है. 

पढ़ लिख गए तो अब थोड़ा कमा भी लो, अब यहाँ से हमारी खुद की भी इक्छाये और उम्मीदे जवान होने लगाती है, कहे तो जीने के नए नए बहाने बनने और मिलने लगते है. अब कमाना ही है तो सबसे अच्छा क्यों नहीं?

हम खुद ही सोचने लगते है, की ऐसा काम करे की अथाह संपत्ति के स्वामी बने, खूब पैसा हो की घर, परिवार, पड़ोस, दोस्त और "गर्लफ्रेंड" सभी खुश, आश्चर्यचकित और रंज करे. 

यहाँ "गैलफ्रैण्ड" शब्द का प्रयोग करना बेमानी नहीं है, आजकल सभी चाहते है और रखते भी है. यही शब्द लड़की के सन्दर्भ में "बॉयफ्रेंड" में बदल जाता है. अतः इनको प्रभावित करना हमारा सबसे बड़ा लक्ष्य बन कर सामने आता है जीवन जीने का. 

इस सुनहरे ख्वाब के साथ जितना अच्छा समय कट गया जीवन का अच्छा था, इसके उपरांत कहानी शुरू गृहस्थ जीवन की, गृहस्थ जीवन वो कभी न खत्म होने वाला टास्क है, आप जितना उसमे घुसते जाओगे उतने ही नए नए बहाने रोज़ आपको मिलते रहेंगे जीवन जीने के. 

पत्नी की ख़ुशी, उसका प्यार, घर की व्यवस्था, फिर बच्चे, उनका प्यार, लालन  पालन, पढाई, लक्ष्य ही लक्ष्य। 

सो इतने सारे बहनो के साथ जीवन के अंत तक मनुष्य फसा रहता ही जीवन के ताने बाने में, और सच भी है ये जो अंततः हमें संतोष भी देता है फिर कोई कैसे बिमुख हो सकता है इन सब क्रिया कलापो से, अगर सच में वो खुद को एक जिम्मेदार और फर्ज से युक्त मानता है.

उपरोक्त लिखने का मेरा तातपर्य बस इतना है की आपका जीवन बहुत ही अमूल्य है,  कभी माता पिता के लिए, कभी खुद लिए, फिर आपके प्यार और बच्चो  लिए, सो इसे व्यर्थ न जाने दे, ऐसे कार्य करे की सभी आपसे खुश और संतुष्ट हो, जिससे अंत काल में आप भी शांति और संतोष के साथ इस अमूल्य जीवन को विदा कर पाये। 

[आस पड़ोस में घटित कुछ घटनाओं से व्यथित दिल की पुकार, जिसने मुझे अंदर तक झिंझोड़ के रख दिया]