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Mt. Kailash is claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis, is also one of the highest mountains in Tibet at 22,022 feet. Lord Shiva resides over here among the peaceful Himalayas. A mythological story says that Lord Shiva once built a house for himself but gave it away to a devotee who asked for it. Thus without changing his residence he settled in the Kailash mountain of Kailash. This is his abode where he stays with his whole family including his wife Goddess Parvati and children Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikiya and the other Shiv Ganas (group of Shiva Devotees) like Nandi and others.

According to ancient religious texts, the abode of Lord Vishnu is called Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Bhrama is called Bhramaloka and the abode of Lord Shiva is called Kailash. Of the three, one can only go bodily and return in this life from Kailash having experienced divinity. The Hindus, Bons and Jains all alike travel to this place as pilgrims. A journey to Kailash is considered as once in a lifetime achievement.

Major Attraction

It is because of Kailash yatra - Mansarovar, which is 865-kms from Delhi, that Kumaon is sometimes called “Manaskhand”. Many myths are associated with this unusual mountain and lake. The Buddhists, the Jains and the Bonpas of Tibet too, all revere this spot with great fervour and devotion.

Therefore, it is not surprising for a devotee to come across the worlds “Om Mani Padme Hum” (“Hail to the jewel (of Creation) in the Lotus) written on stones and taken from Buddhist scriptures. The Bonpas make an anti-clockwise pilgrimage around Mount Kailash whereas the believers of the jain faith specially visit astpaad near the southern face of Kailash in the Kailash –mansarovar region.

Panchgani is an idyllic mountain retreat in the Krishna valley. Tucked away in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is a well-known hill station of Maharashtra on the highway to Mahabaleshwar from Pune. It derives its name from the five hills around it.

At an altitude of 1,334m, it is just 38m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18-km approach, offering heart-stopping views of the River Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the other. It is far from the noise of Pune and the endless hustle-bustle and pollution of Mumbai metropolis. It is the first hill town one reaches from Mahabaleshwar on the Pune road.

The Walkways
Tourists can enjoy a network of nature walks through the woods, thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation. The river Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of metres below. Visit Table Land, a flat mountain peak and feast your eyes on the coastal plains, looking like miniature watercolours.

There are many places in Panchgani that are a must see. One of the most famous places in Panchgani is its Table Land . Situated around 60 mts high, Table Land is a flat stretch of laterite rock and is the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Many large caves are seen from here, the most popular one being the Devil’s Kitchen . It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here for a while and used this place to cook their food.

Parsi Point is also one of the places which is a must see for every tourist in Panchagani. It is actually the windiest point in Panchgani and is situated on the road to Mahableshwar. Another important place is an enjoyable water sports center, Tapola.

Almora is a wonderful place to conveniently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas. Away from the bright lights of cities, in a peaceful atmosphere lies Almora which brings alive all that is beautiful in nature. Almora is situated at the top a peak that is half circular.

Almora is a town in the shape of a horse shoe. It is on a 5 km long mountain range. It has its own historical, cultural and political importance. Once upon a time, it was the capital of Kumau. It was set up by King Balo Kalyan Chand in 1563.The descendents from the Kyutar dynasty and the Chand dynasty ruled here in the old times. The forts, other historical monuments, courts and governmental offices are still present today. The two rivers, Kaushik (Koshi) and Shalmali (Suyal) flow near the town. The snow capped peaks of the Himalayas look like a long train of ice and snow from here.

Each and every inch of Almora is filled with scenic beauty and the town has maintained its ancient tradition even today. This is clearly evident in the construction of the houses and in the roads made out of slate stone. Almora is also called a town of temples. Situated in the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Unlike Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital which were developed by the English, Almora is a hill station totally developed by the Indians. Almora has many fruit orchards like apples, peaches, apricots, plums, etc.. .

ALMORA - A Famous Gateway Almora was founded in 1568.There are lots of attractions at Almora.Swami Vivekananda gave famous lectures here and included it in his itinerary at the turn of this century. From Almora To Colombo record that he was stirred as much by the stark beauty of the mountains here as by the ocean at Kanyakumari. The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, was located at Mayawati Ashram then in Almora. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore spent a summer to get over the personal grief after the loss of a beloved child.A little later followed the great dancer Udaya Shankar. Ravi Shankar, Zohra Sehgal, Simki and the youngster Guru Dutt have all been here. Others have followed in their footsteps.Pundit Nehru had served a term of imprisonment in the Jail at Almora and has left behind an evocative account of the pleasures of solitude and the changing moods of nature in his various letters written from this place which acted as inspirational guide for the Indians.

Major Attractions Of Almora

Almora Fort
Recently renovated into the District Collector’s Office, the Almora Fort is one of the precious gift to the Almora Hill station by the archaic Chand Dynasty. A pan view of the fort will offer you the complex architectural style of past era.

Nanda Devi Temple
Carved beautifully by creative intellect, Nanda Devi Temple date back to the 1000-year and is one of the major tourist place in Almora. The temple is fumed with the strong faith of million of pilgrims all around the world. The best time to visit the temple is during the festive aura, when youths from various hilly region assemble to showcase their entertaining dance programmes.

Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum
Govind Vallabh Pant Public Museum is one of the popular exhibition center in Almora. It is located near Almora bus stand and is the only museum in the hill-station. Sprawling collections depicting the history, archeology and culture of ancient era are not left without gaining appreciation by the visitors. Noteworthy paintings in the Aspen and Kumaoni folk style are antique part of the museum. Precious items of the Katyuri and Chand dynasties are also show-cased in the big hall.

The Mall
A popular tourist hub is the Mall of Almora. It is located parallel to the market area of the hill-station. The area beholds the picturesque of the buildings and shops carved traditionally with wooden windows and door ways.

Legend has it, when the Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity, the earth was unable to withstand the force of its descent. Therefore the mighty Ganaga was split into twelve holy channels. Alaknanda was one of them that later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.

The temple of Shri Badrinathji on the banks of the Alaknanda river, dates back to the vedic times. Situated at an altitude of 3,133 mts., the present temple is believed to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya- an 8th century’s philosopher-saint, who also established a ‘math’ here. Also known as ‘Vishal Badri’, Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris.

Besides the main Badrinath temple, there are four other smaller badri temples. These are collectively called the panch badris or five badris. Very few pilgrims however, visit the other four Badri temples.

* Yogadhyan Badri (1920 m.)

Closest to the main Badrinath temple lies this tiny, sleepy hamlet which remains unnoticed by most pilgrims and is the winter home for the idol at Badrinath. Pandukeshwar is also an important archaeological site. Some years ago, four ancient metal foils engraved with a description of several kings in the region were discovered here. Believed to be over 1500 years old, these foils are kept at Joshimath, 30 km downstream.

* Bhavishya Badri (2,744 m.)

The bhavishya or future badri is situated at Subain near Tapovan, about 17 km east of Joshimath. According to Hindu belief, when evil is on the rise in this world, the two mountains Nara and Narayan at Badrinath will close up on each other and destroy the route to the present Badrinath. This would also mark the end of the present world and the beginning of a new one. Lord Badrinath will then appear at the Bhavishya Badri temple and be worshipped here instead of at the present one.

* Bridha Badri or the ‘Old Badri’

Bridha Badri or the ‘old Badri’ is the third temple about 7 kms short of Joshimath, on the main Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road at Animath. It is believed that Badrinath was worshipped here before its enshrinement by Shankaracharya at the main Badrinath seat. The temple of Bridha Badri is open throughout the year.

* Adi Badri

Adi Badri is the farthest from the other four badris. It is approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road enroute Ranikhet. The temple complex has 16 small temples with intricate carvings.

One Expression around which all religions base their preaching. Peace of mind, body and soul. Since time immemorial both man and God have just one prayer – Shanti – for the living and the Departed. The Char Dham, also called the Deo Bhumi – The Adobe of the Gods – presents just the ambience where the Divine & the Sublime coexist.

Once there, the sheer magnificence and the tranquil beauty so immerses you into a world of spirituality that you experience true peace and humility. Nature in all its splendour, at once huge and overwhelming and yet humble in its exquisite beauty – the pilgrimage to the Char Dhams is the experience that will stay with you and beyond.

The Himalayas – the world’s most majestic & loftiest mountain chain, is the global heritage of all mankind. The sublime quality of this “Adobe of Snows’ has, since time immemorial, inspired the sages & saints of India and has attracted tourists & pilgrims from world over to its awesome beauty & calm serenity. Uttaranchal abounds in places of sanctity where devotees converge every year to pay obeisance to their Gods braving vagaries of weather & other human travails in Himalaya. Closest to the celestial beings, devotees from all corners of the country have flocked to these Himalayan shrines of Char Dham – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath every year to seek salvation. The arduous trails remain in the ancient sanctuaries of faith for a fulfilling experience. The four dhams receive holy water in the form of four streams – Yamuna (Yamunotri), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri), Mandakini (in Kedarnath) and Alaknanda (in Badrinath).

This picture perfect hill station is the capital of the state of Uttaranchal. It is located at an altitude of 2,200 ft. and is surrounded by two sacred rivers – the Ganga and the Yamuna. Dehradun is embedded in the lap of the beautiful Doon valley and is surrounded by the Shivalik ranges. Its pleasant weather conditions throughout the year make it an ideal place for vacationing.

Dehradun’s spectacular natural assets like floristic varieties, astounding valleys, breathing panorama, tea plantation and leech gardens have transformed this town into a paradise. Its natural environment has a soothing effect on the minds of visitors. It is a perfect retreat for people of different desires and needs.

Dehradun houses several famous schools, esteemed forest research institutes and well-known academic institutes as well, thus making Dehradun a distinct hill-station. It also offers various forms of recreations for adventure lovers, of which trekking and jeep safari is popular.

Dehradun being a combination of a hill-station, a pilgrimage centre, educational institution and its commercial importance due to its abundant cultivation of various producers it attracts people from every walk of life.

This hill station has some good hotels, recreation clubs and restaurants to cater to the needs of the tourists.

Dehradun is heavenly during the monsoons as well. For some wet and wacky experience, yield to the magic of the monsoon in the mist-laden hills. Monsoons here leaves behind a view that is so overwhelming and sparkling that anyone would come here again and again to experience exhilaration.

Mussoorie was originally a popular hill station frequented by the British. This picturesque town with its verdant hills and with a variety of floral life and animals inhabiting the region the place is really fascinating. Hemmed in by snowy mountain peaks to the northeast and glittering view of the beautiful Doon valley and Shivalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland ambience to the tourists.

Mussoorie is hailed as the queen. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations. The climate of this resort is just wonderful and this is the reason that people enjoy visiting this hill station a lot. It presents a pretty picture during summer.

Mussorrie has really attractive views of the mighty, snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The breathtaking Kempty falls, 11 km away from the town, attracts horde of tourists daily. Depot Hill, which is another interesting place, is point with highest elevation in Mussoorie and all majestic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from here on clear days.

Camel’s back road, offers a gorgeous view of the sunset and the place resembles a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here. Camel’s back hill is accessible and you can go there with the help of electric trolley. The view from the top is exceptionally beautiful. Gun hill, which is the second most elevated peak here, is also a wonderful place to visit.

Surrounded by the thick oak and blue pine forests, the town is utterly devoid of the hustle and bustle of modern day life. It is ideal for those people who want to enjoy nature in its unlimited glory.

The city of New Delhi is close to many tourist places of interest. New Delhi provides you with easy access to all places, which are great excursion sites located nearby New Delhi. Some of the popular tourism destinations around New Delhi include the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, Neemrana, Kesroli, Mud Fort, Sultanpur, Tilyar Lake, Badhkal Lake, and Surajkund. Feel the difference of touring in and around Delhi with New Delhi Hub. We offer you with varied options of New Delhi tours to make your tour to India memorable.

Taj Mahal

New Delhi tours would take you to Agra city, which is famous for the Taj Mahal that stands on the bank of River Yamuna. The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. You can visit the Taj Mahal on your tour to New Delhi.

Fatehpur Sikri

The Fatehpur Sikri is a city built in Red Sandstone; the city is situated at a distance of 37 kms from Agra. You can visit the Fatehpur Sikri on your tour to New Delhi. Akbar built the city during 1571 and 1585. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.

Neemrana

It is one of the oldest heritage resorts of India. You can visit Neemrana on your tour to Delhi. This fort-palace is situated on a majestic plateau of the Aravalli ranges and was built in 1464 A.D. by Prithviraj Chauhan lll. Placed on a rocky outcrop. It is situated at a distance of about 122kms from New Delhi. This Fort has now been converted into a heritage resort.

Kesroli

You can visit Kesroli on your tour to New Delhi.Kesroli makes an ideal base to visit the neighboring palaces, museums, and sanctuaries of Alwar and Sariska. This charming small Fort commands superb views from its elevated position, replete with thick walls, turrets and ramparts, which surround a pretty inner garden and courtyards.

Mud Fort

You can visit the Mud Fort on your New Delhi tour. The Fort is situated in the lush green surrounding of U.P, at a distance of 80 kms from New Delhi. The banks of Brijghat, 24 kms away on the holy Ganges, make an interesting picnic outing among fields of sugarcane and mango orchards. The Mud Fort is situated in Kuchesar, which takes you away from the stress and crowding of the city. The Jat rulers built the Fort in the mid-18th century.

Sultanpur

The popular bird sanctuary at Sultanpur is situated at a distance of 46 kms from Delhi. On your New Delhi tour you can visit the sanctuary, famous for a variety of domestic and migratory birds. The Shallow Lake near the sanctuary becomes a great attraction for the tourists. The Sultanpur bird sanctuary is situated at a distance of 46 kms from Delhi. The Bird Sanctuary is home to a large range of birds, both resident and migratory. It is a place of interest for innumerable bird watchers who come in to observe bird antics.

Tilyar Lake

Tilyar Lake is a popular picnic spot on your Delhi tour; the lake is located at 70 kms from Delhi. Tourists can enjoy activities like boating and horse riding. Children’s Park and a mini-zoo are also attached to the place.

Badhkal Lake

This lake is situated at a distance of about 32kms from Delhi, in the district of Faridabad.It is a popular picnic spot and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overwhelming serenity. The lake forms a famous tourist attraction around New Delhi.

Surajkund

On your Delhi tour you can visit Surajkund, popular for a big fair, which takes place in the first two weeks of February. The premises of the Surajkund have a perennial lake surrounded by rock-cut steps. It is situated at a distance of about 11kms from the Qutab Minar on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road. The Sun temple built by a Tomar chieftain named Surajpal stood here during AD 1000, the remains of which can still be seen here.