Day 19 - Yamunotri

Day 19


Yamunotri  is the source of Yamuna river and seat of  the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism and one of the Dhams in the Himalayas. It is situated at an altitude of 10,804 ft in the Garhwal region of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Yamunotri is famed for its glaciers and thermal springs. According to Hindu tradition, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the God of death. A holy dip in this Yamuna river secures a painless death to the devotees. Yamunotri has picturesque surroundings with  awesome shrubs, lush meadows and gushing cascades.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 196 Kms away from Yamunotri.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is the Dehradun station which is 172 Kms away and is connected to major cities of India.

Best time to visit: May to June and September to November.

Languages spoken: Hindi, Garhwali and English

Must Eat: Very limited options. Satvik food devoid of any onion or garlic.

Famous Restaurants: None.


Places you must visit:


Yamunotri Temple was built in 19th century by Maharani Gularia  of Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is perced atop of Kalind Parvat in the Bandar Poonch range. The deity in this temple is portrayed in the form of silver idol bejeweled with garlands.The temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya and closes on the second day after Diwali celebration. A popular belief is that a holy darshan in this shrine fetch one with good fortune. The offerings in the shrine are boiled rice and potatoes that are cooked in the hot waters of Surya Kund.



Surya Kund is one of the renowned natural thermal spring in Yamunotri devoted to Sun God, father of Yamuna. The temperature of the water is very high here. Devotees fasten rice and potatoes in a cloth and dip it in the water to get cooked. The Surya Kund is also famous for its curative properties.



Saptarishi Kund is a natural lake and is the most enthralling spot in Yamunotri.It is regarded as the origin of Yamuna river.It is located at an altitude of 4421 meters and is not easily accessible and it is considered as one of the most tedious treks in the Himalayas.With its murky blue waters, pebbly banks and a rare display of Brahma lotus, makes it a delightful scenery.



Divya Shila literally means heavenly rock is a rock pillar which is worshiped before entering the divine Yamunotri temple. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 meters.Though a dangerous path, devotees find pleasure in climbing this colossal embankment since it is highly rewarding with the most tranquil environment.




Janki Chatti is the midpoint of the trek to Yamunotri and it is 3 Kms away from Yamunotri. This place is popular for its various thermal springs.A bath in these hot water springs gives revitalizing energy and vigor to the visitors who are very tired of the rugged surroundings. This area encompasses the last village in the region and the pilgrims are provided with moderate accommodation facilities.



Hanuman Chatti is one of the most thrilling climbs in the rocky terrain and is situated 13 Kms away from Yamunotri. It is a very serene place spotted at the convergence of the rivers Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga. It is a six hours climb through the lustrous meadows, woody hills and amazing aroma of the Himalayan shrubs.



Barkot is a tiny hamlet situated 49 Kms from Yamunotri. It is famous for its ancient temples.The magnificent Bandar Poonch range and other massive peaks of the Himalayan ranges are distinctly visible from here. You get mesmerized by the ravishing landscapes, gushing water of the sacred Yamuna river and the apple orchards.

Char Dham Yatra Begins....

Char Dham is referred to as the four Hindu religious sites in the Uttarakhand state of India. They are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Traditionally the Char Dham yatra is undertaken from west to east. Thus the yatra starts from Yamunotri then Gangotri then proceeding to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Among the four Dhams, Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to Goddesses Yamuna and Ganga respectively. On the other hand Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Badrinath to Lord Vishnu. The picturesque surroundings of the mountainous region are simply enthralling. Devotees and tourist throughout the world come here to visit eternal bliss.

Day 18 - Rishikesh

Day 18

You cannot leave Haridwar without visiting Rishikesh.It is just 21 Kms away from Haridwar.

Rishikesh is a sacred town at the convergence of river Ganga and river Chandrabhaga in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India.Rishikesh literally means 'Lord of Senses', stands for Lord Vishnu. Rishikesh is renowned for various Yoga centers, and perfectly temed as World capital of  Yoga, offering training of Yoga and many other spiritual activities.Rishikesh is also the gateway to Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra ideally begins from Rishikesh.


Places you must visit:


Lakshman Jhula is one of the most prominent mark of Rishikesh. It is a 450 ft iron bridge suspended over mighty  river Ganga. It was constructed in 1939.According to the legends, Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram, crossed Ganga river on a jute rope from this point.There is a 13 storied Lakshman temple situated near the Jhula.



Triveni Ghat is the confluence of three important rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.It is the most revered sacred bathing spot on the banks of river Ganga. It is believed that those who take a dip  in Triveni Ghat will  have salvation, a relief from all sins carried out and purify your mind and body.A large number of pilgrims throng into this place every evening to attend the Ganga Aarti that takes place at this Ghat.



Geeta Bhavan  is one of the oldest temple complexes in Rishikesh. It is dedicated as a museum for pauranic and mythological awareness to the public.The Bhavan encloses many paintings and statues of characters from Hindu mythology.The paintings include the renowned Gita sandesh depicting Lord Krishna and the great Pandava warrior Arjuna in a Chariot in the Kurukshetra war field. Building consists of more than 1000 rooms available free of charge to stay of the devotees.


Bharat Mandir is an ancient temple founded by Adiguru  Shankaracharya during the 12th century. The main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu, whose idol has been carved out from a single piece of Saligram.A sacred spectacular Shree Yantra is placed at the inner canopy of the temple.The details of this temple are recorded in a very old record of Kearkhand. Present temple is the renovated one  reconstructed on the ruins of original temple destroyed by Tamur.Recent excavations brought out many old statues, coins and pots from this site.



Rishikund literally means the sage's pond. It is believed that the waters of the river Yamuna  drenched this pond on the request of Kubz saint.A Shani mandir is situated at this Kund.



Swarg Ashram (Heavenly Abode) as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in a picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of river Ganga between Rishikesh and Lakshman Jhula. It is the spiritual 'ground zero' of Rishikesh, filled with the concentration of Ashrams and temples.The area is known for its healthy and satvik living environment.



Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is perfectly placed at a confluence of  Pankaja and Madhumati rivers, is assumed to be the most respected  temple in Rishikesh. It is placed at an altitude of 1330 meters and its main deity is Lord Shiva.According to mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison produced during 'Sagar Manthan' which turned his throat blue and thus the place was named Neelkanth. The panoramic view of the surrounding hills Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and Manikoot is very attractive.



Shri Tryambakeshwar Temple means the abode of the three eyed one i.e Lord Shiva. It is considered as one of the Jyotirlingas (self emanated lingas). This temple is well placed at the banks of river Ganga and the natural beauty around the temple is amazing.



Ram Jhula connects Swarg Ashram with Shivanand Ashram. It is bigger than Lakshman Jhula and is even more picturesque.



Parmarth Niketan is a true spiritual haven on the banks of river Ganga. It is the largest Ashram in Rishikesh providing clean, pure and sacred environment and beautiful gardens to the thousands of devotees who visit from the different parts of the world.The ashram was founded in 1942 by a great saint Pujya Swami Sukhdevnandji Maharaj . It is one of the few ashrams in India where kids get the Vedas education.

Day 17- Haridwar

Day 17


Haridwar is an important pilgrimage city and one of the seven holiest city in India. This city is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Haridwar literally means Gateway to God.In ancient times the city was also referred to as Gangadwar, the place where Ganga descends to the plain.According to the legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapil's curse.The penance was answered and river Ganga tricled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of King Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their ancestors.Haridwar is a Vegetarian city by law , as well as alcohol-free city as alcohol is banned here.


How to reach here:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun which is 20 Kms away is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Haridwar Junction Railway station is well connected by trains with the major cities of India.

Best time to visit: October to March

Languages spoken: Hindi, Garhwali, Punjabi and English

Must eat: Dhokaar Dalna

Famous Restaurants: Hotel Hoshiarpuri, Bestee Restaurant, Siwalik, Mansarover and Aahar.


Places you must visit:


Har-Ki-Pauri  is believed to be the exit point of Ganga from the mountains to the plains. This Ghat (Brahmakund)was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who often meditated on the banks of Ganga. History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu's foot on one of the stones present on the ghat.The golden reflection of the floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the Ghat.



Chandi Devi Mandir  is known to be a divine place where wishes are granted and fulfilled by Goddess Chandi. This temple is situated on a hill top (Neel Parvat) constructed by Suchat Singh, the then King of Kashmir in 1929 AD.Skanda Purana mentions a legend, in which Chanda- Munda, the army chief of the local Demon Kings Shumbh and Nishumbha were killed by Goddess Chandi here, after which the place got its name Chandi Devi.It is believed that the main statue was established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. One can either take a ropeway ride to the temple or trek 3Km from Chandighat.



Mansa Devi Temple is situated at the top of Bilwa Parvat. The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa).The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms and other with eight arms. The devotees tie sacred threads on the sacred tree that stands in the temple premises.Once the wishes are fulfilled, the devotees mark respect by returning  to the tree to untie the thread.



Maya Devi Temple is an ancient temple dated back to the 11th century. This Adhisthatri ( known to be the incarnation of power or shakti) deity of Haridwar  is considered one of the Siddhapeeths and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.



Kankhal is a town where the ancient Daksha Mahadev also called as Dakhsheswara Mahadev temple is situated. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Dakshayani), Lord Shiva's first wife, performed a yagna, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva.When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and she self-immolated in the Yagna Kund.King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and was given a goat's head by Lord Shiva. This temple is a tribute to this legend.
Sati Kund, another well known mythological heritage worth a visit is located in Kankhal. Sati immolated herself in this Kund.



Piran Kaliyar is a Dargah of Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari , a 13th century Sufi saint of Chisti order was built by Ibrahim Lodhi , a ruler of Delhi.It is a living example of religious harmony in India.During the annual Urs festival it is visited by many devotee from all over the world.



Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a bird Sanctuary situated on the main Ganga 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.



Bhimgoda Tank - It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knees(goda), to the very ground.



Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is one of the most beautiful temple in Haridwar. It is made up of white marble. This temple is dedicated to Ram- Sita and Hanuman.



Jairam Ashram is very famous for its diorama exhibition and a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra Manthan episode.



Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar is a picturesque place where seven great sages or Saptarishis, namely Kashyap, Vashisth, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamdagni, Bharadwaj and Gautam are said to have meditated. The Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Rishis would not be disturbed by the flow.




Parad Shivling is situated in the Harihar Ashram in Kankhal.Parad Shivling (Mercury Shivling) weighing about 150 Kgs and the Rudraksh tree are the main attractions.




Anandmayi Maa Ashram houses the samadhi shrine of Shri Anadamoyi  Maa (1896-1982), a noted saint in India.


Shantikunj  is a headquarter of famous spiritual and social organization All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) established by Shriram Sharma Acharya.It is a place of attractions for tourist as well as seekers of spiritual guidance.



Pawan Dham is a modern temple made entirely from glass pieces. The temple complex was constructed by the effort of His Holiness Swami Vedantanand  Maharaj and is growing under the leadership of Swami SahajPrakash ji Maharaj.



Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata, Mother India , with each floor depicting an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayana till India's Independence. The temple was built under the auspicious blessings of the honorable former Shankaracharya His Holiness Maha-Mandleshwar Swami Satyamitranand  Giriji Maharaj. This mandir was inaugarated on May 15, 1983 by Hon.Smt. Indira Gandhi and stands along the river Ganga. On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata. The second floor 'Shoor Mandir' is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India. The third floor 'Matru Mandir' is dedicated to the achievements of India's revered women. The great saints from various religions  are featured on the fourth floor 'Sant Mandir'. The Assembly Halls with walls depicting symbolic coexistence  of all religions practiced in India and the painting portraying history and beauty is situated on the fifth floor.The various forms of Goddesses of Shakti are found on sixth floor.The seventh floor is devoted to all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The eight floor holds the shrine of Lord Shiva from which one can gain a panoramic view of the Himalayas.



Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust) is a Yoga institution and research center of Swami Ramdev. Every day more than thousand people gather here for yoga and other purposes.





Vaishno Devi Temple is the replica of the temple in Jammu.This temple was recently built. Similar to the  temple in Jammu, the path leading to worship Goddess Vaishno Devi is full of tunnels and caves.



Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya was founded on March 4, 1902 by Swami Shraddhanandaji with the sole aim to revive the ancient Indian Gurukul system of education. This institution was established with the objective of providing an indigenous alternative to Lord Macaulay's education policy by imparting education in the areas of Vedic Literature, Indian philosophy, Indian culture, modern sciences and research.

Day 16 - Mussoorie

Day 16

Mussoorie, the queen of hills is one of the most popular and fascinating Hill station in Northern India.Its green Hills and variety of Flora and Fauna make it a colorful and picturesque hill station. The panoramic view of the Himalayan mountains to the North-East and the Doon valley to the south makes it even more wonderful. This place got its name from the growth of an unlimited bush locally named as Mussoorie. In 1827 Captain Young, a British Army Officer, explored this site and laid the foundation of the holiday resort with the opening of shooting box on Landour Hills.


How to reach here:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport  Dehradun is the nearest airport for reaching Mussoorie (24 Kms).

By Rail: Direct Railway station is the Dehradun station which is 30 Kms away and connected to major cities in India.

Best time to visit: March to June

Languages spoken: Hindi, Garhwali and English.

Must eat: Kandalee ka saag, Kafli , Arsa, Gulgula and Kulath Phanu.

Famous Restaurant: Four Seasons, Green.

Places you must visit:


Camel's Back Road , as its name suggest is a road which is a stretch of 4 Kms and is a natural layout of rock shaped like the Camel's hump back.It is a perfect spot for morning and evening walks and also for horse riding.




Gun Hill is the second highest point in Mussoorie. The history of this place dates back to the pre- independence period. It is said that a canon was fired from the Gun Hill every afternoon to help people know the time and adjust their watches.A rope way ride can take you to the top from where you can capture photogenic views.



Kempty Falls is a perennial waterfall, plunging its way down from 40 ft.It is largest of the five cascades that emerge down from the mountains. The visit to the falls is incomplete without bathing under the falls.




Lal Tibba or the Red Hill  was also referred to as Depot hill due to the presence of the Convalescent depot.This is the highest point in Mussoorie. The Indian Military services are stationed in Lala Tibba that makes access to the hill restricted. Broadcasting stations of All India Radio and Doordarshan are situated atop of Lal Tibba.




Jharipani Falls- A 6 m trek downhill from Mussoorie takes you to these falls.Your life gets a breather in this pure and unpolluted  place. Mussoorie's famous boarding schools like St. George's, Wynberg Allen and Oak Grove are nestled within the Jharipani estates.



Mussoorie Lake is a newly developed picnic spot facilitating pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon valley and nearby villages. View during night is marvelous.



Vinog (Benog) Mountain Quail Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary established in 1993.It is famous for Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater), a bird species thought to be extinct and last spotted in 1876.




Municipal Garden also called as Company Bagh, belongs to the Happy valley area. It has a wide green carpet of  neat and clean lawns and a fountain in the center.A lake, recently created waterfall and a nursery housing pretty plants are the other attractions of the garden.



Surkanda Devi is a Hindu temple situated on top of the mountain and has great religious significance. According to legends, Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva gave her life in the argument with her father Prajapati Daksh, who was not ready to accept Shiva as her daughter's husband. Shiva danced with the dead body of Sati and by the Sudarshan Chakra the body was been seperated part by part.Shiva passed through this place on his way back to Kailash with the dead body of Sati, whose head fell of at the spot where the temple of Sukhanda Devi stands.



Dhanaulti is a small hamlet, lies towards the east of Landour. It is a destination for the spiritually inclined souls.It is a breathtaking and a quiet place surrounded by pines and Deodar and disturbed occasionaly by the sounds of Cicadas.



Jwala Devi Temple is situated on top of Bingo Hills. This temple is known to sanctify and award wishes of devotees who come to seek true blessings.It is devoted to Goddess Durga. The temple lies in a calm and pure surrounding.



Tibetan Buddhist Temple also called as Shedup Choepelling temple is located on the Happy Valley road. This temple has a divine atmosphere, and those seeking solace and peace of mind must visit. To add to the serenity are the clay lamps in the clay house and the prayer flags. Dalai Lama took refuge here after he fled Tibet.



Yamuna Bridge is a unique place to see river Yamuna with a huge bridge next to it. It is good spot for watersports and fishing.



Sir George Everest House is a park estate where building and Laboratory of first Surveyor General of India Sir George Everest after whom the world's highest peak Mt. Everest is named still stands. This place provides an enchanting view of Doon valley on one side and a view of Yamuna valley and Himalayan ranges on the other.



Shiv Mandir is situated in beautiful down the slope location in the lush green, where one can find complete peace of mind in the calm and cool atmosphere.there is a Bhandara every other day in the temple, where the prasad is distributed to the people visiting the temple.