THE WORLD PORTAL

Uttarakhand is a beautiful state located in the north side of India. It was known as Uttaranchal between 2000 and 2006. The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun. It is also a rail head and the largest city in the region. Leisure, adventure, and religious tourism play an important role in Uttarakhand’s economy. The Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve and the nearby hill-stations of Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora and Ranikhet are the most frequented tourist destinations of India. Some of the important tourist places are given below.

1. Dehradun

Dehradun, the dream destination in the Doon Valley in the hill resort in Uttaranchal state of India. It is also known as Abode of Drona. This place is surrounded by Himalayas in the North side, Shivalik Hills in the south, the river Ganges in the east and the river Yamuna in the west. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city. Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is beautiful place to visit.  The cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of a seasonal river. The other beautiful attractions in Dehradun are a Tibetan temple, Sahashtradhara, Rajaji National Park etc.

How to Reach

Jolly Grant is the nearest airport to Dehradun. An excellent rail network connects Dehradun to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. It has good road links with Delhi (235 km), Agra (381 km), Lucknow (582 km), Jaipur (493 km), Calcutta (1562 km), Chennai (2365 km) and Mumbai (1578 km). One can easily find buses - public as well as private, to reach Dehradun, from all the major cities in and around Uttaranchal.

2. Almora

Almora is a cantonment town in Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is also called a town of temples. The temple of Kaushik Devi on the Kashyap Hill is located here. According to the Puranas, Kaushiki Devi appeared from the body of Goddess Parvati to kill the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh. There is a cave where Swami Vivekanand meditated and was enlightened. The other main attractions in Almora are a Deer Park, State Museum, Kalimutt etc.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Almorais Pant Nagar (Nainital). Regular flights operate during the summer. The nearest railhead for Almora is Kathgodam. It is well connected with Delhi, Howrah, Lucknow. Almora is almost 380km from Delhi and 466kms from Lucknow. Take local or private buses to reach Almora from Kathgodam.

3. Nainital

Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This place is blessed with scenic natural beauty and various natural resources. It is also known as crystal city. Dotted with lakes it is the lake district of India. Lakes like Bhimtal,Sattal, Naukuchiatal etc is main attractions of Nainital. Corbett National Park situated in the Valley of Ramganga river is one of India’s finest wild life sanctuaries. The other major tourist attractions in Naintal are a snowview, Naini peak, Dorothy’s seat, Tiffin Top, Hanuman garhi, Haldwani, Kaladhungi , Ramnagar , Bhowali etc.

How to Reach

The nearest domestic Airport is Palam Airport at New Delhi, although Phool bagh being the nearest airport 72 kms from Nainital . The nearest International airport is Indira Gandhi-International airport at New Delhi. Kathgodam which is just 34 km away from Nainital is the nearest railway terminus which in turn is connected with New Delhi, Calcutta & Lucknow by train services. Lalkuan is 60 Kms from Nainital which is connected to Bareilly, Agra & Lucknow by narrow gauge. There is direct buses from Delhi, Lucknow to Nainital.

4. Badrinath

Badrinath is a Hindu holy town and is one of the four Dhams a devout Hindu has to visit in their lifetime to attain salvation. It is considered the holiest of the four important shrines in Garhwal. This town is situated on the bank of river Alaknanda and in between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu. The temple of Yog Dhyan Badri, one of the five Badris is located at Pandukeshwar. The Pandavas are said to have handed over Hastinapur to king Parikshit and retired here. The temple, also known as Badri Narayan, is dedicated to Vishnu, who is said to have done penance in the mythical Brindavan that once covered the mountains of Uttarakhand.

How to Reach

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Badrinath. It is domestic airport 317 km away from Badrinath and a Cab will charge about Rs 3000-4000 for travel from Dehradun to Badrinath. Nearest International airport is New Delhi, which is well connected to most of the major foreign cities. Rishikesh (nearly 300 km), Haridwar (nearly 310 km) and Kotdwar (nearly 330 km) are the nearest railway stations. There are many public and private buses from New Delhi, Rishikesh and Haridwar.

5. Gangotri

Gangotri is a Hindu pilgrim town on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. It is close to the source of Ganga, and also it is the seat of the goddess Ganga. It is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The Gangotri Bhagirathi temple is on the King Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva and where the Bhagirathi first descended on the earth from the Heavens. It is believed that, Pandavs came here and performed the Mahadev Yajna. The other major attractions are Nandana Tapovan, Uttarakashi, Kedar Tal. Gaumukh etc.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. The best option to reach Gangotri is by road. A network of roads connects Gangotri to Rishikesh, which is again linked to Dehradun, Delhi. The nearest rail station is located in Haridwar, which linked to cities like Kolkata (Howrah), Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow. Bus services of Samyukt Rotaion Yatayat Vyawastha Samiti connect Gangotri with many centers in the region like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tehri, Uttarkashi etc.

6. Haridwar

Haridwar, Gateway to God, is a holy city and municipal board in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand, India. It is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. It is located on the banks of River Ganges, and it is one of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, a festival held once in twelve years. Har Ki Pauri, a sacred Ghat that king Vikramaditya had constructed in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who is believed to come to this Ghat to meditate on the banks of the river Ganga. This place is also known as Brahmakund and is a sacred bathing ghat. Bhimgoda, Mansa Devi temple, Peerancliyar are other beautiful attractions.

How to Reach

Jollygrant is the neareast airport to Haridwar. It is convenient to use roads or rail to Delhi and then take the flight to Haridwar.The National Highway No. 45 crosses the city of Haridwar and links it with Delhi, which assures a comfortable travel to Haridwar. Haridwar has a railway station of its own, connected with all the major cities of India. Many trains coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Kolkata, etc halt here.

7. Mussoorie

Mussourie is about 30 km from Dehradun and in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also known as Queen of hills. It has a beautiful nature walk known as Camel’s Back Road. Bhadraj Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Balbhadra, brother of Shri Krishna is a major attraction in Mussoorie. Mussoorie Lake is another famous one. One can have a scenic view of the entire Doon valley from this lake region. The other major attractions in Mussoorie are Surkhanda Devi temple, Jwalaji Temple, Bhatta Falls, Gun Hil etc.

How to Reach

Dehradun airport is the destination for those who want to travel by air. Named as the Jollygrant Airport, at a distance of around 60 km, it falls the nearest to the hill resort. The nearest railway station from Mussoorie is in Dehradun. It is the Northern Railway terminus, which has trains to all major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Lucknow, Varanasi, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Haridwar, Ujjain, Rishikesh, Allahabad and Indore. You can easily get State Transport as well as private buses for reaching the hill resort from New Delhi. Taxis and private cabs are also available for covering the distance between the two places.

8. Rishikesh

Rishikesh is holy city for Hindus and a famous centre of pilgrimage in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This town is still known as the world capital of yoga. It is the gateway to the Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, & Yamunotri. Triveni Ghat, a bathing ghat located on the bank of river Ganga. This place was the confluence of three mountain-streams and it came to be known as Triveni Ghat. The other tourist attractions are Bharat Mandir, Kailash Niketan Temple, Vashisht Cave etc.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Dehradun, 35 kms from Haridwar, which is connected to Rishikesh by train. However, air is not the preferred mode of transport. You can hire a bus or taxi from here to reach Rishikesh. Haridwar (24 km) connects Rishikesh to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities of India by trains. To get to Rishikesh, take the National Highway 58 passing through Modinagar, Khatauli, Muzzafarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar and Raiwala.

9. Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a Hindu holy town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and the most remote of the four Char Dham sites. It is flanked by many breathtaking peaks. It is located at the source of the river Mandakini and it is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas, of Lord Shiva, and also one of the Panch Kedars. The Kedarnath temple is the most beautiful attraction there. The shrine of Kedamath was built by Pandavas after Mahabharat war.

How to Reach

Way to Kedarnath is opened from May to October only.Jolly Grant, Dehradun ( 246 kms.) is the nearest airport. From New Delhi bus station buses go to Haridwar almost half an hour. Road takes 8 hours. In addition, you can go by train, this will take 4-6 hours. From Haridwar you can go directly to Kedarnath but it is also possible to stay there at least one day - this beautiful city is placed on Ganga. Rishikesh (229 kms.) Kotdwar (260 kms.) are the nearest railheads.

10. Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a hill station in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a place, which has preserved its virginity and pristine charm. The sweep of Himalayan ranges visible to here are arguably the largest available from any place. The place is full of ancient temples, which attract devotees from all over the nation to do silent meditation. Chaubatiya Garden, a famous apple orchard , this place is famous for its fruit gardens with a Government Fruit Reserch Centre. Jhula-Devi’s temple is a temple of goddess Durga is also a famous place to visit. The other attractions are Upat Kalika, Bhalu Dam, Hairakhan Dham etc.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). Regular flights operate during the summer. The nearest railhead for Ranikhet is Kathgodam. The main bus station is located near the main tourist office beside the Sadar Bazaar area. The bus service from Ranikhet to Nainital (3 hours), Almora (3 hours), Kathgodam (4 hours), and Kausani (4 hours) is frequent.

G O A

Goa is known as the Golden Goa , is the sun kissed land fringed with coconut trees. Goa is India’s smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. Goa enjoys a high standard of living. Goa is visited by hundered of thousands of international and domestic tourists every year. The best time to visit Goa is between October and March. Over the Christmas week Goa is at its best. Goa has lots to offer a tourist with an interest in history and architecture. The colonial monuments built by the Portuguese in Goa, make a fascinating tour. With fabulous beaches, cultural attractions and warm and friendly people, there can no better place than Goa for your Indian Holiday. They are a lot of tourist attraction places in Goa .

1. Palolem Beach

Palolem is a beach in South Goa. The Palolem beach is the most photogenic beach with its crescent shaped shoreline and white sand. A major attraction at the beach is the ferry service, which takes tourists on a ride into the ocean to spot Dolphins. Tourists discovered the Palolem beach long back. Today the beach has some seaside shacks that offer local seafood and snacks, small souvenirs and other stuff like beachwear, curios etc.

Transport :- Palolem is located 3 km from Canacona Railway Junction, on the Konkan Railway. One can also hire taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach Palolem beach from Margao, 40 km away. Buses will be avaliable from Margao to Palolem.

2. Bom Jesus cathedral

Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus is located about 10 km east of Panaji. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most revered and popular churches in Goa. The layout of the church has simple Renaissance patterns. It also displays beautiful paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier.

Transport :- One can avail the local bus services of Old Goa to reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus. There are also options of taxis and auto rickshaws.

3. The Arvalem Waterfall

Arvalem Waterfall, one of the most striking features in Goa sight seeing is located around nine kilometers south of Bicholim town at Arvalem in Goa. It is such a marvelous one. This waterfall in Goa is in its full glory during the monsoon season and it is especially popular with honeymooners. In broadly speaking, Arvalem waterfall attract many tourists in every year.

Transport :- You can reach the Sanquelim village by taking a two hour bus ride from Mapusa. However, to reach the Arvalem waterfalls, you will have to walk for about half an hour or take a motorbike taxi.

4. Goa state Museum in Goa

The Goa State museum is one of the fascinating tourism attractions in the beautiful city – Panaji, the capital of Goa. The Goa state museum is an eclectic collection of over 8,000 items. It includes various items like copper plate inscription of Kadamba Kings, wooden statues of Christian saints, stone and bronze sculpture, terracotta objects of Indus valley civilization, contemporary art, furniture used by the Portuguese governor, a massive 18th century wooden chariot from the Chandreshwar temple near Margao and miniature Mughal paintings.

Transport :- Easily reach to state Museum in Goa by taking local transport from Panaji.

5. Baga Beach Goa

Goa is one of the most popular beaches in India. Baga is a small but a beautiful beach. Baga is nice and full of a tourist all year round. Baga beach is located between two more famous cousins, Colva beach on one side and Calanguate beach on the other side. In fact, Baga beach, Goa is an extension of Calanguate beach.

Transport :- Goa Baga Beach is about 10 minutes from Mapusa, and 30 minutes from the state capital, Panaji. There are frequent buses to Panaji and Mapusa from Baga and Calangute. Most buses from Panaji stop at Calangute and a few footslog further up to Baga. Mapusa is around 8 km away from Baga.

6. Mapusa

Mapusa is a small town clustered around the Mount Alto. It is Goa’s third largest town and the capital of the northern Bardez taluka. Known popularly for its Friday market, people from all over Goa Tours come here to buy and sell their wares. Everything from fresh and dried fish, incense, spices, fruits and vegetables to souvenirs from other states of India is available here. Most of the items are sold after a few rounds of bargaining and the prices are usually much lower than anywhere else.

Transport :- The Dabolim airport is the nearest airport from Mapusa. Trains running on the Konkan Railway network usually halt at the Tivim Railway station, 12 km away from Mapusa. Interstate bus services plying between Goa and Maharashtra pass through the Mapusa town.

7. Dona Paula

Dona Paula the famous tourist destination and it is one of the hottest tourist spots in Goa. Dona Paula is a serene beach and tourists love to spend a quiet holiday in Dona Paula. This beach is popularly known as the “Lovers Paradise” due to a myth that has been attached to this place. Sun bathing on the beach is a popular recreation of the tourists. This beach has also been the location for many Indian movies.

Transport :- Buses and taxis are available from Panaji to the beach. The Dabolim Airport is located 29 km from Panaji and the Kadamba Bus Terminal is the central bus hub of the town.

8. Vasco Da Gama

Vasco Da Gama ,a tourist place in Goa is also the largest town. The town was originally called Sambhaji. It is located on the west coast of India. Vasco da Gama is the commercial hub of Goa and many important economic activities take place here. The town is industrialized and has an important seaport. Some of the major attractions of Vasco-da-Gama includes Bogmolo Beach, the Naval Aviation Museum, Church of St. Andrew, Shree Damodar Temple, Cabo de Rama, Buddhist caves etc.

Transport :- Vasco da Gama is well connected by rail, road and sea to various places in India and abroad. The NH 17A (National Highway) connects it via road link, South Central Railway by rail route, Mormugoa Harbour by sea way and air route through Dabolim Airport.

9. Dudhsagar Falls Goa

Dudhsagar Falls is a tiered waterfall located high up on the Mandovi River in the state of Goa. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India’s 5th tallest waterfall. Dudhsagar Waterfall is among the top 100 highest waterfalls in the world. The falls looks even better at the mysterious radiance of the first morning sun.

Transport :- The falls are easily reached through a 2 hour long train journey from Margoa or Vasco.The nearest interstate bus station is at Ponda, the KTC bus station. Buses and taxis are also available from Panaji.

10. Bogmolo Beach

Bogmalo beach is fresh, calm and not too packed like Anjuna beach and other Beaches of Goa. Bogmalo beach is an idyllic destination for beach vacation, and it is one of the more exclusive beaches of Goa. It is right place for swimming as water is fairly safe and sound for swimming.

Transport :- Bogmalo Beach is easily reachable from Vasco da Gama, which is at a distance of about 8 km from Bogmalo by bus and taxi. The Dabolim airport is 18 km away. Bogmalo Beach is reachable from this vital transit point too by buses, taxis and motorcycle taxis.