Amazing Uttarakhand - Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie

Uttarakhand is an incredibly beautiful state. It is called Devbhoomi, because of the many temples scattered everywhere throughout the state.The place has something to offer for each tourist - be it adventure, journey, spirituality, pilgrimage or simply unwinding.

HARIDWAR

Known as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus, Haridwar is an ancient city in India. Haridwar is the first place in the plains that welcomes the sacred Ganges from the mountains.
According to Hindu Mythology, in the Satyuga, Sage Bhagiratha brought Ganga to earth to purify the spirits of his ancestors. The name,Ganga is mentioned only twice in the Rig Veda. It was much later that Ganga received incredible significance as a goddess. As per the 'Vishnu Purana,' she was created from the sweat of Lord Vishnu's feet. So, she was called "Vishmupadi" - the one emerging from the foot of Vishnu.



The land over which Ganga streams is viewed as sacrosanct. It is believed that people who died around river Ganga achieve heavenly abode with their sins washed away. The incineration of a dead body at the banks of Ganga or casting the ashes of the expired in the river is considered auspicious and leads to their salvation. Every year, millions of people visit Haridwar and Rishikesh, the twin cities known as God’s abode. The holy river, Ganga flows through them. Millions of people take the holy Ganga dip every year to purify themselves of all the sins that they have committed knowingly or unknowingly.


Generally, river water has a tendency to putrefy when the absence of oxygen leads to the development of anaerobic microscopic organisms that gives the water a particular odour and stale taste. The water of Ganga, however, considered as one of the dirtiest, does not have a tendency to rot over longer times of storage. A lot of pilgrims take the river water (known as Gangajal) to their homes.During pre-independence era, the East India Company ships used the water of Ganges for drinking purposes on their 3-month long voyage back to England since it stayed fresh. Hindus have always treated Ganga water as pure, devout and drinkable. In 1896, a British bacteriologist, Ernest Hanbury Hankin in the wake of testing the water from Ganga published a paper that was distributed in French Journal depicting that the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae that causes Cholera, when put into the waters of Ganga died inside three hours while they kept on flourishing in distilled water even after 48 hours.


Haridwar reminds us of pictures loaded with devotion and beautiful pujas.  The image of the Ganga aarti by the quick flowing river at Har ki Pauri fills our souls with happiness.
Ganga Aarti at Harki Paudi




RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is one of the holiest spots of India. The devout city is well known for its  ashrams, shrines and religious places. 



There is Shri Neelkanth Mahadev Temple at a distance of 30 kilometers from Rishikesh  in the Pauri Garhwal area . According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva has a name, Neelkanth which he got after he held poison in his throat to spare others from its evil impacts.
During the samudra manthan, there was a war amongst Devas and Asuras for Amrit (the drink of immortality). All the while, even before the Amrit could rise, a poison called halaahal emerged with the ability to demolish both the Devas and the Asuras. Lord Shiva, who drank it entirely held it in his throat, so that it doesn't reach his paunch. Because of impact of the poison, the throat of Shiva ended up coloured in blue and, so he was called Neelkanth.



Rishikesh is the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. It has been a part of the fabulous Kedarkhand. According to Hindu mythology, after killing Ravana, Lord Ram went for penance here. His younger brother, Laxman crossed the river Ganga using a jute rope bridge at a point which is now known as the Laxman Jhula. In 1889,the jute rope bridge was replaced by iron suspension bridge which got washed away during floods in 1924. Nowadays, tourists can see a much stronger bridge.




There are a multiple options for travelers in Rishikesh. One can explore the villages, go for Kayaking and Rafting, Bungee jumping, wildlife camping, explore the cafes and restaurants. Some of the best places to eat and hangout are Ramana’s Organic café, Bistro Nirvana, The sitting elephant, Little Buddha Café and Ganga view restaurant.



MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie is located at a height of 1,880 meters (6,170 ft) above sea level. With its lofty hills and breathtaking scenery, it provides for an impeccable tourist destination. Mussoorie is only 30 km from Dehradun. Tourists can get a bus/taxi/shared cab every 1 or 2 hours and the other way around. One can notice a very popular temple,Shiv Mandir en route to Mussoorie.





Mussoorie is only 30 km from Dehradun.Tourists can get a bus/taxi/shared cab every 1 or 2 hours and the other way around. One can notice a very popular temple,Shiv Mandir en route to Mussoorie. Mussoorie is located at a height of 1,880 meters (6,170 ft) above sea level. With its lofty hills and breathtaking scenery, it provides for an impeccable tourist destination. It has derived its name from the berry-covered Mansur shrub found in abundance. Remnants of its colonial past are still reflected in the cuisines and architecture of the place.
Some of the best places to visit in and around Mussoorie are Camel’s Back road, Company Garden, Lal Tibba, Kempty falls and Lakemist. A few popular places to eat are Little Llama Café, Café by the way, Emily’s and Kalsang.



Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls





“The earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountains and sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.”- John Lubbock

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