Mountain Vistas and Views

Uttar Pradesh has a large stretch of the Himalayan ranges along its northern edge - the Kumaon and Garhwal Hills - a kaleidoscope of green forested hills, tall ranges with their dusting of snow, meadows carpeted with flowers, ancient glaciers and clear lakes. These hills, noted for the scenic hill stations and various places of pilgrimage are also ideal for a host of adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing white water rafting and even skiing.

Dehra Dun is noted for the number of prestigious institutions and good residential schools that are located there. It is the entry point to the hill station of Mssoorie and to places of pilgrimage like Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Places Of Interest

The Forestry Research Institute, Sahastradhara, Tapovan, Guchchu Pani, Rajaji National Park.

Access

Well connected by rail and road. Connected by daily flights to Delhi.

MUSSOORIE

A popular hill station at a height of 2000m, Mussoorie is just 22Kms from Dehra Dun. Located on a horseshoe shape ridge, it has a view of the plains on the one hand and the magnificent Himalayan ranges on the other.

Places Of Interest

The Mall, Camels Back Road, Gun Hill Lal Tibba, Jharipani Falls and Kempty Falls. There are also intresting treks to Dewalsari and Nag Tibba.

Access

The nearest airport and railhead are Dehra Dun. Well linked by road.

NAINITAL

A beautiful lake, is at the centre of the scenic hill town of Nainital. Intresting walking trails though the green canopy of pine or with views of the Himalayan mountainscape make Nainital an ideal summer retreat and a good base for treks and rock climbing.

Places Of Interest

The Naini Lake, the State Astronomical Observatory, the Hanumangarh Temple.

Around Nainital

Sanjay Park, Cheel Chakkar, Tiffin Top, Vantage Points close to Nainital offering spectacular views are : Birla Mandir Peak, Snow View, Alma Peak, Naina Peak, Camels Back and Handi Bhandi.

Beautiful lakes in the vicinity include

Sat Tal (25Kms), Bhimtal (23Kms) and Naukuchiatal (27Kms). Mukteswar (52Kms) is a pretty retreat overlooking the Himalayan peaks and Ramgarh (26Kms) is noted for its orchards.

Access

The nearest railhead is at Kathgodham (35Kms), connected to Lucknow, Agra and Bareilly. Well connected by road to Delhi (322Kms), Lucknow (401Kms), Almora (66Kms). Luxury buses and tourist coaches ply from most major towns.

ALMORA

This beautiful little hill town has a collection of exquisite temples and is also noted for its colourful fairs and festivals. An excellent base for treks.

Places Of Interest

Interesting trips and treks are possible through this scenic area to Katarmal (17Kms), Binsar (30Kms), Gananath (47Kms) and Jogeshwar (34Kms).

Access

The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (90Kms). The nearest airport is Pantnagar (127Kms). Well connected by road.

RANIKHET

A beautiful unspoilt town with spectacular views of the western Himalayas, Ranikhet has pretty picnic spots, old temples, a good golf course and scenic trekking routes.

Places Of Interest

Temples at Dwarkaghat (38Kms), Dunagiri (52Kms), Jhula Devi (7Kms), and Binsar Mahadev (19Kms).

Vantage points with fine views include

Chaubatia (10Kms), Majkhali (13Kms) and Sitakhet (26Kms). Upat (6Kms) has a fine golf course and Khairna (22Kms) is a splendid spot for fishing. Manilla is a beautifully located holiday centre not far from Ranikhet.

Access

The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (84Kms). The nearest airport is Pantnagar (119Kms). Well connected by road with good bus and taxi services from Nainital, Almora and Kathgodam.