Explore Untouched Beauty of Tehri Garhwal

Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand conceals in its bosom untouched destinations for the adventurous tourist who desires beauteous virgin locations for his touristy sojourn.

From the majestic Himalayan peaks of Chamba to the foothills of Rishikesh, it covers a 4,080 km² territory comprising of snow-clad mountain ranges, verdant forests, huge meadows, numerous rivers, lakes and ancient temples. Eons away from urbanization and retaining its old-world charm, Tehri Garhwal has many destinations which can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.





Hill Stations
Tehri Dam and Lake: It is the highest dam in India. Surrounded by mountains, Tehri Lake with its pristine, cerulean waters calms the senses and transports you to another world.

Dhanaulti: A quiet, tiny hilly retreat, Dhanaulti has long winding paths, picture perfect hills, luxuriant green forests of Oak, Deodar and Rhododendron and above all stillness to it that a city dweller craves.

Chamba: The unexplored, untouched and tranquil destination still retains its innocence which most of the popular hill stations have lost to the maddening commercialization. Chamba snatches you away from the maddening crowds, traffic jams, pollution, pace and routine of the hectic urban existence.

Ghuttu: This is the base camp for the Khatling Glacier and can be easily called one of the most beautiful places on Uttarakhand. From Ghuttu you can also trek to Panwali Kantha, one of the biggest meadows of Uttarakhand. Panwali Kantha is a joy to your senses as eyes are calmed by the greenery and flowers all around, ears ring with the chirping of birds in thousands of hues, the aroma of scented Deodar and oak tress is intoxicating, the touch of cool air tingles your skin and the tongue can be satiated with the fresh and rustic village food on offer by the simple villagers.

Nagtibba: This place offers an awesome spectacle of magnificent Himalayas. Trek to Nagtibba is interspersed with gorgeous meadows, little rivulets and scented oak forests.

Lakes

Kantal: Compelling beauty, verdant forests, soft silky winds that caress you and serene weather, Kanatal is a picturesque destination where you can unwind and feel alive.

Other lakes which can only be reached by trekking are Vasuki Tal, Masar Tal, Sahsra Tal (it is a group of many lakes), but if you see these lakes, you will feel a oneness with nature which is very hard to describe, These lakes are so enchanting, so remote and at such high altitudes, that they can only be the abode of Gods.


Temples
Tehri Garhwal has many ancient temples dotted across its landscape. Located at high altitude and ringed by dense forests, these temples inspire awe, amazement and are sure to convert a heathen to an atheist.

The famous temples in this region are the famous Kedarnath, Buda Kedar, Surkhanda Devi Temple, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, the Raghunathjee Temple in Dev Prayag, the Nagraja Temple and the Chandrabadni Devi Temple.

Boarding Schools In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a pinnacle of education from the ancient time. The place was also mentioned in Mahabharata where Guru Dronacharya trained his pupils, and this is the same place where Kalidasa crafted his epic poem Meghdoot. In modern time some of the best boarding schools in Uttarakhand are the pride of nation. Many of these schools date back to the British era, and add more beauty the colonial heritage of the state. Dehradun, Nainital and Mussoorie are the preferred choices when it comes to residential schools in Uttarakhand.

Some of Best Boarding Schools in Uttarakhand

Doon School in Dehradun

Undoubtedly the most prestigious residential schools in India, the school was established in 1935 and located in a pristine land of Dehradun. The school was established by Satish Ranjan Das, a cousin of famous freedom fighter Chittaranjan Das. The two-fold admission procedure is rather tough to crack. First a written test is conducted and after passing the test, comes the personal interview round. The Doon School is affiliated to the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE).

The Doon School,
The Mall, Dehradun 248001
Uttarakhand, India
Tel:  +91-135-2526-400
Fax: +91-135-275-7275 (Headmaster's Office)
+91-135-275-9198 (Finance & Accounts Dept.)

Sherwood College in Nainital

It is one of the oldest residential schools in India established by the British government to educate British boys and Indian elite. Today the school is known for its imperial education and strict discipline. This co-educational school is located on Ayarpatta Hill in Nainital surrounded by reserve forest. Some of the well-known alumni of this school are Amitabh Bachchal, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Jim Corbett, Somnath Sharma PVC (India's first Param Vir Chakra recipient) and others.

Nainital - 263002
Uttarakhand (INDIA)
Phone: +91-5942-239710/239711/236361
Fax:  +91-5942-239502 Email: sherwood.college@yahoo.com

St. Joseph’s College in Nainital

Another elite school in Nainital, St. Joseph’s College was established in 1888 by the British Raj. The college is popular because of its heavy stress on physical education and sports. Hockey, cricket, athletics, football, table tennis, basketball and volleyball are the main sports taught and played here. Cultural and co-curricular activities allow the overall development of a boy.

St. Joseph's College
Tallital, Nainital, 263002
Uttarakhand, India
Phone: 05942 – 231185

Woodstock School in Mussoorie

Woodstock school was founded in 1854 by the association of British army officers and American Presbyterian missionaries for endorsing female education in the East. Today the school is one of the best international co-ed residential schools in India. The school is located in Landour, a small village on the hills adjacent to famous hill station Mussoorie.

Address: Woodstock School,
Tehri Road, Landour,
Mussoorie - 248179
Uttarakhand
Tel: +91 (135) 661-5000
Fax: +91-135-263-2885
Email: mail@woodstock.ac.in

Oak Grove School in Mussoorie

Oka Grove School was established in 1888 by the British Raj, and currently run by the Northern Railway. It is nestled on hill tops in Jharipani near Mussoorie, covering 256 acres of area covered by dense vegetation. The students are mostly of the Indian Railways employees and only 25% seats are reserved for outsiders.

Oak Grove School
Jharipani P.O., Mussoorie Hills,
Dehra Dun – 248001, Uttaranchal, India
Phones: + 91 (0) 135 2630200
Email: For Admission query : admissions@oakgrove-jharipani.com

St. George’s College in Mussoorie

It is one of the elite boarding schools in Uttarakhand, located just 4 kilometers from hill station Mussoorie, developing future statesmen and leaders and contributing to the intellectual wealth of the nation. Established in 1853 by the Capuchin Fathers, the school has a large auditorium, indoor swimming pool, skating rink, a fine library and a gym. The school also actively promotes sports and games for enthusiastic kids.

St. George's College
Barlowganj, Mussoorie - 248122
Uttarakhand (India)
Tel: +91 135 2632591, 2632765
Fax: +91 135 2632437
E-mail: contact@st-georges.info, manorhouse@vsnl.com

Some other well-known residential schools in Uttarakhand

 1.Welham Girls’ School

19, Municipal Road, Dalanwala, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand – 248001
Ph : 0135-2654754 / 2654293
Email : welham@nde.vsnl.net.in

 2.Welham Boys’ School

Circular Road, Dalanwala, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand – 248001
Ph : 0135-2657120 / 2657944
Email : oliphant@nda.vsnl.net.in

 3.Ashok Hall Girls’ Residential School

P.O. Majkhali, Almora,
Uttarakhand – 263652

Honeymoon Destinations In Uttarakhand

Kausani

Beautiful landscapes, salubrious climate and less accessibility make Kausani a perfect place to make love. The place offers an incredible 350km view of majestic Himalayas, verdant surroundings and no wonder if you start writing poetry after watching its sunrise and sunset on the peaks of mountains. This picturesque hill station is best at the time of October to February. Most of the hotels are facing Nanda Devi peak of Himalayas and just see the heavenly beauty of Himalayas by sipping coffee or tea. You can also visit Anasakti Ashram and Shawl Factory to see how the famous Kausani shawls are made using old techniques.

Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal named after its 9 corners or ‘nine cornered lake’ located 24km from Nainital. It is a picturesque lake surrounded by verdant slopes and oak forest. An underwater spring always makes the water level of the lake high. The place is still relatively untouched and infuses a deep romantic aura.

Corbett National Park

If you want to spend some thrilling adventure in forest just after your marriage, there is no better place than Jim Corbett National Park. Various jungle resorts, wildlife safaris and stunning atmosphere, especially in the night will be remembered for long. You can sit with your partner and admire the solitude for hours admiring the sensations of jungles.

Ranikhet

This beautiful hamlet is just 63km from Nainital surrounded by beautiful orchards, temples, pine trees and majestic Himalayas. Ranikhet is a place where simplicity rules in nature as well as in the lives of people. The unspoilt hill station has many places to discover apart from usual attractions. There are many small trekking routes from this place where you can walk with your partner to plan your future walks in your life.

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a relatively unknown place to people, but whoever comes here will vow to come again. The charm of this place cast a spell on people because of its incredible pristine surroundings covering with rhododendron forest, fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest. 

5 Simple Daily Yoga Poses for Good Health

There is a common excuse of not finding time for Yoga but you can spend hours in front of TV or wasting time in daily parties and meetings. Sometimes genuinely people don’t get time to involve in daily Yoga practices, so here are some simple Yoga postures that can simplify your Yoga schedule.

Sitting Reed Pose

This basic posture greets the day before you come out of your bed.

Sit on the edge of your bed; stretch your arm slowly sideway from your ears with palms upward. Interlock your fingers. Stretch your back and make yourself upright and then take a deep breath and feel your body open. Gradually exhale and bring back your hands to the normal position.

Benefits: This posture helps you to energize your body just after waking up.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

• Lie on your stomach, and place your palms just under the shoulders.
• Without dropping off your elbows, inhale and raise your upper body and head.
• Stay in that position for 45 seconds to 1 minute and then relax and come back to the beginning pose.

Benefits: It helps to stretch your lungs and your upper back. It helps to reduce excessive fat from your belly and also helps in digestion.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (The downward facing dog Pose)

•  Start on your hands and knees on All Four.
• Press your hands and feet on the mat or floor and finger stretched.
•   Gradually lift your hips and tailbone so as to look like inverted V-shape structure.
• Stay in this position for 45 seconds to 1 minute and rest in Shavasana.

Benefits: It is beneficial in sinus problem and congestion.

Balasana (The Child Pose)

•  Sit in Vajrasana (kneel down position).
•  Exhale and keep your forehead touches the floor. Remember to keep your hips connect with your heels.
•  You can use a Yoga block or book.
• Rest for 1 minute to 2 minute and then gradually inhaling and raise your body. Keep your breathing normal.

Benefits: This pose helps to cure headaches and relaxes the whole body.

Uttanasana (Forward Bending Pose)

• Stand with your feet parallel to the ground.
• Bend slowly while exhaling and touch your head to your knees while holding your ankles with your both hands.
• Stay there for 30 seconds and gently stand while inhaling
• At first it is very difficult to do this pose, so try to bend as much you can do comfortably.

Benefits: This yogic postures helps to retain balance of the body and soothes the nervous system.

Nainital, the lovely Lake City of India

Nainital is bustling Kumaon’s largest town centred on a deep, green volcanic lake. It is also a favourite place of holiday goers and famous hill resort of Northern India. Namesake lake Naini is the centre point surrounded by a bustling town and steep forested valley. The place is dotted with plenty hotels, shops and many food joints.  The home of Jim Corbett, the place was once teemed with bears, leopards and other animals. Now, forests and animals are abysmally thinned down but the charm is surprisingly still there.

For travellers who want to go further uphill, Nainital offers a nice relaxation where they can eat well, relax well, paddling on the lake, lazy horse riding and enjoy the ropeway. Nainital is packed with families and honeymooners during May to early October and hotel prices skyrocket. The lake is divided into two parts: foot and head. The foot is called Tallital, the south-eastern end of the lake where the main bus stand is located. The head is called Mallital at the northwestern end of the lake. You find most of the hotels, restaurants, guest houses in between foot and head. 

Naini Lake is the centrepiece of the town and believed sacred by Hindus. Legend says the lake is actually emerald green eyes of Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife). Many Hindus visit Naini Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake where it is said the spot where the eyes were fallen when Lord Vishnu chopped off corpse of Sati. Religious harmony is demonstrated by a Jama Masjid and Gurudwara built nearby. The southern side is more peaceful and you can have a full view of the town.

You can also hire a boatman and enjoy the rowing on the lake. 4km gentle trek to Tiffin Top (also called Dorothy’s Seat) leads you to the highest point of the town. From there you can walk through a forest of oak, deodar and pine to reach Land’s End.

Divine retribution for human encroachment, but Kedarnath temple survived flood

“Yes this is a message from above. The message is in the destruction that rained from the skies. The message is in the temple standing intact after all that,” said Shashidharlinga swami, one of the main priests of the famous Kedarnath temple.

Along with other priests, he said that the space of 80m should be left vacant at three sides and in front it must have 150m of free space, but human encroachment through shops, dharamshala, hotels, guesthouse, restaurant etc. had taken away the space. He remembered and lamented about a time when people could see the temple from 3km away but now this encroachment made it impossible to see anything. 

He further said temple was not broken because Lord Shiva didn’t want to break devotees’ spirit, so all else wiped clean but temple still remains there.

Well, this is the version of religion, the simple reason of faith why Kedarnath temple stands still and everything else is destroyed. However, scientific mind doesn’t want to listen to faith; it demands logic, some reasons that satisfy their own questioning. 

Climate change in Himalayan terrain in last one decade is quite evident with the occasional flood, landslides and tumultuous weather. The hill slopes are rapidly converting into concrete jungle, destruction of watersheds of the rivers; deforestation and environmental degradation in the ecologically sensitive regions have created an imbalance.

Archaeological researchers have found that the Kedarnath temple survival in midst of terrible devastation, especially in that particular region is the combination of traditional wisdom with ecological sensitivity of ancient architects. Apart from religious significance the temple stands as a symbol and tribute to ancient Indian architectural and civil engineering wisdom.

From choice of location to build the platform, building material and design, everything was well-thought process. The temple is built by heavy polished stone slabs without any mortar. ‘Man-woman’ type joints were used to assimilate the building structure. 

In Kedarnath a wave 40-feet high engulfed the temple and flowed away, but it stood still. The water destroyed surrounding area, the stairs and everything around it. Kedarnath temple endured this heavy rush of water because of a strong stone plinth, especially built in this sensitive mountainous region to bear the whims of nature. 

This devastation is an eye-opener to people, showing how climate change could affect Himalayan regions, not sparing even ancient pilgrimages. The destruction by landslides, flood and mudflow took away buildings built illegally without any concern for environment, but Kedarnath temple survived.

Science and religion always have antagonistic approach, but today these two philosophies agree at one point – Do not take nature as granted.