Instead of writing directly about my recent trip to Yamnotri & Gangotri I realized that I should give some brief description about the holy state Dev Bhoomi – Uttrakhand so that all the readers can be benefited by enhancing their knowledge to know about this place & I expect the same from the others who already have the information about this Holy state.
Uttrakhand – The abode of God (Dev Bhoomi) became the 27th state of India on Nov. 9th, 2000. Uttrakhand name is derived from Sanskrit word uttara (North) & Khand (part of country). It borders TIBET on North, NEPAL on East , UTTAR PRADESH on south , HARYANA on west & HIMACHAL PRADESH on North-West.
Uttrakhand Map
In January 2007, the name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal, its interim name, to Uttarakhand. The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region. The small hamlet of Gairsen has been mooted as the future capital owing to its geographic centrality but controversies and lack of resources have led Dehradun to remain provisional capital. The High Court of the state is in Nainital.
Sangam ( Alaknanda & Bhagirathi)
The state also has big-dam projects, controversial and often criticized in India, such as the very large Tehri dam on the Bhagirathi river.. Uttarakhand is also well known as the birthplace of the Chipko environmental movement
Chipko Andolan
Tehri Dam
Uttrakhand is divided into two regions , Garhwal in west & Kumaon in east. Both the region endowed with awesome natural beauty & calm serenity of the majestic Himalayas. They have studded snow covered mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, holy rivers and flora & fauna.
Glacier
Water Fall
Holy River
Uttrakhand is also known as Dev Bhoomi because of the presence of multitude of Hindu pilgrims spots. It is believed that Sage Vyasa scripted the Mahabharata here as the Pandavas are believed to have traveled and camped in the region.
There are 13 districts in Uttrakhand , 6 in Kumaon & 7 in Garhwal. Details are given below:-
Sub Holy Places of uttranchal
Panch Badri – Lord Vishnu is worshipped at Panch Badri in different forms.
(1) Vishal Badri (Badrinath) – 300 Kms from Rishikesh
(2) Yogdhyan Badri – At Pandukeshwar , 24Kms from Joshimath
(3) Bhavishya Badri – At Subham beyond Tapovan about 15 Kms from Joshimath
(4) Vridha Badri – At Animath of Pipalkoti – Joshimath Road
(5) Adi Badri – On Rishikesh – Ramnagar Road, 18 Kms. From Karanprayag.
Panch Kedar – Lord Shiva is worshipped at the five kedars in different forms
(1) Kedarnath – 19 Kms from Sonprayag
(2) Tungnath – 5 Kms from Chopta
(3) Rudranath – 28 Kms from Mandalchatti
(4) Madhyamaheshwar – 30 Kms from Guptkashi
(5) Kalpeshwar – 9 Kms from Helang
Panch Prayag
(1) Vishnu Prayag – 10 Kms from Joshimath (Sangam of Alknanda & Dhauli Ganga)
(2) Nand Prayag – 21 Kms from Karanprayag (Sangam of Alknanda & Nandakini)
(3) Karn Prayag – 34 Kms from Rudrapryag ( Sangam of Alaknanda & Pindar)
(4) Rudra Prayag – 71 Kms from Devprayag (Sangam of Alaknanda & Mandakini)
(5) Dev Prayag – 93 Kms from Haridwar (Sangam of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi )
Chardham Yatra
Pilgrimages to the sacred Char Dham yatra (Yamnotri , Gangotri , Kedarnath & Badrinath) is a dream for every Hindu devotee.
It is said that yatra should be started from left to right i.e. Yamnotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath.
Booking.com
Distance
Dehradun to Yamnotri 180 Kms.
Yamnotri to Gangotri 230 Kms
Gangotri to Kedarnath 345 Kms
Kedarnath to Badrinath 230 Kms
Badrinath to Rishikesh 300 Kms
This is all about Uttrakhand as per my knowledge. Rest of my trip to Yamnotri & Gangotri experience will be soon in next couple of posts.