12 Jyothirlinga Temples of India

 Lard Shiva is always considered to be the one who creates, saves and destroys not just the physical form but also the various illness both mental and physical that any human being has. In most parts of India, the Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shiva Linga.

Legend says - that once there was a fight between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to who is the supreme one and to settle the debate Lord Shiva appeared as a very huge pillar of light and asked them to find the tip of his head and toe. That light later cooled down and became the holy hill of Arunachala - in Tamilnadu. 

Both Brahma and Vishnu then split themselves to the upper and the lower world to find the tip of the head and feet respectively and when Brahma returned and lied that he saw the tip of Shiva's head The story goes that the fragrant screw pine flower - Thazhampoo in Tamil was falling down from Shiva's head and when Brahma saw that he requested the flower to lie to Shiva that he took it from his head and as the flower did so, both Brahma and the flower were cursed by Lord Shiva. That the flower will not be used for Shiva's pooja any more and that Lord Brahma though the creator of the world will not have physical temples to worship.  

Jyothirlingas are the 12 Shivalinga moorthis of Lord Shiva strategically placed across the country in 12 different locations. The word Jyothi means the light. The Shiva Purana mentions 64 Jyothirlingas but amongst them 12 are more sacred and they are called Maha Jyothirlingas. 

The places where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of light are regarded as the Jyothirlinga temple sites. The primary idol in all these temples are Shivalinga representing the beginningless and the endless sthamba - the pillar which represents the infinite nature of Lord Shiva. 

The 12 Maha Jyothirlingas are located in the following places:

1. Somnath, Veeruval, Gujarat

2. Rameshwar, Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu

3. Kedarnath, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

4. Nageshwar, Near Dwaraka, Gujarat

5. Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

6. Mallikarjuna, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh

7. Omkareshwar, Khandwa, Madhyapradesh

8. Viswanath, Kasi, Uttarpradesh

9. Bhimshankar, Pune, Maharashtra

10. Triambakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra

11. Baidhyanath, Deoghar, Jharkhand

12. Grishneshwar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Though these 12 places of worship of Lord Shiva are Jyothirlinga sites, still there are no individual significant marking to give these places a special reverence. 

Chamoli District - Uttarakhand

 

Source: Maps of India

Chamoli is the second largest district of Uttarakhand. Chamoli is the district of “Garhwal” and is popularly known as the land of forts. The district is sprawled in the Garhwal Himalayan region. It is situated on the banks of the river Alaknanda. The district shares its borders with other popular districts of Uttarakhand such as Pithoragarh and Bageshwar district in the east, Rudraprayag district in the west, Almora district in its south while Uttarkashi in its south-west. In its north, Chamoli is bounded by the Tibet region. Chamoli is one of the popular tourist as well as the alluring tourist destination of Uttarakhand with a variety of sightseeing and trekking options, besides this, the district is popular for its religious places.

Chamoli is alighted at an elevation of around 1300 meters above sea level. The district lies in the mid-Himalayas in the very heart of the snowy range which is among the three major divisions of the Himalayan Mountains. The district hosts a variety of destinations that are of tourist interest. The district since long has successfully proved itself as one of the most spectacular destinations considering its natural assets. The district is particularly popular due to its scenic beauty, water-edges, floristic varieties, valley-aspects as well as climatic cardinalities. For nature lovers, the place is none less than beautiful heaven on earth while for the adventure lovers it is a paradise. Chamoli is filled with temples. It is home to one of the most significant temples of Hindus i.e. Badrinath Temple. Besides this, Chamoli is also the house for three of the total five confluences including Nanda Prayag, Karna Prayag, and Vishnu Prayag which makes Chamoli even more spiritually important for pilgrims.

The climate in Chamoli remains pleasant throughout the year and this makes Chamoli one of the round the year visiting destinations but the best time to visit Chamoli is during the cold season i.e. during October to March. During this time, Chamoli has the best to offer to its tourists and the district can provide an extraordinary holiday experience to its tourists. However, for the Hindu Pilgrims, the best time to visit Chamoli is during the Chardham Yatra that begins usually during April end and continues till October end.

Chamoli Accommodation Guide: For tourists, there are a variety of budget accommodations that are available at Chamoli. During the Chardham Yatra, when finding suitable budget accommodation becomes difficult for pilgrims in Badrinath and Joshimath, most of the pilgrims tend to stay at Chamoli.

Chamoli Food Guide: Although the district does not offer a variety of cuisines and there are fewer chances of finding a decent restaurant with different platters. But the local cuisine of Chamoli is worth tasting and giving a try. One can taste a variety of Pahadi dishes ranging from Gahat Dal, Sisunak Saag, Kappa, and Chainsoo. Also, the district has a few expensive restaurants that offer all types of cuisine. 

Valley of Flowers - Uttarakhand

Located in the West Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers a natural wonder is a National Park in the district of Chamoli in the state of Uttarakhand India. It is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Valley is at a distance of 522 kms from Delhi, where one have to Trek for 17kms after travelling 505 kms by road. The Valley of Flowers cover about 87.50 kms which is very vast. The entire valley is situated in the Bhyundar Valley at 3,658 mts above the sea level. The entire valley is covered with vibrantly coloured more than 650 varieties of Alpine flowers.

For a long time the Valley of flowers Uttrakhand was well protected and was completely hidden from the world and only the people in the surroundings were visiting that area. Only in the year 1931 that place was discovered by Frank Smith. It was only he who bought this place to the world. He also wrote a book named "Valley of Flowers", which gave the name for the place and also popularised this place.

The Valley was declared a National Park in the year 1982 and very recently it is declared World Heritage Site too. UNESCO have declared this valley as one of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the year 2004 and since then it had been so.

One can see vareity of flowers that include Brahmakamal, the Blue Poppy and the Cobra lilly. It is the most sought after place for flower lovers, botanists, trekkers and nature lovers. Every year when the Valley of Flowers National park opens from 1st June and 31st October. Though the best time to visit is during July, August and September. The snow starts melting in the valley in the month of May and in the month of June lots of pilgrims visit Hemkund Shahib and this month one can watch the beautiful glaciers

 and waterfalls all along the valley and there will be less or no rain.
In the months of July and August, one can find the new plants growing and the flowers blooming and after Mid
July one can see the whole valley filled with flowers. By the month of september the plants start dying up and by the end of September visit to this valley is stopped. There are lots of medicinal plants also seen in this valley. The park and the surrounding are is banned for cattle grazing. The valley is divided into two by the Pushpawati River.

There is no accomodation in the valley as the tourists are not allowed to stay in the Valley of flowers. Tourists can stay in the private lodges and hotels in Ghangaria which is the base camp and first halt for the trek. The trek begins at Govindghat.

Legend says that Hanuman got the Sanjeevani herb from this valley

Corbett Mango Bloom

Very close to the Corbett National Park besides the Kosi River and inside a mango orchard in a fully furnished secured studio apartment always makes a wonderful stay for any one. The Corbett Mango Bloom which is a joint co venture of Jindal Holidays Pvt. Ltd and Devbhoomi Habitat Developers Pvt Ltd., is located in the above location with cottages between the mango trees which provides a comfortable stay with the comfort of home away from home. One can enjoy the view of the forest, grassland, mountains and the flowing river.

The Studio Apartments are fully furnished with beautifully landscaped exteriors. The cottages are villa type and are designed in Spanished Architecture. Each cottage is fully furnished with double bed, sofas in living room, sitting chairs in balcony modular kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, LCD TV and airconditioner. As there is 24 hour security, one can enjoy the stay there very peacefully. Though there is a modular kitchen, one can also enjoy their food at the Restaurant and the guests can make use of the Gym, Swimming Pool and Spa inside the campus.

 

To book your stay in Corbett Mango Bloom contact:

Administrative and Site Office,

Village Mohan,

Ranikhet Road Ramnagar,

Fax: 05947275983

Mob: +919927100747, +919927016999, +919837059023

Reservation and Toursim Information Offices of Uttarakhand|Uttaranchal

Ahmedabad
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Ahmedabad
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,Ahmedabad
301 Ashwamegh House,
Behind Choice Restaurant,
Near Sawastic Char Rasta,
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009 (Gujarat)
Tel.: 079-26564245,. 26421214, 30921088.
Fax: 079-26564245.
Email: ahmedabad@gmvnl.com .

Chandigarh
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Chandigarh
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
C/o UP Tourism, Room No.- 64,
I.S.B.T. Building ,
Sector-17, Chandigarh-160017
Telefax: 0172-2713988
Tel:0172-2707649.
Email: chandigarh@gmvnl.com .

Delhi
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Delhi
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
102- Indraprakash Building, Barakhamba Road,
New Delhi 110001
Tel.: 011-23350481, 23326620.
Fax : 011-23327713.
Email: delhi@gmvnl.com .

PRO, Uttarakhand Tourism
GMVN Tourist Information Unit.
Room No - 01, Hotel Janpath Road,
Janpath Road - New Delhi- 11001
Tel - 011-23364177, 23746431.
Email: poonamuttaranchal@yahoo.co.in .

Uttarakhand Tourism
GMVN Tourism Information unit,
Uttarakhand Food Stall No. 1
Delhi Hatt,Opposite INA Market,
New Delhi-110023.

Haridwar
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Haridwar
PRO GMVN Ltd.Haridwar.
Lalta Rao Bridge, Haridwar-249408.
Tel.: 01334-228686.
Fax: 01334-226430.

Hyderabad
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Hyderabad
172, GC Ground Floor
Bal Yogi Tourist Bhawan
pp. Greenlang Guest House
Begum Pet, Hyderabad-500016 A.P.
Tel.: 040-23409945.
Mob.: 09493982645.
Fax.: 040-23409945.
Email:gmvnhyderabad@gmail.com, gmvnhyderabad@gmvnl.com

Kolkatta
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Kolkatta
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
Room no. 224, Marshall House 33/1,
2nd floor Netaji Subash Road,
Kolkatta-700001.
Tel. / Fax : 033-22315554.
Email: prokolkatta@vsnl.net .

Mumbai
Uttarakhand Toursim
PRO Mumbai,
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,Mumbai,
C/o MTDC, CDO Hutments,
Madame Cama Road,
Mumbai,
Tel.: 022-22024415, 22843197
Fax.: 022-22024415, 22843197
Email:mumbai@gmvnl.com .

Pune
Uttarakhand Toursim
PRO Pune,
Prestige Chamber, A-36, 3rd Floor,
Opposite Sai Service
J.M. Road, Deccan
Pune (Maharashtra)
Tel. : 9764337160

Bangalore
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Bangalore
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
Uttarakhand Tourism, 29/2 IInd Floor,
Nanjuppa Mention, Double Road(K.H. Road),
Shanti Nagar, Banglore-560027
Telefax: 080-22249378
E-mail:bangalore@gmvnl.com .

Chennai
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Chennai
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
C/o Tamilnadu Tourism Complex
Wallajah Road,Chennai -600002
Tel.:044-25363524,
E-mail:gmvn@vsnl.com .

Dehradun
Dehradun (Head Office)
GM (Tourism)
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
74/1, Rajpur Road, Dehradun -248001
Tel.: 0135 - 2747898, 2746817, 2749308
2748478, 2749272
Fax: 0135 - 2748479
Email: gmvn@gmvnl.com ,
gmvn@sancharnet.in .

Uttarakhand Tourism
Drona Travels
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
45-Gandhi Road, Hotel Drona,
Dehradun-248001.
Tel.: 0135-2653309, 2654271
Email: dronatravels@gmvnl.com

Uttarakhand Tourism
Mussoorie Darshan, GMVN Ltd.,
Library Road.
Mussoorie
Tel.: 0135-2631281

Jaipur
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Jaipur
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
Government Hostel Campus, M I Road,
Jaipur-302001.
Telefax.: 0141-2378892.

Lucknow
Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Lucknow
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
Khushnuma Complex
Flat No. 4-7RF,
Bahadur Marg, Near State Guest House, Lucknow -226001
Tel.: 0522-2207844

Rishikesh (Yatra Office)
AGM (Tourism)
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
Tourist Information Centre
(Advance Reservation Centre)
Shail Vihar, Haridwar Bye Pass Road,
Rishikesh - 249201.
Tel.: 0135 - 2431793, 2431783, 2432648
Fax: 0135 - 2430372.
Email: yatra@gmvnl.com ,
yatraoffice@sancharnet.in

Uttarakhand Tourism
Tour Executive,
Trekking and Mountaineering Division
GMVN Ltd.
Kailash Gate, Muni-Ki-Reti,
Rishikesh.
Tel.: 0135-2430799.
Fax :0135-2430372

After Office Hours Dial Here

Ahmedabad
Tel.: 079-27418740
Mobile: 9426002858.

Banglore
Mobile: 9886180515

Chandigarh
Tel.: 0172-2732649
Mobile: 9815173916

Chennai
Mobile: 9444109395

Delhi
Tel.: 011-26886338
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Jaipur
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Kolkatta
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Lucknow
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Mumbai
Tel.: 022-27661397
Mobile: 9869341919

Auli - The skiing Destination of India

Auli is an emerging Skiing destination of India. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state at an altitude of 2500 to 3050 m above the sea level. The small town is becoming a central of attraction of Uttrakhand due to skiing. Auli is on the way to Badrinath. The entire town of Auli is one of the best tourist destinations of India with lots of attractions. Auli have a training centre for Indo-Tibetian border police which is equipped with the best medical facilities and chopper facilities to help the needy tourists.

The Nanda Devi peak is the tallest amongst the snowy peaks visible from the slopes of Auli. The town of Auli is covered by Hathigauri, Neelkanth, Comet and Eravath mountains. It is believed that Hanuman rested in Auli on his way to pick up the Sanjeevani in the Himalayas.

How to reach Auli:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun which is 273km from Joshimath and 17km from Rishikesh.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Haridwar. But it is better to reach Dehradun by Shadabti Express

By Road: Auli is of 13km drive from Joshimath. Lots of busses ply between Joshimath and Rishikesh regularly.

Skiing   Just because of the skiing, Auli have started to emerge as a tourist destination. Skii enthusiasts say that Auli is one of the finest skiing resorts. Auli provides the best skiing experience for both novice and experienced skiers. But experienced skiiers will find it a bit difficult to ski in these slopes which descend from 3049 to 2915 m. A 500 m long ski lift and 800 m long chair lift link the upper and lower slopes. There is an excellent opportunity for cross country, salom and down hill skiing.
During the month of Feb Skiing events and competitions are held. The slopes of the Himalayan Hills are considered to be the best in the entire Asia. Though skiing is not a big sport in India, it is definitely catching up. The entire slopes of Auli is highly perfect for skiing which is lined up on both the sides by oak and pine trees giving it the feel. Best season to visit Auli is from November to March.

Asia's longest Cable Car

   Gondala or cable car helps in moving along the slopes of the snow caped mountains. Auli boasts the Asia's longest, 4Km long Gondala. The rope way connects Auli with Joshimath and the entire travel distance is 15-20 minutes. There are totally 10 towers supporting the rope and the cost is Rs. 400 per head. The view is exciting enchanting. To move from the lower slope to upper slope one can use the chair lift which is controlled by hydraulic and pneumatic braking system. The car is attached with a strom warning device. Both the cable car and chair lift gives an unique experience for the tourists.

Artificial Lake:
    Auli have the world's highest artifical lake close to a private hotel named Clifftop Club. The water from this artificial lake is used to create the new ski slopes when there is low snow fall so that the ski season can be extended.

Trekking:
There are lots of trekking routes from Auli. The trekking trail is normally completed in one day. A few of the famous trekking trails are Auli-Gorson; Gorson-Tali; Tali-Kuari Pass; Kuari Pass-Khulara; Khulara-Tapovan

The best season to visit Auli is from End of December to March.

Accessories needed for Tourists:
Woolen Clothings
Cap
Socks
Dark Glasses
Gloves
Mufflers
Pull Overs
Wind proof Jacket
Gum/Snow boots
Torch light.

The temperature is relatively low at -8 degree C during the monsoons.