By Tanushka Sanjeev Sharma
Have you ever thought about going to a place spontaneously and in turn, it changes your outlook on certain aspects of life? A place I would recommend going to because the energy there is not something that one living in a metropolitan city would feel.
The beautiful state of Uttarakhand also referred to as the Land of Gods or Devbhumi located in the shadow of the magnificent Himalayan Mountain ranges, is undoubtedly a place known for its cultural richness, biodiversity, diverse picturesque landscapes, mountains, and spiritual locations.
The state has various interesting destinations to offer, from the spiritual vibes of Haridwar and Rishikesh to the wilderness of the very famous Jim Corbett National Park and the serene beauty of various hill stations. It is a place where every traveler discovers something new about themselves and creates fragments of Himalayan stories.
These are some of the locations where I visited on my trip to Uttarakhand. The journey covers feelings of divinity, the silence of the jungle, diversity, and realms of tranquility.
1. Jim Corbett National Park:
The journey commenced with a venture into the Jim Corbett National Park. This park was established in 1936 and is named after a very famous conservationist Jim Corbett. It spreads over 1318.54 square kilometers of which only 520 square kilometers is the main forest area and the leftover region is regarded as the buffer. The national park provides picturesque scenery and is a very famous tourist attraction, especially for those who connect with nature and animals.
Within this large area, we halted at the Kunkhet Valley Resort near Ramnagar, which was exceptionally beautiful. Arriving at the destination during the night was a very mystical experience. On our way to the resort, the only light present was our car’s light and the only thing that shined through were the trunks of the ghost trees. The true beauty of the place was revealed when we saw the sunrise the next morning.
The scenery that the resort provided was mesmerizing. It was surrounded by serene hills and the property was situated near the Kosi River where animals usually came for drinking water which was a bit scary yet the most exciting part. The resort had much to give to make the trip even more memorable. It has indoor and outdoor games, a bonfire, a kid’s play area, and a riverside area.
With limited visibility, complete silence except for the enchanting sounds of the rustling dry leaves and the crickets chirping created a very immersive atmosphere as we went for our Jungle safari with the anticipation of sightings of the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, Elephants spotted deers, and various other animals. The park in total has 8 zones and each of these has its unique characteristics and the most famous is the Dhikala zone.
Watching the sunrise in a jungle where the sunlight made its way through the canopies of the trees creating a Tyndall effect was a very captivating visual experience. And the very next moment my heart pounded as I saw a tiger with a striped silhouette sitting in the wilderness of the dense foliage. This was truly an experience where nature was in its purest form and was very far from the harsh reality in the cities.
2. Swargashram Mahadev Temple
Binsar is a region located in Kumaon Hills, 18 km away from the main city of Ranikhet, which unfolds as a place of tranquility. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, temples, architecture, and peace and serenity. The Swargashram Binsar Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ancient temple traces its origin back to the 9/10th century revealing a timeless elegance as the exquisite architecture and the idols and sculptures inside it were spectacular reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
The journey to the temple involves a pleasant drive through lush greenery and winding roads. The temple was surrounded by tall pine trees making it a spiritual and nature-engrossed experience. The ambiance of the temple created a sense of sacredness as the devotees sought relief from distress. We concluded our day with the sunset behind the hills and a cup of aromatic Kumaoni Tea.
3. Haridwar
The most awaited part of the journey was right in front of my eyes and I was not able to register what I was about to experience. The place where one can attain enlightenment. Situated on the Banks of the River Ganga, is one the most significant and holiest places in the Hindu Tradition, Haridwar – Gateway to God. It reflects the vivid environment of the city, The vibrancy and the aura create a spiritual connection with the place. The Kumbh Mela, Ganges Aarti, Temples, and Har Ki Pauri are some of the key attractions in Haridwar. The city is a blend of chants, rituals, traditions, and natural beauty as they create a very captivating cultural experience. As we entered Haridwar, it ignited its authenticity and distinctiveness.
We went to the banks of the river Ganga and saw hundreds of devotees taking holy dips, believing that it would purify their souls, some people engaged in meditation, some chanting mantras while others offering prayers and seeking blessings. Experiencing the Ganga Aarti was the one thing I was looking forward to on this journey and as soon as it began the atmosphere became charged with positive energy, the sounds of bells, the synchronized motion of the lit lamps, their reflections, and the fast-flowing river water were a sight to behold. It is a sensory experience to witness something like this which seemed almost unreal.
4. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is renowned for its adventure and spirituality. It is also situated along the banks of the river Ganga and holds a lot of cultural significance. It is the gateway for the people engaged in the Char Dham Yatra and is a sacred place for prayers and meditation. The Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula provide a panoramic view of the hills and the river. The narrow pathways of the markets and the food stalls add to the cultural space of the city.
It is also known as a hub for adventure activities and the most exciting part was the 16-kilometer white river rafting which came down the banks. It was a very surreal experience as the raft came across big rocks which made it even more thrilling and scary at times. At the end of the day, we ate local food and came back to Haridwar.
5. Nainital
Last but not least, a hill station, Nainital. It is known for its enchanting Naini Lake which is a pear-shaped lake surrounded by green hills. Most of the tourists prefer this location because of its pleasant weather. There are various viewpoints from which we can enjoy the sight of the city. Activities like trekking, horse riding, and exploring Mall Road are a few things that an individual can do in Nainital.
We ate a lot of local dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, Bal Mithai, Gulgula, etc., saw the old colonial architecture, and at last, a boat ride in the Naini Lake was all that we could ask for. A moment of calmness occurred as the tranquil ripples of water, vibrant boats, and incredibly beautiful panoramic views came together to offer sheer bliss.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this journey to Uttarakhand, it unveils itself through a variety of experiences and topography, it also encourages people to explore its mysteries and make lasting memories and impact on themselves.
A journey that made a different relationship for me with nature, a journey where I understood the things we don’t focus on in our ordinary and busy world, and a journey that will forever reside in my heart as I behold a bunch of vivid memories. The trip not only exposed me to diverse landscapes but also helped me foster a deep connection with my own country and its beauty.