Uttaranchal - Auli

2012-01-20T05:40:00.000-08:00

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SKIING

Auli is nestled in the lap of the snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli District of western Uttar Pradesh, near the world famous religious shrine of Badrinath.

At an altitude of 2,500-3,050 metres above sea level, Auli's well-dressed slopes are flanked by coniferous and oak forests and offer a panoramic view of Mt. Nanda Devi, Mana Parbat, Dunagriri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat And Ghori Parbat.

The rugged and snowy terrain of Auli is so challenging that it used to be a training ground for India's para-military forces in the 1970's.

Realising the potential of Auli as a ski-resort, the Government of U.P. had it surveyed by French and Australian experts, who favourably compared the slopes of Auli to the best in the world. Auli is today a promising ski-spot and an ideal winter resort.

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR WINTER GAMES

Apart from skiing festivals that are held here since 1986, national championships under the aegis of Winter Games Federation of India have been held at Auli, with technical and other backup assistance provided by various governments and adventure-related agencies.

Auli has now become a leading tourist spot and while its slopes beckon daring and gallant skiing enthusiasts, its pristine natural beauty and the alpine atmosphere lure many a tourist. Auli has something or the other to offer to all, whether it is to seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life, or for conquering the challenging heights of the glorious peaks. People come here simply to savour the tranquil nature in its most pristine self or just to throw snowballs at each other.

WEATHER & BEST SEASON OF AULI

Auli has a cool climate all through the seasons.

Summers (March to June) are very pleasant with moderate climate, with average around 15°C. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing, skiing and also for visiting nearby attractions.

Monsoons (July to October) are accompanied with scanty rains and also temperature drops down to 12°C.

Winters (November to February) are chilly days with average minimum touching near 4°C. Minimum can touch sub zero levels (-8°C). Snow falling seen very often during winters. These months are perfect for travelers liking chilly climates.

The best season to visit Auli is all through the year. Tourist attraction in Auli is Snow Skiing and is best during November to March.

May to November offers cool and pleasant climate and the right period to spend relaxing moments in the outdoors.

December to February is snow bound and chilly. Keep winter clothes to cover up the body if opt for a visit during this period. This period is ideal for snow skiing.

March and April are very pleasant and perfect for all sight seeing and outings.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS IN AULI

January to March is attractive with Skiing festivals and National Championships of Snow Skiing.

September is attractive here with Mata Mruti Ka Mela, which is celebrated in nearby Badarinath with many rituals and festivities.

HOW TO REACH AULI
How to Reach There:

By Train : Nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh / Haridwar which is connected from Delhi by Shatabdi Exp., from Bombay by Bandra-Dehradun Exp. and from Calcutta by Howrah-Doon Exp. and from Lucknow by Gorakhanath/Doon Exp. Rishikesh to Joshimath by road. Road from Joshimath to Badrinath opens Mid May-mid November subjected to normal snowfall

By Air : Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun (280 Km). Indian Airlines fly thrice from Delhi and Jagson/Archna Airways also regulates their flights. Very soon a new airport at Gauchar (92 Km.) will be operational within a year.

Uttaranchal - Nainital

2012-01-20T01:08:00.000-08:00

Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Some of the important places in the district are Nainital , Haldwani , Kaladhungi , Ramnagar , Bhowali , Ramgarh , Mukteshwar , Bhimtal , Sattal and Naukuchiatal . Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.

A small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station surrounded by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'.
Most of the lakes in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini lake.

Climate
Nainital is located in the Kumaon hills and the weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. The temperature is not very high at any time but in winters it becomes very cold. The climate of Nainital is regulated by the lake here which showers rain almost every afternoon. The best time visit the place is between April to June and then again in September October. The months of January to March are marked by the snowfall which is for a very short time. It is advisable that contact any local person before going to Nainital to watch snowfall.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit any hill resort in India is certainly the summer months from March to June. The months of September and October are also pleasant to be visited. Though the monsoon season in between from end of June to August should be avoided.

How to Reach Nainital
Air:
Pantnagar 70 Kms from Nainital is the nearest air port . Jagson Airlines operates flights in between Pantnagar & Delhi . These flights are available daily except on Sunday. Flight duration is approximately 1 Hr. & 15 Mins.

Railways
Kathgodam 35 Kms. away is the last terminus of broad gauze line of North East Railways connecting Nainital with Delhi,Dehradun & Howarah .

Ranikhet express departs from Old Delhi railway station at 10:45 PM daily , it reaches Kathgodam at 6:05 AM . Extra coaches for Ramnagar are attached with this train , arriving Ramnagar at 5:00 A.M. .Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express is also running between Kathgodam & Delhi, it start from Kathgodam at 8:50 AM in the morning and reaches Delhi at 3:20 PM and on the same day return from Delhi at 4:00 PM and reaches Kathgodam at 10:45 PM.

Bagh Express connects Kathgodam directly to Howarah via Lucknow. Lalkua Junction 56 Kms. from Nainital is another terminal point of meter gauze line of North East Railways . Nainital Express connects Lalkua with Lucknow while Kumaun Express connects Lalkua with Mathura via Bareilly. Ramnagar 65 Kms away acts as an alternative outlet for Delhi & Lucknow. Train No. 4319 / 4320 runs daily in between Kathgodam and Dehradun via Moradabad.

Tourist coming by rail mode can take Taxi or Buses from Kathgodam or Haldwani . Taxis are available on shared seat basis at Haldwani Taxi stand & as well as at Kathgodam , Haldwani & Lalkua railway stations. While most of the buses starts from Haldwani roadways bus stand.

Computerized railway reservation counter is situated near Bus Stand at Nainital . This facility is also available at Kathgodam, Haldwani & Lalkua railway stations .

Road
Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular roadways buses run from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Lucknow, Kanpur & Bareilly daily . Beside this luxury coaches are available from Delhi for this place .

Weather
The winter starts at Nainital in late October which extends upto late March, of which December & January are extreme cold during which snow fall may also occur. April to Mid June & the month of October is the most pleasant time at Nainital. It rains very heavily from late June to September.

Clothing
Heavy woollens in winter and light woollens in summer. Raincoat & Umbrella are must during rainy season.

Near By Places:
Ghorakhal : Famous for the temple of Lord Golu worshipped by hill people and sainik school this place is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali.

Sat Tal : At a distance of about 23 Kms. from Nainital at an altitude of 1370 mts. Sattal is a unique, unforgettable spot having cluster of lakes placed amidst the oak forest. It is comparable with Westmoreland of England. As one approach toward Sattal first lake is old Nal Damyanti Lake. On moving ahead there is the ashram of Stanley Johns an American Missionary. Next lake is Panna or Garude lake.As we move down there is a cluster of three lakes , these lakes are Ram,Laxman and Sita lake.

Bhimtal : It is about 22 Kms. from Nainital and 11 Kms. from Bhowali at an altitude of 1370 mts. The pride of Bhimtal is a beautiful lake which offers magnificent vistas for tourists. The lake is larger than Naini lake. Tourist enjoys here boating in lake. There is an island amid lake a restaurant is located atop it. Tourist visit here by boats. The distance of island from lake shore is 91 mts.There is a 17th century Bhimeshwar temple complex along the 40 feet high dam . The local bus stand and taxi stand is situated near it. One road from Bhimtal leaves for Naukuchiatal while the another one goes to Kathgodam 21 Kms from here.

Naukuchia Tal : It is 26 Kms from Nainital and 4 Kms from Bhimtal at 1220 mts above sea level.A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a captivating site.Length of lake is 983 mts. ,breadth is 693 mts & depth 40.3 mts.It is within an enchanting valley offering an opportunity of angling and bird watching.There is ample scope for rowing ,paddling or yachting.

Kainchi Dham : On the Nainital - Almora Road , 9 Km from Bhowali and 17 Kms from Nainital is a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition owing to the ashram of the famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kaichi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name. It has no relation with scissors.

Binsar : 95 kms. from Nainital , Binsar is one of the most scenic spot in the Kumoun Himalayas and acclaimed hill resorts. At an elevation of 2412 mts, this place offers an excellent view of Kumoun hills and the greater Himalayas , surrounded by Alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss & species of wild flowers. The main attaraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas. A three hundred kms. stretch of famous peaks which includes Kedranath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nandadevi, Nandakot & Pachachuli. The forests of Himalayan Oak and rhobodendron are excellent for trekking and communing with nature.

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Uttaranchal - Auli

Uttaranchal - Nainital