Places to see in and around Mori

1. Ancient Duryodhana Temple: This beautiful wood–crafted temple is built by the Pandavas. An interesting point to note here is that whereas the Svargarohini peak in the Jaunsar Bawar region is venerated for its Pandava connection, the region’s temples are dedicated to their antagonist cousins, the Kauravas, and Karna and King Shalya.
2. Lunagad Creek: It is a small waterfall which is a half-hour walk. It is surrounded by Pine forests, with a few Gujjar huts scattered in between.
3. Netwar: Netwar is 11 Kms from Mori, and is the point of confluence of the Rupin Gad (a tributary stream) with the Tons river. There is a charming temple dedicated to Karna, an ally of Duryodhana. The Jaunsar- Bawar is probably the only region where Duryodhana, villain of the Mahabharata epic, is venerated, and it’s interesting to see Jaun­sari villages having beautiful wooden temp­les dedicated to Duryodhana.
4. Jakhol: The Duryodhana Temple at Jakhol – at a distance of 20 km from Mori, and on the Har-ki-Dun trek route – has an actual idol of the lord (unlike other temples in the region that are devoid of an idol ) and is treated as a seat of divinity.

Mori – Best time to visit/climate

Best time to visit is April – September and particularly May is a good month to visit. The Weather is pleasant. Temperature varies from 12 to 21°C. The outdoor activities peak up during this month. May is pleasant with warm days and cool nights.

Location on Google maps

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Route from Mussorie to Mori:

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How to get there

• By Air: Jollygrant which is 175 km away from Mori and is situated in Dehradun is the nearest airport. Jollygrant airport is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Mori and it costs about Rs 3300. Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 410 km away. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad
• By road: Mori is well connected to many cities in the region by buses. Private and public buses offer services from Mori to all nearby cities. Regular frequent bus services are available from Mori to Mussoorie (139 km).
• By train: Nearest railway station is also Dehradun, which is nearly 175 km away from Mori. This station is connected to all cities in India. Taxi services are available from Dehradun to Mori, costing about Rs 3300. Convenient rail heads are Haridwar Jn.(195km) & Dehradun (175km).

Places/hotels to stay

The Three most famous Camps here provide with every thing.
• Aquaterra Adventurers
They set up a rafting camp at the confluence of the Lunagad creek with the Tons, the camp operates from mid-April to June, offers 25 well-spaced-out tents and a warm central dining area. Each tent has two beds (a third bed can be accommodated for a small child), a bedside table, two chairs and a small patio. Activities at the camp include river-rafting, rock-clim­bing, rappelling, nature and village walks, midnight rambles, and team-building exercises.
For more contact 011-29212641/ 2760
• Great Indian Outdoors’
Their camp, Mystic River Campsite, operates from mid-May to mid-July, and offers 25 comfor­table Swiss tents, a multi-cuisine kitchen and, of course, rafting on the Tons. They also organize treks to the Ruinsara Tal.
For more contact 0124-4081500
• Himalayan River Runners’
Theirs is a self-contained campsite that tries to make the most of the great outdoors. It offers 12 tents and a range of activities, including rock-climbing, rap­pelling, river-crossing, still-water kayak­ing, waterfall treks, nature walks and bird ­watching.
For more, contact 011-26852602
• http://www.holidayiq.com/India-Hotels-Resorts-Vacations.html
• http://www.indiatravelnext.com/mori/hotels-in-mori.html

Blogs/sites for Mori

• http://www.oktatabyebye.com/destination-features/296-mori-restaurants-and-foods.html
• http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/manojmakadia/1/1253750691/tpod.html
• http://traveller.outlookindia.com/destination.aspx?id=248

Images of Mori, Uttarakhand

• http://www.google.co.in/images?q=Mori,uttarakhand&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=FHtATKirLsr0cNeGgJIO&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=6&ved=0CDgQsAQwBQ
• http://www.oktatabyebye.com/picture-gallery/Mori-pictures.html
• http://www.pbase.com/robcruzen/uttaranchal
• http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/mori,uttranchal

Places to see in Dhanaulti :

1. Chamba is a hill town in Himachal Pradesh which is located at a height of 1000meter and an altitude of 1,676mts above sea level. Tourists are attracted to it because of its exquisiteness and beauty. There are number of lakes around. They are Khajjiar Lake, Manimahesh Lake, Chamera Lake, Lama Dal (Lake), Gadasru Lake and Maha Kali Dal (lake).
2. New Tehri is situated 54kms from Dhanaulti and is the only planned city of Uttarakhand state. Tehri Dam is the centremost attraction of the town.
3. Barehipani falls from height of 399mts and Joranda falls from 150mts. Both these waterfalls are situated in the core of Simlipal National Park. Both these waterfalls are enchantingly beautiful and a perfect picnic spot.
4. Chanderi is famous for its sarees and royal architecture. The interesting sites of Chanderi are Koshak Mahal, Badal mahal, ancient Jain temples, Jama Masjid and Victory Arch.
5. Dashavatar Temple: It is a famous Gupta temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.It has s 3 large carved panels along the side walls – the Gajendramoksha panel, the Nar Narayan Tapasya and the Anantshayi Vishnu, depict scenes from Vaishnava mythology.
6. Deogarh is a magnificent fort of the 16th century near Pratapgarh.
7. Jain Temples are a collection of 31 Jain temples were built after the Vishnu temple. These temples are situated inside the fort of Kanali on the hills, overlooking the Betwa. This site was a Jain centre from 6th to 17th century AD.
8. Mussoorie It is another attractive hill station near Dhanaulti.
9. Kanatal is situated 15kms from Dhanaulti. Kanatal is located on Mussoorie – Chamba Road in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state.
10. Eco park is the main attraction of Dhanulti. It has small forest of Deodar trees. There is Entry Fee of Rs 15 For Adults and Rs10 for Children.
11. Surkanda devi temple which is 8 km from Dhanaulti, on the road towards Chamba is famous for its Ganga Dasahra fair in autumn.
12. Himalayan Weavers are located on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti Road which produces hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and throws using only natural dyes and wool, silk and pashmina. They produce environment friendly and high quality Handlooms.
13. Aaloo Khet (Potato Farm)is a Government Potato Farm. It is also famous sunrise view point.

Best time to visit / climate:
The summer temperatures in the town, range from 31°C to 7.5°C, while winter temperatures remain between 7°C and 1°C. The best time would be to visit around March-May although you can go in other climates as well. Can be fun in winter, but be prepared for it being cold.

Location on Google Maps:

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How to get there :
By air : The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport which is near Dehradun and 82 kms away. It has flights connecting to Delhi on a daily basis. From the airport, one can reach by any road transport.
By rail: The nearest railway stations to Dhanaulti are situated in Rishikesh and Dehradun. Railway station is situated 83kms from Dhanaulti and Dehradun is situated 60kms before Dhanaulti. Any major railway network connect to both Rishikesh and Dehradun railway stations.Trains to both these places are frequent.
By road: Dhanaulti is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses and Taxis to Dhanaulti are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand. Dhanaulti is situated on Mussoorie – Chamba Road
Buses to Rishikesh, Tehri, Dehradun and Mussoorie are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

The Distance chart is as below:
1. Delhi to Dhanaulti -323kms
2. Rishikesh to Dhanaulti- 84kms
3. Devprayag to Dhanaulti – 108kms
4. Tehri to Dhanaulti – 44kms
5. Pauri to Dhanaulti – 131kms
6. Dehradun to Dhanaulti -59kms
7. Mussoorie to Dhanaulti – 28kms
8. Chamba to Dhanaulti – 27kms
9. Barkot to Dhanaulti – 127kms
10. Uttarkashi to Dhanaulti-112kms
11. Roorkee to Dhanaulti -139kms
12. Haridwar to Dhanaulti – 107kms
13. Chakrata to Dhanaulti -106kms

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
• http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/dhanaulti.php
• http://www.trails.com/list_15763_hotels-in-dhanolti.html (names, contact numbers and prices)
• http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g1221549-Dhanaulti_Uttarakhand-Hotels.html

Blogs / Sites about Dhanaulti

1. Dhanaulti in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhanaulti
It is a hill station in Tehri Garhwal District in Uttarakhand. It is 24km away from another hill station, Mussorie. It is 29kms from Chamba. It is at an altitude of 2286metre. It is located in thick deodar, rhododendron, oak and alpine forests.

2. http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/dhanaulti.phps

Photo / Image Gallery:

1. http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/North/Uttarakhand/Dhanaulti/
2. http://www.tripadvisor.in/LocationPhotos-g1221549-Dhanaulti_Uttarakhand.html
3. http://travel.sulekha.com/dhanaulti-pictures.htms

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate is mostly pleasant through most of the year and remains cool except in May-June. It’s best to visit just before May to experience pleasantness of the area; since in Kotdwara and the adjoining Bhabar area it is quite hot reaching high 40s Celsius during the summer.

Location on Google Maps:

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Travel between Kotdwar and Pauri Garhwal, map on Google Maps:

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Route map between Rishikesh and Pauri Garhwal:

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How to get there:
By Air: The nearest airport for Pauri is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (155 kms) and 131 kms from Rishikesh, Srinagar
By Rail: Nearest rail head is Kotdwar (108 kms).
By Road: Well connected by road with important town of the region. Buses run from and to Srinagar from all the major towns in Garhwal.

The distance to Pauri by road
• From New Delhi is 295kms and approximately 5.9hours drive
• From Meerut is 252km and about 5 hours drive.
• Pauri is also well connected to Dehradun, Hardwar, Rishikesh, Kotdwar and other cities of the area.
• some distances are:
• New Tehri-Srinagar: 69 km (4 hours)
• Rudraprayag-Srinagar: 34 km (2 hours)
• Rishikesh-Srinagar via Deoprayg: 118 km (7 hours)

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website):
1. www.indiahotelreview.com › India › Uttaranchal
2. http://pauri.nic.in/Page32.htm Has hotel names, contact nos. and rates)
3. http://www.tripadvisor.com
4. www.holidayiq.com › India › Uttaranchal
5. www.garhwaltourism.net/pouri.htm

Blogs / Sites about Pauri Garhwal (with small excerpts from these blogs):
1. History and Culture: http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/uttaranchal/history
In the Mahabharata, dated to about 1000 BC, the Pandavas, are said to have ended their life on earth by ascending the slopes of a peak in western Garhwal called Swargarohini -’Ascent to Heaven’. The epic also mentions this region as the home of the Kirata, Pulinda and Tangara tribes. Succeeding the Macedonian march across the Himalayan foothills, an imperialist tradition was instituted around 330. AD, by the Gupta’s.This was followed by the Vardhanas in the fifth century AD. The ultimate downfall of the Vardhana empire during the time of the Turkish onslaught on the plains, they were subject to change in size and power as additional waves of migration took place.
2. Pauri in Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauri_Garhwal
Pauri Garhwal district was a part of the Gharwal kingdom ruled by the Pal (Shah) dynasty. He was the king of Srinagar. In 1803, Gurkhas finally succeeded in capturing Garhwal by defeating the army of King Pradyumna Shah. In 1816, the British defeated the Gurkhas and were re-established from Tehri. After independence it was known as Gharwal district and further divided into Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli districts in 1960. In 1997 an additional area was made out into a district named Rudraprayag.

• Places to see: http://www.mustseeindia.com/Pauri/attractions
o www.himalaya2000.com › Uttarakhand › Pauri
o http://pauri.nic.in/

Photo / Image Gallery:
1. http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/india/uttaranchal/srinagar_pauri_ga/lib/gallery
2. http://www.uttarakhand.ws/v/destinations/pauri-garhwal/
3. http://www.picable.com/Places/Villages/Pauri-Garhwal-4-.48815
4. http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/pauri-garhwal.html

Best time to visit / climate:
The best time to visit Chamba is March – June as temperature is suitable for travelling.

Location on Google Maps:

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Route between Shimla and Chamba:

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Route between Chandigarh and Chamba:

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How to get there:
By Road: Well connected from the nearby Dalhousie. Daily bus service is available for Dalhousie and jeeps on hire are also available but it is relatively expensive.

By Air: Not a bad option, with the closest airport being at at Gaggal in Kangra valley, 180 km from Chamba. Indian Airlines operates its flights on the Delhi-Dharamsala sector.

By Rail: Pathankot is the nearest railhead, with Chamba being 122 km from Pathankot. Pathankot, is the nearest broad gauge rail head, which is linked by direct trains to Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta.

The Distances from other major areas are as below:
Distance of Pathankot to Chamba is 118 KM via Banikhet
Distance of Shimla to Chamba is 378 KM
Distance of Dharamsala to Chamba is 169 KM via Lahru
Distance of Dalhousie to Chamba is 41 KM

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):
1. www.hotelium.com/Chamba
2. http://www.tourism-of-india.com/hotels-in-himachal-pradesh/chamba-hotels / : Gives best hotels and restaraunts in Chamba
3. www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g1156021-Chamba_Himachal_Pradesh-Hotels.html
4. http://www.travelmasti.com/chamba.htm

Blogs / Sites about Chamba in Himachal Pradesh (with small excerpts from these blogs):
• History and Culture: Chamba was part of Gorkha kingdom but later ruled by Gharwals.
The area is said to be a place fo Kolian tribes which were subjugated by Khasas.They were later under other peoplelike Gupta, Thakurs and Ranas but by the seventh Century , the Rajput Dynasty came to power and ruled them. Their principal diety was Lord Shiva.

http://hpchamba.nic.in/history.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamba,_Himachal_Pradesh

• Chamba is Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamba,_Himachal_Pradesh
• http://hpchamba.nic.in

Photo / Image Gallery:
• http://hpchamba.nic.in/photo.htm
• http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:mYqTubKOUrcJ:travel.sulekha.com/chamba-pictures.htm+Photo+/+Image+Gallery:+of+Chamba&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in&client=firefox-a
• http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/North/Himachal_Pradesh/Chamba/
• http://www.indianholiday.com/hotels-in-india/hotels-in-himachal-pradesh/chamba-hotels/

How to reach Rajaji National Park

By Air : The nearest airport is Jollygrant which is 33 km away from Rajaji National Park and is situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is well connected to Delhi (the Indian capital). Taxi services are available from the airport to Rajaji National Park.
By Bus : Private and public buses offer services from Rajaji National Park to Haridwar (8 km), Rishikesh (14 km), Dehradun (30 km) and also to Delhi (220 km).
By Train : Nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is just 8 km away from Rajaji National park. Dehradun is the major rail junction nearby, situated at a distance of 24 km fro Rajaji National Park. Taxis are available.

Rajaji National Park is situated along the hills and foothills of Shivalik ranges in the Himalayan foothills and represents the Shivalik eco-system. On the map it is located between Haridwar (Latitude 290 56’ 40”) and Dehradun (Latitude 300 20’ North) and 790 80’ E Longitude (Dehradun 780 01’ 15” E (Ramgarh), Chillawali- 770 54’ 30” East).

Location of Rajaji National Park on Google Maps:

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The Park spans over an area of 820sq. Km which includes Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries, parts of Dehradun, Siwalik and Lansdowne Forest Divisions. These three sanctuaries were amalgamated in 1983 to Rajaji National Park, named after the Late Raja Gopal Chariya. The majestic Ganges flows through the National Park for a distance of 24km. This area is the North Western Limit of Asian elephants.

Different Gates to approach Rajaji National Park

Ramgarh Gate : From Dehradun 14 km.
Mohand Gate : From Dehradun 25 km.
Ranipur Gate : From Haridwar 9 km.
Motichur Gate : From Haridwar 9 km.
Chila Gate : From Haridwar 9 km.
Kunao Gate : From Rishikesh 6 km.
Laldhang Gate : From Kotdwara 25 km.

Rides in the Rajaji National Park

If you need to enter the park, you need to get permission from the Forest Department. The park can be best viewed on an Elephant safari. Alternatively one can also take Jeep safari to see the park, but the fun of going in on an elephant safari is incredible.

Flora in Rajaji National Park

The park comprises mainly of deciduous forest. There is an extensive vegetation of Sal trees. Heavy rainfalls makes the place favourable for diverse varieties of Sal like the Shivalik Sal, Bhabar Dun Sal, Western Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous, Low Alluvial Savannah Woodland, Dry Shivalik Sal and so on. Forest types consists of riverine, broad-leaf mixed forests, chirpine forests, scrubland and grassy pasture lands.

Animals to be found in Rajaji National Park

Rajaji is a much reckoned park of India. There are about 23 species of mammals that inhibit this park. Indian elephants, spotted dear, sambhar deer, barking deer, blue bull, hog dear, wild boar, Jungle cat, Rhesus monkey and Lepidoptera are the mammals found here.

Birds in Rajaji National Park

There are about 315 species of birds that inhibit this park. Rusty cheaked Scimitar, Babbler, Golden-spected Warbler, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Brown Hawk-Owl, Drongo Cuckoo, Great Hornbill are only a few names of birds that are found here. Birding in Rajaji can be around the various forest rest houses, on the 26 Km forest drive at Chilla across grassland and mixed forests, along the Phanduwala – Kansrao – Motichur trail.

Reptiles in Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park boasts of some 49 species of reptiles. Of these 28 are Snakes, Pythons and Cobras (King Cobra also). Then there are some 12 species of Turtles and 9 species of Lizards also.

Places to stay in Rajaji National Park

Within the Rajaji National Park are ten forest resthouses, at Beribara, Chilla, Ranipur, Dholkhand, Kunnao, Motichur, Kansrao, Satyanarain, Phandowala and Kasarodi. The resthouse at Dholkhand is currently not open to visitors. Chilla has, in addition, a tourist complex operated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. The accommodation provided is fairly basic, and there are no catering facilities.
Staying outside the park, at hotels and tourist complexes in Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun, is a good idea if you’d rather not rough it out. All three cities have a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget to mid-range and even luxury.

Best time to go : Come here just past the monsoon, when the temperatures are cool in the region. The Dangs are also at their greenest, plus the lack of tourists means that the town has returned to itself and while some tourist attractions have closed
down, all of Saputara is yours.

Location of Saputara on Google Maps:

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How to get there

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.
There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.
By air: The nearest airport is Vadodara, 309 km away.

Lying in a densely forested plateau in the Sahyadri Range, Saputara holds the distinction of being the only hill station in Gujarat. This tranquil small town is situated at an altitude of around 1,000 m, and has a climate that is consistently pleasant, although leaning towards chilly, throughout the year. The name Saputara literally stands for ‘abode of serpents,’ a fact that is highlighted by the presence of an image of a snake on the shores of the Sarpagana river, which flows through the town. This image is worshipped by the region’s tribal folk, especially during major festivals such as Holi. Adding to Saputara’s mystique is the legend that Lord Rama spent 11 years of his exile in these very forests.

In winter, at the spill of dawn, trek up to the Gandhi Shikhar as the river of light bathes the streams over undulating mountains and the drifting birds, into a magical dance of awakening. In rains, breathe in the rolling hills of Saputara, echoing green hues, lush with flowers, and watch the meditating rain drops sitting still on sloping leaves. Some of the thickest forest cover in the state envelops you. In summer, walk carefree on the expanse of the Governor’s hill and see the sun dip into the Saputara lake as the sky begins to shimmer with stars.

Places to see in Saputara

- Saputara Lake : There is a Boat Club here from where you can hire sailboats, paddleboats and rowing boats and enjoy boating in the lake. The Sun Rise and Sun Set Points provide panoramic and varied views of the sun. It also provides a perfect view of Saputara. You can reach Malegaon after a 1.5 km walk in the direction of Waghai. There are several gardens at Saputara like the Lake Garden, the Step Garden and the Rose Garden.
- Nageshwar Mahadev Temple : It has the idol of the Lord Shiva. The temple is visited by a lot of people because of its religious sanctity. The museum of Saputara is well-kept museum, which provides the information about the tribes of Dangs.
- Vansda National Park : It attracts a lot of tourists. It was originally a private forest of the Maharaja of Vansda. It covers an area of 24 sq km and has tigers, leopards, python, four-horned antelope, pangolin, rusty-spotted cats and giant squirrels.
- Purna Sanctuary : It is a part of the dense moist deciduous forests in the Western Ghats of Gujarat. It covers an area of 160 sq. km. And is situated at Mahal, which is 60 km north of Dangs.
- Gira waterfalls : These waterfalls make excellent excursion option from Saputara. Just 52 km away from Saputara the Gira Waterfalls should not be missed especially during the months of June to November.
- Echo Point : As the name highlights it is the place where one can hear the echo of what he says, is located in Matheran near Saputara. It is one of the prime tourist attractions nearby to Saputara. The Echo point offers a exquisite picturesque surroundings with many waterfalls, enhancing the breath taking beauty of the location.
- Forest Log huts : These huts are very famous world over. The Main attraction of these wooden log huts are its uniqueness in construction. The architectural beauty of these log huts are imposing.
- Forest Nursery : It offers many varieties of plants and trees. The nursery is run by the forest department. Many flowered plants can be spotted here; different varieties of Hibiscus flowers are attracting many visitors.
- Lake Garden : A nicely maintained beautiful garden on the banks of the Saputara Lake, is an excellent picnic spot. The garden encloses nice plants and rare kinds of trees.
- Pandava Caves : It is also known as Aravalem caves, are renowned by the mythical stories of Pandavas, the great warriors of the epic Mahabharatha. The caves are located in an ambiance of wilderness at a place Valpoi in the district of North Goa, a border district of Goa with Gujarat.
- Step Garden : One another attractive place in Saputara, step garden has the unique feature of a garden set up in steps. Well laid out steps are adorned with beautiful plants, flower pots and in the midst of nice woods.
- Hatgadh Fort : It is an excellent and protruding architectural beauty at an altitude of about 3,500 feet. It is one of the most archaic forts situated in Mulher which is in Nasik district of Maharastra.
- Artist Village : It is an interesting place to be. One can view the traditional art pieces and craftsmen at work here. You can pick some fine pieces of pottery, jewelry, vases, paintings, pen stands, key chains, made from bamboo chips and other locally found material.
- Waghai : A beautiful languorous small town set up in an exquisite surrounding, is a nearby attraction to Saputara located in the Dangs District of Gujarat. It is the main gateway for entering Dangs district.
- Ahwa : A tourist spot in the map of Gujarat, is the District headquarters of Dangs and is in the vicinity of Saputara. The Ahwa city is famed for the tribal fair Dangs darbar held during the Holi festival period. A major attractioni s Dandkeshwar Mahadev Temple, an impressive temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Places to stay in Saputara

Saputara has plenty of decent places to stay in. Most of the hotels provide basic amenities and do not boast of modern-day conveniences like fax and e-mail. Though power-cuts are common in Saputara, hotels run their generators.

- Toran Hill Resort (Hilltop): A very government type building
- Vaity Ropeway Resort (Hilltop) – Saputara Hill: This hotel is particularly famous with corporates as a conference venue and also for employee retreats.
- Hotel Anando (Opposite lake) – Nageshwar Mahadev Road: Good choice if you are looking for hotels similar to those in Lonavla, Khandala circuit.
- Hotel Patang (Lake facing) – Opposite Boating club: A hotel designed for the city traveler. Its only drawback is that it lies at the heart of Saputara and next to the main road – a little too central for people wanting a getaway.
- Hotel Chitrakoot (Near sunset point) – Nasik Saputara Road: Amenities are basic – bed, blankets, sofa, reasonably clean loos and TV. But all the same a decent enough place.
- Hotel Vaishali (Hill-facing) – Waghbari Road

How to reach Mahabaleshwar

By Air
Pune, located at a distance of 120 km is the nearest airport. If you plan to travel to Mahabaleshwar by air, you can board a flight till Pune, and then easily avail a bus, taxi or a private car from the Pune airport. The airport has various facilities within its premises for tourists traveling to the place. State operated buses are also easily available from Pune. Even private tour-operators provide luxury/ non- luxury bus services to Mahabaleshwar. You can even hire a vehicle of your choice from the airport, for the entire duration of your stay.

By Train
The nearest railhead from Mahabaleshwar is Wather, located at a distance of 62 km from the city. But if you choose to travel to Mahabaleshwar by train, the Pune railhead, located at a distance of 120 km, is comparatively more convenient than the Wather station, because of its better connectivity to Mahabaleshwar. People traveling by train can get down at the Pune railway station to reach Mahabaleshwar. Private tour operators provide buses, mini-buses, taxis, etc, which are easily available for tourists outside the Pune station. One can also avail the state-operated buses that shuttle between Pune and Mahabaleshwar.

By Road
From Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is 285 km (via Pune route) and the distance is about 247 km (via Mahad route). There are regular state-operated buses that travel to Mahabaleshwar from the nearby cities of Pune and Mumbai. Private tour operators also provide various luxury/ non-luxury, AC/Non-AC, Deluxe and Volvo buses and other vehicles to and from Mahabaleshwar. You can even drive your own vehicle to Mahabaleshwar, enjoying its idyllic beauty, as the roads are excellent. It takes around 5 hrs to reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai by road.

Location of Mahabaleshwar on Google Maps:

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An evergreen plateau located amidst the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri mountain range, Mahabaleshwar is one of the largest hill stations in the state of Maharashtra. With its resplendent valleys, cascading waterfalls, placid lakes, ancient temples, cobbled streets and large vistas of greenery, Mahabaleshwar is a home to various spots of instantaneous tourist attractions. Be it the spectacular lookout points or the spiritual ardor in its air, Mahabaleshwar remains one of the most popular hill resorts of India. Here are some of the hot-spots that can be included in the sightseeing tours of the place.

Mahabaleshwar is known as the Queen of Hills in Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar near Pune is a very popular town located at an altitude of 1,372 meters. The steep hills and green valleys of Mahabaleshwar are a retreat from the chaos and pollutions of Mumbai and Pune. The town was originally established as the health resort in 1829 A.D. The town is marked with neat bungalows and ancient churches. It was in the 19th century, that the sanatorium was established along with an open jail reformatory center. Prisoners from China and Malaysia were kept in this place. They had to construct roads, grind corn flour, and maintain potato farms and other vegetable gardens in the English resorts. At present you will find, the Public Works Department bungalow at the location of the prison.

Well known for its strawberries and Chikki, Mahabaleshwarenchants many religious tourists as well. Mahabaleshwar is the starting point of 5 important rivers, the Krishna, Koyna, Savitri, Veena and Gayatri, which are regarded as holy rivers in the country.

Tourist Attractions in and around Mahabaleshwar

- Arthur’s Seat Point : It is an exotic and picturesque spot, overlooking the konkan. On the way to Arthur’s point are the ancient Temples of Lord Shiva, ‘Gau-Mukha’ – Connected to a source of water.
- Lodwick Point : Located at an altitude of 1,240 m, it is named after General Lodwick, who is said to have been the first to set foot on this point in 1824. A monument has been erected there in his memory by his son.
- Elphinstone Point : Named after a Governor of Mumbai, Sir Elphinstone, it was discovered by Dr. Murray in the early 18th century. A great spot for picnicking, it bears a resemblance to an elephant’s head and trunk, if seen from the Lodwick Point.
- Wilson’s Point : It is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar, thus offering you the best view, at an altitude of 1,435 m. With three observation towers erected here, it is the best place to catch the sunrise, and hence has also been called the Sunrise Point.
- Mahabaleshwar Temple : The hill station derives its name from the presiding deity “Mahabali”, of this famous Hindu temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is girdled by a five feet tall stone wall on its sides and is divided into a God-chamber and a central hall.
- Waterfalls : These gurgling waterfalls heighten the beauty of the place and are a source of instant attractions among the tourists. Lingmala waterfall flows down a steep hill and provides an enthralling effect with its illuminating silver water. Dhobi and the Chinaman’s waterfalls are two other major waterfalls and picnic spots, and are at their best during the monsoons.
- Venna Lake : With a length of 2.5 m and the availability of boating and fishing facilities, the lake allows people to enjoy the placidness of its water, while feasting on nature’s bounty. There are also strawberry stalls that surround the place, with ponies trotting nearby.
- The Krishnabai Temple : One of the temples in the complex– was built during the Yadava Dynasty by Raja Singham in the 13th Century AD. It was renovated and improved by the Mores of Jaoli. Shivaji and his mother Jijabai are thought to have visited Mahabaleshwar to seek spiritual advice from a learned Brahmin living there.
- Connaught Peak: Ht 1385 m Distance 3.5 km. A beautiful carpet of evergreen forest is seen from this point. The view of Mahabaleshwar town is scenic. Sunsets are a big attraction here.
- Kate’s Point: Ht 1290 m Distance 6.8 km. The view is clear and magnificent during winter when the skies are clear and the Dhom dam (which it overlooks) is full. One can also spot Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh and Mandardeo peaks.
- Pratapgad Fort : Around 25kms from mahabaleshwar, a serpentine, steep mountain road leads to Pratapgad from Mahabaleshwar on the Poladpur side, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1656. History was created at this fort when Shivaji met with Afzal Khan, the Sardar of Bijapur.
- Beckwith Monument: The Sir Sydney Beckwith Monument is just near the Government Hospital. An obelisk about 10 m in height, it is situated about 1500 m above sea level. A weather observatory is situated near it.
- Panchaganga Temple : Panchaganga means five rivers, which according to Hindu mythology are the holy rivers of Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri, which flow nearby. While the shrines situated here date back to the prehistoric period, the temple itself was built in the 13th century by a Yadav King, and was further restored in the 16th century and then in the 19th century.
- Hanuman Mandir : This temple also has the Samadhi of the 16th century sage Sant Rama Dassa.
- Catholic Church : This church is not a place of architectural significance and is in ruins, yet it is worth a visit for its magnificent stained glass windows.
- Mount Malcolm : This is another building of significance from the early 18th century, primarily due to its architecture, unfortunately it has lost much of its charm today.
- Morarji Castle : It is where Gandhiji stayed for a while in 1945.
- Panchgani : It is another hill resort just 19kms from Mahabaleshwar. You could go here for a day trip and enjoy views from Sidney Point, Parsi Point and the Graves Point, and have lunch at one of the excellent Parsi restaurants there.

Other Activities

– Boating : To do some boating head to the Venna Lake, 25 acres in size and a favorite place for some fishing too.
- Outdoor Activities : Bird watchers can spend hours in the open with their binoculars and bird books. Horse riding is another excellent outdoor activity, as is trekking and hiking in the forest.
- Shopping : The market at Mahabaleshwar offers you a wide variety of items ranging from clothes to footwear and food. The one thing the region is famous for is its pure unadulterated honey. The fruits and vegetables grown here are no less enticing; strawberry jam and preserve being another favorite buy.

Places to stay in Mahabaleshwar

- Ramsukh Resorts
- MTDC Holiday Resort Mahabaleshwar
- Brightland Holiday Village
- Sherwood Resort
- Ishwar Inn Resort
- Pratap Heritage
- Hotel Shreyas

How to get there from Mumbai :
Vashi bridge to Panvel ; NH4 till Chauk; state highway to Karjat.

Best time to visit Karjat :
Karjat is great in Monsoons. The area is green even from September to December but can be excruciatingly hot from March till June. Karjat gets pretty cold in the winter.

Std Code : 02148

Location of Karjat on Google Maps:

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Karjat is where the coastal plains of the Konkan end and the Bhor Ghat begins. In the monsoons and just after, the area is a luxuriant green. Karjat has a number of health resorts, farmhouses and is a base for some easy treks in the area. During the monsoons tourists enjoy rafting in the upper sections of the Ulhas River, near Karjat.
At a great height, surrounded by an expanse of agricultural land and dotted by farmhouses, Karjat comes close to a fantasy hilly town. Karjat, well connected by road and rail from Mumbai, is one of the cleanest hill stations of Maharashtra. Well known for trekking, Karjat is surrounded by steep slopes.
Karjat provides excellent roadways to the mesmerizing Western Ghats. Tourists frequent Karjat because of its accessibility and closeness to Ghats. Karjat’s scenic view makes it a flawless beauty.
The entire area consists of mountains. These mountains are easily connected by rail from Mumbai. Karjat is centrally located with roads branching out to Murbad, Kalyan, Shahpur, Kasara Ghat on one side and Khapoli , Khalapur,
Neral, Ambarnath, Badlapur, Panvel, Pen on the other.

Places to visit in and near Karjat

- Kondana Caves situated in Karjat offers the ancient lifestyle of Buddhist followers. Ancient rock-cut caves, Kondana Caves are very famous Buddhist caves. These caves enclose sculptures, vihara, cahitya and stupa. Sculptures and stupas are specimens of the ancient period Buddhist architecture. There was a natural disaster in the form of an earth quake in early 1900 by which many stupas, front entrance and floor of the caves were damaged.
From Karjat, drive or take an autorickshaw to Kondana village. From the village, follow an easy trail to the ruins of the rock-cut caves of Kondana.
- Peth Fort, also known as Kotligad, is a major attraction of the small village Peth nearby to Karjat in its north east region. Peth is a conically shaped hill and it offers a panoramic view of the foothills. The fort is at the pinnacle of the mount and it is placed perfectly on the back drop of Matheran ranges and Western Ghats. One can view the Konkan country side from the fort and the beauty of this view is majestic.
- Health Resorts, these are main attractions for health conscious tourists. The resorts offer all facilities for perfect traditional holistic therapies. These resorts provide facilities for inpatient Ayurvedic treatments such as Massaging, Nasyam and other forms of Ayurvedic treatments. These places have facilities for natural therapies and aroma therapies as well. Diabetics control, stress control and obesity control programs are proved to be very efficient for the people who suffer from these disorders. Meditation and Yoga are integral parts of the therapies offered in these health resorts. These resorts offer absolute solitude and a pretty life by merging with the nature.
- ND Studio: When Bollywood shifted to Karjat, this scenic village was on the map of not just directors but also tourists. ND Studio has become a major stopover for people traveling to Karjat. Several films, TV serials, commercial ads have been shot here.
- River Rafting : Karjat on the banks of the Ulhas river is a perfect place for many water sports activities. River Ulhas tempts the tourists to have a great experience of river rafting in the most exciting cool and calm waters. Perfectly blended with nature, Karjat’s river rafting is really an adventurous experience, with many of the visitors offer themselves for the passion.
- Trekker’s heaven : Karjat is a renowned area for trekking due to its undulated hilly terrains and slopes. Karjat offers medium to very demanding adventurous trekking trails. The main trekking trails from Karjat lead to Matheran, Peth and Chanderi fort. The villages in Karjat namely Sandshi, Kondiwade and Khandpe are offers good trekking facilities to enthusiastic travellers.
- Bhimashankar Area : Located in the Sajyadri ranges, Bhimashankar is a huge massif, with a thick reserve forest. It stands at an altitude of 1005m. At the top of this massif, there is a huge plateau where the Bhimashankar town and the Bhimashankar temple are situated. Bhimashankar is a popular pilgrimage spot, since the Bhimshankar templem dedicayed to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The highest point of the massif is Nagphani, because it looks like the hood of a cobra from a distance. The Bhima river originates from here and flows down towards the Deccan.

Places to stay in Karjat

- Satya Health Farm : On the banks of the beautiful River Page, lies Satya Health Farm. It is located at Karjat, just 85 kms from Mumbai and offers rejuvenation, recreation and relaxation.
Vanjerwadi, Karjat, Raigad – Dist, Maharashtra – India
Website : satyahealthfarm.com
Tel : 02148-246154,246208
- Dr. Modi’s Health Resort : Nestled amongst soaring mountains, Dr. Modi’s Resort is spread across 50 acres of lush greenery. It is the perfect venue for conferences, seminars, banquets and parties.
Post Kirauli, Village Wanjale, Taluka Karjat, District Raigad ( Maharashtra ) 410 201
Website : modiresort.com
Tel : 02148-222316
- River Gate Resort : It aspires to set up world class facilities for the discerning travelers, set on 26 acres of lush green landscapes and manicured gardens lying nestled between the majestic mountains of Matheran, Murbad & Lonvala. The River ‘Pej’ flows on the periphery of the resort.

(Photo taken from Flickr)

Abu Simbel on Google Maps:

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Over the ages, the temples were lost to the sands of time, with sand covering them up; it was only in 1813 that Swiss orientalist JL Burckhardt discovered the top of the main temple, and it was only in another visit in 1817 that the Italian explorer Giovanni Belzoni (with whom Burckhardt had shared information about the visit) managed to enter the temple, and it was after that visit that the temple became famous among tourists. One curious fact is about why the temple is named ‘Abu Simbel’. This is apparently because there was a young boy who would guide the early discoverers to the site, and the temple got named after him.
The main view that people have of the temple is of the rock-cut façade where there are the four colossal seated figures of Ramses. This facade has impressive dimensions, being one 119 feet wide, and 100 feet high, and the colossal statues themselves are 67 feet in height. At the top of the pylon, is a row of stone baboons, (known as Watchers of the Dawn), with them being shown with their hands raised in adoration of the (rising) sun. The Egyptians believed baboons played a role in helping the sun god Ra defeat the darkness of night and so were believed sacred to the worship of the rising sun.
Another interesting fact about the design of the temples was the fact that they were designed to catch the rays of the sun on 2 specific days of the year – on February and October 20, the rays of the sun would get inside the depth of the temple and in a wonder of design, shine on the sculpture on the back wall, with just the exception of statue of Ptah (the god connected with the Underworld who always remained in the dark). There is no complete clarity on the reasons for these 2 dates, with supposition being that these dates are the king’s birthday and coronation day respectively, no confirmation though. When the temple was moved to prevent it from going underwater, this link was maintained.

How to get to Abu Simbel: Given that it is one of the most visited tourist site, there is a well defined way of getting there.

By flight: This is a less taken option, but there are flights from Cairo and Aswan to Abu Simbel. Egypt Air (http://www.egyptair.com) provides flights on this route.

By car: Because of security issues, foreigners cannot travel by car.

By bus: There are twice a day convoys that go from Aswan to Abu Simbel by coach or minibus, with police escort. These can be booked in advance, either through your travel agent, or through the hotel where you are booked.

Blogs / Articles:

1. Detailed view of Abu Simbel, including details of the temple (Wikipedia)

The complex consists of two temples. The larger one is dedicated to Ra-Harakhty, Ptah and Amun, Egypt’s three state deities of the time, and features four large statues of Ramesses II in the facade. The smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, personified by Nefertari, Ramesses’s most beloved wife (in total, the pharaoh had some 200 wives and concubines). The temple is now open to the public.

2. Many photos at virtualtourist.com (link)

3. Travelblog.com (link)

4. Egypt’s Abu Simbel (link)

There are two temples in the complex. The larger one is dedicated to Egypt’s three deities (Re-Herakhty, Ptah, Amen) while the smaller temple is honored to goddess Hathor. As you enter these temples, you can see Ramses’ statues all around and for you to understand, Pharaoh Ramses has over two hundred wives and concubines.

5. catswhistertours.com (link)

Memories of Abu Simbel will linger with me for a long time, not least because the visit entailed a 2.30am start and a long coach drive through the desert to reach the site just after dawn broke. Like many equivalent sites in Egypt I felt I was just part of a mass tourism production line with quality of information and the overall visitor experience somewhat mediocre. Compared to this the quality of information etc., at a typical Historic Scotland site is on a different (higher) level, but that said the climates are not comparable and Egypt is not Scotland.

6. The Abu Simbel Relocation (link)

Lost once to the sands of the desert, Abu Simbel was almost lost for a second time when the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge the site under the waters of Lake Nasser. The Egyptian government along with UNESCO and a team of engineers, scientists and archaeologists worked for four years to relocate the monument 200 feet from the original site.

7. Hotels in Sbu Simbel (link)

Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel – This hotel offers comfortable accommodations and quality services to Abu Simbel travelers. It is situated along Antonion Ayouyo Street near T Lake Nasser. The city center is merely 2 kilometers away and the Abu Simbel Airport is merely 3 kilometers away.

8. Description of Abu Simbel by Professor Yasser Metwally along with photos and videos (link)

Between the legs and on each of their sides stand smaller statues of members of the royal family. The smaller statues of relatives were probably, for the first southern colossus: Queen Nefretari by the left leg, the king’s mother, the great wife of Seti I, Muttuya by his right leg, and Prince Amenhirkhopshef in front. For the second southern colossus, Princess Bent’anta stood by the left leg, Princess Nebettawyby the left, and one unnamed female figure, probably that of a lesser royal wife named Esenofre.

9. Description of the temple (link)

Four colossal 20 meter statues of the pharaoh with the double Atef crown of Upper and Lower Egypt decorate the facade of the temple, which is 35 meters wide and is topped by a frieze with 22 baboons, worshippers of the sun and flank the entrance. The colossal statues were sculptured directly from the rock in which the temple was located before it was moved. All statues represent Ramesses II, seated on a throne and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The statue to the left of the entrance was damaged in an earthquake, leaving only the lower part of the statue still intact. The head and torso can still be seen at the statue’s feet.

Photos of Abu Simbel: No Photos allowed inside the temple.

1. At the door of Nefertari (Ramses wife) temple in Abu Simbel, Egypt right before sunrise (link)

2. Photos of the temple and relief paintings (link)

3. Photos of Abu Simbel at travelphoto.net (link)

4. Abu Simbel Photos at trekearth.com (link)

5. Large photos at this blog (link)

6. Photo Gallery of Abu Simbel at National Geographic (link)

7. Photos at Fotosearch (link)

8. Photos inside the temple at Abu Simbel, some beautiful photos (link)

9. Links to more photos at Infohub.com (link)

10. Photos of Abu Simbel with description (link)

Videos about Abu Simbel at Youtube:

See Abu Simbel in Egypt – Things to do before you die – BBC

Travelogue about Egypt by John Sawyer

Abu Simbel Two Temples Egypt

Egypt’s most famous temple, a clip from “King Tut, Ramses and Me”, a free Intrepid Berkeley Explorer video of time travel in Egypt

Aswan/Abu Simbel

Global Treasures – ABU SIMBEL – Egypt

Some books / Videos:

The Mysteries of Abu Simbel: Ramesses II and the Temples of the Rising Sun (Paperback)

Global Treasures ABU SIMBEL Egypt:

National Geographic: Engineering Egypt (2007)

Historic Print (S): The sixty-five foot portrait statues of Ramses II, before rockhewn temple of Abu Simbel

Luxor Illustrated: With Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the Nile (Paperback)

Abu Simbel Posters:
1. Ramses Temple and the Nile Shoreline at Abu Simbel Photographic Poster Print by David Boyer, 56×42
2. Night View of the Temple and Statues at Abu Simbel Photographic Poster Print by O. Louis Mazzatenta, 64×48
3. Large Statues in Temple at Abu Simbel Photographic Poster Print by Eliot Elisofon, 24×32
4. The Temple of Re-Herakhte for Ramses II, Abu Simbel Photographic Poster Print by Robert Harding, 16×12

View maps of Dachigam at this location (link)

India boasts of a large number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and most of them are extremely beautiful. One of the most beautiful, although smaller than the others, and located in the most northern part of India is the Dachigam Wildlife Park, located outside Srinagar, in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. The sanctuary is located just 22 km outside the capital city of Srinagar, and you have to really be there to admire the natural beauty. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 141 square kilometer, with hills, forests, and a great undergrowth. Like most other sanctuaries, you need permission from the Wildlife Department for exploration. There is a 10 km road that runs through Lower Dachigam, and travel through the Upper Dachigam by foot.

Climate and geography: The sanctuary, given that it exists in a mountainous area, nestled among the Himalayas, covers a huge difference in altitude, from 5500 feet to 14000 feet. As a result of this wide spread in altitude, you cannot really explore the higher regions in winter, and summer is a better time to explore the sanctuary. The upper region is best explored in the summer months of May, June, July and August; while the lower altitude regions can be explored in all the months, although December does get cold (but you don’t suffer the problems of snow and ice that you get in the upper regions). As a result of this difference in altitude, the greenery in the park also varies, with the lower regions being more densely green, while the upper regions lie above the treeline and have a lot more of bare mountains, rocks, cliffs and hills. The Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam after emerging from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), in the higher ranges.

History: The park has been in existence in one way or the other since 1910, when it was patronized by the Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir, and later by the Government. In 1981, the Park was formally designated as a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary when it got legal protection under the law of the land. The name of the park is from the phrase, ’10 villages’, which were literally the villages that were removed to facilitate the formation of the wildlife sanctuary. The park was also considered very important from the perspective of maintaining a reliable source of water for the people of the capital city of Srinagar.

Protection: Given that the sanctuary is located in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, and in the Himalayas, the flora and fauna is from that region. The sanctuary is the home to the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag, a species of Red Deer. During winter, they move to the lower regions, and you can view them in the lower regions. Some of the other species of animals found over here include Himalayan Black Bear, species of wild Goat like the Markhor and Ibex, varieties of exotic Himalayan birds, rare musk deer, and the Himalayan marmot. And if you are lucky, you can see the leopard, or even the more elusive spotted leopard. Dachigam is also known for the large species of birds that can be found there such as the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant, and you can also see the golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier in the sky over the sanctuary.
In terms of the plants and trees, you can find the park very beautiful with its alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars, running down the mountain face. And of course, at the higher levels, the meadows and grasslands are covered by beautiful poppy flowers. Some of the wild trees of the park are Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine and Elm.

How to get there: Srinagar is the best base to visit Dachigam. You can get to Srinagar and then take a vehicle to Dachigam, after getting the requisite permissions.

Air: The nearest town and airport is Srinagar 22-km away and Srinagar is well connected to Delhi and other cities in North India.

Rail: It is 310-km from Jammu, the nearest railway station, although there is a railway under construction to extend this line to Srinagar.

Road: A metalled road links Srinagar with Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can be reached on foot. Srinagar in turn is well connected by Road to Jammu as well as to Leh.

Where to stay: As with travel, you can easily stay in Srinagar in a huge number of hotels, guest houses or in houseboats. Or you can get to Dachigam with its limited staying options: Two lodges and rest houses in the sanctuary are available for accommodation.

External articles / blogs:

1. rang7.com (link)

The area of what is now Dachigam National Park was the exclusive hunting ground and protected area of the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir. Among other issues, one of the mandate of the protected area was to ensure clean supply of water for Srinagar. Following India’s Independence, the area came under the control of the Forest Department, and in 1951 it was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Ladakh Kashmir (link)

Dachigam is one sanctuary that cannot be seen in all it’s glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes it’s entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive.
A major portion of the park is under constant stress from over grazing and encroachments by neighbouring communities. Although the problem is still very much prevalent, it has been controlled to a large extent by the park authorities. A permit from the chief Wildlife Warden is necessary for anyone wanting to enter the park premises.

3. Adventure activities (link)

Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety – deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam. A metallic road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam.

4. Wildlife tours of India (link)

The lower area of the park has gentle terrain which is not too harsh even for the ‘not so fit’ people. Trekking and walking are the best ways to explore the park while it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable walking in the midst of machine guns peeking out from the BSF checkposts. Beware of the leopards and bears and try not to go on a trek without the company of a local person, preferably a guide with good knowledge of the area.

5. Wildbytes from India (link). Some nice photos as well.

Just as we entered the park we saw a group of grey langurs, again endemic to this forest jumping about in the trees. On closer look these langurs did look different from the langurs we see in Delhi; much bigger and indeed, grey. I was happy that no one including the forest guard and the army person who accompanied us objected to my using the video camera.

Some photos from Dachigam:

Flickr (link)

2 photos at webshots (link)

Hanguls run from Kashmir’s cold

Endangered Hangul back in Srinagar