The Hindu Business Line : In all of nature's glory

The picturesque hill stations of Uttaranchal, with their lush forests and sparkling rivers, are rife with a dazzling variety of flora and fauna, especially during the monsoons.

Scenic Himalayan hills, as seen from Chandrasheel in Uttaranchal.

Come summer and we all rush to the mountains. People from different parts of the country throng the hill stations. But have you ever visited the hills during rains? If you haven't, it's time you did, for the hills could offer some of the most beautiful and amazing sights during rains.

It was by chance that we went to the Central Himalayan hills of Kumaon and Garhwal. The lush green landscape with fresh new vegetation presented a soothing sight to the eye, after a dry summer spell in the city.

All around, the scene is one of gaiety and levity: A couple of folk singers in their traditional costumes singing to the beat of the hudka (tambourine) in their hands. A group of women, attired in colourful long skirts with their lower frills characteristically tucked under a thick waistband, singing and moving in rhythmic motion as they plant seedlings in the fields. The jingling of their bangles and the rising lyrical notes reflect the festive mood, for this is the most important time of the year, the advent of the monsoons. A time for celebration, for the people of this region.

Lying in the north of the vast and bountiful expanse of India, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Uttaranchal is one of the regions that provides all that a tourist could possibly want. Traditionally, this sector has attracted tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. Sacred pilgrimages include the famous Char Dham or the four Hindu pilgrimage destinations — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri; and the Sikh pilgrimages of Hemkund, Lokpal, Nanakmatta, Meetha-Reetha Sahib and Piran Kaliyar.

The rich cultural traditions, the natural beauty and the cool and invigorating climate of this land have been its main attractions. Mussoorie, Nainital, Kausani, Pauri, Lansdowne, Ranikhet, Almora and many more attractive tourist destinations are part of Uttaranchal.

The sheer variety of adventure sports ranging from mountaineering to trekking, skiing, skating, and water sports, makes the state one of the most attractive destinations for adventure lovers. While the ravines gush with water during the monsoon season, which sets in by the last week of June, the hills come alive with colour as the rains give birth to countless blossoms of Zephyranthus, and also enrich the life of the mountain folk. The festival of Harela or greenery is celebrated throughout the central Himalayan hills invariably on 17th July. Various kinds of seeds such as barley, wheat, mustard and lintel are mixed together and ceremoniously sown 10 days before the main festival.

The hill state is divided into two main regions, Kumaon and Garhwal, which enchant and captivate tourists in their own ways. While Kumaon plays host to clear lakes, chirpy forests and floral rainbows, Garhwal flaunts its snow-clad peaks, quaint retreats and mountain rivers.

Extending from the northern end of the Ganga plains right up to Tibet, Kumaon's endless panorama of scenic wonders is nothing short of romance with pristine nature itself. The nearest airport for Kumaon is Pantnagar, which is 71 km from Nainital, and the last railhead for Kumaon is Kathgodam. The Kumaon region has some lesser-known hill stations such as Bageshwar, Binsar, Dharamshala, Kausani, Munsyari and Ranikhet, making it a nature-lover's choice.

Bageshwar: Located at an altitude of 960 metres, the quaint little town of Bageshwar is situated on the confluence of the Gomti and Saryu rivers. It is about 90 km from Almora and is famous for its temple of Lord Shiva.

Binsar: Located at a distance of 26 km from Almora, Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chand Rajas in the seventh and eighth centuries, is a beautiful hill resort. The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The entire region is now a wildlife sanctuary and is home to a host of animals from panthers to deer. The main attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas — a 300-km stretch of famous peaks including Nanda Devi.

Dharchula: Located on the banks of River Kali, at an elevation of 915 metres, Dharchula is an important campsite along the Kailash-Mansarovar, Chotta Kailash and Narayan Ashram route.

Kaladhungi: A small hamlet, 35 km from the famous Corbett National Park, the significance of this place is clear from the fact that Jim Corbett chose it as his residence. Today, his home is a comprehensive museum, housing souvenirs, relics, mementos, related to his life and exploits.

Kausani: The ethereal sunrise and the wide view of the Himalayan range have attracted thousands of visitors to this place. Eulogised by poets, this scenic spot has much to offer all the year round — sightseeing, history, sports, pilgrimages and complete relaxation. Mahatma Gandhi loved this place and the legacy of his love has been preserved at the Anasakthi Ashram set up by his disciple, Sarlaben.

Munsyari: It is situated at a distance of about 120 km from Pithoragarh and is known for its beautiful waterfalls.

Ranikhet: The place mirrors the best of the Himalayas, lush green forests, majestic mountains and a variety of wildlife. Situated at an altitude of 1,829 metres above sea level, this hill station is a year-round destination.

Almora: You could make this place your base and visit places nearby — Binsar, Kausani, Sitlakhet and Someshwar. You could also visit the 1,000-year-old temple of Jageshwar, which has the most lyrical example of architecture of the 10th-century Katyuri dynasty.

The natural beauty is at its best in the hills during the monsoons. A wide array of flowers and fruits, breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks peeping through the monsoon clouds, the beauty of unpredictable weather either pouring heavy or crystal clear, each has its own charm. So, this is just the right time to plan excursions to various scenic retreats in the Uttaranchal region. The scenic Himalayan hills would never let you down!

Picture by Sarvesh

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