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The sole purpose of this ashram, one of the oldest in Rishikesh, is to spread yogvidya and spirituality in the world. It offers space for meditation and yoga, along with a library.

Website:yoganiketanashram.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 0135-2430227, +917895176257, 6397514497

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Kumaon bustles with the stories of Jim Corbett who chose to settle here and work. His bungalow at Kaladhungi was a simple single-storied one which was sold post-independence to his friend Chiranjee Lal. Subsequently, this became a museum, opened to the public in 1967-68. For many Corbett enthusiasts, this Museum is like a shrine and a walk through Choti Haldwani, a village established by him that lies right behind the museum, a journey through Corbett lore.

Nearby areas like Ghatghar and Corbett waterfall were places where Corbett stayed and spent time with the local villagers. The locals still have his possessions. Corbett walked from here to Nainital. 

A steep climb with little signs in Ayarpatta pointing to it, the bungalow where Corbett once lived is a treasure trove. A deep verandah where Corbett’s rocking chair still swings in the wind leads one inside the house that has drawing and dining rooms on either side. It has three bedrooms that still has Corbett’s cast iron bed, his safe and other belongings. Corbett also shot a man-eater at Champawat where the Champawat man-eater, a ferocious tiger, had killed several people.

It was in 1890 that Swami Vivekananda and Swami Akhandananda, a fellow disciple of guru Sri Ramakrishna, set out on their historic journey across the region of Uttarakhand in search of enlightenment. Today, the state is imprinted with his influence and teachings. Devotees from all over the world come in search of his wisdom and take on the trail that inspired the Swami so much. The best place to start the journey along the almost 500-km long circuit is Kathgodam, which is the nearest railhead. The first stopover is Kakrighat, about 60 km away.

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Kanchi Temple, Kakrighat

In the Kumaon region, Kakrighat was the first place where Swami Vivekananda arrived about 100 years ago. Many say that it was here that he first realised the eternal truth. The river Kosi cuts through the landscape here and there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, called the Karkateshwar Mahadev Temple. Close to Kakrighat lies Thompson House (about 20 km away), where Swamiji is recorded to have stayed in 1898.

Mayawati Ashram

Mayawati Ashram or Advaita Ashram is the next stop in the Vivekananda circuit. You can reach the ashram via a tree-lined road. As soon as you enter the ashram, an old printing press draws your attention. This is the same press that was used to print the first two volumes of “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda”. The ashram is bordered by beautifully landscaped gardens, which are scenic and serene spaces. The ashram was founded in 1899 by Vivekananda. It is said that after seeing the beauty of the Alps in Switzerland, he wanted to establish a monastery in the Himalayas, where visitors could meditate in peace. Today, the ashram has a library in the room where Swami Vivekananda once stayed.

Almora

Legend has it that Vivekananda and his fellow disciple Akhandananda travelled the expanse of Uttarakhand with just their clothes and begging bowls. They started their journey from Nainital on foot, and walked all the way to Almora, passing through Kakrighat. Almora is speckled with places that are associated with Swami Vivekananda. Sri Ramakrishna Kutir in Almora was established in 1916, about 14 years after the death of Swami Vivekananda. It is the realisation of the dream of Vivekananda. Today, the ashram is a serene space to practice meditation in a spiritual environment.

Almora

Situated at the height of 1,940 m above sea level, the Mayawati Ashram (Advaita Ashrama Mayawati) is located in an old tea estate surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. It is one of the pivotal stops in Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual tour as he is said to have stopped here in 1898. The ashram has a museum that showcases some personal possessions of the monk and a charming library.

Sri Raghunath Temple, Almora

The second visit of Swami Vivekananda to Almora was in 1897. He arrived in a nearby village called Lodea. Many say that people welcomed him in front of Sri Raghunath Temple.

Sri Lala Badri Shah’s House

When he was travelling through Kumaon, Swami Vivekananda, along with Akhandananda rested in Sri Lala Badri Shah’s house in 1890. He stayed here once again when he came back to Almora in 1897. The house lies around 2 km from Sri Ramakrishna kutir. The house can be explored on request after 3 pm.

Vivekananda Rest House

While travelling extensively across Uttarakhand, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Akhandananda braved illness, hunger and dangerous weather on their journey. It is said that Swami Vivekananda was so overcome with hunger and exhaustion that he fainted on a rock. A Muslim man, Zulfikar Ali, passing by, offered him a cucumber and revived him. A small rest house has been built at this place to honour the memory of this incident. It was built by Boshi Sen, the founder of the Swami Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture.

Sri Kasar Devi Temple

When Swami Vivekananda arrived in Almora in 1890, he visited a quaint village called Kasar Devi. The village had an eponymous temple that was built in the 2nd century. The pristine natural beauty of the village, its landscape dotted with pines and deodar impressed him such that he thought it was the ideal place to meditate. Vivekananda spent some time in meditation in a small cave near the Kasar Devi Temple.

Sri Syahi Devi Temple

Sri Syahi Devi Temple can be reached via a trek through serene pine and deodar forests in Sitalkhet. On the way, you can get stunning views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli and Chaukhamba. This is the same route that was taken by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. He meditated in a cave around 2 km from the temple.

Dewaldhar House

Located around 70 km from Almora, in Bageshwar district, Dewaldhar House is the place where Swami Vivekananda rested on his visit to the Dewaldhar village. He meditated here for around 47 days.

Sri Patal Devi Temple

Located about 7 km from Almora, Sri Patal Devi Temple is one of the nine shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga. Many believe that Swami Vivekananda stayed in one of the rooms near the temple.

Government Inter College, Almora

This college was the venue of Swami Vivekananda’s lecture on the subject “Vedic Teachings in Theory and Practice”. It was in 1897 that he delivered the lecture in Hindi and impressed everyone with his oratorial skill.

Thomson House

Thomson House or the Industrial Training Institute lies near Sri Ramakrishna Kutir. It is said that Swami Vivekananda, Swami Swarupananda and other disciples stayed here at one time. The press here printed the magazine Prabuddha Bharata before it was shifted to Advaita Ashram in Mayawati.

Lohaghat, Champawat

Swami Vivekananda spent some time in Lohaghat, a pristine and beautiful locality in the Champawat district. A stone inscription has been put up near the Dak Bungalow where Vivekananda stayed for some time.

Nainital

From Nainital, Swami Vivekananda started his journey of self-discovery. Along with Akhandananda, he started his historic walk to Almora in 1890.

Bhimtal

Bhimtal is peppered with stunning lakes. Swami Vivekananda is said to have passed through here on his way to Mayawati from Kathgodam.

Shyamlatal

Although there is no evidence that Swami Vivekananda ever visited Shyamlatal, a popular Vivekananda ashram lies here near a lake. That is why this is a prominent stopover in the Vivekananda trail. This ashram was set up in 1915 and is a rest house for monks and devotees. It also has a medical centre that provides care to over 50 villages nearby.

Destinations Covered: Naini Lake, Sattal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiya Tal Nestled in the lap of the world’s highest mountain range – Himalayas – the Kumaon region depicts timeless beauty and eloquent grandeur. Known as the Lake District of India, Kumaon is home to several spectacular lakes. These lakes, with their quaint beauty and amazing backdrops, have been attracting travelers, both domestic and international.

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Naini Lake

Nainital Lake or Naini Lake is fed by freshwater streams from the upper slopes and is surrounded by peaks blanketed with vegetation, characteristic of high altitude vegetation such as conifer forests and pine. Three mountain peaks border the lake, namely the Naina Peak on the north-western front, Tiffin Top on the southwestern front, and snow-capped peaks on the northern front. A famous tourist spot, people come here for yachting and boating.

Sattal

Sattal is a group of seven lakes, namely Hanuman Lake, Ram Lake, Sita Lake, Lakshman Lake, Bharat Lake, Garuda Lake, and Nal Damyanti Lake. What is interesting about these lakes is that they are all freshwater lakes, and they are interconnected to each other. Surrounded by tall trees like Oak and Pine, these lakes present the pristine nature.

Bhimtal Lake

Situated 22 kms from Nainital, at an altitude of 1,370 m, Bhimtal Lake is larger than the famous Naini Lake. The emerald green waters of the lake mirror the lovely greenery of the surrounding hills and conjure a striking view. Spread over a vast area, Bhimtal Lake is home to a rich diversity of aquatic life. During the winter months, the lake is visited by migratory birds too.

Naukuchiatal

Also, known as “lake of nine corners”, it is a small nine cornered lake situated about 4 km from Bhimtal. As per legends, Naukuchiatal is associated with Lord Brahma and even has a temple dedicated to him. Within the valley, there are opportunities for angling and bird watching. 

Destinations Covered: Uttarkashi, Kedarnath, Bageshwar, Madhyamaheshwar, Jageshwar, Baijnath Uttarakhand, the 'Dev Bhoomi,' is dotted with numerous Shiva temples, and each one of them holds special significance. Many believe that it is here that Lord Shiva rules with great pomp and grandeur. Here, every village offers tales from the lives of the Lord.

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Baghnath Temple

Located in Bageshwar, Bagnath Temple is situated at a confluence of Saryu and Gomti rivers. Literally translating to "Tiger Lord," this temple attracts millions of devotees in the holy month of Shravana. It is said that pleased by Sage Markandeya's worship, Lord Shiva manifested in his tiger avatar here to bless the sage.

Baijnath Temple

The Baijnath Temple complex in the Bageshwar district is renowned for its outstanding sculpture and is counted among the best creations in Uttarakhand. Said to be built by Kumaoni Katyuri kings, the temple has been a significant spiritual sight ever since its construction. It is a beautiful example of early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples.

Dandeshwar Temple

Situated upstream from the Jageshwar temple complex, the Dandeshwar temple complex is adorned with beautiful antique images. This place is 200 m from Artola village from where the temples of Jageshwar starts. This place lies between Jhanker Saim temple, Vrudhh Jageshwar, and Koteshwar temples

Kedarnath

Lying amidst the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the Char Dhams. Thronged by thousands of tourists each year, the temple is situated at the height of 3584 m above sea level near the head of Mandakini River.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

A beautiful location at the foothills of lovely peaks, Madhyamaheshwar in the Garhwal region of the great Himalayas has an appealing elegance and picturesque surroundings. Though the shrine is not a gigantic structure, it is an oasis of serenity and devoutness. Tiny ponds that surround the tranquil environs attribute the calmness of the holy premises to a great extent.

Vishwanath Temple

An ancient temple in Uttarkashi, Vishwanath Temple is believed to have been built by Maharshi Parshuram and later renovated by Maharani Khaneti in 1857. The highlight here is the Shiv Ling, which is 60 cms in height with a circumference of 90 cms.

It was in 1890 that Swami Vivekananda and Swami Akhandananda, a fellow disciple of guru Sri Ramakrishna, set out on their historic journey across the region of Uttarakhand in search of enlightenment. Today, the state is imprinted with his influence and teachings. Devotees from all over the world come in search of his wisdom and take on the trail that inspired the Swami so much. The best place to start the journey along the almost 500-km long circuit is Kathgodam, which is the nearest railhead. The first stopover is Kakrighat, about 60 km away.

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Kanchi Temple, Kakrighat

In the Kumaon region, Kakrighat was the first place where Swami Vivekananda arrived about 100 years ago. Many say that it was here that he first realised the eternal truth. The river Kosi cuts through the landscape here and there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, called the Karkateshwar Mahadev Temple. Close to Kakrighat lies Thompson House (about 20 km away), where Swamiji is recorded to have stayed in 1898.

Mayawati Ashram

Mayawati Ashram or Advaita Ashram is the next stop in the Vivekananda circuit. You can reach the ashram via a tree-lined road. As soon as you enter the ashram, an old printing press draws your attention. This is the same press that was used to print the first two volumes of “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda”. The ashram is bordered by beautifully landscaped gardens, which are scenic and serene spaces. The ashram was founded in 1899 by Vivekananda. It is said that after seeing the beauty of the Alps in Switzerland, he wanted to establish a monastery in the Himalayas, where visitors could meditate in peace. Today, the ashram has a library in the room where Swami Vivekananda once stayed.

Almora

Legend has it that Vivekananda and his fellow disciple Akhandananda travelled the expanse of Uttarakhand with just their clothes and begging bowls. They started their journey from Nainital on foot, and walked all the way to Almora, passing through Kakrighat. Almora is speckled with places that are associated with Swami Vivekananda. Sri Ramakrishna Kutir in Almora was established in 1916, about 14 years after the death of Swami Vivekananda. It is the realisation of the dream of Vivekananda. Today, the ashram is a serene space to practice meditation in a spiritual environment.

Almora

Situated at the height of 1,940 m above sea level, the Mayawati Ashram (Advaita Ashrama Mayawati) is located in an old tea estate surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. It is one of the pivotal stops in Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual tour as he is said to have stopped here in 1898. The ashram has a museum that showcases some personal possessions of the monk and a charming library.

Sri Raghunath Temple, Almora

The second visit of Swami Vivekananda to Almora was in 1897. He arrived in a nearby village called Lodea. Many say that people welcomed him in front of Sri Raghunath Temple.

Sri Lala Badri Shah’s House

When he was travelling through Kumaon, Swami Vivekananda, along with Akhandananda rested in Sri Lala Badri Shah’s house in 1890. He stayed here once again when he came back to Almora in 1897. The house lies around 2 km from Sri Ramakrishna kutir. The house can be explored on request after 3 pm.

Vivekananda Rest House

While travelling extensively across Uttarakhand, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Akhandananda braved illness, hunger and dangerous weather on their journey. It is said that Swami Vivekananda was so overcome with hunger and exhaustion that he fainted on a rock. A Muslim man, Zulfikar Ali, passing by, offered him a cucumber and revived him. A small rest house has been built at this place to honour the memory of this incident. It was built by Boshi Sen, the founder of the Swami Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture.

Sri Kasar Devi Temple

When Swami Vivekananda arrived in Almora in 1890, he visited a quaint village called Kasar Devi. The village had an eponymous temple that was built in the 2nd century. The pristine natural beauty of the village, its landscape dotted with pines and deodar impressed him such that he thought it was the ideal place to meditate. Vivekananda spent some time in meditation in a small cave near the Kasar Devi Temple.

Sri Syahi Devi Temple

Sri Syahi Devi Temple can be reached via a trek through serene pine and deodar forests in Sitalkhet. On the way, you can get stunning views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli and Chaukhamba. This is the same route that was taken by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. He meditated in a cave around 2 km from the temple.

Dewaldhar House

Located around 70 km from Almora, in Bageshwar district, Dewaldhar House is the place where Swami Vivekananda rested on his visit to the Dewaldhar village. He meditated here for around 47 days.

Sri Patal Devi Temple

Located about 7 km from Almora, Sri Patal Devi Temple is one of the nine shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga. Many believe that Swami Vivekananda stayed in one of the rooms near the temple.

Government Inter College, Almora

This college was the venue of Swami Vivekananda’s lecture on the subject “Vedic Teachings in Theory and Practice”. It was in 1897 that he delivered the lecture in Hindi and impressed everyone with his oratorial skill.

Thomson House

Thomson House or the Industrial Training Institute lies near Sri Ramakrishna Kutir. It is said that Swami Vivekananda, Swami Swarupananda and other disciples stayed here at one time. The press here printed the magazine Prabuddha Bharata before it was shifted to Advaita Ashram in Mayawati.

Lohaghat, Champawat

Swami Vivekananda spent some time in Lohaghat, a pristine and beautiful locality in the Champawat district. A stone inscription has been put up near the Dak Bungalow where Vivekananda stayed for some time.

Nainital

From Nainital, Swami Vivekananda started his journey of self-discovery. Along with Akhandananda, he started his historic walk to Almora in 1890.

Bhimtal

Bhimtal is peppered with stunning lakes. Swami Vivekananda is said to have passed through here on his way to Mayawati from Kathgodam.

Shyamlatal

Although there is no evidence that Swami Vivekananda ever visited Shyamlatal, a popular Vivekananda ashram lies here near a lake. That is why this is a prominent stopover in the Vivekananda trail. This ashram was set up in 1915 and is a rest house for monks and devotees. It also has a medical centre that provides care to over 50 villages nearby.

Known as Devbhoomi (Land of the gods), Uttarakhand is known for its revered spiritual sites and pilgrimage centres. Cocooned by the tranquil heights of the Garhwal Himalayas, the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath (collectively known as the Char Dham) welcome lakhs of pilgrims in the summer months. But come winter, these sites become inaccessible owing to heavy snowfall. The gates to these revered temples are shut. During this time, the presiding deities of these shrines decide to reside in lower altitudes, which are popularly known as ‘Winter Char Dham’.

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Ukhimath

Located in the district of Rudraprayag, the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath (Lord Shiva). A tranquil destination, Ukhimath is ideal for those seeking peace and spirituality. Annually, the symbol of Lord Shiva is brought in an elaborate procession at the onset of winter and worshipped for six months till the Kedarnath shrine opens its doors for devotees. The head priests of Kedarnath (pundits), also known as Rawals, also come down to Ukhimath. Surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan ranges render Ukhimath stunning. Some of the peaks visible from Ukhimath include Kedarnath and Neelkantha. Not just as the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath, Ukhimath is also famous for such revered shrines dedicated to several deities of the Hindu pantheon, namely Devi Usha, Lord Shiva, Lord Aniruddha and Devi Parvati, among others.

Pandukeshwar

According to local legend, Pandukeshwar is the Pandava brothers (characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata) prayed to Vasudeva and where the Udhava idol, the emissary of Lord Badri, is worshipped during winters. This place is also known as Yogadhayan Badri. It is readily accessible since it is situated in the center of Joshimath and Badrinath. Many visitors to Badrinath make a point of stopping at the magical location to pay their respects to the two temples there.

Kharsali

Locally popular as Khushimath, the quaint hamlet of Kharsali serves as the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna. During the cold months, due to heavy snowfall, the Yamunotri shrine becomes inaccessible. Apart from the divine presence of the goddess during the winter months, Kharsali is a charming place boasting recreational spots, thermal springs, rolling meadows and forests of oak and conifer.The temple where the goddess resided during winter is unique in terms of its construction materials – stone, wood and a mortar made from a lentil. For those looking for adventure and thrill, spend a night under the stars here. Kharsali is a popular camping spot!

Mukhwa

While the Goddess Yamuna resides at Kharsali in the winters, Goddess Gangotri is brought to Mukhba, a small village on the banks of River Bhagirathi near Harsil. Due to excessive snowfall in the higher area during the winters, the idol of Goddess Ganga is transported down from the Gangotri temple to the Mukhba hamlet.As per local legend, Mukhba is where Chaman Rishi rested with Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata) when he was coming to light the holy fire at an Ashwamedha Yagna. The hamlet has two Ganga temples, one of which is modern and constructed of concrete and marbles, and the other is fashioned entire of deodar and brass. Apart from the abundance of natural beauty surrounding the Mukhba hamlet, there are few sites and attractions in and around Mukhba. Snow-capped valleys, deep pine woods, and spectacular vistas of the snow-capped peaks of Shrikanth, Hindyani, Jaonli and Sumeru, to mention a few, can all be found in the picturesque Mukhba valley. We hope that your journey to Winter Char Dham becomes comfortable and you enjoy every moment of the trip.

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Naina Devi

A well-known Shakti Peeth, Naina Devi Temple, is located at the northern end of the famous Nainital Lake. Situated at an elevation of over 6800 ft, Goddess Naini Devi is the deity of this temple. Represented by the two eyes of the Devi, it attracts thousands of devotees every year. It is said Naina Devi temple formed when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of Sati, and her eyes fell to the ground. It is the same place where the current temple stands.

Nanda Devi

Located above the Mall Road of Almora City at an elevation of 6110 ft, this temple is dedicated to Nanda Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple features a magnificent monument adorned with a stone crown, encircled by a wooden roof. The walls of the temple show intricate carvings. As per legends, Nanda Devi was the family Goddess of the Chand Kings, rulers of the Kumaon region. And it was in the 17th century that King Dyot Chand built the Nanda Devi temple in Almora.

Gangnath

Gangnath was the son of king Vaibhav Chand of Doti. When he fell in love with a Joshi Brahmin lady Bhana, he fought with his father and left his house. Soon Gangnath was murdered. However, when Gangnath's ghost started harming people, the people of the region started worshipping him and Bhana. The jagar singers of Kumaon often tell tales about the love affair of Gangnath and Bhana. The temples are spread all over Kumaon.

Bholanath

One of the most popular and revered folk god of Kumaon, Bholanath is said to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The story goes like: Chand King, Udai Chand, disinherited his elder son because of his bad habits and gave the Kingdom to his younger son. When the elder son settled with his pregnant wife near Almora, the King had both of them executed. The son, his wife and their unborn child became ghosts and people started worshipping them. The original temple of Bholanath is at Champawat.

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Malla Mahal

The Malla Mahal in Almora is made of stone and wood. It talks about centuries-old history. Established by King Rudra Chand, the fortress was subsequently the seat of power of the Gurkhas and the British.

Malla is witness to the princely state of the past where various sultanates have decorated their court with many memories. This palace, made of local materials in the Nagar style, is currently operated by the Collectorate.

forts of Banasur

Champawat is home to the forts of Banasur and Raj Bunga. The Banasur Fort is named after demon Banasur, whose daughter, as per legends, fell in love with Lord Krishna's grandson Anirudh. It was here that the lovers hid from Banasur but were ultimately caught. Once a symbol of glory and courage of the Chand Dynasty of Kumaon, the 800-year old Raj Bunga Fort is one of the few historical buildings of cultural significance still left in Uttarakhand.

Pithoragarh Fort

Built by the Gorkhas in the year 1789, the Pithoragarh Fort is located on top of a hill on the outskirts of Pithoragarh. Made of stone, it is one of the foremost venues that depicts Gorkha architecture. Hence, architecture and nature enthusiasts are drawn to this place. There is another ancient fort called Sirmohi Fort. It is located in the village Sirmohi of Tehsil Lohaghat.

Considered to be the longest epic poem ever written, Mahabharata is about the turmoils and friction between two factions of the same royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It is said to have been written around 400 BC, though the incidents described in the epic are said to have occurred long before, maybe in the 800 BC. Interestingly, many of the sites mentioned in the Mahabharata still exist and Uttarakhand is home to several of them. The Mahabharata Circuit covers all the places associated with the epic in the state of Uttarakhand. Around 250-300 km long, this circuit spans from Mana, the last village of India towards the international border, all the way to scenic Dodital.

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Badrinath

It is in this holy destination, it is said, that the sage-author of the epic had resided. Close to the Badrinath temple stands the Vyas Gufa, a cave, where it is believed the sage had sat and composed the epic with the help of Lord Ganesha. Another legend say that when the Pandavas were in exile, they had stayed for a while in Badrinath.

Mana

The last village of India, along the Indo-China border, Mana is around 5 km from Badrinath. Mana is believed to have been the site from where the Pandavas had started on their mahaprasthan (last journey), and their wife Draupadi was the first to fall, after crossing the Saraswati river. There is small passage called the Bhim Pul (named after one of the Pandava brothers Bhim) that is located here and the River Saraswati plunges headlong into the path and this is a sight to behold.

Pandukeshwar Temple

The Pandukeshwar Temple lies on the way to Badrinath and legend has it that this was where Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, worshipped Lord Shiva. 

Lakhamandal

Lakhamandal Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is represented in the form of a graphite lingam that shines when water is poured on it. A very interesting tale says that Lakhamandal or the palace of lac was a beautiful structure built by the Kauravas for their cousins, the Pandavas. The former had planned to burn the palace and along with it the five Pandava brothers. However, the Pandavas escaped through an underground tunnel.

Hanol-Thadiyar

Hanol, near Chakrata, is a scenic destinations with several tales from the Mahabharata attached to it. It is said that when Lord Krishna disappeared at the end of the Dwapar yoga, the Pandavas followed him and crossed the Tons river. The eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira, was mesmerised by the beauty of the location and asked Lord Vishwakarma to build a temple there. The place then came to be known as Hanol.

Netwar

Netwar is the most popular location in Tons valley. This is where the temple of Karna is located. Karna is said to be the firstborn of Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. Legend has it that he was abandoned by Kunti and later joined the Kauravas.

Deora

Deora is home to another temple of Karna. The temple has a compound on the right where six miniature temples stand, representing Karna and the Pandavas.

Mana

Legend has it that the Pandavas came to be beautiful Dodital on their way to heaven after winning the war of Mahabharata.

What to Know About Almora

Almora is believed to have gotten its name from Kilmora, a kind of sorrel, a short plant commonly found here, which was said to have been used for washing the utensils of the sun temple at Katarmal. Situated on a 5-km-long ridge at the southern edge of the Kashyap hills in the shape of a horse saddle, Almora is a picturesque town set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once the capital of the Chand dynasty rulers, Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, and delicious cuisine.

Almora has attracted several eminent people through the ages, including Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore. Uday Shankar and his troupe, including Guru Dutt and Zohra Sehgal, came here for a performance, while Ravi Shankar contributed to the cultural enrichment of the town. Govind Ballabh Pant, noted freedom fighter, first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and later Home Minister of India, was born in Almora. Sir Ronald Ross, who received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his path-breaking discovery of the malaria parasite, was born here in 1857.

Situated at an elevation of around 1,981 m above sea level in the Champawat district, Abbott Mount is a picturesque hamlet. It is said that a British businessman, John Harold Abbott, was so mesmerised by the serenity of this place that he decided to develop it as a European settlement. In 191, he built a cluster of 13 cottages, sprawled over five acres of forest. Later, the place was named after him. Bestowed with various colours of nature, one can spot Himalayan birds, colourful butterflies, and bright red burans (or rhododendron) flowers, especially in summer. Nature walk, trekking, angling, and photography can be enjoyed in this beautiful hill station.