North India - Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow was associated with the princely court of Oudh and then with the British, both traditions lingering on in the city whose finest monument is the Bara Imambara. Further east, Varanasi is the oldest city in India. An important centre of Hindu pilgrimage, it is believed that those who die in Varanasi will be released from the cycle of rebirth. Pious Hindus still come to Varanasi to spend their last days, living in spartan communes run by a multitude of religious trusts. The focus of interest to a visitor is the sacred River Ganga. At the series of steps leading down to it, people come to wash away their sins by bathing in the river, the dead are cremated and holy men meditate. In the narrow bylanes of the city are crowded bazaars selling brassware and silk brocades.

Agra

Agra, the city of the inimitable Taj Mahal is now an educational and business centre-known for its craftsmen & handicrafts. Marble and softstone inlay work, carpet and leather goods are some important traditional crafts of the city.

Agra, and the nearby city of Fatehpur Sikri, are conveniently close to Delhi to warrant an all day excursion by coach or taxi although there are several hotels of every standard of comfort. Besides the Taj Mahal are Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-ud-Daulah. 35 km away are the imperial ruins of the Mughal city, Fatehpur Sikri. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri are not merely rich legacies of Mughal history – they are the finest examples of architecture which combined Hindu and Muslim elements.

Climate (deg C) : Summer- Max.45, Min.21.9; Winter- Max.31.7, Min.4.2.
Rainfall : 66 cms (June to September).
Best Season : October to March.
STD Code : 0562.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Air : Indian Airlines connect Agra with Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Fare : Calcutta-Delhi-Agra Rs.5085 (US$ 186).
Rail : Agra is connected by rail with major cities, like Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Jaipur, Madras, Secunderabad and Trivandrum. Fare (approx) : Calcutta-Agra Rs.1950 (AC-I), Rs.1150 (AC-2A), Rs.975 (I), Rs.290 (Sleeper).
Road : Agra is connected by good motorable roads to Delhi- 204 km, Jaipur-237 km, Khajuraho- 395 kms, Mathura- 54 kms, Gwalior- 110 kms, Lucknow- 257 kms, Bharatpur 54 kms etc.
Local Transport : City bus services, tempo/scooter/cycle rickshaws and tongas. Regular bus services from Mathura, Delhi, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Gwalior, Haridwar, Lucknow, Brindavan etc.

CONDUCTED TOURS
Places Covered Timings Fare Operator
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Daily Rs.75/head UPSTDC, Taj Khema, Eastern Fatehpur Sikri. 1015-1830 hrs. Gate, Taj Mahal, Tel.65383
Starting Point : Agra Cant. Rly. Station.

PACKAGE TOUR
From New Delhi to Agra Daily Rs.450 (adult) I.T.D.C., L-Block
Covering Taj Mahal and 0700 to Cannaught Circus,New Delhi
Fatehpur Sikri & back. 2130 hrs. Rs.375 (child) Tel: 3320331, 3322386.
From New Delhi to Agra Daily Rs.250 (adult) D.T.D.C.
Covering Taj Mahal, 0700 to N-36, Bombay Life Building
Agra fort, Shikandra 2200 hrs. Rs.200 (child) Cannaught Place, New Delhi
Mathura and back. Tel: 3314229, 3313637.

PLACES OF INTEREST
(Distances from Govt. of India Tourist Office)
Taj Mahal (3 kms), Agra Fort (3 kms), Dayal Bagh (8 kms), Chini-Ka-Roza (9 kms), Itmad-Ud-Daula Tomb (6 kms), Radhaswami Samadhi (8 kms), Mariyam's Tomb (13 km), Sikandra (10 kms), Jama Masjid, Motilal Nehru Park, Shah Jahan Gardens & Rosary, Ram Bagh (10 kms).

EXCURSIONS
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 54 kms, Fatehpur Shikri 37 kms, Kaitham Lake 23 kms, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Mathura 54 kms, Van Vihar Widlife Sanctuary 60 kms.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Govt. of India Tourist Office, 191 The Mall, Agra 282 001, Tel: 72377,67959.
U.P. Tourist Office, 64 Taj Road, Agra- 282 001.

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Lucknow

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, one of the biggest states in India and is situated on the banks of the river Gomati, tributary of the Ganga. It is famous for its Gardens, Parks and unique archaeological monuments. The people of Lucknow are known for exquisite charm, courtesy and flair of the Urdu language.

Altitude : 123 metres (403 ft. above sea level)
Climate (deg C) : Summer- Max 36.6, Min 25; Winter- Max 21.1, Min 11.1.
Rainfall : 44 cms (June-Sept).
Best Season : October to March.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Air : Lucknow is connected to Calcutta, Patna, Delhi, Bombay by Indian Airlines. Vayudoot services also connects Lucknow with Delhi. Fare : Calcutta-Lucknow (Mon,Wed,Fri) Rs.2658 (Y).
Rail : Lucknow, on the Northern and North-Eastern Railway, is directly connected with Calcutta and all other main places in India. Fare (approx) : Calcutta-Lucknow Rs.1050 (AC-2A), Rs.850 (I), Rs.350 (II).
Road : Lucknow is connected by road with Agra (314 kms), Allahabad (225 kms), Calcutta (985 kms), Corbett National Park (280 kms), Delhi (514 kms), Kanpur (79 kms), Varanasi (314 kms) etc.
Local Transport : Taxis, buses, cycle, rickshaws, tempo service available.

CONDUCTED TOUR
Lucknow City Sightseeing, 0900-1700 (daily ex. Monday), Rs.100. Boarding at: Gomti Hotel, 6 Sapru Marg, Tel: 234708, 240624.Operator/Reservation: U.P.State Tourism Development Corporation

PLACES OF INTEREST
Residency, Bada Imam Bara, Rumi Darwaza, Hussainabad, Clock Tower, Shah Nazar Zoo, State Museum, Macchi Bhawan, Khurshid Mahal, Botanical Gardens, Picture Gallery.

EXCURSIONS
Chinhat Lake (13 kms), Kukrail Picnic Spot (15 kms), Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary (40 kms), Nimsar (102 kms), Dudwa National Park (60 kms), Golaknath Temple (171 kms).

AYODHYA
Ayodhya, a religious place, is directly connected by regular bus services with Lucknow (141 kms).

WHAT TO SEE

Hanumangarh, Janmasthan, Kanak Bhawan, Jain Temple, Treta-ke-Thakur, Mani-Parvat Nageshwar Nath Temple, Amawan Temple, Tulshi Chaura, Tulshi Smarak, Brahma Kund etc.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Tourist Office, Gomti Hotel, 6 Sapru Marg, Lucknow 226 001. Tel: 240624, 234708. U.P. Tourism, 3 Naval Kishore Road, Lucknow. Ph.0522-228349, 225165. Fax:0522-221776.

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Allahabad

Allahabad is situated at the confluence of the 3 sacred rivers - Ganga, Yamuna & the invisible Saraswati. It is here at the sangam that hindus Converage for a holy dip especially during the Kumbha Mela, held here every 12 years after.

Altitude : 322 ft.
Climate (deg C) : Summer- Max 46.6, Min 27.2; Winter- Max 25.6, Min 10.5.
Clothings : Summer- Cottons/Tropical; Winter- Woollens.
Languages Spoken : Hindi, Urdu, English.
Best Season : October to March.
STD Code : 0532.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Air : The nearest airport Varanashi (135 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Agra, Bhubaneshwar, Bombay, Delhi, Khajuraho, Lucknow.
Rail : Allahabad is an important rail terminus connected by rail with all the major cities in India. Fare (approx) : Calcutta-Allhabad Rs.1500 (AC-I), Rs.940 (AC-2A), Rs.750 (I), Rs.245 (II).
Road : Allahabad is connected by road with the major cities in India. Important road distances from Allahabad are:- Agra 483 kms, Delhi 612 kms, Lucknow 227 kms, Lumbini 406 kms, Khajuraho 294 kms, Varanashi 127 kms, Bombay 1,502 kms, Chitrakoot 128 kms.
Bus Service : Direct buses are available from Allahabad to Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Varanashi, Lucknow and Kanpur.

WHAT TO SEE

Anand Bhawan (Home of the Nehru family), Allahabad Fort, Bhardwaj Ashram, Khusro's Tomb, Patlipuri Temple, Sangam, Swaraj Bhawan, Botanica Gardens, Allahabad Museum.

EXCURSIONS

Kaushambi 6O kms, Chitrakoot 132 kms, Ayodhya 167 kms.

FESTIVALS

The Kumbh Mela is held at the sangam in Allahabad for over a month every 12th year.
The Magh Mela (Mini Kumbha) is held every year(except in the years of Kumbha Mela & Ardh Kumbh Mela) in the month of Magh(January-February)

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Regional Tourist Office, U.P. Govt., 35 M.G.Road, Civil Lines, Allahabad, Tel: 601873.
Calcutta Office, U.P.Govt., Bhagat Chamber, 12-A, N.S. Road, Beside Coal India Bldg, Tel: 220-7855.

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Varanasi

As the sacred river Ganga flows the snow-clad Himalayas into the vast plains, half way between Delhi and Calcutta it curves into a gentle crescent and along the crescent lies Varanasi. Said to be the frist created spot on earth according to legend, in existence for over thousands of years. Varanasi is the city which enshrines the very essence of Hinduism.
Area : 73.89 sq.km.
Altitude : 80.71 mts.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max. 46, Min. 32; Winter- Max. 15.5, Min. 5.
Rainfall : 11.1 cm. (June to September).
Clothings : Summer- Light cottons, Winter- Woollens.
Languages spoken : Hindi, Bengali, English.
Best Season : Throughout the year, but preferably October to March.
STD Code : 0542.
EP (European Plan) : Only Lodging.
AP (American Plan) : Including lodging & three full meals.

HOW TO REACH

Air : Indian Airlines connect Varanasi to Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Agra & Delhi, where the above places are directly connected by flights with Calcutta. Fare : Calcutta-Bhubaneshwar-Varanasi Rs.4711 (J), Rs.3400 (Y).
Rail: Varanasi is connected by rail with all the major cities in India. Fare (approx) : Calcutta-Varanasi Rs.740 (AC-2A), Rs.550 (I), Rs.175 (II)
Road : Good bus service connects Varanasi with most of the important places of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Some of the road distances are:- Agra 610 kms, Allahabad 127 kms, Bodh Gaya 240 kms, Gorakhpur 215 kms, Khajuraho 406 kms, Kushinagar 260 kms, Lucknow 320 kms, Lumbini 320 kms, Patna 270 kms Calcutta 681 kms, Bombay 1550 kms, Delhi 710 kms etc.

CONDUCTED TOURS
Tour & Itinerary Timings Fares Operator

River Trip Temples Summer: 0530 - 1145 hrs. Rs.75 U.P. State Road Benares Hindu Winter: 0600 - 1215 hrs. Transport Corporation University Tel: 63233.
Sarnath Summer: 1430 - 1825 hrs. Rs.100 Ramnagar Fort Winter: 1400 - 1755 hrs. Starting Point: U.P.Tourism Development Corpn, Tourist Bungalow, Parade Kothi. Joining Point : Government of India Tourist Office, The Mall. (Tickets are sold in the bus only).

PLACES OF INTEREST
(Distances given are from Govt of India Tourist Office)
River Front 5 kms, Alamgir Mosque 8 kms, Bharat Mata Temple 3 kms, Tulsi Manas Temple 8 kms, Gyanvapi Mosque 5 kms, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) 5 kms, Vishwanath Temple (Benaras Hindu University) 12 kms, Durga Temple 8 kms, Sarnath 10 kms, Archaeological Museum, Sarnath (1000-1700 hrs. Friday Closed), Fort Museum, Ramnagar (0900-1200 & 1400-1700 hrs), Bharat Kala Bhavan Hindu University (0800-1200 hrs. Summer & 0900-1630 hrs Winter). Closed on Sundays & University holidays.

MISCELLANOUS INFORMATION
Foreigners Registration Office, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police,(Intelligence), Srinagar Colony, Varanasi. Tel:62752.

INFORMATION CENTRES

Government of India Tourist Office, 15-B, The Mall, Cantt.,Tel : 43189.
Uttar Pradesh Government Tourist Bureau, Parade Kothi, Cantt., Tel : 43486.
Uttar Pradesh Government Tourist Bureau, Varanasi Cantt., Railway Station, Tel : 43544.

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Rishikesh

Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place.

Area : 11.20 sq.km.
Altitude : 356 metres.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max.44.4, Min.29; Winter- Max.32.2, Min.18.3.
Clothings : Summer- Cotton & tropical; Winter- Heavy woollen.
Languages Spoken : Garwali, Hindi, Punjabi, English.
Best Season : Throughout the Year.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Air : The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), 35 kms from Haridwar. Vayudoot services operates from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Jagson Airlines also operates flights from Delhi to Dehradun.
Rail : Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 kms), to Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities. Fare (Approx) : Rs.2300 (AC-I), Rs.1000 (I), Rs.275 (II).
Road: By road Rishikesh to Haridwar 24 kms, Dehradun 47 kms, Mussoorie 77 kms, Badrinath 301 kms (Son Prayag), Kedarnath 228 kms, Gangotri 258 kms, Yamunotri 288 kms (Hanuman Chatti), Srinagar 105 kms, Joshimath 252 kms.
Bus Services : Haridwar is connected by bus with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manli, Shimla, Rishikesh etc.
Conducted Tours : Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Conducts package tours from Rishikesh to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

For Details & Booking Contact : Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, Mun-Ki-Reti, Rishikesh- 249 201, Tel: 372, 357, 373.
Calcutta Contact : Garhwal Mandal Vikash Nigam, Bhagat Chamber (Beside Coal India Bldg), 12-A, N.S. Road Calcutta- 700 001. Tel: 220-7855.

PLACES OF INTEREST
(Distances are from the Tourist Office)
Bharat Temple (1.6 kms) [ Open from 0500 to 1100 hrs and 1300 to 2100 hrs ], Rishi Kund & Raghunath Temple (1.6 kms), Laxman Jhoola (6.7 kms), Pushkar Temple (1.6 kms), Shatrughan Temple, Muni-Ki-Reti (4.8 km), Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Parmath Niketan (8 km), Lakshman Temple, Sadanand Jhoola, Triveni Ghat, Shivanand Ashram, Kailash Ashram, Academy of Meditation.

EXCURSIONS
Haridwar 24 kms, Dehradhun 45 kms, Uttarkhand 144 kms, Kedarnath 228 kms, Badrinath 203 kms, Gangotri 253 kms, Yamunotri 226 kms, Nilkanth 16 kms, Mussoorie 77 kms.

YOGA ASHRAMS

Divine Life Society, Shivananda Nagar, Tel: 40.
Yoga Niketan, Muni-Ki-Reti, Tel: 227.
Academy of Meditation (M. Mahesh Yoga Ashram) Shankaracharya Nagar, Tel: 121.
Yoga & Meditation Centre (Yoga Sadhana Ashram), Railway Road.

TOURIST INFORMATION
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited, Muni-Ki-Reti, Rishikesh- 249 201. Tel: 372, 357, 373.
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited, Bhagat Chamber, (Beside Coal India Building), 12-A N.S. Road,Calcutta- 700 001. Tel: 220-7855

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Dehradun

Surrounded on the east by river Ganga, on the west by Yamuna, the Doon Valley is a most picturesque region at the foothills of the panoramic Shivalik ranges.

Altitude : 640 metres.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max 36.6, Min 16.7; Winter- Max 23.4, Min 5.2
Clothings : Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woollens.
Languages spoken : Garhwali, Hindi, English.
Season : Throughout the Year.
STD Code : 0135.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION:

Air : The nearest Airport Jolly Grant (26 kms from Dehradun) is connected by Vayudoot services from Delhi. Jagson Airlines also operates flights from Delhi to Dehradun.
Rail : Dehradun is an important railhead on the Northern Railway & is connected to all major cities in India.
Road : On State Highway No.45 Dehradun is well connected by good motorable road to Mussorie- 35 kms, Delhi- 235 kms, Haridwar- 54 kms, Bombay- 1927 kms, Rishikesh- 42 kms, Agra- 408 kms, Shimla- 280 kms, Yamunotri- 173 kms, Kedarnath- 268 kms and Roorkee- 67 kms etc.
Conducted Tours : Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organises daily sightseeing tours. Calcutta Contact: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, Bhagat Chamber, Beside Coal India Building, 12-A, N.S. Roa Calcutta- 700 001. Tel: 220-7855.

WHAT TO SEE
Sahastradhara Cold Sulphur Springs (14 kms), Tapkeshwar (Shiva) Temple (5 kms), Robber's Cave (8 kms), Lakshman Sidh (12 kms), Tapovan (6 kms), Botanical Garden of Forest Research Institite.

EXCURSIONS
Rajiji National Park (20 kms), Dhaulkhand Forest Reserve, Dakpathar (45 kms), Chakrata Hill Resort (94 kms).

TOURIST INFORMATION

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, 74/1 Rajpur Road, Dehradun- 248 001. Tel: (0135) 26817.
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, 12-A Netaji Subhas Road, Bhagat Chamber, Beside Coal-India Building, Calcutta- 700 001. Tel: 220-7855.

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Gangotri

In the hinterlands of the Himalayas is Gangotri where, it is believed, Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time. According to the Hindu religious scriptures, the goddes manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirathi's sons, following his penance of several centuries. At the legendary source of the river, Goddes Ganga is worshipped in the form of deity. The Gangotri temple was built in the early 18th century by a Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur. By November, Gangotri is snowbound, and so the deity is taken 25 kms downstream to Mukhba, so that her devotees are not thwarted. Despite the severe cold, however, several "SADHUS" remain at Gangotri year round, even through the very severe winter. Gomukh, the identified source of the river Ganga, is 18 kms further uphill. The trek to Gomukh is gradual, and severl pilgrims undertake the journey to pay homage to the river at its known source.

Altitude : 3140 metres.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max.20, Min.5; Winter- Max Subzero, Min.Snowbound
Clothings : Summer- Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woollens.
Languages Spoken : Garhwali, Hindi, English.
Best Season : May-June and September-October.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air : The Nearest Airport (306 kms) is Jolly Grant, 17 kms from Rishikesh and 24 kms from Dehradun.
Rail : Nearest Railway Stations are Dehradun (24 kms) and Haridwar ( kms).
Road : Gangotri is easily approached from Rishikesh (24 kms from Haridwar and 43 kms from Dehradun), which is connected to all important centres in the region through good roads. En-route accomodations & other facilities are available at the follwing places:- Narendra Nagar, Chamba, Tehri, Dharasu, Uttarkashi, Bhatwari, Gangotri, Sukhi, Harsil, Lanka, Bhaironghati. Road distances from Gangotri:- Rishikesh 248 kms, Delhi 472 kms.
Local Transport : Porters available at Lanka and Gangotri. Rates negotible.

WHAT TO SEE
SUBMERGED SHIVLING :
A natural Shivling formed of rock, submerged in the river, where according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when the Ganga first descended to earth. The Shivling is visible only when the water is clear in early winter.

GOMUKH TREK (23 Km) :
Snout of Gangotri glacier & source of the river Bhagirathi,Gomukh is located at an altitude of 4200 metres. En route accommodation is available at Bhojwasa in Tourist Rest House.

CONDUCTED TOURS
GARHWAL MANDAL VIKASH NIGAM, Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh, runs the following tours during the season (May-November). Dates of the first and the last tours are governed by opening and closing dates of Gangotri & Yamunotri Temples in May and November, respectively.

YAMUNOTRI-GANGOTRI-GOMUKH: 8 days. Opens every Monday. Rs. 1500-2000.
MUSSOORIE-YAMUNOTRI-GANGOTRI-GOMUKH : 7 days. Opens every Thursday. Rs. 1600-2000.

MISCELLANEOUS
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE : Near Bus Stand, Uttarkashi, Phone No.: 190.
BANK AND MONEY CHANGER : State Bank of India, Gangotri ; Nearest foreign currency exchange facility is available at Uttarkashi.
HOSPITAL: Primary Health Centre at Harsil. POLICE STATION: At Gangotri.

YAMUNOTRI
Yamunotri, the source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, located on a flank of the Bandarpunch peak. The trek along the river bank is quite magnificent, dominated by a wide panorama of mountains. It is said that the temple of Yamunotri was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the last decade of the 19th century. In 1923 this was destroyed, with only the idols left, and was rebuilt. It was once again damaged in 1982. A hot water pool at Yamunotri is used for the preparation of "PRASAD" normally rice and potatoes, cooked by dipping them in the hot water, tied in cloth bags.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude : 3322 Metres.
Temperature (Deg.C) : SUMMER Max 20, Min 6; WINTER Max Sub-zero, Min Snow-bound.
Clothings : SUMMER - Light woollens, WINTER - Heavy woollens.
Languages Spoken : Hindi, Garhwali, English.
Best Season : May-June and September-October.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air : Airport Jolly Grant, 17 km from Rishikesh & 24 km from Dehradun.
Rail : The nearest convenient Railway stations are Dehradun and Hardwar.
Road : Yamunotri is easily approached from Rishikesh, Saharanpur and Dehradun. En route accommodations and other fecilities are available at the following places: RISHIKESH-YAMUNOTRI ROUTE : Narendra Nagar,Chamba, Tehri, Dharasu, Barkot, Sayana Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Jankibai Chatti, DEHRADUN-YAMUNOTRI ROUTE: Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, Yamuna bridge, Damta, Kunwa, Naugaon. SAHARANPUR-YAMUNOTRI ROUTE : Herbertpur, Dak Pathar.
Bus Service : Regular bus services operate from Rishikesh to Yamunotri.
Local Transport : Ponies and porters are available from Hanuman Chatti.

WHAT TO SEE
Yamunotri stands in the shadow of Banderpunch mountain (6315 Metres). Its various places of tourist Interest include the Temple of Yamunotri, Surya Kund, A hot water spring and Divya Shila.
SAPTARISHI KUND : 10 Kms. A natural lake and beautiful picnic spot.

MISCELLANEOUS
TOURIST INFORMATION : Nearest Tourist Office is at Mussoorie, Tel.: 2863
BANKS : State Bank of India has a branch in Barkot and Gangotri.
POLICE STATION : At Hanuman Chatti.

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Badrinathath

The temples of Shiva and Vishnu at Kedarnath and Badrinath have been the destination of pilgrims for centuries. Once reached after tortuous treks but easily accessible today by road. At Uttarkashi at a height of over 3000 metres the snow melts to form the sacred rivers of Ganga and Yamuna is a deep recess of the mountains. The route to the two sources begins at Rishikesh and passes ancient temples and Valleys along the way. The Shrines are open from 1st week of May upto Diwali day.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

	Badrinath	Kedarnath	Gangotri	Yamunotri
Altitude	3133 mts	3581 mts	3048 mts	3291 mts
Temperature Summer	Max. 17.9 deg C, Min. 5.9 deg C		Max. 20 deg C, Min. 6 deg C
Winter	Max. Sub-Zero, Min. Snowbound		Max. Sub-Zero, Min. Snowbound
Best Season	May to October is the best season for the four places.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Air : The nearest airport to all the four places is Dehradun which is 335 kms from Badrinath, 268 kms from Kedarnath, 306 kms from Gangotri & 227 kms from Yamunotri. Dehradun is connected by Vayudoot flights to Delhi. And Jagson Airlines operate flights from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Rail : The nearest railhead to all the four places is Rishikesh (298 kms),where regular bus services, conducted tours & taxis are available to Badrinath (293 kms), Kedarnath (256 kms), Gangotri (248 kms) & Yamunotri (237 km).
Road : Badrinath is connected by road to Rishikesh (293 km), Haridwar (313 km), Kotdwara (325 km), Joshimath (42 km) & Valley of flowers (38 km), Delhi (518 km). Kedarnath is connected by road with Rishikesh (226 km), Delhi (450 km), Hardwar (250 km), Kotdwara (256 km), Badrinath (242 km). Gangotri is connected by road to Rishikesh (248 km) and Delhi (472 km). Yamunotri is connected by road with Rishikesh 227 km & Gangotri 228 km.
Route from Rishikesh to Badrinath
Rishikesh-Deoprayag 69 kms, Srinagar (U.P) 105 kms, Rudraprayag 139 kms, Karnaprayag 171 kms, Nandaprayag 192 kms, Chamoli 202 kms, Pipalkoti 221 kms, Joshimath 252 kms and Badrinath 294 kms.
Route from Rishikesh to Kedarnath via Rudraprayag
Rishikesh-Rudraprayag 139 kms, Agastamuni 157 kms, Kund 171 kms, Guptakashi 181 kms, Phata 194 kms, Soneprayag 207 kms, Gaurikund 212 kms and Kedarnath 226 kms, Distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath (14 kms) has to be covered on foot.
Route from Badrinath to Kedarnath
Badrinath-Joshimath 42 kms, Chamoli 92 kms, Gopeshwar 103 kms,
Guptakashi 183 kms, Gaurikund 214 kms and Kedarnath 228 kms.
Route from Rishikesh to Gangotri-Gaumukh
Rishikesh-Narendranagar 16 kms, Tehri 77 kms, Dharasu 118 kms, Makuri 137 kms, Uttarkashi 148 kms, Gangnani 90 kms, Sukhi 204 kms, Bhaironghati 238 kms, Gangotri 248 kms, Bhojwasa 18 kms, Gaumukh 4 kms, Distance between Gangotri & Gaumukh (22 kms) has to be covered on foot.
Route from Rishikesh to Yamnotri (via Dharasu)
Rishikesh-Dharasu 118 kms, Barkot 178 kms, Sayanchatti 206 kms, Hanumanchatti 213 kms, Jankichatti 221 kms and Yamunotri 227 kms. Distance between Janakichatti and Yamunotri (14 kms) has to be covered on foot.
Route from Gangotri to Kedarnath (269 kms)
To reach Kedarnath one has to return to Lanka from where there is a road route via Uttarkashi, Tehri, Kiritnagar Srinagar (U.P), Rudraprayag Agastamuni, Kund, Gaurikund.

CONDUCTED TOUR
Package Tours Conducted by G.M.V.N. Charges (Rs) Sl.No. Name of the tour Frequency Days Adult Child

Rishikesh-Kedarnath-Badrinath Daily 7 1601 1251
Delhi-Kedarnath-Badrinath Except Monday 7 1801 1451
Rishikesh-Badrinath (2/2 coach) Daily 4 1001 851
Rishikesh-Kedarnath-Badrinath- Daily 12 2601 2251Gangotri-Yamunotri
Rishikesh-Yamunotri-Gangotri-Gomukh Every Friday 7 1751 1501 (By 3/2 coach)
Rishikesh-Valley of Flowers- Monday 7 1801 1451 Hemkund-Badrinath & (July to 1st week of September) Thursday
Delhi-Kedarnath-Badrinath Every Monday 8 2801 2501 (Deluxe tour by 19 seater Bus)
Delhi-Yamunotri-Gangotri-Gomukh- Daily 13 3151 2751 Kedarnath-Badrinath Except Friday
Delhi-Yamunotri-Gangotri- Every Friday 12 4151 3651 Kedarnath-Badrinath (Deluxe tour by 19 seater bus)

TAXI/CAR TOURS

Rishikesh-Kedarnath-Badrinath Daily 6 2901 per seat
Delhi-Kedarnath-Badrinath Daily 7 3301 per seat
Rishikesh-Yamunotri-Gangotri Daily 10 4451 per seat Kedarnath-Badrinath
Delhi-Dehradun-Yamunotri- Daily 11 4751 per seat Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath
Rishikesh-Badrinath Sun., 4 1701 per seat Tue., Fri. P.S 1) Yatra Office can conduct special Chardham tour with Goumukh, if there is minimum group of 25 member with additional charges. 2) The package fare includes transportation and sharing accommodation only. Reservation: 1) P.R.O Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd., Bombay C/O M.T.D.C (Tour Branch), CDO Hutments, M.Cama Road, Bombay - 400 021. Tel: 2027762/2026713. 2) Muni-Ki-Reti, Rishikesh, Tel:372.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Inoculation against Cholera is necessary.
Boiled Water is advisable for drinking.
Tinned provisions are useful.
Travellers should carry warm clothing, blankets, water proof ground sheets, rain coat, umbrella, torch, walking sticks, canvas shoes and some medicines.
Dandies, Kandies, Ponies are available at all the bus terminals at reasonable charges with the help of G.M.V.N. conducted tour guides.

INFORMATION CENTRE

Tourist Information Centre, Joshimath (42 kms from Badrinath), Tel: 81.
Tourist Information Centre, Shrinagar (Garhwal U.P). Tel: 99 (Kedarnath).
Tourist Information Centre, Uttarkashi (100 kms from Gangotri), Tel: 171.
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd., Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh, Tel: 372.

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Information provided by Department of Tourism. Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Government of India.