Haridwar - The Way to God

Haridwar is the one of the most sacred place on the earth. Haridwar itself means Hari-Ka-Dwar i;e, way to God. Haridwar is a beautiful city located at the bank of river Ganga. This beautiful divine city is full with temples and Ashrams.



Tourist Rest Houses

Rahi - Haridwar
Rooms : 20 (AC-3, Deluxe-16, Family Suite-1

Services & Facilities: Lawns, Canteen, Room Service

Operating Season: Round the year

Best season to Visit: Round the year

Nearby Attractions: Aarti Darshan at Har-Ki-pauri, mansadevi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksh Prajapati, Kankhal, Rajaji National Park, Chilla

Harsil - The Nature's Blessings

Harsil is an unexplored beauty of Garhwal Himalayas. Situated on the way to Gangotri, at a distance of nearly 75 Kms from Uttarkashi, this sleepy hamlet offers immaculate beauty of the Himalayas, at an impressive height of 2620 meters above the sea-level. It is surrounded by the breathtaking splendour of the majestic Himalayan peaks.

Harsil is also known as a major apple growing Zone. A Britisher, Mr. Wilson planted here the first apple tree in the 19th Century. His Cottage was still a major attraction in the area till a major fire destroyed the cottage.
Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, Harsil is counted amongst some of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region.
Harsil has a cool climate throughout and gets snow bound between December and March.

Harsil is a cantonment area. So, it is restricted for the foreign tourists. Apart from being at the way to Gangotri, it's also the entry point to the Kinnaur Himalayas in the Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach
Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant, 260 Km away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, at a distance of 245 Km.
Road: Harsil is connected with the outside world through motorable roads, via Uttarkashi.

Places to Stay (Hotels in Garhwal)
Tourist Rest House - GMVN Ph: 222210


PWD Inspection House
Mini Swiss Hotel

There are several Private Hotels in Dharali, 03 Kms from Harsil. Some of them are mentioned below:

Hotel Shivalik
Hotel Aanchal
Hotel Chandralok
Hotel Snowpinch
Hotel Himgiri

View Full Album of Harsil @ Garhwal Darshan - Album

Panchakarma - The Ayurvedic Secrets Of Cleansing The Body & mind

Panchakarma is super specialty Ayurvedic therapy. It means five therapies, the Ayurvedic means of maintaining the equilibrium of mind and body. This therapies help in eradicating the toxic substances accumulated in the body. It is a treatment for both the healthy and the unhealthy. The five therapies of Panchakarma are: Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Rakta Mokshana.

Why Panchkarma?

Due to the nature of modern lifestyle, food habits, diseases etc. invariably our body becomes a dumping ground of unlimited toxic and waste substances. By means of Panchkarma Procedures the toxins lodged even at the lower layer of the body are flushed out and eliminated. These treatments often bring out the deep-rooted origins of the diseases to the surface where they can be treated and cured

Benefits

• Eliminates Toxic matter from the body 
• Enhance the power of digestion and metabolism 
• Gets rid of diseases from the very root of the system 
• Restore normal health
• Helps the body gain strength and increase virility
• Gives a clearer complexion

Different Types of Purification Rejuvenation Therapies 

Abhyangam or Ayurvedic Massage: This is a special type of massage in which strokes are given according to the circulatory channels with medicated oil for 45 minutes per day for 7 to 30 days. Useful in: obesity, loss of skin luster, to correct blood circulation, sleeplessness, fatique and other vata predominant diseases.

Snehapanam: In this treatment medicated ghee or oils are given internally in proportionally increasing quantity for a period of 5 to 7 days. Useful in osteo arthritis, psoriasis, chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, general weakness etc.

Vamana: in this therapy week of preparation like snehpanam & swedanam very useful in kapha predominant diseases like upper respiratory problems’ mental & serious skin diseases like psoriasis.

Virechana: after one-week snehpanam and swedanam the purgation is induced with some special Ayurvedic medicine. This is very useful in pitha predominant diseases like acidity, Chronic constipation etc.

Pizhichil: Luke warm herbal oils are applied all over the body of the patient by two therapists is special rhythematic way continuously for about 1 hour in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for rheumatic diseases.

Sirodhara: In this process some herbal oils, medicated milk; medicated buttermilk etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 dyas. It is useful in insomnia, loss of memory, headaches, mental tension and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi: is a therapeutic procedure in which certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 7 to 30 days. It is useful in arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, gastric complaints, rheumatism, chronic constipation, sexual weakness and general weakness.

Sirovasthi: Certain lukewarm herbal iol are filled in a siro vasti yantram fitted on the head and held for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient’s conditions for a period of 7 dyas. Beneficial in facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth or throat, severe headaches and other diseases of the head and for mentally retarded children.

Nasyam: it is a treatment in which herbal juice, medicated oils etc. are applied through nose for 14 dyas. This treatment is highly effective in certain types of headache, paralysis, mental disorders and some skin diseases etc.

Kizhi: Herbal leaves or powders are made in boluses and is applied on the whole body or a part specified after dipping it in warm medicated oils. This procedure is done for 45 minutes daily for a period of 7 to 14 days. It is benefical in osteo arthritis, spondylitis, sport injuries etc.

Dhanayamla dhara: Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body is rhythmic way using a special vessel. This is done for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily.

Yoni Prakshalanam: Herbal oils and decoction are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynecological disorders. It is also purification process of the genital organ.

Kativasthi: in this process specially prepared warm medicated oils is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

Urovasthi: Like kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment in asthma, other respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.

Medicated steam bath or Vaspswedan is an important process prior to main panchkarma therapy. It is useful in the detoxification and purification of whole body.

    
      A team of doctors and staff at the GMVN panchkarma centres have been duly trained in panchkarma   
      protocols and in health care management.These centers offer a unique combination of Ayurveda, Yoga,
      Panchakarma, Kerala specialty and for rejuvenation with Himalayan herbal specialty.

Uttarkashi - The Kashi of Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi is situated at an elevation of 1158 m, on the bank of river Bhagirathi. This is an important pilgrim center equated with Banaras of Kashi, in divinity. The town is situated between Varuna and Assi streams, with ghats bearing the same names as those in Kashi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here, alongwith other important temples like Shakti Mandir, Kuteti Devi, Kali Mata etc.

Places to Go in Uttarkashi

Nachiketa Taal

Nachiketa taal is located at a distance of nearly 32 kms from Uttarkashi. Nachiketa taal is a trek of 3 Kms from  Chaurangikhal. It is a beautiful place with a lake surrounded by a dense forest. Most of the local people prefer to visit this place frequently on holidays. Especially in winters people from Uttarkashi visit this place to enjoy the experience of snowfall. During winters (December to March) this place is mostly covered with snow. TNachiketa taal is called so after the name of the Saint Nachiketa who is believed to be the creator of this lake. Various trekkers prefer to stay near the lake - Nachiketa taal for few days and thus carry their own tents and other necessary things.

Gangani
Gangani is noted for its thermal springs, where one can take a bath for relaxation and rejuvenation. Its is a small paradise with a spectacular view and tranquil surroundings, offering peace and solitude. Pilgrims heading towards Gangotri usually takes a bath at this divine thermal spring of Garhwal before going to Gangotri and in the return trip as well.

Harsil
Getting its name from Hari Shila temple, harsil is situated at a distance of 73 Kms from Uttarkashi on the way to Gangotri. this sylvan hamlet is famous for its natural beauty. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks at 2620 m, it is a quite resort to discover the undiscovered stretch of green grassy land and enjoy the surrounding. More details on Harsil can be found at my detailed post on this glorious place at Harsil - The Nature's Blessings.

Bhairowghati
On the way to Gangotri, Bhairowghati is the place to stay and enjoy the mountain landscape. A temple dedicated to Bhairow Devta is visited by scores of pilgrims, for he is the lord of the gateway to Gangotri.

Chirwasa
9 Kms from Gangotri, Chirwasa is a beautiful site. This popular camping site offers glimpses of the glaciated heights of Gaumukh. 14 kms further from Gangotri, Bhojwasa is famous for its Bhojpatra trees. The barks of these trees were used in the medieval ages to write on. Legend has it that the Veds and Purans of Hindu mythology have all been written on Bhojpatra from these forests. 

Gaumukh
The Gangotri glacier, situated at an altitude of 4255 m, is nearly 24 Km in length and 6-8 km in width. It starts from beyond the Chaukhamba cluster of peaks in the neighborhood of Badrinath and extends as far as Gaumukh. It is generally accepted as the physical source of the holy river Ganga. It is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling waters of the glacier.

Tapovan and Nandanvan
These two spot are situated opposite the Gangotri glacier, further up from Gaumukh. Nandanvan is the base camp of Bhagirathi peaks from where the visitors can have a superb view of the majestic Shivling Peak. the trek across south of Gangotri glacier leads to Tapovan, known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of shivling peak.

Char Dhams of Garhwal

Garhwal Himalayas is famous for its ancient temples and stories behind those temples. Today the places where these temples are situated has become amongst the most renowned sacred and holy places of India as well as the world. Every year people from throughout the world come here to visit these sacred temples. The complete journey of four world famous temples is popularly known as 'Char Dham Yatra'.

The four major holy shrines of garhwal are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath. Gangotri and Yamunotri are situated in Uttarkashi district. On the other hand Badrinath and Kedarnath are situated in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts respectively. These four altogether completes the 'Char Dham Yatra Of garhwal'. It is believed that the journey starts with Yamunotri - Gangotri followed by Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra. Apart from Char Dhams in garhwal, there are many and many places to go and explore in Garhwal Himalayas. The scenic beauty of Garhwal is not untouched by foreigners who are always in search of natural peace, glory, relaxation of mind and soul.

Dehradun - The Capital of Uttarakhand

Dehradun is the Capital city of Uttarakhand state and is often termed as Drona Nagri. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya trained his disciples Kauravas and Pandavas here hence, named as Drona Nagri. Dehradun is a beautiful city with so many beautiful picnic spots like Lacchhiwala, Sahastra Dhara, Mussoorie, Kempty falls etc. Dehradun is well known for its renowned schools and that is why also called as School Capital of India. There are so many other educational institutions and colleges here.
dehradun is also well renowned for Forest Research Institute (FRI), Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS).

How To reach?

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant (approximately 25 Kms from Dehradun)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehrarun Station
Road Transport: NH 87