Things To Do in India’s Switzerland (Uttarakhand)

When it comes to natural beauty, Uttarakhand is considered one the richest States in India. The state also has some of the most important spiritual cities in the country that incredulously co-exist alongside adventure capitals. Uttarakhand is a beautiful example of the paradox that is India. We look at things to do in Uttarakhand that make this state unforgettable.

1. At the gate of the Gods

Uttarakhand has always been called Devbhumi (Land of the Gods) largely because in this State one can find some India’s holiest places and shrines. It has been attracting innumerable devotees and believers for over 1000 years. The most revered amongst such places is Haridwar (the gateway to God), where people come to wash away their sins with a dip in the Ganga. Haridwar is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination and it is particularly crowded during the world famous Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Melas. The two festivals have become an uber-magnet not just for devotees but also aspiring and professional photographers. Haridwar is not just a place but an experience that’s simply incomparable.

2. The Real Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a city that attracts a diverse crowd. It has revered ancient temples but it also a hub for adventure sports like rafting, rappelling and more. The contrast makes it very popular amongst people of North India. Rafting is organized in Shivpuri near Rishikesh and is seasonal. But the temples attract worshippers and photographers from all over. Rishikesh is also the premier yoga hub of the nation and at the Patanjali School educates people from the world over about yoga, meditation, ayurveda and other holistic measures. People stay at the school for months on end learning how to reshape their lives.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

3. Divine Dehradun

Thanks to its natural beauty and pleasant climate, Dehradun serves as a vital escape from the harsh Indian summers. While vacationing in Dehradun one of the things to do is visiting the Rajaji National Park. The sanctuary houses many rare species of flora and fauna. Hitting one of the many trekking, hiking or biking trails is a great way to balance the increased appetite created by the fresh and clean air. While you burn off the calories you’ll also discover the hidden side of Dehradun at a languid pace.

4. The holy four

For centuries, a drastically diverse crowd has been flocking to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The four places are together called the Chhota Chaar Dhaam (The smaller holy four centres). The locations have long enchanted people with their unparalleled beauty, their divine history and, since recently, their adventurous side. Pilgrims looking for salvation have been braving the trying conditions to reach them as they are the sources of the holy rivers, Ganga and Yamuna. Recently these conditions have become a major draw for Uttarakhand tourists, especially biking enthusiasts and campers who love the scenic journey and locales. The glaciers that support the two rivers are slowly melting, which has added to their attraction. Kedarnath, the hardest to reach location, is only accessible to the general public in specific months.

Glaciers of Uttarakhand

5. India’s Switzerland

Kasauni is a small hillstation located in Bageshwar. It is known for its serenity and small town charm, quite distinct from the bigger hillstations of the region. It offers panoramic view of the Himalayas and a quiet escape from urban life. Kasauni’s beauty led Mahatma Gandhi to hail it as the Switzerland of India. In Kasauni, you can visit the Anashakti Ashram which was home to Mahatma Gandhi while he wrote his discourse on Anasakti Yoga. In your sightseeing list, you must include a visit to see the Himalayan peaks that are shaped like a trident. If you are staying with a homestay, your hosts can teach you how to make an aipan, a regional and traditional style of rangoli.

6. To do in Nainital

Nainital is one of North India’s most popular hillstations. It is the land of nine lakes and enthralling activities, suitable for the entire family. In Nainital the most popular activity is boating. One can choose from several options like row boats, pedal boats and sail boats to discover the corners of Naini Lake. A cable car ride will lead you to Snow View from where you can enjoy lovely vistas of the region. A walk up and down the mall road is a lovely way to spend an evening or start the day. Many day trips from Nainital can be organized easily. The most popular amongst them are trips to Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal. Walking and hiking trails are found all over the hillstation with countless hidden secrets to share.

Lake Nainital

7. Must see Mussoorie

Due to its close proximity from Delhi and well-connected roads, Mussoorie is one of the many poplar hillstations in Uttarakhand for tourists. Other than a pleasant climate and picturesque locales, the hillstation has plenty of activities to offer. The Mall road is great place to spend hours walking and exploring the local market, maybe picking up trinkets as souvenirs. Kempty Falls is a lovely waterfall where lots of families come to enjoy a dip in the water followed by a fun picnic. A lovely and exciting ropeway ride leads you to Gun Hill, the second highest peak of Mussoorie. Here one can enjoy divine vistas of the Himalayan ranges and of the town below.

Gun Hill, Mussoorie

8. Wildlife Wonders

Jim Corbett National Park has been the favoured getaway for wildlife lovers in India. It doesn’t just offer a chance to see rare animals in their natural habitat but also a choice of exclusive experiences. Jeep safaris, elephant safaris, camping, festive celebrations and photography are all available for your entertainment at this sanctuary. The park is closed during certain months but is a great getaway during the most pleasant seasons in North India.

Jim Corbett National Park

Wildlife Sanctuary of South India - Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Nature park is the most popular biosphere reserves in India and the major National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary of South India. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve area is located at the foothills of the famous Nilgiris hills or blue mountains at the meeting point of two majestic mountain ranges the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats and shares boundaries with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala states. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes many National parks and wildlife sanctuaries and also declared a Tiger Reserve. The reserve is home to fauna includes over 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, about 39 species of fish, 31 amphibians and 316 species of butterflies.

Mudumalai National Park and Sanctuary

The famous Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and interstate boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endangered Indian elephants,Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards and vulnerable Gaur along with Indian Giant Squirrel and Red Giant Flying Squirrel and critically endangered species of birds such as Indian White-rumped Vulture,Malabar grey Hornbill and unique near threatened Black-and-orange Flycatcher.

Elephant at Mudumalai Park

Mudumalai wildlife Park is divided into five sub ranges Masinagudi,Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota. Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries is one of the first wildlife park established in India and declared a Tiger Reserve, It is an important wildlife habitat and Wildlife Corridor between Bandipur National Park,Nagarhole National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The Reserve forests offers shelters to four big cats of India Bengal tiger, Indian leopard,deers, Jungle cat and Leopard cat along with Bonnet Macaque, Gray langur, Sloth Bear,Indian wild dogs Dhole and the Striped Hyena.

Deer at Mudumalai National Park - South India

Mukurthi National Park

The Mukurthi National Park is situated western part of Nilgiris Plateau in the Western Ghats mountain range. Mukurthi National Park is the major protect area of ungulate The Nilgiri tahr,the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Mukurthi protected area is provide Habitat for sholas and Montane grasslands Wildlife and the flora are numerous endemic plants scapigerous, Alchemilla indica and Impatiens. Fauna includes mostly the grassland mammal species including Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri langur,Sambar deer, Barking deer and Wild water buffalo. Avifauna consists mostly of hill birds includes Whistling Thrush,Nilgiri Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit along with predatory birds the Black Eagle, Black-winged Kite and Kestrel.

Mountain Goat - Mukurthi National Park -South India

Silent Valley National Park

The Silent Valley National Park is the core area of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve and part of World Heritage Site,the Western Ghats. The high diversity of Silent Valley National Park support wide range of wildlife and home to the largest population of endangered species Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Indian Flying-fox or Greater Indian Fruit Bat. One of the best place to spot rare and endangered species of birds like Long-legged Buzzard,Red winged crested cuckoo,Malabar Pied Hornbill,Nilgiri Wood-pigeon,the Black bulbul and Pale harrier.

Monkey looking - Silent Valley National Park - South India

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and a major wildlife corridor between Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of the Western Ghats and Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary of the Eastern Ghats. Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is a notable wildlife corridor, mix of flat land, grass land and mountain peaks between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. Its is fourth Project Tiger Tiger Reserve of India and a notable sanctuary to diverse populations of the animals of two habitats such as great Indian Elephants,royal Bengal Tigers,Indian leopards and other wild boar, Sloth bear and striped hyenas.

Striped Hyena - Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary - South India

Bandipur National Park 

The Bandipur National Park is a tiger reserve located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka and know for its Biomes and dry deciduous forest. The tiger reserve is one of the most famous national park in south India and along with Mudumalai,Wynad and Nagarhole it is the largest protected area of south India. Bandipur National Park is home to many species of India’s endangered wildlife such as Indian giant squirrels, muggers, Indian rock pythons, Spectacled cobra, four-horned antelopes,Indian monitor lizards and the large bovine Gaur or Indian bison.

Wild Cow - Bandipur National Park - South India

Nagarhole National Park 

The Nagarhole National Park is located between the Kodagu and Mysore district in Karnataka state. Nagarhole National Park is heavily forested Project Tiger tiger reserve and cover with small water streams, big mountain hills, deep valleys and spectacular waterfalls. Its is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park ranges from foothills of the Western Ghats to down the Brahmagiri hills towards Kerala. Nagarhole National Park is home to Purple heron,darter,Indian rock python, stripe-necked mongoose along with tiger, leopard,wild dogs and striped hyena.

RedFox - Nagarhole National Park - South India

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an second largest wildlife park in Kerala and declared a Project Elephant, Elephant Reserves. Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is situated between the Mysore and a small town Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district of Kerala. Wayanad Animal sanctuary support a wide range of flora includes maruthi, bamboos, rosewood, karimaruthi and fauna such as panthers, jungle cats, deer and bears along with AviFauna few wild birds owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls,Peacocks and Peafowl.

Vulture at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - South India

Explore the Rann of Kutch

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The Rann of Kutch is a wasteland of thousand of kilometers with no water bodies no trees nothing, Almost like a land of dead, absolutely dead. Rann of Kutch is divided into major parts known as Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch along with Banni grasslands. Great Rann of Kutch is located in the famous Thar Desert area of Kutch District in Gujarat. The Rann of Kutch is largest salt desert in the world, Kutch is situated between the Gulf of Kutch and Indus River and support variety of flora and fauna.

BHANJANO Hills in The RANN of KUTCH

Flora

Rann of Kutch contains salt desserts and grassland of many species of grasses. The small grass of Banni Grasslands located on the marshy salt flats of Rann of Kutch. Marsh region consists of apluda and cenchrus species of grasses along with dry thorny shrubs. There is no big tree throughout the Rann, except one stupid tree call Prosopis juliflora.

Flora - Rann of Kutch

Fauna

The area is well famous for Indian Wild Ass found in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary at Little Rann of Kutch. Indian Wild Ass or khur shares the land with other wild animal such as Indian wolf, desert cat,hedgehog,golden jackal, threatened blackbuck and the biggest antelope Nilgai. Wild animals in the wild Sanctuaries of Kutch district includes Indian boar,Striped Hyena, desert fox and the Caracal.

Caracal at Rann of Kutch

Avifauna

The Avifauna of Rann of Kutch has a wide variety from waterbirds like cranes, flamingos and pelicansto the desert birds great Indian bustards,Lesser Florican and Houbara Bustard. Great Rann of Kutch is the only place in India where flamingos come to breed along with Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve. The great Rann is home to hundred of species of local and migratory birds along with spectacular birds of prey like majestic eagles, fascinating buzzards and elegant harriers with short eared owl.

Short Eared Owl @ Rannn of Kutch

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Rann of Kutch is home to many wildlife sanctuaries such as  Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary the largest wildlife Sanctuary in India, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary,Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Little desert of Kutch. These wildlife conservation area are home to several wild animals,birds and reptiles like species of lizards and snakes along with spiders and Desert Scorpions.

Great Indian Wild Ass in Rann of Kutch

Banni Grasslands

The Banni Grasslands is protected reserves in the Salt marsh region of Rann of Kutch in Kutch District. Banni Grasslands is known as rich biodiversity and a long wildlife protected forest in India, the only remaining habitats for reintroduction of the Cheetah in India. The grasslands is home to Chinkara, Wild boar, Blackbuck and Indian hare and for Cheetahs hopefully in near future. Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is one of the marshy wetlands of the Banni grasslands and best place for water birds waterfowl, cranes and Painted Stork.

Banni Grasslands - Rann of Kutch

Chir Batti 

The world famous Chir Batti is light of ghost appear in the Banni grasslands of Rann of Kutch. Chir Batti appear at the junction of marshy wetland,salt flats and the desert near the Indian border. The ghost light occurrs on dark nights and colors of light keep changing to blue, red and yellow, Its one of the unexplained Natural Wonders Of India.

World Famous Chir Batti - Rann of Kutch

Kutch mahotsav

The famous Rann Utsav or Kutch mahotsav is the major cultural event held in November–December month in every year at Kutch District. The Carnival of Kutch is one of the mega and most colourful festivals of Gujarat and the part of “Khushboo Gujarat Ki”campaign. The cultural events,folk dance,traditional Gujarati dishes and handicrafts are the major attraction of this desert festival.

Kutch Mahotsav - Rann of Kutch

38th tiger reserve opens in India

India’s 38th tiger reserve and Kerala’s second was open by environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh. It would be known as the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. 

Tiger at Parambikulam wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

There has been a sharp decline in the number of tigers in India, with only 1,411 of them left, according to official estimates. 

The tiger reserve was known as the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary when it was set up in 1973 in a 285-sq-km protected area in Chittur area of Palakkad. 

Another 358 sq km of forests were added, and the tiger reserve now has an area of 643 sq km. 

It has a rich diversity of animal life. It also has a variety of trees, including teak, neem, sandalwood and rosewood. 

Kerala’s first tiger reserve — Periyar Tiger Reserve — is situated in Thekkadi in Idukki district. 

Bharatpur Bird sanctuary - A Safe Place For Avians , The Place for Bird Lovers

One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park, in Bharatpur, Rajasthan India) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water-birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. It is visited by a large number of visitors since it is on the tourist circuit of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, and also visited by photographers wanting to capture birds in all their glory. 

The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

Flora in Bharatpur

More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. ‘Ghana’ means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.

Saras on water shore

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is famous as an ‘Ornithologist’s Paradise’. The sanctuary is the only manmade wildlife sanctuary in India, developed by an erstwhile Maharaja of Bharatpur. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes, shallow lakes and bogs. The favorable environmental conditions combined with enough nutritious food for the birds at Bharatpur Bird sanctuary attracts thousands of indigenous as well as migratory birds every year including the world-renowned Siberian Cranes.

Flamingos 

The park houses more than 300 species of birds and is spread over 30 square kilometers. It is the perfect place to introduce your child to the wonderful world of animals and birds. The migratory birds arrive by August and leave in February. You can find several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, etc. The migratory birds include the Coot Snipes, Spanish Sparrow, Red Crested Porhard, Rosy Pelican and Flamingo. The star of the show is, however, the Siberian Crane. You can also find many mammals and reptiles in the park apart from birds. Pythons, Sambhars, Jackals, Otters, Spotted Deer, etc. are some of the other inmates here.

Location of Bharatpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary on Google Maps

Other places to visit around Bharatpur

• Bharatpur Palace : Not far from the museum is the Bharatpur Palace, an marvellous structural blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
• Deeg Palace: Situated just 32-kms away from Bharatpur is the Deeg Palace. A strong and massive fortress, Deeg Palace was the summer resort of the ruler of Bharatpur and houses numerous beautiful places and gardens
• Bharatpur Government Museum: One of the major attention grabber after the Bharatpur sanctuary is Government Museum of Bharatpur, which provides a glimpse of the past royal splendour of Bharatpur. 
• Lohagarh Fort: The invincible Lohagarh Fort, which remained unconquered despite several attacks by the British Regime
  

Best time to visit Bharatpur Sanctuary

Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year, still the ideal visiting months are from August-November for resident breeding birds and October- February for migrant birds. There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be covered on foot or on a cycle or you can also hire a rickshaw that are available on hire. An early morning boat trip or a late evening one is quite a rewarding experience to check out the hidden surprises of Bharatpur.

How to get there

The sanctuary is located in east Rajasthan just 50 kilometers from Agra and can make for an ideal weekend vacation. You can get to Bharatpur by bus (operated by the state transport and private operators) from Delhi, Agra or Jaipur. Bharatpur also has a train station in case you decide to get there by train. It connects to all the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai Jaipur and Agra. The nearest airport is situated in Agra. You can also get to Bharatpur by road as an excellent network of roadways connects Bharatpur to all the major cities.

Important things to take along

• Bharatpur has a very tropical climate as is located on the fringes of the Thar Desert. Wear light cottons during the summer and woolens during winter.
• Carry a pair of dinoculars for bird watching
• While restaurants are located within the park, they are very basic. It is preferable to carry your own food
• There is an entry fee to visit the park. Extra charges are levied for cameras and photographic equipment
  

Where to stay in Bharatpur

Perhaps no other wildlife sanctuary in India offers the range of accommodation as in Bharatpur. There are
rest houses, lodges, dormitories and hotels.

• Hotel Bharatpur Ashok, India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Inside Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur , PIN – 321001
• Hotel Udai Vilas Palace ,  Fatehpur Sikri Road, Bharatpur , PIN – 321 001
• Kadam kunj , NH-11, fatehpur Sikri Rd, Bharatpur
• The Birders Inn , Bird Sanctuary Road Bharatpur

Rajasthan Tourism provides good accommodation at its hotel, ‘Saras’. Inside the park, the Bharatpur Forest Lodge is maintained by the ITDC. Shanti Kuteer, Circuit House, Dak Bungalow are also good for a comfortable stay. Park Palace, Govind Niwas and the Tourist complex are the other choices.