Places to See in Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is famous for being the source of two of the main rivers of India. Apart from its geographical relevance it is of tremendous significance for the thousands of people who visit these places out of faith. There are also trek groups who undertake trips to these places for adventure.
Gangotri
Gangotri is the source for the River Ganga. It is 99 kms from Uttarkashi. Blessed with an exceptional scenic beauty Gangotri has a breathtaking holy environment with thousands of people visiting it every year as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage.
Things to see at Gangotri
Shivling
it is believed that Lord Shiva stood here and locked the flow of Ganga in his hair in order to stop the overflow of water submerge the local lands. The Shivling present here is a rare sight but it is more visible in winter months when the water level is low.
Temple of Goddess Ganga
The temple of Ganga is situated on the banks of the River Bhagirathi. It was built in the 18th century by the Gorkha community. The temple is open from the months of May to October after which it is covered with snow in winter.
The structure of the temple is twenty feet high made of white granite. It captures beautiful moments of beauty with its natural surroundings.
Gaumukh
At an altitude of 4200 feet above sea level Gaumukh is the place that holds the glacier of the River Ganga. It is a popular trek spot for adventure lovers. Usually there are such treks that commence from Gangotri itself and end at Gaumukh.
Yamunotri
One of the most important places of pilgrimage in India Yamunotri is the first that comes for a visit. Source of the River Yamuna it is believed to be the residing place of Goddess Yamunotri. The Kalinda Parvat amidst the Banderpunch mountain range holds the temple and the shrine of the Goddess.
Things to see at Yamunotri
The Temple
The temple of Goddess Yamuna was built in 1839 by Tehri Naresh Sudarshan Shah. Owing to its presence in an earthquake prone area the temple has faced several such tremors over the years and met with aftereffects. However the temple was renovated and repaired in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur.
Surya Kund
This is a hot water spring that is situated close to the temple. The aura of the location is enhanced with the presence of a hot water spring that is bubbles with heat in the midst of snow capped mountains. People flock here to offer prayers. Pilgrims also believe that the water of such thermal springs is a natural cure. At times the hot water in such cold climate also offers an opportunity to boil their rice and potatoes for a hot meal.
Saptarshi Kund
like Gaumukh this is the source of the Yamuna River. But there are very few who actually venture out to this place that is 12 Km away from Yamunotri and a difficult trek for many travelers. Even after the difficult trek there are wonderful things in store for one in the dark blue water of the Saptarshi Kund along with the slate stone banks. There is a rare type of lotus flower also which is found on the waters of Saptarshi Kund.
Other Places to See
There are several places in Uttarkashi that are perfect tourist spots for visiting and enjoying the locale as well as the significance of the place itself.
Vishwanath Temple
it is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple has a shivling (the idol of Lord Shiva) that is 60 cms in height and 90 cms in its circumference.
Shakti Temple
Maneri
this is a beautiful place 13 kms away from Uttarkashi. It has a Dam built on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. As a result a lake has formed itself from the water of this dam and has made it into a popular picnic spot for travelers.
Gangnani
this place is well known for its serene atmosphere which is considered ideal meditation. Gangnani also has several thermal springs the water of which is supposed to work wonders for many ailments. There is a temple dedicated to Sage Parasara who was the father of Ved Vyas.
Harsil
this is a beautiful valley that is complete with beautiful landscapes and scenic beauty. A popular place to see here is the "sat dal" or the cluster of seven lakes. Another place to visit can be the Wilson Cottage that was built in 1954.
Last Updated on : 24/09/2013
