Lying in the north of the
vast and bountiful expanse of India and cradled in the awesome beauty and
calm serenity of the stately Himalayas. Sacred pilgrimages of
different religions including the world famous "Char Dham " or the
four Hindu pilgrimage destinations of Shri Badrinath - Kedarnath - Gangotri
- Yamunotri. The sacred Sikh pilgrimage of Hemkund - Lokpal, Nanakmatta and
Meetha - Reetha Sahib and Piran Kaliyar have drawn pilgrims and seekers for
spiritual fulfillment to Uttaranchal. Kailsah Mansarovar, Tholingmath are
all in the Chinese occupied Tibet, but for the people of yesteryears, these
were some of the most important landmarks in Uttaranchal.
In
the north east the beautiful city named Nainital is 34 Km from Kathgodam,
the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of North Eastern Railway. It
is 304 km from Delhi, capital of India, and 388 km from Lucknow. According
to the District Gazetteer Nainital is situated at 29 degree 24' north
latitude and 79 degree 28' east longitude, in a valley of the Gagar range
running east and west, which is bounded on the north by the peak of China,
which rises to a height of 8.568 feet, continued by the Alma peak (presently
known as Snow-View) and the Sher-Ka-Danda to the eastern extremity, where
the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake.
Mussoorie
is one of the major hill station of india, is located in the Garhwal hills.
Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen
of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young from the British army was influenced
by the beauty of this place and made this place his residence. This marked
the foundation of a hill station called Mussoorie. The name, Mussoorie, is
derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After
its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of
education, business, tourism and beauty. The lifeline of the hill resort of
Mussoorie is undoubted ably the Mall. The Mall besides the series of shops
offers wondrous vistas of the surrounding hills and the Doon Valley below.
You must be at the Mall while in Mussoorie especially as the evening falls.
The tourists come together to enjoy the spectacular sunset. The sunset is
followed by the view of the twinkling lights that shine one by one in the
valley below. You just can't skip the Kulri Bazaar and the Library Chowk of
the Mall. The Kulri Bazaar offers several items of Indian fare.