Kanha National Forest India Madhya Pradesh Quick Guide

 

1.       Visit to Kanha National Reserve Forest in Madhya Pradesh, India has its extreme charm which can only be achieved through a meticulous planning.

2.       I will elaborate my experience in Dec 2021 with possible suggestions as below .

3.       The broad divisions will be :-

a)      Generic Map of Kanha forest with various entry points and dependent planning

b)      Dependent Bookings

c)       Generic suggestions

4.       It is important to understand that the core forest is divided into 04 Safari / travel zones.

a)      Mukki  b) Kilsi  c) Sarhi  d) Kanha

b)      It also has 04 more Buffer/ Outer zones with Safari / Travel facilities . Best Tiger sightings are in core zone and buffer zone has its own ecosystem .

Once inside all zones are same , inter connected and jeeps have to move to assigned zones through another zone/s.

5.       Planning should commence with first looking for availability of online Safari facilities cum its bookings. The site is -- https://forest.mponline.gov.in/Search.aspx?park=2    .   There are 02 safaris per day a) Morning 0630 to 1030 hrs    b) Afternoon 1430 to 1800 hrs with a weekly rest/ off day on Thursday .

6.       Best is to book a Full vehicle Safari Ticket / Permit with max 06 pax in a Jeep, which once booked is unalterable / no more persons can be accommodated later . This charge is with one guard cum guide in jeep . In addition you have to incur expenditure for Safari Jeep costing as on today/ Dec 2021 Rs 3000/-

7.       Booking of Jeep for Safari is fixed through local Union and plenty are available which can be also easily arranged through local hotels .

8.       After all these book the Hotels which sometimes can be challenging for upper class travellers. Plenty accommodation are available for budget travellers. Point to remember here is to book Hotel depending on nearness to entry gates.

9.       Nearest access points from north is Jabalpur 260 Km away (06hrs ) with Airport & Rail facilities  and in the east is Raipur 250 Km away (06hrs ) with Airport and Rail facilities for travel to Kanha.

10   Network connectivity is still poor to slow .

11   In case you desire to book Hatchback from Raipur , may contact Driver cum owner Mr Gupta -9630896864 (Whatsapp Hindi & Broken English only). Expected rate as on Dec 2021 is Rs 1000/- driver cost plus @Rs10/- per km or Rs 3000/- per day (idling) .

12   Can also contact Guide cum local assistance for Booking & Stay- Mr Krishna Kumar- 9425483725 and for Jeep booking Shri Dhani Ram- 7067395067 .

1F   For Stay / accommodation, MP Tourism Guest House / Hotels are value for money where AP package ( 03 meals is good option ) .

Drive or Getaway Places from Kolkata , India

Find below my compilation of 19 off-beat weekend or drive-away places around Kolkata ( state of West Bengal)  i.e in eastern part of India . For ease of your travel planning, I will further divide it in 04 parts (Kolkata as centre) i.e North / South/ East & West .

1-Chandraketugarh: A Long-Lost City Unearthed through Excavation

50 km from Kolkata City, Chandraketugarh is a historical site on the bank of Bidyadhari River in South 24 Pargana. More than just a simple getaway for fun lovers, this excavation site is the foundation of serious study for many historians. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the relics excavated from this site date back to the days before the establishment of the Maurya Dynasty and some of them are even 3000 years old. It is believed that the city used to be a flourishing one during the Pre-Mauryan to Pala Dynasty period and it was referred to as Gangaridai by the ancient Roman and Greek writers. The excavation has revealed a temple spreading across 45 sq km and dating back to 700 to 600 BC. Other significant relics collected from this site are Buddha stupas and images, coins of Jataka stories, decorative designs of Pala period, terracotta sealing and plaques and number of earthen utensils and showpieces.

2- Taki East Of Kolkata 75 km drive

Taki is a cosy and quiet retreat, just a two-hour drive from the Kolkata city approx 73 km northeast  in North 24-Parganas, on the IchaMati river front with the opposite side Bangladesh border / riverline visible. It is also the gateway to the Sunderbans.  One may study the local Municipality site for local information and staying places at  http://www.takimunicipality.in/  

Read Blog for full details at  ..  https://cdrsahana.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-quick-note-on-visit-to-basirhat-and.html 

3-  Balkhana Estate Maheshgunge  12 Km from KrishnaNaagar Station 

Stay awhile in a stately early 19th century villa, French by provenance, the architectural heirloom of a distinguished Bengali Zamindari familiy, who still live there on a 16 acre estate.

Address -BALAKHANA , P.O. Maheshganj, Nabadwip Ghat Road, District: Nadia, West Bengal - 741315, Mobile - +91 98313 28486, +91 98312 70807, 033 2399 4994,  Email: balakhana1870@gmail.com
Krishnagar station to Balakhana is 12 kms with tranport  charges Rs. 500 per trip. Approx 130 Km from Kolkata.  There are 3 AC rooms and 2 Non-AC Guestrooms available at Balakhana.

http://www.balakhana.com/ 

4-    Vedam Eco Resort 

5-    Maithon Dam   

6.   Baranti Lake / Eco Tourism :- Near Asansol / Durgapur this place is located approx 250 Km away  in quite and simple abundance of Lake / Dam as as ideal getaway / break from City life . Don't expect any 5* treatment here .

Read Blog  http://barantimove.blogspot.com/ 

7- Rajabhatkhawa  

An ideal retreat for a two to three days break, Rajabhatkhawa is a picturesque tourist spot located 

at a  distance of 15 km from Alipurduar / 730 Kms from Kolkata. It is a small sparsely populated town far away from the bustling city life. It is the starting point of numerous nature trails offering opportunities of bird watching, jungle safari, and wildlife watching. The Nature Interpretation Centre at Rajabhatkhawa is a museum that is focused mainly on wildlife related exhibits.

08.   Nodi Teerae is a river side resort on the bank of river Ganges, just 45 kms from  Kolkata with panoramic view of the wide Ganges, ships and fisherman boats passing by. 

Can reach out to https://www.noditeerae.in/  or for contact/ Booking :  +91 99035 41393 / 90073 71212 .

09.  River View Resort at  Naldari, West Bengal 743318 , is a river side resort by the river Ganges, just 45 kms from  Kolkata with panoramic view of the wide Ganges. 

Near Nodi Teerae . Contact  099038 02088  

10.   Aqua Retreat Resort - Just 05 Km south of the Nodi Teere Resort on Ganges (near Falta) approx 35 Km south of Kolkata is a small 05 rooms resort with 3 star facilities . Ideal place which avoids the hotel  crowd (present rate in Aug 2022- Rs4500/- double bed room).

11- Nimpith Kaikhali on Matla River approx 90 Km South-East of Kolkata

A place near Sundarbans on the bank of Matla river. Only option to stay there is the Ramkrishna Mision Ashram Guest House.  approx 12 Nos non-Ac double bedded rooms with attached alternate Indian/ European bathroom of 01 BHKs .

There is a gated RK Mission Ashram adjacent with a Mandir where an Aarati can be enjoyed at 1900 hrs and in the early morning. The GH is outside the compound over looking river Matla. Has parking facility in the basement / stilt. EMail secysran@gmail.com      http://www.nimpithrkashram.org/contactus.htm

From May to Jul the fishing is closed in the river.  

Driving a 90 Km distance for 3 hrs, the direction from Kolkata is ..... 

EM Bypass > Kamalgaji  > Baruipur Level Crossing > Dakshin Barasat > JoyNagar > Nimpith > Jamtola > Kaikhali.

Halfway is Nimpith Ramakrishna Ashram with its own Mandir inside,  from where the bookings of the Kaikhali GH should normally be done to avoid disappointments. You can enjoy the Bhog/ Lunch too here at Nimpith RK Ashram between 1230 hrs to 1400 hrs. Few room exist here to freshen up and for a little rest. Nimpith RK Mission runs Girls School with its Hostel and nearby other institution including Fisheries research centers are worth visiting.

Read blog from Mr Pinaki .. 

https://www.indiamike.com/india/west-bengal-f32/a-short-trip-to-kaikhali-t251916/ 

12-  Trip to Sunderban

Read Blogs :-

a) https://www.tripsavvy.com/sundarbans-national-park-travel-guide-1539878

b) https://gobindaroy.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/trip-to-sundarban-a-forest-journey-to-experience-presence-of-tiger-and-legends-of-bonbibi/

c) http://tourplannerblog.com/a-day-in-sundarban-world-largest-mangrove-forestmy-travel-experience/

d) http://krishnandusarkar.com/sundarban-into-the-wilderness/

Some Tour operators :-

https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-sundarban-tour-operators-and-packages-1539452

1) Best time to visit Sundarban: From September to March every year. In winter, there are greater chance of seeing tiger, crocodile and other animal on river bank. In September, weather would be more humid. But you can enjoy heavy current of rivers.

2) You can reach Sunderban delta through various routes. 01 route is Sunderban via Dhamakhali and then via launch thorough Gosaba or Gadkhali. From these places, you can reach Sajnekhali by launch in 2-3 hours.

a) Sealdha to Canning railway station , two morning Canning train (6:30 am and 7:42 am) taking  2.5/03 hrs.

b) Canning to Dhamakhali 27 km journey by Auto 2 hrs

0r best to Gosaba in south

c) Dhamakhali to Pakhiralaya by 04 hrs boat journey close to Sajnekhali Island. Most of boats from Gosaba, Godkhali, and Dhamakhali take halt here before starting jungle cruise

d) Visit to Sajnekhali Island  Sanctury / Reserve   and Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project          

e) Sudhanyakhali point 

f) Dobanki camp (walkway within covered mesh)

g) Jharkhali point tiger rehabilitation center

3) Where to stay in Sunderban ? For this you must first study the geography and then select your tour itenerary  :-

3.1 - https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-5-sundarbans-hotels-and-resorts-1539777

a) Pakhiralaya is the best place to have night halt. There are about 35 different budget hotels in that location.

Hotel Mangroves Inn  is very close to pakhiralaya jetty Ghat. There is small market near jetty ghat and this land is famous for Bonbibi , the local deity.

b) WBTDC Lodge

c) Benfish Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge

d) Tourist Lodge & Tourist Forest Rest-House are run by West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Ph: (03218) 214960

Where to get Permits:

a) For visiting the tiger reserve (West Bengal, India), permission is given by:-

Field Director, Sunderban Tiger Reserve, Port Canning.

b) Entry Permits can be obtained from Bagna, Canning and Sonakhali for STR (Sundarban Tiger Reserve) and at Namkhana, Canning and Raidighi for Western region of Sunderban Forest.

c) For permits, foreigners can contact: The Joint Secretary (Forest), Govt. of West Bengal, 4th Floor, G-Block, Writers’ Building, Kolkata- 700 001. Tel: 225-5601 Ext: 411/754.

13.  Mousuni Island is another location in the Sundarban Island area  :-  It is approx 120 Km from Kolkata through a congested State HighWay . It is a small Island in the estuary of Ganges meeting the Sea i.e Bay Of Bengal . A very economical Eco-Tourism area with only basic amenities . Many Blogsite is available on Google .   May read one   https://krishnandusarkar.com/mousuni-island-experience-virgin-beach/ 

14.   Henry Island is a farthest land point south of Kolkata approx 125 Kms/ 04 hrs travel for those who love serenity. Silent white sand beaches, deep blue sea, panoramic views and mangrove forests define the vibe of this place. Enjoy a walk down the sandy beach amidst the red crabs, and a view of the coastline bordering the Casuarina forest, near the sea beach of Bakkhali is good getaway .

Namkhana is the last railway station and 25 Km from Bakkhali / Henry Island.

The interior of the island is covered by a dense forest. Tourists are not permitted to enter the forest.

Attractions Near Henry Island

Bakkhali Beach - The Bakkhali Beach is a serene beach close to Henry Island.

Bishhalakshmi Temple - While walking down the Bakkhali Beach, you will come across this Temple where you can offer your prayers. 

Frazer Ganj Wind Park- Fraserganj Wind Park comprises of windmills. They cater to the local power supply.

Frazerganj Fisheries- The fishery at Fraserganj is one of the largest in India.

Jambudwip-  You would require a boat to reach here with around 100 INR per person. 

It is a 2-hour journey from Frazerganj (back and forth). 

Getting down at the beach may not be allowed by West Bengal government but fishermen can give a short session.

15 -Duarsini  

‘Peaceful’ in the ideal sense of the term, Duarsini is a small tribal village 130Kms from Kolkata or 13 km from Burdwan and  

65 km from Sadar Purulia. Unlike other popular tourist spots, this village welcomes its guests with bucolic serenity. The lush green forest of this village is dotted with shal, piyal, shimul and palash trees where the bubbly river Satgurang adds enigma to its captivating beauty. At night the rhythmic sound of Madal, a unique tribal drum reverberates from the tribal village.

16 - Gangani, the Grand Canyon Of Bengal.

This is only about 175 odd Kms away from Kolkata where river Shilabati has cut through the rocks and laterite soil and created this little wonder with its sharp bends and stacks of red laterite soil formed deep gorges along the bank. In the distance the river bed turnes white . Read Blog at ..

http://sagar-sen.blogspot.com/2017/09/Gangani-or-Gongoni-The-Grand-Canyon-Of-West-Bengal-at-Garhbeta-Midnapore.html 

17 -Mukutmanipur - 55 km from the central town of Bankura,  and 230 Kms from Kolkata, Mukutmanipur draws the attention of the tourists towards the

 beautiful necklace like dam constructed at the confluence of River Kansabati and River Kumari. An undulating greenery enriched terrain runs along the southern edge of the Kansabati Water Reservoir. Cobalt fresh water body is lined with emerald green landscape which mesmerizes the lovers of serenity.

18. Roopark Village Resort    - 250 Km from Kolkata and offers an in-house restaurant for its patrons to dine in. This resort is located at a distance of 24 km from Balasore Railway Station and 6 km from Shiva Mandir comprising  of 20 well-equipped and spacious rooms. 

These rooms have amenities like bottled drinking water, wardrobe, toothbrush/razor on request and an attached bathroom with hot/cold running water. Place has a green lush garden, parking and luggage storage area within the premises. Additionally, laundry, medical assistance and room service is also available. This property in Balasore is located 204 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport and 25 km from Balasore Bus Stand. Major attractions include Dhobasila (7 km), Jagannath Temple (5 km), Gopinath Temple (6 km) and Nilagiri Mausi Maa Mandira (5 km).

19-Ayodhya-Hill

An ideal retreat to captivate the senses of forest lovers Ayodhya Hills is located on the boundary of 

Purulia District and Jharkhand at a distance of  260 Kms from Kolkata and 40 km Purulia Railway station. The hill is around 700 m high and the winding path leading to the top of the hill offers beguiling sites of lush green vegetation. Beginners can take up mountaineering or rock climbing to make their vacation more interesting. Fresh water springs and streams rolling down are a real feast for the eyes.

20- 

18.  

My Travel to Char-Dham Yamnotri –Gangotri – Kedarnath- Badrinath

This blog 2018  is incomplete and under update ...

My Travel to Char-Dham Yamnotri –Gangotri – Kedarnath- Badrinath

The 12 Jyotirlingas as at below are major worship places of Lord Shiva      
      Jyotirlinga                                                          Site
     01.Somnath Prabhasapattan, near Veraval, Sourashtra, Gujarat
     02. Mallikarjun Shrishailya, Andhra Pradesh
     03. Mahankal Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
     04. Omkar / Amaleshwar Omkar, Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh
     05. Kedarnath Himalayas
     06. Bhimashankar Dakini region, Taluka Khed, District Pune, Maharashtra
     07. Vishveshwar Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
     08. Tryambakeshwar Near Nashik, Maharashtra
     09. Vaidyanath (Vaijanath)    Parli, District Beed, Maharashtra
     10. Nagesh (Nagnath)            Darukavan, Oundh, District Hingoli, Maharashtra
     11. Rameshwaram Setubandh, near Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu
     12. Ghrushneshwar               Verul, District Aurangabad, Maharashtra

1.   Registration :-       Uttarakhand Government has made it compulsory for all pilgrims of Chardham Yatra to be registered since 2014. After successful registration, you would be issued a Biometric Registration Card.

        If you wish to register offline, you can do so in person at one of the 14 registration centres with about 50 counters to assist pilgrims with their registrations. If you wish to receive any additional information concerning registration for Chardham Yatra, you can always call at the toll free number 18001804145.

        One ought to know that Chardham Yatra card is also referred to as Yatra Pass, Yatra Permit and Registration card among the pilgrims.

        Read more at site    https://www.chardhamtour.in/online-photo-registration-for-chardham.html   and   http://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/char-dham 

HOW TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR CHARDHAM YATRA 2018?

http://www.onlinechardhamyatra.com/frmUserRegistration.aspx

Make sure you have a functional email address, mobile number, an ID Proof like Aadhar Number, PAN Number, Driver’s licence or Voter ID with you. Also, you will be charged a nominal fee of Rs 50.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHARDHAM REGISTRATION 2018

Step 1: Fill up the Chardham Registration form 2018 at this page.

Step 2: Once all the details are filled in, you will have to log in your email address and check its inbox for a verification link. Once you click at the link and activate it, you will be asked to log in again with the password.

Step 3: A window named as ‘Important Instructions’ would open up. Go to its bottom link and click at ‘Book Darshans’.

Step 4: This will open up a booking window. Here you will be asked to fill in further details like number of pilgrims, the destinations you will visit. Also, choose the dates you plan to make the Chardham Yatra.

Step 5: This will open up a confirmation tab. Recheck the details, click at the confirm tab.

Step 6: You will be asked to fill in details of your co-passengers. Then, click proceed.

Step 7: This will open up a payment window. You can choose the preferred mode of payment, pay the nominal fees of Rs 50 + additional charges if any.

2.    Medical Checkup :-

For Kedarnath yatra you also have to obtain a medical fitness certificate from the medical centers at Guptkashi and Sonprayag for blood pressure and  declaring  your past medical history.  Medicals check-up / Certificate may be required for travel by helicopter.

One may take DiaMox tablet twice daily 03/04 days in advance till coming back to safe/ lower heights as a precaution. Smelling Camphor in a handkerchief is also suggested solution by many.

3.      Helicopter Services :-

         Read more at  http://www.uttaranchaltourism.in/helicopter-services.html     Approx 7000/- per person for the round trip (Phata/ Sersi -Kedarnath) . Same day Passengers reporting will be in the morning time from 06:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and for night halt passengers reporting will be after 10.00 AM till 12.00 Noon and Passengers  to contact Phata / Sersi office a day prior to their Journey with CTT Voucher details . Another journey from Sersi to Kedarnath-ji is more economical. All passengers must present valid photo Identification, bio-metric registration ; medical checkup before Check-in. Bio-metric registration and Medical check ups should be done a day/ much in advance at  Phata ,  Sonprayag  as early in the morning it will be too less a time to get formalities completed.

Some of the Chopper operators and their helipad locations.

Pawan Hans Helicopter ltd. Phata

Pinnacle Air pvt ltd                Phata

UT Air                                       Phata

Prabhatam Aviation               Phata

                  Sanjay Ghodawat Group       Near Guptakashi

Global Vectra                          Phata

Himaliyan Aviation                Sersi

Tan Air                                     Sersi

Heritage Aviation                  Sersi

BookHelicopter                      Sersi

  Jet Tech Aviation                               
Aaryan Aviation                                        

        

            

Medical centres get very crowded in the mornings , so it is advisable to get your medical fitness certificate on the previous day.

Ponies and Palkis available from Govt counters at fixed rates and as the day proceeds the shortage of pony and Palkis become acute. A pony takes around 06 hrs to reach from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and around 04 hrs from Kedarnath to Sonprayag.

4.        Taxi / Transport Hire :-

Govt Buses are available for economical travel / pilgrimage and can be checked at  website  http://www.uttarakhand-tourism.com/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-transport.php   .  Contact the Taxi Union Office at Haridwar for your transport / Taxi services directly for standard rates .  Tehri Garwal Motors Association       i) HEAD OFFICE: RISHIKESH ; E-MAIL: INFO@TGMOC.COM; PHONE: 0135- 2430008-2430383 ; MOB: +91-9412053641, +91-7055680008          ii)  BRANCH OFFICE: HARIDWAR ; PURSHARTHI MARKET NEAR ,ROADWAYS BUS STAND HARIDWAR, E-MAIL: INFO@TGMOC.COM, PHONE: +91 1334-265008, MOB: +91-9412053641, +91-7055680008      iii)  Dehradun Office Mobile No : 7055970008

For Private Car bookings contact following tried options giving  best rates :-

a)-Chandrakant Sharma  , Haridwar Car Rental (REGD.) , (Approved & recognized by Department of Tourism, Gov. of Uttarakhand)

18A - Hanmanath Puram ; Near ITI, Daksh Road ; Haridwar – 249408; U.K.  INDIA , Hand Phones: + 91 98371 76077 / + 91 94111 00539

E- MAIL ID'S:  info@haridwarcarrental.com  /  panditholidays@gmail.com

b)-Sunil Saini  (+91-9758-900-888) , India Easy Trip Pvt. Ltd, Haridwar Office: Near Narayani Shila Temple, Devpura, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.;   Rishikesh Office: R.K. Complex , Amkhala, Aloha Road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. ,  Delhi Office: A-6, Navshakti Apartment, Near Ghitorni Metro Station, Ghitorni, Delhi, India , Phone: +91 1334 -229479, Emergency 24 X 7: +91 735117-6688

c)- chardhamshastri  , chardhamshastri@gmail.com , Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India , Mobile - +91-9012962229, 9412962229, 7983831324 , Email - chardhamshastri@gmail.com , Web- www.chardhamshastri.com
d) Sunil choudhary Nature holidays travels Haridwar Office : Address : Shivmurti Gali, Jassa ram Road , Near Ayyappa Temple, Haridwar , Mobile No. : +91 - 9811367136, 9760585560, 9319771236 , Email Id : natureholidaystravel@gmail.com and  Rishikesh Office :  Address : 6, Mahananda Complex , Tapovan, Rishikesh , Mobile No. : + 91 - 9811367136, 9760585560 , 
Email Id : natureholidaystravel@gmail.com

5.        Hotel Bookings :-

1-Many people go for Uttrakhand Govt  GMVN tourist stay arrangements which can be booked online at      http://gmvnl.in/newgmvn/check1.asp?naam=%27trh%27#   . Just register once and this will give you full list of operational Guest Houses too. Contact GMVN directly at Tourist Information Centre, Yatra Office, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd., Shail Vihar, Haridwar By Pass Road, Rishikesh-249201.     Ph.: 91-135-2431793, 2431783, 2435174, 2430799 ; Fax: 91-135-2430372 ,   Email: yatra@gmvnl.com, yatraoffice@sancharnet.in

2-For details of stay at Kedarnath-ji and during Trek see below videos :-

a-Kedarnath Temple -  Stay at Synthetic huts  2018   pres / click 

b-Tourists at Kedarnath, now can feel nature in a world class tent colony   press/ click 

c-Kedarnath has three camps comprising tents and pre fabricated huts for day and night stay for pilgrims. These camps are manage by GMVN department. More than 5000 pilgrims can accommodate in these camps located in Kedarnath.

press / click      click / press     press / click  

d-Kedarnath Base camp SwargaRohini     press / click        video2

6.        Environment :-  The best time to visit  is in summers from May to June and then from September and October avoiding the rainy / monsoon time of Jul & August. . During the above months the woollens will be mostly required at Kedarnath and Gangotri .

7.     See Videos :-

              a) CharDham travel guide by Jeevan Jallosh   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYCsx8PCQM&t=438s

              b)

              c) Kedarnath-ji travel video by young group  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUwTsyAH6RA

                 d) Kedarnath-ji inside views during PM Modi visit in May  2017  at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS00Br0MeN4 

Day	Activities	Km	Night Halt
1	Dehradun (Haridwar)  - Barkot (Haridwar-Barkot 180Km)	180	Barkot
2	Barkot  –50- Yamunotri –onwards to Uttarkashi 125Km	170	UttarKashi
3	Uttarkashi – Ganganani-Harsil- Gangotri back Uttarkashi (120Kms / 05 hrs) round trip	200	UttarKashi
4	Uttarkashi – Guptkashi	195	Guptkashi
5	Guptkashi –SonPrayag / Gaurikund and  Kedarnath-ji night stay	35	Kedarnath-ji
6	Gaurikund/ SonPrayag to Guptkashi on return from Kedarnath-ji	35	Guptkashi
7	Guptkashi -Ukhimath- GovindGhat / Badrinath	200	Badrinath-ji
8	Badrinath – Joshimath- Gauchar - Rudraprayag -	170	RudraPrayag
9	Rudraprayag- Devprayag - Rishikesh	145	RishiKesh
10	1130 hrs Rishikesh to Haridwar	20	Haridwar
11	Haridwar local visit till 2000 hrs	1350	HariDwar

                         Suggest book / contract Transport / Car for first 09 days and choose last 02 days on local bookings for better economy .

The Yamunotri temple opens on Akshay Tritiya and closes on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali) and temple is open from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

The Shrine of Gangotri opens on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple closes on the day of Diwali festival.  Temple is open from 06:15 AM to 09:30 PM.

The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is fixed and depends on the occasion of Maha Shiva Ratri and decided by priests in Ukhimath. The closing date of Kedarnath is fixed on Yama Dwitiya (second day after Diwali i.e. on Bhai Dooj). Temple is open from

05:00 AM to 03:00 PM. Temple timings are 4:30 AM to 03:00 PM.

The opening date of Badrinath Temple is fixed on Basant Panchami by Raj Purohit and closing date is fixed on Vijaydashami by Mandir Committee.

·         On The Way to Yamunotri, Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, Saptrishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila are attractions to visit.

·         On The Way to Gangotri, the attractions to explore include Vishwanath Temple, Gangnani, Bhairon Ghati, Harsil, Gomukh Glacier, Bhagirath Shila and submerged Shivling.

·         On the way to Kedarnath, Kalimath the holy shrine of Goddess Kali, Guptkashi housing the sacrosanct Ardhanarishwara Temple, Sonprayag and Triyuginarayan are some attractions.

·         On the way to Badrinath, Chopta, Mandal Valley, Joshimath, Hanuman temple, Narshingha Temple, Yogdhyan Badri at Pandukeshar, Tat Kund, Brahma Kapal, Narad Kund, Bheem Pul, Vyasa Gufa and Ganesh Gufa are few attractions you must visit.

C.        Travel Informations :-

  1. Yamunotri is situated at an altitude of 3200 metres in the Garhwal about 40 km from Barkot,Uttarakand and is the source of Yamuna river which meets river Ganga at Triveni Sangam, in Prayag , Allahabad .

The temple remains closed from 02^nd day of Diwali ( Yama Dwitya, October) to Akshya Tritiya (end Apr or May bigining)  when the deity is moved to lower heights at Kharsali village which is a nearby a  hill close to the  Janki Chatti. This village of Kharsali also has a Helipad .

Janki Chatti  known for its hot springs encompasses the last village in the region and thus acting as base point / major hub for travel to Yamunatri . Apart from Treking on steep hilli paved road of 05 Km one way  , services of Ponies and palanquins are also available from  Janki Chatti.   See a trek video  click link  .   Janki Chatti is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies in close proximity of the Indo-China border. Previously the starting point of the trek to reach Yamunotri was  Hanuman Chatti. But now jeeps are available up to Janki Chatti on newly laid road shortening the distance by 07 kms. Yamunotri remains open from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

There is 02 hot water Bath /kund ... one for men and other for women. After bath visit the temple of Maa Yamunotri situated between narrow space of two hills.  In temple there are 02 Saroop/ Idols of Maa  ...  01 (white) is Ganga and Other one (black) is of Yamuna also a  small Saroop of Surya near the Surya Kund. The Hot Water Kund / Tank at approx boiling temperature of 60 / 70 degrees where devotees immerse/ cook rice and potatoes for prasad .  After worshiping we have visited other temples of Ram,Lakshman and Sita with Hanuman. Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (Sun) god & sister of Yama ,the God of death.

2. Gangotri at a height of 3100 mtrs is a town and a Nagar Panchayat (municipality) in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India on the banks of the river Bhagirathi and is the origin of River Ganges . According to popular Hindu legend, it was here that Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. 

There is a natural rock Shivling in Gangotri, submerged under water which can be easily seen when winters are on their way as the water level decreases during that time. According to myths and legends this was the place where Lord Shiva sat when Ganga ascended in his matted locks. For travel to Gangotri see video at   press link

Gangotri is also the starting points for some trek routes like Tapovan, Bhojwasa, Gaumukh, Gangotri glacier, Gangotri national park, Shivling peak etc. Some of the popular tourist attractions in and around Gangotri town are the Gangotri temple, Bhagirath Shila, Pandava Gufa, Tapovan, Bhairon Ghati, the Gaumukh glacier and the submerged Shivalinga. Gangotri opens from May from the occasion of Akshay Tritiya (end Apr / early May) and gets closed on the occasion of Diwali festival. Gangotri temple remains closed during winters  on Bhai Dooj (November) as the region is prone to heavy snowfall. During which the idol of the goddess is shifted to Maa Ganga temple in Mukhba , 25 Km down to Harsil. Gangotri temple timings are 06:15 AM to 09:30 PM.

One has to travel 19 Km by trek for Gaumukh / its glacier which is the source of Bhagirathi River which is also known as Ganga River before the confluence with Alaknanda at Devprayag.  This route is for able bodied only and has no services of Horse or Doli . Gou means Cow and Mukh means face hence the combined meaning of Gaumukh is cow's face . Gaumukh is the second largest glacier of India, only after the Siachen glacier. Gaumukh is 30 kms in length and approximately 3 to 4 km wide .

3-   Journey from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Temple :-
Those going by Helicopter may skip paras below and refer details on Heli travel above.

At Sonprayag check post, the police will check your medical certificate and registration card. If you are going by trek then you can take a sharing jeep up to Gaurikund (which is 05 kms away)  thus reducing your walking to  16 kms to Kedarnath-ji  with proper shelters at every 500 mts to JangalChatti (4kms), Bheembali (06kms), Lencholi (11 kms), Kedarnath base Camp (14Km) . The trekking route for the first 07 kms is gradual but after Rambara the trek is steep for the next 07 km. The trekking route for the last 03 kms goes up and down gradually. A normal person takes around 07 hrs to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund.

Camps and Fiber cottages are available at intervening places-Lencholi, Badi Lencholi and Kedarnath base camp onway-

Better to reach Sitapur 01 day before. Next day start at 0400 hrs with first getting dropped  till Sonprayag check post by your vehicle else make a stay arrangements at Sonprayag itself. Walk 01Km  to cross the bridge to hire shared vehicles from this point charging @20 per person / full vehicle Rs300/- to reach Gaurikund (2018). At GauriKund again walk 700mts to reach Palki / horse point. Thereafter go by  Trek  or hire Pony / Palki /Dandi .  From Sonprayag you can start for Gaurikund / Kedarnath-ji only after 6.00am till 2100 hrs . No night travelling is allowed.

Join Horse queue at  Sonprayag (opens at 0500 hrs) or from  Gaurikund , where license of Pony Holder in mandatory at Govt counters. For Palkhi you have to book it from Gaurikund. The Doli Walas are in short supply and all tickets get normally sold out by 0900 hrs demanding as high as Rs 14,000 up & down travel during rush season. Horseman create issues relating to over-weight if more than 85/90 kgs. Get latest  Govt / Approved rates from  https://www.sacredyatra.com/ponies-and-palkies-rates-for-kedarnath-dham.html     . Avoid Trekking / Hiring Pony or Horse  from Sonprayag as it will increase your journey by two hours. Kedarnath temple is open from 05:00 AM to 03:00 PM. Have Lord Shiva Darshan in Shila form in the morning from 0500hrs till 0800 hrs      



and thereafter in Shringar Form (dressed in ornaments & Serpents)

4- Journey from Guptkashi to Badrinath :-

Badrinath-ji’s  distance from Guptkashi is approx 200 km with 07 hrs journey. Chamoli  at 90 Km distance/ 03 hrs journey is a very scenic place and full of streams . Gradually crossed a lot of scenic places reroute, and  reach Joshimath after another 03 hrs journey with a tea break in between.

Badrinath is almost 45 kms now from Joshimath with less than  02 hrs journey. 

About 17-18 km from Joshimath, there is a place called ‘Auli’, famous for winter sports and 4 km long rope-way. Hanuman Chatti Temple 12 kms before is an importnat place to pay visit.

As you start entering into the town , you are led into a freshly made large Bus Complex. Adjoining all this are all types of stay arrangements. From here its less than 01 km walk on metal road where only Govt transport are permitted to be used. The final 200 mtrs leading to river front has a steep slope reaching onto a metal belly bridge. Other side is the temple complex on the immediately mountain slopes. You are first led to theTapt Kund (natural hotwater tank) in the temple complex base , and it was great to freshen up with the hot water. Walking up immediately on the steps lead you to mandir as shown in pic below.

In the early hrs from 0500 hrs you can enjoy Aarti from outside the actual temple gate like a peep show. Purchase a ticket on the previous evening or before for enjoying Aarti ,seated in the outer chamber of Mandir till 0700 hrs when god is without and Shringar / decorations in the 02nd Chamber.
A seperase line starts forming outside on the mandir complex for entry into the 01st chamber to view Badrinath-ji seated inside 02nd chamber from approx 20 feet distance.

Mana (Manibhadra) is a nearby / 02 km  village located at 10,300 ft height in picturesque surroundings reachable with 02-03 Km simple trek on the bank of river Saraswati and its confluence with river Alakananda.

At Mana the places to visit include:

(i) Ganesh Gufa – a Cave where Lord Ganesh wrote the epic ‘Mahabharat’.

(ii) Vyas gufa – a Cave from where Ved Vyas dictated the ‘Mahabharat’ to Lord Ganesh – by telepathy!

(iii) River Saraswati: suddenly appeares from a fall and a junction point of 02 mountains / ridges as its starting point.
At this very point is Bhim Shila as described below under which Saraswati flows rapidly and as the story goes, the noise disturbed Ganesha who cursed her to go underground. That is how River Saraswati meets river Alaknanda 01 km downstream disappearing making a nice view from this point.

(iv) Immediately across the river Saraswati starting , there is BhimShila / Bhim-pul: a bridge created by Bhim for crossing the river and Pandvadas had passed through this place on their way to Swargarohan (journey to Heaven). 

Then there is a boulder called ‘Shesh-netra’ – eye of serpent God ‘Shesh-Nag’ which has natural engravings resembling an eye.

Queue and Pooja system here is quite organized with charges fixed for type of pujas. Else the ordinary  Pooja is performed outside the temple .

Other side of the river is a nice Army Camp.

5- Some Hotels of value I interacted :-

Place	Hotel Name	Contact	Web	Email	Attention	Rates (Sep18)
Janki Chatti	Krishna Palace, Janki Chatti	8755664509(WA) ;094111 87846	hotelkrishnalok.com		Mr Parmar	700/-
Barkot	ADHVANTA RESORT BARKOT , Barkot	088008 94335 ; 70732-00863	adhvantaindia.com	info@adhvantaindia.com	Suresh Paryar	2800
Barkot	V Resorts Pavani , Barkot	0120 666 6900	vresorts.in	bookings@vresorts.in	BPO	2500
Barkot	Pawan Hans Hotel,  Vikasnagar - Barkot	094115 13955			Dr Kapil	1000
Barkot	Hotel Vishal Residency	9634519275 ; 9412541544(WA)	Khazan Singh			900
Barkot	Camp Veda 3-star ,  Barkot – 14 km off	089389 32797			Bhandari Pramod	2800
Barkot	Hotel Dev Bhoomi, NH-123, Vikash Nagar Barkot Road	083320 71767				2000
Barkot	Yumunotri River Bank Resort ,  Barkot	9837352155, 9917003456, 8527456666
Barkot	GMVN, NH 123, Barkot
Uttarkashi	Akash Ganga ,Uttarkashi	094120 77688  ; 90120 77 788 WA	http://akashgangahotel.com/ravis/index.php	akashgangauki@gmail.com	Vishesh Jagoori	2000
Uttarkashi	Hotel Ganga View	094115 76432 WA			Anurag	1500(N)
Uttarkashi	The Great Ganga , 2-star	094123 25046WA	hotelthegreatganga.com		Ankit	2100
Uttarkashi	Shiv Pariwar Resort By CMTC	097616 62288 ;  9917003456 , 9634801801 ; 8527456666	shivparivarresorts.com	Info@hotleschardham.com	Tripti(WA)	2000
Uttarkashi	Hotel Sehaj Villa Inn	094105 72566				1100
Uttarkashi	Hotel Shiv Linga	094120 77719				1400
Uttarkashi	Anand Ganga	091777 59797 , 90 1270 7517 ;  94 1072 1838	anand-ganga.com	krishnabijalwan@gmail.com		1500
Uttarkashi	Shikhar Nature Resort	09818181468 ; 9412394452	http://www.naturecampsindia.com/	resorts@shikhar.com	Mr.Soban S.Bisht	3400/-
Guptkashi	ADHVANTA RESORT GUPTKASHI	088008 94335	adhvantaindia.com	info@adhvantaindia.com		2500
Guptkashi	Giriraj Resort Rampur , Guptkashi	080060 88288 ; 9758911888	http://hariganga.com/giriraj-resort-guptakashi.html		abhisek	1700
Guptkashi	Kedar River Retreat, NH-107, Kedarnath Road, Sitapur	8979955200 ; 096504 13216 WA	http://www.kedarriverretreat.com/	sales@kedarriverretreat.com	jyoti prakash	2800
Guptkashi	Shivalik Valley Resort - Sitapur	098160 33316 ; 86505-73796	http://www.shivalikvalleyresorts.com/	shivalikvalleyresorts@gmail.com ;  info@shivalikvalleyresorts.com		2500
Guptkashi	Kedar Valley Resorts , Guptkashi	070554 25555WA	http://kedarvalleyresorts.com/room-list.aspx	ContactUs@kedarvalleyresorts.com	Taralal Verma	2500
Kedarnath-ji	Punjab Sindh Awas ,4.6, Kedarnath , Rs	094129 15221WA			Avashti	1500
Kedarnath-ji	Meerut Mandal and Mewar Sadan, Near Kedarnath Temple	099978 17227	book accommodation on the spot @ Rs. 300 pax
Kedarnath-ji	Behl Ashram Kedarnath	9650413216		sales@kedarriverretreat.com
Kedarnath-ji	Rajasthan Seva Sadan	094581 02900	local guide Sumit-78956 61295 ; 094581 02900
Kedarnath-ji	Kabra Niketan on 3500/-Rs 4 bed.Nice and clean rooms
Kedarnath-ji	Hotel Himachal House	094123 56025	094123 56025-
Kedarnath-ji	Surya Sadan Guest House ; Kedarnath,	087555 16461
Kedarnath-ji	Gayatri Sadan
JoshiMath	The Tattva Resort, NH 58, Joshimath	089799 99980,	thetattva.in		spoken	5265
JoshiMath	Hotel Mount View, Badrinath main road		hotelmount-view.com			2100
JoshiMath	Panchvati Inn, Hotel and Restaurant, Singhdhar bus stand Badrinath Road	090680 17141WA ;  9068017142	panchvatiinnjoshimath.com	panchvatiinnjoshimath@gmail.com		2000
JoshiMath	Hotel Snow Crest, NH 7, Joshimath	098248 54477				3500
JoshiMath	Hotel Dronagiri, Main Badrinath Road	094101 26609	dronagirihotel.com		spoken	2500
JoshiMath	Hotel Sapphire, Joshimath	088591 80140	hotelsapphireuk.com			4500
Pandukeshwar	Hotel Grand Shiva	9458945453	info@hotelgrandshiva.com
Rudraprayag	GMVN	9568006686
Rudraprayag	Tulip Resorts ,Sumerpur, Rudraprayag	9719016200 ;073513 00555	http://tulipresorts.com/	ULIPRESERVATIONS@GMAIL.COM	Daljit Singh	3000
Rudraprayag	Rudraprayag Prachi Srinagar
Rudraprayag	Samrat Resort , Rudraprayag	8755998877, 087559 98877	http://samratresortrpg.com/tariff	samratresort77@gmail.com , info@samratresortrpg.com  , reservations@samratresortrpg.com	Ravi Baliwan	3000
Rudraprayag	Hotel Mandakini , Rudraprayag,	01364233598 , 9761698080, 9412030095	http://www.hotelmandakini.com/	query@hmreservation.com, info@hotelmandakini.com	Rawat	2800