Ranichauri is an upcoming destination, it is village in Uttarakhand which offers sweeping views of the Himalayas. Ranichauri is abuzz with activities like camping and offers a variety of places to visit around it.
Here are the best places to visit in Ranichauri –
Surkanda
Surkanda Devi Temple near Ranichauri is at an altitude of about 2756 metres and lies close to nearby hill stations of Dhanaulti and Kanatal.
The story of Surkanda Temple can be traced back to the legend of Maa Sati; Sati’s father Daksha organised a massive yagna to please the Gods. He purposely did not invite Shiva and Sati. Sati believed that no formal invitation was needed for her to go to her father’s house. But when Sati arrived at her father’s palace, she was treated as an uninvited guest. Moreover, Daksha even committed the sin of insulting Lord Shiva in Sati’s presence.
Pained by her father’s ignorance and arrogance, Sati threw herself in the fire set up for the yagna. When the news reached Shiva, he went wild with rage. He picked up Sati’s body on his shoulders and started performing tandava, the dance of destruction. The stability of the Universe was threatened by Shiva’s dance, and to protect the human world, Lord Vishnu cut up Sati’s body with his sudarshan chakra.
Surkanda Temple is one of these holy shakti peeths and is believed to hold the power of Ma Adi Shakti.
A short comfortable trek of 3km has to be taken up from Kaddukhal to reach the sacred Temple.
KANATAL
Kanatal is a serene hidden getaway in Himachal Pradesh which is slowly making itself known. Kanatal offers tons of temples and amazing views that are sure to sweep the visitors off their feet.
KODIA JUNGLE
Kodia Jungle at Kanatal is a heavenly picnic spot. The jungles are nestled between rolling Himalayan hills and valleys.
One can trek a distance of around 6-7 km in the Kodia Jungle and enjoy the beauty of untouched greenery, amazing views of the hills and valleys at Kanatal. This trek in Kanatal at Kodia Jungle is dotted with natural springs.
One can spot animals like musk deer, kakar, wild boar Ghoral etc and many species of birds at the Kodia Jungle.
Tehri Dam
The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and one of the highest in the world.
It is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, India.
Tehri dam is a short hour drive away from Ranichauri, the roads are well maintained as New Tehri is the only well planned town of the state, a drive up to Tehri dam from Ranichauri gives amazing views of the high mountains from all sides.
TEHRI LAKE
Perched at an elevation of 1,700 meters, Tehri Lake is an artificial dam reservoir that came into existence during the construction of Tehri Dam when the water from the Bhagirathi River was diverted to fill the dam reservoir.
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a little town and an offbeat vacation destination located at a height of about 2200 meters above sea level. Dhanaulti just takes a few hours of driving from Ranichauri.
Dhanaulti is a serene place and a treat to the eyes. It has a great scenery and an unpolluted environment.
Dhanaulti eco park, one of the major attractions in Dhanaulti spreads over an area of 13 hectares covered in deodar and oak trees. The Eco Park is divided into two forests namely Amber and Dhara which are situated at a distance of 200m from each other.
The park is at an elevation of 2800m above sea level and offers a playground for children, trekking trails and amazing views.
A tradition known as memory sapling plantation is followed in the park as a part of which one can plant a sapling in memory of their loved ones.
It is a perfect place for the nature lovers as well as the adventure seekers to unwind.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, a popular hill station is a 2 hour drive away from Ranichauri.
Mussoorie gained popularity as a hillstation back in the colonial era and came to be known as Queen of The Hills. It stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year.
Mussoorie’s colonial roots are reflected in its Neo Gothic and Greco-Roman architecture style. These styles are followed in quaint cafes, alluring churches and other buildings.
The colonial era beauty is on full display at Mall Road, Mussoorie. Mall Road is a boulevard with eateries and other shops lining its entire stretch. Everything down to its lamp posts, Mall Road is tinged in colonial flavour.
CHAMBA
Chamba is another hillstation near Ranichauri (10 km away) at an altitude of 1676m above sea level, Chamba is like a big sister to Ranichauri and just like her she is an unexplored, untouched beauty too. It offers a view of the snow-clad peaks on one side and an awe inspiring view of the valley. Chamba is lush with greenery and tall Himalayan trees of Pine and Deodar.
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