Chamoli
Uttarkhand is blessed with nature beauty, every place in uttarakhand covers own its beauty. Chamoli 2nd largest district of uttarakhand is one of most famous tourist destination of north India. This place is rich in varied Flora- fauna where one can find eye captivating natural beauty. A beautiful town nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is perched at an elevation of 1300 metres above sea level and is bedecked on the holy banks of river Alaknanda. Chamoli is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Some of the famous places to visit in Chamoli include the Valley of Flowers National Park, Auli (a skiing destination), Badrinath (a major Hindu pilgrimage site), Hemkund Sahib (a Sikh pilgrimage site), and Joshimath (gateway to several religious sites and trekking routes).
History of Chamoli District
Garhwal region was divided into 64 principalities after the downfall of Katyuri dynasty who ruled over unified Uttarakhand. Chandpurgarh of Garhwal became a powerful principality during the rule of King Jagatpal (1455 to 1493AD). Descendent of Jagatpal, King Ajaypal, transferred the capital to Srinagar. In 1803, Gurkhas captured the independent Garhwal Kingdom. In 1816, Gurkhas were defeated in the Anglo-Nepalese War with British. British ruled half part of the kingdom- the region that is in east of Alaknanda and Mandakini river and rest of the part was restored in Tehri village .where King Sudarshan Shah ruled. In 1960, two districts Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli were taken out from Garhwal district. It was 24th February 1960 when Chamoli district came into independent existence.
Natural Beauty and Landscapes:
Chamoli Garhwal is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The district is home to snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, glistening rivers, and pristine glaciers. Some of the notable attractions for tourists include:
Valley of Flowers: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a stunning alpine valley filled with a vibrant array of wildflowers and rare flora. It offers captivating trekking experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Auli Hill Station: Auli is a popular skiing destination in India. It is known for its vast meadows and panoramic views of the Nanda Devi Range. During winter, Auli transforms into a winter wonderland attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
Shri Badrinath Temple: One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Badrinath is a sacred town situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a major attraction here.
Hemkund Sahib: A significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs, Hemkund Sahib is a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is visited by thousands of devotees seeking spiritual solace.
Joshimath Hill Station: This town serves as the base for several treks and pilgrimages in the region. It is also known for the Kalpavriksha, a 1,200-year-old sacred tree.
Accessibility: Chamoli Garhwal is well-connected by road and can be accessed from major cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, and Rishikesh is the closest railway station.
