Uttarkashi - Holy Town of Uttaranchal

Uttarkashi is the holy town of India and our next prime target for travelers. This Indian tourist place is located in Uttarakhand State closer to Bhagirathi River. The altitude of Uttarkashi is 1352 meter from the sea level. It is the home of numerous ashrams, shrines and holy Ghats. Mountaineering institute is another identification of the town. If we compare this town with any other holy place then the first name comes is Varanasi. People also recognize the place as Kashi so we can use such short name for our understanding. Uttarkashi is basically a hill area closer to Varun Parvat. Famous ghat of town is Manikarnika and Lord Shiva temple is main holy spot of the town.

Geography:

Maximum part of Uttarkashi is hill area and the altitude is 1,165 meters equal to 4,436 feet. If you check the map of Uttarkashi region you will find lots of small and big rivers flowing from this district. Amongst all rivers Yamuna and Ganga are two biggest holiest rivers. Uttarkashi is also the origin spot of Yamunotri and Gangotri as well.

Special Morning of Uttarkashi:

This small town is less populated and surrounded with natural beauty. According to 2001 census the population count was 16,220 for the town. Maximum people in the town are from Garhwal following Kumao, Punjabi and some other parts of India. You will find people from Buddha religion as well.

Attraction of this wonder tourism spot:

Uttarkashi: Town itself is the first place for visitors because of surrounding sightseeing. It is known as Kashi of the North India popular as abode of goddesses and gods. Nearly 30 big temples are constructed in the town having different features.

Gangotri temple: Do you love to attain river sight areas? Visit the Gangotri and the temple located at elevation of 3200 meters from the sea level. Gangotri shrine is only 100 km away from the town Uttarkashi established in late 18^th century by General Amar Thapa. This temple is listed as most valuable holy place for Hindu community.

Mountaineering Institute of Uttarkashi:This is the institute beautifully structured. However, entry to center is not allowed, but you can visit the outer area of the center and nearby locations are beautiful as well. Foundation of this center was done in 1965 in memory of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Gaumukh: When talk about the main source of Ganga River the first names comes is Bhagirathi River. This holy river origins from Gaumukh glacier comes under Uttarkashi region. Because of such reason people have huge religious values for this place. Large number of devotees come to the town and take holy dip in chilled water of Bhagirathi River. The distance of Gaumukh is just 18 km from Gangotri but the route is quite difficult.

Dodital: A wonder spot at 3307 meter height is another location of Uttarkashi. Pure clean water and the dense forest surrounding is key attraction of this lace. Fishing and Forest visit is events that visitors can do at this place. Dodital is world famous having resorts and guest house for travelers.

Shakti Temple: Shrine located in front of the Shiva temple. There is a huge Trishul with 6 meter height and 90 cm circumference.

Nachiketa Tal: A wonderful lake place on the hills is always special and Nachiketa Tal is one of them. Lake is just 32 km far from central part of town famous for scenery and boating feature.

Vishwanath Temple: Temple of Lord Shiva known as Vishwanath Temple positioned at 300 m distance only from Uttarkashi local stand. Renovation done in 1857 gave the different looks to this temple. Construction was done by Sudarshan Shah’s wife Queen Khaneti.

Yamunotri: A holy river sight at hills is next best place to visit here. Yamunotri is one of the chilled places of India listed in four pilgrimage places of India. Yamuna River origins from this spot and Gangotri is closer to Yamunotri.

The list of temples and holy places is longer in Uttarkashi so it’s not easy to mention all details in this note. But then also we present you maximum locations so that you can enjoy the spots of this wonder place.

Some other knowing destinations of Uttarkashi are Maneri, Harsil, Gangnani, Dayara Bugyal, Kedar Tal, Har Ki Doon, Kuteti Devi Temple, Nandanvan and Tapovan and some more.

How to reach Uttarkashi?

By Air: Closest airport is Jolly Grant located at 160 km distance from Uttarkashi. Flights for Jolly Grant Airport you will get the flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Dehradun and many other major cities of India.

By Rail: The closest big railway station is Rishikesh at 143 km distance from Uttarkashi. You will find the buses and taxis from outer part of railway station for Uttarkashi. Rishikesh is having direct trains from almost every city of India.

By Road: Road is always a big mode of transport in India. NH 108 passes from the town connects many big cities of India. Rishikesh is best source to get the buses for Uttarkashi, though direct buses from Delhi are available as well. 

Papikondalu - Holy Town of Andhra Pradesh

Indians are mythological, godly and have faith in God, and we always correlate the things as wish of God. Lord Rama, Goddess Sita is big proof of our devout values. Lord Rama spent his most valuable period of life because of exile given by his father. During their deport they visited countless places of India. If you go through history, you will find that Lord Rama started is journey from North, and he came to the last point of India in South as well. One of the places in Andhra Pradesh known as PapiKondalu is listed as hill range of Khammam region. This town is closer to Bhadrachalam that is popular spot as the sources say Goddess Sita was kidnapped by Ravan at Bhadrachalam town only.

In real Papikondalu is a mixture of two different names such as Papidi Kondalu that is a hill range of this area. The huge river Godavari gets split because of this hill. Today Papikondalu peaks are in demand for AP travelers. Lots of Tourism departments are having direct buses for Papikondalu hills. Once you reach here you can enjoy the dense forest, camps, and boating that will take you to the real temple of Bhadrachalam from Papikondalu.

Kollur village is available where you can do the night stay if you want to enjoy more to this place. The attraction part for this village it is covered by dense forest. That means once you are in the village you can enjoy the real jungle life of India. Forest department suggests not to go out in the night if you are not aware of Kollur village routes. However, the natural scenery of town and best waterfalls located at Munivaatam is enough to take your breath away. It is totally peaceful area having fresh air. The town is completely different than cities that are crowded and full of noise.

Few key attractions of Papikondalu are:

1. Shiva temple at Munivaatam.

2. Polavarm project.

3. Teak, Arjun and Rose Wood forest.

4. Natural vegetation farms

5. Real wildlife in dense forest.

6. Eastern Ghats and Godavari River.

7. Boating in Godavari River.

8. Bird Watching.

People visited this place are having different opinions. Some say the place is not attractive, though maximum people are agreed that it is the unique and adventure place where you are getting to watch the live wild animals like cheetah, tiger, bore, snakes and many more. This is the reason why forest department warns the visitors to be attentive all time. I personally believe Papikondalu is the place where a strong hearted person should only visit. Of course, it is natural beauty spot the danger is always there of your life. It could be your memorable moment or the most horrifying time in your life. Online ticket booking is available for accommodation, boating and some more services. You need to prepare mentally and physically to enjoy this wonder place.

Rajahmundry is another big tourist attraction closer to Papikondalu. The city is having countless scenic spots.

When we talk about the Papi Hills, you can have to get the boat from Rajahmundry. It is approximately eight-hour distance and steamers; speed boats and big yachts are available for Papikondalu. A single steamer can carry around 50 to 60 people at the time. The finest feature of such a journey is it is full of adventure like you can enjoy the cool water, tilting boat, wild animals moving of the jungle, etc.

Papikondalu is having tribal communities as well though they are on hills. These communities are Pattiseema and Perantalapalli. The major source of living of these tribal coms is fishing and farming. You will be surprised if you visit the handicraft pieces of these communities. Few more interesting things that people love are riverside camping, trekking and jungle breakfast.

Papikondalu is having religious values of India, though few of the spots are best among all. Go through mentioned details to learn about the most demanding places of Papikondalu:

Bhadrachalam Temple: This temple is related to Indian myth because sources say Ravana kidnaped Sita Mata from Bhadrachalam. You will find several signs and indications of her to kidnap at this temple. River Godavari is always flowing with high pressure. On every Ram Navami, the water level of river Godavari gets increase and tries to enter the temple to touch the feet of Lord Rama Idol. There is one more temple in Bhadrachalam that is also of Lord Rama. It is built on peak of Bhadragiri.

Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary: A jungle safari spread in 591 square km is the next place to visit in Papikondalu. The sanctuary starts from East Godavari area and ends to Khammam regions. This park is the home of several dangerous animals such as tiger, leopard, hyena, snake and many more.

Perantala Palli: A village with limited land area is home of fishermen and ancient Lord Shiva temple. You can touch this town if you follow the route between Rajahmundry to Kunavaram. 

Pattisam: A pilgrimage place near river Godavari is next spot to visit. This shrine is dedicated to God Veerabhadra.

Kinnerasni Wildlife Sanctuary: One more important spot located at 12 km distance from Paloncha. It is the bio preserve park also a part of Dandakaranya forest.

How to reach Papikondalu?

Rajahmundry is the closest city connected to various parts throughout the country.

By Air: Domestic airport of Rajahmundry is allowing visitors to reach the city by air. Direct flights for Rajahmundry are available from Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and many other cities.

By Bus: AP tourism is having buses for Papikondalu from Hyderabad, Rajahmundry and other cities. However, services for Rajahmundry are in high level so reaching this town is better option. Hyderabad town is located at distance of 300 km from Papikondalu.

By Train: Rajahmundry is the big station connected to different parts throughout the country.