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Full Day Excursions:
Trek to Surkanda Devi temple:
Drive to the starting point of the trek to Surkanda Devi temple. At 10,000
feet, this temple is the highest point around Mussourie. One has to walk up a
hill for about 1.5-km from the road to reach this temple.
The temple is dedicated to Parvati, Shiva's consort. According to mythology,
Parvati, angry at her father for not receiving her well at a yagya (religious
ceremony) that he was performing, jumped into the yagya fire. Legend has it that
as Shiva was carrying away Parvati's body; her head fell down at this spot,
making it a holy place.
The temple offers some marvellous views of the Himalayas make the steep climb up
well worth it J. A three-day religious fair is held every year in May, when
hundreds of pilgrims visit this temple. After exploring the area we walk back to
the road and drive back to camp.
Trek to Dandachali:
Drive to Chaunrikhal on the road to New Tehri. New Tehri has been built to
replace the old Tehri town ship that will be submerged once the Tehri Dam comes
up. Start the 3-hour walk towards Dandachali, passing the Pantnagar Agricultural
University Campus en route.
This is quiet walk through forests with some phenomenal views of the valley and
the Himalayas. Dandachali at 1830 m has a good campsite in the middle of a pine
forest. After a picnic lunch, the more adventurous can walk up to a ridge where
one can get the best view in the region of the Garhwal Himalayas. Return to
Chaunrikhal by evening and drive back to camp.
Visit to Chamba:
Drive for abourt 12 kms to reach the local bustling bazaar of Chamba of
Uttaranchal. The upcoming township of Chamba situated at a height of about 1676
mts. provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas and Bhagirathi valley from
above. The Chamba-Mussoorie fruit belt is also famous for its delicious apples.
Visit the township of New Tehri:
The district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal is a recent development. It will soon
become an important centre of attraction on the completion of the dam at Tehri
when the huge lake will become a picturesque spot. Facilities are being
developed here. |