Nainital
The popular summer retreat of India, Nainital attracts innumerable tourists during the summer heat. The hill resort is indeed a pleasure. The gorgeous greens and the majestic mountains add to the beauty of the hill resort. The small town of Nainital in Uttaranchal is dotted with cottages, villas and bungalows. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters the hill resort of Nainital offers several places of interest to the tourists. The hill resort is believed to have derived its name from the goddess Naina. There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Naina too in Nainital. Other legend claims that the Naini Lake in Nainital lends its name to the hill resort. The natural beauty and the charm of the scenic spots besides the cool weather make Nainital the place to be in during the summers. From Nainital, 60 kms. is Ranikhet, which means Queen’s meadow in Hindi, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet, though no palace exists in the area. Almora, 71 kms. from Nainital is endowed with exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, exquisite handicrafts, and exotic wildlife. The beautiful town is set on a 6 kms long horse saddle shaped ridge. It affords breathtaking views of the snowy summits of Himalayas and is an excellent place for a peaceful holiday.
HARIDWAR
Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. Among the many pilgrimages that dot the length of the Ganga, Haridwar ranks among the holiest. Legend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bhagirath, were consumed by fire at this spot following a curse of rishi Kapil. For their salvation Raja Bhhagirath requested the ganga to descend on Earth. Haridwar is also famous by the names of gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. It is at Haridwar that the Ganga finaly emerges into the northern plains. The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh melas also take place here every 12 th & 6th year respectively.
RISHIKESH
Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place. From this point on, the great Ganges leaves behind her mountain home and enters the vast plains of Northern India.
