Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Char Dham Tour Destination - Yamunotri






The holy shrine of Yamunotri, foundation of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a border of Bandar Poonch Peak (3615 m) and located reverse to Gangotri. Yamunotri is very famous for its glaciers and this holy place is one of the most significant halt on the journey of the Hindu pilgrim. Asit Muni used to exist here according to the legends. Yamunotri finds a particular mention in the Hindu mythology. Among the main attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dropping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. The trek to Yamunotri is stunning, conquered by a panorama of rough peaks and dense forests.

From Rishikesh, a 213kms. journey by road takes one to Hanuman Chatti. From here, the remaining 13 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins and Porters are also available on hire. The rishi at Yamunotri perform various kinds of pujas and offerings to river Yamuna for pleasing her and seeking the blessings.

Area, Population and Languages Spoken
Considered highly sacred among lots of respected Hindu pilgrimage sites, the Tehri Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal proudly houses the birthplace of the river Yamuna, called Yamunotri. Located amongst the beautiful surroundings, Yamunotri is a wonder-filled religious site, which is visited by a big figure of tourists every year. The river descends from the Champasar glacier, which is close to the peaks of Bandar Poonch and Shrikantha. The Yamunotri temple is the major magnetism here. Yamunotri can be accessed on foot from Hanuman Chatti, which is 13 kilometers away. However, you can reach Hanuman Chatti by bus from Rishikesh or Dehradun. Yamunotri is too the storehouse of a number of curative hot water springs and glaciers.

Area: 1 sq. km
Altitude: 3,235 m
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali and English
STD code of Yamunotri 0175
Population: 246 (1991)

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri
The best time to visit Yamunotri is between May-October. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, visitors might face obscurity reaching the temple during monsoon season (late June to Aug). The temple frequently remains open from last week of April to 2nd week of November. This period is not suitable for any outside activities, particularly December and January. Rainfalls are enormously contemptible here. Basant Panchami taking place during January–February is a festival that reflects the merger of artistic and creative performances. Some other festivals renowned with lots of eagerness are Phool Devi during March and Olgia during August. Best periods to visit Yamunotri are during May to June and September to November.

Markets Visit Yamunotri:
As the environment of Yamunotri is pious and religious, the visitors will find local markets selling the stuff for Puja and certain specialties. Apart from this, the visitors can also enjoy buying souvenirs and some holy dresses as a part of fashionable wears. Along with plenty of shopping options, the markets also have local restaurants that serve delicious and mouth watering food items. This will, definitely, make your journey quite enjoyable.
Distance from Major Cities
Janaki Chatti is at a detachment of 7 km from Yamunotri. It is fine identified for its thermal springs. It provides lodging facilities for tourists.

From Janaki Chatti, one can arrive at Kharsali, 1 km away, which is the preceding village in the region. It has a three-storied temple and has imprinted pebbles on the walls. It is a Shiva temple enthusiastic to the Lord in the form of Someshwar, the God of the intoxicant Soma. The obscure woodwork here is also noteworthy.

Saptarishi Kund is at a distance of 10 km from Yamunotri and is the genuine source of the river. This lake is normally covered with ice. The place is known for the rare Brahma lotus, which grows here. It is a stunning picnic spot as well.

Badkot is a miniature hamlet, 49 km from Yamunotri. It has an antique temple and can offer good amenities to the traveler.

Hanuman Chatti is at a aloofness of 13 km from Yamunotri. It is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the trekking route to Dodi Tal starts here. Accommodation is available here as well.

HOW TO REACH Yamunotri
There is no straight route to Yamunotri. One can reach Hanuman Chatti by bus from Rishikesh, Mussourie, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Badkot, Haridwar and Dehradun. From there, one has to moreover trek a distance of 14 km or use ponies and palanquins, which are accessible on hire. However, if one is lucky, he might find jeeps from this place. The road from Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti is fairly picturesque and one passes through the Kempti Falls and Mussourie enroute. The adjoining railheads are at Rishikesh, at a distance of 222 km via Narendranagar and Haridwar. Train services are not incredibly amiable in this coarse territory. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, about 70 km from Yamunotri. Vayudoot and other personal airlines are associated to this place.
Nearest Airport, railway station and Bus stand.
Yamunotri is well-connected with road. After getting down at the respective nearest airport and railway station, the tourists can take taxis and buses to this holy destination. After all, getting to Yamunotri would require you to pass through some of the most scenic views of Himalayan mountain ranges.

By Air
Nearest airport is Jolly grant in Dehradun, which is 196 km away from Yamunotri.
By Rail
The nearest railhead from Yamunotri is Dehradun (172 km). Rishikesh (213 kms) is also an option.

By Road
The road to Yamunotri redirects from Dharasu divergence end.

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