Garhwal Travel Guide
Discover the cultural and natural attractions, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and transportation options in Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
- Introduction to Garhwal
- List of Places to Visit in Garhwal
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Garhwal
- Best Things to Do in Garhwal: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Garhwal
- Food and Drink Scene of Garhwal
- Where to Stay in Garhwal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Garhwal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Garhwal
- Best Time to Visit Garhwal
- Do’s and Don’ts of Garhwal
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Garhwal: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Garhwal
- Where to Go Next from Garhwal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Garhwal
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Garhwal is a region located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Garhwal is known for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and panoramic views. The region has several pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is also famous for its adventure sports such as rafting, trekking, and skiing.
List of Places to Visit in Garhwal
Garhwal has an abundance of tourist attractions that cater to all types of travelers, whether you are a history buff or an adventure seeker. Some of the must-visit places in Garhwal are:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Valley of Flowers National Park: This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its exotic flora and fauna. The park is located in the Chamoli district and is a popular destination for trekkers.
- Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu shrines and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the Rudraprayag district and can only be reached by trekking.
- Uttarakhand State Museum: Located in Dehradun, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the ancient times of the region.
Natural Attractions of Garhwal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Nainital: This picturesque hill station is located in the district of the same name and is known for its tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and scenic views.
- Rishikesh: Rishikesh is a serene town located in the district of Dehradun and is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’ The town is nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges river and is a popular destination for white water rafting, bungee jumping, and camping.
- Auli: Auli is a skiing destination located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. The town attracts tourists from all over India during the winter months.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Garhwal
Garhwal is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in the region are:
- Chopta Chandrashila Trek: This is a moderate trek that takes you through the beautiful meadows of Chopta and the snow-clad peaks of Chandrashila.
- Badrinath Trek: The Badrinath Trek is a moderate trek that takes you to one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus, the Badrinath Temple.
- Rishikesh to Devprayag Bike Ride: This is a scenic bike ride that takes you through the beautiful villages and hills of Garhwal.
Best Things to Do in Garhwal: Activities and Tours
Garhwal has a lot to offer for travelers looking for adventure, culture, and spirituality. Some of the best things to do in Garhwal are:
- River Rafting: Garhwal is famous for white water rafting in the Ganges river. You can choose from different grades of rapids depending on your experience level.
- Skiing: Auli is a skiing destination in Garhwal that attracts tourists from all over India during the winter months.
- Visit to Char Dham: The Char Dham is a pilgrimage circuit that comprises four of the holiest shrines of the Hindus - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The circuit is located in Garhwal.
- Yoga and Meditation: Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’ You can take yoga and meditation classes, attend spiritual discourses, and visit several ashrams in the town.
Week-Long Itinerary for Garhwal
If you are planning a week-long trip to Garhwal, you can follow this itinerary:
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Dehradun, visit Robber’s Cave |
| 2 | Drive to Mussoorie, visit Kempty Falls |
| 3 | Drive to Rishikesh, indulge in adventure sports and attend the Ganga Aarti |
| 4 | Drive to Haridwar, visit Har Ki Pauri and attend the evening Aarti |
| 5 | Drive to Joshimath, visit the Nanda Devi National Park |
| 6 | Trek to Auli and go skiing |
| 7 | Drive back to Dehradun and depart |
Food and Drink Scene of Garhwal
The food and drink scene of Garhwal is diverse and delicious. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages are:
Must-Try Dishes
- Kumaoni Raita: This is a yogurt-based dish made with locally grown cucumbers and mint. It is a refreshing dish that goes well with rice and curry.
- Aloo ke Gutke: Aloo ke Gutke is a spiced potato dish that is usually served as a side dish with roti or rice.
- Bhang Ki Chutney: Bhang Ki Chutney is a chutney made from hemp seeds and is usually served with snack items such as samosas and kachoris.
Local Beverages
- Buransh Juice: Buransh Juice is a refreshing juice made from the flowers of the Rhododendron tree. The juice is believed to have medicinal properties and is a popular drink in Garhwal.
- Chhaang: Chhaang is a local alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice or barley. It has a slightly sour taste and is usually served with butter tea.
Where to Stay in Garhwal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Garhwal has accommodations to suit all budgets and travel styles. Some of the popular places to stay in Garhwal are:
- Luxury Hotels: Some of the luxury hotels in Garhwal are the Ananda in the Himalayas (Narendra Nagar), Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa (Rishikesh), and JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa (Mussoorie).
- Budget Hotels: Some of the budget hotels in Garhwal are the Dev Darshan Hotel (Rishikesh), Hotel Hema Palace (Haridwar), and Hotel Malabar (Mussoorie).
- Hostels: Some of the hostels in Garhwal are the Moustache Hostel (Rishikesh) and Bunkotel (Mussoorie).
- Guesthouses: Some of the guesthouses in Garhwal are the Aloha on the Ganges (Rishikesh) and Shaheen Bagh (Dehradun).
What to Buy in Garhwal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Garhwal has a rich handicraft industry that produces some beautiful and unique souvenirs. Some of the popular products to buy in Garhwal are:
- Pashmina Shawls: Pashmina shawls are made from the wool of the Pashmina goat and are known for their softness and warmth. They are a popular souvenir item in Garhwal.
- Wooden Handicrafts: Garhwal is known for its intricate wooden handicrafts such as utensils, showpieces, and furniture.
- Handmade Soaps: Handmade soaps made from locally grown herbs such as lavender and rosemary are a popular souvenir item in Garhwal.
Local Culture and Customs of Garhwal
Garhwal has a rich culture that is deeply rooted in Hinduism. The people of Garhwal are warm and welcoming and follow unique customs and traditions. Some of the customs and traditions of Garhwal are:
- Folk Music and Dance: Garhwal has a rich tradition of folk music and dance. The Basant Panchami festival is celebrated with much fervor and includes folk dances such as Jhoomar and Chholia.
- Langar: Langar is a community kitchen where free meals are served to all visitors, irrespective of their caste or religion. It is an important part of the Sikh tradition and is practised in many gurudwaras across Garhwal.
- Jagar: Jagar is a ceremonial tradition where a priest invokes the spirits of gods and goddesses to seek their blessings. It is practised by the people of Garhwal to ward off evil and bring prosperity and good luck.
Best Time to Visit Garhwal
The best time to visit Garhwal is between the months of April and June and September and November. The weather during these months is pleasant, and the region is lush and green. The winter months, from December to February, are ideal for skiing and snow sports.
Do’s and Don’ts of Garhwal
Do:
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Dress modestly while visiting religious places.
- Carry a jacket or sweater, even during the summer months, as the weather can change abruptly.
Don’t:
- Consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food in religious places.
- Litter or harm the environment.
- Wear shoes inside temples and other religious places.
Safety and Health
Safety in Garhwal
Garhwal is a safe destination for travelers, but it is advisable to take precautions while undertaking adventure sports such as rafting and skiing. It is also advisable to carry a first-aid kit and insect repellent while traveling to Garhwal.
Health in Garhwal
Garhwal is a hilly region, and travelers are advised to acclimatize to the altitude. It is also advisable to carry prescription medicines and a basic first-aid kit while traveling to Garhwal.
Getting to Garhwal: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Garhwal
The nearest airports to Garhwal are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
Bus Stations Near Garhwal
Garhwal is well-connected to cities such as Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh via road. You can take a bus from Delhi or Haridwar to travel to Garhwal.
Other Options
You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach Garhwal.
How to Get Around in Garhwal
The best way to get around Garhwal is by hiring a taxi or self-drive. You can also use public transport such as buses and shared cabs to travel between towns and cities.
Where to Go Next from Garhwal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Garhwal is well-connected to other destinations in Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Garhwal are:
- Haridwar: Haridwar is a popular pilgrimage town located in the district of the same name. It is known for its vibrant culture and traditions and is a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Jim Corbett National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is home to the Bengal Tiger and several other endangered species.
- Nainital: Nainital is a picturesque hill station located in the district of the same name. It is known for its tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and scenic views.
Conclusion
Garhwal is a beautiful region that is rich in culture and adventure. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker or an adventure lover, Garhwal has something to offer for everyone. From scenic Hill stations to adventure sports and wildlife sanctuaries, Garhwal is a destination you cannot afford to miss.
