Tehri Garhwal district General information
The district of Tehri Garhwal stretches from the snow clad Himalayan peaks of Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group all the way to the foothills near Rishikesh. The gushing Bhagirathi which runs through seems to divide the district into two, while the Bhilangna, Alaknanda, Ganga and Yamuna rivers border it on the east and west.Its neighbouring districts are Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Dehradun.
History
Lying on the southern slopes of outer Himalayas, Tehri Garhwal is on of the sacred hilly districts of Uttarakhand State. Before the creation of universe, Lord Brahma is said to have meditated on this sacred land. Muni-ki-Reti and Tapovan of the district are the places of penance for the ancient Rishis. Its hilly terrain and lack of easy communications have helped it to preserve its culture almost intact. Tehri and Garhwal are the two words combined for naming the district as Tehri Garhwal. While the prefix Tehri is the corrupted form of the word `Trihari` which signifies a place that washes away all the three types of sins, namely sins born out of thought (Mansa), word (Vacha) and deed (Karmana), the other part `Garh` means country fort. In fact during olden days possession of number of forts was considered as a significant measuring rod of the prosperity and power of their rulers. Prior to 888, the whole of the Garhwal region was divided into small `garhs` ruled by separate independent kings known as Rana, Rai or Thakur. It is said that the prince Kanakpal who hailed from Malwa visited Badrinath ji (presently in Chamoli district) where he met the then mightiest king Bhanu Pratap. King Bhanu Pratap was impressed with the prince and got his only daughter married to him and also handed over his kingdom. Gradually Kanakpal and his descendents extended their empire by conquering all the garhs. Thus up to 1803 i.e. for 915 years the whole of the Garhwal region remained under their control.
Location and Area
Tehri Garhwal is one of the western most district of the Uttarakhand State (Former Uttar Pradesh) located on the outer ranges of the mid Himalayas which comprise low line peaks rising contiguously with the planes of the northern India. The district lies between the parallels of 30.3` and 30.53` north latitude and 77.56` and 79.04` east longitude. Uttarkashi from the north, Rudraprayag from the east, Puri Garhwal from the south and Dehra Dun from the west are bounding the districts. On the western front Yamuna river separates it from Jaunsar Pragana of the Dehra Dun district while Bhagirathi rising from the north of the Gangotri in the district Uttarkashi touches the district near village Nagun.
Total area of the district is 4421 sq. kms (Census 1991) . The district headquarter is located at New Tehri Town since 1.4.1989, Earlier Narendranagar was the district headquarter.
GEOGRAPHY AND PHYSICAL FEATURES
A major portion of the district is having hilly tract. The plain area is more fertile than the plateau area. Bulk of the area of the district is under forest which occupy a place of importance not only in the ecology but also in the economy of the district. These forests are rich in vegetations. Wood of commercial value is produced. These forests are also famous for production of herbs and plants of medicinal value. There has been a denudation of forests in the past, resulting in impoverishment of forests wealth. Under five year plans efforts have been made to plant trees under forestations programmed. Availability of soft wood has given rise to the manufacturing of wooden toys in the area.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Important fairs and festivals organized in different parts of the district are mentioned below :
Chamba Thoulu, Gajtfa Thoulu, Dharu Mela, Suri-ka-Mela, Bandwal Gaon, Agram Thoulu, Churiya Kheti Thoulu, Kamand Thoulu, Badshahee Thoulu, Jamti-ka-Mela, Thattud-ka-Mela, Lalotan-ka-Mela, Khyarsi-ka-Mela, Moldhar -ka-Mela, Naghthan-ka-Mela, Takrauli-ka-Mela, Srikot-ka-Mela, Kali Devi, Jakh-ka-Mela, Panch-badi-ka-Mela, Surkanda, Bhind Maun-ka-Mela, Man] Maun-ka-Mela, Chhanangaon-ka-Mela, Jakhni, Kasyan, Khandogi, Aginisan, Godolia, Pankhal, Pilkhi, Kothyara, Gali, Sem Mukhan, Sri Kunjapuri Yatra, Pali Thoulu, Digoli Thoulu, Bikhot, Baisakh Thoula, Fateld, Negela Devta, Maid, Dangchaura Thoulu, Danda Thoulu, Pauri-ka-Thoulu, Kaila Pir, Baisakha Thoulu, Hollyag, Nagendra Devta, Chandra Badni, Banjagri, Jagdajat, Chameshwar Mahadev, Basant Panchmi.
FLORA
The flora of the district includes the vast range found in the Himalayas, varying from the sub-tropical species which grow in the outer ranges of low hills to the rich Alpine flowers in the north. Still, it can reasonably be termed to consist of mostly such trees as grow in its forests because large tracts of the land-surface in the district constitute forests. The chir, the oaks, the conifers, the sal, the deodar, the haldlu. the yew, the cypress, the rhododendron, the birch, the horse chestnut, the cycamore the willow, the alder and various types of fruit trees like the cornel, the figs, the kaiPhal, the mulberry, the kingora, the raspberry, the blackberry, currants, medlars, gooseberries, hazelnuts, apples, pears, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, oranges, limes, bananas, pomegranates and walnuts are found in the district besides a variety of herbal plants bushes, scrubs and grass.
FAUNA
The district has been the habitat, from times immemorial, of a large variety 0f mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Besides monkeys, longurs, wild-cats, goats, pigs, foxes and dogs, the district is noted for its black bears which are found in the Tehri forest division at lower altitudes and the brown and white bears which are found at higher altitudes. Panthers abound almost throughout the district, The flying squirrel, locally known as rinoola, is found largely in the Yomuna forest division. Tigers and elephants are not found in the district except when they enter the district from the Terai forests of Dehradun.
Tourist place
BUDA KEDAR TEMPLE
This temple is situated at the confluence of the Bal Ganga and Dharam Ganga rivers, at a motorable distance of 59 kms. from Tehri. It is believed that Duyodhan offered tarpana here.
According to legends, it is at this temple that the Pandavas encountered Rishi Balkhily at Bhrigu Parvat when they were on the lookout for Shiva after the Kurukshetra battle. The Rishiwpe7.jpg (28099 bytes) directed them to the site of the confluence to meet an old manmeditating there. But when the Pandava got there, the old man vanished and instead, a shivling appeared there. Rishi Balkhily instructed the Pandavas to embrace the Shivling in order to free themselves from their sins. Their impressions are stamped on this Shivling – the biggest Shivling in northen India.
DEVPRAYAG
Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, the town of Devaprayag lies at an altitude of 472 m. on the metalled road running from Rishikesh to Badrinath and about 87 km. from Narendra Nagar. Near the town there are two suspension bridges, one each on the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda. The metalled road to Badrinath crosses the former by a third bridge. The town is the headquarters of the tahsil of the same name and is one of the five sacred prayags (confluences) of the Alaknanda. Tradition has it that the town is named after Deosharma, a sage, who led a life of penance here and succeeded in having a glimpse of God.
The great temple of Raghunathji is claimed to have been erected some ten thousand years ago and is built of massive uncemented stones. It stands upon a terrace in the upper part of the town and consists of an irregular pyramid capped by a white cupola with a golden ball and spire. Religious ablutions take place at 2 basins excavated in the rock at the junction of the holy streams - on the Bhagirathi known as the Brahm Kund and the other on the Alaknanda called the Vasisht Kund. The temple, along with the other Buildings of the town, was shattered by an earthquake in 1803 but the damage was subsequently repaired through the munificence of Daulat Rao Sindhia. The temple is visited by a large number of pilgrims every year.DEVPRAYAG.jpg (132812 bytes)
The town is the seat of the pandas of the Badrinath Dham and possesses a post and telegraph office, a public call office, a police out-post, a dak bungalow of the public works department and a hospital.
Besides the temple of Raghunathji, there are in the town Baital Kund,Brahm Kund,Surya Kund and Vasisht Kund; the Indradyumna Tirth,Pushyamal Tirth, Varah Tirth ; Pushpavatika ; Baitalshila and Varahishila ; the shrines of Bhairava, Bhushandi, Durga and Vishveshvara ; and a temple dedicated to Bharata. A bath at Baithalshila is claimed to cure leprosy.
Nearby is the Dasharathachal Peak, containing a rock, known as Dashrathshila, on which Raja Dasharath is said to have led a life of penance.A small stream, the shanta running down from the Dasharathachal, is named after Shanta, the daughter of Raja Dasharath and is considered to be sacred.
KHATLING GLACIER
The trek for Khatling glacier starts from Ghuttu, wpeA.jpg (9970 bytes)a place about 62 kms. from Tehri. There is a P.W.D. Inspection house and a Tourist Rest House at ghuttu. The other important places enroute are Reeh, Gangi, Kalyani & Bhomakgufa. At Reeh & Gangi Tourist Rest Houses are available. Gangi is the last village beyond which no facilities of any kind are available and one has to make its own arrangements. The singht of the khatling glacier is most spectacular and alluring. From here Masartal is 7 kms. The route further goes up to basukital and from there to Kedarnath.
NARENDRA NAGAR
14 kms. away from Muni-ki-Reti at an altitude of 1,129 mts. lies this capital of the former king of Garhwal.Until a few years ago it was the headquarter of the District Tehri Garhwal, but now the New Tehri Town is the headquarter. Here, the palace of the Tehri Raja, is situated amidst a forest.
Situated on the main Rishikesh-Gangotri-Yamunotri route, Narendra Nagar offers a fine view of the Ganga and the beautiful Doon Valley. The sun set view from here is particularly attractive. Hotels and the P.W.D. Inspection House offer accommodation.
SEM-MUKHEM
At a height of 2903 mts., situated in the interior of the district, the temple of Nag Raja at Sem Mukhem is held in high esteem by the people of the area. Transport facilities are available up to Khamba Khal, a distance of 64 kms. from Tehri. One has to walk for about 7 kms. from the Khamba Khal to reach Sem. The temple is situated at the top of a hill about 5 kms. from the village Mukhem which is 2 kms. from the motor head of Khamba Khal. Accommodation is provided by the ‘Pandas’ of the village Mukhem .
CHAMBA
60 kms. from Mussoorie and 48 kms. from Narendra Nagar on the road to Gangotri. Chamba is a township lying high at an altitude of 1676 mts., offering a splendid view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the serene Bhagirathi valley. Chamba happens to be a focal point, being located at the junction of roads leading from Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Tehri and New Tehri. The Chamba- Mussoorie fruit belt is also famous for its delicious apples.
Jal Nigam Rest House, Tourist Rest House, Hotel Akash Deep, Akash Lok, Neelkant, Social Palace & Hotel Classic Hill Top provide comfortable accommodation.
DHANOLTI
Dhanaulti, located amidst thick, virgin forests of Deodar, Rhododendron and Oak, has an atmosphere of perfect peace & tranquility. The long wooded slopes, relaxed outdoors, cool crossing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely weather and fabulous view of snow wpe9.jpg (16271 bytes)covered mountain makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday. Situated on the Mussoorie-Chamba route, Dhanaulti is 24 kms. From Mussoorie and 29 Kms. From Chamba. For accommodation, Tourist Rest House, Forest Rest House and a couple of guest houses are available.
KUNJAPURI
Kunjapuri is the name given to a peak having an altitude of about 1,676 m. It lies in Lat. 30`11` N. and Long. 78`20` E., about 93 km. from Devaprayag and 7 km. from Narendra Nagar. It commands a beautiful view of the snow-ranges of the Himalayas and of the valley of the Bhagirathi. It contains an old temple dedicated to the goddess Kunjapuri Devi which is wpe7.jpg (26961 bytes)visited by a number of people every year. Nearby, in Agarakhal, there is a dak bungalow situated in picturesque surroundings and maitnained by the public works department. Kunjapuri is said to be one of the sidddhapeeths established in the region by Jagadguru Shankaracharya and legend has it that the upper-half of the body of Sati, wife of Siva, fell here when Siva was carrying it to Kailash after Sati had flung herself in the yajna fires when some derogatory remarks were made about her husband by her father Daksha.
NEW TEHRI
The newly established township is the district headquater of Tehri Garhwal. It is situated at an elevation between 1550 to 1950 mts. Above sea level. A modern and well planned town, only 11 Kms. From Chamba & 24 Kms. From Old Tehri, it overlooks a massive artificial lake and a Dam. It will soon become an important centre of attraction on the completion of the dam.
SUNKANDA
The Surkanda peak lying at an altitude of 2,750 m. in the western part of tahsil Tehri, and is famous for the temple of Surkanda Devi. It is about 8 km. from Dhanolti on the motor road running from Mussoorie to Chamba and is connected with Narendra Nagar which is about 61 km. and with Tehri which is about 41 km. by motor roads. To reach the temple one has to leave the Mussoorie-Chamba road at Kadu Khal and climb a steep ascent of about 1.5 km. on foot. The legend is that Sati, the wife of Siva, gave up her life in the yajna startedwpe9.jpg (15487 bytes) by her father. Siva passed through this place on his way back to Kailash with the dead body of Sati whose head fell at the spot where the temple of Surkhanda Devi stands. It commands a beautiful view of Dehra Dun, Rishikesh, Chandrabadni, Pratapnagar and Chakrata. Flowers of varied kinds and colours and indigenous herbs grown in abundance here and some of the beautiful birds of the western Himalayas are also found in the neighbourhood. A local fair is held on the occasion of Ganga Dasahra in Jyaistha when hundreds of devout pilgrims visit this place.
CHANDRABADANI
The Chandrabadni a mountain (2,277 m. above sea-level) , lying in Lat. 30* 18’ N. and Long. 78* 37’ E.,on the border of tahsil Devaprayag and Pratapnagar is well known for the temple of Chandrabadni Devi which lies at the top of the mountain about 10 km. north of Kandi Khal ( a place on the Devaprayag-Kirti Nagar metalled road) , 22 km. from Devaprayag and 109 km. from Narendra Nagar. It is said that when sati, wpe7.jpg (11682 bytes)the wife of siva,gave up her life in the yajna started by her father and siva was carrying her body to Kailash, her torso fell here. There are some old statues and lots of iron trishuls (tridents) outside the temple. It comands a beautiful view of the Sirkanda, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks. The temple here is very small and contains a Shri-yantra carved out on a flat stone instead of any idol. Traditionally, a cloth canopy is tied to the ceiling over this Shri-yantra once a year and the Brahmana priest doing it has to do it blind-folded.
KEMPTRY FALL
15 Kms. from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri road having and altitude of 1215 mts. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest water fall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. A bath at the foot of the fall is refreshing and enjoyable for children and adults alike.
NAGTIBBA
For those who are instreted in trekking and adventure,Nagtibba offers them all the opportunities. The area is full of dense forests and natural beauty. One can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Thatyur is the base camp for visiting the place, it is away from Chamba-Mussoorie road for which roadbranches off from Suwakohli a place about 16 kms. From Dhanolti. From here Thatyur is 23 kms. Situated in the valley at the bank of river Algar. The trek starts from here, via Dewalsari, a place 7 kms. Whereone can stay in the forest rest house. From Dewalsari Nagtibba is 14 kms. Situated at an altitude of 3048 Meters and other glaciers is most spectacular and alluring. From here Masartal is 7 kms. The route further up goes to basukital and from there to Kedarnath.