CHAMBA NEW TEHRI (STATE OF UTTARAKHAND,INDIA)

 Chamba is a town and nagar panchayat in Tehri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at a junction of roads connecting Mussoorie and Rishikesh with the Tehri Dam reservoir and New Tehri.

Its nearby tourist places are Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi Temple, Ranichauri, New Tehri, and Kanatal, halfway between Chamba and Dhanaulti.

About 50 km from Mussoorie, the small hill town of Chamba, Uttaranchal, is another of those destinations yet unknown to most tourists and therefore unspoilt and fresh like a daisy for the lucky few who venture out seeking new places to explore and enjoy. Chamba is situated at an altitude of 1600m above sea level. There are pleasant forests of pine and deodar trees, with some good views. Unlike Mussoorie, this place is fairly quiet and picturesque, hence an excellent place to relax and wash off the city blues. One can reach Chamba in about 7-8 hrs from Delhi via Hardwar, Rishikesh and Narendranagar (290 km). One can also combine a stay at Chamba with a visit to Mussoorie or Dhanolti and reach via Dehradun, Mussoorie and Dhanolti.

 It  is popular destination because of its unpolluted beauty and panoramic excursions. Chamba is frequently visited by tourists as it offers tranquility and exquisiteness. 

Chamba is a picturesque hamlet situated in the laps of Himalayas and has successfully tempting tourists from a long time with its celestial and unrivalled beauteousness. Located amidst dense Pine trees and Deodar forests, Chamba offers invigorating views of the Himalayas. 

Gabbar Singh Negi Memorial: Thakur Gabbar Singh joined the Garhwal Rifles as a Rifleman in 1913. Gabbar Singh and his battalion sealed their victory at Flanders in Germany during World War I. For his bravery and courageousness Gabbar Singh was awarded the highest gallantry award of England and the commonwelth nations, the Victoria Cross, posthumously and became the first Indian recipient of this prestigious award. In 1925, a memorial was established in Chamba in his honour. Every year on April 21 the Garhwal Regiment pays homage to this courageous soldier.

Shri Bageshwar Mahadev Mandir: The most popular temple of Chamba, Shri Bageshwar Mahadev is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lingam here has naturally emerged from the earth and holds immense importance amongst the locals. The temple is at its glorious best on the day of Shivaratri.

NAINITAL (STATE OF UTTARANKAHD,INDIA)

                                           
 Nainital, also known as the city of the lake and the district of Uttarankahd lake, is located around the lake Naini. This place is named after the Goddess Naini Devi, the presiding idol of the area. It is located at a height of 1,938 meters. Nainital is in September in a container valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains. Nainital is definitely a paradise for adventure seekers. Nainital is a famous tourist destination of India, attracting hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital, Hanumangarhi, Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital Zoo is a very important tourist Where can you find rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. The Governor of the Raj Bhavan house with its sprawling gardens is one of the few Raj Bhavans open to the public. Last attraction of Nainital is the Eco Cave Garden where you can learn acerca ecosphere.

The most famous of the lakes of Nainital is the Naini lake from which this city its name inherits with a circumference of Acerca Nearly two thousand and 28 meters deep cocoon Within seven hills known as 'Sapta-shring' Namely, Naini Peak or Cheena Peak at 2611 meters, Laria Kanta [from the name of a goddess] at 2481 meters, Deopatta [Camel Hump] at 2273 meters, Alma Peak [Snow View] at 2270 meters, Aryapatta [Complete blackout] mt in 2235, Sherman Ka-Danda [Tiger Ridge] to 2217 meters and Handi-Bandi [Devil whos laughter that can be heard from here] to 2139 mt. From an aerial view, Naini Lake Emerald Green looks like the eye of Nainital and is almost surrounded by many small cottages, shops, restaurants and hotels pear shaped. The night lights add more glamor and give an ethereal look the lake a sparkling gem necklace worn by the Himalayan ranges.

Nainital eleven o'clock covered with thick forests and dense before being turned into a vacation spot before 1839 and, above all, inhabited by tribal people of the breed Kumaoni. It was initially developed as a summer residence for the British and post independence became a summer destination of the work from April to October of the State Government in Uttar Pradesh; However Ceased function of state government STI in 1963 and the Secretariat got turned into High Court ESTA District.

Naina Devi Temple- The temple is located on the northern shore of Naini lake. The presiding deity of the temple is Maa Naina Devirepresented by two NETRAS  or eyes. Flanking Naina Devi are the deities of Mata Kali and Lord Ganesha Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeths, where one of the body parts of Goddess Sati fell, when Lord Shiva carried her body. In Nainital, the eyes (naina) of the Goddess are assumed to have fallen. The shrine of Naina Devi is a must visit for devout Hindus. and was reconstructed after being destroyed in the 1880 landslide. One can also get an amazing view of the hill station, overlooking the lake, from the temple.

Pt. G.B.  Pant High Altitude Zoo: Opened in 1994, it is one of the two High altitude Zoo in India, Second is in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It houses various Phesants e.g. Kaleej Phesant etc.; high altitude endangered Mammals like Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopard, Goat Antelope-Ghooral and Serao etc. The animals are according to their habitat altitude, e.g. Snow Leopard is kept on the highest point.

Gurney House, the former residence, of Jim Corbett, is located on Ayarpatta Hill. Before leaving for Kenya, Jim and his sister Maggie sold the house to a zamindari family in Bihar. It is a private residence but is open to visitors as a museum of Corbett memorabilia.

BASIL

A versatile and widely used aromatic herb. Basil is an annual plant that is easy to grow from seed but is very sensitive to cold. The plant grows well in warm climates and is widely used throughout southern Europe, particularly the Mediterranean, and in many parts of Asia. There are numerous species of basil; some have scents reminiscent of pineapple, lemon, cinnamon or cloves; others have beautiful purple leaves. The variety called holy basil (tulsi) is an essential part of an authentic Thai curry

Basil is most known for its culinary uses and if you have used my meal plans, you’ve probably noticed that I add it to everything.and I absolutely love the sweet and fragrant addition of Basil.

What isn’t as well know are the various other herbal uses of Basil. It is a traditional remedy that has been used in various cultures for hundreds of years for many uses besides cooking. These are my top uses:

Basil Pesto- This culinary use is one of Basil’s most popular uses and variations of this are used in cultures around the world. At our house, we add pesto to everything from eggs, to meats, to slices of fresh cucumber.General Cooking- Dried basil can be easily added to practically any dish. Basil is used around the world in many different cuisines with good reason. It adds a depth and flavor that is not rivaled by other herbs. I make a homemade spice blend that includes basil and add it to practically anything.Calming the Stomach- The Italians may be on to something with adding Basil to everything. It is thought to have a calming effect on the stomach and 1/2 teaspoon of dried or fresh Basil Leaf in water can often help sooth indigestion and alleviate feelings of fullness.Coughing and Colds- I’ve heard several Amish in our area suggest using Basil leaf to help alleviate coughing and colds. They chew fresh leaves to calm coughing or make a calming tea of dried basil to help sooth illness.Facial Steam for Headache: A facial steam with dried basil leaf can help alleviate a headache. Add a tablespoon of dried basil leaf to 2 cups of boiling water in a large pot. Carefully lean over the pot, cover head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes until headache starts to subside. Bonus, you get to smell like an Italian restaurant for the rest of the day!Antibiotic properties: According to Mountain Rose Herbs: “European scientists are investigating the use of basil oil as treatment for antibiotic resistant infections with Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas.”Stings and Bites: If you are working outside and get bitten or stung by an insect and don’t have any Plantain growing nearby, chewing up a basil leaf and applying to the bite will help relieve the pain and draw out the venom.Ear Infections: According to Mountain Rose Herbs: “Theessential oil is antibacterial, and drops of basil oil may relieve ear infections.”Blood sugar: There is some evidence that Basil can help level out blood sugar if consumed regularly and drank as a juice or tea.Stress Reduction: One herbalist I know suggests adding 2 cups of strong Basil Leaf tea to a warm bath to help reduce stress and facilitate relaxation.

RISHIKESH -THE WORLD CAPITAL OF YOGA ( STATE OF UTTARAKHAND,INDIA )

Rishikesh is a small town and a municipal board in Dehradun district in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Holy Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas.

Rishikesh, also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh or Hrushikesh.

Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram. Rishikesh is associated with Lord Ramaand Laxman.

The town of Rishikesh lies in the foothills of the Himalayas of the Garhwal region. It is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrimage (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath) and an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in adventure, medtation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism.

Rishikesh is also a Gateway to the World Heritage site Valley of Flowers National Park - The 8th Wonder of the World & Char Dham Yatra

Rishikesh, also known as the “Place of Sagas” is a spiritual town situated 24 kms upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga and surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and Sages. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu.

Rishikesh as appering the Adventure Capital of India for the adventure seekers as Rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan Peaks and for the White River Rafting. Also, International Yoga week which attracts participation from across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the holy Ganga.

Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Rishikesh has also banned use of plastics bags by shopkeepers and vendors

CILANTRO CHILI CHICKEN SKEWERS

Ingredients 

2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs or breast meat
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 bunch fresh cilantro (save remaining for garnish)
1 teaspoon salt & pepper
Sweet chili sauce for basting




Soak skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut chicken into 1" cubes and place into bowl. Add olive oil, garlic and cilantro in a food processor and pulverize. Pour the marinade into the bowl with the chicken, add teaspoon of salt and pepper and marinate overnite if possible.
Preheat the grill to medium heat and coat with oil. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and put 5-6 pieces of chicken on each skewer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Brush chili sauce on chicken just before done cooking to create a nice glaze.

STUFFED SNAPPER

INGREDIENTS:

Red Snapper: Whole fish
Prawns and squid: 25 gms
Sear fish: 25 gms
Onion and garlic: 10 gms
Celery: 5 gms
Butter or Olive Oil: 25 gms
Curry powder: one pinch
Lime Juice: one drop
Leeks: for garnish
Salt: to taste
METHOD:

Clean and debone the red snapper. Clean and finely chop squid, prawns and sear fish. Sauté in olive oil or butter along with onion, garlic, celery and curry powder. Add leeks, salt and lemon juice.
Stuff the red snapper with prepared contents. Steam or grill the fish. Serve hot.

HARIDWAR " GATEWAY TO THE LORD" ( STATE OF UTTARAKHAND,INDIA )

Haridwar is a highly revered city in the state of Uttarakhand. The holy town is a major attraction for the pilgrims around the world. The city has a very rich popularity among the pilgrimage destinations. The Haridwar city is also known as the "Gateway to the Lord". The word Haridwar is combined of two words 'Hari' stands for Lord and 'dwar' stands for gate. That is why this sacred site is famous as "Gateway to the Lord". This worthy place is located on the bank of sacred riverGanga. There are many shrines, temples and ashrams to offer the prayer and for pilgrimage. This is a hustling site with crowded markets.

Haridwar is the Gateway of Chardham yatra too. People from all over the world visit the devoted site every year to perform the Chardham yatra. The Chardham yatra adds Yamunotri,Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath the sacred destinations of devotion. According to the Hindu mythology it is said that the religious professionals named this holy site Haridwar. The city also very popular for the well known fair Kumbh Mela that happening once after every 12 years and Ardha Kumbh Mela after six years. Countless people take a part in this Mela. Different types of stalls and shops having religious aspects are the major attractions for the pilgrims. At a distance of 10 kilometer there is a 'Rajaji National Park" great for wild life lovers.

The place Haridwar occupies an area of 12 sq. kilo meter and elevated 2927 meters high above the sea level. And the Haridwar district capture an area of 2360 sq. kilo meter, located at the Northern India. Rishies, pundits, men, women and sages comes to Haridwar to take a holy dip into the holy River Ganga. In Hindu mythos the most Sacred River Ganga has a rich status for the Hindus or devotees. The place is also very famous for arts, science and culture. There are many institutions of arts, science and culture, student reach here and take admission to learn these. Rishikesh, Dehradun andMussoorie are great tourist attraction. Tourist comes here every year to spend their holiday vacation here during September to June.

The Haridwar city is well connected with air, train and road. Jolly Grant is the nearest airport in Dehradun town which is accessible to reach Haridwar easily, without facing any traffic problem. Haridwar situated at a distance of 214 km from Delhi and 386 from Agra. It is well connected all most all the major towns of India, it has a railway station to reach here conveniently. The Haridwar city is connected with national highway no. 45 with Delhi. These three ways to Haridwar is easily accessible to reach here.