Chamoli district is the second district in Uttarakhand, India. This is the birth place of Chipko Movement. Chamoli is also known as Abode of Gods. Earlier name of this place is Kedar Khand. Several Hindu pilgrim places are situated here. Out of 5 prayagas, 3 are situated here and out of 5 Chota Char Dham 2 are situated here. Best scenic views are also possible here.
What to see in Chamoli:
Gopeshwar: Temples are the major attractions of this place. Gauchar fair is most famous fair in this area. Gopeshwar Attractions are Gopinath Temple, Snow covered hill , Mountain climbing, Trekking, Anasuya Devi Temple, Tungnath Temple. Other attractions of this town of this town are mountain climbing and trekking.
Auli: This is most popular winter destination of Uttarakhand. From this place visitors can have best view of the Himalayan Mountain range.
Badrinath: Major attraction of this town is Badrinath Temple. Badrinath Attractions are Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, Charanpaduka, Brahma Kapal, Narada Kund.
Joshimath: It is one among the 4 Peeths (centres). This is most sacred place to the Hindus. It was established by Adi Shankaracharya.
Valley of Flowers: Major attractions of this place are Pristine air, snow clad peaks, milky white streams, meadows and alpine shrubs.
Vasudhara Falls: It is located 7kms away from Badrinath. These falls look like milk when it is falling. It is located in Mana Village. If visitors of this place are not pure at heart, these falls will turn away.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is located 13kms away from Badrinath. It is believed that Father of Pandavas meditated here. This is the birth place of Pandavas.
Roop Kund: The edges of the kund are covered with snow round the year. Presence of skeletons can be seen when the snow melts. No one knows why these skeletons are there. So this is called Mystery Lake.
Rudranath Temple: It is one of the Panch Kedars. It is located in the middle of the thick forest.
Tapovan: It is located 15kms away from Joshimath. Hot springs are famous here.
What to see around Chamoli:
Nandprayag: This is a sacred place at which confluence of Nandakini and Alaknanda Rivers. Nand Temple is another major attraction of this place. It is situated 17kms away from Chamoli.
Hemkund Sahib: It is located 19kms away from Chamoli. For Sikhs there are 508 important pilgrim places in India. It is one of those pilgrim places. This is the highest gurudwara of Sikh community.
Chopta: This is located 47kms away from Chamoli. Snowfall in this place is most beautiful during the winter season. Major attractions of this place are Rock climbing, Rock craft, Snow trekking, Yoga, Trekking and Camping. For the bird watchers this is the best place. Best trekking routes of this region are Devariyatal, Tunganath and Chandrashilla.
Getting to Chamoli: Chamoli is well connected with road ways. From Major destinations of Uttarakhand such as Gopeshwar, Srinagar, Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Rishikesh etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Rishikesh. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
Getting around Chamoli: Buses and taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Chamoli.
Best time to visit Chamoli: Different places of Chamoli have to be seen at different times. Best time to visit valley of flowers is between July and August. Best time to visit Badrinath is September to November. Best time to visit Auli is between November to March.
Where to stay at Chamoli: From Budget to luxury hotels are available to stay at Chamoli. Best hotels are available at Badrinath, Auli and Gopeshwar.
Where to eat in Chamoli: Plenty of restaurants and Dhabas are available to eat in Chamoli. At the religious places non vegetarian food is not available.