Known as the Abode of Gods,
Chamoli in Uttarakhand is known for its scenic landscapes, pilgrimage
centres and biodiversity hotspots. Chamoli was earlier known as
Kedar-Khand. Situated at an altitude of 1308m above mean sea level, Chamoli is
surrounded by the district of Uttarkashi in northwest, Pithoragarh in
southwest, Almora in southeast, Rudraprayag in the southwest and Tehri
Grahwal in the west.
Chamoli is important as several Hindu pilgrimage sites are located in
the district. Two of the Chota Char Dham temples – Badrinath and
Kedarnath, Joshimath and Joshimath, the northern peetha established by
Shankaracharya are the most important. Three of the five prayags
– Karnaoravas, Nandoravae and Vishnuprayag – are situated in Chamoli.
Millions of pilgrims visit the district each year.
Besides its religious significance, Chamoli is also known for its
scenic splendour and bio-diversity. The Valley of Flowers is the most
famous national park in the district. Kauri Pass and Roopkund also known
as Mystery Lake are other places known for their scenic splendour. The
beauty of Chamoli assures to leave everyone spellbound. It is said that
Kalidas wrote many of his literary masterpieces in Chamoli.
Chamoli is also known for the winter sports it offers. Auli is among the popular skiing destinations in India. People of the district have also been at the forefront of efforts to
save the environment. Chamoli shot into fame as it was the birthplace of
Chipko Movement. Chipko was a grass root-level movement to save the
trees.
History
According
to mythology, Chamoli was known as Kedar-Khand and as the abode of Gods.
It was believed that after inundation, Sapt-rishis saved their lives in
Mana village of Chamoli. Aadi-Puran says Ved Vyas scripted Mahabhrat in
Vyas Gufa near Badrinath.
Bhanu Pratap, the first ruler of Panwar dynasty, ruled from his
fort-capital of Chandpur Garhi. The Panwars were replaced by Gorkhas who
ruled the region till 1815 AD.
Later with help of British, Raja Sudarshan Shah managed to displace
the Gorkhas and merged the eastern part of the Alakhnanda River and
Mandakini. Since then, Tehri has been the capital.
In February 1960, Chamoli was made a new district of Uttar Pradesh.
Fun facts
- Prasoon Joshi, the lyricist-writer-screenwriter-and-adman, though
born in Almora, spent his childhood in Narendra Nagar, Tehri and
Gopeshwar in Chamoli District.
- Sanjeevani, the herb which was required to save Lakshman in the epic
Ramayana, grew in the Valley Of flowers of Chamoli district.
- Actress Himani Shivpuri hails from Bhatwadi village in Chamoli.
Culture
Chamoli is unique as its architecture, dresses, folk songs and folk dances impart a separate identity to the region. Folk songs are an integral part of festivities in Chamoli. Folk songs
and dances are also used to announce the change of seasons.
Traditional clothes worn by men in Chamoli are also different. Women
wear sari along with Angra or the full-sleeved shirt and men wear kurta,
pyjama and sadri or jacket and cap. Both men and women wear cummerbund.
Chamoli women also standout because of the jewelry they wear.
Bichhuwas (toe-rings), keels (small studs), nose rings (naths) and ear
rings made of gold and hansulis are an integral part of the
Chamoli’s architecture is another distinguishing structure. Houses
are generally two or three stories high and made of stones. Ground floor
is mostly used for cattle. Courtyard called
Chauk is another feature. Houses built in rows of half a dozen impart the appearance of a fort.
Where to stay
Chamoli
has several options for stay ranging from budget to luxury ones.
Gopeshwar, Auli, Badrinath boast of good range of hotels. Lodges and
dharamshalas are also available which offer budget stay.
Where to eat
Dhabas,
restaurants and street food are available in Chamoli district. Non
vegetarian foods are not available at places of religious importance.
Hotels attached to restaurants, especially the star hotels, serve all
kind of cuisine.
Best time to visit
The
best time to visit tourist hotspots in Chamoli differs from site to
site. Months of July and August are best for visiting Valley of flowers.
November to March is the best time to visit Auli. May-June and
September-November are the best time to visit Badrinath. During monsoon,
the region remains landslide prone and roads remain blocked. During
winter, Chamoli receives snowfall. During summer, temperature ranges
from 15 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsisu while in winter it varies
from sub-zero levels to 20 degree Celsius.
