|
Gangotri: Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. Gangotri is situated in the northernmost part of the state of Uttaranchal and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh. The most famous site nearby is the Gaumukh (literal meaning, cow's mouth) glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. The Ganges is called the Bhagirathi here.
Yamunotri: Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is 278 km from Dehradun and 236 km from Rishikesh. The Yamunotri Temple is the major attraction of this site. The temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands. According to legend, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the God of death, and so anyone bathing in the waters of the river is spared a painful death. The glacial lake of Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, nearby at an altitude of 4421 m, is the real source of the Yamuna River.
Rajaji National Park at Chilla is 16 km from Rishikesh. The park (820 sq km) has abundant wildlife and is especially known for its wild elephants.
| 
