Tourist Attractions in Udham Singh Nagar
Tourist Attractions in Udham Singh Nagar
Tourist Attractions in Udham Singh Nagar
Tourist Attractions in Udham Singh Nagar : Udham Singh Nagar district, located in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand state, is blessed with immense natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From ancient temples to scenic lakes, wildlife sanctuaries to gurudwaras, there are numerous places to visit in this district that attract tourists throughout the year. Some of the major tourist attractions in Udham Singh Nagar are:
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara
The Pride of Sikh Community
Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara, located about 8 km from Khatima town, is one of the most prominent and revered Sikh shrines in Uttarakhand. Believed to be constructed at the place visited by Guru Nanak Dev ji, the first guru of Sikhs, this imposing white marble gurudwara attracts thousands of Sikh pilgrims every year, especially during the Gurupurab festivals.
The main complex houses the sanctum sanctorum and the community kitchen. The walls and ceiling are adorned with intricate designs and patterns. The relics preserved in the gurudwara include various precious items like weapons, golden umbrellas, antique coins, utensils and manuscripts belonging to the gurus.
The serene environment, langar seva and welcoming staff make it a must-visit place in the district.
Drona Sagar Lake
The Scenic Man-Made Wonder
Drona Sagar Lake, created by damming the Sukhrodh river, is situated about 12 km from Pantnagar town. Named after the legendary Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata fame, this picturesque spot has become a popular weekend getaway among locals as well as tourists.
The highlight of Drona Sagar is boating. One can enjoy boating on sparkling blue waters against the scenic backdrop of dense forests and hills. For adventure lovers, there are options like paddle boating and kayaking. The lakefront also has gardens, fountains, viewpoints and leisure lawns for visitors to relax and unwind.
The annual Drona Sagar Festival organized here is a big attraction, featuring cultural performances, adventure activities, food stalls etc.
Shitlakhet
The Unexplored Hill Station
The sleepy little town of Shitlakhet, located about 40 km from Rudrapur, is gradually coming up as an offbeat hill station in Kumaon region. Perched at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Shivalik ranges, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and surrounding landscape dotted with sal and pine forests.
Some must-visit places in Shitlakhet are the ancient Shitlakhet Temple, picturesque Kamla Devi Temple, quaint St. Mary’s Church, scenic viewpoints like Sunset and Sunrise points, and the Eco Park at ITBP campus. There are plenty of nature trails and village walks for adventure enthusiasts.
With its cool climate, natural bounty and laidback charm, Shitlakhet has immense potential to be developed into a top hill destination.
Chandi Devi Temple
The Abode of Goddess Chandi
The Chandi Devi Temple, located on the banks of Khoh river in Khatima town, is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Perched on a small hillock and surrounded by verdant forests, this ancient shrine is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Navratri festival.
According to legends, the idol of Chandi Devi in the temple is said to be installed by Adi Shankaracharya during his sojourn in the region. The main sanctum houses the stone idol along with other deities like Lord Ganesha, Hanuman and Bhairav.
The temple complex also has several other shrines, sacred kunds, rest houses and priests’ residences. The scenic location, centuries old architecture and strong religious faith make Chandi Devi Temple a revered pilgrimage site in Udham Singh Nagar.
Sitabani Temple and Ashram
The Legendary Sita’s Abode
Situated about 40 km from Rudrapur near the forest village Sita, the Sitabani Temple and Ashram complex is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita lived during her exile. Nestled amidst sal forests with the snow-capped Himalayas visible in the horizon, Sitabani lets you connect with nature and find inner peace.
The main temple, constructed in traditional Kumaoni style of architecture, has an idol of Goddess Sita along with Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna. The ashram area has well-kept gardens, meditation huts, sacred kunds and a gurukul school.
According to legends, the place has remains of ashrams built by Sita and Mirabai along with Sita’s kitchen utensils and footprints. The ashram celebrates annual Sita Vivah Mahotsava and Janmashtami festival with great fervor.
Corbett National Park
India’s First National Park
Situated at the edge of the picturesque Patli Dun valley, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India, established in 1936. Named after the legendary British hunter-environmentalist Jim Corbett, the park is located across Nainital and Pauri districts with a small portion extending to Udham Singh Nagar district as well.
Sprawling over 500 sq. km area, Corbett is renowned as one of the best habitats for Bengal tigers and Asian elephants. Safaris into different zones of the park provide opportunities for sighting these majestic beasts along with many other wildlife species like leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles etc. Corbett is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 600 avian species inhabiting its forests.
With its diverse topography of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts and grasslands, Corbett offers one of the most mesmerizing wildlife holiday experiences in India.
Jaspur
The City of Turquoise Temples
Jaspur town, located about 45 km from Kashipur on the banks of Sharda river, is famous for its ancient temples constructed in typical Kumaoni architectural style with striking turquoise-blue rooftops. Prominent among them are the temples dedicated to various forms of Devi – Jakhani Devi, Bankhandi Devi, Awala Devi, Dhaula Devi and Devidhura Devi.
According to legends, these temples were established by the Pandavas during their exile. The idols are said to be installed by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit. Surrounded by forests and mango orchards, these temples exude an aura of timeless grace and spirituality.
The major festivals celebrated here with tremendous local fanfare are Navratris, Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela. For history and culture lovers, Jaspur offers a delightful experience.
Conclusion to Tourist Attractions in Udham Singh Nagar
Tourist Attractions in Udham Singh Nagar, Udham Singh Nagar has tremendous potential waiting to be explored by tourists. Places like Nanakmatta Sahib, Drona Sagar, Shitlakhet, Chandi Devi Temple, Sitabani Ashram and Corbett National Park showcase the cultural, spiritual, natural and wildlife treasures of the region. With its scenic locales, ancient heritage and warm hospitality, tourism can tremendously boost the economy of this district. The need is to develop world-class infrastructure, promote sustainable practices and create innovative tourism circuits encompassing these attractions.
