Part II ... Contd (Gangotri)
Suryakund Waterfalls and Gaurikund
After taking the darshan of Maa Ganga at the Gangotri Temple, we visited the spectacular Surya Kund Waterfall. One has to cross an iron bridge to have a clear view of the magnificent falls. On one side of the bridge lies the Surya Kund and on the other side lies the Gauri Kund.
After taking the darshan of Maa Ganga at the Gangotri Temple, we visited the spectacular Surya Kund Waterfall. One has to cross an iron bridge to have a clear view of the magnificent falls. On one side of the bridge lies the Surya Kund and on the other side lies the Gauri Kund.
Surya Kund waterfall at Gangotri, as seen from the bridge
Gauri Kund situated on the other side of the bridge
The thundering milky white water bellowing down and the resulting froth that ensued made for an extremely pretty sight… What made it even more beautiful was the tiny little rainbow that had formed on the water by the sun’s rays!! Enlarge the pic to get a clear view of it!
Magnificient Surya Kund waterfall at Gangotri
The beautiful smooth curves of the rocks implied that in the summers and the rainy season the water must be falling from the top of the cliff... what an astounding sight it would be then!!
View from the bridge
Some of the places which are definitely worth mentioning here and which I could not get a chance to visit this time around are:-
Natural Shivling
There is also a Shivling which is submerged in the river here. This natural rock Shivling is the place where Lord Shiva sat when he received the River Ganga in his matted locks. It is visible only in the winter months when the water level decreases.
Pandav Gufa
There is also the Pandav Gufa (cave) which is a 1.5 km trek from Gangotri. This is the place where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated on their way to the Kailash. The entire trek and the place around the cave is said to be very beautiful, full of natural splendor.
Gangotri is also a place from where numerous treks start. These places include –
Gaumukh Glacier
The Gaumukh glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi (Ganga) river and it is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. The 18 km distance from Gangotri has to be covered on foot. There is a Tourist Bungalow at Bhojbasa, 14 km from Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available. Extremely magnificent panoramic views of the Bhagirathi peaks are visible during this trek.
Gaumukh - The origin of River Ganga near Gangotri,
(image courtesy Google images)
Bhagirathi peaks, Gaumukh
(image courtesy Google Picasa)
Nandanvan Tapovan
A trek across the Gangotri glacier leads you to these two places. An ardous trek of 6 km from Gaumukh is worth the view it offers – the surrounding Shivling peak and beautiful meadows that surround its base.
A trek across the Gangotri glacier leads you to these two places. An ardous trek of 6 km from Gaumukh is worth the view it offers – the surrounding Shivling peak and beautiful meadows that surround its base.
The Awesome sight of the Shivling Peak,
(image courtesy Google Picasa)
Kedartal
An enchanting lake at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri situated at an elevation of 4425 feet above the sea level against the majestic Thalaiyasagar peak in the background. The trekking route is rough and requires a local guide.
Kedartal in the Himalayas,
(image courtesy www.taonews123.blogspot.com)
To view the travel route map for Gangotri - CLICK HERE.
Previous posts from this trip -
44 Comments
wow! want to do it someday...
ReplyDeleteexcellent images and information
Wow! Exotic images...loved the Surya Kund waterfall especially
ReplyDeleteamazing pics arti:) keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing landscape Arti! I so hope to visit Indis one day, but it must be a trip with enough time to see a lot. Meanwhile, i enjoy travelling with you!
ReplyDeleteAmazing & beautiful place!! So peaceful!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pics... really cool place :)
ReplyDelete'The thundering milky white water' - you have such a wonderful way with words it really is such a pleasure to travel with you like this.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Arti! Will definitely get back to your blog posts when I plan to visit Himalayas..!
ReplyDeleteLovely Photography Aarthi, loved the surya kund waterfall photo too good..lovely post as well:)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous images and that waterfall is stunning.
ReplyDeleteIncredible, breathtaking place!! And your captures are superb, Arti, as always! Thanks for sharing the beauty and the information! Fantastic! Hope you have a great week! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Wow wow wow! What gorgeous shots - such spectacular mountains!
ReplyDeleteThe scenery here just takes my breath away Arti. Obviously a place you will want to go back to in the future -- so much to see there. Wonderful post.
ReplyDeletethe pics are simply superb. Wish I could do the yatra some day. for now, I'll be content with the excellent coverage on your blog. :)
ReplyDeletemarvelous photos... the suryakund waterfall is really awesome... particularly the rocks surrounding the falls... The pine trees and the origin of the ganga are also good...
ReplyDeleteWow, beautiful clicks, its like paradise...amazing scenic beauty, thanks for sharing it with us:)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE those two close up pictures of the falls!!! Just spectacular!! And I did enlarge the picture to see the rainbow on the water, but I could also see it without enlarging. Those cliffs are so unusual looking, almost look man made, and the colors of them is pretty, as well. Actually, they match your new background, did you do that on purpose?
ReplyDeleteMesmerized by the pic and description.
ReplyDeleteThese are breathtaking photos. I thought its manmade coz it's so perfect esp the Surya Kund waterfall.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminded me of my places to visit list- loved the beautiful picture of Gaumukh..It i always a pleasure to visit your site :)
ReplyDeleteUS Masala
Beautiful post...and such gorgeous inspiring photos!Wonderful
ReplyDeleteVictoria~
beautiful surya kund shot
ReplyDeletenice shots
That waterfall is just so amazing. I love your photos. Thank you for visiting my blog today.
ReplyDeletebeautiful pictures
ReplyDeleteAwesome place! Awesome shots! Awesome you! Keep up what you're doing cause you're doing great! Cheers! :)
ReplyDeleteJust awesome , interesting information .
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures. you made me want to visit this place. TC~
ReplyDeletewow! such a beautiful place specially kedartal,really wonderful :D
ReplyDeleteArti, you have assembled a wonderful travelogue of photos here and make a compelling argument for visiting this land. The rock formations are beautiful with the waterfalls. A visit to the glacier would be fabulous albeit a long hike.
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
Thanks for your kind comments on my blog. India is a wonderful country which I would love to visit one day.
ReplyDeleteThe waterfall photos are amazing as are the mountain and lake shots! Terrific, as usual, Arti!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful travelogue. I love the rocks and the waterfalls.
ReplyDelete@ Petty Witter
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy, coming from you... A master of words, this is a special compliment.
@ Ginny, Rizalenio
ReplyDeleteIt is not man made but natural made by the falling waters of the Ganges for so long!! And yes it is perfect, actually the level of water that you see here is much less, after all the snow melts the water falls from the top of the cliffs!!
And also the color matches my background, nice observation Ginny... I did not do it on purpose!!!
Beautiful pictures indeed! Pretty enticing :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place. This is surely on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteSurya Kund, especially looks awesome...strangely smooth rocks!
ReplyDeleteThose are indeed great captures. The post makes a great reading trip!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are always awesome Arti.. but these are the awesommest I have seen. Wow! Thoroughly enjoyed the blog. You are doing great work.
ReplyDeleteHii Arti ,
ReplyDeleteGreat Article again.. :) I do the "Darshana" of all char dhams from your blog itself :)
Hey Arti....that is so informative
ReplyDeleteThrough your blog i have become so much informative about holy places and share this info with elders who much appreciate it
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Hi Arti, beautiful blog again!
ReplyDeleteHats off to the photographer and editor
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In Pics, Nature comes alive.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Delighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
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