Yamunotri - the sacred dham of Hindus

From Delhi – 487 km

From Dehradun – 172 km

From Rishikesh – 213 km

Overview – 

Perched at an elevation of 3,293 mtr above sea level, Yamunotri is the source of the sacred River Yamuna. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri is one of the four (char) sacred dhams (places) according to Hindu mythology. According to Hindu mythology, it was the home of an ancient sage - Asit Muni. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy shrine here, which remains open between May and November. Yamunotri lies on the western side of the Bandarpunch Mountain (6,315 mtr) close to the Indo-China border. The Yamunotri Temple dedicated to goddess Yamuna and the hot water springs in the vicinity are the major attractions of this pilgrimage destination.  

Yamunotri

Don’t Miss – 

A dip in hot springs and cooking rice in its water are popular rituals performed by the devotees at Yamunotri. Surya Kund, an important thermal spring and Divya Shila, a huge rock pillar are other attractions. Jankichatti located 7 km from Yamunotri is famous for its hot water springs. Hanumanchatti - the confluence of River Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga, at a distance of 13 km, is the starting point for the thrilling Dodi Tal Trek.

Getting There –

Rail – Dehradun (172 km) and Rishikesh (213 km) are the nearest railheads from Yamunotri. Both these railway stations are linked to Delhi by a number of express trains. 

Road – From Delhi, take NH 58 to reach Rishikesh, via Modinagar and Roorkee. The journey takes around 6 hours. From Rishikesh, a 213 km road journey takes one to Hanumanchatti, where the motorable road ends. From here, one has to cover the 13 km trek either on foot or on ponies. Porters and palanquins are available on hire and the route passes through rugged mountains and dense forests. 

Vapi - the industrial town in Southern Gujarat

From Mumbai – 193 km

From Surat – 100 km

Overview - 

Vapi is an industrial town in southern Gujarat, approximately 28 km south of district headquarters Valsad. A fast growing city, Vapi is home to large number of industries such as chemicals, dyes, food products, glass, paints, paper, plastics, pharmaceuticals, packaging, rubber, textiles and woods. Set on the banks of Damanganga River, Vapi serves as a base to visit the union territory of Daman. From Vapi, taxis and auto-rickshaws to Daman are available at regular intervals. 

Vapi Beach

Don’t Miss – 

Hardly 13 km from the industrial township of Vapi, the union territory of Daman is a favourite gateway for vacationers. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, Daman welcomes discerning holidaymakers with soothing winds, clean white sands, tranquil environs, magnificent forts and massive churches.   

Getting There –

Rail – Vapi Railway Station is under the administrative control of Western Railways. Several intercity express trains connect Vapi with Ahmedabad and Mumbai, including the Shatabdi Express.

Road – Vapi is connected by NH 8 with Mumbai, Surat and other important places of Gujarat. 

Vadodara - the City of Culture

From Mumbai – 448 km

From Ahmedabad – 113 km

Overview - 

Earlier known as Baroda, Vadodara is often referred to as the Sayaji Nagari (Sayaji’s City) or Sanskari Nagari (The City of Culture). Situated on the banks of the River Vishwamitri, Vadodara is famous for the picturesque Laxmi Vilas Palace and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. A historic city, Vadodara abounds with magnificent buildings, temples and monuments, old museums and well-maintained gardens. Besides a cultural and educational centre of Gujarat, the city is also home to big industries, shopping malls and multiplexes. 

A historical monument in Vadodara

Don’t Miss - 

Built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890, Laxmi Vilas Palace is a splendid Indo – Saracenic style building and a must visit place in Vadodara. The royal family’s residence has a well-ornate Darbar Hall and elegant walls with mosaic decorations. Laxmi Vilas Palace complex sprawling over 700 acres, houses several buildings including the Moti Baug Palace and Maharaj Fateh Singh Musuem which has a fine collection of old armoury and bronze sculptures. Other important places to visit in the city are Baroda Museum, Aurobindo Society, Kirti Mandir, Nazarbaug Palace, Makarpura Palace and Sayajibaug. 

Getting There –

Train – Vadodara Railway Station is a major rail head on the Mumbai – Delhi and Mumbai – Ahmedabad routes, served by several superfast and express trains.

Road – Take the NH 8 from Mumbai, passing through Navsari and Bharuch to reach Vadodara. The city is also connected through Indian National Expressway – 1 (97 km) with Ahmedabad.