India: Uttarakhand

Includes FREE planning and background information. High mountains, holy rivers, remnants of the British Raj (British rule) and renowned ashrams: for a small state, Uttarakhand packs in an incredible amount. You can take yoga classes at an ashram in Rishikesh and white-water raft down the Ganges one day, and trek in the shadow of the Himalaya the next. Walk with pilgrims to ancient temples near the source of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers, or take puja (offerings or prayers) with thousands of devotees on the ghats (steps or landings on a river) at Haridwar. Put up your feet and relax in Raj-era hill stations, or ride an elephant and take your camera on a hunt for tigers at Corbett Tiger Reserve or Rajaji National Park. If you get your timing right, it’s all possible in Uttarakhand.