Rishikesh - located in the laps of lower Himalayas about 24 Kms from Haridwar represents the Gateway to the Himalayas and is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World". Today Rishikesh is fast emerging as a centre for curing ailments through yoga and meditation. Meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation and the whole place is considered to be sacred.

Devprayag - Situated on the Rishikesh - Badrinath road, this mountainous spot is the site of the holy meeting of the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. When they flow out of here, they are together called the Ganga. An old temple of Ram here is well known. It is believed that the town is named after Deosharma, a sage, who led a life of penance here and succeeded in having a glimpse of God. Devprayag, meaning "holy confluence", is essentially the site of the beginning of the Ganges River. The Ganges begins with the confluence of two streams here, and its considered a place of powerful natural forces as well as spiritual forces. Devprayag is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrimages.

Rudraprayag - Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraparyag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms. From Srinagar (Garhwal). The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad. The Shicve and Jagdambe temples are of great religious importance.

Sonprayag - At an elevation of 1829 mts. and on the main Kedarnath route, Sonprayag lies at the confluence of river Basuki & Mandakini. The holy site of Sonprayag is of immense religious significance. It is said that a mere touch of the holy water of Sonprayag helps one to attain the "Baikunth Dham". Kedarnath is at a distance of 19 Kms. from Sonprayag. Trijuginaryan, is at a distance of 14 Kms by bus and 5 Kms on foot from here. 

Gaurikund - At a distance of 5 Kms. from Sonprayag and an altitude of 1982 mts., Before proceeding for Kedarnath on foot, people bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Devi temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath - Amidst the dramatic mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.

Kedarnath is a majestic sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the templedoor a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is said to be more than a 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut gray slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs were handled in the earlier days. The temple has a " Garbha Griha" for worship and a Mandap apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Joshimath - Joshimath is an important destination on this sector as it has many religious and beautiful places in its proximity. The religious places like the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh Badrinath and many other religious places are nearby. Another importance of this place is that is comes under the trekking route to the natural wonder of the valley of flowers. Joshimath itself is an important pilgrimage site as the great Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya visited this place in the 8th century and also has built a temple here. Situated on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga, Joshimath offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and the gushing rivers flowing by.

Badrinath - Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the scared itinerary of every devour Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as 'Badri Van'.

Badrinath is considered the holiest of the four important shrines in Garhwal. The town is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and falls in the religious itinerary of every devout Hindu.

The present temple was built about two centuries ago by Garhwal Kings. It is a conical structure, 15 m. tall and has small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. There are 15 idols in the temple complex, each sculpted in black stone. The principal idol represents Vishnu in a meditative posture and is flanked by Nara-Narayan. Legend dates it prior to the Vedic age though it is believed to have been re-established by Adi Shankaracharya, an important Hindu saint in 8th century A.D. Some of the other images include Laxmi (Vishnu's consort), Garud (Vishnu's mount), Shiva & Parvati and Ganesha.

The temple has been renovated several times due to damages by avalanches. It looks fairly modern now due to the colourful Singh Dwara or the main entrance gate. It has three parts- Garbha Griha (the sanctum sanctorum), Darshan Mandap (for pujas) and Shobha Mandap (for devotees to assemble). The revered shrine is still alive with myriad legends from mythology. Its sanctity is emphasised in the ancient scriptures as "There are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in theheavens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be"

Haridwar - "Gateway to the abode of gods" blessed by the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva nestles on the banks of River Ganga. Renowned for the "Maha Kumbh Mela" appearing every 12 years and the Ardh (half) Kumbh performed every six years fortunately beautifies India drawing a number of pilgrims and devotees to commemorate this divine event. Haridwar also provides plenty to learn.