Published: 25 Mar, 2019 Ashwini
Nestled deep in the Uttarkashi region of Himalayas lies the quaint village of Harsil. Once a quite popular hill village in Uttarakhand, today this place witnesses just a handful of tourists seeking solace amidst the comforts of nature. However, this wasn’t always the case. In the 1980s, Harsil was a popular tourist attraction. Not just attracting tourists, this place was also popular film shooting locations in Uttarakhand. The village was exhibited in famous movies like Ram Teri Ganga Maili. However, Harsil faded into oblivion, being home to just a hundred of visitors every year. Once a prosperous tourism destination in Uttarakhand, let’s understand why Harsil has become a not-so-known destination from being a film shooting location in Uttarakhand.
Wonders of Harsil
A beautiful village in the Himalayas, Harsil is everything you expect out of a hill station in India. From tall enchanting peaks in the backdrop to Bhagirathi river with its magical sound blessing the nearby areas.
However, things have started to change in Harsil and it has been an emerging destination. Making its mark on the travelling radar, thanks to recent film shooting of the much-anticipated biopic on Prime Minister Modi, the village has again started to create some buzz about it. The village was also featured in the daily soap Naagin. Home to some of the most scenic landscapes in the Uttarkashi region, the place attracts both pilgrims and wanderers. Enroute Chota Char Dham, many pilgrims take a detour to Harsil, exploring the beauty and tranquillity of this tiny village.
What makes Harsil so special?
Nestled in the Uttarkashi region, Harsil offers a breathtaking Panoramic view of Himalayan mountains. A solo traveller’s paradise, Harsil offers everything you seek out of a getaway destination. The village also attracts adventurers who live for adrenaline rush. With numerous trekking trails starting from Harsil and a chance of trying mountain biking, your adventure appetite will surely get satisfied at Harsil.
How did Harsil gain popularity?
Harsil was once a popular tourist destination, ideal for both summer getaway and winter getaway. Many Bollywood movies were shot here, including the popular movie, Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Home to numerous apple orchids and view of Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch and Shre Kanth, the village offered a retreat from the chaos of life. A stopping point for pilgrims of Chota Char Dham, Harsil witnessed a good amount of tourist footfall.
What changed in recent time?
Harsil witness the cast and crew of biopic made on current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Vivek Oberoi alongside his cast and crew posted pictures from Harsil, reminding travellers why this place was once considered a mini-Switzerland of India. Recently many other films and daily soap crew visited Harsil for shooting.
Why you must visit Harsil?
Leaving the film shooting apart, there are tons of reason why you must visit Harsil. Giving relief from the summer heat and providing solace during winters, Harsil is perfect throughout the year. There are many tourist attractions around Harsil, ranging from adventure getaway to pilgrimage destinations.
Tourist attractions in and around Harsil
Mukhwas Village
Mukhwas Village is arguably one of the biggest attractions in Harsil. Home to Goddess Gangotri during the winter season as Gangotri itself is prone to heavy snowfall. Adding the religious allure to the place, every winter pilgrims flock to Harsil to seek blessings of Goddess Gangotri.
Gangotri
Part of the Chota Char Dham, Gangotri is just 25 km away from the village of Harsil. The holy point of Gangotri is believed to be the spot where Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The place attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, seeking the divine blessings of the Hindu Goddess.
Gangotri Glacier
The origin point of holy river Ganga, Gangotri glacier is one of the most sacred spots in India. Situated just 49 km from the village of Harsil, Gangotri is one of the must-visit places around Harsil. Gangotri glacier trek is also a popular trek around Harsil, offering travellers a blend of religion and nature.
Dodital Lake
Dodital lake is one of the famous trekking destinations in Uttarakhand. Nestled at an altitude of 3024 m above the sea level, the lake is situated at a distance of just 25.6 km from Harsil. Perfect for those who seek solace amidst the comforts of nature, you get to explore the dense deodar forests, with exotic species of flora and fauna.
Dayara Bugyal
One of the most popular treks in the Uttarkashi region, taking you across some of the most scenic Himalayan mountains, Dayara Bugyal is a perfect getaway from Harsil. Just odd 55 km from Harsil, Dayara Bugyal offers a scenic view of the lush green meadows of Uttarkashi.
Harsil is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand and with its enchanting mountains and serene valley, the village ensures that your stay is here a memorable one. Visiting this place would be no less than a romance with nature.
Well, if you’re looking for such vacation sightseeing tours in offbeat places like this, you can contact us at Tour My India. You can call us at +91-9212553106 or send us your queries at info@tourmyindia.com and we’ll get back to you with best Uttarakhand holiday packages where you can pick the one that suits you the most.
For any queries, feel free to post your questions in the comment section below.
Born and brought up in the Lucknowi tehzeeb, Ashwini wishes to someday settle in a quaint little town in the Himalayas. If you do not find him daydreaming about his travel plans, you’ll find him exploring the vastness of Youtube and Netflix. A travel romantic and a cricket fanatic, he also wishes to try every cuisine ever made in this world.