Acme Cabs

09/11/2015

Do VISIT Uttarakhand

All you need to know about the trending trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, ideal for winter season.

07/11/2015

Sattal or Sat Tal (Hindi for "seven lakes") is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, a town of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand, India. During the British Raj, the area had a tea plantation, one of four in the Kumaon area at that time.

The lakes sit at an altitude of 1370 metres below lush orchards in the Mehragaon valley.

Set amongst dense forests of oak and pine trees, Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is home to a few camps being operated mostly by local people catering to tourists looking for outdoor vacations.

05/11/2015

Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.

Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.

Ranikhet is a place that reflects the best of the great Himalayas. The charming and majestic views of the pine trees, lush green forests, delicate plant life and attractive wild life, the scented mountain breeze, the fresh and pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas sight, all adds to the heavenly and pure feeling of Ranikhet.

31/10/2015

Nanda-Devi Estate BINSAR

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Himalayas on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills. It is about 33 km north of the Almora town in Uttarakhand, India.

From a place called Zero Point in Binsar one can see the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul and Nanda Devi.

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon from the 11th to 18th centuries AD. Binsar was established in 1988 for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region, and it has over 200 bird species.

30/10/2015

Deoria Tal- A Heaven on Earth

Deoria Tal (Also spelled as Devaria' or 'Deoriya) is a lake located about 3 km on an uphill trek from the villages of Mastura and Sari, on the Ukhimath-Chopta road in Uttarakhand. At an altitude of about 2438 meters, it has heavily wooded, lush green surroundings with snow-covered mountains (Chaukhamba is one of them) in the backdrop.

30/10/2015

Dharchula, Pithoragarh.

Dharchula is a town that is located in the Pithorgarh district of the state of Uttarakhand. Dharchula is a small and remote place and it is located along an ancient trade route through the Himalayan Mountains. The town is completely surrounded by hills on all sides and the views are breathtaking. The people of the town of Dharchula have any similar characteristics to the people of the town called Darchula in Nepal, which is just across the border. There are a few places of tourist interest that are located in the town, however most tourists who travel here, come to witness the unique culture and diversity of the people.

Some of the main attractions in the place are Narayan Ashram, Manosarovar Lake, Chikrila Dam, Kali River and Om Parvat. The Narayan Ashram is located around 98 km from the town of Dharchula and it can accommodate up to 40 people at any given time. The Manosarovar Lake is a pilgrim center and many devotees come to the place to take a holy bath, in the frigid waters.

30/10/2015

Hemkund Sahib, Chamoli

Hemkund Sahib, known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Ji, is a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. It is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh Ji the tenth Sikh Guru, and finds mention in Dasam Granth, a work dictated by Guruji himself. With its setting of a glacial lake surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each adorned by a Nishan Sahib on its cliff, it is according to the Survey of India located in the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,632 meters (15,197 feet). It is approached from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The main town near Gobindghat is Joshimath.

Hemkunt is a Sanskrit name derived from Hem ("Snow") and Kund ("bowl"). Dasam Granth says this is the place where Pandu Raja practiced Yoga. In addition, the Dasam Granth says God ordered Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to take birth while he was in deep meditation at the mount of Hemkunt.

26/10/2015

Rishikesh is not a pilgrimage destination devoted to any particular place of worship or deity. Rather, it is a site of various spiritual practices.

Laxman Jhula - The prominent 450-foot long iron suspension bridge was built in 1939 over the Ganga River. It is said that Lord Ram's brother Lakshman had crossed the River on a jute rope from here. This part of town is better known for its busy bazaars, restaurants and cafés and one can also visit the Lakshman and Raghunath temples here.

24/10/2015

Haridwar also spelled Hardwar is an ancient city and municipality in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. The River Ganga, after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára.

Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nashik and Prayag (Allahabad) is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the 4 places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst the Kumbha Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.

24/10/2015

Ganga Aarti, Haridwar

The Ganga Aarti in Hardwar’s Har-ki-Pauri is one of the famous rituals in India. It starts at around 6.30pm after sunset, with large crowds gathered around both the banks of a canal that carry the waters of Ganges. Loud speakers blare songs in praise of Ganga Maiya and Shiva.

The time of Aarti sees a bustle of activity on the ghats. Many babas are seen sitting in corners, hoping to get some donations from the devotees. Men in blue uniform move around with a receipt book, collecting donations that will be used for conducting the Aarti. People keep walking in all direction trying to find a good place to sit or stand. Hawkers sell wick lamps or diyas to float in the Ganges.

22/10/2015

At first glance, Almora appears huge but is actually not. The town is hence, best explored on foot. Almora has plenty of lanes and bi-lanes all interconnected to each other.

A walk up Mall Road in Almora leads to an old gothic structure which is an old Methodist church built in 1897 as a memorial to Reverend Budden, who preached in the Kumaon Hills for over four decades.

If the walk up Mall Road is continued, then one will enter the 200-year-old Lala Bazaar. This bazaar has everything from slipper to handles, kitchen wear to sweet shops, Lala Bazaar has it all. There are plenty of dingy eateries which serve really tasty samosas.

In the center of this crowded market lies the ancient Nanda Devi Temple built by the Chand Rajas. The idol of the goddess is located in the ante-chamber of a Shiva temple and is much revered by the locals. Nanda Devi Temple has a very peaceful feel and the main temple bell has a much longer ring to it as compared to most other temples in India.

Every year for more than 400 years in the past, a riot of pageantry breaks out in Almora during the month of September, that last for five full days as thousands of devotees flock to this town for the Nanda Devi Mela.

Almora also has a couple of attractions that are located not too far away from the town. The first one is the rock shelter that is around 20 kilometres away in a place called Lakhudiar. It is a rock face jutting out of the mountain just a few steps up from the road. The Archaeological Survey of India notified this property and states that it dates back to the Stone Age. Early man is supposed to have taken shelter here and the inside walls and ceilings have some sort of sketches of geometrical and human figures. The sketches however, are not too eye catchy.

The town of Almora has plenty of accommodation options which range from budget hotels to luxury resorts. The best place to stay in Almora is in any one of the many four floor hotels which present travellers a breath-taking view of the whole valley.

When it comes to eating, the options in Almora are bad. For a town which has possibly everything including 3G coverage, the food is a big let down. There is not a single place which will entice travellers to come and dine again, after one taste. The best eating options are at the start of Mall Road.

Almora has pleasant weather all year round which makes this small hill station an ideal great away for city people from Delhi and Chandigarh. One can easily spend a couple of days if not more relaxing in the hills around Almora.

22/10/2015

Kausani (Almora)
Mahatma Gandhi rightfully declared Kausani as “Switzerland of India “. I completely agree with the statement. Nested in the thick pine forests in the Kumaon Hill, Kausani offers uninterrupted views of Himalayan range with most popular peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchchuli at the closest view point. With the panoramic view of the spectacular Himalayan range, this place also offers you the well spread lush green tea gardens right in the foot hills. I feel the whole aura of hills; gardens and mountains in Kausani just celebrates the silence so gracefully that can’t be explained in words. It’s a god’s self-designed paradise on earth.

For complete travel diary :
http://www.traveldiaryparnashree.com/2011/04/quiet-affair-with-hills-in-kausani.html?spref=bl

21/10/2015

Bhulla Tal Lake, Lansdowne

Situated at 1700 mts above the sea level Lansdowne is the regimental Office of the formidable Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army, located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

This cantonment town has a timeless charm with its pine trees and mossy surfaces. Little bungalows belonging mostly to army officials dot the slope at intervals. A walk through the slopes or drive on the well maintained meandering roads will surely grant anyone the elusive peace of mind. In the middle of the town stands the market place with a grand little white-washed post-office of British architecture and an old time stand-alone movie theatre staying in sync with the nostalgic charm of the town. Though the ambience of this place in itself merits being a good enough travel destination there are a few must-visit tourist spots:

the Tip and Top viewing point affords a breath-taking view of the snow-covered Garhwal Himalayas. Spend some magical moments lost in the majesty of the range during sunrise/sunset. You can make a quick trip to the Santashi Maa temple which is a bit beyond the viewing point.
The Garhwal Rifles regimental Darwan Singh museum and their parade ground radiate the hard-earned glory of this famous regiment. The history of the illustrious regiment, the never ending honour-rolls and medals earned by the soldiers and their valiant stories are all very over-whelming.
Situated amidst the thick oaks and pine trees are the St John and St Mary churches where you are transported to the British era with their serene and untouched beauty. Inside, the monochrome wedding pictures held in the church from that era gives you a certain hit of nostalgia.
The artificial dam erected by the Army to create the Bhulla Tal is a perfect spot to sit and soak in the sun and the simple charm of this town with ducks, birds and rabbits vying for your attention. It is the perfect spot to spend some time with a book or your loved ones.

21/10/2015

This expedition starts from the beautiful temple town of Gangotri on the banks of Ganga, the holiest river in the country. Having taken the blessings of the residing deity, Ganga ma (Mother Ganges) we start our trek. In the first stage we trek up to Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier and source of the holy Ganges. Continuing ahead we get to the heavenly meadows at Tapovan surely one of the finest camping ground in the Himalayas with lush green pastures, network of streams and awe-inspiring peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi & Meru all around. Having spent an extra day at Tapovan and well acclimatized to the conditions, we move to another majestic meadow across the Gangotri glacier called Nandanvan.

In the middle stage we trek up to Vasukital and camp by the beautiful lake for 2 nights for better acclimatization. From here we hike up to the base of the pass in 3 days through a maze of moraine, glaciers and high mountains. It’s the most important day of the expedition when we scale the pass. Our team of guides will decide on a route and time for starting the climb. Depending on the conditions the route can become a bit technical and we stay roped up throughout. We might need to cut steps, rappel down and use some other technical manoeuvres but rest assured that all this will be taken care of by the team of guides. The climb will surely be exhausting but well worth the effort when we scale Kalindikhal at 5950m. Here you’re literally on top of the world with giant peaks at an arms distance and spectacular views all around.We take pictures and rest for some time before we start our descent, which also needs to be negotiated very carefully till we are out of crevassed regions. Be prepared for a long descent today.
In the last stage lasting 2 days we descend through a beautiful landscape making a few adventurous river crossings to reach the temple town of Badrinath. We visit the Badrinath shrine and pay obeisance for the successful expedition before heading to our scenically located lodge at Auli where we rediscover the joys of hot shower. In the night we have a grand celebration for the successful expedition.

For complete travel diary visit: http://aviramsworld.com/2013/01/26/an-attempt-to-cross-the-worlds-highest-pass-kalindi-khal/

05/10/2015

This is no joke!

23/09/2015

Paragliding in Pithoragarh.

"Blessed with surreal natural beauty, Pithoragarh is one of the most preferred spots in the state. But it’s not all that bounds visitors to this place. One of the most talked about adventure sports paragliding is performed in this stunning location throughout the year. So, don’t miss this opportunity and explore the new heights with acmecabs."

Visit us @ "www.acmecabs.com" as we are operating soon to give you the thundering experience in a valley called as "Little Kashmir Of Uttarakhand."

20/09/2015

Our website is in Beta phase so you can review it and send your sugestions to [email protected]

http://acmecabs.com/

Acme Cab is a online taxi booking company

19/09/2015

We are new but it will be amazing to compete with these riding giants.

In perhaps the biggest news in ride-sharing since Uber Pool & Lyft Line, Didi Kuaidi announced a $100MM investment and more importantly a formal “ALL

18/09/2015

Trip to Auli: A Riveting Experience

http://www.vivekthakur.com/blogs/vivek-thakur/my-blog-category/15/trip-to-auli-a-riveting-experience

We were planning a trip to Auli (a popular ski and winter sports destination in Chamoli , Uttrakhand) since quite some time, but were never able to fi

12/09/2015

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

"I stood at a height equal to 30th floor of a building. The wind was strong & made the platform sway. I was getting ready for an 83 meter jump. “Done” exclaimed the instructor, and I started walking towards the edge.

The platform vibrated as I walked and approached the edge. I looked down and skipped a heart beat! The rocks were visible at the bottom of a river which flowed gently in its purest form. What if the cord snaps? What is I jumped down and didn’t come back up? What if I twist my arm or leg beyond repair? Well, such questions kept rising in my mind, making me real nervous. The instructor advised me to not look down but straight. I saw a yellow board where one can concentrate if scared of heights. But, I decided to look down before and during the jump! I was determined to keep my eyes open and submit myself to the expertise of these Bungee jumping professionals.

“1, 2, 3 Jump! Jump! Jump!”

I jumped! I was accelerating at a dangerous pace towards the river. I screamed. My screams pierced through the peaceful valley and the green forests around me. Was it due to the fear of death? No! It was pure bliss! Immense exhilaration! These cheerful screams were due unprecedented adrenaline rush which I was experiencing, while falling through multiple layers of air at a rapid, very rapid pace.

3 seconds, the free-fall lasted for only 3 seconds. But, that was more than enough to qualify Bungee Jumping as the most thrilling adventure of my lifetime! I was pulled back by the cord tied at my ankle and that’s when I regained my senses. In my mind, I played those 3 seconds multiple times and realized what I had just done was a nerve-wrecking & thrilling experience. I oscillated and bounced back multiple times, hanging from the platform way above me.

Then, there was peace. My screams and joyous cheers had subdued and nature’s silence had enveloped my intense emotions. I was at peace now and just stared at the trees far away while hanging upright. The staff helped me to get down, offered me a water bottle and showed me directions to trek back to the office. I waited for my friends to jump. After some more screams, we all had finished our jumps. We stayed there for some time, observing more people displaying their bravery."

11/09/2015

Rishikesh & White Water Rafting

"We got off the jeep and made our way down a small slope to a raft which took us to our camps on the other bank of the river. The tranquility of the Himalayas and the proximity of the Ganga, shadowy environment of the prolific and hilly greens, silvery sand and clear blue skies – it was love at first sight. If there is a way to disconnect from the world around, one just has to spend the night on the silver shores of the Ganges. No cell phones, no electricity and no modern world creations. It is just you lying on the soft sands staring at the clearest of clear skies where the stars literally shine like diamonds. A gentle breeze from the river just across you – words cannot describe the feeling of serenity you experience. It was as close to inner peace as I have ever experienced. A camp fire, rounds of laughter and singing and dancing, it was a night to remember forever. Rafting in Ganga therefore stands out as a lifetime opportunity. We all suited up and moved on to the raft where our guide went over the rowing commands. It turns out paddling through rapids was not scary at all and surprisingly fun – there’s something to be said for the childish adrenaline rush you get out of it. At several points, it felt as if the river was content ignoring all our futile attempts to row furiously but just casually moving us around. Where the current was relatively calmer, we jumped into the river from the raft and just “hung out” with the Ganges. As the raft slowly approached Rishikesh, one could identify it easily with the colour of the river – a murky brown in contrast to the sparkling clear waters up-stream."

10/09/2015

The Last Indian Village: Part II

"The narrow quaint lanes through the beauty of nature and the traditional small woody huts took me further into a world full of peace and tranquility. There were small field like patches outside the houses which the villagers cultivate to grow vegetables and other edible stuff for self consumption. Perched at such a high altitude and leading an almost isolated kind of life, I could not help but admire the élan with which the villagers carry on their difficult, hard working and rudimentary existence even in such hard and unfriendly condition. The Mana people are also reputed for their weaving skills. The hand woven shawls, carpets or durries and sweaters are a masterpiece in themselves. But the best was definitely saved for the last: Potatoes! Yes Mana is famous for its potato produce and this I had well gauged this, the moment we had entered the village. Big potato sacks were neatly arranged, and stacked up for sale right at the entrance itself.An incredible evening it was reminding me again of what a wonderful break it is to relish those hushed moments of beauty and silence at its very best!"

09/09/2015

The Last Indian Village: Part I

"The first thing I noticed on reaching the place was the stillness in the air. For a town so close to Badrinath, where pilgrims flock in hordes, Mana was completely a laid-back retreat…very calm and quiet… perhaps may be again our off-season-visit had a big role to play in this. It was getting dark by the time we reached the place, the sun was just beginning to take cover behind the mountains, the air was crisp and in no hurry to get anywhere just like the people here.Mana is a small village stuck in time – one has to park one’s vehicles at the village border itself and walk around on foot thus giving you a chance for a refreshing walk in the midst of the heavenly Himalayan surroundings – just you and nature! The town instantly drew me in with its old world charm that was visible in the traditional houses and the narrow roads that take you through the village."

09/09/2015

Lansdowne is one of the quietest and unspoilt hill stations of India and has been a popular destination since Britishers came to India. Lansdowne is unlike other hill stations, as it is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700 mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand State.

Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne, who was the then Viceroy of India during the period of 1888-1894. Presently, Lansdowne has the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army.

08/09/2015

You’ll find Munsiyari/Munsyari where the road ends towards the north-east of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, and the trail for some mighty treks across glaciers begins.

It’s a two-day drive from Delhi, and the route takes you through Moradabad, Rampur, Haldwani, Bhimtal, Almora, Kausani and Chaukori. One can either take a night halt at Kausani or Chaukori. From Kausani, you get a clear view of majestic peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli. No wonder, Mahatma Gandhi described it as the “Switzerland of India!”

Once you reach Munsiyari, the Panchchuli peaks stand tall in front of you. They are grand and imposing. They grow on you. The best part of my trip was sitting and enjoying the beauty of Panchchuli during daybreak when the sun rises behind the soaring peaks, and also during sunset when they are bathed in a soft warm red glow.

There is a lot to do and see around Munsiyari for both the adventure enthusiast and someone who is just looking for a bit of peace and tranquility. If one doesn’t want to do a strenuous trek like the Milam glacier trek, the Khuliya Top hike is a good option in the region which goes through pine forests and offers a panoramic view of the Panchchuli peaks.

You can also visit Madkote village and have a bath at the hot springs which leave a pleasant, if slightly greasy after-effect – it’s been known to cure skin diseases. And yes, a short hike to the Birthi waterfall nearby to feel the mist on your face is an experience not to be missed!

07/09/2015

Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand

This glacier, one of the primary sources of the Ganges, is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. The glacier is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) long and 2 to 4 km (1 to 2 mi) wide. Around the glacier are the peaks of the Gangotri Group, including several peaks notable for extremely challenging climbing routes, such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi III. It flows roughly northwest, originating in a cirque below Chaukhamba, the highest peak of the group.

06/09/2015

Satopanth Glacier, Uttarakhand

The term ‘Satopanth’ is perhaps derived from two words – ‘Sat-o’ meaning of truth, and ‘Panth’ meaning path or way. So its literal meaning is the path of truth. The glacier is one of the popular glaciers of Uttarakhand. Mountaineers consider it a bit tough to scale.

06/09/2015

Skeleton Lake, Roopkund, Uttarakhand

Trapped in the valley with nowhere to hide or seek shelter, the "hard as iron” cricket ball-sized [about 23 centimeter/9 inches circumference] hailstones came by the thousands, resulting in the travelers' bizarre sudden death. The remains lay in the lake for 1,200 years until their discovery.

05/09/2015

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

“It is always the same with mountains. Once you have lived with them for any length of time, you belong to them. There is no escape.”