Valley Of Flowers

Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into.

The 'kingdom of the Gods' has become another meaningless cliché, applicable to every sight in the ' yoga capital of India, Uttaranchal. The place is tucked away in the mists and snows with a bit of romance and imagination. The world famous Valley Of Flowers is situated high in the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli district of this state. Dew lies thick on the flowers, birds sing in the surrounding forest and the air is pure and charged with floral smells. This valley lies hidden from the probing eyes of the civilisation. The Valley was introduced to the world as the Valley of Flowers by Frank S, Smith- mountaineer, explorer, botanist who camped this place for several weeks during monsoons.

The Valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and carpeted with flowers of around 500 species, including the elusive brahmakamal, the cobra lily, the Himalayan edelweiss and the the ethereal Himalayan blue poopy which makes it one of India's most unusual protected areas. It got declared as a National Park in 1982. The Valley is spread over an area of 87.50 sq . km. The place has become a wannabe spot not only for the nature lovers but also among the trekkers.
The De Facto
Location - Uttaranchal
Area - 87.50 sq . km
Declared As - A National
Beat Time To visit - Between June and October

Access
Reaching the Valley of Flowers isn't a cakewalk: getting here requires a trek of about 17 km.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 270 Km from Joshimath.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (315 Km).
By Road
Off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 16 km from Govindghat (24 km from Badrinath).
Did You Know?

• “ Valley Of Flowers” is a book written by Frank S. Smith and it talks about the unveiled beauty and the floral splendours of the valley.
• The local villagers say that the Valley of Flowers is inhabited by fairies who carry off anyone who ventures too far into their domain; and that there bloom, in the valley, flowers with a fragrance so potent that it can make you faint. Another story would have you believe that this valley- known in Hindu mythology as `Nandankanan'- was created when the gods showered flowers down on earth.
• In 1982, this valley was named the Republic Park.
• The Valley was used by sadhus during prolonged periods of meditation. The Valley has been associated with Lakshman, who is believed to have meditated on the banks of Hemkund. The 'Sanjeevani Buti', which revived him when he was wounded in battle with Meghnad, son of Ravana, is said to have been from here.