Kandara is a village situated in the district of Uttarkashi in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Garhwal region and is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by majestic hills and close to the riverbanks of the Ganges.
The best time to visit Kandara is from March to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season from July to August might have heavy rainfall, and winters from December to February can be quite cold.
Kandara offers attractions like tranquil landscapes, traditional Garhwali villages, and opportunities for trekking and camping. Nearby, tourists can explore places like the Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Glacier, and the Dayara Bugyal meadows.
Kandara and its surroundings celebrate festivals such as Magh Mela and Ganga Dussehra, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. Tourists can immerse themselves in these festivals to experience local customs, rituals, and cuisine.
In Kandara, one might find basic homestays and guesthouses offering a glimpse into local life. For a wider range of accommodations, including hotels and resorts, visitors may need to stay in the nearby towns like Uttarkashi.
The region is excellent for trekking, camping, and river rafting on the Ganges. Tourists often engage in bird watching, star gazing, and participating in yoga and meditation retreats.
Kandara can be reached by road from major cities like Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, while the closest railway station is in Rishikesh. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Uttarkashi and then to Kandara.
Tourists should be prepared for sudden weather changes and pack accordingly. It's important to stay hydrated, acclimatize to the altitude, and carry warm clothes, even in the summer months, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Visitors should try Garhwali cuisine which includes local delicacies like Aloo Ke Gutke (spiced potato dish), Mandua ki Roti (ragi flatbread), and Jhangora ki Kheer (barnyard millet pudding).
Yes, Kandara is close to some of the char dhams, pilgrimage sites that many devotees visit. Yamunotri and Gangotri, two of the four sacred shrines, are relatively near and can be part of a spiritual tour.
