Chapter 5 Forests - Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board

More than half of Uttarakhand is carpeted
with divine green glory. The foothills of
the magnificent Himalayas are rimmed
with a never ending emerald necklace of forests that
characterize the soul of the inhabitants of this region.
Home to a variety of flora, fauna and folklore, these
green turfs are also an intimate part of the life of the
rural folk, especially in the hilly regions. So interwoven
are their lives with the emerald forests that
life would come to a halt without them/ should they
disappear.
The earliest depictions of the forests of Uttarakhand
are found in numerous rock paintings in rock shelters
like the LakhudiyarLweythap and Phalseema in the
Almora Districr and the Gurkha Udiyar in Chamoli
district. Rock shelters are typically found in densely
forested areas, far from communication routes and
modern habitation sites.
More than half the state’s area is carpeted with for-
est vegetation. The Uttrarakhand Forest department
therefore has an important role in maintaining these
green turfs, ensuring that green harmony pervades,
along with the ecological bio diversity of the state in
mind.
The forests of Uttarakhand are home to a variety of
flora and fauna that continue to be admired and discovered.
These leafy abodes boast of a wide variety
of flora and fauna and tradition. The terrain ranges
FORESTS
from the overwhelming Himalayan peaks to alpine
fields to industrial plains. The hill economy is intimately
linked with the green resource which means
the department also takes on the responsibility of
looking after the people who depend on these forests
for their livelihood.
The trees of Uttarakhand are a delight. Walking
amidst the trees of the state can give people some of
the highest states of enlightenment. After all, Tagore
called India a civilization that had grown not in the
cities but in the forests. As such trees and forests
that have survived and flourished over millenia are
witnesses not only to the glory of Indian civilization,
but are also testimony to a way of life that priveleges
harmony over conflict, peace over war, being one
with nature over mastery of natural resources, and
finally of the sermon of saints that have invariably
poured forth as they have attained enlightenment sitting
under trees.
The highest mountain system in the world is placed in
the green lap of the forests of Uttarakhand. Its forests
are widespread and diverse ranging from the tropical,
sub – tropical, temperate to alpine forests. Sustainable
forestry is the present need of the hour to protect
this resource from over exploitation. The forest department
is doing its best to balance the situation and
bring about the necessary ecological balance, which
is crucial to ensuring that the environment does not
become our bane.
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F o r e s t s
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FIR
Fir is a perennial large evergreen tree reaching 40-60
meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 2-2.5
meters. In the western Himalayas they can be found at
elevations between 2500 and 4000 meters. It adapts
well in cool and moist conditions and can be grown
for hardwood with a rotation of 150 years. It has a
conical crown with leveled branches and the leaves
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are arranged spirally on the shoots. The needle-like
leaves are 4-9 cm long, flattened in cross-section,
glossy dark green above and
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The other common names for this tree are West Hima-
layan fir, West Himalayan low-level silver fir, Paludar,
Rewar, Tos, Rai, Pindrau, Rau, Kalrai, Span, Krok,
Morinda, Ragha.

DeoDaR
The Deodar forests are large evergreen coniferous
trees of 40-50 meters in height found in the temperate
zones of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 1800-2400
meters. Also known as Cedrus Deodara, some trees of
60 meters in height with a trunk up to 3 meters in diameter
have also been found. The crown of the tree is
conical when young and the branches of the tree are
horizontally arranged. It has drooping braches and
with needle-like leaves of 2.5-5 or 7 cm long. Found
in dense clusters of 20-30 short or long shoots, the
colour varies from bright green to blue-green. The
best Deodar trees are found on deep, well-drained
soils and high atmospheric moisture is most favourable
for its growth.
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The other common names for this tree are Himalayan
cedar, Deodar, Diar, Deodar, Dedwar, Kelu, Kilar.
The Fir is an important timber tree in the country and
is planted as an ornamental extensively in Europe
and the western U.S.

PIne
Chir (Pine) is a large evergreen tree found at altitudes
of 600-900 meters. The botanical name for this tree
is Pinus Roxburghii and it is also known as 3 Needle
Pine.
The crown of the tree is elongated and pyramidal till
the middle portion and then tapers downwards forming
an umbrella-shaped structure with a massive
branch system. In places of favourable conditions,
trees up to 55 meters in height and 3.5 meters in girth
have been recorded. The trees usually attain large dimensions
and form a straight cylindrical bole.
Blue Pine or 5 Needle Pine is known for its droop-
ing branches, soft feathery foliage, and long resinous
cones. Its botanical name is Pinus Roxburghii and it
is also known as the Himalayan White Pine. At an
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altitude of 1800-2400 meters, the leaves (needles) are
in groups of five and are 12-18 cm long. The cones
are l16-32 cm long and slender and the seeds are 5-6
mm long with a 20-30 mm wing. The seeds and soft
needles serve as food for squirrels, chipmunks and
mice and its inner bark is a preferred winter food of
the porcupines.
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CoRbett Falls
This famous waterfall is yet another bit of pride of the
much acclaimed Jim Corbett National Park. 25 kilometers
from Ramnagar, in the thick teak wood jungles
is a narrow winding road of 1.7 kilometers that takes
one to the awe-inspiring Corbett Water Falls. Falling
from a height of 20 meters, the Corbett Waterfall is
surrounded by dense forests with a rich diversity of
plant and bird species. The silence in this zone and
the serene surroundings make this spot ideal for bird
watching and nature walks in this area. The spectacle
is much more enticing than Kempty Falls of Mussoorie
and is a famous camping hide out, picnic spot
and trek route.
To encourage awareness about the Corbett Falls and
make it more accessible to the public, the forest department
is taking necessary measures to provide all
amenities, and regular public and private transport
services are made available to make this spot the convenient
for nature enthusiasts and tourists.
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F o r e s t s
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tIgeR Falls
Falling from high mountains and taking full advantage
of gravity, the Tiger Falls mesmerizes the beholder
as the water scatters down below with a gush.
This water fall was named so by the British who liked
the area a lot due to its enchanting natural beauty.
The sound of the falling water looked like the tiger’s
roar to them and they named it so. In the local Jaunsari
dialect, this place is called the Kairaya Pachhaad .
Kairaya is a green parrot like local bird and Pacchaad
is the local name for waterfall.
Tiger falls is one of the main attraction in Chakrata
which is more than 100 kilometres from the district
headquarter Dehradun. This place can be reached by
a five kilometers trek from Chakrata through mountain
paths and picturesque rhododendron forests
which adds to the spirit of adventure and learning.
The Tiger falls lies twelve kilometers ahead on the
Chakrata Kwansi Motor road and is easily accessible.
The place is now receiving a steady stream of visitors
who are awed by its resplendent beauty. The state
of Uttarakhand abounds in natural streams, rivulets
and waterfalls and the tiger falls stands out as the
tiger among them. It originates at a height of 312 feet
and drops down straight creating a pond of bubbles
downstream. From this fall, the viewer is offered a
breathtaking glimpse of the scenery around. Mountains
echo with the sound of jovial birds and the forests
sway to the cool breeze. The cold waters of the
waterfall caress the body and one feels that enchanted
by the raw beauty of nature around.The people of
the Jaunsar area vouch for the pristine beauty of this
waterfall. They say that it’s water is very pure and one
can behold its beauty for ever.
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The Jaunsar Bawar area, where this stupefying wa-
terfall is located is an enigma in itself. The people
of the area are warm and cordial and offer the best
hospitality. They are also unique in the state as they
following the traditions of the Pandavas. It is supposed
that the
Pandavas visited the place during exile an attempt
was made on their life here. The Lakhamandal area
is said to be home to the Lakshagriha, the Kauravas
built to burn the Pandavas on the sly. The area, it is
said bears testimony to this act even now, with the
mountains side nearby exhibiting signs of burning
and ashes.

F o r e s t s
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KemPty Falls
In Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations
of North India is the Kempty Falls which is a major
tourist attraction. Located at a distance of 15 kilometers
from Mussoorie and 20 kilometers from Dehradun,
this refreshing water spot is set on a hilly terrain
at an altitude of 4,500 feet. This waterfall was first
developed as a tourist site by British officer, John
Mekinan in 1835. The Kempty Falls derives its name
from ‘camp-tea’ since the British would often organize
their tea parties here. With water falling from a
height of 40 feet, it splits into five different cascades
adding to the beauty of the landscape. The place is
ideal for picnicking, camping and is also a good place
for trekking. Trekking camps are held from Mussoorie
to Kempty Falls covering an area of 13 kilometers.
The river Yamuna which is 12 kilometers away
is abundant with trout and serves as a good destination
for anglers. Permits are to be taken from the
Mussoorie Divisional Forest Officer before fishing at
Kempty Falls.
Kempty Falls was once regarded as the most beautiful
spot in Mussoorie but is now losing its charm because
of improper waste management on the site. Tourists
are only allowed to visit the falls in the months between
March and July.
Location: Kempty Falls is on Mussoorie-Yamunotri
Road in the beautiful hill station of Mussorie
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F o r e s t s
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otanICal gaRDen
The Forest Research Institute’s (FRI) Botanical Garden
is a living heritage of the country and has some of
the finest species of trees. With over 400 species of
trees, the Botanical Garden boasts of its exotic varieties
from Australia, South America, Africa, China
and Japan. Chinar, Bhojpatra, Indian Horse Chestnut,
St Thomas Bean, Ficus Krishnae, Ginkgo Biloba, Banj
Oak, Deodar are some of the tree species found here.
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As one walks through the natural trails of the for-
est, it is easy to spot the strangulating giant climber,
Entada Parsaetha or St. Thomas Bean which is spread
over long distances in the park. Chinar, the pride of
Kashmir, can also be found in this garden. In the
Vedic Age the Ficus Krishnae tree leaves were used
for writing manuscripts. This cup-shaped tree species
is associated with Lord Krishna since he ate butter
on these leaves.

The Maiden Hair Tree is a native to China and Japan.
It has not undergone any changes since its evolution
and is an interesting case study for any botany student.
Its scientific name is Ginkgo Biloba and it is a
living fossil found inside the park.
The concept of ‘Green Theatre’ first originated here
and is the brainchild of Dr Sas Biswas, scientist
and head of the Botany Division. This Theatre has
helped researchers and students of local colleges and
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schools.
The Botanical Garden also known as a green marvel
is an excellent source to gain knowledge on various
aspects of biodiversity and forest genetic resources.
Housing some of the finest repositories and the natural
trails, the man-made forest is an ideal place to
study the various aspects of tree morphology, phenology,
regeneration and tree architecture especially
for students of biology and environment.

aDReesh Van
Badreesh Van is an area of vegetation near Badrinath,
which is one of the four dhams of Uttarakhand lying
in the Chamoli district at an altitude of 3415 metres.
The Badreesh van is a tract of vegetation away from
the temple which is surrounded by the hills. The famed
Tulsi (Basil) of the region, which is used in making
garlands for Lord Badrinath, the presiding deity of
Badrinath temple, is sourced from this forest,. This
Tulsi has more tangier smell and is said to have high
medicinal properties. Though this is called Badreesh
Van, it is a forest for namesake only as there are no
trees there. The vegetationis only small plants and
grass which make a very picturesque scenery.
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F o r e s t s
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the FoRest ReseaRCh InstItute (FRI)
The Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun is a premier
institution under the Indian Council of Forestry
Research and Education (ICFRE). It is one of the oldest
institutions and has been instrumental in the evolution
and development of scientific forestry in the
country and the entire sub-continent. Spread across
a lush green estate of 450 hectares the Forest Research
Institute edifice is engraved with Greco-Roman
and Colonial styles of architecture. Infrastructure
of all equipped laboratories, library, herbarium,
arboreta, printing press and experimental field areas
for conducting forestry research is available here.
The Botanical Museum here is a major tourist attraction.
Earlier known as the Imperial Forest Research Institute,
the Forest Research Institute was established in
1906 to organize and lead forestry research activities
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in the country.
Research activities mainly take place in the states of
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
and Uttarakhand. The institute also offers three
courses M.Sc. Degree courses, two Post-Graduate Diploma
Courses and a Ph.D. degree in Forestry.

DhanaultI
Showering it natural splendor all throughout the year,
Dhanaulti is a captivating tourist destination. Situated
on the Mussoorie – Chamba road at an elevation
of 2286 metres above sea level, the snow capped
Himalayan peaks can be viewed clearly from here.
Besides being a well known excursion site of Mussoorie,
Chamba and Kanatal, Dhanaulti is also famous
for its trekking routes leading to the sacred places
like the holy Devi Darshan triangle, Surkanda Devi,
Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri. Dhanaulti is an 8-9 hrs
drive away from Delhi and lies within the proximity
of other tourist destinations like Mussoorie, Tehri and
Chamba. Chamba is situated 28 meters from Dhanaulti
and lies at an elevation of around 1,676metres above
sea level where the Bhagirathi valley and the Himalayan
peaks can be seen. New Tehri is situated 54
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kilometers from Dhanaulti and is the only planned
city in Uttarakhand. The main attraction here is the
Tehri Dam. Mussoorie, the queen of hill stations is
located in the Garhwal hills and is 30 kilometers from
Dhanaulti. Situated at an elevation of 2000mts above
sea level it is the most visited hill station in the country.
The thick forests of deodar, rhododendron and oak
add to the beauty of the place. Surrounded by towering
mountains, tall trees and green valleys this sleepy
hamlet is a pleasant weekend destination for many.
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant at Dehradun and
the nearest railhead is Dehradun.
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