Indian Himalayas is home to several exciting sports, and if one is highly enthusiast about skiing, then Auli in Uttaranchal is perfect destination. Situated 16 Kms from Josimath, amidst Garhwal hills, Auli is considered among the best ski resort in the world. In fact, the French and Austrian experts have compared Auli to the slopes in Switzerland. A large number of tourists from all over the world come to experience the beauty of the enchanting slopes. Garhwal Tourism Department (GMVN) organizes skiing contests in Auli and provide adequate facilities for skiers.
Auli Skiing - Totally a different World
Located at a height of 2,500-3,050 metre above the sea level, Auli has the vertical drop of 529 metre. Sliding down on skis at a speed of 20-40 Kms per hour, provide a thrilling experience. The main snow slopes of Auli is around 5 Kms long, that include 500 metre long ski-lifts and 800 metre long chair-lifts. Auli hills has snow beaters and snow packing machines, which are continuously used to maintain the slopes. Auli offers plenty of skiing opportunities to amateurs as well as professional skiers. Auli offers breathtaking view of high Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi(7817 mts.), Kamet(7756 mts.), Mana Parvat (7273 mts.) and Dunagiri (7066 mts.). What makes Auli attractive is its complete isolation, and tourists can enjoy skiing amidst the pristine beauty of this spot. The green hills and the snow clad slopes, dotted with oak and pine trees provide an above the world feel.
Training Courses in Auli
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) conduct a 7-14 days training course for amateur.
The courses are conducted in between January - March. The 7 days non-certificate course has 25 seats, while 14 days module is a certificate course, having 15 seats. The training charges are 3,500 per head, students are offered discount. The enrolled persons are provided the basic ski-equipments, lift facility, boarding and lodging.
Equipments required for Skiing
The GMVN provides modern ski equipments like the alpine skis, Nordic skis, gloves and goggles to the enrolled participants. Besides, the participants must bring heavy woolen caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum / snow boots, first-aid kit, a torch/flashlight, extra batteries and a few candles.
Facilities available for Skiers
Ski-Lift System
The 500 metre long, Ski-lift system is the longest cable car in Asia. Also called as the trolley, it connects Joshimath with Gorson, above Auli. The Gorson hilltop provides spectacular view of mountains, and it is on the 24 Km trek to Kauri pass.
Chair Lift
The 800 metre long, chair lift is Auli's only chair lift, it connects the lower slopes of Auli with upper slopes. It makes easier for skiers to move up and down the hills. The snow beaters are used to maintain the slopes.
Eating outs
The food outlets run by private as well as government, offer variety of food items.
Medical Facilities
Medical facilities are available at Joshimath, the place is well-equipped with hospitals and doctors round the clock.
Best Time to visit
Skiing festivals are conducted at Auli to attract the tourists from all parts of the world. The Winter Games Federation of India organizes the National championships in the months of February and March. However the best time to visit Auli is between late December to March.
Gir National Park
Gir National park is the only home to the Asiatic Lions in India. The Gir National Park /wildlife sanctuary lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South-Western part of India. The terrain in and around the national park is rugged with low hills and the vegetation is mixed deciduous with Teak, Jamun, Acacia, Tendu and Dhak trees, sprinkled with patches of grasslands. The trees on the hills are sparse and stunted. Inside the sanctuary, there are several human settlements of cattle herders with abundance of livestock population that forms a significant part of the Lion's diet. There are places of Hindu worship and pilgrimage also and sulphur springs at Tulsi Shyam and Kankai Mata. The edges of the Gir forest are inhabited by good population of Indian Gazelle, zealously protected by the local people.
Wildlife in Gir National Park
Gir national Park is mainly known for the critically endangered Asiatic Lions. The Asiatic lions of Gir are smaller and more compact than the African Lions. The Asiatic Lions of Gir are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Apart from the famous Asiatic lion, the Gir wildlife sanctuary is home to a number of other animals such as Nilgai, Sambhar, Chinkara, Black Bucks, Wild Boar, four horned Antelope, crocodile, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Flying Foe, Indian Hare, Small Indian Mongoose, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel, Indian Porcupine, Indian Fox and Jackal. The Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat also inhabit the Gir forest. The Gir forest is also rich in avian fauna and about 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park of which the most common is the peafowl.
There are 6 routes in the Gir National Park, the longest being 31km. Some of the most popular routes for a safari are the Sasan-Kamaleshwar Dam, the Sasan-Chodavdi, the Sasan-Kankai and the Sasan-Tulsishyam routes. You may be able to spot lions in Gir forests with the help of tracker and guides. For safari etc you may get jeeps and guides from the forestry department of the Gir forest. The best way to explore wildlife in Gir forest is by driving through the most common trails during early mornings and late evenings.
How to Reach Gir National Park
Sasan is about 100 kms from Diu, 160 kms from Porbander and 160 kms from Rajkot. All the three places are connected by air. From Mumbai (the nearest metropolis) you can reach Diu by air and then Diu to Sasan by road (about 2 hours). Other options to reach Gir are from Porbandar to Sasan by road (about 2.5 hours) and Mumbai to Porbander by air. There are regular train and bus services too with Junagarh and Veraval the start points.
