Restless and belligerent from its Himalayan Odyssey, the Yamuna River burtsrs out of the hills in the Jaunsar-Bawar region in the Doon Valley, to continue its travels across the great Indian plains. The Young, bubbly, crystal clear stream is a far cry from the sullen, withered creature you encounter in Delhi or Agra.
Seven folds of Emerald hills, mists-carved and wooly headed high above the emerald quilted bank fill the frame..stretched out below, a gaggle of rooftops punctuates the verdure…A red bricked dome structure catches the attention but the roar of the river diverts you as it gurgles and foams its way into the panoramic horizon. Greenery reaches out in hiccups to the canal lined road before leaping the boundary wall in an even spill of hedges, manicured lawns, flowering beds and graceful trees..all you can see from your window frame.
Little known Kalsi slumbers on the banks of the writhing Yamuna. Once a important little township in the Jaunsar-Bawar region, it faded over time into a quiet little village. In earlier days it marked one of the furthest limits of the dominion of King Ashoka. Today this tiny hamlet by the Yamuna shoulders its historic lineage with quiet ease.
This gorgeous tract of land, enriched and nourished by the confluence of the Yamuna river and its tributary, the Tons, offer some of the finest landscapes of the Doon valley. Situated as it is in the cleft of the hill states of Uttarakhand and Himachal , Kalsi is a divine location for enjoying this gorgeous slice of the Doon. It’s also the perfect base for forays into the Chakrata and Mussoorie Hills. The perfect scenery invites long drives and leisurely picnics by the riverside and for the more active, there’s river rafting and angling for mahseer, and hikes and treks in the surrounding hills.
Things to Do
- Katta Pathar– According to many, this beautiful nearby village of Kalsi has derived its name from its ancient iron mine. This small village is bordered by the Chakrata hills and Yamuna River at both sides.
- Paonta Sahib-This is a small village near Kalsi, which bordered by the states like Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. According to Sikh religion, in this place the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Govind Singh stayed here for a long time after the death of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur. Here he learnt the art of warfare. This site is known as one of the major historical as well as religious site for the travelers.
- Dak Pathar-This is a one of the most interesting attractions located near Kalsi. This place is mainly popular for its hydroelectric project. For the travelers, this popular picnic spot offers various water sports activities like Canoeing, Boating, Water skiing, sailing, and hovercraft riding.
- Ashokan Rock edict-This rock edict is known for its historical importance. According to the archaeological experts, this rock edict was created in the time of Mauryan emperor King Asoka. This rock edict describes different reforms and principles of King Asoka. This rock edict came into light in 1860 AD by John Forest.
- Asan Barrage– This is an interesting picnic spot. This picnic spot is located on the western region of the Doon valley. If you visit this site in winter, will find the rare collections of Himalayan birds like Redshank, Mallard, Widgeon, Shoveller, Greyleg geese. While this site offers you a wide range of bird watching facilities, you can also experience various activities like, Kayaking and boating.
- Timli Pass– This lush green pass area is located near the Kalsi. This is an attractive picnic spot for the travelers. According to various records, it is said that this place has witnessed the battle between Gurkhas and British Army.
- Chakrata– This beautiful Kalsi nearby site is known for its multifarious sports activities and adventures. In this beautiful site, you can enjoy the adventurous activities and sports like volleyball, canal and river crossing, River Rafting, Kayaking, Bridge Building, Parasailing, rappelling, Rock climbing, trekking, skiing, archery. For having these attractive activities into a single site, every year, a large number of tourists from different locations, come to travel around this place to enjoy a peaceful adventure filled holiday.
How To Reach
BY FLIGHT
There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Kalsi. Nearest airport is Dehra Dun Airport.Kalsi
32 km awayDehra Dun Airport (DED), Dehradun, UttarakhandKalsi
102 km awayChandigarh Airport (IXC), Chandigarh, Punjab
BY TRAIN
Kalsi does not have an train station. Nearest option is Dehradun.Kalsi
32 km awayDehradun (DDN), Dehradun, UttarakhandKalsi
38 km awayHarrawala (HRW), Harrawala, Uttarakhand
BY BUS
You can easily get regular buses to Kalsi from other major cities of the country.
Bus Station(s): Kalsi
