Auli
Auli is a ski destination in Chamoli district in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal, in Garhwali, which means "meadow", is located at an elevation of 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) to 3,050 metres (10,010 ft) above sea level.After the creation of the state of Uttarakhand, formerly part of Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination. Auli lies on the way to the Hindu pilgrimage destination of Badrinath. It is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the peaks of the Himalayas.
The slopes are intended for both professional skiers and novices. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) a state govt agency which takes care of this resort, and Uttarakhand Tourism Department conduct winter sports competitions at Auli to encourage skiing in India. It has a 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) cable car, a chairlift and a ski lift, along with a maintained trek route. There is a training facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small Hindu temple connected with the Hindu epic the Ramayana is also present.
Transportation
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 270 kilometres (170 mi) from Auli. The airport operates daily flights to Delhi, The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, about 480 kilometres (300 mi) from Auli.The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh railway station (250 kilometres (160 mi)) and Dehradun railway station (290 kilometres (180 mi)).Nearby attractions include Vishnu Prayag, Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, Joshimath, Badrinath, and Tapovan.Auli and Dehradun hosted the First South Asian Winter Games in 2011
Auli is a snow covered hill station located at an altitude of 2-3 thousand metres above sea level, providing a very beautiful view of Mt Nanda DeviKamet, Mana Parwat, Dunagiri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat and Nar Parbat, is an ideal place for Skiing, covered with evergreen conifers and oak forest. The snow dressed slopes of Auli which once offered the training grounds for the Paramilitary forces was adjudged by the French and Austrian experts who compared it with the best skiing grounds of the world, and rated it as one of the best. In summer season, hikers may find numerous marked walks and there also are mountain bike trails. Gorson Reserve forest which is part of the Nanda Devi National Park is habituated by some of the widely rare Himalayan wildlife in ample. These include snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Cat,Wild Rabbit, Jackal, Fox, Hyena and Bear. Various lovely scenarios are also available around for one to enjoy along with family and friends.Auli is just 13 kms drive away from Joshimath. Local state transports and Union buses are regularly available between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 kms). Local Transport Union buses and State Transport buses operate between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km), Dehradun (298 km) and Delhi (500 km) from Joshimath onwards, both bus and taxi services are available for Auli. Deluxe coaches can also be arranged for great numbers.
History
Auli is an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli is also known as a 'bugyal' in the regional language which means meadow. Some experts consider Auli to be one of the best ski resorts in the world. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla, Gulmarg or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal) carved out from Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as a tourist destination.