Tungnath Temple – Complete Guide

bizonline — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:50:49 +0000

Tungath - World's highest Shiva Abode

Tungnath Mahadev Temple, the highest Shiva temple in India, even of the entire world, is a destination many of us have longed to visit. On the other hand, there may be others who haven’t even heard of it. Somewhere deep down, this is the reason why this place remains relatively less crowded, and seekers of peace ultimately find their way here.

Tungnath Mahadev Temple, a sacred destination, lies in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. Tungnath Temple is an integral part of the Panch Kedar circuit, with its importance and references abound in various ancient Hindu texts and mythologies.

Historical Background of Tunganth Temple

Association with Post-Mahabharat Era

The Tungnath Temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is considered the third Kedar among the Panch Kedar. The temple has strong links to the Pandava brothers, the legendary heroes of the Mahabharat, and is particularly connected to the post-Mahabharat war era. The epic Mahabharata War resulted in immense destruction and loss of life, as countless individuals sacrificed their lives. The inherent rule of war is that one side will emerge victorious, while the other will succumb to defeat. Another disheartening aspect of this war was that both sides belonged to the same family; on one side were the Kauravas, while on the other side were the Pandavas.

Lord Krishna’s Instructions

When all the Pandvas were disheartened by whatever happened in the battle of Kurukshetra, they first approached Lord Krishna, and sought a solution to free themselves from this sin of this. Lord Krishna told them, “You have only one path to atonement; you must meet Mahadev who is unhappy with your deeds, for in him lies your sole hope for forgiveness.”

The Pandavas Quest for Forgiveness

The Pandavas were tormented by the anguish of having to take the lives of their own family members, Brahmins, and even Bhishma Pitamah with their own hands due to the war. They were deeply hurt by this and therefore, all the brothers sought to atone for their actions. For this, they chose a path, relinquished their entire Kingdom, and began searching for Lord Shiva, so that they could worship him and be freed from their past wrongdoings

Pandavas Arrival in Kashi

The Pandavas arrived in Kashi, but their meeting with Mahadev did not materialize, as Mahadev had departed for the Himalayas. All the Pandavas followed him till Kedar, and after that only Mahadev transformed his form and became a bull.

The Anger of Lord Shiva

When Pandavas finally arrived, they found that Mahadev was displeased and angered by their past actions, and therefore, He took the form of Nandi (His divine bull) and hid in Uttarkashi, in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, concealing his true identity to avoid detection. Through sheer determination and tactics, Bheem finally recognized the unusually appearing bull, realizing it was none other than Mahadev Himself. As soon as Bhima approached, Mahadev (in his bull form) began to disappear and sank into the earth, leaving behind only his hump.

Pandavas Find Redemption

Mahadev’s heart was eventually softened by their unwavering devotion, and he granted forgiveness to the Pandavas. Thereafter, Mahadev’s divine presence took the form of arms at Tungnath, that shrine was that time erected by the eldermost Pandava brother Yudhishthir. While the other side says, the foundation was laid by Arjuna, the third of the Pandava siblings.

Tungnath Opening & Closing Date 2024

Tungnath Temple is located in remote area of Chopta and receive high snowfall which makes the area inaccessible. Every year the temple open only for 6 months in year.

Tungnath Opening Date – 14 May-2024

Tungnath Closing Date – 4 Nov 2024

Who Built Tungnath Temple?

Initially, this temple was founded by the Pandavas along with other Panch Kedar temples. Later, in the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya reconstructed the temple, who was a pivotal figure in Indian history, as a renowned Hindu philosopher and reformer he contributed to preserving our culture and its associated traditions. Even, it is also said that this temple has been renovated several times by local kings and queens.

Key Features of the Tungnath Temple

Highest Shiva Temple in the World.
Tritya Kedar; The third jewel in the crown of Panch Kedar.
Asia’s highest Shivalaya, a singular ancient shrine situated at the continent’s loftiest elevation.
Ancient temple associated with the 10th century.
The Tungnath mountains (lord of the peaks) encompass the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys.
Declared Monument of National Importance by Central Govt. in 2023.
Stunning architecture and scenic views.
The trekking path affords breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Tungnath Temple as an Architectural Marvel

Style of Architecture: The Nagara style of architecture
Ornamentation: The temple is constructed from stone and intricately painted interior and exterior surfaces, complemented by imposing towers
The Art in Roof: The Roof features stone slabs with intricate wooden carvings
Venerable sculptures and carvings depicting Hindu deities and mythological characters.

What are Cultural Significance & Practices?

Mahashivratri or Shiva Ratri Festival→It is celebrated with great fervor, and if you get a chance to visit here at this time, it would be an excellent experience.

Tungnath Mahadev Fair→ In April or May, the temple reopens for devotees, and the inaugural or opening ceremony features the impressive organization of the Tungnath Mahadev Fair, drawing the attention and fascination of a large crowd of locals and other devotees. The air of that region is filled with divinity as, you will hear chants of mantras, bhajans, and other traditional or devotional songs. The locals gather to perform sacred rituals and display their cultural traditions via cultural performances. If you are a shopaholic, then you will be delighted to find the local handicrafts, religious artifacts, and more. Additionally, you can also try the local traditional cuisine.

Palces to visit Near Tungnath

Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, is surrounded by several captivating spots in Uttarakhand. A must-visit is Chandrashila a peak just 1.5 km from Tungnath, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. Deoria Tal is a serene lake nearby, famed for its reflection of the Chaukhamba peaks and an excellent site for camping and stargazing. Rohini Bugyal is a lush alpine meadow, perfect for trekkers seeking tranquility amid nature. Nearby, the town of Chopta serves as the base for exploring the region, known as the “Mini Switzerland of India” for its breathtaking views and biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit Tungnath

Summer Season (April to August)

During this time, a large crowd of tourists is visible, as it’s a peak season due to the comfortable temperature and lush greenery surrounding the mountains. The snow-capped mountain peaks glisten, creating a breathtaking sight, along with cool crispness of the air around will captivate your senses.

Monsoon & Autumn (Sep to Nov)

During monsoon, the rain makes the Tungnath route somewhat difficult, but if the rain is moderate and you are fully prepared, there is no issue traveling. In fact, the colorful-green meadows, Alpine trees, and stunning wildflowers along the way will mesmerise you.

Monsoon & Autumn (Sep to Nov)

Although the cold is intense and heavy snowfall is prevalent, Tungnath’s darshan remains uninterrupted. If you wish to behold the divine amidst snow-clad surroundings, you can visit the Tungnath Temple in winters. Trekking becomes somewhat challenging, but if you enjoy taking on challenges and priortise safety measures, then there’s no issue.

How to Reach Tungnath

Since Auli is a hill station, so is in a remote location, accessing it requires utilizing multiple transportation options. Auli can be easily reached by road from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, where you can hire a private taxi to reach Auli directly.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun- Take flight from your nearest airport to reach Dehradun Airport. Hire a taxi or bus from Dehradun Airport to reach Chopta. Then, your trekking journey begins from Chopta

By Rail

Haridwar/Rishikesh is the nearest Railway Station. After reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh, hire a taxi or bus to reach Chopta. And trek 3-4 km to reach the Tungnath mandir.

By Road

Hire a bus or taxi or shared cab from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Chopta (and if you’re coming through public transport then come to Ukhimath because no direct option to Chopta. After Reaching Ukhimath book a shared taxi to Chopta.) From Chopta, start trek for Tungnath Dham which is 3-4 km long.

Travel Route

After reaching Rishikesh, you will proceed on this travel route by road to complete the remaining journey.

Haridwar → Srinagar → Rudraprayag →Chopta → Tungnath

The Tungnath Temple Journey

To reach Tungnath Temple, you need to trek, and before embarking on this amazing journey, you must complete your driving journey up to Chopta. Chopta does not have a railway connection, however, it is well-connected by road and can be reached from any location. As a result, you will find the journey to Tungnath thoroughly engaging and interesting. At times you will be on a train, then in a taxi, navigating the mountain roads, and finally, after an exhilarating trek, you will arrive at Tungnath. The initial stretch of the trek can be navigated on horseback, providing a convenient option for senior citizens or individuals with physical limitations.

Tungnath Winter Trekking

Tungnath Trek, a 4-5 km journey through the scenic Chopta region in Uttarakhand, takes you to the world’s highest Shiva temple, situated at an elevation of 3,680 meters. This moderate trek leads you through lush meadows, dense forests, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. As you ascend, the tranquil ambiance of Tungnath Temple awaits, a site revered for both its spiritual significance and natural beauty. Perfect for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike, the trek is a harmonious blend of adventure and serenity.

December and January are perfect months to visit Tungnath, offering a distinct delight for snow lovers and those seeking to experience winter’s pristinity after visiting in summer’s vibrancy. Meanwhile, many adventurous souls also exist who first plan for Chopta only, but change their minds to add Tungnath also in their itinerary. The simple reason is that they realize Tungnath is one of the top winter treks, so they cannot miss such a worthwhile experience.

Weather & Temperature of Tungnath

Tungnath’s weather changes multiple times throughout the year, showcasing a unique facet in every reason. The winters bring biting cold with snowfall, while the summers offer refreshingly pleasant temperatures. During monsoon, Tungnath’s weather brings moderate level rainfall, and the temperatures are mild, thus this period is considered off-season for the tourists but yes the lush green landscapes and serene atmosphere is perfect to surrender yourself to nature.

TUNGNATH WEATHER

Tungnath in December – December brings extreme winter to Tungnath, with temperature fluctuating between -1 °C to 5°C during the day and -3°C to -6°C at night. Heavy snowfall occurs during this period, so roads become treacherous. Ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for trekking, cold weather, and strong winds
Tungnath in January – In January also, Tungnath will give you a winter wonderland experience, the temperature will range from -5°C to 10°C accompanying with heavy snowfall, but with amazing vistas, its beauty i winter is beyond comparison.

Travel Tips for Auli Trip

Research about the Destination: Gather information about the trekking routes, and accommodation options through reviews & ratings, and local transportation.
Decide your Best Time: Winters for snow lovers, Summers for trekkers
Duration: Plan for at least 4-5 Days to explore the place
Advance Booking: As staying options are limited, the prices rise significantly during peak season, make sure to book your Accommodation and transportation beforehand so that you may not face any difficulties.
Monitor the weather forecast: The roads are susceptible to frost, causing normal vehicles to slip. If you are an experienced driver, then only opt for self-drive, and with a 4×4 car, the drive to such paths becomes easier, as they are capable of handling such conditions on Himalayan Roads. Keep checking the weather updates so that you can be mentally and physically prepared before heading out.
Hiring a Skilled Local Driver: It’s better to come with an expert & skilled local driver, as they know how to manage such mountainous roads, and even their vehicles are well equipped with safety features for slippery roads.
Start Early: If you travel on time, you will complete your journey comfortably within the planned schedule. Certain destinations look best during the serene morning hours and others during the enchanting evening.
Respect Nature & Environment: Since you are a nature lover, then be a responsible tourist and respect the beauty and sanctity of that place, preserving its natural charm for future generations.

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Top 15 Places to visit in Uttarakhand in Winters

bizonline — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:54:16 +0000

Whether you’re a fan of quiet snowy nights or excited by the thrill of a snow-covered escape, Uttarakhand’s winter destinations are calling your name.

The festive season has started and it is also the sign of the beginning of winters. Yes, that winter in which you love the warmth that blanket provides, the sweetest morning sleep that begs you for 1 more extra minute everytime, the every sip of ginger tea that feels completeness to your taste buds, and that happiness seeing and being in the shining sun. Winter brings celebrations, such as Christmas, along with new beginnings for the New Year, as well as opportunities for travel, adventure, and excitement. Exception; for Game of Thrones fans “Winter is coming” has a completely different meaning.

For those looking for places to visit in Uttarakhand in Winters (in December, January and February) we’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in winter.

Conclusion

15 Best Places to visit in Uttarakhand in winters

Enjoy a peaceful winter hike in Chopta or gaze upon the snow-dusted valleys in Nainital. If you are feeling adrenaline rushing into your veins, Auli’s renowned ski slopes will quench your thirst for excitement. Whether your search is for the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December or the ideal location for an intimate holiday, this region offers wonderful opportunities. Are you ready for an adventure? Here are the 15 best places to visit in Uttarakhand this winter!

1. Auli

District – Chamoli

Auli is well-known for its world-class skiing slopes, the place welcomes both beginners and experts alike, as it offers training in skiing and snowboarding, making it an inclusive destination for all. There is a distinct joy in trekking amidst snow-covered peaks, an unparalleled thrill. As you settle into your cozy retreat, you can enhance your experience by savoring hot beverages like coffee or tea around the bonfire with fellow travelers in the evenings.

Main attractions- Gurson Bugyal, Auli Artificial Lake, Auli Ropeway
Activities to do– Skiing, Snowboarding, Ropeway Riding

2. Mussoorie

District – Dehradun

Mussoorie looks stunning during winter after the snowfall. You can have a wonderful time, and revel in the joy of trekking amidst picturesque mountains. After returning from trekking or a walk from Mall Road, you can sit around a bonfire in the open sky near your accommodation, eat your favorite food with your loved ones, and chat for hours. During the daytime, you can experience the thrill of visiting nearby beautiful attractions.

Main attractions- Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, Mall Road, Camel’s Back Road, Jharipani Falls
Activities to do- Snow trekking, Ice skating, Bonfire, New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Paragliding

3. Chopta

District – Rudraprayag

In winter, you can’t miss a place like Chopta, the entire region gets covered with a snow blanket. Chopta is a preferred destination for numerous travelers seeking to make the most of their winter break. Travelers who want to visit Tungnath Temple or summit Chandrashila Peak also like to visit Chopta. In contrast to numerous other hill stations, Chopta remains less crowded, preserving its natural charm and tranquility.

Main attractions- Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, Rohini Bugyal, Chopta Valley, Sari Village
Activities to do- Trekking, Camping, Photography, Birdwatching

4. Nainital

District – Nainital

Nainital’s winters have a unique charm, making it one of India’s most sought-after hill stations and holiday destinations. Every year many tourists, accompanied by their families and friends, descend upon this town to revel in the snowfall, enjoy cable car rides, and indulge in various other activities.

Main attractions- Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, St. John’s Church, Snow View Point, GB Pant High-Altitude Zoo, Eco Cave Park,, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Nainital Winter Carnival
Activities to do- Boating in Nainilake, Nainital Ropeway Ride, Rock Climbing, Shopping on Mall road

5. Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti experiences the onset of winter before Mussoorie, owing to its higher elevation. As a result, the region starts experiencing cold weather from November onwards. However, if you want to enjoy snowfall, it would be better to come a bit later, so plan your trip during peak winters from Dec to Feb and is the popular winter destinations in Uttarakhand. Due to the increasing crowds in Mussoorie, many tourists are now opting for Dhanaulti, especially those who want to lose themselves in the serene, beautiful environment and experience complete peace.

Main attractions- Surkanda Devi Temple, Eco Park (Chamba), Kanatal,
Activities to do- Trekking, Camping, Apple Orchard, Zip-Lining, Rappelling

6. Lansdowne

In December, Lansdowne looks even more beautiful in the warm winter sunshine. December is the month of the winter solstice when the sunsets are longer than usual, offering a unique opportunity to witness the sunset for longer hours. To experience such wonders, you should choose Lansdowne.

Main attractions- Bhulla Tal, Tip n Top (Tiffin Top), Garhwali Mess, St Johns Church, St Mary Church, Bhim Pakora, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Hawa Ghar, Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple (38 km from Lansdowne).
Activities to do- Trekking, Boating, Birdwatching, Camping, Sightseeing

7. Pangot

Pangot is a small hill station of the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, counted among the prime offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand in November December and January. No wonder, you have never heard its name, as this place is still unknown to many people. One special thing about Pangot is that it is an eco-village, which sets it apart from the rest. And their focus has always been on sustainability and achieving zero waste emissions.

During the day, the weather is pleasant with a slight chill, and the night becomes colder.

Main attractions- Kilibury Bird Sanctuary, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary, Nainital Lake, Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top
Activities to do- Birdwatching, Trekking and Hiking
It is 15 km from Nainital

8. Kausani

District- Bageshwar

In December, Kausani’s skies turn brilliant blue, while the snow-covered mountain peaks glitter like diamonds when slight sunlight falls on them. If your eyes open up in the early morning, you will see mists and fogs wandering outside the window of your room. Possibly, you may get to see up to 25 mm of rainfall this month, this fact also makes this place different from all other places.

Main attractions- Kausani Lakshmi (Sarala Behn) Ashram, Kausani Gandhi Ashram, Kausani Tea Estate, Rudrahari Mahadev Temple, Starscapes Observatory, Baijnath Temple (Garur), Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Someshwar, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Kausani Shawl Factory.
Activities to do- Trekking, Camping, Stargazing
Around 38 km from main Bageshwar

9. Chakrata

District- Dehradun

Chakrata, a serene spot is located about 100 km away from the main Dehradun, and also includes a cantonment township. You will consider yourself lucky to visit this place, just imagine the beautiful snow-clad mountains, lush forests, and cozy cottages nearby. Here you will be able to experience nature very closely, from enjoying outdoor activities such as skiing to building snowmen with your loved one. This offbeat location is among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December.

Main attractions- Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, Deoban, Mundali, Mahasu Devta Temple, Ramtal Garden & Sunrise Point, Moila Top & Budher Caves (40.9km/1 hr 32 min)
Activities to do- Camping, Trekking to Tiger Falls, Birdwatching in Deoban
Around 100 km from Dehradun City

10. Binsar

District- Almora

Binsar’s winters are spine-chilling, with the minimum temperature reaching 0 degrees Celsius. But nature lovers and couples who wish to enjoy lower temperatures can opt for Binsar. Keep one thing in mind, you just can’t skimp on packing warm clothes. In peak winters, there are chances of snowfall, so If you want to see snow-covered mountains and trees then make your plan for January. You can also do fun or adventurous activities in winter.

Main attractions- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar Zero Point, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, Mary Budden Estate, Kasar Devi Temple (17km/45 min) Gairar Golu Devta Dham.
Activities to do- Paragliding, Trekking, Bird Watching, Skiing, Forest Walk

11. Chaukori

District- Pithoragarh

Although winters start here in November itself, Chaukori will look quite dull to you till the end of December. After this, due to the onset of snowfall from the end of December to the beginning of January, its actual winter beauty will begin to shine. In the entire January, the Chaukori will be sitting quietly under the blanket of beautiful snow, after that, as February begins, with each passing day, the snowfall will reduce.

Main attractions- Patal Bhuvneshwar (37km/1hr 9 min), Berinag, Gangolihat(1hr/36 km), Dharamgarh, Hanging Rocks, Mahakali Temple, Jayanti Temple Dhwaj
Activities to do- Nature Walks

12. Ranikhet

District- Almora

Ranikhet is a hill station as well as a cantonment town, this lovely place is also known as the ‘Queen of Meadow’. You will see large crowds during the winter months, the major reason for this is the mystical snowfall of Ranikhet. The breathtaking views of its valley tell a different story. Tourists love the botanical garden and fruit orchard here.

Main attractions- Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Upat Golf Course, Majkhali, Mankameshwar Temple, Tarikhet Village, Bhalu Dam (41km/1hr 42min),
Activities to do- Nature walks, Trekking, Fishing

13. Munsiyari

District- Pithoragarh

Munsiyari is one of the rarest gems of Uttarakhand. This beautiful place falls in the easternmost part of the state, around the Nepal and Tibet border. Apart from all the winter sports, tourists also love to do birdwatching here, as many unseen migratory bird species are also found here. If you are fond of photography, then winters are ideal for capturing the elegance of Panchachuli, Hansling, and Thanri Kund.

Main attractions- Birthi Falls (33km/1hr 15 min), Panchachuli Peaks (24km), Balanti Potato Farm (10km), Madkot Hot Water Springs(23km/55min), Darkot Village(6.5km/16 min), Betuli Dhar(10.7km/26min), Maheshwar Kund(1.2km/6min), Khaliya Top(12.8km/30min), Nanda Devi Temple (Munsiyari), Kalamuni Temple(16km/36 min), Thamri Kund(30.8km/1hr 14 min).
Activities to do- Trekking, Bird Watching, Sightseeing, Photography

14. Kedarkantha

District- Rudraprayag

Kedarakanta is a trekking paradise, carry proper warm clothes and trekking gear for it. The temperature here falls to -7 degrees Celsius in winter, and in January and February, you will feel freeze-cold even during the daytime. In winter, the meadows here are completely covered with snow, and it looks no less than a paradise. Nearby river streams freeze, and despite being covered with a thick layer of snow, its trek route remains easily accessible. You just have to complete your journey carefully keeping some precautions in mind.

Main attractions- Kedarkantha Submit, Juda Ka Talab or Kedarkantha Lake, Sankri, Saru Tal Trek (Sar Lake)*, Ruinsara Tal Trek*, Bali Pass Trek, Mori, Sankri, Taluka, Har ki Dun Trek (38 km from)-
Activities to do- Trekking, Skiing, Ziplining

Treks start from Sankri

15. Joshimath

District- Chamoli

Joshimath or Jyotirmath is the winter abode of Lord Badrinath. Although many major tourist attractions and roads in and around Badrinath are closed during peak winters due to heavy snowfall, you can still explore some places from here. Joshimath is regarded as the gateway to many astonishing places such as Baijnath, Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet. From here, you can also visit Auli, one of the best ski destinations in India.

Main attractions- Narsingh Temple, Auli Ropeway, Nanda Devi National Park, Kalpavriksha, Shri Shankaracharya Math, Vishnuprayag, Bhavishya Badri, Ghangaria, Tapovan, Govindghat, Bagini Glacier, Niti Valley
Activities to do- Auli Ropeway, Auli Chair Lift, Trekking, Rappelling, Climbing, Rescue Training, River Crossing, Horse Riding

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is worthy of exploration when it comes to beautiful winter destinations. This state is referred to as Devbhoomi because coming here makes one realize that God resides in a divine environment. The magical fresh air and the scenic beauty of the Himalayas will relieve your stress. If you are fond of adventure activities or you are spiritual, then you make your itinerary accordingly.

Many traveling enthusiasts will be looking for a beautiful place for New Year’s celebration, so any of the above destinations can be your next winter destination in Uttarakhand in December January. Get ready for your next winter vacation!

A Seaside Reset in Laguna Beach

bizonline — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:20:02 +0000

From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of The City . Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel. Welcome Reception From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of The City . Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.Welcome Reception
From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of The City . Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.Welcome Reception
From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your effortlessly delivered Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan hills of The City . Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel.Welcome Reception

Tiptoe through the Tulips of Washington

bizonline — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:19:00 +0000

2021 will be a Different Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. We know there will be restrictions on the number of people who can visit our fields and gardens (and other retail establishments/restaurants/venues) based on COVID guidelines established by the state and county governments. We will be following those guidelines, but still be working to welcome you and help you with your visit. Tulip Town has set its ticketing policy; you can find out more at https://tuliptown.com/pages/visit. RoozenGaarde has done so as well; find out more at https://roozengaarde.ticketspice.com/skagit-valley-tulip-festival-tickets.

This is event is geared towards visitors of all ages but if you happen to be traveling with a tot, here are some tips from a local mom on how best to prepare for and execute your adventure.

Seattle Southside mom, Meilee, bundled up her four year old and hit the road and this is what she learned:

The drive is easy freeway driving for approx. 90 minutes each way (from Seattle Southside). For lightest traffic plan on arriving at the fields early in the day on the weekends or travel during non-rush hours mid-week.
Stop at the Tulip Festival Administration office 311 W. Kincaid St. Mount Vernon, WA 98273 for free maps, advice on where to start/stop your excursion and special event info.
With maps and “Tulip Route” signage the fields are easy to find.
Wear practical shoes. There aren’t sidewalks in the fields; be prepared for dusty to muddy conditions. My daughter wore her pink polka dot rain boots for fashion and the practicality purposes.
Walking paths are made out of firmly packed gravel or dirt. Check weather forecasts to get an idea on stroller friendly conditions.
There are multiple tulip farms to see and each is immense. For families with young children I recommend pacing yourself and expect to visit one farm maybe two. We spent two hours at one field, had dinner then drove back. It was a long five hour outing for a four year old but days later she’s still talking about the “bee-you-tee-ful flowers” and I’m still admiring a collection of charming photos.
The RoozenGaarde field has food vendors. (fair food cuisine and prices) There’s a grassy area with a few tables and room to have a picnic.
Bring cash. Some vendors accept cash and plastic – others take cash only.
There are plenty of facilities (porta-potties) at the farms. For families with babies or young toddlers, bring a blanket in the diaper bag because I didn’t see any changing areas.
No pets allowed in the tulip fields. Leave Fluffy or Fido at home.
*Bonus tip – make sure your camera has plenty of battery life you’ll have a “bazillion” photo opportunities.