Narendra Nagar is a small town in the state of Uttarakhand which has maintained its identity as a tourist place. Narendra Nagar is a 104 year old city and has been known as a tourist destination since its inception. The palace situated in Narendra Nagar is a palace built by King Narendra Shah, a part of which has now been converted into a spa and resort.
Narendra Nagar, located in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, is only 15 kilometers from Rishikesh. Tehri Garhwal is known in history as the princely state of Shah kings. Pratap Nagar, established by Raja Pratap Shah, is also located in Tehri Garhwal. The same Raja Pratap Shah's grandson and King Narendra Shah of Tehri had established Narendra Nagar in his name and made it his capital.
History - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is the most famous place of Uttarakhand and a year-round tourist attraction. Narendra Nagar is a small tourist place located only 15 kilometers from Rishikesh which came into existence in the year 1919. Raja Kirti Shah, who was the son of Raja Pratap Shah, his son Narendra Shah had decided to build his own separate capital. King Narendra Shah wanted a place that was close to the plains but also had the beauty of the mountains. Then a small hilly area called Odathali came to his notice, which was famous for its extraordinary natural beauty, and was also chosen for its proximity to the Odathali plains.
Odathali has been known as a major site of spirituality and meditation since ancient times. Odathali was later renamed Narendra Nagar by Maharaja Narendra Shah.
Tehri Garhwal was a kingdom of Panwar rulers which was a group of 52 Garhwals. Before the formation of Tehri state, there were 54 kings and after the formation of Tehri state, there were 6 kings. Maharaja Narendra Shah, who was the 59th king of Panwar dynasty, was the fifth king of Tehri. The princely state of Tehri existed from approximately 1815 to 1949.
In the early 1900s, Narendra Nagar had become a tourist place for the VIPs of the British Government. In 1946, after Maharaja Narendra Shah, Maharaja Manvendra Shah took over the reins of Tehri Garhwal, who was the last Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.
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Significance of Odathali
Odathali has importance as a mythological place. According to legend, Odathali, now known as Narendra Nagar, is where sage Uddhav performed severe penance. It was in Odathali that Purusara, the founder of Indian astrology, conducted his experiments on the movements of stars and planets. Later his observatory was converted into the local polytechnic college.
King Narendra Shah - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Narendra Nagar is a well organized city. King Narendra Shah was an efficient ruler. The buildings established at that time and the market established by King Narendra Shah are still visible in their same condition.
Nandi ji is also seen in the beginning of the city. Buildings like hospital and secretariat were also built in Narendra Nagar which are still in use today.
Narendra Nagar after Independence
After independence, Narendra Nagar was merged into the state of Uttar Pradesh and a part of the palace of Maharaja Narendra Shah was converted into a five-star hotel. This hotel is known as Ananda Spa and Ananda Inn Himalaya which is located at an altitude of 3000 feet in the Doon Valley.
Narendra Nagar Palace - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Narendra Nagar Palace |
Narendra Nagar Palace was the residence of King Narendra Shah which is a grand palace today. Often tourists going from Rishikesh via Kunjapuri Devi Temple do not forget to stand in front of Narendra Nagar Palace and get their photo clicked. The magnificent two cannons placed at the entrance of the palace (reminiscent of the First World War) are an attraction for tourists.
Narendra Nagar Palace has been a symbol of the grandeur of an era.
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Other places of Tourist Attraction - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Rishikesh - Tourist Place near by - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Narendra Nagar from Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a world famous tourist attraction where lakhs of tourists come every year to experience the calm and divine atmosphere here. Tourists coming to Rishikesh often also visit Narendra Nagar. To know about the tourist places of Rishikesh, you can check by clicking here.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Kunjapuri Temple |
Kunjapuri Temple is situated at a distance of about 7 kilometers from Narendra Nagar, which is one of the fifty-two Shaktipeeths. It is said that after Mother Parvati was burnt to death in the yagya of her father Maharaja Daksh, Lord Shiva was carrying her dead body and was going towards the Himalayas, then Lord Vishnu cut the body of Mother Sati into pieces with his Sudarshan and Shaktipeeths have been established at the places where he fell. Adi Guru Shankaracharya visited India and discovered these Shaktipeeths.
During the Kumbh Mela and every year on the occasion of Navratri, a huge crowd of devotees come here and participate in special puja prayers.
A little upstream from Narendra Nagar, there is a productive area called Agar Khal where all types of pulses, local sweets, ginger and all the required ingredients are easily available.
Anand Spa Resort - Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Anand Spa is an exclusive spa and resort where guests are offered Ayurveda treatments, yoga exercises, exclusive detox and immunity services for wellness. Anand Spa is a famous spa hotel and big delegates from India and abroad come and stay here.
How to reach Narendra Nagar Uttarakhand
Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach Narendra Nagar. From Dehradun one can reach Narendra Nagar by road. If you are traveling by train then the nearest railway station is Rishikesh. You can reach Narendra Nagar by traveling only 15 kilometers from Rishikesh.
Narendra Nagar is well connected by road and you can easily reach here by car or bike. Apart from this, one can easily reach here by private tourist bus or state transport bus.