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Dodital - Introduction
Amid the high mountains with their enchanting snowcapped peaks and surrounded by tall majestic oak, deodar and rhododendron trees, Dodital is veritably a captivating paradise where one forgets oneself.
Dodital - Location
Located at 3024 m altitude, Dodital lies in the Uttarkashi District of the Garhwal Division, at a distance of 32 km from the headquarters, at the top of the ascent from 1158 m (Uttarkashi) to 3024 m (Dodital). Uttarkashi is 148 km in the Garhwal hills, beyond Rishikesh, the Gateway to the Garhwal region.
Dodital - Adventure
Dodital is indeed an angler's paradise. The Dodital Lake is renowned for trout and Mahseer fishing. The Dodi Lake is a fresh water lake and a tempting trout pool. There is a circular path by the side of the Dodi Lake. The path takes you to where the feeder stream meets the lake. You can easily spot the Shining red spotted Himalayan Golden Trout in the crystal clear waters. The fresh water lakes like the Dodital surrounded by the Himalayan peaks are excellent for the catch regardless of the season. The camps near the fishing grounds realize the idea of adventure and fun in the holidays.
"Dodi" is the local name of the trout. Multitudes of trout float in the lake, hence the name of Dodital. Now, for many years the government has been running a fisheries centre at Kalyani that lies on the way to Dodital. The fish are let loose from the Asi Ganga to the Bhagirathi. The Asi Ganga rises from Dodital and joins the Bhagirathi 4 km north of Uttarkashi.
Other options for fishing Mahseer in and around Uttaranchal are in the Ramganga and the Sharda rivers in the range of Jim Corbett National Park. Even the sacred Rishikesh offers good fishing sites.
Dodital also offers excellent opportunities for the other popular adventure sport of trekking. Trek over the terraced fields and enchanting wooded landscapes to Lake Dodi. Located west of the Bhagirathi River, this adventure tour provides an excellent introduction to the trekking tour at higher altitudes. You may start your trek to Dodital from Uttarkashi or Kalyani. For those of you into serious trekking, treks are possible to Hanuman Chatti and further to Yamunotri from Dodital. The best time to under take a trek to Dodital is from late April to early June and from early September to late October.
For the less daring ones Dodital offers interesting activities like boating and bird watching
Dodital - Legends
In the lap of the Himalayas, there are many lakes: Sahastra Tal, Vasuki Tal, Naini Tal, Bhim Tal, Gohana Tal, Durmi Talk, Devri Tal, Bhenak Tal, Guddiyar Tal, Mahadevasar Tal and Sahasrabahu Tal, but Dodital excels all others. Its water is believed to possess a unique quality that freshens the skin. Dodital has two other names, Dhoondital and Dundital. Dhoondital means Ganesh-Ka-Tal (lake of Ganesha). There is a legend that in the Puranic Age, Ganesh selected it for his abode. An ancient idol of Ganesh still exists here and it is difficult to hazard a guess about its age. In Sanskrit, Dhoondis is synonymous to 'Ganesh'.
People of the last border village Aghora say that fear had earlier kept the people away from Dodital and if some one did come here he never returned. He died of exhaustion or by the shower of incessant hail and horrible storms. Many years ago, a party of pilgrims came here with some guides from the village Aghora. At that time the hailstorm lasted for twelve unbroken hours but, fortunately, there was no casualty among them. All came out safely from the experience. The horrible storm did not harm them. Neither did it hit the village Aghora. Since then, the road to Dodital is opened for tourists. Now, many groups of tourists converge here every year and carry home the cherished memory of their sojourn in the lap of the Himalayas, an unforgettable experience.
Dodital - Sightseeing
The water of Dodi Lake is believed to possess a unique quality. Stay here for a fortnight or so and wash your face with its water. Then see the rosy sheen, the freshness and renewed life, on your face. The complexion becomes as beautiful as the full moon. Then, as if of its own, a sweet Garhwali couplet escapes from your lips in a musical strain, Talo Mako Tal, Bal Dodital i.e. Among the lakes, only Dodital.
Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul (Shiva's Great Trident) is the most unique and distinguished feature in the Uttarkashi region. Made of eight major metals, it is truly matchless. It is believed that Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. It is 26 ft high over the ground. There is a legend here that in the long past it dazzled the eyes of the onlookers by its intolerable glitter. For this reason, it was smeared with color. In the temple a mere touch by the third finger can shake it, but outside the temple it cannot be shaken even by applying great force.
Vishwanath temple is located opposite the Shiva Trident. Many folk tales are connected with it. Barahat is located near Uttarkashi and gives the first view of Uttarkashi. Now, Uttarkashi is a town on which Garhwal can justly be proud of.
Dodital - How to Reach
A well-maintained motorable road links Dodital with Uttarkashi. It takes about five to six hours to reach Uttarkashi from Rishikesh via Narendranagar (16 km), Tehri (67 km) and Dharasu (37 km). Beyond Uttarkashi, a track passing through Gangotri (4 km), Kalyani (7 km) and Aghora (5 km), lead to Dodital (16 km).
Nearest railhead is Rishikesh and nearest international airport is Delhi.
Dodital - Where to Stay
The forest rest house at Dodital is ideal for the night stay. Dodital has a guesthouse built close to the Dodi Lake. There is sufficient space outside the guesthouse for pitching tents. Tents are also popular accommodation options at Dodital. Then there is a log cabin too that caters to the needs of the adventurers to Dodital.
Dodital - Travel Information
The permission of fishing in Dodi Lake is necessary. You may arrange for permits to fish for trouts at Dodital can be had from Uttarkashi.
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