The Valley Of Flowers - India's Dreamland

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"Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into." Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts, 1858

If you are one of those who would stop your busy routine just to have a closer view of the new bloomed flower then travel to 'The valley of flowers" in Uttarkhand for a blissful celebration of God's Creation.

The valley welcomes its lovers with a carpet of hundreds of variety of flowers that smile and sway to the tune of soft wind. Temples and holy places dot the valley of flowers. The surrounding hills clothed with white gown of snow stands with pride for owning one of the best creations. Discover the land of flowers that speak the language of love, tranquility and hope

The story of the valley
Flowers abound here, and so do legends and tales.

'The Valley Of Flowers', was unknown to the world for centuries. However, the locals, always knew of the existence of the valley, and believed that it was inhabited by fairies. Finally, one day, nature condescended to bless humans with this heavenly sight, when Frank Smith a mountaineer, explorer and botanist discovered it in 1931.

The discovery has a wonderful story behind it. History states that, Frank Smith after his successful mission of scaling

a peak in Garhwal called Comet in 1931, tried to return back to his arena on a western pass. During his way back journey, he lost his way, wandered for a while and reached the valley after many difficulties. However all that lost fear settled him with great joy when he saw a sea of flowers that could enchant any being for life. The flowers had engulfed him so much in their beauty that he decided to stay there to love them more.

Frank Smith put a tent and stayed there for many days. During these days he collected 260 different species of flowers. He took some of the seeds back with him. In 1937 he returned to the valley to stay for a longer period. Then he wrote a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendors of the valley and made the world sit up and watch. It was declared a national park in 1982, and now it is a World Heritage Site.

The mystery story of lost and found doesn't end here. In 1939, Miss Margarete Legge, a Botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies. While she was passing over some rocky slopes to collect flowers she had a fatal slip. Her sister later visited the valley and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals. The local villagers believe that the Margarete Legge, was carried out by fairies and then turned into a bloomed flower as she ventured too far into their domain. The memorial is still paid homage by all the visitors.

All About 'The Valley Of Flowers"
The fairy-land is one of the Indian national park, situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttaranchal, at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the sea-level. It's spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. Although its inaccessible for much of the year due to snow, its a must visit place in the month of July and August.

The recent update states that the valley is blessed with over 500 species of flowers. Some of the flowers that crowns its glory are Brahmakamal, the Blue Poppy, daisies, holly, Himalayan edelweiss, and the Cobra Lily. It is a much sought after haunt for flower-lovers, botanists and of course the trekkers.