Jaunsar is a hily region in Uttrakhand situated in It is located in the north Dehradun district, along the border with the state of Himachal Pradesh. Jaunsar-Bawar comprises two regions, inhabited by the two principal groups: Jaunsar, the lower region, while the snow-clad upper region is called Bawar, which includes, the ‘Kharamba peak’. Geographically they are not very different from each other. The region inhabited by the Jaunsari and Bawari tribes, which find mention in the epic of Mahabharata. Jaunsar-Bawar is a primitive group of people who have their own culture, custom and traditions. The region is quite rich in plant wealth. Jaunsar-Bawar was included in the Chakrata Tehsil in the year of 1829. Earlier, it was a part of the Sirmur/Sirmoor State (now Himachal Pradesh) until the British invaded it along with Dehradun, in the war with the Gurkhas, in 1814. The local culture and tradition of this place is secluded from the rest of the region for centuries, is different from those of the nearby Garhwal, Kumaon and other border touching regions of Himachal pradesh. Polygamy and polyandry is common family structure practices among these tribals. However, this culture is slowly phasing out and is being replaced by monogamy practices. Sports and dance is in their life’s integral part. Both women and men, celebrate their festivals by dancing in groups, famous folk dance of this place is ‘Barada Nati’. The main festival of Jaunsar-Bawar is Bissu, which is celebrated during the harvesting season. Popular tourist places near Jaunsar Bawar are Duryodhan Temple, Lunagad Creek, Netwar, Jakhol, Kharamba Peak, Ram Tal Garden, Kanasar and a waterfall called Tiger Falls.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport.
By road/train: The closest railway station to Jaunsar Bawar is Dehradun (DDN), which is located at a distance of 76 km. The nearest airport is also at Dehradun, which is at a distance of 71 km.
Best time to visit: All around the year