Uttarakhand

Overview
Uttarakhand, the ‘Land of Gods’, is the ultimate tourist paradise due to the sheer variety of geography it provides all combined in one state. Nestled in the lap of Himalayas and blessed with all nature’s gifts, Uttarakhand offers myriad options to explore in terms of spiritualism, adventure as well as nature’s beauty.

The state is one of the recent established states in India and was initially known as Uttarakhand. This is also the place from where the most sacred river as per Hindu mythology, Ganges originates. The topography essentially consists of 90% hills and 80% forests, thus offering several options on a platter to explore.

The region is essentially divided into two main communities- Kumaon and Garhwal. The most common languages spoken include Kumaoni and Garhwali although Hindi and English too are used in urban areas. The state has rich abundance of exciting trekking routes and also offers a string of adventure sports such as white water rafting, ice-skiing, rappling and paragliding to name a few. Some of the most popular trekking options include The Roopkund Trek (the skeleton lake), Pinadri Glacier Trip, Har ki Doon, Khatling Glacier, Gangotri Glacier Trek, Panwali Bugyal Trek and Kuari Pass Trek.

The place also used to be quite adored with British during their reign and so, they developed quite a few hill stations in Uttarakhand, which today stands as a prime example of colonial era architecture and scenic delights.
Perhaps the best part about Uttarakhand is its untouched, virgin beauty and it’s soon warming up to the metropolitan culture while still retaining its original charm. So on one hand, while you would find the Valley of Flowers which is accessible only half a year and is nowhere stained by commercialization; on the other hand you have the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh- an all-time favorite with foreign tourists as the all-equipped centre for meditation, yoga and adventure sports.

While the state has its Capital Dehradun known as ‘Oxford of India’ for its international level boarding schools and academic centres, the state also boasts of one of the reverent Char Dhamsas per the Hindu mythology which attracts a lot of crowd every year. The very famous Jim Corbett National Park also belongs to this state, and so does Rajaji National Park.

 

Here are some of the most popular destinations in Uttarakhand:

Rishikesh
Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh offers instant adrenaline rush and a closer brush with your spirituality, all in one. Go ahead for rafting, camping and finding your spiritual side.

Jim Corbett National Park
No matter how old you get, catching wildlife in front of you still remains one of the most exciting things to do without a doubt. And Jim Corbett offers forest trails and excitement of living in a camp like no other!

Nainital
Again one of those tourist spots that put Uttarakhand on Indian tourism map to begin with, Nainital is the quintessential hill station for honeymoon, family vacation or simply to admire the beauty of lakes, mountains and everything pretty.

Valley of Flowers
Accessible only half the year due to its location, the valley of flowers is an altogether different world and encompasses wide variety of exotic flowers and marveling landscape.

Auli
One of the most famous hill stations with pristine scenery and a string of adventure sports to explore; Auli in Garhwal region offers innate beauty with scoops of adventure.

Char Dham
Considered highly sacrosanct in Hindu mythology, Uttarakhand is home to one of the four pilgrim sites that attract thousands of devotees every year, called Char Dham.

Tourist Attractions

• Haridwar
• Rajaji National Park
• Rishikesh
• Mussoorie
• Nainital
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Kausani
• Dehradun
• Lansdowne
• Badrinath
• Bhimtal
• Gangotri
• Chopta

Shopping Attractions

• Wooden carving
• Woolen clothing
• Best quality rice

Known for

• The Valley of Flowers
• Char Dhams
• Pure, scenic delights
• Lakes and Himalayan range

For Emergency
Railway enquiry: 131
Roadways enquiry: 0135 – 2653797
Commissioner, Garhwal Division : 0135-222563
Fire Services, Dehradun : 0135 - 2650101

Best time to visit
March-June

How to reach
Air: Uttarakhand has only one airport in Jolly Grant which is close to Dehradun.
Rail: The key railway stations are Dehradun, Haridwar and Kathgodam.
Road: Uttarakhand has excellent road connections with Delhi and many state highway link it with major cities.