Uttarakhand, a state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, is known for its numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites including 4 Dhams or Chota Char Dhams of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Badrinath is also one of the 4 or Char dhams of India Dwaraka, Puri and Rameshwaram. Its capital is Dehradun and is primarily divided geographically into 2 subdivisions based on Himalayan mountain ranges of Kumaon and Garhwal.
The state is often referred to as the “Devabhumi” (literally “Land of the Gods”) due to numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is known for the Himalayas, holy rivers, spiritual centres, spectacular lush green meadows, snow-covered mountains, breathtaking hill stations, picturesque lakes, and the dense forest of the Terai region.
Uttarakhand is also famous for adventure sports, an enrapturing variety of flora and fauna, a charming history recorded in antiquated stones and Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, made famous by the Beatles’ during their1968 visit. Uttarakhand is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park. Both are encircled by the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve It borders the Tibet to the north; the Sudurpashchim Pradesh of Nepal to the east; Uttar Pradesh to the south and HimachalPradesh to the west and north-west.
Among the first major dynasties of Kumaon were Kunindas in the 2nd century BC. Ashokan edicts at Kalsi show the early presence of Buddhism in this region. During the medieval period, the region was consolidated under Katyuri rulers of Kumaon also known as ‘Kurmanchal Kingdom’. After their fall region was divided into the Kumaon Kingdom and the Garhwal Kingdom, which have been traditionally also ever since4. In 1816, most of modern Uttarakhand was ceded to as part of the Treaty of Sugauli.
The natives of the state are generally called Uttarakhandi, specifically Garhwali or Kumaoni. After independence, the region became part of Uttar Pradesh but after several years of agitations and protest became a separate state in 2000. Uttarakhand is also well known for the mass agitation of the 1970s that led to the formation of the Chipko environmental movement. Most of the northern part of the state is covered by high Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
Two of the most important rivers in Hinduism originate in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, namely the Ganges at Gangotri and the Yamuna at Yamunotri. They are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and streams. The state hosts the Bengal tiger and other native wildlife.in Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park of the Indian subcontinent. Chamol, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar are the most important cities and districts of the state.
Rishikesh s most famed for the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Uttarakhand is known for s unique arts and crafts. Among the prominent local crafts is wood carving, which appears most frequently in the ornately decorated temples of Uttarakhand. Intricately carved designs of floral patterns, deities, and geometrical motifs decorate doors, windows, ceilings, and walls of houses.
Paintings and murals are used to decorate both houses and temples. Other crafts of Uttarakhand include handcrafted gold jewellery, basketry from Garhwal, woollen shawls, scarves, and rugs. A distinctive characteristic of Uttarakhand cuisine is the sparing use of tomatoes, milk, and milk-based products, which is mostly vegetarian. Religion and festivals go hand in hand in the state with Kumbh Mela, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages that takes place in Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga.
It is one of the four places in India where Kumbh Mela is organised. alongside Nashik, Ujjain and Allahabad. Kumauni Holi, in forms including Baithki Holi, Khari Holi, and Mahila Holi, all of which start from Vasant Panchami, are festivals and musical affairs that can last almost a month. Ganga Dashahara, Vasant Panchami, Makar Sankranti, Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Vat Savitri, and Phul Dei are other major festivals in the state. Like most of India, agriculture is one of the most significant sectors of the economy of Uttarakhand.
Agricultural export zones have been set up in the state with large food processing units at the core. Besides this tourism and hydropower, generate most of the employment opportunities. Besides these IT, ITES, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and automobile industries are also growing in the state. Uttarakhand is home to numerous rare species of plants and animals, many of which are protected by sanctuaries and reserves. Well connected by rail, road and air with all major cities of India, the state is home to several major educational institutes, especially in Dehradun and Mussoorie.
There are numerous hotels, resorts, lodges, homestay, guesthouses, that provide luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation. The restaurants serve delicious food especially vegetarian food in Haridwar. In other parts of the states, restaurants serve spicey non-veg food items. There are numerous places worth visiting in the state these include tungnath which is the highest Shiva temple in the world and Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara the highest place of worship anywhere in the world. Uttarakhand is also a major route to access Kailash Mansarovar, another important pilgrimage site in Hinduism. Some of the famous marketplaces in Uttarakhand are Indira Market, Tibetan Market, Paltan Bazaar, Bara Bazaar and Kulri Bazaar.
Dehradun, Mussoorie, Landour, Almora,. Nainital, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Chopta, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, Dharchula, Kanatal, Auli, Binsar, Ranikhet, Kausani and Lansdowne are some of the splendid destinations for tourists to plan a week or fortnight-long holiday. Uttarakhand is home to different water and amusement parks. Adventure seekers can try out bungee jumping and river rafting in Rishikesh, boating in Nainital, skiing in Auli, and even exploring cave gardens. The state is open to tourists throughout the year but prior information must be gathered about a place before visiting as the state is prone to landslides, heavy rains and snow that block roads and cause damage to life and property
