Quick Facts
- Capital: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
- Largest City: Dehradun
- Official Languages: Hindi, Sanskrit
- Formation: 9 November 2000
- Nicknames: “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods)
- Borders: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, Tibet
- UNESCO Sites: Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National Park
Contents
History & Heritage
Uttarakhand has a rich history of ancient Hindu traditions, dynasties like the Katyuris and Gorkhas, and British colonial influence.
- Char Dham: One of the holiest Hindu circuits.
- Kumaon & Garhwal: Historic regions with distinct cultures.
- State Formation: Carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000.
Geography & Climate
Uttarakhand is dominated by the Himalayan ranges, rivers, and forests.
- Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi.
- Climate: Alpine in highlands, subtropical in valleys.
Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
- Rishikesh: Yoga capital of the world.
- Haridwar: Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
- Mussoorie: Popular hill station.
- Nainital: Lake city of Kumaon.
- Valley of Flowers: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Tiger reserve and safaris.
- Badrinath & Kedarnath: Sacred temples.
Major Pilgrimage Sites
- Kedarnath: One of the Char Dham shrines.
- Badrinath: Sacred Vishnu temple.
- Gangotri & Yamunotri: Origin of holy rivers.
Festivals of Uttarakhand
- Kumbh Mela: Held in Haridwar.
- Ganga Dussehra: Celebrating the descent of Ganga.
- Makar Sankranti: Local fairs and rituals.
Cuisine – What to Eat
Traditional Garhwali and Kumaoni dishes dominate the local cuisine.
- Staples: Madua roti, rice, lentils.
- Specials: Kafuli, Phaanu, Bal Mithai.
Arts, Handicrafts & Culture
- Aipan folk art.
- Woolen handicrafts and Pashmina.
- Garhwali and Kumaoni folk dances.
Adventure & Wildlife
- River rafting in Rishikesh.
- Trekking to Roopkund, Hemkund Sahib.
- Wildlife safaris in Corbett National Park.
How to Reach
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun).
- By Rail: Dehradun, Haridwar, Kathgodam.
- By Road: Well-connected via NH to Delhi and UP.
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November are ideal.
Sample Itineraries
5 Days – Rishikesh & Haridwar
- Day 1: Haridwar temples & Ganga Aarti.
- Day 2: Yoga and rafting in Rishikesh.
- Day 3: Visit Neelkanth Mahadev.
- Day 4: Local markets & ashrams.
- Day 5: Departure.
6 Days – Kumaon Hills
- Day 1: Nainital sightseeing.
- Day 2: Boating at Naini Lake.
- Day 3: Almora visit.
- Day 4: Kausani tea gardens.
- Day 5: Ranikhet excursions.
- Day 6: Return.
Famous Personalities
- Anil Baluni: Politician.
- Gaura Devi: Leader of the Chipko Movement.
- Major Somnath Sharma: Param Vir Chakra awardee.