Uttarakhand – A treasure trove of Natural Wonders

Once the part of northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand came into existence on November 9, 2000. Earlier known as Uttaranchal, the state was renamed as Uttarakhand recently on the approval of the state assembly.

Situated in the north east of the country, Uttarakhand is bounded by the mighty Indian Himalayas and shares its international borders with China and Nepal. Uttarkkhand is boundaried by the states Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, of Indian Republic. Dehra Dun is the capital city of the state, other important place are Mussoorie, Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Blessed with natural wonders like lofty peaks, shimmering lakes and streams, lush dense forests, pleasant climate, numerous adventure sport destinations and important Hindu pilgrimage centres, Uttarakhand draws visitors from all over the world. Visit the beautiful state to get a close look of nature and its marvellous wonders.

Uttarakhand People and Culture : People of Uttarakhand are known as Garhwali and Kumaoni or also referred as ‘Pahari’, meaning the people of the mountains. About 90 per cent of the state population is Hindus, rest of the population include people following Islam, Buddhism or other religions. Garhwali is the main language of Uttarakhand, Hindi is also used extensively in almost all the parts of the state.

Uttarakhand region’s age old art, crafts, dance and music has always remained a major attraction for visitors. Often considered as the heartland of Hindu culture, the culture of Uttarakhand presents a fine blend of exoticism as well as philosophy. A number of festival are celebrated in the state all through the year. Some of the famous festivals include Makar Sankranti (Ghughutia), Basant Panchami, Phooldei, Harela, Batsavitri and Ganga Dusshera. Uttrakhand also celebrates major Indian festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Christmas.

Several religious fairs are also held in Uttarakhand that include Kumbh Mela / Ardh Kumbh Mela (Haridwar – evert 12th /6th year), Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarakashi), Maga Mela (Uttarkashi), Uttaraini Mela (Bageshwar), Vishu Mela (Jaunsar Vavar), Peerane-Kaliyar (Roorkee), and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra held every 12th year.

Uttarakhand Wildlife : From the foothills of the Great Himalayas to its snow-clad mountains, the landscape of Uttarakhand is home to a wide variety of wildlife and avian species. Set in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, Uttarakhand is bestowed with a luxurious expanse of forest. In Uttarakhand the alpine and deciduous forests run from its snow-covered peaks to the Shivalik foothills. Uttarakhand’s numerous wildlife sanctuaries and parks, offer the nature lovers an abundance of animal and plant life and breathtakingly picturesque landscapes. Some of the prominent wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand include Corbett National Park (Kumaon), Nanda Devi National Park (Chamoli District), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (Chamoli Dist), Valley of Flowers (Garhwal), Rajaji National Park and Assan Barrage Wetland (Dehradun).

Uttarakhand Natural Wonders : Uttarakhand holds many natural enchantments, even for the seasoned traveller within its mystic mountains. Uttarakhand has several picturesque hill stations that include Nainital, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Ranikhet and Almora. The state is home to mighty glaciers, shimmering lakes and beautiful hill stations. The famous glaciers of the state are Pindari, Milam, Gangotri, Khatling, Sundar Dhunga, Dukhroni, Chetrangi and Jumdar. The glaciers creep down from the mountains to the rock-studded valleys, carrying with them leftover snow and form a stream of solid ice. Uttarakhand has a number of sparkling lakes namely Sahastratal, Sattal, Bhimtal, Nachketatal, Kadaktal, Bhadarsartal, Kakbushandital and Vasukhital.


Uttarakhand Adventure: Raging rivers, little known un-explored trekking routes leading into the dense forests teeming with wildlife and snow-clap mountains, Uttarakhand comes close to any adventure enthusiasts dream. About 90 percent of the state’s area is rugged and mountainous, and hence offer ideal conditions for adventure sports like trekking, kayaking, skiing and rafting. Usually the adventure season in Uttarakhand extends from September to June and the state has no shortage of facilities for those who want to ride the waves or the slopes. On the whole, the state boasts a competent base of reliable adventure outfits.

Uttarakhand Pilgrimage : Whether you are looking to align your chakras, chant your way to tranquility or visit the country’s important holy shrines, all signposts point toward, Uttarakhand. The Great Himalayas, are a land of magic and kingdom of gods. Most of Uttarakhand holy sites are set at an altitude of some 10,000 ft above sea level. Travellers usually start their journey to Uttarakhand pilgrimage sites in April and complete the pilgrimage by Deepawali in November.

The sources of river Ganga and Yamuna is the setting for some of Uttarakhand’s holiest shrines, especially the famous Chardham pilgrimage circuit. Chardham comprises the pilgrimage points of Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Your journey of faith starts at Haridwar that lead further to Rishikesh. From Rishikesh move towards Yamunotri followed by Uttarkashi, considered the centre of Chardham Yatra. Kedarnath is your next halt, from where you will proceed to Badrinath to commemorate your pilgrimage of the Chardham.