Uttaranchal Travel

Uttaranchal once the part of Uttar Pradesh, became a separate state of India in 2000. The region is traditionally referred to as Uttarakhand, in old literature and scriptures. Dehradun is the state capital, which is a popular tourist destination. The state is famous for its amazing natural beauty, as most its northern parts falls in Great Himalayan ranges. The scenic state has pristine glaciers, massive snow-capped mountains, dense forests and the valley of flowers. The mountains of Uttaranchal are best for adventure seekers as one can enjoy trekking, mountaineering, hiking, river rafting, para gliding, hang-gliding, skiing, and several others adventures. The unique Himalayan ecosystem of Uttaranchal is home to a large number of wild animals like Tigers, Leopards, Snow leopards and varieties of plants and rare herbs. The state houses some of most sacred pilgrimage centres of Hindus at Haridwar, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Apart these pilgrimage centres the state has many temple and shrines. The temple architecture of Uttaranchal temples are quite different from other parts of the country.

Major Attractions

» Badrinath
Badrinath is one of the four dhams (pilgrimage centres) of the Hindus, the other being Dwarka (Gujarat), Jagannath Puri (Orissa) and Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. The town is famous for its Badrinath temple, which is visited by millions of tourists every year. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe according to Hindu mythology). Adjacent to the temple the holy river Alaknanda flows.

» Kedarnath
One of the most sacred places for the Hindus, Kedarnath is situated in Garhwal hill ranges at an elevation of 11,735 ft above sea level. Kedarnath is famous for the shrine of Kedarnath, which is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for the Hindus.

» Gangotri
Gangotri is one of the four dhams (pilgrimage centres of Hindus) of Garhwal region. Other dhams are Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. An 18th century temple made out of granite rock stands at Gangotri, which is dedicated to the goddess Ganga.

Gangotri the is the origin of the holy river Ganga, which is an ideal place for spiritual as well as adventurous motives.

»Yamunotri
One of the char (four) dhams of the Garhwal region, Yamunotri is the popular pilgrim centre. Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred Yamuna river and is famous for its hot springs and glaciers.

» Haridwar
Haridwar or the 'Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places of Hindus. It is a major pilgrimage centre for the Hindus of the country.

» Rishikesh
Rishikesh is considered as one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus. The place is the birthplace of Yoga, which attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. Rishikesh is also a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts.

» Corbett National Park
The park is situated on the foothills of the western Himalays, in the districts of Nainital and Pauri Garhwal. Corbett National Park is the first national park of India, which was set up in the year 1936, by great hunter Jim Corbett. The park located at an altitude of 600 to 1100 metres, spreads in an area of around 920.9 sq. Kms. Jim Corbett National Park is famous for Royal Bengal Tigers.

» Nainital
A glittering jewel is the Himalyan crown, Nainital is famous for its lakes and sometimes referred to as the 'Lake District' of India. The most popular lake of Nainital is the Naini Lake, which is nestled between seven mountains called Sapta Shring.

»Mussoorie
Mussoorie also called as the 'Queen of Hills' is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The hill station is located in the Garhwal hills, at a height of 2003 metre above sea level. The green hills of Mussoorie has rich and varied flora and fauna. Mussoorie offers the spectacular view of the Himalyan snow ranges and the Doon Valley.

Reaching

» Air
Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun is the only airport in Uttaranchal. The regular flights operate from Delhi to this airport.

» Rail
Dehradun, Haridwar and Kathgodam are the major railhead of the state. These stations are connected to major cities and towns of the country.

»Road
Uttaranchal is well-connected by roads to rest of the country. Regular buses operate from Delhi and other major cities in North India to Dehradun.