Where is Uttaranchal?
Uttaranchal acquired statehood on November 9, 2005. The state shares its
boundary with China on the north, Nepal on the east and with the state of
Himachal Pradesh on the west and
Uttar
Pradesh on the south.
What is the state famous for?
The state of Uttaranchal is home to some of the finest hill stations of the
country like Nainital and Mussoorie. The Corbett National Park is yet
another attraction of the state. Uttaranchal takes great pride in the
Char Dhams (Four
sacred pilgrimage destinations)-
Haridwar,
Rishikesh, Badrinath and
Kedarnath.
What are the main spoken languages?
Hindi, Garhwali and Kumaoni are the main spoken languages in the state.
Which are the important cities?
The
important destinations of the state are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun,
Mussoorie, Almora,
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri,
Nainital, Ranikhet and
Pithoragarh.
» Almora
Almora, a picturesque destination in the Kumaon region, invites hordes of
tourists and travellers from far and wide. The place also offers panoramic
view of the Himalayan peaks. Major tourist destination of the place include
Chitai Temple, Katarmal, Bright End Corner, Nanda Devi Temple and Kasar Devi
Temple.
» Nainital
Nainital is an idyllic hill resort in the state. It is the largest town of
Kumaon. The lush greenery and the ethereal environs make it the a most
sought-after tourist spot in the country. The attractive features of the
hill station are Snow View, Naini Peak, Dorothy's seat, Land's End, Hanuman
Garhi etc.
» Mussoorie
Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hill Stations', is a land of misty mountains,
age-old architecture and a profusion of flowers and streams. The city offers
magnificent views of the lofty Himalayan peaks. Gun Hill, Kempty Fall,
Camel's Back Road, Nag Devta Temple, Mussorie Lake, Van Chetna Kendra and
Jwalaji Temple are the key attractions of the place.
» Dehradun
Dehradun is the capital of the newly formed state of Uttaranchal. The city
is located at a distance of 235 km from Delhi. Nestled in the verdant
valleys of the Shivalik ranges, Dehradun is an ideal hill resort for the
tourists. There are a number of tourist attractions in the city like Rajaji
National Park, Forest Research Institute, Tapkeshwar Temple, Malsi Deer
Park, Sahastradhara and Robber's Cave.
» Haridwar
Haridwar, an ageless pilgrimage centre, is located in the foothills of the
Himalaya in the north India state of Uttaranchal. It is known for its rich
religious and cultural heritage.
Where are the main airports located?
The main airports of Uttaranchal are Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) and
Pantnagar Airport (Pantnagar, Kumaon). Both the airports are connected to
Delhi, a major international airport of India. What does the climate say?
The climate of the state vary from in the plain to Alpine in the
Himalayan region. Summers are hot with temperature rising up to over 40
degrees centigrade. Winters are chilly with temperature dropping below 5
degrees sometimes. In the Himalayan region of the state climatic conditions
are Alpine. Winters are cold with snowfall for quite a long time. The region
receives good amount of rainfall. Summers are mild.
What are the adventures in store?
Rafting along the wild rivers of the Garhwal region can prove to be an
experience of a lifetime. The Ganges near Rishikesh is an adventurous spot
for the rafters. Another attraction is skiing in the Garhwal Himalayas. The
large slopes, being covered with seasonal snow, prove to be fantastic skiing
destination. Trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas is no less adventurous.
Which
are the chief pilgrimage destinations?
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath and Badrinath are four sacred pilgrimage
centres of the country. Haridwar literally means ' The Gatewy to the Gods'.
Besides being an important religious place, Hridwar is also a chief centre
for learning arts, science and culture.
Which are the famous wildlife sanctuaries?
The Corbett National Park, spreading over an area of 520 sq km, is the
famous wildlife sanctuary of the state. It is located at a distance of 300
km northeast of Delhi. The park takes great pride in its numerous species of
flora, fauna and avi-fauna. The animal inmates of the park include tiger,
Indian elephant, Chital, Sambhar, barking deer, Hog deer and common Langur.
The avi-fauna population constitutes of Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan
Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Little Forktails, Blue Whistling Thrush, Red
Jungle Fowl etc. Other wildlife sanctuaries of the state are Govind Wildlife
Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi National Park and Askot
Sanctuary.
What can be the best buys?
Popular purchase items of the state include Rudrakash, Gangajali (Vessels
containing Ganga water), pickles, Kumkum (vermilion), Ayurvedic medicines
and precious stones. The traditional handicrafts of the state are also
popular worldwide. Moti Bazar, Upper Road, Jwalapur and Uttaranchal
Governement's Handloom Emporium near Bharat Mata Temple Haridwar are chief
shopping destinations. Dehradun is famous for its woollen products. Main
shopping areas of Dehradun include names like Sahakari Bazar, Rajpur Road
Market, Astely Hall and Paltan Bazar. Mussoorie is famous for wood carvings
and gift items.
