Uttarakhand, well-known as the "Land of the Gods" or "Dev Bhoomi", has
the most sacred Hindu temples or the Char Dhams - Badrinath, Kedarnath,
Gangotri and Yamunotri, in the state. The state is the point of origin
of the most sacred and famous rivers of the country, Ganga and Yamuna.
Uttarakhand also houses the "Valley of Flowers", which is also a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Uttarakhand is home to all the famous hill stations of northern India,
such as Nainital, Uttarkashi, Mussoorie and Chamoli. The dense jungles
of Uttarakhand make it a perfect home for 12 National Parks and Wildlife
Sanctuaries.
Besides the picturesque views of the hills, religious destinations, the state also offers various adventure sports such as trekking, climbing, and water rafting.
By Air
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to the state, and it is well connected to Delhi with regular flights. The state can also be reached via the domestic airport at Pantnagar in the Kumaon region.
By Rail
The state only has 345 km of railway tracks. Kathgodam railway station is situated 35 km from Nainital, which is almost the last stop of the North East railways. It connects Nainital with Dehradun, Delhi and Howrah. The state also has railways stations at Pantnagar, Lalkuan and Haldwani. Dehradun and Haridwar railway stations are also among the most well-connected to other cities of the country. Rishikesh, Ramnagar and Kotdwar are also railheads.
By Road
The state has a well-connected road network of 28,508 kms, which includes 1,328 km of national highways and 1,543 km of state highways. The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation is the main mode of transport in the state, along with many private transport operators. The state is reachable by road to all the major cities of the country.
Major Hindu pilgrimage spots like
Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath, Haridwar, Yamunotri and Rishikesh are
not far away from this place.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet of Uttarakhand won the heart of the queen of Raja Sudhardev, Rani Padmini and she chose this scenic spot to be her home.
Therefore,
it is named so (the queen's field). It offers its visitors the best of
the Himalayas including the snowcapped Nanda Devi (7817 meter) and lush
green forests and varied wildlife.
Nanda Devi
In India, Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain. It is a portion of the Garhwal Himalaya. It is situated between Goriganga valley in the east and Rishiganga valley in the west within the state of Uttarakhand.
The mountain peak is considered the patron-goddess of Uttarakhand
Himalaya.The major attraction of Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand is trekking
and Nanda Devi National Park.
Dehradun
Dehradun nestled in the Doon Valley is a picturesque city with mild climate. It is the capital of Uttaranchal, and is located at a height of 2200 feet above sea level.
It is a popular tourist destination in
Uttarakhand. Dehradun in Uttarakhand probably derives its name from Guru
Dronacharya in the Mahabharat. The famous religious town of Rishikesh,
the queen of hills Mussoorie, the renowned sulphur springs at
Sahastradhara and a part of Rajaji National Park, the Chakrata hills all
lie in this region.
Haridwar
Haridwar in Uttarakhand, 294.70 meters above sea level, is situated along the right bank of the sacred Ganga and comprises one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites. Haridwar or the 'Gateway to Gods' is termed Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar.
The Ganga enters the North Indian
plains here. Hindu pilgrims and devotees assemble at Haridwar of
Uttarakhand to offer prayers on religious occasions.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is located about 43 kilometer away from Dehradun and 245 kilometer away from Delhi. Rishikesh stands at a height of 365 meter above the sea level.
The Shivalik range of the Himalayas borders
Rishikesh on three sides, which adds to the scenic beauty of this sacred
place. It is the beginning point of Char Dham Pilgrimage ( Yamunotri,
Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath).
Travel Tips
Uttarakhand has a large variety of distinct foods to indulge into, in both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The use of local herbs and spice add that extra zing to the food in Uttarakhand. You can taste the traditional flavours in the following dishes: Mathir and Til Laddus; Madua Roti; Dubkas with Chholia Roti; Gahat (Kulath) Soup; Gahat Rasmi Badi (Kofta); Urad Ke Pakore (Wada);Bhangjeera ki Chatni; Aloo Ke Gutke; Chainsoo; Kafuli; Phaanu; Til ki Chutney; Bal Mithai; Singodi; Bhangak Khatai; Sisunak Saag; Jhangora Ki Kheer; Kaapa; Gahat Ki Dal and Singal.
Other than traditional foods, various other cuisines can also be found in restaurants in the state. You can try out some of the famous eateries such as the Sakley's Restaurant, Pyramid Cafe, Chotiwala, Lovely Omelette Centre, Little Buddha Cafe, Kasmanda Palace restaurant, Chetan Puriwallah, and Devraj Coffee Corner, to name a few.
Shopping
Although, shopping options may not be in plenty in Uttarakhand, but you may pick up the following as souvenirs.
Mostly shopping is done around the mall areas of hill stations. Government emporiums as well as private shops also serve as good places to shop from. The Paltan Bazar and the Tibetan market are a few places one can shop from.
Tourist Map Of Uttarakhand
Tourist Helpline Numbers
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) -
Tel: 91- 135- 2559898, 2559987
 |
Besides the picturesque views of the hills, religious destinations, the state also offers various adventure sports such as trekking, climbing, and water rafting.
Hill stations in Uttarakhand
Uttaranchal is also known for its famous hill stations like Mussoorie,
Chopta, Almora, Nainital, Dhanaulti, Lansdowne, valley of flowers and
Sattal. These are some of the exotic hill stations in India that are
filled with greenery everywhere adorned with snow capped peaks and
beautiful wild flowers all over the places. The valley of flowers
comprises of 250 species of wild flowers, which is a treat to the eyes. Dehradun
the capital of Uttaranchal is the most beautiful hill station from the
time of British Raj. It is a famous scenic spot and is also a very old
city in India. Mussoorie has its green hills and rich flora and fauna.
It comprises of the Himalaya snow ranges that you can see glittering
from the city. Nainital is another tourist place that has equally
beautiful places to visit.
Wildlife Reserves and National Parks
Various wild life sanctuaries and parks are found in the state. The
famous Assan barrage is in Dehradun district at the confluence of river
Yamuna and Assan. The Akot Musk deer sanctuary and is famous for the
musk deer conversation that is carried on at this place. It also has
leopard, barking deer, brown bear, civet cat, serow and many species.
The Jim Corbett national park is the grandest and the oldest national
park in Nainital district. The park is famous for its varied wildlife
and project tiger carried by the Government of India. The Govind
wildlife sanctuary in the Uttarakashi district is a significant place
for endangered animals and also is rich in medicinal plants. The snow
leopard can be seen here.
Pilgrimage Centers
Uttaranchal is regarded as the most sacred place of Hindus as it has
many holy temples and is the place where Lord Shiva resided. Badrinath
and Kedarnath are the two places that have been a pilgrimage place since
centuries. Badrinath has four dhams and is one of the holiest sites.
Kedaranth comprises of holy shirne in Himalayas and the major one is the
Shiva temple and is one of the twelve Jyothirlings of Lord Shiva.
Gangotri is a place of Ganga who is believed to have touched earth here.
The Goddess came here in the form of a river. Yamunotri, is the source
of Yamuna River and the westernmost shrine. Haridwar is situated at the
banks of river Ganga and is the ancient holy city of the Hindus.
Rishikesh is the gateway to all the shrines of the holy places.
How to Reach?
By Air
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to the state, and it is well connected to Delhi with regular flights. The state can also be reached via the domestic airport at Pantnagar in the Kumaon region.
By Rail
The state only has 345 km of railway tracks. Kathgodam railway station is situated 35 km from Nainital, which is almost the last stop of the North East railways. It connects Nainital with Dehradun, Delhi and Howrah. The state also has railways stations at Pantnagar, Lalkuan and Haldwani. Dehradun and Haridwar railway stations are also among the most well-connected to other cities of the country. Rishikesh, Ramnagar and Kotdwar are also railheads.
By Road
The state has a well-connected road network of 28,508 kms, which includes 1,328 km of national highways and 1,543 km of state highways. The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation is the main mode of transport in the state, along with many private transport operators. The state is reachable by road to all the major cities of the country.
Places to See in uttarakhand
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is located 34 kilometer away from Dehradun at an altitude of
2003 meter in the Garhwal hills above sea-level. Mussoorie is a
fascinating hill station in India. |
Ranikhet
Ranikhet of Uttarakhand won the heart of the queen of Raja Sudhardev, Rani Padmini and she chose this scenic spot to be her home.
 |
| |
In India, Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain. It is a portion of the Garhwal Himalaya. It is situated between Goriganga valley in the east and Rishiganga valley in the west within the state of Uttarakhand.
 |
Dehradun
Dehradun nestled in the Doon Valley is a picturesque city with mild climate. It is the capital of Uttaranchal, and is located at a height of 2200 feet above sea level.
 |
Haridwar
Haridwar in Uttarakhand, 294.70 meters above sea level, is situated along the right bank of the sacred Ganga and comprises one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites. Haridwar or the 'Gateway to Gods' is termed Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar.
 |
| |
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is located about 43 kilometer away from Dehradun and 245 kilometer away from Delhi. Rishikesh stands at a height of 365 meter above the sea level.
 |
Travel Tips
- Due to the tricky terrains, it is essential that you travel safe and drive carefully.
- Carry a map with you, while trekking or out on your own.
- Carrying warm clothes is essential, as it is a hilly area and usually gets much cooler by evening.
- Avoid travelling into the hills during the rainy season, as the region is prone to landslides.
Uttarakhand has a large variety of distinct foods to indulge into, in both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The use of local herbs and spice add that extra zing to the food in Uttarakhand. You can taste the traditional flavours in the following dishes: Mathir and Til Laddus; Madua Roti; Dubkas with Chholia Roti; Gahat (Kulath) Soup; Gahat Rasmi Badi (Kofta); Urad Ke Pakore (Wada);Bhangjeera ki Chatni; Aloo Ke Gutke; Chainsoo; Kafuli; Phaanu; Til ki Chutney; Bal Mithai; Singodi; Bhangak Khatai; Sisunak Saag; Jhangora Ki Kheer; Kaapa; Gahat Ki Dal and Singal.
Other than traditional foods, various other cuisines can also be found in restaurants in the state. You can try out some of the famous eateries such as the Sakley's Restaurant, Pyramid Cafe, Chotiwala, Lovely Omelette Centre, Little Buddha Cafe, Kasmanda Palace restaurant, Chetan Puriwallah, and Devraj Coffee Corner, to name a few.
Shopping
Although, shopping options may not be in plenty in Uttarakhand, but you may pick up the following as souvenirs.
- Wood-carved articles
- Woollens
- Rudraksh articles
- Hand-made candles
- Organic items
- Fern showpieces
- Pickles and Jams
Mostly shopping is done around the mall areas of hill stations. Government emporiums as well as private shops also serve as good places to shop from. The Paltan Bazar and the Tibetan market are a few places one can shop from.
Tourist Map Of Uttarakhand
 |
Tourist Helpline Numbers
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) -
Tel: 91- 135- 2559898, 2559987
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