Uttarakhand
उत्तराखण्ड
Devbhoomi - Land of Gods, sacred Char Dham pilgrimage, source of Ganga and Yamuna, and adventure sports paradise. Where spirituality meets the mighty Himalayas.
About Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, known as "Devbhoomi" (Land of Gods), is one of India's most sacred states, home to the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The state is the source of India's two most sacred rivers, the Ganga and Yamuna, making it a spiritual heartland for millions of Hindus worldwide. Carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, Uttarakhand combines profound spirituality with breathtaking natural beauty.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Uttarakhand is an adventure enthusiast's paradise, offering trekking, river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering opportunities. The state is home to several national parks including Jim Corbett (India's first national park), Valley of Flowers, and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. From the colonial hill stations of Mussoorie and Nainital to the yoga capital Rishikesh, Uttarakhand seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern adventure tourism.
Major Cities
Dehradun
State capital, educational hub, Doon School, and gateway to hill stations.
Haridwar
Gateway to Gods, Ganga Aarti, Kumbh Mela, and sacred pilgrimage center.
Rishikesh
Yoga capital of the world, adventure sports, ashrams, and spiritual retreat center.
Tourist Attractions
Char Dham
Sacred pilgrimage circuit: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples.
Various DistrictsValley of Flowers
UNESCO World Heritage Site, alpine flowers, trekking destination, and biodiversity hotspot.
ChamoliJim Corbett National Park
India's first national park, tiger reserve, wildlife safari, and nature conservation.
NainitalNainital
Lake city, hill station, boating, colonial architecture, and scenic beauty.
NainitalMussoorie
Queen of Hills, hill station, Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, and colonial charm.
DehradunAuli
Skiing destination, cable car, snow sports, and panoramic Himalayan views.
ChamoliCulture & Traditions
Festivals
Kumbh Mela, Nanda Devi Raj Jat, Ganga Aarti, Makar Sankranti, and Phool Dei.
Folk Culture
Garhwali and Kumaoni folk dances, traditional music, handicrafts, and woolen textiles.
Spirituality
Yoga and meditation centers, ashrams, ancient temples, and pilgrimage traditions.
Garhwali-Kumaoni Cuisine
Green leafy vegetable curry with spinach and fenugreek
Mixed lentil curry, traditional Garhwali dish
Brown chocolate-like sweet with white sugar balls
Spiced potatoes with local herbs and spices
Sweet made with khoya wrapped in maalu leaves
Economic Profile
State GDP
Tourism and hydropower driven
Literacy Rate
Good education infrastructure
Forest Cover
High forest coverage
Key Industries
- Tourism & Pilgrimage
- Hydroelectric Power
- Pharmaceuticals
- Handicrafts & Textiles
Natural Resources
- Hydroelectric potential
- Basmati rice, wheat, sugarcane
- Medicinal plants & herbs
- Forest products & timber
Notable Personalities
Jim Corbett
1875-1955
Hunter, conservationist, author
Ruskin Bond
Born 1934
Renowned author, Padma Shri
Sunderlal Bahuguna
1927-2021
Chipko movement leader, environmentalist
Harish Rawat
Born 1948
Former Chief Minister, politician