Uttarakhand mountains and temples

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.

Capital: Dehradun
1.1 Cr People
Uttarakhand Map
9 Nov 2000
Formation Day
53,483
Area (km²)
13
Districts
Hindi
Official Language

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.

Population: 7+ Lakh

Haridwar

Gateway to Gods, Ganga Aarti, Kumbh Mela, and sacred pilgrimage center.

Population: 2+ Lakh

Rishikesh

Yoga capital of the world, adventure sports, ashrams, and spiritual retreat center.

Population: 1+ Lakh

Tourist Attractions

Char Dham

Sacred pilgrimage circuit: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples.

Various Districts

Valley of Flowers

UNESCO World Heritage Site, alpine flowers, trekking destination, and biodiversity hotspot.

Chamoli

Jim Corbett National Park

India's first national park, tiger reserve, wildlife safari, and nature conservation.

Nainital

Nainital

Lake city, hill station, boating, colonial architecture, and scenic beauty.

Nainital

Mussoorie

Queen of Hills, hill station, Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, and colonial charm.

Dehradun

Auli

Skiing destination, cable car, snow sports, and panoramic Himalayan views.

Chamoli

Culture & 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

Kafuli

Green leafy vegetable curry with spinach and fenugreek

Phaanu

Mixed lentil curry, traditional Garhwali dish

Bal Mithai

Brown chocolate-like sweet with white sugar balls

Aloo ke Gutke

Spiced potatoes with local herbs and spices

Singodi

Sweet made with khoya wrapped in maalu leaves

Economic Profile

₹2.5 Lakh Cr

State GDP

Tourism and hydropower driven

79%

Literacy Rate

Good education infrastructure

71%

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