Uttarakhand is a place of myth and mountains and this dramatic terrain is covered with holy peaks, lakes, and rivers. Uttarakhand, earlier known as Uttaranchal, is referred to as the “Land of the Gods”. The name of this state is derived from the Sanskrit words Uttara meaning ‘north’, and Khand meaning ‘land’, altogether simply meaning ‘Northern Land’. Uttarakhand guide will reveal that it is a great pilgrimage center and also a famous tourist destination for travelers from all across the world.
The state is also mentioned in history as a part of the Kuru and the Panchal kingdoms (Mahajan pads) during the Vedic age. In Hindu mythology also, Uttarakhand has been recognized as a part of the famed Kedar Khand (present-day Garhwal) and Manas Khand (present-day Kumaon). It is also believed the famous sage Vyas composed the epic Mahabharata in Uttarakhand. The signs of the practice of Shaivism in ancient times along with Buddhism and the Folk Shamanic religion was also found in the state.
With soaring Himalayan peaks and steamy lowland jungles, peaceful hill stations and busy cities, revered temples and renowned ashrams - Uttarakhand tourism has become very popular. The state is divided into two divisions, Kumaon in east and Garhwal in the west and each region has its distinct culture and languages. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the State has international boundaries with China in the north and Nepal in the east. On its north-west lies Himachal Pradesh while on the south is Uttar Pradesh.
The snow-clad peaks here rank among the most beautiful mountains of the inner Himalayas, forming an almost continuous chain that culminates in the Nanda Devi peak, which is the second-highest peak in India. Some of the highest mountains in the world are found in Uttarakhand. The history of Uttarakhand is also rich and varied based on both Garhwal and Kumaon regions. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines. Uttarakhand travel guide will take you to the hilly regions of Uttarakhand offering pristine landscapes to the tourists.
Being a home to a myriad of holy shrines, pilgrims from far and wide visit this state seeking salvation and self-purgation. The most esteemed pilgrimage circuit of the country includes Badrinath and Kedarnath, the holy seats of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Another prominent pilgrim destination in Haridwar, where the prestigious Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years, attracting millions of people from all over the world. The culture of Uttarakhand still revolves around its traditional ethics, moral values, the simplicity of nature and rich mythology.
Nainital, Auli, Bhimtal, Almora, Lansdowne, Valley of Flowers, Mussoorie, Dehradun, Kausani, Dhanaulti, and Pauri Garwal are few of the popular tourist destinations. Uttarakhand is the perfect getaway from the scorching heat of the plains. It is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts as the paradisiacal beauty of the mountain peaks attracts a large number of trekkers to this region. Chopta Tungnath, Gaumukh. Tapovan, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Panwali Kantha, Kedar Kantha, Dayara Bugyal, Chandrashila, Roopkund, Dodital, Rupin Pass, and Deoriatal are some of the popular treks in the Uttarakhand. Book a tour and start exploring the enchanting beauty of this blissful place.
