Northern India’s Uttarakhand, also known as Uttaranchal, is a stunning state with numerous pilgrimage sites, making it a DEVBHOOMI (the land where God resides).
Uttarakhand’s Himalayas, Bhabar, and Terai regions are renowned for their pure natural settings. The state’s two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon, together contain 13 districts. The state’s train hub and main city, Dehradun, acts as Uttarakhand’s winter capital. The Chamoli district’s Gairsain town was chosen as Uttarakhand’s summer capital on March 5, 2020.
HISTORY:
The long and illustrious history of Uttarakhand dates all the way back to ancient times. The Mahabharata, a Hindu epic, made mention of the region, also known as Kedarkhand. Several dynasties ruled this region, including the Chandras, the Guptas, the Katyuris, and the Mughals. The region was governed by the British and was a part of the United Provinces, which had a big impact on it. It was merged into Uttar Pradesh after winning its independence before being broken off as an autonomous state in 2000.
The region was first inhabited by the Munda-speaking Kol people. They later joined tribes of Indo-Aryans who had previously arrived during the Vedic age. Rishis and Sadhus are also said to have resided in what is now Uttarakhand during that time, according to folklore. The rishi (sage) Vyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata there since it is believed that the Pandavas travelled (and camped) nearby. One of the first prominent dynasties of the Garhwal and Kumaon Kingdoms in the second century BC was the Kunindas, who practiced an early branch of Shaivism and traded salt with western Tibet. The Garhwal Kito, who have dwelt in the northern highlands, are regarded as the ancestors of the contemporary Bhotiya, Raji, Buksha, and Tharu peoples.
The Chand rulers ruled Kumaon successfully from the seventh to the eighteenth centuries, while Pahari painting flourished from the seventeenth to the nineteenth.
The influence of religion on people’s lives is significant in Uttarakhand. The state is also recognised for having a large number of temples, shrines, and other places of worship that draw a lot of people from all over the country. Among the well-known temples in the state are those in Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. A variety of ashrams and religious organisations are also present in the state, including the Parmarth Niketan, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, and the Anandamayi Ma Ashram.
The state of Uttarakhand is thought to have given nature a supernaturally beautiful gift in the form of the dwelling of the God of Gods, Mahadev, Kailash, and Parvatraj, the Ajit of Himalayan splendour. The state of Uttarakhand is where several rivers converge. The Himalayan-shadowed state of Uttarakhand, which is renowned for its land, is revered worldwide. Four more noteworthy dams can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, which makes it the origin of the Mahadevi Ganga.
According to Indian religion and literature, the four main Dhams—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, among others—come out on top in the category of travel destinations as the holiest places for Hindus. The fact that Uttarakhand is the only state in which all four of these dhams are found would surprise you. These four holy sites are referred to by the general term “Char Dham”. Tourists that come to stay for a few months regularly visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. Many people believe that visiting these four dhams will release them from all of life’s worries and misdeeds.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit and explore this culturally rich place.
The top 10 best tourist places to visit here are:
- Auli–
Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal, is a hill town and ski resort in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is recognised for its ski resorts, ski runs, and winter sports contests. It is a snow-covered winter wonderland.
It is one of the most well-liked tourist locations in Uttarakhand and provides a setting where you can unwind and enjoy a calm environment. You should use the tall, snow-capped scenery and mountain range that surround Auli as the backdrop for your Instagram photos.
- Nainital–
Nainital is one of the most beautiful and well-liked tourist spots in Uttarakhand and northern India. The wonder-calm Naini Lake, which has mountains on three sides, is where Nainital gets its stunning appearance. The “Anjuli” that keeps the valley together is formed by the deodar, oak, and pine forest that surrounds Naini Lake. The city is centred on Naini Lake.
Nainital is accessible all year, and the area displays a variety of seasonal hues. You can spend the night admiring Naini Lake in any of the many hotels, eateries, or cottages available.
- Mussorie–
Mussoorie, an intriguing hill town 38 km from Dehradun, is well-known for its lush slopes and varied flora and wildlife. It offers visitors a breathtaking view of the Himalayan snow ranges to the north and east, as well as the Doon Valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur, and Haridwar to the south. Tourists will love this almost serene environment.
Mussoorie, the queen of hill towns, is well known for its stunning beauty, vibrant social life, and entertainment. It’s a popular vacation spot due to the fantastic weather. During the summer, when visitors are most prevalent, it vibrates with happiness and festivity. There are no significant slopes, and those who are more adventurous can embark on enjoyable trips to the numerous beautiful places in the region.
- Chopta–
As the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” Chopta is a lovely village that is not yet well-known to tourists. The quiet morning wind and chirping of the birds in Chopta are a pleasant difference from the blasting horns of cities and other hill towns when the sun’s crimson rays kiss the snow-covered Himalayas in the morning.
Due to the disappearing pines, deodars, rhododendrons, and other conifers that can be found around this peaceful property, Chopta is rich in flora and fauna.
- Chakrata–
Chakrata, a hidden gem in Uttarakhand, is surrounded by dense conifers, flaming red rhododendrons, towering oaks, and the imposing snow-capped Himalayan mountains. From Chakrata, which has a laid-back but pleasant environment, you can see a vast vista of the Rishikesh-Yamuna Valley. A few nice walks lined with trees are available for visitors to wander through. For those looking for a winter adventure, Kharamba Peak is there.
This hilly town’s surrounding woodlands are home to many different creatures, such as wild birds, spotted deer, and panthers, making it a haven for wildlife photographers, ornithologists, and nature lovers alike.
- Munsiyari–
The lovely village of Munsiyari is located in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, hidden among the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Munsiyari offers breathtaking views of the splendour of nature. This charming hill village is situated at a height of 2298 metres above sea level. Munsiyari, which is also jokingly referred to as Little Kashmir, literally translates as “place with snow.”
Awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges are provided by the valley’s pristine surroundings. High-altitude trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts frequently visit the area since it serves as the starting point for the Milan, Ralaam, and Namik Glaciers. It is well known for its stunning beauty and walking excursions.
- Rishikesh–
Rishikesh offers stunning vistas of hills covered with vegetation. In Rishikesh, the rivers Ganges and Chandrabhaga merge. The most recognisable landmark in Rishikesh is none other than the gorgeous river Ganges itself, which sweeps through the city. Since the dawn of time, numerous yogis, rishis, sages, and sannyasis have travelled to Rishikesh to practice yoga in this calm environment. Since then, Rishikesh has developed a reputation as a refuge for sages. A holy city with many ashrams, Rishikesh is well-known all over the world for its yoga. Dehradun has attained global acclaim as the home of yoga. Every year in the month of March, Rishikesh is the site of a weeklong international yoga festival.
- Harsil–
Anyone looking for peace and quiet in the Himalayan foothills will find lots of possibilities in Harsil, an underappreciated gem of Uttarakhand. It is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River at a height of 2620 metres above sea level. Tourists and environmentalists have started to flock to this lovely hamlet in recent years.
There are several exhilarating trekking trails near Harsil that you might take. At Harsil, you can indulge in rejuvenating vacation activities like yoga and meditation.
- Kausani–
Mahatma Gandhi stayed there on his visit in 1929; it was the same place. He referred to the region as “the Switzerland of India” because of how stunning it was.
At 1890 metres above sea level and located in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, Kausani is a well-kept secret. Enjoy the sunrise and the magnificent vistas of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli, among other Himalayan peaks, from one of the numerous viewing points there. This lesser-known hill station’s location on a hillside covered in chir and blue pine forests makes it the ideal weekend escape.
- Almora–
The picturesque village of Almora, which served as the Chand dynasty’s old capital, is set against the snow-covered Himalayas. Almora is well known for its rich cultural heritage, unique crafts, and delectable cuisine. Famous people have visited Almora over the years, including Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Uday Shankar and his troupe, which featured Guru Dutt and Zora Sehgal for a performance, and Ravi Shankar, who helped the community establish its culture. Govind Ballabh Pant, a well-known freedom fighter who later served as India’s Home Minister and the first chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was born in Almora.
The state of Uttarakhand is gorgeous, having both impressive natural beauty and a long history of rich culture. The state has a great deal of potential for tourism and other companies, and the administration has taken a variety of steps to promote economic growth. To assure long-term growth and development, the federal government must also deal with a variety of challenges that must be overcome. Overall, the state of Uttarakhand is appealing to tourists because of its breathtaking natural landscape, significant religious significance, and wide range of customs.
