Location : North India
Major Attractions : Char Dham Yatra
Best time to Visit : April to June


About Uttarakhand
Uttarakahand details the beauty of towering Himalayas and the epic tales of Gods and Goddesses. This state, often referred to as the Dev Bhumi(the Land of the Gods), is ranked 27th in the states-list. The neighboring Indian state to Uttarakhand are- Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh respectively. Uttarakhand is highly visited by the Hindu Pilgrims, for the sole purpose of Chardham Yatra in the four divine shrines viz: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. The state is also looked for its lush green hill stations and adventure sports in challenging spot at Garhwal and Kumaon.

Historical Background of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand history marks its importance even in the early Hindu scriptures, though the ancient facts indicates the Kuninda Kigdom in the 2nd century B.C. During the Medieval period the region depicts the Garhwal Kingdom in the west and the Kumaon Kingdom in the east. In between 13th to 14th century, the Eastern Kumaon prospered under the Chandras, and introduced the period of learning and painting. In 1791, the Gurkha Empire overran Almora and later in 1803 the whole Garhwal became a part of Nepal. But with the onset of the 19th century, the Empire ends came to end by the British annexation. After Independence, Tehri(a city and a municipal board in the Garwhal District) got merged with the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Garwhal and Kumaon Divisions became the rival party in terms of cultural and linguistic influence. In 1994 the demand for a separate statehood was accepted officially and after several years the state identity was created in 9th November 2000.

Travel Attractions in Uttarakhand
Uttrakhand is a place of relaxation. Apart from smearing the life with holy yatras and thoughts, the popular hill-station calls for a number of sightseers and honeymooners to explore the greenery in close vision. Adventure opportunity also lay around in the wild jungles and in the lofty foothills of Himalayas. The Naini lake in Nainital, the Nanda Devi Temple at Almore, the Upat and Kalika golf center in Ranikhet are some of the famous stops in Uttarakhand.

Temples in Uttarakhand
Jageshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located 38 kms from Almora. The temple is a cluster of 124 ancient shrines. Pilgrims visit the temple during the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival and Maha Shivratri Mela, organized as per the dates in the Hindu Shravan month.

Baleshwar Temple
The historical Baleshwar Temple in the Champawat city is one of the finest example of stone architecture. It was built by the early Kings of Chand dynasty during the period of 10th-12th century AD.

A range of architectural excellence lies in the religious shrines of Badrinath, Kedernath, Haridwar Hrishikesh, Mindroling Monastery and Buddha Stupa. Other historical values lies in the 16th century Deogarh Fort in Dhanaulti, St. John`s Church, Children`s Lodge at Mussourie, and Forest Research Institute of Dehradun.

Adventure Attractions in Uttarakhand
Uttarakahnd is the place to adventure sports like trekking, Para gliding, river rafting, mountaineering, skiing and many more water sports. The popular treks are to the valley of Flowers, Har-Ki-Dun valley and glaciers routes of Pindari, Milam, Namik, Sunderdhuga and Gomukh. Mountaineering in Nanda Devi, Kamet, Bander Poonch and Panchchuli Peaks are highly sought after by the avid mountaineers. Water sports like the white water rafting is possible with traveling ten km upstream from Rishikesh in Shivpuri and Kayaking.

Wildlife Attractions in Uttarakhand
A handful of wild harbor in Uttarankhand attract the countless tourist from all all over the world. Tourist interest lies in walking around the dense forest of Jim Corbett National Park, Nanda Devi and Govind Wild life, Askot wildlife sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, valley of flowers. The Har -Ke -Doon , Munsyari and Doon Valley are the paradise for ornithologist and nature lovers.

Climate/ Best Time for trip to Uttarakhand
The uncertain climatic condition of Uttarakhand differ from hilly terrain to the smaller plain region. Winter temperature in the plain slopes down to 5 degree Celsius, while snow shower takes place in the mountainous region. Summer temperature in the mid Himalayan valleys shoots high till 18 degree Celsius, while the lower plains marks about 25 degree Celsius. The best season to explore the mystique beauty of Uttarakhand is anytime between April to June

Uttarakhand Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air : The Jolly Grant Airport, situated in Dehradun operates regular flights to Delhi and other major airport in the other Indian cities. International tourists can board a plane from the International Airport in Delhi and can reach Uttarakand in short time.

By Rail : Rail heads in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Kathgodam, facilitates the traveler the convenient way to reach the cities and district in Uttarakhand.

By Road :
Motor able roads connecting Uttarakhand to other Indian states. State transport buses and private deluxe buses plying across the National Highways such as 58, 73, 74, and 87 help the visitors reach the desired attraction in the State.