Divisions Of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is divided into two distinct regions: Kumaon and Garhwal. Each division boasts its unique charm, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. Kumaon, located in the eastern part of the state, is renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill stations, and vibrant culture. The region is dotted with historic towns like Almora and Nainital, offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Garhwal, situated in the western part, captivates visitors with its towering peaks, sacred rivers, and spiritual significance. From the bustling city of Dehradun to the holy town of Haridwar and the scenic beauty of Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal Division is a testament to Uttarakhand's rich cultural and natural diversity. Together, these divisions embody the essence of Uttarakhand's enchanting beauty and cultural richness.

These divisions have unique cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics: 1. Kumaon Division: - Geography: Located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand, Kumaon is characterized by its lush green hills, serene lakes, and picturesque valleys. The region is home to several prominent peaks of the Himalayas. - Culture: Kumaon has a rich cultural heritage with influences from the Kumaoni people. The region is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional dance forms like the 'Jhora' and 'Chholiya,' and folk music. - Tourist Attractions: Kumaon is dotted with popular tourist destinations such as Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet, and Mukteshwar. These hill stations offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and serene lakes. - Economy: Agriculture, horticulture, and tourism are the primary economic activities in Kumaon. The region is known for its production of fruits like apples, apricots, and peaches. 2. Garhwal Division: - Geography: Situated in the western part of Uttarakhand, Garhwal is characterized by its towering peaks, sacred rivers, and lush forests. The region is home to some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Badrinath. - Culture: Garhwal has a strong cultural heritage with influences from the Garhwali people. The region is known for its religious fervor, with numerous temples and pilgrimage sites scattered across the landscape. - Tourist Attractions: Garhwal is famous for pilgrimage destinations such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, collectively known as the Char Dham. The region also offers opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and wildlife tourism. - Economy: Agriculture, horticulture, and tourism are the primary sources of livelihood in Garhwal. The region is known for its cultivation of crops like rice, wheat, and pulses, as well as medicinal herbs. Both Kumaon and Garhwal divisions contribute to Uttarakhand's rich cultural tapestry and serve as major tourist destinations, attracting visitors from across the globe with their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. Kumaon Division: 1. Almora District: - Overview: Almora district is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and rich cultural heritage. - Main Towns and Villages: - Almora Town: Urban center with historic significance and stunning views. - Ranikhet: Popular hill station with lush greenery and British-era buildings. - Binsar: Famous for the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and scenic beauty. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Almora district was approximately 622,506. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Almora district is approximately 82.25%. - Language Spoken: The primary languages spoken are Kumaoni and Hindi. 2. Nainital District: - Overview: Nainital district is famous for its picturesque Naini Lake and vibrant culture. - Main Towns and Villages: - Nainital Town: District headquarters and popular hill station. - Bhimtal: Known for its beautiful lake and water sports. - Mukteshwar: Famous for the Mukteshwar Temple and fruit orchards. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Nainital district was approximately 955,128. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Nainital district is approximately 84.09%. - Language Spoken: Hindi and Kumaoni are the primary languages spoken. 3. Champawat District: - Overview: Champawat district is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. - Main Towns and Villages: - Champawat Town: District headquarters with historical landmarks. - Lohaghat: Picturesque town near the Indo-Nepal border. - Purnagiri: Famous for the Purnagiri Temple and religious festivals. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Champawat district was approximately 259,315. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Dehradun district is approximately 79.72%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Kumaoni. 4. Pithoragarh District: - Overview: Pithoragarh district is known for its scenic beauty and strategic location near the Indo-China border. - Main Towns and Villages: - Pithoragarh Town: District headquarters and major commercial center. - Dharchula: Border town with cultural diversity and trade significance. - Munsiyari: Picturesque hill station known for trekking and adventure sports. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Pithoragarh district was approximately 483,439. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Pauri Garhwal district is approximately 82.93%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Kumaoni. 5. Bageshwar District: - Overview: Bageshwar district is known for its religious significance and natural beauty. - Main Towns and Villages: - Bageshwar Town: District headquarters and pilgrimage center. - Kanda: Picturesque village with views of the Himalayas. - Kapkot: Rural town known for its agricultural activities. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Bageshwar district was approximately 259,898. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Bageshwar district is approximately 83.85%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Kumaoni. Udham Singh Nagar District: - Overview: Udham Singh Nagar district, located in the Terai region of Uttarakhand, is known for its industrial growth, agricultural productivity, and cultural diversity. It's one of the most developed districts in the state, with a mix of urban and rural areas. - Main Towns and Villages: - Rudrapur: The largest city and commercial hub of the district, known for its industrial estates and trade. - Kashipur: Another major urban center, with a significant industrial presence and historical importance. - Haldwani: One of the largest cities in Uttarakhand, serving as a major business and transportation hub. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Udham Singh Nagar district was approximately 1,648,902. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Udham Singh Nagar district is approximately 73.1%. - Language Spoken: The primary language spoken in Udham Singh Nagar district is Hindi, with a mix of other languages such as Punjabi, Urdu, and English spoken by various communities due to its diverse population.

Garhwal Division: 1. Dehradun District: - Overview: Dehradun district is the capital of Uttarakhand and a major educational and cultural hub. - Main Towns and Villages: - Dehradun City: Capital city known for its institutions and natural beauty. - Mussoorie: Popular hill station with colonial-era architecture. - Rishikesh: Holy city on the banks of the Ganges River, known for yoga and spirituality. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Dehradun district was approximately 1,696,694. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Dehradun district is approximately 85.24%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali. 2. Haridwar District: - Overview: Haridwar district is a major pilgrimage site and cultural center. - Main Towns and Villages: - Haridwar City: One of the holiest cities in Hinduism, known for the Ganges Aarti. - Roorkee: Educational hub and industrial town. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Haridwar district was approximately 1,890,422. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Haridwar district is approximately 73.43%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali. 3. Pauri Garhwal District: - Overview: Pauri Garhwal district is known for its religious sites, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage. - Main Towns and Villages: - Pauri Town: District headquarters and cultural center. - Srinagar: Historic town with educational institutions. - Lansdowne: Hill station known for its military connections and natural beauty. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Pauri Garhwal district was approximately 687,271. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Pauri Garhwal district is approximately 82.02%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali. 4. Chamoli District: - Overview: Chamoli district is known for its religious significance, biodiversity, and natural beauty. - Main Towns and Villages: - Gopeshwar: District headquarters and pilgrimage site. - Joshimath: Religious town and base for treks to Badrinath and Valley of Flowers. - Badrinath: Major pilgrimage site and part of the Char Dham Yatra. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Chamoli district was approximately 391,605. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Chamoli district is approximately 83.31%. - Language Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali. 5. Uttarkashi District: - Overview: Uttarkashi district is renowned for its religious significance, scenic beauty, and trekking destinations. Situated in the northern part of Uttarakhand, it is bordered by Tibet to the north and shares its boundaries with Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Dehradun districts. - Main Towns and Villages: - Uttarkashi: District headquarters and a significant pilgrimage site on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. - Gangotri: Renowned pilgrimage destination and the source of the River Ganges, attracting thousands of devotees annually. - Harsil: Picturesque village situated along the Bhagirathi River, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. - Bhatwari: Gateway to several trekking routes and pilgrimage sites in the district. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Uttarkashi district was approximately 329,686. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Uttarkashi district is approximately 76.34%. - Language Spoken: The primary language spoken in Uttarkashi district is Hindi, with Garhwali also being widely used by the local population. 6. RudraPrayag District: - Overview: Rudraprayag district is known for its spiritual significance, stunning landscapes, and pilgrimage sites. Nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, it is formed by the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, considered sacred by Hindus. - Main Towns and Villages: - Rudraprayag: District headquarters and a significant pilgrimage destination, situated at the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. - Srinagar: One of the major towns in the district, known for its cultural heritage and educational institutions. - Augustmuni: Pilgrimage site and a serene village located on the banks of the Mandakini River, named after the sage Augustya. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Rudraprayag district was approximately 242,285. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Rudraprayag district is approximately 80.48%. - Language Spoken: The primary language spoken in Rudraprayag district is Hindi, with Garhwali also being widely used by the local population. 7. Tehri District: - Overview: Tehri Garhwal district is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes. Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, it is characterized by its picturesque landscapes and historical significance. - Main Towns and Villages: - New Tehri: District headquarters and a modern town built after the old Tehri town was submerged due to the construction of the Tehri Dam. - Devprayag: Confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, considered sacred by Hindus, and the starting point of the River Ganges. - Chamba: Picturesque town nestled in the Himalayas, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. - Population: According to the 2011 census, the total population of Tehri Garhwal district was approximately 616,409. - Literacy Rate: The literacy rate in Tehri Garhwal district is approximately 80.49%. - Language Spoken: The primary language spoken in Tehri Garhwal district is Hindi, with Garhwali also being widely used by the local population.