Uttarakhand at a Glance

Uttarakhand is 27th State of India, formed on 9th November 2000, earlier it was a part of Uttar Pradesh. Gairsain is the summer capital and Dehradun is winter capital of the state. Uttrakhand shares its borders with Tibet in the north, Nepal in the east, Uttar Pradesh in south and Himachal Pradesh in the west and north-west. Uttarakhand basically has two divisions 'Kumaon' and 'Garhwal' and 13 district namely 1. Dehradun 2. Haridwar 3. Chamoli 4. Rudraprayag 5. Tehri Garhwal 6. Uttarkashi 7. Pauri Garhwal 8. Almora 9. Nainital 10. Pithoragarh 11. Udham Singh Nagar 12. Bageshwar 13. Champawat. First seven in Garhwal Divison and rest six in Kumaon Divisions. Uttarakhand has 53,483 sq km. area with 102 lakh of population approximately. 86% land is mountainous and approximately 65% is covered by forest. Northern part of the state is covered by high Himalayan peaks and glaciers.

Hindi and Sanskrit are official languages of Uttarakhand, Literacy rate as per 2011 census is 79.63%(17th in India). Sex ratio is 963/1000. Uttarakhand has also some highest mountains in the world i.e., Nanda Devi(7817 metres), kamet with 7756 metres and Badrinath 7138 metres. Northern zone of Uttarakhand also known as Himadri with elevations range of 3000 to 7600 metres. South of the Himachal is a stretch of the Siwalik range and known as the Kumaon Himalayas. The Siwalik-Bhabar-Tarai are ranges in elevation from 300 to 3000 metres. Uttarakhand is also a home of rare medicinal, aromatic & herbal plants with abundant natural resources due to hills and forests. Geographical Splendor: Uttarakhand is adorned with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, glistening rivers, and dense forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The state is home to the majestic peaks of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas, including the legendary Nanda Devi and Trishul. The Ganges, Yamuna, and countless other rivers originate from the pristine glaciers of Uttarakhand, blessing the land with their sacred presence. Spiritual Sanctity: With a rich spiritual heritage, Uttarakhand is dotted with numerous pilgrimage sites and sacred shrines. The revered Char Dham pilgrimage comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath draws millions of devotees each year seeking blessings and enlightenment. Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, and Haridwar, the Gateway to the Gods, are spiritual hubs that resonate with the chants of ancient hymns and the practice of yoga and meditation. Cultural Diversity: Uttarakhand is a melting pot of diverse cultures, traditions, and languages. The Garhwali and Kumaoni communities, with their vibrant folk music, dance forms, and colorful festivals, epitomize the cultural richness of the region. The traditional attire, delectable cuisine, and age-old customs of Uttarakhand reflect the essence of its people and their deep-rooted connection to the land. Wildlife Wonderland: The state's biodiversity is unparalleled, with a plethora of flora and fauna thriving in its protected areas and national parks. Jim Corbett National Park, India's oldest national park, is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers and diverse wildlife species. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Valley of Flowers National Park, and Rajaji National Park are other biodiversity hotspots that offer a glimpse into Uttarakhand's natural heritage.

Adventure Paradise: For adrenaline junkies, Uttarakhand presents a playground of thrilling activities amidst its rugged terrain. Trekking expeditions to renowned trails like Roopkund, Valley of Flowers, and Har Ki Dun offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. The mighty rivers of Uttarakhand, including the Ganges and the Alaknanda, beckon adventure enthusiasts for white-water rafting and kayaking adventures. Skiing, paragliding, mountain biking, and camping are other exhilarating experiences that await adventurers in this Himalayan utopia. Economic Hub: Apart from its natural and cultural splendor, Uttarakhand is emerging as a burgeoning economic powerhouse in northern India. The state's economy is fueled by agriculture, tourism, hydropower generation, and the manufacturing sector. Uttarakhand's strategic location as a gateway to the Himalayas and its investor-friendly policies have attracted investments in various sectors, contributing to its overall growth and development.