Uttarakhand is the call of the Himalaya - snow-lit peaks, cedar forests, emerald lakes and sacred river towns where chants drift over the Ganga. From yoga by the rapids in Rishikesh and evening aarti at Haridwar to cool hills of Nainital and ski slopes of Auli, the state blends pilgrimage, wellness, wildlife and mountain adventure in one soulful journey.
The History & Culture
Known as Devbhumi - the Land of the Gods - Uttarakhand's valleys cradle ancient shrines, gurukuls, and ashrams. Garhwal and Kumaon traditions flourish in folk songs, temple festivals, wood carving and intricate ringaal crafts. Pilgrim trails to Kedarnath, Badrinath and Hemkund criss-cross alpine meadows, while everyday life hums to rhythms of farming terraces, tea stalls and mountain hospitality.
Facts Good to Know
- CapitalDehradun
- Official LanguageHindi (widely spoken: Garhwali, Kumaoni)
- Population~1.13 crores
- Total Area53,483 km²
- CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
PLACES TO VISIT
Rishikesh & Haridwar
Yoga capital and riverfront pilgrimage twin - suspension bridges, rapids, ghats and the famed evening aarti on the Ganga.
Nainital & Kumaon Lakes
Boat-dappled waters of Naini, Bhimtal and Sattal set beneath pine slopes - strolls, cafés and hillside viewpoints.
Mussoorie
The Queen of the Hills - colonial promenades, waterfalls and Doon valley sunsets from Camel's Back and Lal Tibba.
Jim Corbett National Park
Historic tiger reserve with sal forests, riverbeds and watchtowers - mornings echo with birdsong and chital calls.
Auli & Joshimath
Snow meadows and the ropeway to sweeping Nanda Devi vistas - winter skiing and year-round alpine quiet.
