Uttaranchal India
Uttaranchal
- Overview
Uttaranchal,
a former part of Uttar Pradesh state, split off from its parent state and
became the 27th state of Indian Republic, on Nov 9, 2000 A.D. The state is
located in the north east of the country and is bounded by the mighty
Himalayas. Uttaranchal shares its international borders with China and Nepal
and is neighboured by the states Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, of
Indian Republic. Dehra Dun, the largest city in Uttaranchal is also the
provincial capital.
Uttaranchal is bestowed with great many tourist attractions. The state is
dominated with the presence of mighty peaks and hills of the Himalayas. The
state is primarily divided into two zones - Garhwal and Kumaon. There are
thirteen districts in all; seven in the Garhwal zone and six in the Kumaon
zone. The two zones see a multitude of sky reaching peaks that form parts of
the Greater Himalayas. These mountains are also the source of the great
rivers of India - the Ganga and the Yamuna. Some of the high peaks in the
region include Bandarpunch (6,316 m), Yogeshwar (6,678 m), Sri Kailash
(6,932 m), Kedarnath (6,490 m), Bhirigupanth (6,772 m), Chaukhamba (7,068
m), Kamet (7,756 m), Mana Peak (7,272 m), Abl Gamin (7,355 m), Mukut (7,242
m). These snow clad peaks give rise to a number of lakes that flow down and
join the tributaries. The slopes at certain places are also ideal for winter
sports. One such destination is Auli.
Uttaranchal is one big name in the north Indian tourism industry. The state
is blessed with towering peaks, lakes and streams, rolling forests,
pilgrimage centres and all of it welcome a great party. As an adventure
sports destination and a major pilgrimage centre of Hindus, Uttaranchal
generates a good revenue from tourism enterprises. The pleasant climate also
makes it a popular vacations spending resort and an escape from the
scorching north Indian sun.
Uttaranchal History
Uttaranchal happens to be one of the cultural places in India where the
dominant culture and civilization emerged and evolved centuries ago. One of
the earliest references is found in Vedas and epics. According to
Mahabharata it was the last place for Pandavas (the victorious in the epic)
before ascending to heavens. The mountain peak called Swargohini literally
means the 'Ascent to Heavens'. The region was occupied by several tribes and
till the coming of Macedonians there was hardly anything to be put on the
historical records. In fourth century A.D., (330 A.D.) Guptas resisted the
Macedonian invasion and established their stronghold over the region. Adi
Shankaracharya, a Hindu saint, left a considerable influence and impression
on the place. His contributions led to the establishment of popular
pilgrimage centre and the revival of the Hinduism.
A quick look at Uttaranchal's history reveals the influence of the
following empires - Kushanas, Kudinas, Kanishka, Samudra, Gupta, Palas,
Chandras, Pawaras and the British. The popular culture, however, flourished
at all times and since the time of Shankaracharya the place has retained its
values and sanctity.
Uttaranchal
- Tourist Destinations
The fascinating terrain, peaks, glaciers, lakes, sanctuaries and holy
centre makes Uttaranchal a favorite hunt for tourists. There are quite many
places that guarantee the best of the vacations at Uttaranchal. The places
are famous for their unique beauty, opportunities they provide and much
revered places for Hindus. Tourist usually reach here seeking a summer
resort to get rid of the extreme temperature in north, adventure sports and
for pilgrimage. The famous destinations include
Dehra Dun,
Nainital,
Haridwar,
Rishikesh, Mussorie, Kausani,
Tehri and
Auli.
Uttaranchal - Pilgrimage
Uttaranchal is one of the major pilgrimage centres and much revered place
for the Hindus. Both Garhwal and Kumaon zone feature a number of important
sites. However, the four sites at Garhwal - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath
and Kedarnath, are primary places of visit; two other being Hemkund Sahib
and Joshimath. In Kumaon zone the sacred places include Baijhnath,
Bageshwar, Jageshwar, Punyagiri and Ritha Sahib.
Uttaranchal - Adventure
The low lying southern tracts of the Himalayas and the towering northern
peaks puts Uttaranchal on the adventure destinations map in the Indian sub
continent. As if this were not enough, the rushing waters and gentle slopes
open a hundred doors for various out door sports activities.
White
water rafting,
Skiing,
Paragliding and trekking are some of the popular events conducted in the
state. There are multiple destinations, each with a scope and thrill of its
own.
Uttaranchal
- Wildlife
The lower Himalayan tracts in Uttaranchal see lush vegetation and forest
growth. The foothills of Uttaranchal support great many species of wild
animals. The dense out growing forests provide a perfect cover for the wild
species, most importantly to the tigers. The lush vegetation also supports a
number of game species for the tiger. The swamps and water holes further
make up the habitat for a number of amphibious species.
Corbett National
Park, one of the famous wildlife reserves also fall in the region.
Other important wildlife sanctuaries are
Valley of Flowers
,
Binsar
Wildlife Sanctuary,
Rajaji National
Park and
Nanda
Devi National Park.
Uttaranchal
- Resorts
From the foothills of the Great Indian Himalayas to its luxurious expanse
of forests, Uttaranchal boasts of large number of resorts including
eco-lodges. Equipped with almost all modern amenities, the resorts of
Uttaranchal provides you a pleasant stay alongwith warm hospitality. Some of
the popular resorts of Uttaranchal include
Corbett Hideaway,
Corbett
Riverside Resort,
Infinity
Resorts,
The
Wild Safari Lodge Corbett and
Tiger Camp.
Yoga and Meditation at Uttaranchal
The unique geographical features of Uttaranchal contributes to the good
will of the state in more than one way. The natural ambience, isolation and
un interrupted solitude pours new life and lifts up the spirits. For
centuries now, ordinary people as well the scholars have taken advantage and
made incredible personal benefits.
Rishikesh,
one such place has developed into a popular yoga and meditation centre. The
Himalayas are believed to effect in more ways than can be explained.
Means and Modes of Transportation at Uttaranchal
Buses, trains, air flights provide the means of access to the state from
long distances. For commutation buses, taxis and auto rickshaws serve the
purpose. The popular modes are as :
By Air : Three airports deliver their services at
Uttaranchal. These airports include Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun Airport
and Patnagar Airport. Flights from all major cities provide the means of
transportation.
By Rail : Northern Railways of the Indian Railways
Division, connects the cities and state with the rest of the country. Some
major rail heads include Dehradun, Haridwar, Kathgodam and Roorkee.
By Road : Dehradun and Nainital are two main entry points
in the state. Dehradun, the capital of Uttaranchal, regularly sees buses
arriving from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Nainital, likewise, is connected by bus services from many neighbouring
states and cities.
