Dehradun, with its fascinating history and breathtaking surroundings, serves as a gateway to popular hill stations and pilgrimage sites. Nestled in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, it offers pleasant weather year-round, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Mussoorie, a picturesque hill station and municipal board situated near Dehradun city in the Dehradun district of the Indian state Uttarakhand, is an absolute gem. Located about 35 kilometres from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km north of the national capital of New Delhi, this hill station nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range is a haven for tourists.
Haridwar, known as the 'gateway to gods,' is a sacred city where the Ganges enters the plains. Hosting the Kumbh Mela and other religious gatherings, it exudes a pious ambiance with its numerous temples and ashrams.
Rishikesh is one of the most captivating tehsils located in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, this ancient city has a rich history and is believed to have been founded in the 9th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya.
Almora, situated amidst the picturesque Kashyap hills, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisines. Once the capital of the Chand dynasty, it enchants visitors with its unique handicrafts and stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Chopta is a serene paradise nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas and is often referred to as the 'mini Switzerland' of Uttarakhand. This beautiful destination offers breathtaking views of lush meadows and snow-capped peaks year-round, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.
New Tehri is an absolute haven for adventure enthusiasts! With its stunning location overlooking Tehri Lake and dam, this destination offers a wide range of thrilling water sports activities that will leave you wanting more.
Pithoragarh, nestled among snow-capped peaks and meandering rivers, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning vistas, it's a nature lover's paradise and an ideal destination for those seeking solitude amidst breath-taking landscapes.
Located on the Himalayan ranges, Uttarakhand is well connected with other Indian cities through airways. Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun is the largest airport of the state that is well connected with the rest of Indian states and union territories.
The state has a total of 43 railway stations that allow easy access to major cities of north India. Bajpur, Banbasa and Dehradun railway stations are some of the major stations of the state.
Travelling to Uttarakhand by roadways is one of the best ways to reach the state. There are a total of 14 National highways that pass through the states connecting Uttarakhand with the rest of the Indian states.
Nestled on the lap of the Great Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of the famous hill stations among tourists known for its natural beauty and home to numerous pilgrimage sites. The state is home to Gangotri, the origin of the holy river Ganga that flows along 11 states of India. Situated on the lap of the Himalayas the state expresses its beauty with sacred sites, temples, diverse wildlife and hill stations that attracts people from all over the world. Kedarnath is among the most popular destinations of the state where people visit in large numbers to pay homage to Hindu gods.
Around 45% of the total land is covered with forest that inhabits a wide range of animal and bird species. Some of the animal species are Snow Leopards, Himalayan Wolves, Lion, Tiger, Bhutia Dog and many more. Woodpeckers, Babbler, Vulture, Himalayan eagle and Flycatcher are some of the bird species found in this region. Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the major national parks of this state.
The state follows a rich culture that revolves around ethics, simplicity and moral values. Music and dance forms are a major part of their tradition. The people of the state are generally called Garhwali and Uttarakhandi known to be talented in dance and music that showcases the rich tradition and culture of the state. Hospitality is the major part of their culture which can be seen in every part of the state. They believe in handwork and try to live a humble and simpler life.
Food is one of the major sections that hugely contribute towards the tourism of the state. Known for its authentic cuisine and unique preparation methods most of the dishes share similarities with North Indian cuisines. Ghee is a major ingredient that is used in most dishes including lentils and pulses. Most of the foods are vegetarian while there are multiple options for non-veg lovers. Some of the common foods of Uttarakhand are Kafuli, Bhang Ki Chutney, Garwal ka Fannah, Phannu and Chainsoo.
Uttarakhand is regarded as one of the most religious states of the country that showcases its rich culture through numerous festivals and fairs that attract devotees from all over the country. Folk songs and music are performed one the festivals that allow tourists to witness the true beauty of the state. Some of the popular festivals of the state are Kumbh Mela, Basant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Vat Savitri, Magh Mela and many more.