Carved out of the state of Uttar
Pradesh, Uttaranchal is a new addition in the list od states of the Indian
Union. Geographically, it is a part of the Western Himalayan ranges starting
from the Shivalik foothills to Greater Himalayas with Tibet as its
northeastern border. Apart from the Terai region in the Shivalik foothills,
the entire state of Uttaranchal is a part of the Himalayan ranges. The
region has many glaciers, passes, meadows, and trekking routes with several
major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna originating. Since times immemorial,
the lovers of beauty have been fascinated by the breathtaking beauty of
Uttaranchal. Also known as `Dev Bhoomi'- the land of the gods, there are
hundreds of temples, shrines, and ashrams in Uttaranchal. Standing like
tireless sentinels on velvet green are imposing mountain peaks guarding the
precious wealth of nature strewn here and there in form colorful flowers,
pine trees, deodhar trees, fruit orchids.
Major Tourist
Attractions in Uttaranchal
The northern India state of Uttaranchal, located at the foot of the
Himalayan massifs, is equally liked by adventure lovers, spiritual people
and wildlife enthusiasts. There are a number of tourist attractions in
Uttaranchal to see. Some of the major tourist attractions in Uttaranchal are
as follows.
Badrinath
The temple town of Badrinath in Uttaranchal occupies a position on the banks
of river Alaknanda. Badrinath is among the chardham destinations that Hindus
find mandatory to visit to attain salvation. Badrinathji Temple, Mata Murti
Temple, Urvashi Temple and Sesh Netra Temple are some famous temples to be
visited here.
Hemkund Sahib
Though it is basically a Sikh pilgrimage centre, it is visited by both
Sikhs as well as Hindus. Hemkund Sahib is located at an elevation of 4,329 m
and is beautifully surrounded by a series of 7 snow-laden mountains,
collectively referred to as the Hemkund Parvat.
Joshimath
While you are headed for Badrinath, you will come to visit Joshimath,
another important temple town in the state of Uttaranchal. The pilgrimage
centre also serves as the base for trekkers heading towards the Valley of
Flowers.
Rudraprayag
Travellers and pilgrims visit Rudraprayag for its Laxminarayan Temple and
Durga Temple. The town of Rudraprayag is positioned at the junction of two
rivers – Alaknanda River and Mandakini River. On the occasion of
Mahashivratri, Rudraprayag becomes a hub of rituals and s sight to behold.
Nainital
If you are visiting Nainital, you should know that it is referred to as the
‘Lake District of India’. The Naini Lake, Bhimtal and Nakuchiatal
are some must-see places here. The hill station of Nainital is one of the
most visited in northern India.
Corbett
National Park
The wildlife of Uttaranchal can be well experienced as you plan a wildlife
safari into the deep confines of the Corbett National Park. The national
park features around 50 mammalian species, 580 avian species and 25
reptilian species.
Yoga and Meditation in Uttaranchal
The state of Uttaranchal has always attracted seekers of spirituality who
seek perpetual bliss. Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of India.
Uttaranchal has emerged as the centre of excellence for learning of Yoga and
Meditation. Yoga and meditation in Uttaranchal are practised widely. One can
explore these sciences and benefit by the healing properties of these
sciences. The galvanising environs of Uttaranchal and the availability of
medicinal herbs in the Himalayas make the state all the more suitable for
ayurveda, yoga and meditation.
Adventure Sports in Uttaranchal
The state of Uttaranchal invites a number of adventure lovers from across
the world. Snow skiing, mountaineering and trekking and white water rafting
are some of the most popular adventure sports options available in
Uttaranchal. Every year, many national and international adventure sports
competitions are also held here. Ganges
river rafting,
trekking in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, wildlife safari in
Corbett National Park
and Rajaji National Park and skiing in Auli, Dayara Bugyal and Munsyari are
popular options of adventure sports in Uttaranchal.
