Uttrakhand

Uttarakhand is the 24th state of the India Union. It came into existence on 9th November 2000, when it was formally separated from the parent state of uttar predesh. This charming hilly state consists of two regions, Garhwal in the west and Kumaon in the east. Both the regions are blessed with exceptional natural beauty, and are studded with stunning snow covered peaks, which rank among the most beautiful mountains of the inner Himalayas. The antiquity of the state can be traced back to 2nd B.C., when the region was under domain of Kuninda's, the central Himalayan tribe, who practisedearly form of Shaivism. There is also a Ashokan edict at Kalsi, in Barhwal region, which indicate that Buddhism also reached these parts of the country. Between the seventh and fourteenth centuries, Chandras dominated the eastern kumaon. Under the Chandras, eastern Kumaon became a center of learning, and various art forms including Garhwal school of painting was developed. Since Independence, the local aspiration steadily grew demanding a separate state of Uttrakhand or Uttranchal. After a long and determined struggle by the hill people, Prime minister Deve Gowda on 15th August 1996 declared that Uttrakhand would be granted full Statehood. But it was only in June 1998, the central Government announced uttranchal, which included Udam singh Nagar and excluded Hardwar. After along political debate the hilly region of U.P finally acquired its dream of statehood in November 2000, and Udam singh Nagar as well as Hardwar were included in it.

Garhwal: This holy land is the source to two hokiest rivers Ganga and Yamuna of Hindu mythology, Gangotri Glacier, the source of great rever Ganga, in north-central Garhwal is one of the most revered spot for the Hindus. The Chardham's – Badrinath, Kedamath, Haridwar and Rishikesh, where people come to discover a past but end up with a future, are also located here. Every year between May and November, when the snows melt in the mountains, pilgrims and trekkers undertake the adventurous journey to visit the holy shrines and mighty peaks.
Kumaon: The tourist potential of this part of the state, is not fully exploited as in the case of Garhwal. There are important pilgrim centers like Jageshwar, Bhageshwar and Baijnoth. The beautiful hill resort like Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet and Kausani have a charm. The Corbett National park, one of the best game reserves of the country is located south-east of Nainital.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
Almora: Hill station, near by Temples and Ashrams, Trekking, starting point for visit to Glaciers. Near Almora –jogeshwar is a ancient temple, Panwanaula temple nearby. Pindari Glagier.

Badrinath: MajorHindu pilgrim center, Hot spring, Temples.
Chakrata: Hill station.
Champawat: Old capital of Kumaon and ancient architecture.
Chaukhutia: View of Himalayas, Garden.
Corbett: National park.
Dehradun: state capital,Scenic beauty, gateway to Mussorie.
Devprayag: Hindu pilgrim center, Temples.
Gangotry: Source of sacred river Ganga, Hindu pilgrim center, Temples.
Joshimath: Hindu pilgrim center, Temples. Near Joshimath Govindghat is the starting point for Hemkund and valley of Flowers.
Valley of Flowers is famous for spectacular scenic beauty.
Karnaprayag: Hindu pilgrim cente, temples. Near karnaprayag Nandprayar which is also a Hindu pilgrim center and also temples.
Kasauni: Switzerland of India View of snow peaks Ashrams.
Kathgodam: Railway station for Kumaon hills.