~~ : UTTARAKHAND : ~~

Uttarakhand is an area in Northern India which is renowned for its adventures, pilgrimage, wildlife, bird watching and a perfect center for yoga and meditation.

Uttarakhand finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavant. The Kushanas, Kunindas, Kanishka, Samudra Gupta, the Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, the Chandras and Panwars and the British have ruled it in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines.

Uttarakhand can be visited between March to June and September to October.

☆ Hill Stations In Uttarakhand :

Uttaranchal is also known for its famous hill stations like Mussoorie, Chopta, Almora, Nainital, Dhanaulti, Lansdowne, valley of flowers and Sattal. These are some of the exotic hill stations in India that are filled with greenery everywhere adorned with snow capped peaks and beautiful wild flowers all over the places. Dehradun the capital of Uttaranchal is the most beautiful hill station from the time of British Raj. It is a famous scenic spot and is also a very old city in India. Mussoorie has its green hills and rich flora and fauna. It comprises of the Himalaya snow ranges that you can see glittering from the city. Nainital is another tourist place that has equally beautiful places to visit.

☆ Wildlife Reserves And National Parks :

The famous Assan barrage is in Dehradun district at the confluence of river Yamuna and Assan. The Akot Musk deer sanctuary and is famous for the musk deer conversation that is carried on at this place. It also has leopard, barking deer, brown bear, civet cat, serow and many species. The Jim Corbett national park is the grandest and the oldest national park in Nainital district. The park is famous for its varied wildlife and project tiger carried by the Government of India. The Govind wildlife sanctuary in the Uttarakashi district is a significant place for endangered animals and also is rich in medicinal plants. The snow leopard can be seen here.

☆ Pilgrimage Centers :

Uttaranchal is regarded as the most sacred place of Hindus as it has many holy temples and is the place where Lord Shiva resided. Badrinath and Kedarnath are the two places that have been a pilgrimage place since centuries. Badrinath has four dhams and is one of the holiest sites. Kedaranth comprises of holy shirne in Himalayas and the major one is the Shiva temple and is one of the twelve Jyothirlings of Lord Shiva. Gangotri is a place of Ganga who is believed to have touched earth here. The Goddess came here in the form of a river. Yamunotri, is the source of Yamuna River and the westernmost shrine. Haridwar is situated at the banks of river Ganga and is the ancient holy city of the Hindus. Rishikesh is the gateway to all the shrines of the holy places.