Uttarakhand, the North Indian Himalayan state packs in it an incredible amount. The center of Hindu religion and culture, Uttarakhand is also called the ‘Land of the Gods’ (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and shrines and the spiritual bliss that the natural surroundings of the state offers. Ganges and Yamuna, two most revered rivers of India, have their origin from the Himalayan glaciers in the state. The hilly regions of Uttarakhand offer pristine landscapes to the tourists unmatched to any other destination in the world.
Only 170 km north of Delhi by road, the state is a good weekend destination. Far from the madding crowds in such proximity, one could enjoy white-water rafting Shivpuri 16 kms from Rishikesh down the Ganges one day, trekking in the shadow of Himalayas the next, put the feet up and relax in hill stations, go camping at the hill tops or take a jeep safari on a hunt of tigers at Corbett and Rajaji National Parks; Uttarakhand can be an unimaginable destination with great diversity. There are many world heritage sites showcasing natural wonders in Uttarakhand, the world famous valley of the flowers, the Nanda Devi biosphere is one and Corbett National Park, which is one of the many National Parks in Uttarakhand, are known for their rich flora and fauna. Having a thick forest cover makes it a home for some of the best National Parks and bird sanctuaries famous globally for some of the rare species of birds and animals. The state has 12 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries located at different altitudes varying from 800 mts to the high altitude protected areas at 5400 mts. A number of rare and endangered birds make Uttarakhand also a preferred destination for bird watchers.
Apart from being the important Hindu religion, culture and heritage destination, Uttarakhand hills boosts of its great diversity that makes it a wonderful destination. It is the land of sky-kissing Himalayan peaks, huge glaciers, streams, and myriad lakes, Uttarakhand provides immense opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and thrilling water sports making it an ideal venue for adventure seekers. The large slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon covered with seasonal snow become an ideal place for skiing in the winter months.
Uttarakhand offers a multitude of trekking possibilities from mountaineering to trekking on high altitudes or hiking different routes. Its lush nature up to high altitudes makes trekking very special. State has a number of mountains peaks over 600m, among them in the Nanda Devi with 7816m.
One of its ancients cities on the banks of river Ganges – Rishikesh is popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, jostling with backpackers and pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment. Rishikesh became world famous in 1968 when the beatles came to stay at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram. It was here that they reputedly wrote most of the White Album. Today, Rishikesh is popular with Western and domestic tourists and pilgrims.
Uttarakhand is a land where leisure time can be spent best by simply relaxing with the natural serenity. Destinations such as Mussoorie, National, Lansdowne, Almora, Mukteshwar etc that help one relax in the lap of nature.
