Uttarakhand is a state of India situated in the northern part of the country. The state is divided into two large regions of distinctive culture - Garhwal in the west, and Kumaon, or Kumaun, in the east, each composed of several districts.
Uttarakhand is a mountainous state, with high Himalayan peaks on the northern part. To the south there are the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests and Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands.
Uttarakhand is known for its Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites. The city of Haridwar is a major centre of the Hindu religion and spirituality for centuries. There are a large number of temples here, religious festivals, and a nightly Ganga Aarti, a river-worshipping ceremony in the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat.
The state’s capital, Dehradun, is in the Garhwal region, between the river Yamuna, on the west, and the river Ganges, on the east. In this picturesque city you will find outstanding landmarks such as Tapkeshwar Temple, outstanding sites such as Robber's Cave, and nearby natural areas including Rajaji National Park, a wildlife sanctuary. The city of Rishikesh, in the Dehradun district, is considered the World Capital of Yoga, a beautiful pilgrimage town where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas. Rishikesh became world-famous since the Beatles’ visit to an ashram in the city in the 60’s.
Population: over 10 million inhabitants
Capital: Dehradun
Other major cities: Haridwar, Roorkee, Haldwani
Main attractions: Valley of Flowers National Park, Rajaji National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, city of Dehradun, city of Rishikesh, Tungnath (the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world), Yamunotri shrine, Badrinath, or Badrinarayan Hindu temple, Tungnath Hindu temple, Kēdārnāth Mandir Hindu temple, Mansa Devi Hindu temple, Har Ki Pauri ghat
Major Airports: Dehradun Airport (DED), Pantnagar Airport (PGH)
