Language:

There is a multiplicity of languages spoken in Uttarakhand like Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni and Bhotiya. The languages spoken by the native people are categorized under the broad category of ‘Pahari’. Pahari language has various dialects which are different from region to region. The Kumaoni dialect is spoken in the Kumaon region, Garhwali in Garhwal, Bhotiya is spoken by some tribal communities of the north while Jaunsari is spoken in Jaunsari-Bhabar area. But this is not a cause of worry if you’re planning to visit Uttarakhand as Hindi is used extensively in the state although, you will easily find somebody who can understand English as well.

Region:

Religion is a very important aspect of the culture of this state. Being the heartland of Hindu culture, it attracts tourists who want to visit the Hindu temples, especially the ChaarDham of Gangorti, Yamnotri, Badrinath and kedarnath. The gushing waters of the sacred Ganga attract tourists all year round. The evening Aarti at the banks of the river Ganga in Haridwar and Rishikesh is a must see. The holy chanting of mantra is said to bring you one step closer to God. Apart from that, the Hemkund Sahib shrines and Nanakmatta Sahib form very important sacred sites of the Sikhs. The Piran Sharif Dargain Roorkee holds a lot of significance for the Muslim population and is visited by many for its serene beauty. There are numerous festivals that are celebrated in Uttarakhand. People come from far distances to witness the Ganga Dussehra and kumaoni holi. The state is also well known for its many Melas specially the KumbhMela, which is the largest gathering of devotees, attracts tourists from all over the world.

Food:

Talking of food, Uttarakhand offers a simple yet appetizing cuisine. Some of the famous cuisines of Uttarakhand include kafuli, baadi, gulgula etc. Music and dance and art also form an important aspect of the cultural heritage of people and bind them together. The locals can be seen reciting various folk songs and verses in their dialects along the beats of dholkis, thalis and dhols which have the capability to completely enchant you and make you fall in love with the place!

1. White Water Rafting:

Being the home of many rivers passing through it, rafting in Uttarakhand becomes one great adventure. The ‘white water rafting’ in the river Ganga becomes a very popular sport because of the thrill its waves and criss-cross path give.

2. Trekking:

The advantage of being the abode of Himalayas is that it attracts uncountable tourists for trekking up its ranges. One can either indulge in climbing up the rocky regions or enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful villages and locality high up in the mountains. The white glaciers, rocky mountainous terrains, fresh green forests attracts trekkers from all over the world. Some places where trekking is popular are Dronagiri, Chandrashila, Kauri Pass and The valley of Flowers, Ali Bedni Trek, Chopta Tungnath Trek, Gomukh, Har ki Doon, Nanda Devi, Pindari Glaciar Trek, Roopkund Trek, Panchachuli.

3. Rock Climbing:

The alpine region of Rishikesh town in Uttarakhand calls hundreds and thousands of tourists to indulge in various adventure sports. One of the most popular is ‘rock-climbing’. Many tourists come here to experience this wonderful sport for it provides a thrill, an adrenaline rush and a sense of achievement in the end.

4. Camping:

To be one with the nature, one should definitely come out of the hotel room and go camping in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh, Dhanaulti, Kana Tal are some of the famous camping sites where you can enjoy the peaceful nature at the heart of the mountain with friends and family.

1. The Corbett National Park:

This is the most oldest and one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries and reserves in India. Jim Corbett National Park is known for its Royal Bengal Tiger which are now a rare and valuable wild animal to behold. Besides, this place is a home for various other wild animals such as deer, elephant, nilgai, wild boar and also the famous King Cobra. So to behold such beautiful creatures of God, this place is a must to be on the travelling list.

2. Rajaji National Park:

This national park is another destination for wildlife lovers where animals such as the black bear, hyena, Jungle cat reside. Varity of snakes such as cobra and python are also to be found. Therefore, don’t wait anymore- pack your bags and go to this heavenly place to make some of the finest memories and experiences of your life!

Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and the capital of Uttarakhand. Rich in scenic beauty, it attracts a lot of tourists. It is famous for its wildlife and Tiger reserve, Rajaji National Park. Other attractions include tea and lychee gardens and Sahastradhara which is a cold water sulphur spring.

The town of Mussoorrie provides a dreamland get away from the summer heat, even though it can be visited in all seasons. It is famous for: Bhadraj temple, which is about 15 kms from Mussoorie. Mussoorie Lake, is newly built and situated on the Dehradun road.Kempty falls, which are 13 kms away from Mussoorie...

If you’re young and looking for adventure, this is the place for you. Not only is it the starting point for trekking expeditions to the Himalayas but also a great place for rafting, rock climbing and camping. Apart from that, it also has a lot of small cafes with great views complementing the food. Rikshikesh is also ...

Covered with forests of conifers, oaks and other trees and providing panoramic views of the Himalyas, the place is rich in natural beauty. Tiger falls is one of the main attractions of Chakrata. This mesmerizing waterfall is the highest in India. The Deoban is anideal spot in Chakrata from where you can see the breath taking views of the Himalayas.

Also known as the ‘Lake of three Sages’, Nainital has many beautiful lakes. The famous ‘Naina Devi Temple’ should also be visited for those planning to visit Nainital. The lush green surrounding and the enchanting mountain views are a real treat to the eyes. The Naini peak, which is located at a height of 2611 m above the sea level, is also an important tourist spot. Other attractions include boating, trekking and horse riding.

Magnificent views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas and the tiled roof tops of houses and paved roads make you feel like you have stepped back to the 16th century. The Chitai Temple in almora is very famous for its brass bells. This place is an ideal destination for those who are looking to get away from the hustle bustle of daily life.

The cantonment town of Ranikhet is serene and yet another hill station that’ll not disappoint you if you looking for some peace and quiet. The huge picturesque golf courses, the lush green oaks, and the pleasant breeze are worth seeing. The Chaubatiya Gardens, 4 kms away from Ranikhet, are famous for its apple, plum and apricot orchards.

Situated at an altitude of 2,285 above the sea level, is has beautiful orchards and forests. The treks in the woods, amidst the chirping of birds and its unpolluted and unspoiled beauty, will make you fall in love with the place.
Uttarakhand is considered to be one of the most preferred places for a vacation or a getaway. So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the scenic beauty or get away from the scorching heat, look no further.

The well-known Panch Prayag means the confluence of the sacred five rivers in the Garhwal Himalayas. ‘Panch’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘five’ and ‘Prayag’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘confluence’. Therefore, the five river confluences are Vishnu Prayag, Karn Prayag, Rudra Prayag Nand Prayag, and Dev Prayag.

In northern India, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is also famously known as the ’Yoga Capital of the World’ as it gives place to a large number of ashrams that specialize in teaching yoga and meditation. Not only this but, the very famous evening aarti, a usual phenomenon is a major crowd puller. The hills surrounded with forests with the holy Ganges flowing makes the environment there, a very appropriate one for the purpose of meditation.

The major specialty of the Uttarakhand tourism lies in the famous Char Dham Yatra which literally means, to hold a journey to the four centres and these four centres are represented by Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and are the holy origins of the river Ganga and the river Yamuna, respectively. This particular pilgrimage holds so much importance to the Indians that the starting dates of the journey are announced in the national media.

Haridwar- another tourist spot in Uttarakhand, which is not only considered as a mere tourist spot, but more importantly as one of the seven holiestplaces in this country. According to scriptures, Haridwar is one such place where the drops of Amrit- the elixir of immortality had accidentally spilled from a pitcher that was being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. The numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and dharmashalas are a major attraction along with the bathing ghats on the holy river Ganges, where thousands of people come every year to wash themselves off their sins.

The Panch Kedar or the five holy places belonging to the Shaivite sect are dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to many legends, the creation of these temples has been associated with the Pandavas who happen to be the heroes of the epic- Mahabharata. Kalpeshwar, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kedarnath are the five temples which are located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of this state.
A visit to this state does not necessarily has to be only for the sake of the temples but the fairs and festivals like the Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela, Nanda Devi Mela and Kumaoni Holi are also a major attraction for the tourists.