History of Uttrakhand
Uttrakhand, it is often called as "DevBhoomi"(Land of Gods) because there are many Hindu pilgrimage spots are present. Uttrakhand name is derived from the Sanskrit for northern country or region. Uttrakhand is said to be the Source of Ganga River abode of gods and goddesses. The region was attacked and ruled by the Guptas, Kuturyi and Chand Rajas followed by the British which took most of the region under the"Treaty of Sigauli" in 1817.
There are two districts Garwhal and Kumaon present in Uttrakhand each having a different culture. Garhwal was formed in the 15th century and for 300 years, Garhwal was one kingdom with Srinagar (not Kashmir) as capital. The Katyuri kings ruled Kumaon and Garhwal for five centuries. Garhwal region includes Chamoli, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi which makes it extremely beautiful whereas Nanital,Almora and Pithoragarh as known to form Kumaon. The Katyuri constructed many temples during their tenure, which included 900 years old "The Sun Temple". After independence, the region became a part of Uttar Pradesh, but due to a separatist movement, Uttranchal was formed in the year 2000. Uttranchal became the 27th state of India on 9th November2000. In 2007, Uttranchal was officially renamed as "Uttrakhand",however, the separatist proposed the name Vananchal nevertheless, the name Uttrakhand remained popular among the region. Dehradun was declared the capital of Uttrakhand which is one of the largest and developed city of the region.
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Geographical Significance of Uttrakhand:
Uttrakhand natural beauty is enhanced by its surroundings like Tibet in the North,Uttar Pradesh in South, Nepal to the east and Himachal Pradesh in West, thus making it unique and attractive. Most of the northern region is part of the mighty Himalayan peaks and glaciers and the lower region is densely forested. The spellbound beauty of Uttrakhand is accompanied by the unique ecosystem which supports various flora and fauna, the climate and vegetation also vary from the highest elevation to the lower elevations.
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Visiting Uttrakhand:
The uniqueness of Uttrakhand makes it one of the top ranked tourist attraction. Uttrakhand richness in nature's diversity makes it different from all. The majestic mountains, the mysterious forests, the divine temples, the adventure opportunity like trekking, climbing, running river makes it completely one of the must visit places.
Uttrakhand holds great religious significance as it is full of pilgrims Gangotri, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Badrinath, a trip to Rishikesh and Haridwar, completes the "Char Dham Yatra". The caves of Lakhamandal village are said to have roots in the history, as it is that they are used by the Pandavas. Uttrakhand is also the home of the Rivers like Ganga and Yamuna.
Indian national parks like Jim Corbett National Park in Nanital District, famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers, Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District and Valley of Flowers National Park are the most popular visit for wildlife lovers if visiting Uttrakhand.
Uttrakhand is heaven for all the adventure lovers as it gives various options to get mesmerized withnature's beauty and have the fun of adventure at the same time. The adventure seekers can find a wide array of options as trekking, river rafting, parasailing, hand gliding.
Uttrakhand gives immense options of all kinds of trekking and hiking, the snow- capped mountain peaks makes the journey amazing. Rishikesh is well known for the river rafting water sport, as it is the place where the scenic beauty combines with the adventure of sports. The visit to Rishikesh may also add another adventure the sport Bungee jumping to your electrifying experience. Mountain riding offers another thrill- filled experience, as you will enjoy the view of mountains along with wildlife treasure.
Uttrakhand is well connected through all means of transport, by means of railways the major stations are Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Kotdwar, Lal Kuan, Rishikesh, Ramnagar, Roorkee, Rudrapur & Tanakpur. Airports are also available in Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), Pantnagar Airport in Kumaun region.