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Uttarakhand

History of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand was carved out of the huge Uttar Pradesh and formed as a separate state on 9th November 2000. The name Uttarakhand draws its roots from the word Uttaranchal- Uttar + Anchal, means “a part of North”. Later with a tussle and bustle involving lots of politics, it was given the name- Uttarakhand, which is widely popular. The state is also known as Dev Bhoomi- the land of deity!

Uttarakhand is largely made up of valleys, water bodies and large lands covering forest. Dehradun, the capital city, is the hub of education and jobs in Uttarakhand.

Facts and Figures about Uttarakhand

  • The state is crossed by the majestic Himalayas.
  • The total population of the state crossed a Crore as in 2016.
  • The major division of land is between Garhwal, Kumaon and Jonsaar
  • The state is divided into 13 districts.
  • Horticulture, Floriculture and Agriculture runs in the blood of the state.
  • There are two industrial townships and nine Cantonment Boards in the state.
  • Khadi Udhyog units draw employment at large level with around 500 units, there is a consumption of lots of labour from the state.
  • Small scale industries are providing jobs to around 64 thousand people; it has more than 25 thousand units spread in the state.
  • There are also approximately two thousand heavy and medium industries, employing above 5 lakh people.
  • The handicraft units in the state also bring a sea of opportunities for the people of the state.
  • Even though the state is a natural disaster prone area, and is hit by regular landslides, cloudbursts and earthquakes. But no one can forget the cloudburst on 16th and 17th June 2013, which took around 6000 lives and many people are still missing, many faced fatal injuries, gone through a lot of trauma. Almost all the religious places especially Kedarnath saw huge losses.

Uttarakhand is famous for

There are three major reasons which had made the state a common name at the national and international levels, first and the foremost is, tourism, the state has lavish green, beautiful scenic places for camping, trekking and other adventure activities, it brings home International crowd for Yoga and others from across the borders for religious trips like Char Dham Yatra and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.

Secondly the fact that the state has best of educational bodies like IMA, IIT, IIM, NIT, AIIMS, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumaun University, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Doon University, Uttarakhand Open University, Uttarakhand Technical University, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry (two campuses), Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University and H. N. B. Uttarakhand Medical Education University.

Thirdly, jobs the state has to offer to the high level of literate and skilled workers of Uttarakhand. The three major projects of SIDCUL, SIDA and SIDCUL SMART CITY offers best of opportunities for job seekers in the state. The integrated industrial estates under SIDCUL are IT Park, Dehradun, Pharmacy Selaqui, IIE Haridwar, IIE Pantnagar, ESIPL Sitarganj, SIDCUL phase 2, etc. Other major industries in Uttarakhand are m/s Doiwala Sugar Co. Ltd, Flex Foods Ltd, m/s Sara Services and Oilfield engineers, m/s Videocon industries Ltd, Birla Yamaha Ltd, etc.

Other than these large industries, there are medium scale and small scale industries in Uttarakhand. Rudra Prayag, Pithoragarh, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Pauri, Haridwar and Dehradun are the major cities offering best of job opportunities.

People of Uttarakhand

With a bunch of interactive, easy going, satisfied senior citizens, combines the ever hard working and skilled middle aged men and women of the state. The youth of Uttarakhand is believed to be enthusiastic, energetic and updated. One can see a lot of adventure activities, high end motorbikes and other such traces which speaks a lot about the youth here.

Culture of Uttarakhand

Being a dynamic amalgamation of Garhwal and Kumaon in culture, the prolific mix of the traditions is the real culture of the state. The culture is largely influenced by immigrants in cities like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rudraprayag. Other major districts uphold the authentic culture of the soil as it is primarily filled up with Garhwali and Kumaoni people.

Food of Uttarakhand

Beginning with the influence of the main population and culture of the city, the primary ingredients of the food is milk and related items.

A lot of kitchen garden vegetables are preferably used by most of the household here. As well as coarse grain along with high fibre content is commonly used in Uttarakhand food.

Other than these the - mundua (Buck wheat) is famous in the interior regions of Kumaun and other main stream Pahari cuisine, it is believed that it keeps the stomach in order. Most of the recipes involve a lot of vegetables, hash seeds are used as a spice which makes the flavour altogether different. There are many different food items available in Uttarakhand like:

  • Kafuli
  • Fannah
  • Baadi
  • Ras
  • Bhatt Ki Churdkani
  • Arsa
  • Gulgula

As a state Garhwali and Kumaoni food is eaten in most of the parts, but as inflow of tourists is high here, many South Indian and typical North Indian cuisines are also popular. Even Tibetian food is also available in a few of the food outlets, especially in Dehradun.

Sweets are not really people’s choice here, localites are particular about the choice of sweets but Bal Mitahi is one such sweet which is popular here, found best in these parts of India. The basic ingredients are Khoya, cane sugar and white sugar, looks like a chocolate been wrapped up by small round white balls.

Key Fairs, Festivals and Yatra in Uttarakhand

The state is ultimate destination for all the festivities and celebration. When it comes to being attached to culture, Uttarakhand is closest to the authenticity of its customs and related celebrations. The fairs are the trademark of how closely knit culture is to the everyday lives of people in Uttarakhand. There are a many festivals singular to the state like Basant panchmi, Nandadevi, Olgia /Ghee Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, Ganga Dussehra / Dasara, Phool Dei, Hill Jatra, Bat Savitri, Janopunya, Khatarua,Chhipla jaat, Kumaon Holi and Kandali. Attached to these are many fairs held across the year attracting a large number of tourists. Some of the prominenet fairs are Fair of Jaulibi, Thal Mela, Bageshwar Mela, Fair at Dwarahat, Fair at Syalde, Devidhura Mela. The crucial ones are:-

  • Maha Kumbh at Haridwar
  • Ardh Kumbh at Haridwar

Some other are Uttaraini Mela, Gauchar Mela, Nanda Devi Mela , Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra and Peeran-e-Keliyar

Districts of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand in whole is divided into 13 main districts:

  • Almora
  • Bageshwar
  • Chamoli
  • Champawat
  • Dehradun
  • Haridwar
  • Nainital
  • Pauri Garhwal
  • Pithoragarh
  • Rudraprayag
  • Tehri Garhwal
  • Udham Singh Nagar
  • Uttarkashi

The largest of all the districts in terms of area is Chamoli. Bagheshwar is the smallest among all in terms of area. Haridwar is the most populated district. All the places have distinct features, one thing which binds them together is the scenic beauty of all these places.

Tour & Travel in Uttarakhand

The state Uttarakhand has been one of the preferred states for tourism, but with the onset of prestigious educational institutions, business ventures and industries pouring into the state, attracted by its proper climate and ultimate availability of natural plus human resources, the state has seen a large development in terms of jobs and the economy.

When it comes to tourism there are many less known areas here like Askot (Pithoragarh), Khati village (Bageshwar), Kanatal (near Mussoorie), Chaukori (Pithoragarh) and Khirsu (Pauri Garhwal). There is infinite information related to the state. There is a lot you can do in here other than sports, tourism, jobs and education. People here are grounded, satisfied and welcome you with a homely warmth.

The Tour and Travel list is long for Uttarakhand, with lots of variety in it, from Adventure sports spots to religious spots, serene scenic spots and areas like national parks and sanctuaries spread all over the state.

Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand

The state is an epicentre of tourism in the nation. After being carved out of the state, Uttar Pradesh, the new Government of Uttarakhand focused on the upliftment of tourism. There are many adventure sports held in different part of the state at nominal rates. The thrill and excitement associated with the various adventure sports engulf many national as well International tourists round the year. The various adventure sports popular here are:

  • Camping – There are many places across Uttarakhand where you can camp down and have a thrilling experience, like in Kanatal, Deoria Tal, Dhanaulti, Sattal, Pangot, Rani Chori, Chokuri, Padamapuri, Chopta, Corbett National park and Bhimtal.
  • Paragliding- Mukteshwar and Ranikhet are two of the nest destinations to pick this sport nad expertise in the same.
  • Bungee Jumping- An adventure sport that brings heart popped up to your mouth for sure, but the thrill and risk it has, gives you a lifetime experience. Rishikesh is one place in Uttarakhand where Bungee Jumping is done.
  • River Rafting – The enthralling waves of Ganga lashes you in Rishikesh, with the serenity of Yoga comes the excitement of river rafting in Rishikesh for all.
  • Zip Line activities - Most challenging activity, conducted in parts of Rishikesh.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing - The paddle and fun, it happens in Rishikesh. A must try sport for all the adventure maniacs.
  • Skiing - Auli is preferred locations when it comes to skiing destinations in Uttarakhand. The place hosts SAF ames of Skiing and snowboard is held in here.
  • Trekking- Some of the ultimate picked up destinations are Roopkund trek, Valley of flowers, Pindari glacier trek and Chopta chandrashila. Some of the other like Panch Kedar trek, and deodital trek are a bit tougher for amateurs. The most popular among the treks are Nanda Devi Trek.

 

Religious destinations to travel in Uttarakhand

There are many religious spots in Uttarkhand, some places are actually called the “the place of god” in the state. From the presence of Holy city Haridwar to the pristine Char Dham places the Uttarakhand state is flooded by pilgrims from across the world for various holy spots, yatras and fairs.

Other than the commonly known religious places, some are less explored but equally important and holy in nature, like Chitai, Jageshwar are few to name. One of the most crucial in terms of trekking and religious destination is Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Saheb located at the high altitude of 15,210 ft above sea level.

Scenic Spots in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a store house of beautiful lush grren, mountain terrains, valleys, lakes and forests. You may find which will give you goosebumps when you will see the beauty, exceptional look some places have, they are commendable pieaces of art from mother nature. To name some Auli, Bhowali, Binsar, Chakrata, Chimba, Chaukori, Chopta, Dharchula, Didihat, Kanatal, Kausani, Khirsu, Lansdowne, Mukteshwar, Munsiyari, Ramgarh and Sattal are top ones.

National Parks and Sanctuaries in Uttarakhand

There are many special places in the state where one can view wildlife closely. If you are in love with the nature and are interested in spending times with it then you must see the list of national parks and sanctuaries in the state:

  • Corbett National Park is the oldest one, which is founded in 1936, it is located in the stretch along Nainital- Pauri.
  • Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Nanda Devi National Park both are located along the Chamoli stretch, the biosphere reserve extends to the Pithoragarh- Bageshwar- Nainital- Pauri.
  • Valley of flowers, the majestic unified beauty of nature is located in Chamoli.
  • Rajaji National Park, famous for its gigantic elephants and other royal animals, it is believed many a times the animals stray around the human civilizations and created havoc, but still the place is a must go. The location is the sharing between cities Dehradun-Pauri and Haridwar.
  • Some of the popular sanctuaries are Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarkashi), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (Chamoli- Rudraprayag), Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Pithoragarh)
  • Some which are not yet explored by travellers much bit has been the part of many science projects are Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary (Pauri), Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (Almora), Vinog Mountain Quail wildlife (Dehradun), Asan Wildlife Sanctuary (Dehradun) and Jhilmil Wildlife Sanctuary (Haridwar).

Uttarkhandis are famous for their strength and stamina to walk miles and miles. They are one of the strongest community in the nation, they can really toil for crop, get water from mile away and live a tough life with a spurring smile hanging on!!

THE STATE OF PROSPERITY, WISDOM AND NATURE!