Best Time To Visit Uttarakhand
The best time to visit Uttarakhand is during the summer, from May to September. The weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate. The best part about going during this time is that you will have a chance to visit all of Uttarakhand’s beautiful sights without having to worry about extremes in temperature or rain. In addition, if you do visit during monsoon season, be sure to bring an umbrella with you at all times because there may be a lot of rain in some areas.
How To Reach Uttarakhand
- By plane: It is possible to fly to the state from Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The flight time from Delhi is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- By train: There are many trains that travel from different parts of India to Uttarakhand. Some of these trains include the Kalka Mail, which takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes to reach the capital city of Dehradun. Other trains include the Yatri Express, which takes about 12 hours and 15 minutes to reach Dehradun from Varanasi.
- By bus: There are many bus services that travel between cities in India and Uttarakhand. These buses usually run from one city to another via a larger city like Delhi or Lucknow before reaching Uttarakhand’s capital city of Dehradun.
Uttarakhand Quick Overview
| Official Language Of Uttarakhand: | Garhwali, Kumauni, Jaunsari, Hindi, English, Urdu, Nepali, Punjabi |
|---|
| Capital Of Uttarakhand: | Dehradun (Temporary), Gairsain (Summer) |
|---|
| Uttarakhand Region: | North India, Himalayan State |
|---|
| Geographical Area: | 53,483 sq.km |
|---|
| Population: | 101.17 Lakh |
|---|
| Total Districts In Uttarakhand: | 13 |
|---|
| State Animal Of Uttarakhand: | Alpine Musk Deer (Kasturi Mrig) |
|---|
| State Bird Of Uttarakhand: | Himalayan Monal |
|---|
| State Flower Of Uttarakhand: | Saussurea Obvallata (Brahma Kamal) |
|---|
| State Tree Of Uttarakhand: | Rhododendron Arboreum |
|---|
| Major Tourist Cities In Uttarakhand: | Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Dehradun |
|---|
| Major Tourist Attractions In Uttarakhand: | Pilgrimage, Wildlife, Yoga, Ayurveda, Hill Stations, Birdwatching, Culture, Adventure |
|---|
| Major Tribes in Uttarakhand: | Bhotias (Shaukas), TribalsRangs, Tharus, Buxas, Jaunsaris, Rajis (Banrawats), Tharu tribe, etc |
|---|
| Uttarakhand Time Zone: | India Standard Time (GMT+5:30) |
|---|
Things You Must Know Before You Visit Uttarakhand
When you think of Uttarakhand, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the spectacular landscapes. From lush green forests to snow-capped peaks, Uttarakhand has some of the most beautiful places in India to visit. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Uttarakhand that it can be hard to decide where to start!
- Variety Of Festivals: Uttarakhand has a lot of festivals! From Holi to Diwali, you will find something new and exciting every time you visit Uttarakhand.
- Breathtaking Wildlife: There’s an abundance of wildlife in Uttarakhand—you can even spot tigers on trekking expeditions!
- Astonishing History: Uttarakhand has a rich history that dates back centuries. You can explore these ruins on your own or hire a guide who will show you around so you can learn more about this fascinating place in India’s mountains!
- Peaceful Stay: There are plenty of places to stay in Uttarakhand ranging from hotels to guest houses; choose one with your budget in mind so that you don’t end up paying too much for accommodations when visiting this region!
- Alluring Nature: The state is known for its natural beauty as well as its cultural heritage; if you’re interested in learning about mother nature.
History Of Uttarakhand
The culture of Uttarakhand has much diversity because people have migrated from different parts of India to this state. As a result, there are many communities living in the state with distinct cultural values and beliefs. People from many different cultures live together in Uttarakhand and the history of this place can be divided into three periods. The earliest inhabitants of the region were aboriginals. The first settlers were Aryan tribes. The second period covers the development of art and religion. The third period covers the time period from around 1400 AD to the creation of the modern-day Uttarakhand state. After the fall of the Maurya empire, which came to an end around 184 BC, the area remained independent for a long time before being absorbed by Chandragupta Vikramaditya’s Gupta Empire. Around 1400 AD, King Ajaypal Chauhan established a new capital at Jyotisar near Haridwar and named it Ajayameru (modern-day Ajaymeru). His son and successor, Veer Durgadas Rathore assumed the title of Maharana in 1597 AD. He moved his capital from Ajaymeru to Chittor and later to Udaipur during his reign. It was during this period that the present-day Garhwal region was known as Kedar-Khanda after Lord Shiva who was also referred to as Kedarnath. This beautiful state is an ancient land where human civilization has existed for thousands of years.
Festivals in Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand region is home to many festivals that have an ancient and unique history. The first major festival in the area is the Rishi Ratri Festival, which takes place every year on the full moon of the Hindu month of Chaitra (April-May). The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Shiva, who is known as the “Lord of Gods.” The festival is celebrated through dance and music.
Another major festival in Uttarakhand is Holi, which occurs during springtime. Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of spring. It involves throwing coloured water on each other’s faces, offering sweets to friends and family members and eating something sweet like gulab jamun during this time of year.
Hill Station in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a hill state in northern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast, Uttar Pradesh to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south, and Jammu and Kashmir to the west.
Uttarakhand was formed in 2000 as a result of a reorganization of the former state of Uttaranchal. It is one of the most scenic states in India, with varied landscapes ranging from forests dotted with lakes and snow-capped peaks to dense forests and dense tea gardens. The region’s culture also reflects its geographic diversity, with Hinduism as the predominant religion in some areas, while others are predominantly Buddhist or Christian.
Gurudwara in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is not just known as the residence of Hindu Gods or Goddesses but is also known for its popular Sikh pilgrimages. Travellers around the world visit Uttarakhand to pay their respects to Sikh gurudwaras and know the history and significance behind them. If you love peace and want to know some historical facts about Sikh pilgrimages, then gurudwaras in Uttarakhand are a must-visit. And, not just the Sikh community but you will also find many Hindu devotees that come to these holy places for the love of deity.
Temples In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a land of temples. It has an incredible number of temples, and they range from ancient to modern. The list of temples here is pretty impressive. The most famous ones are Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple. The Kedarnath Temple is located at a height of 3,583 meters above sea level and is about 7 km away from Gangotri. It has a huge entrance that can be seen from far away, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This temple has become a major attraction for tourists who want to visit this part of India.
Agriculture in Uttarakhand
Agriculture is the backbone of Uttarakhand. The state has rich soil and the climate is favourable for growing crops. Agriculture is the main source of income for people in Uttarakhand and it helps in providing employment to many people. Uttarakhand is a landlocked state in the Indian Himalayas. The state has a rich and varied geography, which has resulted in a wide range of agricultural activities. The state is covered by the Garhwal Himalaya mountain ranges to the north and east, the Alakananda Valley to the south and the Kumaon Himalaya mountain ranges to the west. The fertile plains of Uttarakhand are known for growing rice, wheat and other cereals; potatoes; pulses; oilseeds; fruits like apples, pears and grapes; vegetables like tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers; orchards of mangoes and other fruits. Dairy farming is also an important industry in Uttarakhand.
Wildlife in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known for its nature and wildlife. It is a place where you can see varied wildlife and flora. The state has several national parks, which are famous for their biodiversity. There are many wildlife species in Uttarakhand. The most common are the black-spotted deer, musk deer, Himalayan monal, king cobra, Asian elephant, leopard, tiger and wild boar.
The black-spotted deer are mostly found in the forests and hills of Uttarakhand. A few of the national parks in Uttarakhand have also been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site and are definitely worth the visit for wildlife lovers.
Restaurants & Local Foods In Uttarakhand
From traditional Indian dishes to local recipes, you can find more than enough options in the area. If you’re in Uttarakhand, we highly recommend visiting one of these restaurants and local foods!
- Khubra Restaurant: This restaurant is located in Khubra, which is a small town nearby Pauri. It’s very popular with locals and has a great atmosphere. There are many different kinds of dishes and the food is delicious! We recommend getting the tandoori chicken or any kind of lamb dish.
- Himalayan Spice Restaurant: This restaurant has great food and an even better atmosphere! You can have a nice meal here with your family or friends, or just by yourself if you want to catch up on some reading while eating your meal. They have many different kinds of dishes, so there’s something for everyone at this restaurant!
- The Ganga Kitchen Cafe: Another place to explore the blissful flavours of Uttarakhand cuisine and enjoy the ambience amidst the beautiful mountains. The delicious food and excellent service from their friendly staff members are definitely worth the visit.
5 Interesting Facts About Uttarakhand
- Uttarakhand was the first state in India to be declared a ‘Tourist Destination’ in 1992.
- It is home to the holy city of Rishikesh and its famous ashram, where the spiritual teacher Osho lived for over 20 years.
- The highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand is Panchachuli at 7,167m above sea level., which is also known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ (abode of Gods).
- The state has a total area of 9,096sq km which makes it 3rd largest state in India after Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
- The state has many rivers like Alakananda, Bhilangna, Dhauliganga, Gori Ganga, Mandakini and Bhagirathi which flow through different parts of Uttarakhand including its capital Dehradun where most people spend their leisure time enjoying various activities.
Commuting Within Uttarakhand
Commuting within Uttarakhand can be a very easy and convenient way to get around the state. Most people use their own cars, but there are also several public transportation options available for those who don’t have a vehicle of their own. The most popular form of public transportation within Uttarakhand is the bus. There are a number of buses that make frequent runs across the state and will take you wherever you need to go for just about any distance. You can also take a train if you prefer this type of travel instead.
Trains are more popular in places like Rishikesh and Haridwar because they allow riders to enjoy beautiful views while travelling through scenic areas. There is also an option for those who don’t want to drive themselves—they can rent an auto rickshaw (a motorized rickshaw). These vehicles are very affordable and allow passengers to enjoy the sights while being driven around by someone else!
Why Choose Us To Explore Uttarakhand?
Discover a new world of hassle-free travel by getting your flights booked with us at Travanya. We are an IATA-certified tour and travel agency that help customers access exclusive deals and discounts on flights. With years of experience, we had build a healthy relationship with airline consolidators, ensuring you travel at the most affordable rates to the desired destinations. Simply reach out to us at +91-800-023-5865 and share your travel plans with our team of travel experts. Enjoy a carefree vacation today with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which are some of the most visited spiritual places in Uttarakhand?
Answer: Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Haridwar, and Kartik Swami Temple are the most visited religious places in the state and have a deep ancient history related to them.
Q: What are the major places in Uttarakhand to spot wildlife?
Answer: If you are a wildlife lover, Jim Corbett National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Rajaji National Park, Gangotri National Park, Assan Barrage, and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for you.
Q: How can I plan an easy tour of Char Dham Yatra?
Answer: To enjoy a hassle-free Char Dham Tour, get in touch with our team at Travanya and we will help you with the required itinerary and cheap flight tickets. Simply call +91-800-023-5865 to get an instant quotation.
Q: Are there any airports in Uttarakhand?
Answer: The state takes care of two domestic airports including Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport in Pantnagar.
