Uttarakhand

• History
• Places to visit
• How to reach

The dwelling of Gods and Goddesses, the heaven on Earth, home of sacred rivers, and dotted with religious shrines, Uttarakhand state is rightly named as the Holy land of India. This hilly state in the northern region of India is brimmed with astounding landscapes and bewildering vistas. Home to many famous hill stations in India such as Nainital, Rishikesh, Auli, Mussoorie, etc; Uttarakhand is spectacularly scenic and picturesque. Dehradun, the capital city is also the largest city of the state that is hub for institutions. Uttarakhand temperature dips low during winters, therefore, visiting the state during summers when the weather is amiable is ideal. From spirituality, wellness, adventure, culture, cuisines; get the best memories for life here. 

History of Uttarakhand  

Uttarakhand is a settlement of Kol people, belonging to the community who speak Munda language. Later on, in the Vedic era, Indo-Aryan tribes emerged from the northern region and joined hands with Kols'.There is also a belief that Pandavas of Mahabharta ventured out in Uttarakhand and it was the most ideal abode for Rishis and Sadhus. The first major dynasty that reigned in the Garhwal and Kumaon region was Kunindas who ruled over there in the 2nd century BC. They were followed by the Naga dynasty (4th century), Katyuri dynasty (7th and 14th century), and so on. While coming to the medieval period, in the 13th century the Garhwal and Kumaon kingdom had settled in the west and east regions of the state respectively. In 1791, the Nepalese Gurkha Empire got victorious over Kumaon, and in 1803 they captured over Garhwal as well.

Then, there was an Anglo-Nepalese war in 1816 that led to the Garhwali kingdom's re-establishment in Tehri, where the Treaty of Sagauli resulted in the removal of Kumaon Kingdom entirely.  When India got independence, Tehri's state got merged into the state of Uttar Pradesh with the composition of Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttarakhand. Till a long time, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal was the reason for its nomination as Uttarakhand, and they began asking for a separate state. In 1994, the demand for those political groups got momentum, which led to the division of the region to the state of Uttar Pradesh from it in 2000. Until 1998, Uttaranchal was the name famous for the country with the suggestion of BJP. But, in 2006, demand to rename the state to Uttarakhand rose, and parliament passed a bill in 2006 only to endow the fulfillment of demand. Finally, December 2006 was the time when Uttarakhand became an independent state of India and began developing keeping intact its rich heritage.

Culture of Uttarakhand  

One of the youngest states of India, Uttarakhand, is majorly a home to the people who follow Hinduism. People also abide by other faiths such as Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, yet the Hindu population dominates with 82.97 percent of people following it as per the census of 2011. With this distribution, people live in rural and urban areas where handicrafts and organic products contribute to the state's economy. In this beautiful hilly state, NGOs and Government aids lend a hand to the rural people in making homestays, selling organic products as well as articles made by hand. The incredibleness of the state can be witnessed through the fairs and folk dances of the country that are still enjoyed by rural communities.

The prosperous state has a lot to unveil amongst the spectators besides the traditional events and handicrafts too. The famous dress worn by the women of the state is a mantle-kind dress named Sarong, which gets tightened with an Odani, Khorpi, and blouse. Ghaghra choli or Rangwali Pichora is another popular regional attire that makes the women of the Uttarakhand look damsel where Nath and Galoband adore their beauty. All-in-all, natives and locals of Uttarakhand preserve their culture and traditions incredibly. 

Food of Uttarakhand  

Making dreams of every food lover come true; Uttarakhand India serves lip-smacking dishes on the plate. Due to hills, the state pays homage to highly pure ingredients where adulteration has almost no place. The food that chefs serve here has a unique taste that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the country due to the unique ways in which they prepare food. Uttarakhand's traditional food is full of authenticity, and the cuisines with perfect composition do not overpower the originality ever.

Among the highly nutritious Garhwali dishes, one can count on Thenchwani, Chaunsu, Phaana, Kaafuli, and Kode Ki Roti. When it comes to savouring the taste of Kumaoni authenticity, one can satiate the taste buds by grabbing a bite of Aalo ka gutka, Bhatt ki Churkani, Dubuk, Bhaang ki Chutney, and Kumaoni Dal Bade. For people with a sweet tooth and snacks’ love, nothing can beat the flavours of Baadi, Gulgula, Arsa, Aalo Tuk, Kumauni Raita and Signori. It will not be wrong to say that there is magic in the hands of the local chefs.

Art and Craft of Uttarakhand  

The land that pays homage to incredible artisans, Uttarakhand is well known for wood carving. With the marvellous sceneries, Uttarakhand Tourism stirs the inner artist of every spectator. The temples and palaces of Uttarakhand give evidence of the breath-taking wood carvings. Along with this, people of the state also try their hands on jewellery making, candle making, and painting to create impressive attractions. The demonstration of the skills of natives reflects from the Aipan murals and Garhwal paintings.

Another thing that adds magic to Uttarakhand's art and craft is the Ringaal handicraft that is preserved by the tribal communities of Uttarakhand. Also, the Ramban handicraft done with jute and hemp gives evidence of its richness in crafting. Not merely this, but the art and craft of Uttarakhand also includes knitting of woollen clothes; intricately embroidered cushion covers, curtains, and hand-woven carpets. The candle making art of state adds glory to the handicraft culture and is abundantly dotted around the entire Nainital market. With all these practiced crafts, Uttarakhand becomes home to highly remarkable art and craft that is a must-buy.

Things to do in Uttarakhand  

The state that gives shelter to Hindu pilgrims, Uttarakhand, gets admiration for a plethora of tourist attractions present over there. Amongst such places, here is a list of some quintessential places that can fill your Tours to India with full enthusiasm and great amusements.

• Endorse peace at Ganga Aarti in Haridwar
• Put your steps into Corbett National Park
• Do not miss to pay a visit to Rishikesh, the yoga city
• Enjoy the serenity of Nainital at its lakes
• Reach Lal Tibba, the highest peak of Mussoorie with a horse ride

• Arrange a picnic at Mussoorie’s Kempty Falls
• Meditate in the Kasar Devi Temple of Almora
• Get a heavenly walk at Valley of Flowers National Park
• Complete your Char Dham Yatra and visit Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines to seek blessings. Uttrakhand Tourism makes good arrangements for pilgrims. 
• Delve into the beauty of white snowy hills at Auli
• Experience challenging trek to Khalia Top at Munsiyari.
• Enjoy the Tehri Lake Festival that is considered to be the biggest lake festival of Asia.

All these Tourist places in Uttarakhand make the state resemble the heaven where Gods and Goddesses reside and endow the local folks with innumerable blessings. The trip to the hilly state is sufficient to please the tourists with contentment and thrill that stays with them for the rest of their lives.