INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Uttaranchal Cities and Regions

Har ki Puri Haridwar, Uttaranchal

The state of Uttarnchal is a new addition to the political map of the country. It was earlier a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, but was made a separate state in the year 2000. The state is primarily divided into 13 districts, but the districts are also segregated under two major regions, the Kumaon region and Garhwal Region. These are the hilly regions but the division runs deep here, its the mountaneous culture and Garhwali culture. Garhwal region has seven districts, Chamoli, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Haridwar and Tehri Garhwal. The six in Kumaon region are Almora, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, Pithorgarh and Champawat.

The beautiful thing about Uttaranchal is that it has maximum number of tourist destinations. Its cities and towns resting in the lap of Lesser and Middle Himalayas are centres of tourist attraction. They are home to some of the most ancient temples and institutions of worship in India. It is here in Uttaranchal that pilgrimage achieves its true meaning. The holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar are true examples of this where spirituality leaves no soul untouched. Then there are places like Almora, colourful and rich in cultural heritage where the Kumaon culture comes alive, people in colourful attires celebrating fairs and festivals.

It is here in these cities and regions where ethnicity runs strong and one gets to see the Garhwali and Kumaoni culture from close quarters. The best venue to view these however are the fairs which bring close the entire region in one single frame for your eyes to capture. Move away from the attractions and wander in the streets of Almora or stay by yourself in Ranikhet and then you will know what it is like to live in mountains.

While Haridwar and Rishikesh might be your answer to pilgrimage, cities and regions like Ranikhet, Mussoorie, Dehradun are paradise for relaxing and having fun in nature's lap. Tourism adds glamour to these cities with old world charm.