2007 October | Travel India

Oct 27 2007

Himachal Pradesh - The hill state of India

Published by Adam under States

Crowned by the rugged peaks of the western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is north India for the thousands of foreign and domestic travelers who come here every year. Few states can match such incredible diversity – rolling foot hills, lofty hills stations, mad cap traveler towns, serene pine forests, endless apple orchards and the high altitude deserts of Lahaul and Spiti, cut off from outside world by snow for six months of the year.

Uttaranchal - Facts

Published by Adam under Facts, States

Formation of State : Uttaranchal became the 27th state of the Republic of India on 9th November 2000. The State is carved out of Uttar Pradesh. It occupies 17.3% of India’s total land area with 51,125 sq km.

Capital: Dehradun (Interim)

Longitude: 77° 34′ 27″ E to 81° 02′ 22″ E

Latitude: 28° 53′ 24″ N to 31° 27′ 50″ N

Total Area: 53,484 sq. km.

Total Forest Area: 34,434 sq. km.

Hilly Area : 92.57%

Plains: 7.43%

Borders:

International: China, Nepal.

National: Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh.

Districts: Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Haridwar, Bageshwar, Champawat, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Rudraprayag

High Court: Nainital.

Languages Spoken: Kumaoni, Garhwali, Hindi.

Seasons

Summer Season : March to June mid.

Rainy Season : Mid June to mid September.

Winter Season : Mid September to February.

Places To Visit

Tourist And Historical Places :Nainital, Mussoorie, Pauri, Almora, Ranikhet, Khirsu, Champawat, Dayara, Auli, Khatling, Vedini Bugyal, Valley of flowers, Lansdown, Lakhamandal, Paataal Bhuvaneshwar, Gangolihaat, Jolljivi, Kataarmal, Kosini, Jageshwar, Dwarahaat, Someshwar, Baijnath, Pindari Glacier etc.

Pilgrimage Sites : Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Panchkedar, Panchbadri, Panchprayag, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Purnagiri, Chittai, Kaliyar Sharif, Nanakmatta Sahib, Rettha Sahib etc.

Major Rivers: Bhagirathi (Ganga), Alaknanda, Mandakani, Pindari, Tones, Yamuna, Kali, Nyaar, Bhilangana, Saryu, Ramganga etc.

Uttaranchal

Published by Adam under General, States

Blessed with magnificent glaciers, majestic snow-clad mountains, gigantic and ecstatic peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this Abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams,the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains.

A picturesque state, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, Uttarakhand promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments. Uttaranchal is a set of 14 hilly districts. Carved out of the Himalayan ranges, most of the districts of Uttaranchal have an abundance of flora and fauna. Adding to the natural splendor of the state, Uttaranchal is also home to some of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. Uttaranchal chiefly consists of two hilly divisions, Kumaon and Garhwal.

You can visit pilgrimage spots like Haridwar, Rishikesh and Hemkund Sahib.

Rishikesh is located at a height of 1360 feet above sea level. With the sacred river Ganga gushing through the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh abounds in natural beauty and splendor. There are a lot of ancient temples in Rishikesh that run along the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality are still practiced in the ashrams.

Haridwar literally meaning “the gateway to the Gods” is among the seven most holy places in India. The point of attraction in Haridwar is the river Ganges that receives hundreds of devotees everyday that come here for a holy dip.

Hemkund is the World`s highest shrine, situated at an altitude of 4,329 m. surrounded by seven huge snow-covered mountains, which are collectively called Hemkund Parvat. The lake’s rocky shores are covered with snow through most of the year, making Hemkund Sahib inaccessible through the winter months. In the summer months when the snows melts, the almost mythical yellow-green flower known as the Brahma Kamal, the `Lotus of the Gods’, blooms amidst the rocks. The lake is about two kilometers in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of the Saptashringa Peaks (5500mtrs) that surround it. It is believed that Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had mediated on the bank of this lake.

This state also has rich forests most of which are reserved. Infact 63% of total area is covered by forests. You can explore these wildlife treats at the famous Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gobind National Park. A perfect place for nature lovers.