Uttaranchal

Highlights:

Uttaranchal-the 27th state of the Indian Union, is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region of northern India. Tour to Uttarranchal will let you enjoy the nature which has endowed this land with so much  beauty and spiritual  bliss that it is  also known as Dev Bhoomi, the Land of Gods. The most holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttaranchal. In Sanskrit 'Himalaya' means abode of snow, truly characterizing the vast permanent snow fields above the snow line. In the heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of Uttaranchal with Kumaon region in the east and Garhwal in the west.

How to Reach Uttaranchal:
By Air - Jolly Grant near Dehradun is the only airport. There are regular flights to Delhi by Indian Airlines. Otherwise, one has the option to travel to Delhi by road or rail and then take the air route to various destinations.

By Rail -Dehradun, Haridwar, and Kathgodam are the major railway stations connected to almost all parts of f the country with regular trains. Not many places in the state are connected by rail because of tough terrains. For those visiting places in the higher altitudes, trekking and road routes are the only options available.

By Road - Almost all the important places in the state are connected by all-weather metalled roads. Many places in the higher altitudes may still remain off for a period in the year due to landslides and snowfall.

Physiography:
Uttaranchal lies in the Northern part of India amidst the magnificent Himalayas and dense forests. The state is bordering Himachal Pradesh in the north-west and Uttar Pradesh in the South and has international borders with Nepal and China. The State today with 13 Districts can be grouped  into three distinct geographical regions, the High mountain region, the Mid-mountain region and the Terai region. Dehradun is the interim-capital city.

Best Time to Visit Uttaranchal:
The best time to visit the Himalayan region is the summer, when the weather is very pleasant. Parts of the hills will be inaccessible in winter. The plains region is best visited in winter, when the weather is milder.

Fairs & Festivals in Uttaranchal:
The world famous Kumbh Mela/Ardh Kumbh Mela is held at Haridwar every twelfth/sixth year interval. Other prominent fairs/festivals are Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela and many more.

Uttaranchali Folk Dances:
Bhotiya Dance: It is performed by Bhotias and are connected with death ceremonies. 
Barada Nati Barada Nati dance:  It is performed during religious festivals or any other social occasion. It is performed by men and women wearing colorful costumes.
Pandava Dance: Performed during Dussehra and Deepawali,
by narrating the story of Mahabharata accompanied by dance and music.  Langvir Dance This is a acrobatic dance performed by men.

Flora and Fauna:
The alpine and tropical rainforests that cover most parts of the state make natural habitats of some of the best-known wildlife creatures India has on offer. One can also explore The Jim Corbett National Park tour, which homes Royal Bengal Tigers and ground for the plot of Jim Corbett's Man-eaters of Kumaon . Another rainforest in the region is Rajaji National Park famous for its large number of pachyderms. Alpine forests in the region include Valley of Flowers National Park (known for its amazing variety of flowers), Nanda Devi National Park, Govind National Park, Gangotri National Park, and many more. 

Activities in Uttaranchal:

Angling: Join a 9 days angling tour and fish for the greatest sporting fish of the subcontinent at the most fabulous place in the hills of Uttar Pradesh, combined with amazing sights and wildlife.
 
Skiing: Ski Trip - Ski at the Auli slopes with its panoramic views of the high Himalayan mountains including Nanda Devi, Mana and Kamet. An eight days trip with full of excitement and fun.

Trekking: Pilgrim's Trail Trek This six days trek takes you along the west bank of the Ganges river through luxuriant forests running down to the waters edge.

The Valley of Flowers Trek: Eight days trek to one of the most colourful and enthralling place on earth- a land endowed with an amazing variety of flowers.

Sources of the Ganga Trek: This ten days journey/trek takes you to 'Gomukh' (translates to cows mouth), the mythological source of the river Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.

Char Dham Yatra:

Yamunotri: The shrine of Yamunotri, situated at an elevation of about 3,235 mt is a point of paramount religious importance. Situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri, the road bifurcates from a place called Dharasu, somewhere between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri. The shrine can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.

Gangotri: This shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,200mts. is the source of the river Bhagirathi. It is surrounded by the mountain peaks of Shivling, Satopanth and Bhagirathi sisters. Accessible by a motorable road, it is one of the most pious Hindu pilgrimages.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. At an altitude of 3,581 MT it is a 14 Km trek from Gaurikund.

Badrinath: Situated in the lap of Nar-Narayan Parvat, with the towering Neelkanth peak (6,597 MT) in the background, Badrinath is one of the most revered Hindu shrines of India. It has been said that "there were many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heaven and earth and the other world but neither is there any equal to Badrinath nor shall there be one".