Uttarakhand: Is A Northern Indian State Often Referred To As Devbhoomi,

Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttaranchal, is a northern Indian state often referred to as Devbhoomi, meaning the Land of Gods. This state is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and spiritual significance. It houses some of India’s most famous tourist destinations like Nainital, Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Kausani, as well as several significant national parks such as the Valley of Flowers National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Sanctuary, and Nanda Devi National Park.

Airports in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has two domestic airports: Jolly Grant Airport near the state capital Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport near Nainital. Jolly Grant Airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Pantnagar Airport, on the other hand, has flights connecting only to Delhi.

Roadways Network

making road travel the most convenient way to explore Uttarakhand. Interstate buses and taxis provide easy access to Uttarakhand from Delhi and other nearby Indian cities.

Railway Stations

Uttarakhand has approximately 12 major railway stations linking it to other Indian cities. Due to its hilly terrain, there are no railway stations above 1,500 meters. Railway stations are located primarily in the foothills.

Best Time to Visit

Most hill stations in Uttarakhand experience snowfall in December, making it an ideal time for visitors. March to April and September to October are also considered the best times to travel to Uttarakhand. The state enjoys excellent weather throughout the year, making it suitable for activities like trekking, paragliding, and the famous Char Dham Yatra during the summer.

Uttarakhand Is Also Known For Its Traditional Cuisine

Uttarakhand is also known for its traditional cuisine, which is highly appreciated for its taste and health benefits. Popular dishes include Jhangore ki Kheer (millet pudding), Mandua ki Roti (finger millet bread), and Til ki Chutney (sesame chutney). Bhanga ki Chutney (hemp seed chutney) is another favorite. The state’s traditional food is gaining popularity not just in India but also abroad, with grains like mandua (finger millet), jhangora (barnyard millet), black soybeans, and gahat (horse gram) making their mark in the market.

Health Benefits of Local Grains

Ayurvedic practitioners highlight the health benefits of the state’s traditional grains. Mandua is particularly effective for diabetes, as it helps regulate sugar levels and boosts immunity. Jhangora is beneficial for digestive issues. Black soybeans are rich in protein, while gahat is excellent for kidney stones due to its warming properties.

Mandua Ki Roti

Mandua ki Roti is one of the most popular foods in Garhwal. The thick, hearty bread is traditionally cooked on a chulha (stove) and enjoyed by locals with great enthusiasm.

Natural Beauty and Tourism

Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, is replete with natural splendor. Snow-covered mountains, picturesque locations, lush valleys, pleasant weather, and warm-hearted people make it a precious gem of North India. Nestled deep in the lap of nature, the state offers immense tourism potential. Chamoli is one of the most beautiful and frequently visited districts in Uttarakhand.

Local Fruits and Climate

One must try kafal, a local fruit, when visiting Uttarakhand. This small, berry-like fruit, which is reddish-pink in color, is a regional specialty enjoyed by the locals.

Traditional Dance and Attire

Chanchari is a traditional folk dance prevalent in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. The word Chanchari is derived from the Sanskrit word “Charachari,” which means a song integrated with dance rhythm. This traditional freestyle dance is similar to the Jhora dance of Garhwal.

Traditionally, Uttarakhand’s women wore ghaghra and angadi, while men wore churidar pajamas and kurtas. Nowadays, petticoats, blouses, and sarees have largely replaced these traditional garments. During winters, woolen clothes are common. For auspicious events like weddings, many regions still follow the tradition of wearing ghaghra made from Sanil fabric.

Economic Disparity

Among Uttarakhand’s districts, Almora is the poorest, while Haridwar is the wealthiest.

Capital City: Dehradun

Located at an altitude of 1,400 feet in the Garhwal Himalayan region, Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, captivates visitors with its waterfalls, charming caves, and scenic picnic spots.

State Emblem

The official state emblem is the Alpine Musk Deer, a species native to the Himalayas. Named for the musk gland visible externally between the male’s testicles, it is a significant symbol of the state’s rich biodiversity.

Languages

Garhwali and Kumaoni are the primary languages spoken in Uttarakhand. However, Hindi is the state’s official and working language and serves as a medium of communication between various groups. Sanskrit is also recognized as a secondary official language in Uttarakhand.

People of Uttarakhand

The inhabitants of Uttarakhand are referred to as Uttarakhandis. The native people are known as Kumaonis or Garhwalis, residing in the state’s two main divisions, Kumaon and Garhwal.

Traditional Headwear

Uttarakhand is famous for its traditional caps, known as Pahadi Topi or Uttarakhandi Topi, which are also called Garhwali Topi, Kumaoni Topi, or Jaunsari Topi. Among the Garhwal hill people, these caps were traditionally known as Sikoli.