Uttaranchal is a
region of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the northern parts of the state are covered
by the high Himalayan ranges and glaciers, while the lower reaches are densely forested.
Uttaranchal lies on the south slope of the mighty Himalaya range, and the climate and
vegetation vary greatly with elevation, from glaciers at the highest elevations to
tropical forests at the lower elevations. The highest elevations are covered by ice and
bare rock. The unique Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a large number of animals
Uttaranchal borders Tibet in the north-east and Nepal to the south-east, while its
neighbouring States are Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Uttaranchal has traditionally
been divided into two parts, the western half known as Garhwal and the eastern region
going by the name of Kumaon. Two of India's mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna
take birth in the glaciers of Uttaranchal, and are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and
streams in the region.
The tourism industry is a major contributor to the economy of Uttaranchal, with the Raj
era hill-stations at Mussoorie, Almora, Ranikhet and Nainital being some of the most
frequented destinations. To this region also belong some of the holiest Hindu shrines, and
for almost 2000 years now pilgrims have been visiting the temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh,
Badrinath and Kedarnath in the hope of salvation and purification from sin.
The native people call themselves Garhwali Kumaoni and majority of them are Hindus. Few
segments of Kumaoni people also call themselves as Pahari. Other ethnic communities in the
region include Nepalis who have arrived over the past century, the Jadh, Marcha and Shauka
on the Indo-Tibetan frontier, collectively known as the Bhotiya, and nomadic cattle
herders known as Gujjar in the southern Terai region. The Tharu and Buksha can also be
found in the hilly.
Uttaranchal has the Valley of Flowers, National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in
Chamoli District, Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital District, Rajaji National Park in
Haridwar District, and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri National Park in
Uttarkashi District.
The scenic beauty and the cooperative host community makes Uttaranchal a potential tourist
place. The over all socio- economic and cultural activities are the major attractions for
the outsiders. Recent developments in the region include initiatives by the state
government to capitalise on the burgeoning tourist trade. Uttarnchal is also known for its
hydro power potential and efforts are being made to tap it. Uttaranchal is rising and
shining with all its beautiful snow hills, mighty clean rivers, jhum cultivation, folf
dresses and dances, tribal culture, hill staions, religious shrines development of hydro
power and much more.
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