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How to Get There:
By Air: Uttarakhand has six airfields, of which only Dehradun airport is commercial. The others are meant for small aircraft: Pantnagar Airport (Naini Saini, Pantnagar), Uttar Kashi
Gochar (Chamoli), Agastyamuni (Heliport, Rudraprayag) and Pithoragarh.
By Road and Rail: It has a well-knit roadways set up, since the train services are limited to the southern parts of the mountainous state. Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Udhamsinghnagar, Pauri, and Kathgodam are the few railway stations in the state.
Hill Stations: Uttarakhand has some of the most scenic hill stations in India. Some of the more popular ones are Nainital, Ramgarh, Bhimtal, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Chamba, New Tehri, Haridwar, a religious pilgrimage spot from the mythological days of Indian history as is Rishikesh. Ranikhet, Kausani, Almora, Mukteshwar, Lansdowne and Munsiyari are the other hill stations. Each hill station is aware of the tourism industry and has a number of good hotels, even up to the 5-star level. Since trekkers are very fond of this state, plenty of lodges and guesthouses are available for backpackers. |
Demographics:
Uttarakhand has a population of approximately of 10 million in an area of 51,125 km2. The native people of Uttarakhand are either Kumaoni or Garhwali depending on their place of origin, either the Garhwal or Kumaon region. Gujjars are cattle herders in the southwestern plains. The urban population however converses mostly in Hindi or English when required. Rustic dialects are heard only in the interiors. Hindus are in the majority at 85.0%, Muslims 10.5%, Sikhs 2.5% and Christians, Buddhists, Jains and others about 0.5% of the population. Roorkee and Dehradun have Cantonments, a relic of the British days.
Geography:
Uttarakhand has a geographic area of 51,125 km², of which 93% is mountainous and
64% forested. The northern parts of the state are in the Greater Himalaya zone, towered over by steepling Himalayan peaks. Two of
India's largest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna originate here. Uttarakhand is on the south slope of the Himalayas and the climate and vegetation vary with elevation, with glaciers up high to subtropical forests at ground zero.
What to See:
Uttarakhand will take the better part of the year to see in its entirety. Leisure, adventure, and religious tourism play a prominent role in Uttarakhand's tourist economy, with
the Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve and the nearby hill-stations of Nainital, Mussoorie,
Almora, Kausani, Bhimtal and Ranikhet being amongst the most popular destinations of India.
The state has always an attraction for mountaineering, hiking and rock climbing in India. Adventure tourism in the region has taken off with white water rafting and other such sports.
Cuisine:
Uttarakhand has an uncomplicated yet mouth-watering cuisine. The food is totally wholesome to suit the high-energy necessities of the mountainous and wintry region. Natives of Uttaranchal mostly eat a vegetarian meal though mutton and chicken are also savoured. Rice is the basic staple for Uttaranchals. Hashish seeds, locally known as ‘Bhang’ are used as an essential spice. One can also try the desserts like Kesar Halwa, Sei, Gulgula, Jhangora Ki Kheer and Arsa. The specialties of the state are Chainsoo, a dry or gravy dish prepared by using black gram dal (Kala Chana), with local variations. Kafuli is a thick gravy dish made from green leafy vegetables. Jholi literally means very thin and watery gravy usually made with tomatoes, potatoes, tubers, curd and asafoetida. Phaanu is also made of Dals (lentils) like Chainsoo but here the pulses are soaked in water for about a minimum of 4-6 hours before its use. A number of lentils like Arhar, Moong or Urad can be used to make Phaanu. Roat is traditional dish made usually at family functions like or religious functions. It is a type of sweet bread made with wheat flour and jaggery, flavoured with fennel soaked water to give it an extra edge. These dishes reportedly suit the Western stomach and palate quite well.
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