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UTTARANCHAL: Uttaranchal is the 27^th state of the Indian Union. It came into existence on 9^th November 2000, when it was formally separated from the parent state of Uttar Pradesh. This charming hilly state consists of two regions, Garhwal in the west and Kumaon in the east. Both the regions are blessed with exceptional matural beauty, and are studded with stunning snow covered peaks, which rank among the most beautiful mountains of the inner Himalayas. The antiquity of the state can be traced back to 2^nd century B.C., when the region was under the domain of Kuninda’s, the central Himalayan tribe, who practisedearly form of Shaivism.

There is also a Ashokan edict at Kalsi, in Garhwal region, which indicates that Buddhism also reached these parts of the country. Berween the seventha and fourteenth centuries, the region came under Shaivite Katyuri, and thus Brahmanical culture flourished here. While between thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, Chandras dominated the eastern Kumaon. Under the Chandras, eastern Kumaon became a centre of learning, and various art forms including Garhwal school of painting was developed. Since independence, the local aspiration steadily grew demanding a separate state of Uttrakhand or Uttaranchal. After a long and determined struggle by the hill people, prime minister Deve Gowda on 15^th August 1996 declared that Uttrakhand would be granted full statehood. But it was only in June 1998, the Central Government announced its decision to create a new state named Uttaranchal. On Sept. 23, 1998, the U.P. Assembly passed the draft bill for the formation of Uttranchal, which included Udham Singh Nagar and excluded Hardwar. After a long political debate the hilly region of U.P. finallt acquired its dream of statehood in November 2000, and Udham Singh Nagar as well as Hardwar were included in it.

GARHWAL : This holy land is the source to two holiest rivers Ganga abd Yamuna of Hindu mythology. Gangotri Glacier, the source of great river Ganga, in north-central Garhwal is one of the most revered spot for the Hindus. The Chardham’s – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Haridwar and Rishikesh, where people come to discover a past but end up with a future, are also located here. Every year between May and November, when the snows melt in the mountains, pilgrims and trekkers undertake the adventurous journey to visit the holy shrines and mighty peaks.

KUMAON : The tourist potential of this part of the state, is not fully exploited as in the case of Garhwal. There are important pilgrim centres like Jageshwar, Bhageshwar and Baijnath. The beautiful hill resorts like Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet and Kausani have a charm of their own. The Corbett National Park, one of the best game reserves of the country is located south-east of Nainital.

*ALMORA : Hill Station, nearby Temples and Ashrams, Trekking, starting point for visit Glaciers. Near Almora –Jogeshwar (22) : Ancient temples. Panwanaula (30) : Temples nearby. Pindari Glacier (120): Himalayan scenery.

*BADRINATH : Major Hindu pilgrim centre, Hote springs, Temples.

*CHAKRATA : Hill Station.

*CHAMOLI : Hill Station.

*CHAMPAWAT : Old capital of Kumaon and ancient architecture.

CHAUKHUTIA : View of Himalayas, Garden.

*CORBETT (DHIKKAL) : National Park.

*DEHRADUN : State’s capital, Scenic beauty, Gateway to Mussoorie.

*DEVPRAYAG : Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples.

GANGOTRI : Source of sacred river Ganga, Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples.

*HARIDWAR : One of the seven sacred cities of Hindus, Temples, Ghats Ashrams.

HEMKUND : Major Sikh pilgrim centre, Lake, Temples.

*JOSHIMATH : Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples. Near Joshimath – Govindghat (18) : Starting point for Hemkund and Valley of Flowers. Valley of Flowers (37) : Spectacular scenic beauty.

*KARNAPRAYAG : Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples. Near Karnaprayag – Nandprayag (12) : Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples.

*KASAUNI : ‘Switzerland of India’, View of snow peaks, Ashrams.

KATHGODAM : Railway station for Kumaon hills.

KEDARNATH : Major Hindu pilgrim centre, Temples.

*LANSDOWNE : Hill resort.

*LOHAGHAT : Hill station.

*MUSSOORIE : Major hill resort, Gardens, Fishing, Trekking.

*NAINITAL : Major hill resort, Gardens, Fishing, Boating.

NARENDRANAGAR (Tehri Garhwal) : Hill Station.

*PANT NAGAR : Agricultural University.

*PITHORAGARH : Hill Station.

*RANIKHET : Hill Station.

*RISHIKESH : Hindu pilgrim centre, Ashrams, Temples.

SRINAGAR : Temples.

*UTTARKASHI : Temples, Hill Station.

YAMNOTRI : Source of sacred Yamuna river, Hindu Pilgrim Centre, Hot Springs, Temples.

*Town with good accommodation