Facts About Uttarakhand
Did you know that Uttarakhand, previously known as Uttaranchal, came into existence only in the year 2000? There are many unique things about this state that make it a perfect tourist destination. Even though it is widely known as the Land of the Gods, an amazing facts about Uttarakhand is that its hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and lush green meadows are equally attractive to travelers.
Here are a few key fact about Uttarakhand you should know if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful Himalayan state:
Area
A key fact about Uttarakhand is that it is spread over a sprawling area of 53,483 km². Another Uttarakhand interesting facts is that about 86% of the state is covered with mountains and approximately 65% is forested. The northern part of the state is distinguished by Himalayan peaks and prominent glaciers.
Capital City
The capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun, which is located in the Garhwal region and is about 236 km from Delhi. However, Gairsain has been declared the summer capital of the state.
Main Cities
Apart from Dehradun, a key facts about Uttarakhand is that it has 13 administrative districts, divided into the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. Major cities include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Haridwar, Nainital, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Almora, Roorkee, and Rudrapur. Among them, Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Haridwar are prominent pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
World Heritage Sites
A remarkable fact about Uttarakhand is that Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers National Park, located in the western Himalayas, have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These places boast unmatched natural beauty and hold historical as well as geographical significance.
Population
Another Uttarakhand interesting facts is that it has a population of 10,086,292, making it the 20th most populous state in India.
Density
The population density of Uttarakhand is 189 people per km².
Religion
The majority of Uttarakhand’s residents are Hindus, followed by Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and Jains.
Weather
An important fact about Uttarakhand is that its climate varies across the year. From April to June, the summer temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, often causing landslides and floods. During winters, from October to March, snowfall transforms the state into a winter wonderland, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 15°C, and even dipping below zero in the northern regions.
Currency
The official currency used in Uttarakhand is the Indian Rupee (₹).
Languages
The official language of Uttarakhand is Hindi, while Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari are widely spoken regional dialects.
Sanskrit is the Official Language of Uttarakhand
A hidden fact about Uttarakhand is that in 2010, it became the first state in India to declare Sanskrit as its second official language after Hindi
Uttarakhand the Second Sun Temple in India
This fact about Uttarakhand might not be widely known, but after the famous Konark Sun Temple in Odisha and the Sun Temple in Kashmir, Uttarakhand is home to the Katarmal Sun Temple, which is another significant temple dedicated to the Sun God.
Rishikesh the Yoga Capital of the World
Another amazing fact about Uttarakhand is that Rishikesh is not only known for rafting and adventure sports but is also recognized globally as the Yoga Capital of the World. It attracts thousands of spiritual seekers from across the world for meditation and yoga retreats.
Jhora is the Traditional Dance Form
A key fact about Uttarakhand that many might not know is that Jhora is the traditional folk dance of the region. Many people are familiar with energetic wedding dances, but this particular dance form holds cultural significance in Uttarakhand’s heritage.
Fun Facts About Uttarakhand Destination
One amazing fact about Uttarakhand is that its state flower is the Brahma Kamal, a sacred flower often associated with Lord Brahma. Another Uttarakhand interesting facts is that the Beatles spent three months in Rishikesh in 1968, and the Beatles Ashram still stands as a memory of their visit.
With its rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual aura, these facts about Uttarakhand make it an extraordinary place to visit!