From a flavour of culture to a dash of adventure, Uttarakhand tourism offers something for everyone. A truly diverse state in the north of India, whether you are looking to ignite your spiritual fire, meander in its lush green meadows or explore the indigenous wildlife, Uttarakhand is the perfect destination for you.

The State of Uttarakhand is often known as the Land of the Gods, or Devabhumi. However, the state has much to offer to nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts as well as leisure travellers. Divided into Garhwal in the west and Kumaon in east, the state exhibits diversity in its geography, heritage, traditions and culture.

Legend has it that the famous sage Maharishi Vyasa composed the Mahabharata and the Puranas in this very state. Historically, the people of Uttarakhand have forged a close relationship with the divine as well as a close connection with nature. Apart from relics of Hinduism, there is also evidence of Shaivism and Buddhism being practiced in the 2nd Century. During the medieval period. the region grew distinctly into the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, creating their own flavours of culture, painting, cuisine and art. The state of Uttarakhand as we know it now was formed in 2000 after it was segregated from Uttar Pradesh and is the 27th state of India. This history of the state has left a deep imprint on the culture of the state and has also woven itself in our Uttarakhand tourism packages.

As you traverse this state during a trip with Uttarakhand tourism, its sheer diversity and rich culture will amaze you. The people of State of Uttarakhand are often referred to as Paharis, or people from the Hills. But within these lies a diverse group from Rajput, Garhwali, Gujjar, Kumaoni communities and more. Apart from Hindi, you will spot the local dialects of Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari. If you look closely beyond the slate-roofed houses and the lush green terraced fields, you will observe a simple lifestyle, rich in humility and moral values. The simplistic nature and honest attitude of the people of Uttarakhand is one of the biggest reasons the state is fast becoming one of the biggest tourism destinations in India

Located on the southern slope of the Himalayas and the northern part of India, you will find that the terrain of Uttarakhand is as diverse as its culture. From snow and rock to alpine shrub and meadows, pine and deciduous forests and grassland covered lowlands, Uttarakhand is a nature lover’s paradise. Flanked by Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on one side in India and the countries of China and Nepal on the other, Uttarakhand is strategically located for domestic and international travellers.

The climate of Uttarakhand follows the terrain and depends on altitude and location and is a boon for Uttarakhand tourism. The hilly and mountainous regions often receive extreme snowfall in winters, whereas summers are pleasant and mild.  Summers are definitely not harsh as temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C and a visit to the hill stations of Uttarakhand provide the much-needed respite from heat to incoming tourists. During monsoons, the weather is cool but very humid. The hilly areas often receive heavy rainfalls and are prone to landslides and floods. Winters are chilly as temperatures range between 5°C to 15°C. However, the temperature in winters can go below zero and it can get freezing cold as you move up the state. Due to this, few parts of the state also get inaccessible during extreme winters.

Simple yet flavoursome, the cuisine of Uttarakhand reflects its culture. Balanced with fresh regional vegetables, local spices and lentils, the food in Uttarakhand is a delight to the palate. Food is often slowly cooked over fire to ensure it imbibes the spices and served with generous portions of ghee. Phanu, Kafuli, Thechwani, Chainsoo, Gahat ke Paranthe and Baadi rule the list of popular dishes from the Garhwal region. Ff you are in the Kumaon region make sure you sample the famous Aaloo Gutuk, Thathwani, Dubke, Chudkani, Jaula and Sisunaak Saag.

The monsoon seasons often sees the state of Uttarakhand flooded and plagued by landslides. While areas close to Haridwar and Rishikesh in lower Himalayas are safe, regions near Gangotri and Badrinath are best approached with caution during the monsoon. While hiking through the dense forests, make sure you keep yourself covered and protected against mosquitoes and other insect bites.