Uttaranchal is one of the newest states in India. It was carved out of the state of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. The mighty Himalayas endow this state with all its charms.
The major towns in Uttarnchal are Dehra Dun, Rishikesh and Roorkee, are connected to the rest of India by rail.
All other places are accessible only by road. Transport is difficult to get in most parts of the state after dusk, so travelers are advised to plan their itineraries factoring in the halts at night.
With the exception of plains towns like Roorkee and Dehra Dun, most parts of Uttaranchal are pleasant throughout the year, although those places that are above 6500 feet up in the mountains become snowbound and cold between November and April.
In most parts of the state one doesn’t need the services of a guide. The people of the state have a reputation for friendliness and free, informal guidance is easily available. However, if you are trekking, especially in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, it is advisable to hire the services of a guide, preferably a young local.
It is good to read up a little of the mythology relating to Siva, Parvati and Ganga while visiting places like places Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath, so that they come alive in the imagination.
Uttaranchal is a land of awesome scenic beauty. The Corbett National Park (named after the famous British shikari and raconteur Jim Corbett) located in the Kumaon Himalayas is a destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with species like the elephant, tiger and several varieties of deer. Many spots in Uttaranchal are also rich in flora.
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