Godland Uttarakhand’s detailed information : Historical, cultural and natural beauty of Devbhoomi
Uttarakhand, also known as ‘Devbhoomi’, is a beautiful hill state located in the north of India. It became the 27th state of India on 9 November 2000 after separating from Uttar Pradesh. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this state is rich in religious, historical and natural heritage. From Chardham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri) to adventure tourism, Uttarakhand is a center of attraction for all kinds of travelers.
1. Geographical and historical landscape of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand borders Tibet in the north, Nepal in the east, Himachal Pradesh in the west and Uttar Pradesh in the south. Its capital is Dehradun, while Gairsain has been proposed as the future capital.
History
Uttarakhand is mentioned in many texts in the mythological period. It was earlier called Kedarkhand and Manaskhand.
This region is also mentioned in Mahabharata and Ramayana.
In the medieval period, this region was under the rule of Chand, Panwar and Katyuri kings.
In the 18th century, the Gorkhas won it, but in 1815 the British took it under their control.
In 2000, Uttarakhand became an independent state by separating from Uttar Pradesh.
2. Major tourist places of Uttarakhand
(A) Religious places
Chardham Yatra
Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places of Hinduism. Chardham Yatra includes:
1. Badrinath Dham – dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
2. Kedarnath Dham – famous Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
3. Gangotri – the origin place of Mother Ganga.
4. Yamunotri – the holy abode of Mother Yamuna.
Other famous temples
PoornaGiri temple
Haridwar – Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti.
Rishikesh – the center of yoga and spirituality.
Jageshwar Dham – Group of 124 temples.
Katarmal Sun Temple – 9th century Sun Temple located in Almora.
Golu Devta Temple – Worshipped as the God of Justice in the Kumaon region.
Hemkund Sahib – Holy place of the Sikhs.
(B) Natural Tourist Places
(i) Hill Stations
Mussoorie – ‘Queen of Hills’
Nainital – City of Lakes
Ranikhet – Lush Green Fields
Kausani – ‘Mini Switzerland’
(ii) Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
Jim Corbett National Park – Oldest National Park in India.
Rajaji National Park – Famous for elephants and tigers.
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve – Protected area by UNESCO.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Paradise for wildlife lovers.
(iii) Adventure Spots
Rishikesh – River rafting and bungee jumping
Auli – Best skiing destination in India
Chopta – Famous for trekking
Munsiyari – Ideal place for mountaineering
3. Culture and Traditions of Uttarakhand
The culture of Uttarakhand is diverse and rich. Here we get to see a wonderful confluence of Garhwali and Kumaoni culture.
(A) Folk music and dance
Jhora, Chanchari and Chholiya dance. Pandav dance and Barahi dance.
(B) Traditional food Bhatt ki Churkani Kaudu ki Roti Mandve ki Roti Sisoun ka Saag Gahath ki Daal
(C) Major festivals and fairs
Nanda Devi Mela – Held in Almora Kausani Baikunth Chaturdashi Mela
Makar Sankranti (Uttarayani Mela) Ganga Dussehra and Kartik Purnima Snan
4. Economy of Uttarakhand
(A) Tourism Industry
Tourism is a major economic pillar in Uttarakhand. Religious, adventure and eco-tourism are very popular here.
(B) Agriculture and Horticulture
Major Crops – Wheat, Rice, Barley, Mandua, Jhangora.
Fruits – Apple, Walnut, Peach, Apricot.
(C) Industrial Development
Several industrial zones have been developed in SIDCUL.
IT, Biotech and Food Processing Industries are growing rapidly.
(D) Hydropower and Energy Generation
Uttarakhand has several hydropower projects, such as the Tehri Dam.
5. Education and Health in Uttarakhand
(A) Major Educational Institutions
IIT Roorkee – India’s oldest engineering college.
Gopeshwar Agricultural University
FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun
(B) Health Services
There are many government and private hospitals in Uttarakhand, but there is still a need to strengthen the health infrastructure in the hilly areas.
Uttarakhand is not only known for its natural beauty, religious significance and rich culture, but it is also famous for tourism, adventure sports and new opportunities for economic development. If you love spirituality, adventure and nature, then Uttarakhand can be a great destination for your next trip.