Termed as ‘Dev-Bhumi,’ Uttarakhand is the state in India which caters to every type of traveller across the world. The surreal landscape that comprises lofty Himalayas, glistening streams, eye-catching meadows, imposing glaciers and surreal lakes, all make Uttarakhand a coveted tourist destination in Indian Himalayas. The state is divided into two regions: Garhwal and Kumaon. Each of these offers plenty of opportunities for tourism, sightseeing, adventure and wildlife.

The state is dotted with a number of Hindu temples that are situated in its remote corners. There are several holy rivers like the River Ganga which make it a sacred pilgrimage destination as well. Haridwar where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, is one of the top pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand and serves as the Gateway to the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. Har Ki Pauri is a major religious attraction in the state. Uttarakhand is also home to the Panch Badri, Panch Kedar and Panch Prayag. All of these are important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus and attract a large number of devotees each year. Panch Kedar, which comprises five temples, are located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The five temples are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar. The famous Char Dham Yatra is also a major pilgrimage for Hindus in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand, located in the lap of the Himalayas, has some of the best high altitude wildlife parks and national sanctuaries in India. In these wildlife hotspots, you get to see rare and exotic Himalayan wildlife, which is not usually seen in other parts of the country. The state is also home to the third largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers in India. There are rare flora & fauna species like snow leopards and Brahma Kamal. The state’s Valley of Flowers National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 500 species of flowering plants. Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park and the largest tiger reserve in the country, is one of the best wildlife destinations to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Uttarakhand boasts a number of hill stations that are loved by tourists across the country. The Lake District, Nainital and the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie, are the two most popular hill station holiday places. Be it river rafting in the Ganges, trekking to some of the fascinating peaks, skiing through some of the picturesque slopes, enjoying a cable-car ride, or soaking in the mesmerising views of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a dream destination for all.