Exploring Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand – quite rightly known as the abode of gods, are considered the gateways to the enchanting Himalayas. Its captivating splendor attracts hordes of tourists from all over the world. It is also a heaven for diverse types of adrenaline junkies with activities like River Rafting, Trekking, Skiing, Camping, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, River Crossing. Mountaineering, Paragliding and Hot Ballooning making Uttarakhand one of the most attractive destinations for adventure sports not just in the India but the world.

Dev Bhoomi as it is fondly called, Uttarakhand abounds in temples. It represents the enduring devotion of the people of the region have in them and the veneration with which they look up to them. The Badrinath Temple considered as one of the holiest temples in India is part of the Hindu Char Dham. It is also extremely popular for its surrounding Sulphur springs. The Kedarnath Mandir dedicated to lord Shiva lying nestled amidst the majestic snow-tipped Himalayas at a height of 3584m above sea level remains one of the most visited temples in India.

Other major shrines include the Rudranath Temple, Naina Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Madmaheshwar Temple, Lakha Mandal Temple, Gangotri Temple, Chandi Devi temple and the Baji Nath temple.

The Himalayan Range in Uttarakhand boats of many stunning peaks which includes India's highest peak the Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Dunagiri, the Meru Peak among a few. To the North of the Himalayas, the Zanskar range forms a formidable divide between India and Tibet.The aesthetic appeal of each of these lofty Himalayas is magnetic. Each peak has its own unique shape and contour and can be distinguished from a great distance.

Uttarakhand offers some of the best opportunities for adventure sports like skiing, river rafting, mountaineering, trekking and paragliding. The steeped locales of Auli, Dayara Bugyal and Munsiyari draw skiers from all over the world. The imposing of glacial peaks of Nanda Devi has provided challenges to trekkers and hikers. River rafting is also a major draw amongst the adrenaline junkies with places like Rishikesh, Rudrapyayag and Devprayag being popular rafting destinations. Paragliding, a popular aerosport is also an choice that Uttarakhand offer The best view of the Himalayas is from the air and paragliding is the preferred mode. Famous sites for paragliding include Dhanaulti ridge, Pithoragargh, Naukuchiatal, Bedni Bugyal, Mussourie and so on. The mesmerizing view makes it difficult to come back to reality.

The Jim Corbett National Park is home to one of the most flourishing tiger and Indian elephant population in the world. The large number of sanctuaries and national parks in the state plays host to the most diverse flora and fauna population in the country. The pristine thick dense pine forests and the serene grasslands mountains brings alive the opulence of the Himalayan scenery.

The ethnically diverse tribal population of Uttarakhand is home to the Jadh, Marcha, Tolcha and the Shauka tribes. The Jaunsari, Bhotia, Raji and Gujjar with ethnic Garhwali and Kumauni people comprise of the tribal population. Cultivation on the stepped slopes is their major source of sustenance they are faced with a struggle to live every moment of their lives. Increase in the number of mouths to feed have been compounded by the sheer lack of knowledge of farming techniques, paucity of irrigation water on the steep slopes, lack of storage and astronomical transport costs.

Despite its drawbacks Uttarakhand is befittingly considered as one of the most stunning canvas on Earth.