Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state in northern India, located largely in the western Himalayas. It borders Himachal Pradesh to the west and north, Uttar Pradesh to the south, and Nepal to the east, with a northern boundary near the Tibet region of China. The landscape ranges from subtropical foothills to high alpine peaks and features many sacred rivers.

The name Uttarakhand means “northern land” in Sanskrit. The state has two cultural regions, Garhwal and Kumaon, and consists of 13 districts. The capital and largest city is Dehradun.

Historically, the area was part of ancient Kuru and later ruled by Katyuri and Chand dynasties. It became a separate state in 2000 as Uttaranchal and was renamed Uttarakhand in 2007. It has a unicameral legislature and an appointed governor; the executive is led by a chief minister.

Geography and environment: The state lies in the Himalayas, with glaciated peaks, forests, and diverse climates. The Ganga and Yamuna originate here, formed by the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda tributaries. Protected areas include Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers, and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

Economy and culture: Tourism and pilgrimage are major sectors. The Char Dham Yatra (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) attracts thousands annually. Hydropower, apples in Garhwal and Kumaon, and forestry also contribute. Notable towns include Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other hill stations.

Demographics: The state is home to about 11 million people. The official language is Hindi; Garhwali and Kumaoni are widely spoken regional languages.