Uttarakhand: A tourist haven

Uttarakhand, Hotels Uttarakhand , University in Uttarakhand

Introduction About Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India. First It was known as Uttaranchal till 2006, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000. Uttarakhand borders Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in the west and south respectively. In January 2007, the name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal, now it’s is name Uttarakhand; the provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region. The High Court of the state is in Nainital.

Population of Uttarakhand:-

According to 2001 India census, Uttarakhand had a population of approximately of 8.48million. A population exceeding 10 million is expected by the next census of 2011. The native people of Uttarakhand are generally called either Garhwali or Kumauni. Hindus form the majority of the population at 85.0%, Muslims form 12.0%, Sikhs 2.5% and Christians, Buddhists, Jains and others about 0.5%

Geography Uttarakhand:-

Uttarakhand has a total geographic area of 51,125 km², of which 93% is mountainous and 64% is covered by forest. Indian National Parks in Uttarakhand include the Jim Corbett National Park (the oldest national park of India) at Ramnagar in Nainital District, Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District, and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi District. Most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers.

Latitude ------ 28°43' N to 31°27' N
Longitude ------ 77°34' E to 81°02' E
Geographical Area-53483 Sq. Km.
Forest Area ----- 34651 Sq. Km.

Government Uttarakhand:-

The Chief Minister is B.C. Khanduri. The last state elections in Uttarakhand were held on February 21, 2007. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the largest party with 34 seats in the 70-seat legislature. One seat short of forming a majority, the BJP have had to rely on support from the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and the three independents to form the government. The Indian National Congress are the official opposition, holding 21 seats.

Some of the important festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand are:

• Ghunghutia or Makar Sankrant or Uttrayani
• Basant Panchmi
• Bhitauli
• Harela
• Janyunpunyu or Rakshyabandhan
• Govardhan
• Phooldei
• Batsavitri
• Ganga Dusshera
• Dikar Puja
• Olgi or Ghee Sankarti
• Khatarua
• Ghuian Ekadashi
• samvatsar padyaoo.

Foods In Uttarakhand:-

Lentil soups
• Chudkani
• Ras
• Charanji
• Dubuk (also called dubuka)
• Bari Mungori
• Naal bari
• Kari(also called Palyo)
• Baat
• Bhatia Jaula

Vegetables
• Aalu ka gutke
• Kaapa
• Paalak Tinri
• Gaderi ke gutke
• KANDALEE KA SAAG

Raita Chutney
• Khire ka raita
• Nebu mooli ka raita
• Daarim ki khatai
• Aam ka fajitha

Dishes for special occasions
• Singal
• Pua
• Maal Pua
• Besan Bhadela
• JHANGORA KI KHEER