Uttarakhand formerly known as Uttaranchal is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the “Devabhumi” (literally “Land of the Gods”) due to numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is known for the natural environment of the Himalayas, the Bhabar and the Terai regions. On 9 November 2000, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India, being carved from the Himalayan districts of Uttar Pradesh. There are 17 districts in Uttarakhand which are grouped into two divisions, Kumaon and Garhwal.

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, is known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit. The city hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the sacred Ganges River. The state’s forested Jim Corbett National Park shelters Bengal tigers and other native wildlife.

Region : North India
Established : 9 November 2000
Capital : Dehradun
Size : 53,483 sq km
Rivers : Alaknanda, Baur, Bhagirathi, Bhilangna, Darma, Dhauliganga, Ganges, Gaula, Gomati, Goriganga, Jadhganga, Jahnavi, Lakshmanganga, Mandakini, Nandakini, Nayar, Pindar, Pushpawati, Ramganga, Saraswati, Sarayu, Sarju, Sharda, Song, Tons, Vasukiganga and Yamuna

Forest / Park : Corbett National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Rajaji National Park, Gangotri National Park, ational Park,

Govind wildlife sanctuary, Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Askot wildlife sanctuary, Sonanadi wildlife sanctuary, Binsar wildlife sanctuary, Mussoorie wildlife sanctuary, Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve, Aasan Wetland Conservation Reserve, Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve, Nainadevi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Neighbour States : Tibet,China, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh
State Animal : Alpine Musk Deer
State Bird : Himalayan Monal
State Tree : Burans
State Flower : Brahma Kamal

Uttarakhand’s name is derived from the Sanskrit words Uttara (उत्तर) meaning ‘north’, and khaṇḍa (खण्ड) meaning ‘land’, altogether simply meaning ‘Northern Land’. The name finds mention in early Hindu scriptures as the combined region of “Kedarkhand” (present day Garhwal) and “Manaskhand” (present-day Kumaon).