What are the top mind blowing facts about Uttarakhand?

If you love the peace and quaintness of the hills, then you simply must visit Uttarakhand. This incredible mountain state is home to some of India’s most sacred temples, Yoga schools and wildlife sanctuaries. It offers regular adventures like skiing, trekking, photography tours and more. Uttarakhand is a land of wonders. This heart-wrenchingly beautiful state is home to some of the oldest temples in India, along with spectacular views and wildlife sanctuaries.

The people are friendly, hospitable and always keen to help visitors understand more about life here. Uttarakhand also has various Yoga schools where you can try out many interesting techniques – all of which promise increased spiritual connection between yourself and nature. Uttarakhand and its famed Himalayan beauty that has captivated the world with its natural and cultural wonder, has several interesting and surprising facts that are sure to surprise you. If this has you interested, here are a few interesting facts about Uttarakhand that will surely blow your mind away!

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park. This year, an extensive collaboration between Uttarakhand Tour Package Forest Department and local community has been launched in order to ensure that there are as few negative impacts as possible on these sites.

Top mountaineering institutes

Uttarakhand has its own high-altitude mountaineering centres, which are well equipped. The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi was set up in 1965 and is one of the most famous institutes in India. The other one is Pandit Nain Singh Surveyor Mountaineering Training Institute in Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand trip. It was founded by The Himalayan Scouts and Guides, which provides qualitative training in mountaineering and adventure sports.

Second highest peak of India

The second highest peak in India, Nanda Devi is a very popular trekking destination. The peak has an elevation of 7816 m above sea level and is situated in the Chamoli Garhwal District of Uttarakhand. Because of its location at a height of more than 6000 m above sea level, and because it can be accessed by only three routes, Nanda Devi has been called "The Everest of Uttarakhand"

Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world

Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the world! Rishikesh is a popular place for many pilgrimage seekers and yoga practitioners. There are several famous Yoga and meditation institutes here, which usually remains crowded with followers and yoga practitioners from across the globe. Rishikesh is the Yoga capital of the world! Famous yoga institutes, meditation and shrines here make this place ideal for doing yoga and meditation.

Origin of Ganga and Yamuna

The origin of Ganga and Yamuna is a fascinating story of India’s folk lore and culture. Two of India’s most revered rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, originate from Uttarakhand. While River Ganga originates from Gangotri, Yamuna originates from Yamunotri in the Himalayas.

Home to the highest Shiva temple in the world

The temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old, and is linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. The journey begins at Dehradun and covers a distance of around 150km, covers Tungnath, Mussoorie and then Garhwal where it culminates in Rudrakshetra which has another beautiful temple – Vrindavan. This is one of the most popular tourism spots in India as you will be greeted by tons of locals who are often curious about your visit. Tungnath is believed to be more than a thousand years old and is linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. To get to this temple, you have to trek through some challenging conditions, but it is well worth the effort!

Home of Panch Prayag temples

The panchprayag (place of confluence of rivers) temples of Uttarakhand are located in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, which are believed to be the five sacred places of Lord Shiva. The famed Hindu temples at Devprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag and Vishnuprayag are linked by a pilgrim trail that circles around these five holy sites. Devprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag and Vishnuprayag are known as the Panch Prayags. It is here that the Ganga, Yamuna and Alaknanda meet to create the confluence of rivers that makes it a holy place for all. A visit to these temples is worth at least a day trip for trekkers in Uttarakhand.

Highest dam in India

The Tehri Dam, located at 260.5 m above mean sea level, on River Bhagirathi in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is the highest dam in India. However, in comparison to neighbouring China and Pakistan, this dam looks like child’s play. It still remains to this day as one of the 10 highest dams in the world!

First national park in India

The Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital districts of Uttarakhand package is the first official national park of India, established in 1936 for the protection of tigers. Another prominent national park in the state is Rajaji National Park which is situated in Rishikesh district. Nanda Devi National Park is a pristine wilderness and mountain range located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, bordering Nepal.

Apart from being the first national park of India, Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital district is also one of the smallest national parks. The park has a total area of 2.5 km² and it takes you to explore the natural beauty that lies around and inside the area. Other prominent national parks in the state include Rajaji National Park and Nanda Devi National Park.

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