Northern India
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, known as the "Land of the Gods" (Devbhumi), is a Himalayan state famous for its spiritual heritage, snow-covered mountains, rivers, forests, pilgrimage centers, and adventure tourism. Dehradun is the winter capital, while Gairsain serves as the summer capital.
11M+
People
53,483 km²
Area
13
Districts
5
LS Seats
Formed: 9 Nov 2000
Capital: Dehradun
Language: Hindi & Sanskrit
Basic Information
State Name: Uttarakhand
Capital: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
Formation Year: 9 November 2000
Official Languages: Hindi & Sanskrit
Geography & Climate
Area: 53,483 sq km
Major Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Alaknanda & Bhagirathi
Terrain: Himalayan mountains, valleys & forests
Climate: Temperate to alpine climate
Political Parties
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Administration
Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor: Gurmit Singh
Legislative Assembly: 70 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~11 million
Literacy: ~79.6%
Major Cities: Dehradun, Haridwar & Haldwani
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Garhwali & Kumaoni
Economy
Main Sectors: Tourism, hydropower & agriculture
Major Crops: Rice, wheat & pulses
Industries: Pharmaceuticals & food processing
State Symbols
Animal: Alpine Musk Deer
Bird: Himalayan Monal
Tree: Burans (Rhododendron)
Flower: Brahma Kamal
Foods
Popular Foods: Kafuli, Chainsoo & Aloo Ke Gutke
Traditional Cuisine: Garhwali & Kumaoni dishes
Sweets: Bal Mithai & Singori
Tourism & Heritage
Pilgrimage: Kedarnath, Badrinath & Haridwar
Adventure Tourism: Rishikesh & Auli
National Parks: Jim Corbett National Park
Hill Stations: Mussoorie & Nainital
Transportation
Major Airports: Dehradun & Pantnagar
Roadways: Extensive mountain highway network
Railways: Major rail links through plains region
Culture
Festivals: Kumbh Mela & Harela
Dance Forms: Langvir Nritya & Barada Nati
Folk Traditions: Garhwali & Kumaoni heritage
Education
Major Institutes: IIT Roorkee & AIIMS Rishikesh
Research: Forestry & Himalayan studies
Universities: HNB Garhwal University & Kumaun University
Interesting Facts
Uttarakhand is called "Devbhumi" due to its many sacred temples.
The Ganga and Yamuna rivers originate from glaciers in Uttarakhand.
Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park.
Rishikesh is globally famous as the Yoga Capital of the World.