Get to know Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand - Where Mighty Rivers Begin

- Hector Dsouza

Sitting in a cosy wooden cottage, sipping on endless cups of `chai' having a ringside view of snow-capped mountains, listening to the endless chatter of birds while breathing fresh mountain air, becomes a reality in Uttarakhand. Carved out of districts in northern Uttar Pradesh, Uttarkhand became a separate state in November 2000. `Que Bonitas', `Wunderbar', awesome are some expressions that come to mind once the plains have been passed and serpentine climb on serpentine mountain roads begin. To add flavor and excitement there is no dearth of trekking routes; be it the ardous Pindari Glacier Trek or the gentle walk from Gangariya to the Valley of Flowers.

Locked by the Himalayas on its Northern and Eastern front, Uttaranchal has Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh as its southern and western neighbors. Largely a mountainous state, the Lesser Himalayas, the Shivalik Range to its South dominate the topography.The landscape is greatly influenced by these ranges creating a legacy state of towering peaks, meandering rivers, jaw dropping confluences and ancient pilgrim sites. Mesmerizing Uttaranchal attracts all form of travelers ranging from meditating sadhus, backpackers keen on enjoying outdoor beauty, explorers and mountaineers seeking to discover unknown horizons, repenting pilgrims and discerning wanderers.

Since time immemorial Garhwal and Kumaon regions had Hindu influence, the earliest settlers were the Kurindas from 2nd Century B.C. They made their living trading in basic food items with neighboring regions. Control was ceded to the Guptas in 4th century AD. The largely mountainous region, unfriendly terrain rarely saw effective control; the Katyuris ruled from 8th to 15th century AD. Brahminism dominated, while art and culture flourished under the Chandras. Part of Uttar Pradesh after independence, Uttaranchal was granted autonomy in 2000. Over the centuries important Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage sites were created; to this day the summer months from May to September bring in maximum number of religious pilgrims, especially to Western Uttarakhand, more commoly known as Garhwal. The friendly, docile locals living in this region are known as Garhwalis, while the local population living to the eastern part are known as Kumaonis.

Modern day travelers have multiple needs, thereby seeking options for enriching experiences. Multiple offerings ensure tourists `play' multiple roles, at times as wildlife enthusiasts; at others as leisure visitors. At the foothills of the Himalayas Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park offer a dazzling variety of flora, fauna with Corbett having as many as 600 bird species and resident to a few hundred Asiatic Elephants, besides predators like Tiger and Leopard. Divided into three zones, Bijrani Zone is currently open to visitors residing in Ramnagar, thereby sighting of predators and prey is abundant. Deep inside the core area lies Dhikala, where elephant herd are easily spotted on a jeep/canter safari. Named after the legendary hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett who spent many years in the Kumaon region, Corbett National Park is a treasure trove of nature, bringing in thousands of visitors each year. Rajaji National Park is a sea of green in the Rishikesh Haridwar pilgrim belt.

North east of Corbett lies Nainital - the magnificent Naini Lake was discovered by Mr Barron in 1841. Affording magnificent views of the Himalayas from hill tops, Nainital brings plenty of travelers from the lower plains. This region of Kumaon is also referred to as `Lake District' with lakes located in magnificent surroundings. Sattal, Bhimtal and Naukichiyatal are barely couple of hours driving time away from Nainital; well worth an overnight stay. Water sporting activities like boating, canoeing add to the experience. 57 kilometers north of Nainital lies Almora at 1464 metres, known for wood and stone building, gentle walks and pine forests. Much quieter, Almora is the starting point to Binsar located at 2412 metres, yet another inspiring mountain location offering stunning view of Himalayan peaks situated at the eastern end. Early morning hours provide an unbelievable view of a 300 kilometer arc of towering mountains: Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trisul, Nandaghunti, Nanda Devi and Panchuli.

A pilgrim village with 110 stone temples in one complex belonging to the 8th Century, Jageshwar is a pilgrim spot 34 kilometers north-east of Almora. There is no denyings as paths become more challenging the beauty of the Himalayas begins to unfold to the inquiring eye. Trekking, mountaineering gain precedence over all other activities. Bageshwar, Chakouri, Munsiyari, Baijnath are the last few remote villages. Trekking opportunities open up within the vicinity of these forlorn villages. Further north, Pindari Glacier, Milam Glacier, Nanda Devi, Tapovan require good mountaineering skills. Kumaon region of Uttarakhand distinguishes itself other mountain regions of India with lower density of population, lesser number of vehicles and better quality of air.

Northwest of Kumaon lies Garhwal, better known for its Hindu pilgrim sites - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath. The source of the River Ganga is a 24 kilometer long Gangotri Ice Glacier at Gaumukh, north of Gangotri. Gangotri houses a temple overlooking the river, and can only be reached on foot. Bathing in the freezing waters is considered auspicious and sacred. Among the four pilgrim sites, Badrinath is considered one of the holiest Hindu sites. Lying on the source of Alakananda river, this temple was built by Sankara in the ninth century.

26 kilometers south lies Hemkund, a revered lake as well as Sikh Pilgrim site. Taking a dip in the chilling Hemkund Lake at 4329 meters above sea level is considered auspicious and holy. Discovered by Frank Smythe in 1931, the Valley of Flowers is a botanist and nature lovers delight, offering rare plants, flowers in a carpeted meadow; best seen during the monsoons. Said to be the source of River Yamuna, Yamunotri temple overlooks the river and has an image of Goddess Yamuna.

As roads converge, beginning to taper towards Rishikesh, Haridwar in the plains; the traveller is greeted by number of significant confluences. Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Deoprayag form three of the most beautiful confluences with the Alakananda river. Rising from Badrinath, Alakananda joins the Pindar river at Karnyaprayag, moving south it joins the Mandakani river at Rudraprayag before finally meeting the Bhagirathi river at Deoprayag, culminating with the formation of the river Ganga. The confluences often witness the controlled fury of nature at its very best. Considered holy, pilgrim towns Rishikesh and Haridwar, signifies the start of the plains in India. Best known for its ashrams, yoga centres, cantilevered bridges and downstream river-rafting from Shivpuri, Rishikesh is a nodal point for all bus trips and excursions to the Garhwal region. Haridwar is renowned for the evening arati ceremony, a number of temple and one of the revered sites for the Kumbh Mela.

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