Uttarakhand, the 27th state of India, lies between 28°44′–31°28′ N latitude and 77°35′–81°01′ E longitude. Formed on 9 November 2000 after separation from Uttar Pradesh, the state covers an area of 53,483 sq. km, most of which is mountainous, with steep slopes, fragile terrain, and extensive snow-covered regions. Administratively, Uttarakhand has two major regions, 13 districts, 78 tehsils and 95 development blocks. The Garhwal region comprises Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Dehradun and Haridwar, while the Kumaon region includes Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Champawat and Bageshwar. The state’s population grew from 25.18 lakh (1951) to 1.01 crore (2011), while livestock increased from 41.68 lakh (1993) to 50.22 lakh (2012).

Several districts, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, share an international border with China, while Pithoragarh, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar border Nepal. Uttarkashi and Dehradun also touch Himachal Pradesh, and the southern parts of Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar border Uttar Pradesh.

Geographically, Uttarakhand represents a complete Himalayan cross-section, comprising the Trans-Himalaya, the Greater Himalaya (Himadri), the Lesser Himalaya, the Shiwalik ranges, and the Terai–Bhabar plains of Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar. The state lies between Tibet in the north, the fertile Gangetic plains in the south, and the eastern Himalayan biodiversity zones. Its vast Gangetic plain is one of the world’s most extensive alluvial plains.

The Shiwalik region, geologically referred to as the “Age of Mammals”, is especially significant due to its unique endemic species and rich fossil record. This area served as a migration corridor for flora and fauna between the highlands and lowlands, and it once hosted a wide range of ancient mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The Himalayan mountains in Uttarakhand are ecologically young, having formed only about 40 million years ago, compared to the far older peninsular mountains, and are therefore highly sensitive to landslides and earthquakes.

Interestingly, the discovery of Ammonite fossils in regions like Nanda Devi indicates that parts of the present-day Himalayas were once submerged under the ancient Tethys Sea, contributing further to the region’s biodiversity through remnants of marine life.

The state falls within biogeographic zone 2B (Western Himalaya) and 7B (Shiwaliks), making it a hotspot of ecological diversity. Although Uttarakhand occupies only 1.6% of India’s land area, about 71% of it is under forest cover (3.47 million hectares). It ranks sixth in India in terms of the proportion of recorded forest area. These forests range from Tropical Moist Forests (500–1000 m) in the Terai–Bhabar zone to Sub-Tropical Pine Forests (1000–2000 m), Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests (2000–3000 m), Sub-Alpine Forests (3400–4000 m) and Alpine vegetation (4000–5000 m). The state’s climate is primarily temperate, with tropical conditions dominating the plains. The average annual rainfall is around 1550 mm.

Uttarakhand’s wide altitudinal range supports a remarkable variety of orchids, horticultural crops, medicinal plants, bamboo, and wild relatives of cultivated species. Numerous lakes, rivers and wetlands, fed by perennial rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Ramganga, Nayar, Saryu, Kosi and Sharda, form some of the most productive ecosystems in the state. These wetlands support rich biodiversity and serve as important breeding and resting grounds for both migratory and resident birds.

Since the formation of Uttarakhand, studies have recorded 3,748 faunal species, including 451 species and subspecies, two newly discovered taxa, and 22 species previously unrecorded in India. Ten species found here are endemic to the country. The documented biodiversity includes 1,060 species of vertebrates, 2,020 species of insect invertebrates, and 4,346 non-insect invertebrates.

Uttarakhand continues to preserve its ecological heritage through robust conservation initiatives at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Its pristine forests, rich flora, diverse vegetation and unique wildlife make it one of India’s most important biodiversity regions. The presence of rare and endangered medicinal and aromatic plants has earned Uttarakhand the title of “Herbal State”, declared by the state government in recognition of its rich natural resources.

Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Dehradun: Gateway city with attractions like FRI, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Sahastradhara.

Mussoorie: Queen of the Hills, ideal for families & couples. Famous for Mall Road, Kempty Falls, and Lal Tibba.

Nainital: The iconic Lake District is renowned for its attractions, including Naini Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View Point, and boating.

Rishikesh: World Yoga Capital offering Ganga Aarti, Laxman Jhula, rafting, camping & adventure sports.

Haridwar: A major pilgrimage city known for Har Ki Pauri, Kumbh Mela and serene ghats.

Jim Corbett National Park: India’s oldest national park is renowned for its tiger safaris and luxurious nature stays.

Auli: Top skiing destination with views of Nanda Devi, cable car rides & winter adventures.

Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib: A UNESCO site filled with rare Himalayan flowers and a sacred high-altitude lake.

Almora: A cultural hill town with ancient temples, pine forests and rich Kumaoni heritage.

Pithoragarh: Gateway to the Himalayas, offering Panchachuli views, scenic valleys and adventure treks.

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand is a year-round destination, offering a diverse range of experiences throughout the year. The best time depends on your travel interests:

Summer (March–June): Best for hill stations, wildlife safaris, Char Dham Yatra & most treks.

Monsoon (July–September): Great for photography and greenery, but be aware of landslides in hill regions.

Winter (October–February): Perfect for snow lovers, honeymooners and skiing in Auli & Chopta.

Char Dham Yatra Season: April to November (depending on temple opening dates)

Famous Treks in Uttarakhand

• Valley of Flowers Trek: UNESCO site, alpine meadows, rare flowers, Hemkund Sahib.

• Kedarkantha Trek: Best winter summit trek with 360-degree mountain views.

• Har Ki Dun Trek: Ancient villages, pine forests, and Swargarohini peaks.

• Brahmatal Trek: Frozen lake views, snow trails, Trishul & Nanda Ghunti.

• Kuari Pass Trek: Lord Curzon Trail overlooking Nanda Devi & Dronagiri.

• Nag Tibba Trek: Perfect weekend trek near Mussoorie.

• Pindari Glacier Trek: Beginner-friendly glacier trek in Kumaon.

• Satopanth Lake Trek: A Spiritual high-altitude glacial lake near Badrinath.

Top Things to Do in Uttarakhand

Spiritual & Pilgrimage

• Char Dham Yatra (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri)

• Panch Kedar & Panch Badri

• Ganga Aarti at Haridwar & Rishikesh
  

Adventure & Outdoors

• River rafting in Rishikesh

• Trekking and camping

• Skiing in Auli

• Wildlife safaris at Jim Corbett & Rajaji National Park
  
  

Nature & Relaxation

• Boating in Nainital

• Hot springs at Yamunotri

• Nature walks in Chopta & Munsiyari
  

Famous Food of Uttarakhand

• Kafuli

• Bhang ki Chutney

• Aloo Ke Gutke

• Jhangora Ki Khee

• Mandua Ki Roti

• Phaanu
  

Major Festivals

• Kumbh Mela

• Harela

• Bikhauti

• Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra

• Ganga Dussehra

• Makar Sankranti
  

How to Reach Uttarakhand

By Air:

Major airports: Dehradun (Jolly Grant) & Pantnagar

By Rail:

Key railway stations: Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kathgodam, Haldwani

By Road:

Excellent connectivity from Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow & other northern cities.

Where to Stay in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand offers diverse accommodation options:

• Budget hotels & hostels

• Forest lodges

• Riverside camps

• Homestays in remote villages

• Luxury resorts in Mussoorie, Nainital, Jimand  Corbett