Destinations in Uttarakhand

Nainital
Nainital: Among the popular hill stations in India, Nainital in Uttarakhand is gifted with natural splendour. Scenic hills, majestic mountains, lake and hills covered with greenery are some of the options for sightseeing in Nainital.

India’s answer to the Lake District, Nainital is set around Lake Naini. Boating and angling in the lake are some of the touristy things to do. Don’t forget to have Pahari cuisine or authentic Tibetan food.
Best time to visit Nainital is between March and May. Nainital hotels remain fully booked during the best season to visit the hill station.

Auli
Auli:  Known as a traveller’s paradise, Auli in Chamoli district is among the lesser known hill stations in Uttarakhand. Snow-capped mountains, forests of deodar and oak, and apple orchards add to the beauty of the hill station. Auli also offers majestic views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Nanga Parbat, Dungagiri, Beethartoli, Nikanth Hathi Parbat and Ghori Parbat.

Trekking in summer is the most popular activity and it provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the Garhwal Himalayas. The Auli to Joshimath trek is the most popular.

Skiing in Auli attracts large number of skiers. Skiing is done November to March.

There are several pilgrimage spots near Auli like Sankaracharya Tapastali at Joshimath, Nandaprayag and Rudraprayag.

The best time to visit Auli is between November to May.

Ranikhet
Ranikhet: Ranikhet in Almora district is yet another popular summer destination in Uttarakhand.  The Uttarakhand hill station is known for its ancient temples, picnic spots, trekking trails and mountain peaks.

It is also very popular with adventure junkies. Trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting and rappelling are popular activities. Camping is also a popular activity among tourists. The best time to visit Ranikhet is between March and May.

Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh: Known as the ‘Little Kashmir’, Pithoragarh in Kumaon region serves as the gateway to the Himalayan ranges and to the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar pilgrimages.

Pithoragarh is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. Hang gliding, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, canoeing, river rafting and fishing are some of the activities to do this summer.

Among the Pithoragarh places to see, Pithoragarh Fort, Dhwaj Temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev, Chandak, and Thal Keda are the popular ones. The best time to visit Pithoragarh is between March and June.

Munsiyari
Munsiyari: Munsiyari in Pithoragarh district stands on the banks of River Goriganga on the ancient salt route that originates from Tibet. It serves as the base for high altitude treks in Himalayas and to Ralam and Milam glaciers.

Rafting in the Goriganga River is also a popular activity in Munsiyari. The hill station is also known for its wildlife.

Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

According to legends, Sati or Parvati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and later, became the consort of Lord Shiva. Once her father insulted Lord Shiva and unable to accept this, she killed herself. When Lord Shiva heard of his wife's death his rage knew no bounds and holding Sati's body he began stalking the three worlds. The other gods trembled before his wrath and appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows which struck Sati's body and severed it to pieces. At the places where the pieces fell, the fifty-one sacred 'shaktipeeths' came into being. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple is called Naina Devi.

The word Naina is synonymous with Sati's eyes. Since then, devotees started visiting this temple. Once the devotee reaches the hill top, prasad can be bought from any of the various shops or it can also one's own offerings from home. After crossing the main gate, there is a big Peepal tree on the left side. On the right side of the temple there are idols of Lord Hanuman Ji and Ganesh Ji. After reaching the main entrance of the temple, there are two statues of lions.

Inside the temple, devotees have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Mata Kali Devi, the centre representing two Netras or eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh.

Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

According to legends, Sati or Parvati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and later, became the consort of Lord Shiva. Once her father insulted Lord Shiva and unable to accept this, she killed herself. When Lord Shiva heard of his wife's death his rage knew no bounds and holding Sati's body he began stalking the three worlds. The other gods trembled before his wrath and appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows which struck Sati's body and severed it to pieces. At the places where the pieces fell, the fifty-one sacred 'shaktipeeths' came into being. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple is called Naina Devi.

The word Naina is synonymous with Sati's eyes. Since then, devotees started visiting this temple. Once the devotee reaches the hill top, prasad can be bought from any of the various shops or it can also one's own offerings from home. After crossing the main gate, there is a big Peepal tree on the left side. On the right side of the temple there are idols of Lord Hanuman Ji and Ganesh Ji. After reaching the main entrance of the temple, there are two statues of lions.

Inside the temple, devotees have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Mata Kali Devi, the centre representing two Netras or eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh.

Nainital hails the colourful autumn festival

Kumaon region,
Nainital (Uttarakhand), Nov 6- ANI: To give the tourism sector a boost in the Uttarakhands Kumaon region, the scenic Nainital city is hosting this year's edition of the annual autumn festival named 'Sharadutsav'.

At a colourful event, the 'curtains-up' for 'Sharadutsav-2009' was witnessed to an overwhelming response of locals and tourists on Thursday.

The five-day festival promises to showcase a lot of programmes to entertain the audience and tourists visiting the hill station.

Apart from presenting the local cultural dance to the audience the programme included a mimicry show by stand up comedian Sudha Mishra.

Renowned Sufi singer Kailash Kher enthralled the audience in his melodious voice with a blend of Bollywood songs and Sufi music.

According to the officials of the Tourism Department, the inflow of tourists this year has increased by 15 percent and no wonder, they expressed happiness at these trends.

If we look from a broader perspective, last year around 6,39,000 tourists visited Nainital. This year till October around 6,50,000 people visited Nainital and by the end of this year we expect the number to reach the range of 7 to 7.45 lakhs, an increase of 15 percent, said J C Beri, Regional Tourist Officer of Kumaon.

On their part, the audience at the festival was thrilled to see popular as well as talented singers and artists performing in the town, famous for its lake.

Till now we had only seen Kailash Kher on television. It was for the first time that we saw him performing live. We really enjoyed his performance and wish that he performs next year also, said Kanika, a local.

Braving the drop in the mercury, the visitors with utmost enthusiasm have been enduring the chill and enjoy the warmth of the festival to the fullest.

On 9 November, it will be 'curtains-down' for the festival 'Sharadutsav Nainital-2009' and the enthralled audience will have to wait for the next year's edition with hopes of similar thrills. - ANI

Educational and Research Institutions

or well over a century, Nainital has been known for its many schools. Four schools from the British period continue to exist today: Sherwood College, established 1869; All Saints' College, established 1869; St. Mary's Convent High School established 1878; and St. Joseph's College established 1888. In addition, a number of new schools have been established since independence: Birla Vidya Mandir, established 1947; Sanwal School, established in the 1940s in Mallital; Sainik School, established 1966; St. Amtuls Public School, established 1983; Parvati Sah Prema Jagati Saraswati Vihar, established 1983; and Oakwood School, established 1989.

Sherwood College, established 1869, is a boarding school, established by the British in India to educate British boys and the Indian elite during the Raj. Today it is co-educational boarding school, with a smattering of girls to even things out.
It is located on Ayarpatta Hill in Nainital, Uttarakhand, nestled between the hills bordering the reserve forest and the Governor's golf links.
The school follows the ICSE system, and the school year runs from early March to early December with a 3 week summer break in June after Founders' Week (30th May-5th June).
At Sherwood, emphasis has always been placed on an all-round education, which means that apart from academics, it is mandatory for all students to participate in sports and extra-curricular cultural activities, such as theatre, music (both Indian and Western), fine arts, elocution, debating, and bi-annual group excursions out of town, etc.
Sherwood has long been known for the high quality of its football and cricket teams. The school is equipped with tennis, basketball, squash, and indoor badminton courts, as well as a swimming pool (dug by the students themselves in 1954!) and a large playground that doubles as sports field and venue for the annual school fête - much looked forward to by all!The school's soccer team has impressed people all over the state after winning the Sanawar tournament and the home tournament(whose inaugaral title and runners up was won by both the school teams.)
The chapel (dedicated to Saint Barnabas) is situated on the front 'quad' or quadrangle, which faces an extraordinary panorama of the Kumaon hills descending into the Terai (the plains).

source: www.wikipedia.org

Educational and Research Institutions

or well over a century, Nainital has been known for its many schools. Four schools from the British period continue to exist today: Sherwood College, established 1869; All Saints' College, established 1869; St. Mary's Convent High School established 1878; and St. Joseph's College established 1888. In addition, a number of new schools have been established since independence: Birla Vidya Mandir, established 1947; Sanwal School, established in the 1940s in Mallital; Sainik School, established 1966; St. Amtuls Public School, established 1983; Parvati Sah Prema Jagati Saraswati Vihar, established 1983; and Oakwood School, established 1989.

Sherwood College, established 1869, is a boarding school, established by the British in India to educate British boys and the Indian elite during the Raj. Today it is co-educational boarding school, with a smattering of girls to even things out.
It is located on Ayarpatta Hill in Nainital, Uttarakhand, nestled between the hills bordering the reserve forest and the Governor's golf links.
The school follows the ICSE system, and the school year runs from early March to early December with a 3 week summer break in June after Founders' Week (30th May-5th June).
At Sherwood, emphasis has always been placed on an all-round education, which means that apart from academics, it is mandatory for all students to participate in sports and extra-curricular cultural activities, such as theatre, music (both Indian and Western), fine arts, elocution, debating, and bi-annual group excursions out of town, etc.
Sherwood has long been known for the high quality of its football and cricket teams. The school is equipped with tennis, basketball, squash, and indoor badminton courts, as well as a swimming pool (dug by the students themselves in 1954!) and a large playground that doubles as sports field and venue for the annual school fête - much looked forward to by all!The school's soccer team has impressed people all over the state after winning the Sanawar tournament and the home tournament(whose inaugaral title and runners up was won by both the school teams.)
The chapel (dedicated to Saint Barnabas) is situated on the front 'quad' or quadrangle, which faces an extraordinary panorama of the Kumaon hills descending into the Terai (the plains).

source: www.wikipedia.org

Sattal (सात ताल),Khurpa Tal & Naukuchia Tal

Sattal, literally Seven Lakes, is at a distance of about 23 km (14 mi) from Nainital in the Lower Himalayan Range at an altitude of 1,370 m (4,495 ft). It is a cluster of small interconnected lakes in the midst of an old oak forest. On approaching Sattal, the first lake encountered is the Nal-Damyanti Lake; next it is the Panna or Garude lake; and finally there is a cluster of three lakes: Ram, Laxman, and Sita lakes.

Sattal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes in the Lower Himalayan Range situated in the wild near the Bhimtal town of the Nainital lake district in the Uttarakhand state of India.

These lakes sit at an altitude of 1370 metres below lush orchards of the Mehragaon valley.In Hindi, Sattal means seven lakes. These group of lakes are amongst dense forest set against the backdrop of oak and pine trees and have algal green water. Sattal is one of a few unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is one of the best places for "living outdoors" in India. The dense forest cover discourages human population except for a few shops at Sattal.

Khurpa Tal, literally Trowel Lake, is an attractive lake about 10 km (6 mi) by road (or a 5 km (3 mi) hike) from Nainital at an altitude of 1,635 m (5,364 ft). It is popular with anglers and is surrounded by terraced fields (or farms), from which it presumably gets its name.

Naukuchia Tal, literally, Nine-Cornered Lake, is 26 km (16 mi) from Nainital and 4 km from Bhimtal at an altitude of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). The lake is almost 1 km (1 mi) long, 0.5 km (0.3 mi) wide and approximately 40 m (131 ft) deep. It is the deepest of the lakes in the greater Naintal area. According to legend, if one takes in all nine corners in one glimpse, one can disappear in a cloud of smoke

source: www.wikipedia.org

Sattal (सात ताल),Khurpa Tal & Naukuchia Tal

Sattal, literally Seven Lakes, is at a distance of about 23 km (14 mi) from Nainital in the Lower Himalayan Range at an altitude of 1,370 m (4,495 ft). It is a cluster of small interconnected lakes in the midst of an old oak forest. On approaching Sattal, the first lake encountered is the Nal-Damyanti Lake; next it is the Panna or Garude lake; and finally there is a cluster of three lakes: Ram, Laxman, and Sita lakes.

Sattal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes in the Lower Himalayan Range situated in the wild near the Bhimtal town of the Nainital lake district in the Uttarakhand state of India.

These lakes sit at an altitude of 1370 metres below lush orchards of the Mehragaon valley.In Hindi, Sattal means seven lakes. These group of lakes are amongst dense forest set against the backdrop of oak and pine trees and have algal green water. Sattal is one of a few unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is one of the best places for "living outdoors" in India. The dense forest cover discourages human population except for a few shops at Sattal.

Khurpa Tal, literally Trowel Lake, is an attractive lake about 10 km (6 mi) by road (or a 5 km (3 mi) hike) from Nainital at an altitude of 1,635 m (5,364 ft). It is popular with anglers and is surrounded by terraced fields (or farms), from which it presumably gets its name.

Naukuchia Tal, literally, Nine-Cornered Lake, is 26 km (16 mi) from Nainital and 4 km from Bhimtal at an altitude of 1,220 m (4,003 ft). The lake is almost 1 km (1 mi) long, 0.5 km (0.3 mi) wide and approximately 40 m (131 ft) deep. It is the deepest of the lakes in the greater Naintal area. According to legend, if one takes in all nine corners in one glimpse, one can disappear in a cloud of smoke

source: www.wikipedia.org

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a town and tourist destination in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, India. It sits high in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2286 meters (7500 feet). On the recommendation of the Cattle Plague Commission, the Institute then known as the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory had its genesis on December 9, 1889 at Pune and later relocated to Mukteshwar in 1893 to facilitate segregation and quarantine of highly contagious organisms. Later it was developed into the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, which later moved its headquarters to Izzatnagar. Still Mukteshwar serves as the hill campus of IVRI, including various facilities such as an experimental goat farm.
Because of the hilly topography, agriculture in the area consists chiefly of potato fields and fruit orchards on terraces cut into the hillsides.
Mukteshwar is rich in scenic beauty, with magnificent views of the Indian Himalayas including India's second-highest peak, Nanda Devi. There is also a Renewable Park developed by The Energy and Resources Institute TERI. The renewable park is using solar electricity for most of its electricity needs. Recently, the town has experienced some construction activity and townships have begun to mushroom in and around Mukteshwar. Many people are buying holiday homes here to escape large chaotic cities. Coordinates: 29°30′N 79°42′E / 29.5, 79.7.
source: www.wikipedia.org

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a town and tourist destination in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, India. It sits high in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2286 meters (7500 feet). On the recommendation of the Cattle Plague Commission, the Institute then known as the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory had its genesis on December 9, 1889 at Pune and later relocated to Mukteshwar in 1893 to facilitate segregation and quarantine of highly contagious organisms. Later it was developed into the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, which later moved its headquarters to Izzatnagar. Still Mukteshwar serves as the hill campus of IVRI, including various facilities such as an experimental goat farm.
Because of the hilly topography, agriculture in the area consists chiefly of potato fields and fruit orchards on terraces cut into the hillsides.
Mukteshwar is rich in scenic beauty, with magnificent views of the Indian Himalayas including India's second-highest peak, Nanda Devi. There is also a Renewable Park developed by The Energy and Resources Institute TERI. The renewable park is using solar electricity for most of its electricity needs. Recently, the town has experienced some construction activity and townships have begun to mushroom in and around Mukteshwar. Many people are buying holiday homes here to escape large chaotic cities. Coordinates: 29°30′N 79°42′E / 29.5, 79.7.
source: www.wikipedia.org

About Nainital

Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas.

Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 feet) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."

Nainital has temperate summers, maximum temperature 27 °C (81 °F); minimum temperature 10 °C (50 °F), during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of Northern India. In the winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a minimum of −3 °C (27 °F).

Source: www.wikipedia.com

About Nainital

Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas.

Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 feet) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."

Nainital has temperate summers, maximum temperature 27 °C (81 °F); minimum temperature 10 °C (50 °F), during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of Northern India. In the winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a minimum of −3 °C (27 °F).

Source: www.wikipedia.com

Geography

Uttarakhand is a region of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers, while the lower foothills were densely forested till denuded by the British log merchants and later, after independence, by forest contractors. Recent efforts in reforestation, however, have been successful in restoring the situation to some extent. The unique Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a large number of animals (including bharal, snow leopards, leopards and tigers), plants and rare herbs. Two of India's mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, and are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region.

Uttarakhand lies on the south slope of the mighty Himalaya range, and the climate and vegetation vary greatly with elevation, from glaciers at the highest elevations to tropical forests at the lower elevations. The highest elevations are covered by ice and bare rock. The Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows ecoregion lies between 3000-3500 and 5000 meters elevation; tundra and alpine meadows cover the highest elevations, transitioning to Rhododendron-dominated shrublands below.

The Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests lie just below the tree line; at 3000-2600 meters elevation they transition to the Western Himalayan broadleaf forests, which lie in a belt from 2,600 to 1,500 meters elevation. Below 1500 meters elevation lies western end of the drier Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands belt, and the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests. This belt is locally known as Bhabhar.

These lowland forests have mostly been cleared for agriculture, but a few pockets remain.
Indian National Parks in Uttarakhand include the Jim Corbett National Park (the oldest national park of India) at Ramnagar in Nainital District, Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District, and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi District.

Ukhimath and Khirsu are tiny, pristine hill stations with spectacular views of the Himalaya peaks.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:www.wikipedia.org

Geography

Uttarakhand is a region of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the northern parts of the state are part of Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers, while the lower foothills were densely forested till denuded by the British log merchants and later, after independence, by forest contractors. Recent efforts in reforestation, however, have been successful in restoring the situation to some extent. The unique Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a large number of animals (including bharal, snow leopards, leopards and tigers), plants and rare herbs. Two of India's mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, and are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region.

Uttarakhand lies on the south slope of the mighty Himalaya range, and the climate and vegetation vary greatly with elevation, from glaciers at the highest elevations to tropical forests at the lower elevations. The highest elevations are covered by ice and bare rock. The Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows ecoregion lies between 3000-3500 and 5000 meters elevation; tundra and alpine meadows cover the highest elevations, transitioning to Rhododendron-dominated shrublands below.

The Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests lie just below the tree line; at 3000-2600 meters elevation they transition to the Western Himalayan broadleaf forests, which lie in a belt from 2,600 to 1,500 meters elevation. Below 1500 meters elevation lies western end of the drier Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands belt, and the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests. This belt is locally known as Bhabhar.

These lowland forests have mostly been cleared for agriculture, but a few pockets remain.
Indian National Parks in Uttarakhand include the Jim Corbett National Park (the oldest national park of India) at Ramnagar in Nainital District, Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District, and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi District.

Ukhimath and Khirsu are tiny, pristine hill stations with spectacular views of the Himalaya peaks.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:www.wikipedia.org

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India. It was known as Uttaranchal between 2000 and 2006, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000 .

Uttarakhand borders Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (of which it formed a part before 2000) in the west and south respectively. The region is traditionally referred to as Uttarakhand in Hindu scriptures and old literature, a term which derives from the Sanskrit for Northern Country or Section.

In January 2007, the name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal, its interim name, to Uttarakhand, according to the wishes of a large section of its people. The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region. The small hamlet of Gairsen has been mooted as the future capital owing to its geographic centrality but controversies and lack of resources have led Dehradun to remain provisional capital. The High Court of the state is in Nainital.

Recent developments in the region include initiatives by the state government to capitalise on handloom and handicrafts, the burgeoning tourist trade as well as tax incentives to lure high-tech industry to the state. The state also has big-dam projects, controversial and often criticised in India, such as the very large Tehri dam on the Bhagirathi-Bhilangana rivers, conceived in 1953 and about to reach completion. Uttarakhand is also well known as the birthplace of the Chipko environmental movement, and a myriad other social movements including the mass agitation in the 1990s that led to its formation.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: www.wikipedia.org

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India. It was known as Uttaranchal between 2000 and 2006, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000 .

Uttarakhand borders Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (of which it formed a part before 2000) in the west and south respectively. The region is traditionally referred to as Uttarakhand in Hindu scriptures and old literature, a term which derives from the Sanskrit for Northern Country or Section.

In January 2007, the name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal, its interim name, to Uttarakhand, according to the wishes of a large section of its people. The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region. The small hamlet of Gairsen has been mooted as the future capital owing to its geographic centrality but controversies and lack of resources have led Dehradun to remain provisional capital. The High Court of the state is in Nainital.

Recent developments in the region include initiatives by the state government to capitalise on handloom and handicrafts, the burgeoning tourist trade as well as tax incentives to lure high-tech industry to the state. The state also has big-dam projects, controversial and often criticised in India, such as the very large Tehri dam on the Bhagirathi-Bhilangana rivers, conceived in 1953 and about to reach completion. Uttarakhand is also well known as the birthplace of the Chipko environmental movement, and a myriad other social movements including the mass agitation in the 1990s that led to its formation.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: www.wikipedia.org