Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) is a captivating land blessed with fantastic glaciers, snow-clad mountains, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense woods. This �abode of Gods� is a rich repository of innumerable shrines and pilgrimage spots. It is a pictorial state that promises its tourists a sojourn replete with fun and treasured moments. There are many things about Uttarakhand that draw the tourists from not only abroad but also from the world over. Touristplacesinindia.com is the site you can browse through for the valuable inputs about Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) that would be of great help to those who are planning a tour to Uttarakhand.

Fast Facts

Area	55, 848 sq.kms
Languages	Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni
Best time to visit	April to July
State Capital	Dehradun

History of Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand has several mythological and historical associations and legends call it Devbhoomi (land of the gods). According to the ancient scriptures, this place was known as Uttarakhand and the ancient kingdoms such as Pauravas, Kushanas, Kunindas, Guptas, Katyuris, Palas, the Chands, and Parmars are said to have ruled this place. The Pandavas are said to have frequented this region and Sage Vyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata here. Uttarakhand also has its mention in the 7th-century travelogue of Hiuen Tsang.

The Kumaon region was for a long period of time under the rule of the Katyuri dynasty during the medieval times. They ruled from the seventh to the 11th century, exercising complete control over large areas of Kumaon, Garhwal, and western Nepal. The capital of this dynasty was the town of Baijnath near Almora and at the same time was a key center of the arts. The Katyuris built a large number of temples and the important architectural innovation introduced by them was the substitution of bricks with hewn stone. After the Katyuris, the Chand rulers gained control over the region and built the wonderful temple complex at Jageshwar, with its group of a hundred and sixty-four temples.

After the Anglo-Nepalese War in the year 1816, the leftover portion of the Garhwal Kingdom was reestablished from Tehri. Eastern Garhwal and Kumaon surrendered to the British as part of the Treaty of Sugauli.

In the year 2000, Uttarakhand was separated from Uttar Pradesh, and was known as Uttaranchal till 2006. The present day state is one of the leading tourist destinations of North India.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing:
Uttarakhand experiences two distinct types of climate. The plains have typical north Indian climatic conditions with high temperatures touching as high as forty degree Celsius accompanied by humidity. The winters are quite cold and the temperatures frequently drop below 4 degrees Celsius. The hilly regions have cool climate featuring chilly winters with snowfall in some regions and mild summers. The best time to visit is from April to May.

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