Uttarakhand, our preferred destination for homestays provides an enchanting diversity in everything
The little state of Uttarakhand nestled in the foothills of the great Himalayas has everything in store.
The challenging mountains, the spiritual temples, natural beauty, amazing people. Everything that a traveller, nature lover, spirituality seeker and adventure junkie would ask for is right there at the Dev Bhoomi
Uttarakhand, speciality meals with choicest ingredients
The food and flavours in Uttarakhand are a treat to taste palette. The food is fresh, simple and rich in flavours. The recipes from Garhwali and Kumaoni region of Uttarakhand use traditional grains such as Kulath (Gaith), a variant of horse gram, Jhangora (barnyard millet), Bhat (Black soya-bean), Mandua (finger millet), and healthy greens like fresh radish leaves, mustard, and spinach. Additionally, greens such as amaranth (cholai) and nettles (bichchu ghas) are also widely used into the food as well. The food here is full of antioxidants and with a host of medicinal properties in addition to taste. Spices such as Thawe (kala jeera or caraway seeds), Kwacho (Sakwa) and Bhangjeera (made from cannabis), turmeric are few such spices used to temper the dishes.The food of Uttarakhand is a delectable mix of Garhwali and Kumaoni food. The cultural and geographical diversity of Uttarakhand reflects very well in the cuisines. The Kumaon region consists of the beautiful hill destinations of Nainital, Almora, Haldwani, Ranikhet, Pithoragarh and surroundings and the Garhwal region consists of Dehradun, Tehri, Chamoli including the prominent religious sites of Haridwar and Rishikesh, besides the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath dhams.
Recipe TypesGarhwali Recipes that will rejuvenate your taste buds
– Chainsoo, Kafuli, Jholi, Phaanu, Til ki Chutney, Baadi, Roat, Arsa, Aloo Tomato Jhol and Gaith ke Paranthe
Kumaoni Recipes that will make you crave for the hills – Ras, Bhaang ki Chutney, Singhal, Bhatt ki Churdkani, Shai, Badil and Thechwani
Uttarakhand, the mountains are calling
Uttarakhand, finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Himavant Kedarkhand and Manaskhand. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines. The hilly regions of Uttarakhand offer pristine landscapes to the tourists. Uttarakhand is “Simply Heaven “Uttarakhand incepted as the 27th state of India on 09th November 2000 is located at the foothills of the snow clad Himalayas with lush green vegetation. There is a diverse range of flora and fauna habitated in Uttarakhand. The State has rich and diverse floral, faunal and microbial wealth including rare and threatened species of plants and animals. Traditionally, the mountains in the lower regions of Uttarakhand were covered with moist deciduous forest. Between elevations of 1,500-3,000m, the major natural vegetation entails of Pine, Oak, Rhododendron, Walnut and Larch. Below the snow line, the vegetation consists of forests of Spruce, Fir, Cypress, Juniper and Birch, while above the snow line (in the higher altitude of the State) is Alpine vegetation which includes Mosses, Lichen and a diversity of wildflowers such as Blue Poppies and Edelweiss.As a result of deforestation, much of the original fauna of the Himalayas are restricted to protected areas and sanctuaries. Major fauna in the region are Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer, the wild Goat Ghoral, Bharal (Blue Goat), Wolves, Snow Leopards and varieties of deer such as Barking Deer Avifauna in the region is regarded as one of the richest in the sub-continent, with over 500 species of birds. A famous and well known Jim Corbett National Park is one of the major habitation of the flora and fauna in the state. The Royal Bengal Tigers are also found here. The Rajaji National Park which is a rainforest area is known for its Elephants and the Valley of Flowers which is an alpine forest and has a number of herbs, shrubs, roses and a variety of Rhododendrons.Apart from these National Parks, we have the Nanda Devi National Park, Govind National Park and Gangotri National Park.
Uttarakhand–Happiness is a proud word of our whole culture
Uttarakhand has been recognized as a part of the famed Kedarkhand (Now Garhwal) and Manaskhand (Kumaon). It is also believed that the famous sage Vyas composed the epic of Mahabharata in Uttarakhand. The signs of the practise of Shaivism in ancient times along with Buddhism and Folk Shamanic religion has been found in the state.The jovial people of Uttarakhand has a great spiritual bond with nature and gods. The people of Uttarakhand are famous for their simple lifestyle, honesty, and humility. The state has a fair amount of cities that are developed and possess all state-of-the-art amenities and inhabitants from other parts of the country. The rich diversity still binds the people of Uttarakhand with their culture and traditional values. The culture of Uttarakhand revolves around its traditional ethics, moral values, the simplicity of nature and a rich mythology.People of Uttarakhand are categorised based on the regions and are thus better recognized as Garhwali (Inhabitants of Garhwal Region) and Kumaoni (Inhabitants of Kumaon Region). Uttarakhand is also home to ethnic groups like Bhotias, Jaunsaries, Tharus, Bokshas, and Rajis. Although the major part of the region is seen speaking native languages like Kumaoni and Garhwali, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi are also widely spoken. Various tribal communities are both nomadic and those hailing from the Indo-Aryan descent are part of the ethnicity of Uttarakhand. Constituting of Proto-Australoid, Mongoloid, Nordic races and the Dravidians, the state is amongst one of the most historically affluent places in India. The ethnic groups like Jaunsari and Bhotias are further divided into small groups that corroborate the diverse population and culture in Uttarakhand.The Bhotia is a generic name that includes the Shaukas of Munsyari (Pithoragarh), Rangs of Dharchula(Pithoragarh), Tolchhas and Marchhas of Niti and Mana valleys (Chamoli) and Jads of harsil (uttarkashi). Most of these semi-nomadic pastoral groups are however brought under one anthropological term – Shauka.The Tharus were once the largest scheduled tribes in the erstwhile state of U.P. and are now concentrated in the Khatima and Sitarganj tehsils of Udham Singh Nagar district. They claim their ancestry from Kirata. Some researchers regard them as descendants are of the Rajputs, while some others trace their origin from the Mongols of Central Asia. Their language is heavily influenced by Hindi and Nepali.The joint family system is very inherent here. The Biradari Panchayat is the political origin.The Buxas are from Mongoloid stock and claim rajput origin. Closely resembling in their habits and customs to Tharus, they are said to be the original inanization ntshe Tharu Tharus also believe in 36 deities, as well as in witchcraft, sorcery and sacrifices. They offer sacrifices to all their deities except Jagannathi Devta, who is offered milk only. They are an agricultural community who are also fishing experts. Women do not eat the fish touched by men and so the men and women fish separately.Jim Corbett National Park is one of the major habitation of the flora and fauna in the state. The Royal Bengal Tigers are also found here. The Rajaji National Park which is a rainforest area is known for its Elephants and the Valley of Flowers which is an alpine forest and has a number of herbs, shrubs, roses and a variety of Rhododendrons.Apart from these National Parks, we have the Nanda Devi National Park, Govind National Park and Gangotri National Park.
Uttarakhand – A land of gods with rich pilgrimage heritage
Uttarakhand a state crossed by the Himalayas in the northern, is known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites and spiritual soulful sojourn. No words can ever be enough to perfectly describe this blessed divine land.The incredible variety of experience including spiritual and sensory stands above any language or dialect.The beauty is inherent to all the things in Uttarakhand stands for. The grand Himalayas, the holiest of the rivers, the spiritual mystery, stunning landscapes, the incessantly colorful play of nature, enchanting history carved in ancient stones, a mesmerizing floral and faunal vistas and the simplicity of the people. The bundle of interesting stories, myths, and anecdotes are part of every visual that unfolds itself to the eyes of the beholder. SpiritualRishikesh, on the banks of river Ganges and a maor centre for yoga study, is also famous for the visit of the Beatles in 1968. The city hosts the evening Ganga Aarti. a spiritual gathering on the sacred Ganges River. The age-old Hindu traditions have always bestowed highest esteem to the glory of the mighty and magnamious Himalayas which are spontaneously assumed to be the chosen abode of the Gods. A whole lot of the Hindu lore sets out from this ‘Devbhoomi’, aka ‘The land of the Gods’. Pilgrimages to these heights dating back to more than 1500 years are found recorded in authentic documents and Uttarakhand still attracts millions of devotees who come here with the sole objective of spiritual emancipation and revelation. In the current ere, these majestic mountains are no longer restricted to the religious or the spiritual journey. As a traveler one can get pleasure from mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing or simply strolling amongst the highest mountainous terrains in the world. PeopleA description of the breathtaking beauty of Uttarakhand would be incomplete without the mention of people who inhabit this pious land. A simple, willing to help and hardworking people here are as diversified as the elements of nature. Several indigenous tribal groups peacefully coexist with others, simultaneously keeping their distinct cultures alive. Apart from being a unique tourism destination, Uttarakhand is a goldmine for anthropologists, historians, ornithologists, linguists, geologists.Uttarakhand has something on offer for everyone.
The nice thing about the picture gallery is that without having to pay any money and being at the actual place you can just see it.