Uttarakhand Tour Packages

Uttarakhand’s early history continues to remain a bit vague. As per the information from early scriptures, Uttarakhand was inhabited by various tribes in the Garhwal and Kumaun regions. Some of the early residents of Uttarakhand were the Nagas, Pahadis, Gujjars, and Aryans. The Pahadis continued to dominate both the regions of Uttarakhand until the arrival of the Rajputs and high-caste Brahmins during the 13th century. In 1949, after India’s independence from the British, the former princely state of Tehri Garhwal was incorporated into the United Provinces of India. In 1950, when the new Constitution of India was adopted, United Provinces became the state of Uttar Pradesh. Back then, Uttarakhand was a part of Uttar Pradesh, and several protests took place for Uttarakhand to be given statehood. The new state of Uttaranchal came into being in November 2000. The name of the state was changed to Uttarakhand in January 2007.

The state’s government has invested plenty in the services sector, especially in the department of tourism and information technology. This sector was responsible for over half of Uttarakhand’s gross product during the first decade of the 21st century. Owing to the spiritual sites, wildlife sanctuaries, snow-covered mountains, lush green valleys and forests, and rich flora and fauna of the state, it attracts multiple tourists from the country as well as abroad. The most cultivated crop in Uttarakhand is wheat. Some of the other crops grown in the state are rice, millet, pulses, oilseeds, and assorted vegetables and fruits. Animal husbandry is practised by several farmers in the state.

• Uttarakhand is home to the second-highest peak in India, which is Nanda Devi.
• Uttarakhand is often referred to as ‘Dev Bhoomi’, which translates to ‘Land of the Gods’.
• The state has two of the best mountaineering institutes in India, namely the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and Pandit Nain Singh Surveyor Mountaineering Training Institute.
• Uttarakhand was once a part of Uttar Pradesh.
• The state is home to Rishikesh, which is known as the ‘yoga capital of the world’.
• The Chipko movement originated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
• The Jim Corbett National Park in the town of Nainital in Uttarakhand was the first national park in India.
• Uttarakhand is divided into two regions, namely Garhwal and Kumaon.
• Two of the most sacred rivers in India, Ganga and Yamuna, originate from Uttarakhand.
• The Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand is known to be the highest Shiva temple in the world.
• In 2010, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to declare Sanskrit as its second official language.
• There is something unique about the Latu Devta Temple in Uttarakhand, as it can only be entered by a blindfolded priest.
• Uttarakhand has the highest dam in India, known as the Tehri Dam.
• Kumbh Mela, which is one of the biggest religious fairs in India, is held in Uttarakhand. It’s a part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

• The Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun is the biggest and most accessible airport in Uttarakhand.
• Some of the higher regions in Uttarakhand could induce altitude sickness. Carry some medicines accordingly.
• When travelling to the hilly areas or remote regions in Uttarakhand, make sure to always travel with a tour guide or in groups.
• Although Hindi is widely spoken in Uttarakhand, memorise some of the basic phrases in the local languages of Garhwali and Kumaoni. This can help you interact with the locals.
• Drink only filtered or bottled water so as to stay safe from waterborne diseases.
• Different regions in Uttarakhand have different temperatures depending on the season. So, pack your clothes accordingly.
• Be mindful of your energy and water usage in Uttarakhand, particularly in the remote regions where the resources are limited.
• Clean bathroom facilities may not always be available in remote regions. Therefore, always carry the necessary items such as wet wipes and hand sanitisers.
• Always carry bottled water to stay hydrated, especially in areas of higher altitude.
• Although tipping is not mandatory in Uttarakhand, it’s a way to show appreciation to those who help and serve you, such as porters, drivers, waiters, etc. A 10% tip is usually considered appropriate.

There are many reasons to book our Uttarakhand tour packages, and some of them are as follows:

Devotees and pilgrims from all around the world visit Uttarakhand to achieve spiritual healing through the numerous religious places the state is home to. Whether it’s the Kedarnath Temple, Badrinath Temple, or Tungnath Temple, Uttarakhand is filled with renowned spiritual sites. Witness the magical Ganga Aarti at Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri and visit the Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple during your trip. Uttarakhand is a part of the revered pilgrimage experience known as the Bada Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath. The state also has a smaller pilgrimage circuit known as the Chota Char Dham, which includes four holy sites, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

When you visit the state with our Uttarakhand tour packages, not only will you get to taste its unique cuisine, but you can also experience the difference between the foods of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The state gives you a taste of the distinct mountain culinary traditions with many of its Pahadi dishes. Through the use of locally grown ingredients, travellers can experience the simple yet delightfully diverse food of Uttarakhand. There are popular vegetarian dishes such as aloo ke gutke, kafuli, and chainsoo, and also scrumptious non-vegetarian foods like Pahadi mutton. The state is also known to have healthy dishes like Garhwal ka fannah and unique chutneys like bhang ki chutney.

If you want to escape the heat and humidity, the hill stations of Uttarakhand will welcome you with the most serene and pleasant ambience. There’s Nainital, a town surrounded by seven hills, and wherein resides Naina Peak, which is the highest peak in Nainital. There’s Mussoorie, fondly known as the ‘queen of hills’, with its lush green valleys and astonishing views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Make sure to visit Auli, which is renowned for its world-class skiing facilities. The state also has several offbeat and lesser-explored hill stations, such as Dhanaulti, Almora, Lansdowne, and Chopta.

The rich flora and fauna of Uttarakhand is evident through its many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Nainital has the renowned Jim Corbett National Park, which is India’s first national park and has one of the highest density of tigers in the world. Pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Valley of Flowers National Park, which has more than 500 species of wildflowers. You can also visit the Nanda Devi National Park, Rajaji National Park, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary with our Uttarakhand tour packages.

Uttarakhand offers a variety of thrilling adventurous activities for tourists to indulge in, all of which you can experience with GT Holidays’ Uttarakhand tour packages. Trying out skiing in Auli should be on your bucket list, for sure. Go white water rafting and bungee jumping in Rishikesh, and explore elephant safaris at Jim Corbett National Park. Some of the other adventures to try out in Uttarakhand are trekking, paragliding, kayaking, and ziplining.

The town of Nainital in Uttarakhand is also known as the ‘Lake District of India’ because of the many serene lakes located in and around the town. This includes the Naini Lake, Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Naukuchiatal Lake, Sariyatal Lake, and Khurpatal Lake. The hill station is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas at a height of about 2,000 metres above sea level. Nainital is enveloped by seven hills, which are collectively known as ‘Sapta Shring’. It served as the summer capital of the United Provinces during the British rule. Some of the most prominent tourist attractions in Nainital are the Naini Lake, Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, Naina Peak, and Nainital Zoo.

Situated in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand is the beloved hill station known as Mussoorie. Renowned as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ because of its cool weather and mesmerising natural landscapes, it was once a popular summer retreat for British officials during the colonial period. You will often find Mussoorie being mentioned in the stories of the world-renowned author, Ruskin Bond, who lives in this idyllic hill station. Walking around Mussoorie’s Mall Road feels like going back in time. Surrounded by colonial-style architecture, the area is brimming with eateries and stores selling souvenirs, local handicrafts, and woollen clothes. When you explore Mussoorie with our Uttarakhand tour packages, make sure to visit Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, and Landour.

The city of Haridwar is the spiritual heartland of India. As per legend, when the Amrit (nectar of immortality) was being carried during the Samudra Manthana, drops of it fell at four places, and Haridwar is said to be one of those holy locations. The major Hindu pilgrimage and religious festival, known as the Kumbh Mela, takes place in Haridwar once every 12 years, drawing in millions of devotees who bathe in the Ganga River hoping to wash away their sins and achieve spiritual liberation. There are several revered religious spots you can visit in Haridwar with our Uttarakhand tour packages, such as:

• Chandi Devi Temple
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Har Ki Pauri
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Pawan Dham Temple
• Daksheswar Mahadev Temple

The city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is known worldwide as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Every year, numerous people from around the world come to Rishikesh to either begin their yoga practice or further deepen their knowledge of yoga. The city gained global recognition back in the 1960s when the famous musical band, The Beatles, visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. After this visit, the ashram came to be known as the Beatles Ashram. Each evening, the sacred ghats of Rishikesh light up with the spiritual splendour and glory of the Ganga Aarti. For those who wish to carry back a piece of this spectacle, there are several stalls along the ghats that sell artefacts such as incense sticks and the idols of deities. When in Rishikesh, make sure to visit Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, and the Trayambakeshwar Temple.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and also its largest city. Situated at a height of 1,400 feet above sea level, it’s known as the educational hub of the state since Dehradun is home to numerous esteemed boarding schools and universities. Such is the beauty of Dehradun George Harrison, the famous musician from the band, The Beatles, composed a song about it titled ‘Dehra Dun’. The song was composed in the spring of 1968 when the musical group visited Rishikesh. As you roam around the winter capital of Uttarakhand with GT Holidays’ Uttarakhand tour packages, here are some of the sites you must explore:

• Robber’s Cave
• Mindrolling Monastery
• Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
• Sahastradhara Ropeway
• Malsi Deer Park
• Forest Research Institute

Badrinath is a picturesque little town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Nestled 3,133 metres above sea level, the town is situated about 25 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Valley of Flowers National Park. Badrinath is one of the spots in the holy Char Dham Yatra, with the other three being Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. The pilgrimage site is also a part of Uttarakhand’s Chota Char Dham, a smaller pilgrimage circuit consisting of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The most alluring tourist places in Badrinath include the Badrinath Temple, Mana Village, Brahma Kapal, Bheem Pul, Tapt Kund, and Vyas Gufa.

Kedarnath is a town located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. It’s a part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The town is built around the highly revered Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Within the temple is a unique, conical-shaped rock formation which is worshipped as one of the forms of Lord Shiva, known as Sadashiva.

As per legend, the Kedarnath Temple’s existence is linked to the Mahabharata. It’s said that after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas went searching for Lord Shiva to atone for their sins after killing their brothers, the Kauravas. However, Lord Shiva was initially reluctant to grant them forgiveness. Hence, he transformed himself into a buffalo and hid from them in the Himalayas. The Pandavas kept searching and eventually found the bull’s hump, and it was at this spot that the temple was built.

The climate of Uttarakhand varies based on which division you’re visiting, which could either be the smaller plain region or the hilly area. Some of the areas, especially in the hilly regions, become inaccessible during the winter months due to snowfall. The summer season in the plains is usually quite hot, with the temperature often going beyond 40 degrees Celsius. The winters in the plains can get pretty chilly and the temperature can dip as low as 5 degrees Celsius. The northern region of the state has a Himalayan climate. The summers are mild and pleasant and the winters are snowy and cold. Let’s take a look at what each season in the state brings about so you can accordingly decide when to book our Uttarakhand tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature in Uttarakhand ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius in the foothills and plains. In the regions of higher altitude, the temperature range you can expect is between 10 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. This is the time to visit the beloved hill stations in Uttarakhand, such as Nainital, Mussoorie, Auli, and so on, as they offer some much-needed respite from the heat in the plains. If you do visit the plains at this time, the weather will be hot and humid, so remember to carry plenty of sunscreen.

Since this is the peak tourist season, make sure to book our Uttarakhand tour packages in advance. During the summer months, the famous Char Dham Yatra commences. It goes on till about October or November. Some of the festivals you could experience in the state during this season are Bhitauli, Baisakhi, and Ganga Dussehra.

During the monsoon season, the temperature range in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand remains between 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the low-lying regions oscillates between 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. Due to their elevation, some of the remote regions located at higher altitudes often experience lower temperatures.

The state experiences extremely heavy rainfall during these months, especially in the hilly areas and higher altitude areas. It’s better to avoid visiting Uttarakhand at this time as driving around on the mountainous roads is quite risky. This is due to the roadblocks and landslides that could occur frequently. If you do plan your trip during the monsoon season, remember to carry umbrellas, raincoats, and sturdy footwear. The festivals you could experience at this time with our Uttarakhand tour packages are Teej and Harela.

During the winter season in Uttarakhand, the temperature in the low-lying regions remains between 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the hilly regions stays between 0 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. Many of the regions in the state experience snowfall at this time, such as Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, and Chakrata. This makes it the ideal time to participate in winter sports in Uttarakhand, such as skiing and snowboarding. Our Uttarakhand tour packages are particularly popular in the winter season among couples and honeymooners.

Winter is the peak tourist season in Uttarakhand, which is why getting your bookings in early is important. Make sure to carry plenty of woollen clothes, including gloves, jackets, scarves, and thermal layers. If you experience altitude sickness, remember to carry the necessary medication for it. The festivals that take place in the state during this season include Diwali, Makar Sankranti, and Basant Panchami.

Right from thrilling adventures to spiritual expeditions, you will never run out of things to do with our Uttarakhand tour packages. Let’s check out the different tourist attractions you can visit and the adventures you can participate in during your trip:

Lal Tibba is known to be the highest point in Mussoorie. It’s situated in the Landour area in Depot Hill, about 6 km from Mussoorie. Perched at a height of 2,275 metres, it’s a beloved viewpoint that offers a mesmerising view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Bandarpunch. Back during the British rule, Lal Tibba served as a place of relaxation for the British officers and officials who wanted some respite from the heat and humidity of the plains. A telescope was installed at the site back in 1967 which can be accessed by tourists to get a proper view of the Himalayan ranges.

Kempty Falls can be found 48 km from Dehradun and 15 km from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri road. Situated at a height of about 4,500 feet above sea level, the natural pool created by the waterfall is perfect for swimming. During the colonial era, Britishers would often host tea parties at this location, which is how the tourist attraction got its name. The name ‘Kempty’ is believed to have been derived from the two words ‘camp’ and ‘tea’. John Mekinan, a British commander, was apparently responsible for developing the popularity of this location as a picnic spot.

Company Garden, which is also known as Municipal Garden or Company Bagh, is situated 3.5 km from the Mussoorie Library Bus Stand. It’s said that the best time to visit the Company Garden is between March to June or September to November. Back in the day, it was known as the Botanical Gardens of Mussoorie. The garden was established in the early 20th century by a geologist named Dr. H. Fackner. Company Garden is home to more than 800 different types of flowers, such as petunias and dahlias.

Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for being the oldest national park in India. Established in 1936, it was initially known as Hailey National Park. It’s where Project Tiger was launched back in 1973, and Jim Corbett National Park is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. The name was changed to honour the memory of Jim Corbett, who was a popular British writer, sportsman, photographer, and naturalist. Sprawled over an area of 201 square miles, the aim of the park has always been to protect endangered species, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger. Some of the other animals housed within the Jim Corbett National Park are sloth bears, elephants, langurs, jungle cats, Asiatic black bears, barking deer, wild boars, and chitals.

Naini Lake, or Nainital Lake, is located at a height of about 2,000 metres above sea level. This natural freshwater lake is situated in the heart of Nainital. It’s surrounded by the beauty of seven peaks, namely Ayarpatta, Handi Bandi, Alma, Cheena Peak, Laria Kanta, Sher Ka Danda, and Deopata. The lake was founded in 1839 by an English businessman named P. Barron. Known for its kidney-shaped and crescent-shaped appearance, the Naini Lake is one of the four major lakes in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills. There is a spiritual significance associated with this lake, because legend says it was formed from the tears of Goddess Sati.

Naina Peak, which is also known as China Peak, is Nainital’s highest peak. It stands at a height of 2,615 metres and is perfect for trekking and hiking. The spot is also a beloved one among those who love to view gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Located approximately 6 km away from the city centre, it gives you a panoramic view of the city of Nainital and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Naina Devi Temple is one of the most revered 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati. Located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, the temple is dedicated to Mata Naina Devi, who is one of the forms of Goddess Parvati. As per legend, when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of Goddess Sati, her eyes fell at a spot, and that location is where the temple was erected. This is where the temple derives its name from, since ‘naina’ translates to ‘eyes’. Within the temple are three deities. In the centre are the eyes of Goddess Naina Devi, on the left is Goddess Kali, and on the right is Lord Ganesha.

Har ki Pauri is a sacred ghat located in the city of Haridwar. The name of the place translates to ‘feet of Lord Vishnu’, wherein ‘har’ means ‘lord’ and ‘pauri’ means ‘feet’. It’s said that during the Vedic era, Lord Vishnu appeared at this ghat. Devotees believe that his footprints are imprinted beneath the surface of the Ganga River. There is an area within Har ki Pauri, known as Brahmakund, where the revered Ganga Aarti takes place in the evening. Legend says that when Amrit (the nectar of immortality) was being carried by Garuda (the vehicle of Lord Vishnu) after the Samudra Manthan, a few drops of that elixir fell on this spot. The belief is that the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh have blessed this sacred location with their divine presence. During the 1st century BC, King Vikramaditya built Har ki Pauri in memory of his brother Bharthari.

The Mansa Devi Temple is one of Haridwar’s five sacred pilgrimage sites, known as Panch Tirthas. The temple is dedicated to Mata Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti or Goddess Durga, who is said to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva. Mata Mansa Devi is revered as the ‘Goddess of Snakes’ and is said to provide protection against snakebites. Situated on Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik Hills of Haridwar, the temple stands at a height of over 500 feet. It’s one of the most renowned and ancient Siddhpeeth sites in India. The Mansa Devi Temple, along with the Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple, form Haridwar’s Siddhpeeth triad.

Chandi Devi Temple is situated on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills in Haridwar. It’s one of the five pilgrimages of Haridwar and is also known as Neel Parvat Teerth. The temple was built by Suchat Singh in 1929 when he was the king of Kashmir. However, legend has it that it was Adi Shankaracharya, the revered Indian scholar and philosopher, who placed the main idol (Chandi Devi) within the temple.

The mythology behind this sacred spot is immensely interesting. Legend says that two demon kings named Shumbh and Nishumbh had once taken over the kingdom of Lord Indra. As they wreaked havoc and cast out all the gods, the deities all prayed to Goddess Parvati. She took on the form of an exceptionally beautiful woman, Chandi. Mesmerised by her beauty, Shumbh wanted to marry her. However, upon facing her refusal, he commanded his demon chiefs, Chanda and Munda, to kill her. The goddess took on the form of Chamundi and killed not only the demon chiefs but also the notorious demon kings. After the fight, the goddess rested atop the Neel Parvat, which is where the temple was constructed.

Triveni Ghat is the biggest ghat in Rishikesh. The location of the ghat is significant as it’s placed at the confluence of the three holy rivers, namely Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati (due to which it’s called ‘Triveni Sangam’). It’s believed that taking a dip at this ghat enables one to be absolved of all their sins, which is why you will see many devotees doing so. Every evening, numerous devotees gather at the ghat to attend the Ganga Aarti, accompanied by the sounds of chanting, ringing bells, and the visual of floating, luminous diyas.

Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge built over the holy Ganga River in Rishikesh. The bridge was built by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1986. It’s slightly longer than Lakshman Jhula in terms of length. This 450-foot-long bridge connects the Shivanand Ashram to the Swargashram. There are no tickets required or no tolls applied to cross this bridge; it provides free access to everyone.

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of about 32 km from Rishikesh. Perched at an altitude of 1330 metres, it can be found in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s said that during the Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison when both the Devas and Asuras were attempting to obtain the nectar or Amrit. Upon doing this, his throat turned blue, which is why he was given the name ‘Neelkanth’, and that’s how the temple got its name. Flocks of devotees gather at the temple, particularly during Shivratri and the months of Shrawan.

Auli is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand and is located in the state’s Chamoli district. Perched at a height of 2,800 metres above sea level, it’s a famous ski destination in the country. Renowned for its snow-capped slopes, it offers breathtaking views to tourists of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, such as Mana Peak, Kamet, and Nanda Devi. Situated about 16 km away from the town of Joshimath, Auli is accessible through the Joshimath-Auli ropeway, which is one of the longest ropeways in Asia. The best time to experience the magic of skiing in Auli is from late November to March.

Robber’s Cave is situated about 8 km from the centre of Dehradun. It’s locally known as Gucchu Pani and the place derived its name from the fact that it used to be a hiding place for bandits and robbers during British rule. A special feature of Robber’s Cave is that the river water cascades from the middle of the cave. There’s a natural phenomenon related to the cave that always intrigues tourists everywhere. This unusual geological occurrence is that a stream of water disappears underground, only to reappear a short distance away.

Mindrolling Monastery is one of the six major monasteries (also known as the ‘six mother monasteries’) of the Nyingma school in Tibet. It was originally built in 1676 in Tibet by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa, and was later re-established in India in 1965 by Khochhen Rinpoche and his fellow monks. One of the most fascinating features of the Mindrolling Monastery is the Great Stupa, which was established in 2002. Standing at an impressive height of over 200 feet, it’s spread over an area of about 100 square feet. It’s renowned for being one of the largest stupas in Asia.

• Skiing in Auli
• White water rafting in Rishikesh
• Trekking in Valley of Flowers, Kedarkantha, and Nag Tibba
• Paragliding in Nainital, Rishikesh, and Kausani
• Ziplining in Rishikesh, Sankri Village, Mussoorie, and Jim Corbett National Park
• Elephant safari at Rajaji National Park and Jim Corbett National Park
• Bungee jumping in Rishikesh

When you go shopping in Uttarakhand with our Uttarakhand tour packages, you will come to know further about the culture of the state. Listed below are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Uttarakhand and the places you can explore for shopping:

Did you know that the Rhododendron wine (also known as Buransh wine) in Uttarakhand is one of the most unique souvenirs you can buy from the state? If the name of the drink sounds interesting to you, then you can get a few bottles packed for yourself and your loved ones. There are various other local specialities in terms of food that you can purchase from Uttarakhand, such as jams, pickles, spices, and honey.

The traditional handicrafts of Uttarakhand reflect the cultural diversity of the state. Ringaal handicraft is one such example. It’s crafted by the Ringaal people of the state’s Kumaon region and features pieces created from bamboo. This includes baskets, bags, furniture, mats, and kitchen utility items. Another fascinating form of handicraft in Uttarakhand is called rambaans handicraft, which is made using jute and hemp. This art form is more prevalent in the greener regions of the state where both these fibres are available in plenty. The items you can buy that feature rambaans handicraft include purses, bags, showpieces, and wall hangings.

Creating intricate wooden crafts is one of the oldest art forms in Uttarakhand, making them among the most beloved souvenirs to buy for tourists. The village of Gunjyal in Uttarakhand has several skilled artisans who are known for their excellent craftsmanship. Some of the wooden crafts you can buy from the state are walking sticks, animal figurines, jewellery boxes, and figurines of deities.

Visiting the high-altitude regions and hill stations of Uttarakhand means that you will require layers of woollen clothes. You can find many of these soft, warm, and comfortable woollen items in the markets of Uttarakhand. This includes sweaters, scarves, shawls, socks, and much more.

Aipan is a ritualistic art form originating from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. These floor and wall paintings feature symmetrical and intricate designs related to Gods and Goddesses, religious symbols, and nature. The patterns are created using rice paste, flower petals, and natural dyes. Such designs can also be found in products such as dupattas, cushion covers, t-shirts, and table mats.

• Mall Road (Nainital): For woollen clothes, wooden items, candles, local delicacies.
• Tibetan Market (Dehradun): For handicrafts, wooden items, woollen clothes, handbags, jewellery, accessories.
• Paltan Bazaar (Dehradun): For handicrafts, footwear, clothes.
• Lakkar Bazaar (Mussoorie): For woollen items, wooden crafts, decorative items.
• Chowk Bazar (Almora): For woollen clothes, jewellery, metalware.

• Bargaining is a common practice in the markets of Uttarakhand. However, be polite and respectful to the shopkeepers as you bargain. Arrive at a fair price that’s suitable to both you and the vendor.
• Try to buy from the local artisans as you purchase the state’s handcrafted items. This supports their livelihood and also helps you get unique souvenirs.
• Most of the markets in Uttarakhand, particularly in the larger regions and tourist areas, accept credit cards, debit cards, and UPI payments. Try to keep some cash on you while shopping from the smaller stores and remote regions.

• Make sure to dress appropriately and cover yourself up adequately while visiting a holy site.
• Always remove your shoes before going inside a sacred spot. Certain places also ask visitors to wash their feet before entering the premises.
• Be respectful and maintain the decorum of spiritual places whenever you visit them. Avoid using your phone and taking photographs wherever it’s prohibited.
• Whether you’re interacting with strangers or people you know, the common way of greeting someone in Uttarakhand is by saying ‘namaste’ or ‘namaskar’.
• When you meet a group of people which also includes elderly citizens, greet them first as it shows respect.
• If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s considered polite to bring a small gift for the host.
• If someone invites you to a festival, respect all the local customs and participate sincerely while following the lead of the local people.
• Always ask for permission before taking photographs of religious places, spiritual events, and festivals.
• Always smile and have polite conversations with the locals. A warm smile can go a long way if you ever need help or guidance from the locals in the region.
• Stay away from discussing sensitive subjects, such as politics, religion, or local conflicts. Stick to neutral topics instead.
• Uttarakhand is filled with natural beauty. As a tourist, maintain the cleanliness of the place and throw away trash only in garbage bins.
• When you visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, don’t disturb the animals as they rest in their natural habitat.

The food of Uttarakhand is simple yet flavourful, with particular emphasis placed on the inclusion of local and nutritious ingredients. There are two distinct cuisines in the state based on the two regions, namely Kumaon and Garhwal cuisines. While both these cuisines are deeply influenced by the mountain culture, they differ slightly in the use of ingredients and cooking style. Lentils and rice are the primary focus of Kumaon cuisine, whereas Garhwal cuisine is more about wheat-based food to keep the people protected from the cold climate of the high-altitude areas.

A mountainous lifestyle means your meals should have plenty of proteins, fiber, and micronutrients, all of which are present in an Uttatakhandi meal. Uttarakhand’s cuisine uses a lot of crops that can survive the rough, mountainous weather, and this includes millets like jhangora and finger millet. When you visit the state with our Uttarakhand tour packages, you will find plenty of lentils, locally grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, jaggery, and khoya being used in their food. Here are some of the lip-smacking foods you must try out during your trip to Uttarakhand:

Kafuli is a traditional Uttatakhandi dish that’s particularly popular in the state’s Pahadi cuisine. Also known as ‘kapaa’, it’s made using lai, spinach, and fenugreek leaves, thereby making this dish extremely healthy and nutritious. It’s traditionally cooked in an iron kadhai and is usually served alongside steamed rice or roti.

Bhang ki chutney is a tangy sauce that’s made using hemp seeds. It’s eaten as a condiment either along with rice or roti. You may have had different types of chutneys to date, but the unique flavour and aroma of this chutney are sure to leave you intrigued. Some of the other ingredients that go into making this chutney are garlic, ginger, cilantro, green chillies, lime juice, and salt.

Baadi is a traditional dish from Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this dish is rich in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A. The primary components used to make this dish are ragi flour, ghee, jaggery, and water. It’s traditionally served alongside gahat ki dal or phaanu, but can also be served with rice or roti.

Aloo ke gutke is a potato-based dish that’s made using local spices, such as coriander, cumin, and red chillies. The use of roasted dry spices amplifies the flavour of this concoction. The dish is commonly served during festivals. Aloo ke gutke is best enjoyed along with puris and raita.

Chainsoo is a popular dish from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Made using lentils, such as urad dal or kali dal, the dish is high in protein. In order to make this dish, the lentils are roasted and then ground into a paste. This paste is then cooked on low heat in an iron pot, which is what gives it an earthy flavour. Some of the spices used to make this dish include garlic, coriander, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and garam masala.

Phaanu is yet another famous Garhwali dish in Uttarakhand. It’s made using a mixture of lentils, including gahat dal, arhar dal, and urad dal. To make this dish, one needs to soak the lentils overnight and then cook them in a pot. This soupy stew is mostly served along with rice.

When talking about the food of Uttarakhand, we have to mention at least one dessert, and one can never go wrong with jhangore ki kheer. It’s made using a particular kind of millet known as jhangora. The other ingredients used to make the kheer are milk, dry fruits, cardamom, and sugar, all of which combine to give the dessert a rich and creamy texture. It’s particularly prepared during festivals and fasting periods.

Uttarakhand is a land rich in unique and intricate art forms. There are the Ringaal handicrafts, which refers to the bamboo items created by the Ringaal people of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. You will also come across rambaans handicrafts which are made using hemp and jute. The aipan art form is popular in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. It features geometric designs and art related to nature and deities, among other things.

The men in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand usually wear dhoti kurta or kurta pyjamas. They often wear a turban during the winter months and usually accessorise with long, silver necklaces and handcuffs known as kadhas. The women living in the different regions of the state wear a neckpiece known as hansuli. The men of the Kumaon region wear dhoti kurtas as well and they usually wear more jewellery in comparison to the Garhwali men. The combination of ghagra-choli is a common attire among most women in Uttarakhand, with the ghagra being a long skirt and a choli being a blouse. They pair this up with a head covering known as odhni/orni.

The cultural richness of Uttarakhand includes various kinds of folk dances and folk music. There is the Pandav nritya which is primarily performed in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The dance form is related to depicting the epic narrative of Mahabharata. It’s usually performed during the occasions of Diwali and Dussehra. Another popular traditional dance form in Uttarakhand is barada nati, which is performed by both women and men in colourful costumes. Through its fluid movements, it depicts the story of a woman’s love for a man whom she can’t have. Some of the other folk dances of Uttarakhand are bhotiya dance, chholiya dance, jhora dance, and mukhota dance. Basanti songs are a category of folk songs in Uttarakhand that are sung to celebrate the transition from winter to spring. The other folk songs of the state include mangal songs, bajuband songs, and chhura songs.