UTTRAKHAND : STATIC STATE GK
STATE MAP
- Formation: Uttarakhand, formerly part of Uttar Pradesh, became a separate state on November 9, 2000.
- Capital: Dehradun (Winter capital – Gairsain)
- Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami ( 2024 )
- Governor: Gurmit Singh ( 2024 )
- Area: Uttarakhand covers an area of approximately 53,483 square kilometers.
- Population: With over 10 million people, it is one of the smaller states in terms of population.
- Density: Around 189 persons per square kilometer.
- Official Language: Hindi and Sanskrit.
- State Animal: Alpine Musk Deer.
- State Bird: Himalayan Monal.
- State Flower: Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata).
- State Tree: Burans (Rhododendron arboreum).
- Geographical Diversity: Known for its diverse landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains, hills, and plains.
- Garhwal and Kumaon Divisions: The state is divided into these two distinct regions, each with its own cultural identity.
- Chardham Yatra: Pilgrimage circuit comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, considered sacred in Hinduism.
- Valley of Flowers National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse alpine flora.
- Jim Corbett National Park: The oldest national park in India, famous for Bengal tigers and diverse wildlife.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: Encompassing the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Haridwar: A holy city on the banks of the Ganges, known for the Kumbh Mela and Ganga Aarti.
- Rishikesh: A spiritual and yoga hub, situated on the banks of the Ganges River.
- Dehradun: The capital city, known for its educational institutions, including the Forest Research Institute.
- Mussoorie: Popularly known as the “Queen of Hills,” a famous hill station with scenic landscapes.
- Uttarakhand High Court: Located in Nainital, it serves as the highest judicial authority in the state.
- Nainital: A picturesque hill station with the Naini Lake and vibrant Mall Road.
- Panch Kedar: Pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, including Kedarnath and Tungnath.
- Almora: Known for its cultural heritage, including ancient temples and traditional markets.
- Corbett Waterfalls: A beautiful waterfall in the Jim Corbett National Park.
- Hemkund Sahib: A Sikh pilgrimage site near the Valley of Flowers, located at a high altitude.
- Rajaji National Park: Known for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants and tigers.
- Gairsain: The summer capital of Uttarakhand and a growing center for administrative activities.
- Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly: The legislative body responsible for making laws for the state.
- Haldwani: A major city in the Kumaon region, serving as an economic and educational center.
- Gangotri: The source of the Ganges River, attracting pilgrims from across the country.
- Yamunotri: The source of the Yamuna River, a significant pilgrimage destination.
- Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers: Confluence at Devprayag to form the Ganges River, significant in Hindu mythology.
- Drona Sagar Lake: A sacred lake associated with the Mahabharata, located in Dehradun.
- Kausani: Known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
- Chamoli: A district known for its religious significance and the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini.
- Chamba: A serene town in Tehri Garhwal known for its scenic beauty.
- Uttarakhand Space Application Centre (USAC): Focuses on the application of space technology for developmental activities.
- Bageshwar: Known for its temples and as a base for the Pindari Glacier trek.
- Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU): A technical university in Dehradun, offering engineering and technology programs.
- Pithoragarh: A district in the eastern part of the state, known for its strategic importance and natural beauty.
- Jageshwar Temples: A group of 125 ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Kartik Swami Temple: Situated near Rudraprayag, it offers panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Naini Devi Fair: Held during Nanda Ashtami in Nainital, a significant cultural and religious event.
- Harsil: A scenic hamlet on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, known for its apple orchards.
- Chopta: A base for trekking to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
- Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA): Promotes the use of renewable energy sources in the state.
- Badrinath: A major pilgrimage site and one of the Char Dham, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Bhavishya Badri: One of the Panch Badri temples, believed to be the future seat of Badrinath during the Kali Yuga.
- Mukteshwar: A scenic town known for the Mukteshwar Dham, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Didihat: A town in Pithoragarh district, known for its natural beauty and vibrant local culture.
- Tehri Dam: One of the tallest dams in the world, creating the Tehri Reservoir and contributing to hydroelectric power generation.
- Rudraprayag: A confluence town where the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers meet, with religious significance.
- Jauljibi and Dharchula: Border towns connecting Uttarakhand with Nepal, known for cross-border trade.
- Uttarakhand Open University (UOU): Facilitates distance education and lifelong learning in the state.
- Pindari Glacier: A popular trekking destination, known for its stunning landscapes and pristine surroundings.
- Chandrashila: A peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, known for its trekking trails and breathtaking views.
- Zero Point: The last roadhead near the Indo-China border in Uttarakhand, offering majestic views of snow-capped peaks.
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: A spiritual ritual held at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Rishikesh.
- Mansa Devi Temple: A revered temple in Haridwar, accessible by a cable car ride, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Lansdowne: A quiet hill station known for its colonial architecture and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial.
- Kartik Poornima Festival: Celebrated at Gangotri, it involves the ceremonial closing of the Gangotri temple for the winter.
- Har Ki Doon: A picturesque valley trek in the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Shrinagar (Garhwal): Not to be confused with the city in Jammu and Kashmir, this is a town in the Pauri Garhwal district.
- Nanda Raj Jat Yatra: A significant religious procession held every 12 years, covering a challenging trekking route.
- Binsar: A wildlife sanctuary and hill station known for its biodiversity and stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Chaukhamba Viewpoint: Offers breathtaking views of the Chaukhamba Range, one of the prominent mountain ranges in the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Nag Tibba: A popular trekking destination near Mussoorie, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple: A sacred cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, with intricate limestone formations.
- Kedar Tal: A glacial lake situated at the base of Thalay Sagar in the Garhwal region, accessible through a trek.
- Hathi Parbat: A stunning mountain peak in the Gangotri region, resembling the shape of an elephant.
- Jogini Falls: A picturesque waterfall near Vashisht Village in Manali, known for its natural beauty.
- Neer Garh Waterfall: Located near Rishikesh, it is a serene waterfall offering a refreshing escape.
- Chamba Rumal: Traditional embroidery art from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, with influences in certain parts of Uttarakhand.
- Kalpeshwar: One of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Urgam Valley.
- Harsil Apple Orchards: Famous for its high-quality apples, Harsil is known for its orchards and agricultural landscapes.
- Bhatta Falls: A beautiful waterfall near Mussoorie, ideal for picnics and relaxation.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: A cave temple in Dehradun, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where water naturally drips on the Shiva Lingam.
- Satopanth Lake: A glacial lake in the Garhwal region, considered sacred and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
- Dharchula: A town in the Pithoragarh district, known for its cultural diversity and trading activities.
- Chillakhal: A scenic village on the way to Rudranath, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Nainital Zoo (Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo): Home to various Himalayan species, including the endangered snow leopard.
- Madmaheshwar Temple: One of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, accessible through a trek.
- Nainital Aerial Ropeway: Offers a cable car ride with panoramic views of Nainital and the surrounding hills.
- Betalghat: A picturesque village near Nainital, surrounded by forests and offering tranquility.
- Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary: A sanctuary in Pithoragarh known for its efforts in conserving the endangered Himalayan musk deer.
- Chandrabadani Temple: A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Chandrabadani, located near Devprayag.