The state of Uttaranchal can be grouped into three distinct geographical regions, the High mountain region, the Mid-mountain region and the Terai region. About 88% of the region is hilly and the remaining 12 percent falls in the plains. This magical land has such an awesome charm, splendour and enchanting beauty which cannot be seen anywhere else. Uttaranchal is blessed with magnificent glaciers, sparkling and joyful rivers, gigantic mountain peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests. Pindari, Milam, Sundar Dhunga, Gangotri, Chetrangi, Khatling, Jumdar and Dukhroni are the mighty glaciers of the state. The Garhwal region in Uttaranchal has many peaks over 7,000 metres including India’s second highest peak, Nanda Devi, named after Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort. The other famous peaks are Kedarnath, Trishul, Bandarpunch and Mt. Kamet. The Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga and Sharda are the main rivers that originate in Uttaranchal. Among these rivers, Ganga is the most holy and prominent river and represents the soul of India. Sahastratal, Kedartal, Vasukital, Sattal, Naukichiatal, Bhimtal, Bhadarsartal and Kakbushandital are the sparkling lakes. One of the most stunning panoramas in the region is the Duirital, the lake set like an emerald in the heart of the Himalayas. Dodital, the pristine and unspoiled lake is just 400 km from Dehi. Although Dodital is only about 10 acres in area, it has a rare, thriving population of brown trout. Sahasratal literally means thousand lakes. Though there are hundreds of pools here, but there are only seven lakes. The Valley of Flowers is also situated here which is at its best in July-August. This valley offers 500 species of flowers.

The state of Uttaranchal has tremendous potential of developing tourism industry due to the beautiful landscape, religious places, trekking trails, national parks, mountain peaks and historical and archeological sites. Most of the rural population is engaged in agriculture. Doon Valley, Nainital district, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts produce large quantities of food grains. The state has immense potential for the development of horticulture crops. Apple, orange, malta, pear, grapes, peach, plum, appricot, litchi, mango, guava are widely produced fruits. The region also holds good promises for developing herbal pharmaceutical industry owing to abundant medicinal plants. Due to its water resources, the state has the capacity to generate many mega watts of power. Presently, it is producing 500 MW of power. There are 17 hydro-electric projects and various power projects including Tehri Dam, which has recently been constructed in the Tehri-Garhwal region.

The fairs and festivals of Uttaranchal are very colourful and distinctive, and reflects the blend of various natural, social and cultural factors. The fairs of Uttaranchal are closely linked to the economic activities of the region. Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, Phool Dei, Haatkalika Fair, Kumbh Mela, Syalde Bikhauti, Somnath Fair, Punyagiri Fair, Jageshwar Fair, Bat Savitri, Ganga Dusshera, Harela and Bhitauli, Olgia or Ghee Sankranti, Janopunyu, Khatarua, Jauljibi and Thal fairs and Nandadevi Fair are some of the major fairs and festivals of Uttaranchal.

Uttaranchal, also known as the Dev Bhumi has many shrines and places of pilgrimage. The source of the Yamuna and the Ganga river has led to setting up of some of holiest shrines in Uttaranchal. Char Dham is one of the most famous pilgrimage circuit which consists of the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are the famous Hindu temples which constitute the Char Dham. These places are snow covered and situated at an altitude of some 10,000 feet above sea level. The best time to take this pilgrimage tour is from April to October. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the two other famous holy and pilgrimage shrines in Uttaranchal. This is also the land where Vedas and Shastras were composed and great Indian epic, the Mahabharata was written. The land has always been the source of inspiration for nature lovers and seekers of peace and spirituality.

The terrain of Uttaranchal offers immense opportunities for adventure sports. The region abounds with a splendid combination of flora and fauna, flowing rivers and snow-capped mountains which infuse the spirit of adventure in all. Skiing, trekking, river rafting and various other water sports can be undertaken in Uttaranchal. The large slopes of Uttaranchal hills covered with snow become an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. One can feel the adrenaline levels rising as one negotiates the challenges of the steep gradients and traverses unimaginable distances. Auli is the most famous famous place in Uttaranchal for skiing. The natural advantages of Auil’s slopes, coupled with state of the art facilities have made it one of the best place in the world. The hills of Uttaranchal offer various breathtakingly adventurous trekking routes. Trekking is the best way to know the land, its people, culture and traditions.

The Uttaranchal region nestles two exciting hill resorts where Indians move during summer. Mussoorie is one of the famous hill station which is also known as the Queen of Indian Hill Stations. The other hill resort is Nainital. Nainital is the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh Government. It is a popular resort in the Kumaon Hills with a sparkling lake in the center of the city. Every year during summer, Nainital has a national level regatta on its famous lake. Almora is situated about 65 kms from Nainital. Almora, the famous hill station is perched on a 5 km ridge, and offers a majestic view of the snowclad station with round bracing climate. This resort attracts the tourists throughout the year.

Uttaranchal is very rich in terms of wild life and forest area. The thick forests and mountains houses a variety of wildlife, birds and plant species, depending on the climate of different regions. The ecological zones likely to fall in Uttaranchal are upper Himalayas called the snow-bound zones, lower Himalayas and Shivaliks. All these zones support many rare plants and animals. Tiger and elephants are found in Shivalik range, black bear, wild sheep and goats and musk deer in the Himalayan range and the snow leopard and brown bear in Himadri region. Nanda Devi National Park, Valley of flowers National Park, Rajaji National Park, Kedarnath Wildlife sanctuary and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary are the famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Uttaranchal.