Uttarakhand Tours
Garhwal
 Garhwal is smack in the middle of the Himalayas, with Himachal Pradesh in the West and North-West; Tibet in the North; the plains of Western Uttar Pradesh in the South and Kumaon in the East.
History of Garhwal
The history of Garhwal is older than that of the Ramayan and Maha- bharata. It is a land of popular myths, like that of Lord Shiva appearing as Kirat, of Urvashi, Shakuntala and the Kauravas and Pandavas. Worship of Lord Shiva is pre-dominant in this region.
Historically, it has been described in the ancient text of Kedarkhand to extend from Gangadwar (modern day Hardwar) in the South to the high mountains in the North, and from the Tamsa (Tons) river in the in the West to Buddhachal (probably the Nanda Devi group of peaks between Garhwal and Kumaon) in the East.
Today it is an administrative division of the raising state of Uttaranchal, comprising the districts of Chamoli, Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri and Uttarkashi.
Places of interest in Garhwal
Char Dham
 With the majestic and mystifying Himalayas as the backdrop, the four most holy pilgrimages of India never cease to amaze travelers and visitors. Char Dham, or the four pilgrimage centers, comprising of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are frequented by the religious minded as well as those intrigued by the remnants of bygone years.
Dehradun
Surrounded by lush green forests and hills, Dehradun has always been a favourite with the tourists. Dehradun, the district headquarter is located at an altitude of 2,200 feet above sea level in the picturesque Doon valley. It is endowed with a pleasant, moderate climate & is well connected with other important places.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie or the "Queen of Hills", as it is Popularly known is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place his residence. This marked the foundation of a hill station called Mussoorie. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.
Kumaon
Kumaon, like neighboring Garhwal, lies right on the main axis of the Great Himalaya range. From the eastern ramparts of Nanda Devi, 25,645 feet, on through Nanda Kot and the Panchchuli group, both twenty two thousanders, finally meeting up with the Nepalese Api group along the gorge of the Mahakali, the Great Himalaya rises in a gentle sweep from the plains of Uttar Pradesh.
Kumaon is a land of fairs and festivals, legends and mythology snow capped mountains and glaciers, valleys and glades, verdant forests and alpine meadows, lakes and gushing streams, birds and animals, butterflies and flowers, all combine to make a sum of delight unsurpassed elsewhere.
A peep into the history of Kumaon
The people of Kumaon are said to have been the original inhabitants of the Kols (also related to the Mund, ethnic group). One of their groups migrated to Kumaon after they had been defeated by the Dravidians. The Shilpkars of Kumaon are said to be the descendants of the Kols. The Kirats are believed to have been the ancestors of the tribes which are today known as Shaukas, Banrajis. Tharus and Boksas. While the Shaukas were active from the Tarai region to Tibet, the Tharus and Boksas confined themselves to the Tarai, and the Banrajis had always lived in 'splendid' isolation.
Later on, the Khasas came from West Asia and settled down in many parts of Himalaya. A major portion of the population of Kumaon is said to have descended from the Khasas.
Places of Interest in Kumaon
Nainital
 Naini, a word that almost brings the cool air with it is a secret hide out of the tourists each year. Situated at an altitude of 1,938mtrs, this dreamland town with its beauteous splendor is one of the most popular tourist resorts of the country. The nucleus of Naini Tal's exquisite beauty is her lake which is a haven for water sports like Yachting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Boating.
Almora
Perched on a hillock at an elevation of 1,646m, Almora appears like a large horse shoe, Sitoli forming the front arm and the bazaar the other. In the 16th century, the capital of the Chand rulers was shifted from Champawat to Almora. It is the district head quarter and the Vivekanand Hill Agricultural Laboratory, as well as the defence agricultural research laboratory are housed there.
Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh (1,645m) is strategically important. On the north it is bound by Tibet and on the east by Nepal. Located in the midst of the extensive Sor valley, Pithoragarh is serenely beautiful. The famous international pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar passes through this region. The famous Adi Kailash as well so the glaciers, Milan, Ralam and Namik are located in this district. Pithoragarh is famous for its leather, woollen, wooden and cane goods.
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