Uttaranchal became the 27th state of the Republic of India on the 9th of November 2000. The State is carved out of the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. It is bounded by U.P. on the South, Nepal on the East, Himachal Pradesh on the west and China on the northeast. The geographical area of the state is 53,483 sq.km. It ranks at 18th place and it's share is in the area of the country as a whole. Geographically, it is situated in the central Himalayan zone. It extends between 77o 34' and 81o 02' E longitude and 28o 43' to 31o 27' N latitude.

Uttaranchal is a region of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the northern parts of the state are covered by the high Himalayan ranges and glaciers, while the lower reaches are densely forested. The unique Himalayan ecosystem plays host to a large number of animals (including bharal, snow leopards, leopards and tigers), plants and rare herbs. Two of India's mightiest rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttaranchal, and are fed by innumerable lakes, glacial melts and streams in the region. The topography of Uttaranchal is characterized by hilly terrain, rugged and rocky Mountains, deep valleys, high peaks, sharp streams and rivulets, rapid soil erosion, frequent landslides and widely scattered habitations. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains. Capital of Uttaranchal is Dehradun which is also the rail-head in the region. The High Court is situated in the district of Nainital. The region is also known as Uttarakhand.

Uaranchal has traditionally been divided into two parts, the eastern region going by the name of Kumaon and the western half known as Garhwal. The native people of Uttaranchal call themselves Paharis (hill people), the majority of whom are Hindus. Other ethnic communities in the region include Gujjars and Nepalis. Garhwal resembles other parts of the Himalayas where various ethnic groups live side by side. Following chiefly the agrarian-pastoral way of life, native Garhwalis make their living from the hilly land the best they can. Kumaon The inhabitants of the Kumaon hills are commonly known as the Kumaonese. They belong to a predominantly patriarchal society, which recognizes the superiority of men over women.

The social structure is based on the extended family system, the eldest male member being the head of the family. Women are respected in society but they usually confine themselves to household activities. No religious ceremony is considered complete without the wife joining the husband. Women also work in the fields and forests alongside the men. In Kumaon, bigamy or polygamy has religious sanctions but polyandry is prohibited. Widow marriage and re-marriage by divorced women is permitted except in certain sections of high-caste Brahmins and Rajputs. Child marriage is still practiced in all classes of society despite legal restrictions on it. It has all but disappeared from the educated society.

Dehradun, has been declared as the interim capital of the new state. Though the debate on making Gairsain as the new capital is still on. Dehradun is situated at the Himalayan foothills in the fertile Doon Valley. The valley is well known for its salubrious climate and natural beauty. It is due to this reason, Dehradun has been one of the favorite residential cities. It is also an important educational centres of the country. Some of the best public schools and convents are housed here.The Indian Military Academy, The Froest Research Institute, the Oil and Natural Gas comission and many more offices of Central and State Govt. are also situated here. Dehradun is one of the most important town in the new state and is well linked with rail, road and air routes to all the parts of the country.

Words fail to describe the awesome charm and enchanting beauty of this magical land. The splendor and the beauty of the land is to be seen and and felt. Blessed with magnificent glaciers , sparkling and joyful rivers, gigantic and ecstatic Himalayan peaks, natural biospheres, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains.This is the land where Vedas and Shastras were composed and great Indian epic- The Mahabharath- was written. The land has always been the source of inspiration for nature lovers and seekers of peace and spirituality.

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