Uttarakhand is a state in northern India that’s known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, mesmerizing scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
Uttarakhand is a land of diverse geography, well-structured administrative divisions of Uttarakhand and a blend of natural beauty with efficient governance.
This blog post will explore the administrative divisions and geography of Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Geography
Uttarakhand, nestled between the Himalayas, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty. The state is bordered to the west by Himachal Pradesh, and the south by Uttar Pradesh. The state is divided in two regions: the Garhwal Region, and the Kumaon Region.
Garhwal, located in the western part of Uttarakhand is a haven for nature and adventure lovers. The region is home to many popular tourist destinations, including Dehradun and Mussoorie.
The region is famous for its green valleys, snowcapped peaks and sacred rivers such as the Yamuna and Ganga. Garhwal offers tourists a variety of activities, such as trekking, river-rafting and mountaineering. It is a perfect destination for those who are looking for tranquility and natural beauty.
The Kumaon region, on the other hand is located in the eastern part Uttarakhand. It is known for its scenic beauty, serene hill stations and rich cultural heritage.
This region is home to some popular tourist attractions, including Jim Corbett National Park, Ranikhet and Almora. Kumaon’s breathtaking Himalayan views, picturesque lakes, ancient temples, and beautiful landscapes are its most famous features.
Weather
This region is a great place to combine adventure with relaxation. There are many activities available, including wildlife safaris, boating and nature walks.
Uttarakhand’s geography is not just its mountains. It also includes beautiful rivers, valleys and forests. Numerous rivers, such as the Ganga, Yamuna Alaknanda and Bhagirathi add beauty to Uttarakhand and provide water for electricity and irrigation.
Hindus also attach great religious importance to these rivers, which attracts pilgrims from around the globe. Uttarakhand’s valleys and forests are home to an array of wildlife and flora, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Garhwal Region
The Garhwal Region is located to the west of Uttarakhand and offers a wealth of natural wonders as well as a rich cultural heritage. Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and serves as its administrative headquarters. Dehradun, a city bustling with activity and surrounded by beautiful hills, offers a blend of urban amenities as well as natural beauty.
In the region, there are also popular hill stations such as Mussoorie. This “Queen of Hills” is known for its breathtaking views of Doon Valley. Rishikesh is another popular destination in the Garhwal Region. It’s known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and attracts spiritual seekers from around the world. Haridwar is located on the banks the holy River Ganga and is a popular pilgrimage destination and hub for cultural and religious events.
Garhwal is more than just cities and towns. It offers adventure sports such as trekking, river rafting and mountaineering. Snow-capped mountains, green valleys and sacred rivers are a haven for adventurers and nature lovers.
Kumaon Region
Kumaon, located in eastern Uttarakhand, has a rich history, beautiful scenery, and tranquility. Nainital is one of India’s most popular hill towns, nestled in the Kumaon Hills. It is known for its beautiful lakes, mild weather and colonial architecture.
Naini Lake is a tranquil lake surrounded by green hills. Visitors can enjoy boating or yachting on the Naini Lake. Almora is located at 1,638 meters and offers panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The city is well-known for its ancient temples and handicrafts.
Ranikhet is a charming hill station located in Kumaon. It’s famous for its beautiful orchards and golf course. Jim Corbett National Park is located at the foothills the Himalayas and offers a diverse range of wildlife. Kumaon is the perfect place for nature lovers to find peace and tranquility. It has picturesque landscapes, peaceful hill stations, ancient temples, and a variety of wildlife.
Uttarakhand’s geographical diversity, with its majestic mountain ranges, meandering river valleys and dense forest, provides a wealth of exploration and adventure opportunities.
Uttarakhandoffers something for everyone.
Administrative Division of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has been divided administratively into thirteen districts. Each district is headed by a district magistrate who is responsible for its administration. To ensure effective governance, these districts are further subdivided into subdivisions tehsils and block.
| Divisions | Headquarters | Districts |
| Garhwal | Pauri | Dehradun Chamoli Haridwar Pauri Garhwal Rudraprayag Tehri Garhwal Uttarkashi |
| Kumaon | Nainital | Almora Bageshwar Champawat Pithoragarh Nainital Udham Singh Nagar |
Uttarakhand Divisional Map
Districts in Uttarakhand
- Dehradun : Dehradun, also known as the capital city of Uttarakhand is located in the Garhwal region. It serves as the administrative center of the state. The city is bustling with a well-developed infrastructure.
- Haridwar Located on the plains, Haridwar has become a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The Kumbh Mela is a religious festival that draws millions of pilgrims from around the world. The city is famous for its sacred Ghats where devotees bathe in the Ganga.
- Nainital : Nainital, nestled in the Kumaon Hills, is a popular hill-station known for its beautiful lakes, pleasant climate, and colonial architecture. It is an important tourist destination as well as an administrative hub for the Kumaon area.
- Almora : Located at 1,638 meters above sea level, Almora provides panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The city is famous for its ancient temples and handicrafts. Almora, in the Kumaon district, is a tourist destination that attracts tourists because of its historical and natural significance.
- Pithoragarh Located in easternmost Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh has a natural beauty that is known as the “Little Kashmir”. The foothills are a stunning view of the Himalayas. Pithoragarh serves as a gateway for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and the Johar Valley.
- Chamoli This district is known for its religious significance, as it contains the Badrinath Sahib and Hemkund sahib shrines. The Valley of Flowers and the skiing opportunities are also well-known. Chamoli is a popular pilgrimage destination and adventure spot for thousands of people every year.
- Uttarkashi Located on the banks the Bhagirathi river, Uttarkashi serves as a popular pilgrimage site and is the gateway to the Gangotri & Yamunotri shrines. This district is famous for its cultural and religious significance. It has many temples and ashrams.
- Rudraprayag : Rudraprayag, named after Lord Shiva is famous for the confluence of Alaknanda River and Mandakini River. Hindus hold it in high regard as the site where Lord Shiva reportedly meditated. It is popular for its scenic beauty, and pilgrims on their way to the Char Dham Yatra often stop here.
- Tehri Garhwal Tehri Garhwal has the Tehri dam which is one of the tallest Dams in the World. The Tehri lake and surrounding mountains are spectacularly viewed from the top. It is popular for adventure activities like water skiing and jet skiing, as well as boating.
- Pauri Garhwal Pauri Garhwal, known for its beautiful landscapes and adventure seekers paradise is the perfect destination for nature lovers. There are plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is a district known for its beauty, and is sometimes called the ” queen of hills.“.
- Bageshwar Located at the confluence between the Saryu River and the Gomti River, Bageshwar has ancient temples as well as natural beauty. The Pindari Glacier Trek is a popular adventure for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is also known for its cultural and religious significance with numerous temples.
- Champawat : Champawat has ancient temples and a rich history. The area is popular with nature lovers and offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. It is also a place of history and culture, with a rich cultural heritage.
- Udham Singh Nagar This district is a major industrial hub in Uttarakhand, and it is well-known for its agricultural products. The district is home to Jim Corbett National Park which attracts nature and wildlife lovers. This district is a blend of natural beauty and industrial development.
Uttarakhand is divided into districts, each with its own administrative structure. Each district has different departments that are responsible for various aspects of government, such as health, education, rural development, and revenue.
The District Magistrates and their administrative teams ensure that the district is running smoothly. They also cater to the local needs. Subdivisions, tehsils and blocks in each district are important for effective governance. They also ensure that development benefits reach the local level.
Uttarakhand is a beautiful place with a diverse geography. Its administrative divisions are well-structured and offer optimum governance.
The stunning landscapes and ancient temples combined with the vibrant culture of this destination make it an ideal place for travelers looking for a truly soul-stirring trip.
Uttarakhand offers something for everyone, whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover or spiritual seeker.
Plan your trip to Uttarakhand and experience the Himalayan beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The FAQ
Which are the major regions of Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is divided in two regions: the Garhwal region, and the Kumaon area.
What are Garhwal and Kumaon?
Garhwal Kumaon is a distinct region located in Uttarakhand, a state in northern India. These regions are known for their natural beauty, cultural heritage and historical importance. We’ll explore each region to better understand its unique characteristics.
Which are the most popular tourist destinations of the Garhwal region?
Dehradun is a popular tourist destination in Garhwal, as are Uttarkashi (New Tehi), Harshil (Lansdown), Mussoorie (Mussoorie), Rishikesh and Haridwar.
What district is the administrative capital of Uttarakhand/the administrative headquarters?
Dehradun is the administrative capital of Uttarakhand.
How are the districts in Uttarakhand divided?
Uttarakhand is divided administratively into 13 districts.
