Uttarakhand is a backward area. Most people live in villages and subsist on agriculture which, except in the terai region, is practiced at below marginal levels. Urbanization is low barring Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Communications are poorly developed. Due to smallness of land holding and their fragmentation returns from agriculture are poor and in many are as diminishing.
The situation in Uttarakhand can be summed up in a few words. Here is an area where the present land use in skewed. The resource base is inherently less productive and needs protection. Soils are thin and highly variable in structure, texture and fertility. Water is fast moving and difficult to manage. Land is easily destroyed through deforestation and erosion. Population pressures have accentuated land despoliation and erosion.
Badrinath Dham, one of the oldest and most revered places of Hindus, is situated along the river Alaknanda in Uttarakhand state of India at an altitude of 3133 m above sea level. Famous by the name of Vishal Badri (the biggest among five Badris), the temple and town are one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to God Vishnu, the shrine is considered to be one of eight 'swayam vyakta' or self-manifested statues of God Vishnu; the image of Lord Vishnu is postured in meditative mood (the 'padmasan').
At the foothills of the Shivalik ranges the Doon Valley is bounded on the west by the Yamuna and on the east by the river Ganges. This picturesque town has a salubrious climate throughout the year and is a take off point for the higher ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Located at a height of 2000 metres, this picturesque hill resort was set up during the days of the "Raj". Its treks and walks down the famous Camel Back Road welcome visitors in the summer and in the winter.
You can trek through the hills and jump over little hills, streams and flowers in the valley and proceed for rock climbing or mountaineering if you wish. For the Angler, fishing is available for Ttrout or Mahseer.
Haridwar the holy city lies at the base of Shiva's hills - the Shivalik range. Legend goes that when Lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, the river Ganga extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plains at Haridwar. From here, the Ganga proceeds eastwards and southwards through Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Calcutta towards Ganga Sagar, where it meets the sea.
Haridwar is famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held marking the 12 year solar cycle, etc. Millions of devotees, Hindus and visitors, take a dip in the holiest of Hindu rivers at this rime, to attain salvation. Mythology has it that a few drops of the nectar churned from the ocean fell at four places and it is here that the Kumbh is held (Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain & Nasik.)
It is said that you can attain salvation by praying to Lord Vishnu {Hari) or Lord Shiva and hence this sacred spot is known both as Haridwar and Hardwar.
Rishikesh is an ideal base for pilgrimages to the Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. This temple town is situated amidst lush green forests. Close by are many white water rafting camps for the adventure seekers as also Yoga Ashram for those looking for something more from life.
Nainital is a lake resort set at a height of 1938 metres in a beautiful world valley. Surrounded by seven hills, the sparkling waters of a natural lake make it a gem among hill resorts. Legend has it that the lake was formed when the Goddess Sati lost her eyes at this spot. She was being carried by Lord shiva at the time and a lake was formed as a result. 'Naina' (Eyes) 'Tal' (Lake) was thus given its name.
Traditionally known as a health resort, Almora has much more to offer than its excellent climate. Perched on a 5 km ridge, the hill station commands a majestic view of towering snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
According to legend, the town of Almora has come up on the Kashaya Hill believed to have been the scenic abode of Lord Vishnu. Almora has long been a centre for woollen products and its shawls in particular are famous in the region.
In the vicinity of the spectacular Kumaon lies the district of Udham Singh Nagar which was a part of district Nainital before it gained the identity of a separate district in October 1995. The district was named in memory of Late Shri Udham Singh who was a great freedom fighter and who killed General Dyre after the brutal Jaliyanwala Bagh massacre.
The district comprises of three main sub divisions Rudrapul; Kashipur and Khatima and is surrounded by the exotic Himalayan ranges.
Whereas on the one hand, Udham Singh Nagar is basically an Industrial district and many industry related professions are prevalent here, it is a perfect example of 'Unity in Diversity , for which India is so widely known. On the other hand different cultures, religions and life styles are blended in absolute harmony.
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