The Himalayan town of Almora

Uttarakhand (Hindi: उत्तराखण्ड, Sanskrit:उत्तराखण्डराज्यम्), formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part ofIndia. Uttarakhand is mainly known for its natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. On 9 November 2000, this 27th state of the Republic of India was carved out of the Himalayan and adjoining northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh. Two important rivers of India originate in the region, the Ganga at Gangotri and the Yamuna at Yamunotri. It is home to many holy Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state.

The natives of the state are generally called either Garhwali or Kumaoni depending on their place of origin. According to the 2011 census of India, Uttarakhand has a population of about 10 million.