Known as the "heart of Uttarakhand", Garhwal is amongst the two regions that the state is divided into. The region is dotted with lofty snowy peaks, heart melting valleys and meadows, and impeccable lakes and glaciers, and glistening rivers that make Garhwal look no less than a fairytale land. Above all, the region is also known as the progenitor of two sacred rivers, Ganga and Yamuna and is home to a number of Hindu pilgrimages including the holy Badrinath & Kedanath Temple. Lying in the lap of Himalayas, Garhwal is bounded on the north by Tibet and is divided into 7 districts, each rendering the chance to sight and experience something unique and memorable. Starting from the pilgrimage destinations, Garhwal is a land of a plethora of highly revered shrines like Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. Garhwal is a culturally colourful land and the hospitality here is truly touching. The region celebrates a number of festivals and fairs that reflect the gratitude the locals have for small things in their lives. Garhwali is the main language which is spoken in the region, which is one of the central languages of the Pahari community of Himalayas. The language has its own dialects like Srinagariya, Tihriyali, Badhani, Dessaulya, Rathi, Salani, Banagani, Parvati, Gangadi, and Chaundkoti.
The beautiful region in Uttarakhand is also replete with a number of tourist places like that of the "Queen of Hills" Mussoorie. The arresting beauty of Garhwal Himalayas has also been able to capture the heart of writers like Ruskin Bond who decided to settle in its lap in Landour.
Garhwal's picturesque landscape can best be enjoyed in the district of Chamoli that houses gorgeous national parks like Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi; skiing destination of Auli and the beautiful meadows of Gorson. There is also one of the highest dam projects called Tehri Dam located in Garhwal. The region is replete with opportunities for adventure activities. In destinations like Rishikesh where one can find spiritual bliss, there is great chance to relish adrenaline rushing sports like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting. Not only this, the entire Garhwal region is dotted with trekking trails that often lead to incredible places. Garhwal is ideal for trekking and is also a haven for mountaineering, mountain biking, and several other adventure sports.
