The region is traditionally referred to as Uttarakhand in Hindu scriptures and old literature, a term which derives from the Sanskrit for Northern Country or Section. With the region of outstanding natural beauty, most of the northern parts of the state are part of Himalaya ranges, covered by the high Himalayan peaks and glaciers.

Uttaranchal is also famous for its National Parks as 'Jim Corbett National Park', which is the oldest national park of India, at Ramnagar in Nainital, 'Rajaji National Park' in Haridwar, 'Valley of Flowers' National Park and 'Nanda Devi Park' in Chamoli, 'Govind Pashu Vihar National Park' and 'Gangotri National Park' in Uttarkashi.

The provisional capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun which is also a rail-head and the largest city in the region.

Uttaranchal / Uttarakhand is a part of the Western Himalayan ranges starting from the Shivalik foothills to the Greater Himalayas. At 7,817 m above sea level, Nanda Devi in the district of Chamoli is the highest point in the state. The main destinations in Uttarakhand, include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussourie and Nainital . The region has many glaciers, passes, meadows and trekking routes with several major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna originating from here. Uttaranchal or Uttarakhand is also famous for it's Wild Life. It has many Sancturies and National Parks, these include Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park,