Uttarakhand was established on November 9, 2000, as India’s 27th state, carved from northern Uttar Pradesh. The region, traditionally known as “Uttarakhand” meaning “northern region,” has a deep history, including being the alleged site where the Mahabharata was written and a part of the ancient Uttarakuru Kingdom. It is culturally divided into Garhwal and Kumaon regions and is revered as “Devbhoomi“ (Land of the Gods) due to its numerous sacred sites like Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The term “safari” comes from the Arabic word safar, meaning “journey”. The concept of safari as a journey into the wild, particularly in Africa, began in the 19th century with European explorers and hunters. While initially focused on geographical discovery and hunting, often for sport and resources, these expeditions set the pattern for modern safaris. Over time, especially with the development of tourism and conservation efforts, the focus shifted to wildlife observation and photography, evolving into the vast eco-tourism industry known today.
