Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, is renowned for its pristine landscapes, spiritual significance and diverse culture. Among its many jewels, Chamoli stands out as the largest district of Uttarakhand state, encompassing a breathtaking expanse of natural beauty, ancient temples and vibrant communities. In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the wonders of Chamoli, discovering why it holds a special place in the hearts of both nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.
Largest District in Uttarakhand
The state Uttarakhand has 13 districts in all, among which Chamoli district with the total area of 8,030 square kilometers, stands as the largest district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its religious significance, including the shrines and temples of Badrinath. The Chipko Movement, an environmental conservation movement, originated in Chamoli.
An Overview of Uttarakhand’s Largest District
Here are some key details about Chamoli, the largest district in Uttarakhand:
- Nickname: Largest district in Uttarakhand
- Headquarter: Chamoli, Gopeshwar
- Popular Places: Badrinath, Gairsain
- Area: 8030 sq. km
- Population (2011): 3,91,605
- Division: Garhwal
- Establishment: 24 February 1960
- Tehsils: 12
- Official Languages: Hindi
Largest District of Uttarakhand – History
Chamoli’s history dates back to ancient times, with references in Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Gorkhas invaded the region around 300 B.C., leading to conflicts and the construction of protective forts.
Chamoli was initially part of Pauri Garhwal and became a separate district in 1960. After the Gorkha rule, it saw a series of historical events, including the devastating earthquake of 1803.
Administration of Chamoli District
Area: 3,080 sq. km
Tehsils: 12
Blocks: 9
Assembly Constituencies: 3
Chamoli is in the Garhwal division and shares borders with Tibet and various districts with Uttarakhand.
Education in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand
The literacy rate in Chamoli is 82.65%. Notable educational institutions include the Institute of Technology in Gopeshwar and various degree college.
Uttarakhand’s Largest District – Tourism
Chamoli is a popular tourist destination with attractions like Valley of Flowers, Auli, Badrinath Temple, Hemkund Sahib and Rudranath. Here are some of the places to visit in Chamoli:
- Valley of Flowers
- Auli
- Rudranath Temple
- Badrinath Temple
- Hemkund Sahib
Weather in Chamoli
Minimum Temperature: 29° C
Maximum Temperature: 3° C
Average Temperature: 16.7° C
Rainfall: 1305 mm
Chamoli’s climate varies with altitude. The district experiences a warm and temperate climate, with winters from mid-November to March. June is the warmest month and January sees the lowest temperatures.
About the State of Uttarakhand
The genesis of Uttarakhand as a separate state traces back to August 1,2000, when the Lok Sabha passed a bill paving the way for its formation. Subsequently, on August 10, 2000, the Rajya Sabha endorsed the bill, and on August 28, 2000, the President approved the Uttarakhand State Bill. Originally named Uttaranchal, the state was later rechristened as Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand District List
Chamoli with the area of 8,030 square kilometers stands as the largest district in Uttarakhand, followed by Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal.
Here is the list of districts of Uttarakhand:
Districts of Uttarakhand | |||
S. No. | District | Area (in sq. km) | Population (2011) |
1. | Almora | 3,083 | 621,972 |
2. | Bageshwar | 2,302 | 259,840 |
3. | Chamoli | 8,030 | 391,114 |
4. | Champawat | 1,781 | 259,315 |
5. | Dehradun | 3,088 | 1,695,860 |
6. | Haridwar | 2,360 | 1,927,029 |
7. | Nainital | 3,860 | 955,128 |
8. | Pauri Garhwal | 5,399 | 686,572 |
9. | Pithoragarh | 7,100 | 485,993 |
10. | Rudraprayag | 1,890 | 236,857 |
11. | Tehri Garhwal | 4,080 | 616,409 |
12. | Udham Singh Nagar | 2,908 | 1,648,367 |
13. | Uttarkashi | 8,016 | 329,686 |