Kumaon

Kumaon, like neighboring Garhwal, lies right on the main axis of the Great Himalaya range. From the eastern ramparts of Nanda Devi, 25,645 feet, on through Nanda Kot and the Panchchuli group, both twenty two thousanders, finally meeting up with the Nepalese Api group along the gorge of the Mahakali, the Great Himalaya rises in a gentle sweep from the plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Kumaon is a land of fairs and festivals, legends and mythology snow capped mountains and glaciers, valleys and glades, verdant forests and alpine meadows, lakes and gushing streams, birds and animals, butterflies and flowers, all combine to make a sum of delight unsurpassed elsewhere.

A peep into the history of Kumaon
The people of Kumaon are said to have been the original inhabitants of the Kols (also related to the Mund, ethnic group). One of their groups migrated to Kumaon after they had been defeated by the Dravidians. The Shilpkars of Kumaon are said to be the descendants of the Kols. The Kirats are believed to have been the ancestors of the tribes which are today known as Shaukas, Banrajis. Tharus and Boksas. While the Shaukas were active from the Tarai region to Tibet, the Tharus and Boksas confined themselves to the Tarai, and the Banrajis had always lived in 'splendid' isolation.

Later on, the Khasas came from West Asia and settled down in many parts of Himalaya. A major portion of the population of Kumaon is said to have descended from the Khasas.

Places of Interest in Kumaon
Nainital
Naini, a word that almost brings the cool air with it is a secret hide out of the tourists each year. Situated at an altitude of 1,938mtrs, this dreamland town with its beauteous splendor is one of the most popular tourist resorts of the country. The nucleus of Naini Tal's exquisite beauty is her lake which is a haven for water sports like Yachting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Boating.

Almora
Perched on a hillock at an elevation of 1,646m, Almora appears like a large horse shoe, Sitoli forming the front arm and the bazaar the other. In the 16th century, the capital of the Chand rulers was shifted from Champawat to Almora. It is the district head quarter and the Vivekanand Hill Agricultural Laboratory, as well as the defence agricultural research laboratory are housed there.

Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh (1,645m) is strategically important. On the north it is bound by Tibet and on the east by Nepal. Located in the midst of the extensive Sor valley, Pithoragarh is serenely beautiful. The famous international pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar passes through this region. The famous Adi Kailash as well so the glaciers, Milan, Ralam and Namik are located in this district. Pithoragarh is famous for its leather, woollen, wooden and cane goods.