Uttarakhand formerly Uttaranchal is a state in northen part of India. It is composed of two words, "uttar" meaning "north" and "aanchal" meaning "blessings." Earlier also known as "Devbhumi" meaning "the land of God," due to many Hindu temples and pilgrimage places found throughout the state.  Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India on November 9, 2000. In January 2007, the name of the state was officially changed from Uttaranchal, its interim name, to Uttarakhand. It borders Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south, Himachal Pradesh to the northwest,  China on the north, Nepal on the east. Uttarakhand is broadly divided into two zones Kumaon and Garhwal. Large segment of the people in Uttarakhand, especially in the upper reaches, are heterodox Buddhists and Hindus. Many of Hinduism's most important shrines lie within Uttarakhand, tucked away in the mountains and along the rivers of the state. Amongst these the most sacred are the `Char Dham''- four shrines Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Uttarakhand is home of Himalayas and truly a paradise on earth specially for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts as one can experience river rafting, trekking, paragliding and jeep safari. Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills', Nainital, the 'Lake District', Almora, the 'Switzerland of India', Ranikhet, Pithoragarh, Pauri and Munsyari are some of few highlights for the nature lovers as well as for people who love to see scenic beauty and also beat the heat in the cool air of mountains. Uttarakhand is different from rest of the world as it has fresh air, pure water, scenic beauty, chilling snow, adverting mountains, simpler people and a tougher lifestyle.