Northern India has so many landscapes and experiences that no other region has. Whether its the peaks of Himalayas, the spiritual energy of the scared rivers or the dense forests teeming with wildlife. Uttarakhand is often called “Devbhoomi” or the “Land of Gods” and is the top destination with spirituality, adventure and natural beauty.
It is famous for religious places like Haridwar and Rishikesh as well as scenic places like Mussoorie and Nainital. This state has so much to offer to millions of tourists every year. Whether you are on a spiritual journey, looking for adventure or just want to be in peace with nature.
High mountains, deep valleys and gushing rivers are among Udarakhand’s numerous attractions that attract to adventure lovers as well as nature lovers. The following are some remarkable sites worth visiting here:
As the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has the best of both worlds – modern amenities and natural beauty. Surrounded by hills, it’s the base for all the nearby hill stations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh. The city is famous for its institutions like Indian Military Academy and Forest Research Institute. Don’t miss Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara (a natural spring with medicinal properties) and Tapkeshwar Temple.
Rishikesh is globally known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and attracts both spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Located on the banks of Ganges, this town is famous for yoga retreats, meditation centers and ashrams. You can also do River Rafting, cliff jumping and bungee jumping here. Haridwar Rishikesh trip is one of the most popular itinerary in Uttarakhand, offering a mix of spiritual and adventurous experience.
As one of the holiest cities in India, Haridwar is a must visit for all the Hindu pilgrims. Every year millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy Ganges, especially during Kumbh Mela. The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a treat to watch. If you are on Haridwar Rishikesh Trip, this is a must experience.
Known as the “Queen of Hills”, Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Located 35 km from Dehradun, Mussoorie offers stunning views of Shivalik range and Doon Valley. A typical Mussoorie Tour Plan includes visits to Kempty Falls, Gun Hill and Camel’s Back Road. You can also visit nearby Dhanaulti which has serene landscapes and dense forests.
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park and is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It’s a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. The Jim Corbett Tour offers safaris where you can see tigers, leopards, elephants and over 600 species of birds. Best time to visit Corbett is from November to June as some parts of the park are closed during monsoon.
At 2000 meters Nainital is a picturesque hill station famous for lakes and weather. Naini Lake is the star attraction where you can enjoy boating. Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point and Tiffin Top are other popular spots. Best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant.
A quiet hill town Almora is famous for its Himalayan views and ancient temples. Chitai Golu Devta Temple and Kasar Devi Temple which was visited by Swami Vivekananda are the popular attractions. Almora is also famous for its handicrafts and Pahari cuisine.
Called as the “Mini Switzerland of India” Chopta is an offbeat destination in Uttarakhand. It’s the base for treks to Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple in the world) and Chandrashila Peak. With its lush green meadows and snow capped mountains Chopta is a trekker’s and nature lover’s paradise.
Kausani is famous for its Himalayan views, including Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. It’s perfect for those who want to escape from crowded tourist places. Key attractions are Anasakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple and Rudradhari Falls.
A peaceful hill station developed by the British, Lansdowne is famous for its peaceful environment and unspoiled beauty. Bhulla Tal Lake, St. John’s Church and War Memorial at the Garhwal Rifles regimental center are the key attractions.
30 km from Mussoorie Dhanaulti is a quiet and serene town surrounded by dense deodar and oak forests. A peaceful escape from the crowded Mussoorie. Dhanaulti Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple are the main attractions here.
Uttarakhand has different seasons based on its altitude and geography so it can be visited at any time of the year. A seasonal breakdown is provided below to help you plan your trip better:
Accessibility to Uttarakhand is easy by air, railway and road transportation means from all major cities across India.
You can find the frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities till the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and from Pantnagar Airport there are limited flights that servers the few places like Nainital and Almora.
Major railway stations in Uttarakhand are Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Kathgodam. These stations are well connected to Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata. For Nainital and Jim Corbett, Kathgodam is the nearest station.
Uttarakhand has a vast road network. State run buses and Taxi Service in Delhi for Outstation connect major cities and tourist destinations. Delhi-Meerut-Haridwar-Rishikesh route is popular among road trippers. The state also has several scenic road trips to hill stations like Lansdowne, Mussoorie and Nainital.
There are various activities that people travelling to Uttarkhand can engage in. Below are some of the major activities you can partake in around here:
Uttarakhand is a trekker’s heaven, has some of the most beautiful treks in India. Popular treks are Valley of Flowers trek, Roopkund trek, Kedarkantha trek and Tungnath-Chandrashila trek.
One of the most exciting adventure activities in India, river rafting in Ganges is a must try. Rapids range from easy to challenging so it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
A Jim Corbett tour gives you a chance to see Bengal tigers, leopards and many birds in their natural habitat. Park is also home to large population of elephants and crocodiles.
Auli is one of the best skiing places in India. Snow covered slopes attract skiers from all over the world. The Skiing Festival held here every year is a big attraction for adventure lovers.
Uttarakhand has numerous camping options, from riverside camping in Rishikesh to alpine camping in Chopta and Kanatal. Enjoy a bonfire under the starry sky in the peaceful surroundings of nature.
It is know as the gateway for the one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, Chardham Yatra (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath). Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and Naina Devi Temple are also important religious places.
You may also visit other places around Uttarakhand that offer equal amounts of beauty as those located in the Uttarakhand:
Chandigarh is a modern and well planned city and a gateway for people coming from North India. Rock Garden is famous for its unique sculpture garden made from industrial and urban waste and Sukhna Lake is a peaceful spot for boating and walking. Rose Garden is famous for its vast collection of roses and seasonal flowers.
Located in Himachal Pradesh and near Uttarakhand, Shimla is another hill station. It has colonial charm and you can visit The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple and famous Mall Road. Shimla’s cool weather and scenic beauty makes it a perfect stopover for those who want to extend their journey beyond Uttarakhand.
If you have time for a historical diversion, Agra in Uttar Pradesh, home to the Taj Mahal, is a must visit. Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri is a great mix of Mughal architecture and history. Agra is close by for those coming from or going to Delhi.
Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the Pink City is a cultural hub near Uttarakhand. Famous for its royal palaces, forts and bazaars, Jaipur has Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and City Palace. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to experience Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
Destination : Rishikesh
Destination : Kedarnath - Badrinath - Yamunotri - Gangotri
Destination : Mussoorie
Destination : Binsar
Destination : Dhanaulti
Destination : Nainital - Jim Corbett
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