14 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India, bordered by Tibet to the north, Nepal to the east, and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south, Himachal Pradesh to the west, and Haryana to the northwest. The state was created in 2000 after it was separated from Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful landscapes, snow-capped peaks, scenic valleys, pilgrimage sites, and adventure sports. The state is home to some of the most sacred Hindu shrines like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, collectively known as the Char Dham. It is also home to many other famous pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Hemkund Sahib.
Apart from its spiritual significance, Uttarakhand is also a popular destination for adventure sports like trekking, skiing, river rafting, and paragliding. The state is home to many national parks and wildlife reserves like Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, and Valley of Flowers National Park, which offer opportunities to witness a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Uttarakhand is also famous for its traditional handicrafts, cuisine, and festivals like the Kumbh Mela, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, and Ganga Dussehra. The state is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Rishikesh –
Rishikesh is a spiritual town located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand Tours, India. It is situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is home to many ashrams and yoga centers.
Rishikesh is also famous for its spiritual and religious significance. The town is considered a holy place by Hindus and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. It is believed that Lord Rama did penance here, and the town is also associated with various legends and stories from Hindu mythology.
Rishikesh is a popular destination for adventure sports like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and rock climbing. The town is also known for its beautiful landscapes, with the Himalayas forming a scenic backdrop.
Some of the popular attractions in Rishikesh include Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The town also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the International Yoga Festival, Ganga Dussehra, and the Beatles Festival.
Overall, Rishikesh is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the spiritual and adventurous side of India.
Haridwar –
Haridwar is a holy city located in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River, and is considered one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. The city is famous for its ghats, temples, and religious significance Char Dham Tours.
The name “Haridwar” means “Gateway to the Gods” and the city is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprint. Haridwar is also associated with various legends and stories from Hindu mythology, and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Some of the popular attractions in Haridwar include Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, and Bharat Mata Mandir. The city is also known for its Ganga Aarti, a daily ritual in which priests offer prayers to the Ganges River, accompanied by music and chanting.
Apart from its religious significance, Haridwar is also a popular destination for adventure sports like trekking, white-water rafting, and camping. The city is also known for its traditional handicrafts, cuisine, and festivals like the Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years and is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Overall, Haridwar is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of India, and to witness the beauty of the holy Ganges River.
Mussoorie –
Mussoorie is a picturesque hill station located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,005 meters above sea level and is often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Mussoorie is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and colonial charm.
The town was established in the 19th century by the British as a summer retreat and is home to many colonial-era buildings, including the famous Lal Tibba, a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Some of the popular attractions in Mussoorie include Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Cloud’s End, Camel’s Back Road, and the Mussoorie Lake. The town is also known for its local markets, where visitors can buy traditional handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
Mussoorie is also a popular destination for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, and mountain biking. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers many opportunities for nature walks and hikes.
Overall, Mussoorie is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the colonial charm of India’s hill stations.
Nainital –
Nainital is a popular hill station located in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
The town is named after the famous Naini Lake, a picturesque lake that is surrounded by hills and forests. Nainital is also known for its colonial-era architecture, including the Nainital Governor’s House, which was built in the 19th century.
Some of the popular attractions in Nainital include the Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, and the Eco Cave Gardens. The town is also known for its local markets, where visitors can buy traditional handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
Nainital is also a popular destination for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, and boating. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers many opportunities for nature walks and hikes.
Overall, Nainital is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the colonial charm of India’s hill stations.
Auli –
Auli is a popular skiing destination located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, and excellent skiing slopes.
Auli is surrounded by the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountain ranges and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. The town is accessible by cable car, which takes visitors from Joshimath to Auli and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Some of the popular attractions in Auli include the Auli Artificial Lake, the Auli Ski Resort, and the Gurso Bugyal trek, which takes visitors through beautiful meadows and forests.
Auli is also a popular destination for adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding, and trekking. The town offers excellent skiing slopes, with a ski lift that takes visitors to the top of the mountain.
Overall, Auli is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and to indulge in adventure sports like skiing and trekking.
Jim Corbett National Park –
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest national parks in India, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It was established in 1936 and is named after Jim Corbett, a British-Indian hunter and conservationist who played a key role in the establishment of the park.
The park covers an area of 520 square kilometers and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and various species of deer and birds. The park is also home to the Ramganga River, which flows through its heart and provides a habitat for many aquatic species.
Some of the popular activities in Jim Corbett National Park include wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and trekking. The park offers several jeep and elephant safaris that take visitors through its various zones, offering a chance to spot the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park.
Apart from wildlife, Jim Corbett National Park is also known for its scenic beauty and offers many opportunities for nature walks and hikes. The park is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Jim Corbett National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of India’s wildlife and to witness the natural diversity of the Himalayas.
Valley of Flowers National Park –
The Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning natural beauty, colorful flowers, and diverse wildlife.
The park covers an area of 87.50 square kilometers and is home to over 500 species of flowers, including Himalayan blue poppies, Himalayan cobra lilies, and Himalayan bellflowers. The valley comes alive with colors during the monsoon season, with flowers blooming in full glory, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Apart from flowers, the park is also home to several species of animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. The park is also known for its rich birdlife, with over 300 species of birds that can be spotted here.
The Valley of Flowers National Park can only be visited during the monsoon season, from July to September, when the flowers are in full bloom. Visitors need to trek to the valley, which is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of nature and to witness the stunning floral diversity of the Himalayas.
Kedarnath Temple –
Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sacred sites known as Char Dham Yatra, and is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destinations.
The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era and was later re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
The temple can only be accessed by trekking through a 14-kilometer long trail from Gaurikund, a small town located at the base of the temple. The trek is steep and challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it a memorable experience.
Kedarnath Temple is known for its unique architecture and is built of large, heavy stones that are believed to have been carried to the site by the Pandavas themselves. The temple is also home to a large statue of Lord Shiva, which is adorned with flowers and other offerings by devotees.
Overall, Kedarnath Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of Hinduism and to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Badrinath Temple –
Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sacred sites known as Char Dham Yatra and is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destinations.
The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It is believed that the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and was later renovated by various rulers of India.
The temple is known for its unique architecture and is built of stone and wood. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also home to a large statue of Lord Vishnu, which is adorned with flowers and other offerings by devotees.
Badrinath Temple can be accessed by road and is located approximately 312 kilometers from the nearest airport in Dehradun. The temple is open to visitors from April to November and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists from all over the world.
Apart from the temple, the town of Badrinath offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. The town is also home to several natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
Overall, Badrinath Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of Hinduism and to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Gangotri –
Gangotri is a small town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its religious significance as it is the place where the river Ganges, also known as Ganga, originates from the Gangotri glacier.
The town is situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Gangotri Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is the main attraction in the town. It is believed that Goddess Ganga descended on Earth at this spot after a long meditation by King Bhagiratha.
The temple is built of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also home to a large statue of Goddess Ganga, which is adorned with flowers and other offerings by devotees.
Gangotri can be accessed by road and is located approximately 240 kilometers from the nearest airport in Dehradun. The town is open to visitors from May to November and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists from all over the world.
Apart from the temple, Gangotri offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. The town is also home to several natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties 14 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand.
Overall, Gangotri is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of Hinduism and to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Yamunotri –
Yamunotri is a small town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its religious significance as it is the place where the river Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri glacier.
The town is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Yamunotri Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is the main attraction in the town. It is believed that Goddess Yamuna is the sister of Lord Yama, the God of Death, and a dip in the river Yamuna can purify one’s soul.
The temple is built of stone and is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also home to a large statue of Goddess Yamuna, which is adorned with flowers and other offerings by devotees.
Yamunotri can be accessed by road and is located approximately 210 kilometers from the nearest airport in Dehradun. The town is open to visitors from May to November and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists from all over the world.
Apart from the temple, Yamunotri offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. The town is also home to several natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties 14 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand.
Overall, Yamunotri is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of Hinduism and to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Chopta –
Chopta is a picturesque hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of rhododendron and deodar trees.
Chopta is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland” of India due to its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. The town is also famous for its trekking routes and is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts 14 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand.
The main attraction in Chopta is the Tungnath Temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters and is the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is accessible only by foot and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Chopta is also the base camp for the Chandrashila Trek, which is a popular trekking route in the region. The trek takes you to the summit of Chandrashila, which is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The best time to visit Chopta is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. During the winter months, the town is covered in snow and offers a different kind of beauty.
Overall, Chopta is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and adventure of the Himalayas.
Har Ki Dun –
Har Ki Dun is a valley located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,566 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of deodar, oak and pine trees.
The valley is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekking and camping. The trek to Har Ki Dun takes you through dense forests, beautiful meadows, and small villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain range 14 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand.
The valley is also home to several small streams and waterfalls, which add to its natural beauty. The wildlife in the region includes several species of birds, deer, and even the elusive Himalayan black bear.
The best time to visit Har Ki Dun is from April to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. During the winter months, the valley is covered in snow and is accessible only by experienced trekkers.
Overall, Har Ki Dun is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and adventure of the Himalayas.
Pithoragarh –
Pithoragarh is a scenic hill town located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,514 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
The town is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering. The region is home to several high altitude lakes, glaciers and mountain passes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the main attractions in Pithoragarh is the Pithoragarh Fort, which is an ancient fort built in the 14th century by the Chand dynasty. The fort offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Himalayan mountain range.
Another popular attraction in Pithoragarh is the Kailash Ashram, which is a spiritual center dedicated to the famous saint, Kailashananda Maharaj. The ashram is located in a beautiful natural setting and offers a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and introspection.
The town is also home to several temples and religious sites, including the Thal Kedar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region.
The best time to visit Pithoragarh is from April to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The town is well-connected by road and can be easily accessed from the nearest airports in Pantnagar and Dehradun.
Overall, Pithoragarh is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and spiritual significance of the Himalayas 14 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand.
