With a wide variety of places to visit in Uttarakhand, the state is a dream destination for everyone. Peace seekers keen on breaking the monotony of daily life can expect solitude while adventure enthusiasts can rest assured of adrenaline-pumping action. It’s simply a godsend for those with a religious inclination with temples and sacred places lurking in every nook and cranny. The small hilly state has even students of history and culture covered, offering so much to explore and cherish.
20 Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Such diversity of options can be overwhelming, especially when planning a short trip. So, join me, as I narrow down the options for you. Allow me to take you through 20 places to visit in Uttarakhand that suit all travel aspirations. From the serenity of Munsayari and the adventures in Auli to the flora and fauna of Jim Corbett National Park and the history of Lansdowne, there’s something for everyone.
1. Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is famous for its picturesque locales. Surrounded by towering peaks, lush greenery, and a calm environment, the town enjoys pleasant weather all year round. No wonder, they call it the “city of love.” The best sights in Dehradun include Robber’s Cave, Lachhiwala, Mindrolling Monastery, Tapkeshwar Temple, and more.
2. Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Mussoorie
Mussoorie is just 38 Km away from Dehradun. You can stay in any of these two cities and travel between them within 90 minutes. They call Mussoorie the “Queen of Hills” for its breathtaking natural beauty and captivating calmness. If you want to escape from the city bustle, then Mussoorie will welcome you with open arms. Read More.
3. Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Nainital
Once you get to Nainital, you won’t want to come back. It’s a place straight from a fictional world. This “Lake City of India” is located in the lap of Naini Lake, and you can enjoy some of the most calming evenings by just sitting ideally on its shores. While you will find pleasant weather throughout the year, it is best from March to June.
Nainital is the dreamscape for both solo travelers and those who are coming with their families, as this town has something for everyone. You can take a tour of Nainital Zoo, Aerial Ropeway Nainital, Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens, and more to experience the essence of Nainital. Read More.
4. Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Auli
Auli is a short form of “Auli Bugyal”, which means meadow. It is a place for people who want to fulfill their passion for skiing. There are tons of skiing festivals that take place in Auli during the months of December to March. On a clear day, you can see majestic peaks of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri. Apart from this, when you are in Auli make sure you visit Joshimath, Chattarkund, Saildhar Tapowan, and Chenab Lake. Read More.
5. Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Chopta
Want to visit Switzerland but don’t want to spend too much money? Well, then, Chopta should be on your bucket list. Located in the Garhwal region of the state, Chopta has earned the moniker, “mini Switzerland of India” due to its stunning vistas and tranquil ambiance.
This used to be a hidden location back in the 2020s, but now you can join a group tour from Delhi to visit this location on weekends. Here you can go trekking, night camping, rock climbing, and even wildlife spotting. The hill station lets you enjoy views of some towering Himalayan peaks, such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, etc.
6. Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Munsiyari
You will find Munisiyari in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. From here, you can savor 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains almost throughout the year. It is also known as “Little Kashmir”, thanks to the mystical beauty of this calm village surrounded by lofty peaks.
Given various trekking routes, this place will test high-altitude trekkers’ skills and patience. Munsiyari used to be a restricted area as it is wedged in between the borders of India, Nepal, and Tibet. But now, the government of Uttarakhand has opened this place for trek lovers so they can live their dreams in this quiet paradise of Kumaon. Read More.
7. Lansdowne
The Viceroy of India established the cantonment of Lansdowne during the British rule in India. He carefully chose the location amidst old oak trees and breathtaking and calming hills. Here you get to experience the treacherous trails of Lover’s Lane or check out the products sold by locals in the main market of the cantonment.
This Himalayan paradise is draped in a pristine white hue of snow during winter. If you want to see the history of Garhwal rifles, then Lansdowne is the place of your dreams. Being close to Jim Corbett National Park, the town offers an excellent sight for bird watchers and nature lovers who want to see exotic wildlife in its natural habitat.
8. Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers is considered the most beautiful trek in India and, in some cases, in the entire world by the trekking community. This national park is spread over 87 sq km in the Chamoli district, and it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The mountaineers who first visited this place got struck by the beauty of it and named it “Valley of Flowers” in 1931. About 3600 meters above sea level, it is home to some rare species, such as the gray langur, the flying squirrel, and more.
9. Almora
Almora comes across as one of the best off-beat destinations in Uttarakhand. One of the best times to visit Almora is in the summer season when the temperature remains pleasant. During your stay, make sure you explore Zero Point, Jageshwar, Kasar Devi, Chitai Temple, and other famous places in Almora.
The grandeur of Martola can be visited during your stay in Almora as it is just 10 Km away from this place. Besides, Deer Park of Almora inhabitants lush green trees of pines and oak that elevate the natural beauty.
10. Ramgarh
Ramgarh, located at a height of 1789 meters, is the “fruit bowl of Kumaon.” Here you will find sprawling orchids of apple, peach, pear, and apricot dotting the entire town. Since it is one of the lesser-known places in Uttarakhand, tourists rarely come to this location, even though it is pretty close to Mukteshwar.
You can take lodgings in homestays run by local villagers and learn about unexplored stories that are waiting to be heard. Ramgarh hosted some of the most profound writers in its history, including Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
11. Rudraprayag
The town gets its name, Rudraprayag from the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. This town is surrounded by crystal clear lakes, glaciers, and silver streams that you can witness throughout the year. This town is nestled on the banks of the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Rudrapryag comes under the belt of Panch Prayag. A lot of people start their Kedarnath pilgrimage from this town as well. During your stay here, you can visit Chopta, Kalimath, Ukhimath, Augustmuni, Koteshwar temple, and many more religious locations.
12. Champawat
Champawat is a place that is silently hidden in far corners of Uttarakhand. In addition to this, it doesn’t have as many sightseeing locations as the others we have mentioned. But the town is famous for having some of the most ancient shrines, such as the Kanteshwar temple. This temple is located on the top of the lofty hill on the east side of the town.
Apart from the temple, you can also visit the stone structure called Ek Hathiya Ka Naula, which has intricate stone carvings on the inside walls. Likewise, Patal Rudreshwar is a cave Lord Shiva devotees don’t want to miss. This is where it is said that Lord Shiva did severe meditation.
13. Pangot
Pangot is another hidden hillside hamlet that is quite popular due to the immense population of bird species residing in nearby forests. This location also has a variety of flora and fauna for travelers to experience.
Places you can visit during your stay in Pangot is Naina Peak. From here, you get the birdseye view of Nainital and the surrounding area. Furthermore, you can take a tour of the snow viewpoint and visit Naina Devi temple and Tiffin Top.
14. Chaukori
Chaukori is a small town located in front of the surreal peaks of the great Himalayas. The name Chaukori was given to this town because of its bowl-shaped geography. Here you can visit Narayan Ashram, which was established by Narayan Swami back in 1936. For mountaineers, Chaukori has the Pindari glacier located in the Kumaon Himalayas.
15. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park was established to make animals live their lives in complete wilderness under the protection of humans. It is one of the famous tourist attractions as it is home to wild elephants and tigers. This national park is spread over 820.42 sq. km., embracing Shivaliks on the foothills of the Himalayas.
In addition to the flora and fauna of this place, you will also get to witness Hanuman Langur and Rhesus Macaque species residing peacefully in the park. From here, Haridwar and Rishikesh are located just 9 Km and 18 Km of distance.
16. Bhowali
Bhowali looks like a miniature town nestled amidst Nainital and Bhimtal. Unlike Nainital, which is buzzing with tourists throughout the year, Bhowali is a peaceful town providing 360-degree scenic views of lush green hills. During your stay here, you can also visit the Shyamkhet Tea Garden, Golu Devta temple, and the folk culture museum of Uttrakhand.
17. Kausani
To witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Uttarakhand, you need to visit Kausani. It is a beautiful hill station, not too crowded, providing snow-capped views of the Panchuli Peaks, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. This place is a perfect mix of nature’s beauty and the adventure of wilderness.
- Suggested Reading: Anasakti Ashram
You can check out Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Anasakti Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived for two weeks, Rudradhari Falls & Temple, Kausani tea estate, Baijnath Temple, and most important of them all, Starscapes Observatory Kausani. Read More.
18. Ranikhet
Ranikhet is one of the popular tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. This location has a number of sightseeing options, such as Rani Jheel, Ashiyana Park, Haidakhan Temple, Jhoola Devi, and Ram Mandir. In addition to this, you can also visit Chaubatia Gardens, Upat golf course, Majkhali Helmet, and Mahavatar Babaji cave during your stay in Ranikhet.
19. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is considered to be the epicenter of Yoga and a significant religious destination in India. There are tons of temples and ashrams located on the banks of the river Ganga that you can visit during your stay here. Two of the well-known Ashrams are Pramarth Niketan and Gita Ashram.
In Rishikesh, you can attend Ganga Aarti in the evening in its whole grandeur at Triveni Ghat. Or, take a walk on Lakshman Jhula at night. For adventure seekers, Rishikesh has Jumpin Heights, which provides a bungee jumping experience to tourists. In addition to this, you can also take part in rafting.
20. Haridwar
Haridwar is the place in Uttarakhand that takes the concept of spirituality to a whole new level. The Har Ki Paudi at Haridwar is always filled with people who have come here for a pilgrimage that requires them to take a dip in the holy water of the Ganga. It is said that if you take a dip in the holy water of Ganga at Haridwar, all your sins will be absolved for good.
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is one of the things you cannot miss when you are visiting Haridwar. The energy of mantra chants, bells, and prayers fills the surroundings with pureness. It is one of the most fascinating experiences you can get in India. Just like Rishikesh, here you will also find a number of Ashrams and temples that you can visit to learn about various Hindu scriptures and can take part in Ayurvedic treatment. Read More.
Wrapping Up
So, that was my take on the places to visit in Uttarakhand. By now, you must have realized Uttarakhand has out-of-the-world beauty. You need to take a peek inside to fully comprehend its scale. We hope this blog has helped you in finding the next vacation destination in Uttarakhand. Until next time, keep on traveling, keep on spreading love, and be a knowledgeable traveler.
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