10 Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, considered as the Land of Gods, is a state in Northern India that is known for its eye-soothing natural beauty. This place, held in the laps of the great Himalayas, boasts enchanting scenic beauty, serene spirituality, and cultural ethos. Uttarakhand offers you all sorts of opportunities and fun activities that you will definitely crave for as a tourist. It has excellent places with captivating beauty that one might fall for.

So, here is a list of 10 best places to visit in Uttarakhand that will surely mesmerize you.

1.Rishikesh and Haridwar

Haridwar is considered as the pilgrimage capital whereas Rishikesh is considered as the adventure capital of Uttarakhand. Literally meaning “the Abode of Lord Vishnu”, Haridwar invites millions of pilgrims every year to witness the holy Ganges and pay their respect to it.The rustic touch and spiritual energy of Rishikesh are infectious. If you visit this place then taking part in the Ganga aarti and holy dip in the Ganges is a must activity.

Best time to visit:

This place has perennial beauty and is a good place to visit all around the year except during monsoon.

Places to visit:

• Har ki Pauri Ghat: It means “the footstep of God”. This is the holy bank in the river Ganges. The Ganga Aarti performed here and the flock of men taking a dip in the holy river is delightful and spiritual.

• Ashrams and temples: There are several temples dedicated to different deities here. Mansa Devi temple, Chandi Devi temple, Maya Devi temple, etc are some important temples.If you are looking for a peaceful place to live, meditate, see beautiful gardens or get involved in spiritual activities, then the answer is to visit an ashram.

Ideal for:

It is ideal for everyone- be it kids, elderly people, couples or family.

2.Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is a popular hill station nestled amidst the Doon Valley. Blessed with the scenic beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, it is located at a height of 1400 feet above the sea level. Be it fun activities like spending time in family-friendly tourist spots, or indulging in adventure activities, or enjoy the peace by sitting amidst the mountains, Dehradun has it all.

Best time to visit:

Although Dehradun has a pleasant climate all round the year, it is best to visit this place from April to June. If you want to see snowfall, plan the trip during the winter months.

Places to visit:

• Located about 8 km from Dehradun, Robber’s cave is a natural river cave formed in the Himalayas. Locally called Gucchu Pani, it is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva. If you are a mystery and adventure loving person, this is the place for you.

• Sahastradhara is one of the most attractive tourist places in Dehradun. It means “thousand-fold spring”. This place is famous for its mesmerizing beauty and therapeutic values since the water contain Sulphur.

Ideal for:

Peace lovers, family, friends, and honeymooners.

3.Chamoli

Also known as “the Abode of Gods”, Chamoli is a magnificent town known for its temples, shrines and charming Garhwali traditions. The famous Chipko movement took place here. This place is rich in history and flora and fauna. One can go for long nature walks, or explore the rustic life of the village, or hike in the beautiful villages nearby. Shopping lovers can find a variety of shops and stores here to buy handlooms, antiques, household items, pickles, etc. Chamoli is an ideal tourist place as it has something for everyone as it is a perfect blend of scenic beauty, adventure, and pilgrimage.

Best time to visit:

Except for heavy monsoon, Chamoli is a splendid place to visit throughout the year.

Places to visit:

• Chamolnath temple is located in the vicinity of the Block Development Office of Chamoli. This hill temple has the utmost religious significance.

Ideal for:

Peace lovers, photographers, pilgrims, adventure loving people.

4.Nainital

The gem of Uttarakhand- Nainital is a charming hill station, located amidst the majestic mountains and sits beautifully in the footsteps of the Kumaon ranges in the Himalayas. Right in the lap of Naini lake, it is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. Covered by mountains on all sides, Nainital offers exotic vistas and the lush green sight of the Himalayas. In addition to its enchanting beauty, one can also enjoy trekking, camping and other adventure activities here.

Best time to visit:

Nainital offers pleasant weather throughout the year. But this place is at its excellence in the months from March- June.

Places to visit:

• Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Naini Lake is a natural fresh body lake in Nainital. It offers a breathtaking view of sunset and sunrise that attracts the tourists.

• If you love shopping, food and seek to witness the culture of this hill station, you must visit the Mall road. Officially named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, the Mall road connects the two ends of the hill towns of Mallital and Tallital.

Ideal for:

Honeymooners, family, friends.

5.Almora

Cradled in the wilderness of Himalayan ranges, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horseshoe is a hill station that boasts of a pre-British heritage. Known for its cultural diversity, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisines, and magnificent wildlife, this bewitching hill station is situated at an average elevation of 1,638 metres and is spread across a 5 km ridge atop Kashyap Hill.Enveloped by the dwindling pines and old oaks, the city has a divine aura that is enough to allure the backpackers.Almora is one of the best offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand and promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.

Best time to visit:

Throughout the year except for monsoons.

Places to visit:

• Kasar Devi Temple is a quaint temple on a hilltop situated in a village near Almora, Uttarakhand. It derives its name from a local deity Kasar Devi, and the temple is erected in her reverence. It is also a popular pilgrimage destination around Almora that is ideal for people who are spiritual and love being close to nature. This hilly region is perfect to unwind and spend time meditating. Adventure driven people can come here for long hikes and treks on hills surrounded by greenery.

• Jageshwar is believed to be the home of one among the twelve Jyothirlingas. Surabhi and Nandini rivers flow through this place that has 124 temples built in medieval architectural style, and heavily influenced by Buddhist style craftsmanship.

Ideal for:

This place is a perfect destination for couples, solo travelers and adventure folks.

6.Auli

Auli is resplendent hill station in Uttarakhand dotted with pine trees, apple orchards and old oaks that simply adds to the natural beauty of this place. Besides, Auli is the skiing and snowboarding hub of India. Mountaineering experience here is certainly an unforgettable experience here. The adventure junkies would undoubtedly fall in love with this place. Also, this magnificent place is an ideal honeymoon destination.

Best time to visit:

It is perfect to visit Auli from April-June. For snow lovers, the ideal time is from November- February.

Places to visit:

• View Points offer the panoramic view of the spectacular mountains including high peaks like the Nanda Devi.

• Gurso Bugyal, perched at an elevation of 3056 km above the sea level, is the perfect location to view the Himalayas.

Ideal for:

Ski enthusiast, mountain lovers, families, couples.

7.Chopta

Chopta, the Mini Switzerland of India, is a picturesque hamlet in the Himalayas which is still obscure. At an elevation of 2,680 m, it serves as a base point to famous treks for Tungnath and Chandrashila. It also offers a panoramic view of majestic mountains through the Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhambha peaks. Far from the city noise, Chopta is an invigorating and peaceful town. The salubrious wind, chirping of birds, crimson rays of the sun kissing the snow-capped mountains; Chopta casts a spell on its tourists.

Best time to visit:

Winter months of December, January, and February.

Places to visit:

• Tungnath and Chandrashila trek: Located at a height of 2680 m, Tungnath is a quaint village and the starting point of the Chopta Chandrashila trek. Surrounded by evergreen forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron, it is highly recommended for first-time trekkers. The Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak award you with a 360 degree, mesmerizing view of the valleys below.

• Deoria Tal: The Deoria Tal located on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road, is a beautiful lake surrounded by pines that clearly mirrors the Chaukhamba peaks once still. It can be reached by a 2 km trek through Sari Village. Visiting Deoria Tal is a wholesome experience that will leave you with an unforgettable experience and a camera full of pictures!

Ideal for:

Adventure bugs, photography enthusiasts, friends.

8.Lansdowne

Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town that not many tourists know of. It is one of the quietest and untouched hill stations of India and has been a popular destination since the Britishers came to India.The cantonment town of Lansdowne was founded by the Viceroy of India, during the British period. The city is known for its serene and quiet atmosphere. It is mainly a picnic destination for those who wish to have a quiet time in the hills.

Best time to visit:

It is ideal to visit this hill station during April to June.

Places to visit:

• One of the most favorite picnic spots among locals and tourists, Bhulla Tal Lake is a well maintained serene lake made and maintained by the Indian Army. Bhulla Tal Lake is loved for its tranquil atmosphere as it is not much populated and there are ample boating facilities available here.

• Darwan Singh Regimental Museum: Named after Victoria Cross holder Darwan Singh Negi, it is a historical defense museum located near the parade ground in Lansdowne. This beautifully decorated two-storey building has a collection of arms, uniforms, rarest photographs of army generals, certificates and details about the origin and achievements of Garhwal Rifles.

Ideal for:

This place is ideal for everyone- family, friends, and couples.

9.Valley of Flowers

Bestowed with the rare and exotic Himalayan flora, the Valley of Flowers is a bouquet of nature peacefully snuggled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. For those who admire the beauty of nature, the valley of flowers near Hemkund Sahib is a paradise.Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. Other than that, it is a great place for trekking.

Best time to visit:

July to September.

Places to visit:

• Valley of Flowers National Park: Resting in the Western Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a lively and beautiful national park famous for its meadows of alpine flowers. Combined with Nanda Devi National Park, the two of them together constitute the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

• Nanda Devi National Park: Himalayan snow leopard is the major attraction of Nanda Devi National park amidst the valley of flowers and mountain ranges. Other animals found here are the endangered Asiatic black bear, blue sheep, and brown bear. It is also popular for its medicinal plants and herbs. Nanda Devi peak, which is one of the highest peaks of the world, can be seen very closely from this National Park.

Ideal for:

Families and couples.

10.Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh, widely known as Little Kashmir, is the small urban town located in the easternmost Uttarakhand. Surrounded by Nepal to the east and Tibet to the north, this place promises an unforgettable trip. A gateway to Himalayan Range, this town also serves as the stopover for pilgrims on their way to Kailash Mansarovar. It has a quaint atmosphere which you can like for its peace and tranquility.

Best time to visit:

It is ideal to visit any time of the year except monsoons.

Places to visit:

• Chandak, located at a distance of 8 km from Pithoragarh, is a hill with an opportunity for a small trek situated on the north side of the Soar Valley. This beautiful place also offers its visitors a taste of adventure in the form of hang gliding. Apart from this, the Mostamanu Temple is also found here almost 2 km away on foot.

Ideal for:

Friends and solo travel.

Uttarakhand has several magical places to visit. It is a feast for the eyes to visit this place.The beauty it offers, the rich cultures it cushions, the adventures it has in its store is something to set one’s heart on. If you ever visit this place, it will undoubtedly be a memorable experience for the rest of your life.