Uttarakhand is one of the prettiest places in the lap of the Himalayas that has both spiritual significance and sublime natural beauty to its fullest. People from every corner of the country come here either as a pilgrimage or as an adventure seeker. With so many things to do and places to visit in Uttarakhand, there is no way anyone can get bored here.
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15 Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
From spiritual splendor to adventure activities, there is something for every kind of traveler. Listed below are some of the top places to visit in Uttarakhand which has a mix of both.
1. Mussoorie
Known as “the queen of hill station,” Mussoorie in Uttarakhand is one of the most picturesque tourist destinations. Tourists are in awe with the breathtaking scenery of Mussoorie. It is one of the most stunning hill stations with year-round nice weather. The skywalk, zip swings, river rafting, skiing, paragliding, and other adventure activities are all available in Mussoorie. Visitors can also go trekking and camping. Mussoorie is a favorite destination for honeymooners because of its picturesque and lovely views. Other unusual destinations in Mussoorie include Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Kempty Falls, Lake Mist, Nag Tibba Trek, Mall Road, and more.
Mussoorie Attractions: Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, Lal Tibba, Municipal Garden, Cloud’s End, Bhatta Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Happy Valley, George Everest’s House, Jwala Devi Temple, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Christ Church.
2. Darjeeling
There are three things that are quite famous here; the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, flavored Darjeeling tea and the majestic Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. The natural beauty of Darjeeling is beyond description. Its beautiful hills, lush tea gardens, majestic peaks and the cool and refreshing air makes it a popular destination for tourists from India and around the world. Darjeeling is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Darjeeling Attractions: Himalayan Toy Train, Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway.
3. Rishikesh
This small yet sacred city of Uttarakhand is famous for its spiritual and yogic scenes. With the crystal-clear waters of the sacred Ganga River flowing through the heart of Rishikesh, this place has gained fame among many. The iconic suspension bridges (Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula) offer spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains. White-water rafting is one of the most popular adventure sport here. Both, the storm and the calm of Rishikesh offers an opportunity to be with oneself. Do not forget to attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat while here.
Rishikesh Attractions: Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Kailash Niketan Temple, Parmarth Niketan, Neer Garh, Dhanaulti, Ram Jhula.
4. Nainital
Named after Naini Lake, Nainital is a stunning hill station. Its beauty and warm weather make it a popular destination for travelers. One of the most well-liked tourist activities in Nainital Uttarakhand is boating around Naini Lake. Trekking is another option for visitors in the neighboring mountain areas. In Nainital, you can also take pleasure in the ropeway ride. Among Nainital’s main attractions are the Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View Point, and Naina Devi Temple. March through June is the ideal time of year to visit Nainital. Many visitors visit this stunning location in Uttarakhand around this season.
Nainital Attractions: Nainital Lake, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, Bhimtal, Mall Road, High Altitude Zoo, Snow View Point, Kainchi Dham, Pashan Devi Temple, Lovers Point.
5. Valley Of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers are situated in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. In addition to being a stunning national park, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trekking is another option for visitors to the wooded valley. Along the route, there are bridges, rivers, waterfalls, and thick forests. It is also the perfect place to appreciate the beauty of nature. The highest Gurudwara in the world, Hemkund Sahib, is a Sikh pilgrimage site. Many devotees come to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara to take a dip in the holy Hemkund Lake. If you are looking for a getaway with family, this is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Valley Of Flowers Attractions: Ghangaria, Hemkund Sahib, Bedini Bugyal, Gurson Bugyal, Malari, Pandukeshwar, Niti Valley, Mana Village.
Book Now: Valley of Flowers – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uttarakhand
6. Almora
For those who enjoy mountain riding, Almora is another well-liked tourist spot in Uttarakhand. For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors, Almora is the ideal location. Zero Point, Chitai Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, and Katarmal Temple are a few more tourist destinations in Almora. The town of Almora is also known for its distinctive handicrafts and rich cultural legacy. One can get picturesque and expansive vistas of the Himalayas from this unusual location. Its fauna and flora are highly diverse.
Almora Attractions: Katarmal Sun Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Govind Ballabh Pant Government Museum, Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner.
7. Jim Corbett National Park
One of the most well-known locations in Uttarakhand, the Jim Corbett National Park is a popular tourist destination because of its profusion of flora and fauna. After the Sunderbans, it is the second-largest Tiger reserve in the nation. There are grasslands, hills, marshy depressions, and river belts all around the area. All of this contributes to the list of Uttarakhand’s top tourist destinations. The Royal Bengal Tigers, a huge cat that draws tourists from all across India and the world, call it home. Due to its unique geographic location, which enables it to be open year-round, tourists continue to visit this site.
Jim Corbett National Park Attractions: Bijrani Jeep Safari, Garjiya Devi Temple, Jhirna Jeep Safari, Bijrani Elephant Safari, Sitabani, Jim Corbett Museum, Corbett Falls.
8. Auli
India’s popular hill station, Auli, is the ideal place for retreat. Auli, which is well-known for its snowy slopes, has all the amenities a dream traveler might need, including cable cars, Himalayan views, meadows, beautiful landscapes, and adventurous sports. Tourists are drawn to Auli’s magnificent beauty by its breath-taking views of spectacular mountain peaks, including Mana Parwat and Hathi Parbat. The reason why many tourists are drawn to Auli is for snow skiing. In addition to skiing, this unusual location in Uttarakhand provides a number of fascinating activities too.
Auli Attractions: Auli Ski Resort, Gorson Bugyal , Bhavishya Badri Temple, Kuari Bugyal, Nandaprayag, Auli Artificial Lake.
9. Chopta
Chopta is the epicenter of all the famous Shiva Temples, two on left side, two on the right side and one at the top of Chopta. Thus the positive energy at this beautiful hill station is unmatched. Chopta also happens to be the base for various treks. Apart from the spectacular views of the Himalayan range, Chopta is perfect for camping, stargazing, and bird watching. It is the perfect destination for both nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. This picturesque hamlet is so beautiful that people have started calling it the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’.
Chopta Attractions: Deer Sanctuary, Deoria Tal, Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek, Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Trek.
10. Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is a well-known tourist spot located on the major road near Gangotri. Gangotri is another important pilgrimage location. Uttarkashi’s tranquil beauty, which includes stunning hills, breathtaking natural beauty, ancient temples, and fast rivers, makes it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for pilgrims. Uttarkashi, one of the most well-known locations in Uttarakhand, is regarded as heaven because it is peacefully situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, where spirituality is redefined.
Uttarkashi Attractions: Dayara Bugyal, Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi, Barsu Village, Sangam Chatti, Maneri Dam, Bharkot Airport, Gartang Gali, Nelong Valley.
11. Haridwar
Haridwar in Uttarakhand is a religiously significant ancient site. Its literal meaning is “The Gateway to Bhagwan Vishnu”. There are several temples to be seen in Haridwar. Every twelve years, Haridwar hosts one of India’s largest events, the Kumbh Mela. Millions of devotees visit this location to worship and take a sacred dip in the Ganga River. Har Ki Pauri, Chanda Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Vishnu Ghat, and other significant locations are all in Haridwar.
Haridwar Attractions: Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Rajaji National Park, Dhanaulti, Maya Devi Temple.
12. Kausani
Kausani is the best place to go if you want to spend some time in a really peaceful setting. Perched at 1900 meters above sea level, this serene location offers a breathtaking view of over 350 kilometers of the Himalayas. The snow-capped peaks of Kausani turn golden as the sun rises, making for a breathtaking sunrise. It is undoubtedly one of the most unusual tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand. The main attractions are Kausani Tea Estate, Anasakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple, Rudradhari Caves and fall.
Kausani Attractions: Anasakti Ashram, Rudradhari Falls, Kausani Tea Estate, Starscapes Observatory, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Lakshmi Ashram, Baijnath Temple.
13. Kedarnath
Of all the Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is the highest. Standing 3580 meters above sea level, it is one of the most significant Hindu temples. Among the Char Dhams is this one. Vasuki Tal and Gauri Kund are two of the many breathtaking locations that may be seen en route to Kedarnath. These places have been labeled as Uttarakhand’s most beautiful places. Some special places of religious importance are Chopta Valley, Anusuya Devi Temple, Triyuginarayan Temple, and Gauri Kund.
Kedarnath Attractions: Kedarnath Temple, Chorabari Tal, Bhairavnath Temple, Tungnath, Rudranath, Mayali Pass Trek, Gaurikund, Vasuki Tal, Ukhimath.
14. Badrinath
In the Sanatan Dharma, Badrinath Dham holds particular significance. It is Bhagwan Vishnu’s temple. This is one of the four Char Dham Teerth Yatras. It provides picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges from its elevation of 10,200 feet. It is Uttarakhand’s most beautiful location. The stunning Alaknanda River and enormous mountains surrounding the temple is truly breathtaking. Additional spiritual sightseeing opportunities in Badrinath are Pandukeshwar, Yogdhyan Badri Temple, Charan Paduka, Mata Murti Temple and Narad Kund.
Badrinath Attractions: Badrinath Temple, Brahma Kapal, Vyas Gufa, Charan Paduka, Tapt Kund, Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls, Satopanth Lake, Swargarohini, Nilkantha Peak, Mata Murti Temple.
15. Lansdowne
One of the world’s most romantic locations, Lansdowne is dotted with oak and pine trees and is a favorite honeymoon spot. It is among the top destinations in Uttarakhand for exploring colonial-era buildings. Lansdowne is also a popular tourist spot in Uttarakhand for bird watchers. This is where one can enjoy a pleasant time among oaks and pines while learning about exotic birds.
Lansdowne Attractions: Bhulla lake, Tip N Top, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhim Pakora, Darwan Singh Negi.
Also Read: Trekking In Uttarakhand: A Place Where Heaven Meets Earth
FAQs
There are many beautiful places to see in Uttarakhand, however places like Haridwar, Nainital, Rishikesh, Almora and Badrinath attract a lot of religious and honeymoon travellers.
Uttarakhand is a year round destination. What you want to see and do will decide the best time to visit. If it is to indulge in outdoor activities, the months between March–April and September–October are ideal. For wildlife viewing in the National Park, November to February is the best time.
A place called Auli, in the Chamoli district is the coldest place in Uttarakhand. The temperature drops to below freezing levels during the winter season here.
