Best places to visit in Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand in northern land known as uttaranchal is a state in northern part of India. It is often referred to as the “Devbhumi” ( “Land of the Gods”). Due to its religious significance and pilgrimage centers found throughout the state. Known for the natural environment of the Himalayas, the Bhabar and the Terai regions. The winter capital of Uttarakhand is Dehradun, the largest city of the state, which is a railhead. Bhararisain, a town in Chamoli district, is the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand has many tourist spots due to its location in the Himalayas. There are many ancient temples, forest reserves, national parks, hill stations, and mountain peaks that draw a large number of tourists. There are 44 protected monuments in the state. Oak Grove School in the state is on the tentative list for World Heritage Sites. Two of the most holy rivers in Hinduism, the Ganges and Yamuna, originate in Uttarakhand. Binsar Devta is one of the best places to visit in uttarakhand.

1. Rishikesh

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India. Known as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas” and “Yoga Capital of the World“. Also Known as the pilgrimage town and regarded as one of the holiest places for Hindus. Hindu sages and saints have visited Rishikesh since ancient times to meditate. Also in search of higher knowledge. The destination is abuzz with visitors, who come here to learn yoga and meditation. Rishikesh has many ashrams. Some of which recognised as centers of philosophical studies, yoga and other ancient Indian traditions of wellness. Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. Luxury and normal Buses to Rishikesh are available from Delhi ISBT and Kashmiri Gate.

3. Landour

Landour, a small cantonment town contiguous with Mussoorie. It is about 35 km  from the city of Dehradun in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. The twin towns of Mussoorie and Landour, together, are a well-known British Raj-era hill station in northern India. Mussoorie-Landour known as the “Queen of the Hills”. Landour is famous for many things such as its colonial architecture and its picturesque views. The most popular places to visit are Laal Tibba and Ruskin Bond’s favorite cozy little place named Ivy Cottage. If you are looking for an off-beat place to spend some time away from the din of Mussoorie town, then this idyllic village is tailor-made for you. Hence, if you are traveling with your family, it is advisable that you put up at Mussoorie and plan Landour as a day excursion. It can snow anywhere between 3 to 15 times in the winter, at times . In a given year Landour receives twice the snow that Mussoorie does; it also takes longer to melt especially on the north-facing slopes.

3. Nainital

Nainital  is a town and popular hill station in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km from the state capital Dehradun. From the tops of the higher peaks, “magnificent views can obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north. Also bound by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.” The hill station attracts tourists round the year. Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake, the amazing view and the pleasant weather. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. Nainital’s latest attraction is the Eco Cave Garden where your children can learn about the ecosphere. Nainital is on of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. The ideal time to visit is between the months of March to June.

4. Mussoorie

Mussoorie is the hill station in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Mussoorie has long known as Queen of the Hills. The name Mussoorie is often attributed to a derivation of mansūr, a shrub which is indigenous to the area. The town is often referred to as Mansuri by Indians. Some Best places to visit in Uttarakhand are Bhadraj temple, Dhanaulti, Camel’s Back Road, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill and many more. Connected by road to Delhi and major cities. Called the “Gateway” to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines of Northern India. The nearest Airport Jolly Grant in Dehradun is 60 km (37 mi) away from the city. The closest rail station is Dehradun. Within Mussoorie are taxis and buses.

5. Chakrata

Chakrata is a cantonment town in Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It lies between the Tons and Yamuna rivers, at an elevation of 2118 m, 98 km from the state capital, Dehradun. Chakrata was a cantonment of the British Indian Army. To the west lies Himachal Pradesh, and to the east are Mussoorie (73 km) and Tehri Garhwal. Chakrata can reached from Dehradun via Mussoorie. Or Vikasnagar passing through Kalsi Gate (where Ashoka Stumbh ). Both routes pass through beautiful mountainous roads. Traveling in the monsoon can be tricky as the area sees frequent road blockages due to landslides. The area has an plenty of conifers, rhododendrons and oaks. The red rhododendrons are the most found in this region. One of the best places to visit in Uttrarakhand are: Tiger falls, Budher (Moila Danda), Kanasar and many more. 

6. Ranikhet

Ranikhet in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and Naga Regiment and maintained by the Indian Army. Situated at a distance of 350 kilometers from Delhi, well connected by road and railway. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 68 kilometers (42 mi) from Ranikhet. one can also use taxis from Kathgodam & Haldwani railway stations towards Ranikhet at reasonable cost. Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport. Nearest hill stations are Almora – 50 km, Nainital – 60 km. There are some more places nearby which can visited like Chaubatia, Dwarahat, Kausani and many more.

7. Auli

Auli is in Chamoli district in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli, also known as Auli Bugyal, in Garhwali, which means “meadow”. Located at an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level. Between June to October, the valley has one of highest number of flower species found anywhere in the world. Auli is a hiking and ski destination and after the creation of the state of Uttarakhand. Auli marketed as a tourist destination. Surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the peaks of the Himalayas. The slopes intended for both professional skiers and novices. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) , a state government agency which takes care of this resort. It has a 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) cable car, a chairlift and a ski lift, along with a maintained trek route. There is a training facility of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small Hindu temple connected with the Hindu epic the Ramayana is also present.

8. Chamoli

Chamoli district is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Bounded by the Tibet region to the north, and by the Uttarakhand districts of Pithoragarh. Chamoli hosts a variety of destinations of pilgrim and tourist interest. Including Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers. The Chipko movement was first started in Chamoli. The region covered by the district of Chamoli forms part of the Pauri Garhwal district till 1960. It occupies the northeastern corner of the Garhwal tract. Lies in the central or mid-Himalayas in the very heart of the snowy range described in ancient books as Bahirgiri. One of the three divisions of the Himalayan mountains. Great festivities and religious observances mark the Jaat wherever they halt or pass through. The procession swells as it advances with various groups joining from far and near with their idols and umbrellas.

9. Binsar

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon from the 11th to 18th centuries AD. It sits on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills in the Himalayas, about 33 km north of Almora town in Uttarakhand. The temperature of this area is about 20°C.
From a place called Zero Point the Himalayan peaks Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi are visible.
 
Binsar has a museum about the flora and fauna of the region. The sanctuary hosts 25 types of trees, 24 types of bushes and 7 varieties of grasses. The higher altitudes covered with oak and rhododendron trees. In March and April, flowers, especially ruby red rhododendron, are in full bloom. This compact hill town encircled by the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It serves as a habitat for the rare animals, birds and flower species. Since the placewrapped up in thick foliage. It is the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for experiencing hiking, camping and nature walks.

10. Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is a national park in India located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. The first national park in India. Located at the Himalayas’ foothills, near the popular hill-station of Nainital. The beautiful Jim Corbett National Park, is famous for being home to a large number of tigers, the highest among any Indian national park. An ecotourism destination, the park contains 488 different species of plants. Also a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park’s ecological balance. Corbett offers a lot of scenic beauty and interesting history in the region. The wonderful and unique villages around the park are definitely worth a visit. The people living here will take you back to a very simple time. At the Jim Corbett Park, Safaris organized twice a day, one in the early morning slot and the other in the evening slot. It is completely safe and people usually prefer Jeep Safari.

11. Almora

Located in Almora district in Uttarakhand. It lies in the revenue Division Kumaon and located 63 km north of Nainital. It has an average elevation of 1,604 m above mean Sea Level. Situated on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Central Himalaya range in the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock. The eastern part of the ridge known as Talifat and the western one known as Selifat. The Almora Market situated at the top of the ridge, where these two, Talifat and Selifat end. Surrounded by thick forests of pine and fir trees. Flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi (Kaushiki) and Suyal (Salmale). The snow-capped Himalayas can seen in the background.

12. Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is a Himalayan city with a Municipal Board in Pithoragarh district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the fourth largest city of Kumaon and the largest in Kumaon hills. Larger than Almora and Nainital.The town has all the facilities including an airport. Spread across around 50 square kilometers. Pithoragarh Mahotsav has played a significant role in conserving and sharing Pithorgarh’s unique culture. It showcases local culture through music and dance often featuring performances in the Kumaoni language. Pithoragarh is not connected by any direct train services. It is well connected by road, and it also has an airport. NH 9 passes through Pithoragarh. Pithoragarh town is a delight for mountaineers, adventure seekers, pilgrims as well as sightseers. It is an important halt on the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. The rivers originating from the Pithoragarh mountains are perfect for water sports. While the lush jungles here teeming with a rich variety of flora and fauna.

13. Haridwar

Haridwar is a city and municipal corporation in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. It is the second-largest city in the state and the largest in the district. Situated on the right bank of the Ganges river, at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Regarded as a holy place for Hindus. Hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship. Most significant of the events is the Kumbha Mela, Celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar. Here they perform ritualistic bathing to achieve Mokasha. In Hindu traditions, the ‘Panch Tirth’ (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar. They are “Gangadwar” (Har ki Pauri), Kushawart (Ghat in Kankhal), Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi Temple). Also,alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not permitted in Haridwar.

14. Chopta

Chopta is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest area. A part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand state. A base for trekking to Tungnath, the third temple of Panch Kedar which lies 3.5 kilometers away. Located at a distance of 1.5 kilometers  from Tungnath is Chandrashila, a summit rising to over 4,000 meters. This place is known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. The best time to visit this hillside is from April to November. Chopta is also one of the best places to visit in Uttrakhand. During the winter months the area experiences the snowfall. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila covered with snow from December to March. Chopta can reached from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag, Kund, Ukhimath. OR to Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Chamoli, Gopeshwar, Mandal. Chopta is accessible as situated on the road connecting Gopeshwar with Guptkashi. Wake up with cool healthy breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta. The morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of the sun kiss the snow-laden Himalayas.

15. Lansdowne

Lansdowne, is a cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Lansdowne or Lansdown is a town and a hill station. Situated on the Kotdwar – Pauri road at a height of 1,780 m in Uttarakhand, India. Located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand, 45 km from Kotdwar. It is the nearest hill station to Delhi and can reached by either road or train. Since Lansdowne is more than 1,300 m higher than Kotdwara. The drive from Kotdwar to Lansdowne is quite steep and scenic. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun at a distance of 152 km via the Kotdwar-Haridwar road. Famous Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple with its special Shivalinga and a Kund (a small pond) known as Gauri. Situated 39 km away from Lansdowne. People take bath in GauriKund before entering the temple. Two other famous temples, Durga Devi Temple and Jwalpa Devi, which are on the Pauri-Kotdwar road. Durga Devi Temple is one of the oldest Siddha Pithas in India. Kanvashram, a well-known landmark, situated 14 km from Kotdwar railway station. 

16. Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is a hill station situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Located 60 km from the hill station of Mussoorie. Dhanaulti is a tehsil in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand,. Dhanaulti includes an area with two eco-parks, “Amber” and “Dhara”, about 200 m apart. The adventure sports facility is available for visitors in the form of walking over the flying fox and burma bridges and riding horses. There is also a facility for visitors to plant a sapling of tree species in the memory of their beloved. It is 325 km  from Delhi, an 8-9 hrs drive away. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport 82 km away, near Dehradun. Nearest railway head is at Dehradun, 74 km away. Dhanaulti showers tourists with natural beauty throughout the year. So you can visited at any time of the year. During summers the place acts as a relief from the sultry conditions of the plains and during winters dhanaulti covered with snow.

17. Kanatal

Kanatal is a small village and a hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Kanatal is 78 km from Dehradun (capital of the State Uttarakhand), 38 km from Mussoorie and 12 km from Chamba. It is on the Chamba-Mussoorie road and 300 km from Delhi. Kanatal is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Though not so popular, Kanatal is picture perfect. Also boasts of heavenly scenery, luxuriant vegetation, and bountiful adventure activities. Kanatal is a serene and picturesque suburb of Mussoorie. Snuggled on the Chamba-Mussoorie road.

18. Tehri Dam

Some areas of Tehri are view-able but neglected by the Uttarakhand government. Including Panwali Kantha, Belhbagi Bugyal, and Khait parvat. Panwali Kantha is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand. Listed by Outlook Traveller in their write-up. These places have the potential to attract tourists for trekking and mountaineering.. Dobra Chanti Bridge is one of the major tourist attractions due to the lightning work. It is India’s longest motorable single lane suspension bridge with 440 meter long way from Dobra to Chanti. Located in the proximity of Tehri Garhwal. Narendranagar is a tourist attraction where visitors can see the River Ganga and Doon valley. Best Places to visit in Uttarakhand are Devi Kunjapuri Temple, Chandrabadani Devi and many more.

19. Harshil

Harsil, the Himalayan paradise, is a village, tourist hill station. An army area located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, on the way to Gangotri. A Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Ganges below Gangotri, near Harshil Situated at an altitude of 9,005 ft from sea level, Harsil lies 78 km from Uttarkashi. The hill station is well- known for its natural environment and apple. Harsil is part of Chota Char Dham’s Gangotri yatra (pilgrimage) route. The idol of the Hindu River Goddess Ganga (Ganges) brought down from the shrine at Gangotri. It remains there throughout the winter when Gangotri is snowbound and inaccessible. During the summer tourist season, a path to Gartang Gali cliff-side hanging stairway is open, along which homestays in the native villages.

20. Kausani

It is a hill station and Village situated in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand. It is famous for its scenic splendor and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. Mahatma Gandhi called this place the ‘Switzerland of India’. Treks Near Kausani are

  • Pindari Glacier Trek
  • Kafni Glacier Trek
  • Sunder Dhunga Trek
  • Milam Glacier Trek
  • Rudrahari cave temple trek
  • Kafari (3 km from Kausani)

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