11 Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

Earned the status of ‘State’ in the year 2000, Uttarakhand, which was earlier a part of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its scenic beauty and pilgrim centers. If you are associated with religious beliefs, you may be keen to visit the place for its divinity and if you are a nature lover, you will find divinity in the rich expanse of endless natural beauty here. Wherever your faith is placed, be it in god or in the powers of nature to inspire you into living a life of fulfillment, Uttarakhand is the perfect destination. Here are the top 11 places to visit in Uttarakhand.

1. Dehradun

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hill station, landscape, views.
• Major Attractions: Sahastradhara and Tapkeshwar temple.
• Nearby Places: Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.

About Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is situated at Himalayan foothills. The geographical location of Dehradun is picturesque with Himalayan ranges in view and River Ganges and River Yamuna on either side of the city. Natural beauty apart, the place is famous for the splendid architectural display by some of the ancient constructions. Some of the leading attractions of Dehradun include:

Places to Visit

• Sahastradhara
• Tiger Falls
• Robber’s Cave
• Mindrolling Monastery
• Tapkeshwar Temple
• Forest Research Institute
• Tapovan
• Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
• Lachhiwala
• Malsi Deer Park

How to Reach

• Air

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one to Dehradun, lying about 30 kms (1 hr 10 min) away from the city. Major flights like Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India etc have regular flights here from all major cities. Pre paid taxis can be availed from here to the city.

• Rail

Dehradun railway station (DDN) is the nearest junction located at a short distance from the main city. Regular trains from all parts of India have a stoppage here.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses from all parts of the state, nearby cities and even from Delhi (Kashmera Gate). The Dehradun bus station is about 5-6 km away from the main city and a cab or taxi should be hailed from the same. NH44, NH334, NH307 are the national highways passing through the city.

2. Nainital

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hill station, Views, Lakes, Serenity.
• Major Attractions: Naini lake, Naina peak.
• Nearby Places: Haldwani, Almora.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days.

About NainitalFamously referred to as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital, at 1938 meters above sea level, is a scenic delight that would be irresistible to any tourist. It is located around the famous Naini Lake in a valley. With mountains on all sides, Nainital is where you need to be for a rendezvous with nature. Some of the most important tourist attractions in Nainital include:

Places to Visit

• Naini Lake
• Naina Peak
• Tiffin Top
• St. John in the Wilderness.
• Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo.
• Gurney House
• Snow View
• Land’s End
• Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
• Eco Cave Gardens.

How to Reach

• Air

Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport about 2 hours away has daily flights from IGI, Delhi via Air India Regional. But these flights are cancelled on a regular basis due to bad weather. The next nearest airport is either Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi or Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun as they both are almost six hours away by road and are connected to all major cities.

• Rail

Kathgodam railway station (KGM) is the nearest railway station about 53 min (23.7 km) away from Nainital. A pre paid cab can be availed from here to the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses from all parts of Uttrakhand and nearby cities. NH9 connects it to Delhi almost 7 hours away.Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses here from all parts of the state and nearby cities. NH44, NH334 and NH7 pass through here.

3. Mussoorie

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hill station, Views, Serenity.
• Major Attractions: Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Happy Valley.
• Nearby Places: Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days.

About Mussoorie

Located at an altitude of 6000 feet, Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’, is beauty personified. With snow-covered Himalayan peaks on view, the land abundant in natural beauty has an excellent climate too. The winters are chilling and the summers are pleasant. The beauty of the place mesmerized Captain Young of the British army who made this place his residence in the year 1820. Mussoorie has seen countless footprints ever since the discovery, the list of excited tourists to enjoy the immense beauty of the place is growing. Here are the popular tourist attractions in Mussoorie.

Places to Visit

• Kempty Falls
• Lal Tibba
• Happy Valley
• Camel’s Back Road
• Gun Hill
• Mussoorie Lake
• Christ Church
• Sir George Everest’s House
• Jwalaji Temple
• The Mall (Mall Road)

How to Reach

• Air

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one to Mussoorie, lying about 2 hr (60 km) away from the city. Major flights like Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India etc have regular flights here from all major cities. Pre paid taxis can be availed from here to the city.

• Rail

Dehradun railway station (DDN) is the nearest junction located at a distance of about 34 km (1 hr 17 min). Take a cab from here to the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses here from all parts of the state and nearby cities. NH44, NH 334 and NH7 pass through here.

4. Rishikesh

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Spirituality, Adventure sports, Temples, Ghats.
• Major Attractions: Shivpuri, Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev.
• Nearby Places: Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.

About Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a blend of tranquility and adventure. Its location at the confluence of River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga and views of spectacular hills and various adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting and camping captivate nature lovers; the tranquility of the place with the importance attached to it as a pilgrim center touches the soul of pilgrims. Rishikesh is called as the Yoga Capital of the world. Some of the most important tourist destinations in Rishikesh include:

Places to Visit

• Laxman Jhula
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
• The Beatles Ashram
• Swarg Ashram
• Parmarth Niketan
• Rajaji National Park
• Kaudiyala
• Shivpuri
• Jumpin Heights
• Shivpuri
• Narendra Nagar

How to Reach

• Air

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one to Rishikesh, lying about 32 min (20.7 km) away from the city. Major flights like Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India etc have regular flights here from all major cities. Take pre paid taxis from here.

• Rail

Rishikesh railway station (RKSH) is the nearest junction located at a short distance from the main city. The connectivity here is not that good and the best option would be to take a train to Haridwar Junction railway station (HW) which has good connectivity from every city in Northern India. A taxi can be availed from here to Rishikesh 43 min (19 km) away.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses to here from all parts of the state. Buses run from Delhi, Haridwar and Dehradun on a daily basis. NH34 is the major national highway passing from here.

5. Haridwar

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Spirituality, Temples, Ghats.
• Major Attraction: Har Ki Pauri.
• Nearby Places: Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.

About Haridwar

Haridwar is also called as the ‘Gateway to the Lord’ thanks to a great number of temples and ashrams located here. The city is considered holy and hence pilgrims from various parts of the world travel to the place to offer their prayers. It is also famous for the Kumbh Mela, a festival, which is held once in twelve years. Given below are some of the leading attractions in Haridwar:

Places to Visit

• Har Ki Pauri
• Chandi Devi Temple
• Maya Devi Temple
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Daksha Mahadev Temple
• Vishnu Ghat
• Shanti Gunj
• Pavan Dham
• Vaishno Devi Temple
• Bharat Mata Mandir

How to Reach

• Air

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one to Haridwar, lying about 1 hr 4 min (37.9 km) away from the city. Major flights like Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India etc have regular flights here from all major cities. Take pre paid taxis from here to the city.

• Rail

Haridwar Junction railway station (HW) is the nearest railway station which has good connectivity from every city in Northern India. A taxi can be availed from here to any part of the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses to here from all parts of the state. Being a pilgrimage town, buses run from Delhi, Dehradun and other nearby cities on a daily basis. NH34 and NH7 are the major national highways passing from here.

6. Kedarnath

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hinduism, Char Dham.
• Major Attraction: Kedarnath temple.
• Nearby Place: Badrinath.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.

About Kedarnath

Kedarnath, a small town located in Gahrwal Himalayan Ranges, is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages for those who follow Hinduism. It houses the famous Kedarnath temple. Kedarnath is located amidst majestic mountains. Here are some of the places to visit in Kedarnath:

Places to Visit

• Kedarnath Temple
• Chorabari Tal
• Vasuki Tal
• Gauri Kund
• Triyuginarayan Temple.

How to Reach

• Air

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one to Kedarnath, lying about 250 km (7 hr 40 min) away from the city. Major flights like Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India etc have regular flights here from all major cities. Pre paid taxis can be availed from here to Gaurikund (the nearest town to Kedarnath accessible from road).

• Rail

Haridwar Junction railway station (HW) is the nearest railway station which has good connectivity from every city in Northern India. A taxi can be availed from here to Gaurikund (the nearest town to Kedarnath accessible from road).

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses to here from all parts of the state. Regular buses run from Haridwar, Delhi and Dehradun to Gaurikund and NH 107 and NH7 are the highways passing through the same.

7. Badrinath

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hinduism, Char Dham.
• Major Attractions: Badrinath temple and Hot springs.
• Nearby Place: Kedarnath.
• Ideal Visit Time: 2 days.

About Badrinath

Badrinath is yet another popular pilgrim center in Uttarakhand. This town is located between Nar and Naryana, the mountain ranges. Located at an altitude of 3133 meters and shadowed by Nilkantha Peak, you are sure to grope for words to describe its immense beauty. Badrinath Temple is the main attraction here. Here are some of the places to visit in Badrinath:

Places to Visit

• Badrinath Temple
• Hot Springs
• Neelkanth Peak
• Charanpaduka
• Valley of Flowers

How to Reach

• Air

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one to Badrinath, lying about 8 h 52 min (310 km) away from the city. Major flights like Indigo, Jet Airways, Air India etc have regular flights here from all major cities. Pre paid taxis can be availed from here to Badrinath.

• Rail

Haridwar Junction railway station (HW) is the nearest railway station which has good connectivity from every city in Northern India. A taxi can be availed from here to Badrinath 9 hr 14 min (316.3 km).

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses to here from all parts of the state. Regular buses run from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Delhi and Dehradun to Badrinath with NH 534 and NH7 are the highways passing through the same.

8. Almora

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Kumaon Regiment, Temples, Himalayas, Hippie trail.
• Major Attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Nearby Place: Nainital.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days.

About Almora

Almora is heaven to nature lovers. The picturesque district is located on the eastern side of Uttarakhand. The views of Himalayas are spellbinding. It is also famous for handicrafts, cuisine and wildlife. It has a rich cultural heritage. Given below are some of the tourist attractions in Almora.

Places to Visit

• Kasar Devi Temple
• Katarmal Sun Temple
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
• Martola
• Kalimut
• Zero Point
• Chitai Golu Devta Temple
• Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum
• Bright End Corner

How to Reach

• Air

Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport about 3 hr 34 min (116 km) has flights from Delhi via Air India Regional. But flights are cancelled on a regular basis due to bad weather. The next nearest airport is either Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi or Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun as both are about 9 hours away from Almora via road.

• Rail

Kathgodam railway station (KGM) is the nearest railway station about 2 hr 57 min (89.4 km) away from Almora. A pre paid cab can be availed from here to the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses from all parts of Uttrakhand and nearby cities. NH 109 passes through here.

9. Kausani

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Nature trails, sunset views, serenity.
• Major Attractions: Rudradhari Falls, Anasakti Ashram, Tea Estates.
• Nearby Places: Almora, Nainital, Haldwani.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.

About Kausani

Kausani is the land you need to be if you are keen to enjoy the generosity of Mother Nature. This hill station is located at a height of 1890 meters. The place is famous for the view of 350 km stretch of the majestic Himalayas it offers. Here are some of the top attractions in Kausani:

Places to Visit

• Rudradhari Falls and Caves
• Lakshmi Ashram
• Anasakti Ashram
• Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
• Baijnath Temple
• Kausani Tea Estate

How to Reach

• Air

Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport about 5 hr 2 min (167.9 km) has flights from Delhi via Air India Regional. But flights are cancelled on a regular basis due to bad weather. The next nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun about 9 hours away from Kausani via road.

• Rail

Kathgodam railway station (KGM) is the nearest railway station about 4 hr 23 min (141.3 km) away from Kausani. A pre paid cab can be availed from here to the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses to here from all parts of the state and its nearby cities. NH 7 and NH9 are the national highways passing from here.

10. Pithoragarh

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Kumaon culture, Nature, Views.
• Major Attractions: Gangolihat, Dhwaj Temple.
• Nearby Places: Almora, Patal Bhuvneshwar.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.

About Pithoragarh

A visit to Pithoragarh might make you wonder if every inch of the land is blessed with natural beauty. The stunning beauty of the land defies description. This district is located in the easternmost part of Uttarakhand. It offers scope for trekking as well. The place is an important halt for those who undertake Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Do not miss the following attractions while you are here.

Places to Visit

• Chandak
• Askot Sanctuary
• Ralam Glacier
• Jhulaghat
• Pithoragarh Fort
• Thal Kedar
• Gangolihat
• Dhwaj Temple

How to Reach

• Air

Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport about 2 hours away has daily flights from IGI, Delhi via Air India Regional. But these flights are cancelled on a regular basis due to bad weather. The next nearest airport is Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi about 11 hr 34 min (469.3 km) via by road and is connected to all major cities.

• Rail

Tanakpur railway station (TPU) is the nearest railway station about 4 hr 23 min (147.3 km) away from Pithoragarh. Nainital Express and Tanakpur Pilibhit MG Passenger are the two major trains connecting it to Uttarakhand and parts of UP. A pre paid cab can be availed from here to the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses from all parts of Uttrakhand and nearby cities. NH9 passes through here.

11. Ranikhet

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Hill station, Nature, Himalayan Ranges.
• Major Attractions: Jhula Devi Temple, Upat and Kalika.
• Nearby Places: Almora, Nainital.
• Ideal Visit Time: 1 day.

About Ranikhet

Ranikhet is yet another hill station that elevates your spirits to a different plane. At an altitude of 1829 meters, the ‘Queen’s land’, as Ranikhet is referred to, is the perfect place to visit to view Himalayas at its best. The amazing richness of greenery and the scenic landscape make this place a dream destination. Here are some places you would not want to miss on your tour to Ranikhet.

Places to Visit

• Jhula Devi Temple
• Chaubatia Orchard
• Upat and Kalika
• Mankameshwar Temple
• Haidakhan Babaji Temple
• Shitlakhet
• Dwarahat Temples

How to Reach

• Air

Pantnagar Airport, the nearest airport about 3 hr 13 min (109.0 km) has flights from Delhi via Air India Regional. But flights are cancelled on a regular basis due to bad weather. The next nearest airport is either Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi or Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun as they both are almost eight hours away by road and are connected to all major cities.

• Rail

Kathgodam railway station (KGM) is the nearest railway station about 2 h 37 min (82.4 km) away from Ranikhet. A pre paid cab can be availed from here to the city.

• Road

Uttarakhand State buses runs regular buses to here from all parts of the state and its nearby cities. NH 109, NH 734 and NH 309 are the national highways passing from here.

There are a lot more tourist places in Uttarakhand – Lansdowne, Mukteshwar, Naukuchiatal, Pauri, Munsiyari, Auli, Lohaghat and Landour are a few other popular tourist destinations. The limitless beauty of the land and its cultural and religious association make it one of the most frequented travel destinations. Feel free to give details on more destinations that I have missed mentioning.