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.
Contents
1. 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:
- Sahastradhara
- Tiger Falls
- Robber’s Cave
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Forest Research Institute
- Tapovan
- Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
- Lachhiwala
- Malsi Deer Park
2. Nainital
Famously 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:
- 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.
3. 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.
- 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)
4. 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:
- Laxman Jhula
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
- The Beatles Ashram
- Swarg Ashram
- Parmarth Niketan
- Rajaji National Park
- Kaudiyala
- Shivpuri
- Jumpin Heights
- Shivpuri
- Narendra Nagar
5. 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:
- 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
6. 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:
- Kedarnath Temple
- Chorabari Tal
- Vasuki Tal
- Gauri Kund
- Triyuginarayan Temple.
7. 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:
- Badrinath Temple
- Hot Springs
- Neelkanth Peak
- Charanpaduka
- Valley of Flowers
8. 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.
- 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
9. 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:
- Rudradhari Falls and Caves
- Lakshmi Ashram
- Anasakti Ashram
- Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
- Baijnath Temple
- Kausani Tea Estate
10. 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 eastern most 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.
- Chandak
- Askot Sanctuary
- Ralam Glacier
- Jhulaghat
- Pithoragarh Fort
- Thal Kedar
- Gangolihat
- Dhwaj Temple
11. Ranikhet
Ranikhet is yet another hill station that elevates your spirits to a different plane. At an altitude of 1829 meters, the ‘Queens 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
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.
Good article for nature lovers!!
Hello,
Nice blog with detailed information. It would have helpful, if you would have provided how to travel these places,for those who are travelling first time. We are planning to travel in Feb for 11-12 days. Can you please guide the best & nearest places,which we can visit ..Thank you in advance!
uttarakhand is the lovely place of world
Really its very nice article. I have a plan to travel in July for these places. Your article very much helpful for me.
Thanks for this great post. I am planning a trip to India in the fall and finding a beautiful place with good views of the Himalaya is at the top of my list. I will check out the destinations you suggest.
good blog information for who loved nature
That’s a great list, although I think UK is even more beautiful during monsoon. I’m a huge fan of Himalayas. I’m in love with the majestic mountains and keep travelling to the hills every now and then.
If you guys are planning trip to UK, give us a chance to be of assistance. We will try to set-up best travel arrangements so that you get to visit all the places and enjoy all tourist destinations.
Thanks,
Pankaj
One important place is missing in list , thats Auli near Badrinath and Joshimath. Must visit place for all snow and mountain lovers .
Hi,
Do visit TRINETRA ORCHADS, motia pathar near mukhteshwar.. its an awesome place..
Hi,
Please suggested some great place to visit in Uttarakhand, but you miss 3 important places which I think most beautiful.
1- Chopta (Tungnath) Rudraprag District which called heven of Uttarakhand
2- Auli
3- Vally of follows.
I hope most of the people want to read more information about these place.
I also what to go uk its awesome and this blog is very helpful to plan a trip. Thanks for the blog.
Thanks for such a great information – 🙂
I believe entire uttarakhand is so beautiful, I love to visit uttarakhand again and again.
There are some places that you need to mention like Mukteshwar, Almora, Chamboli
Thanks for all of this. Really Uttarakhand A Wonderful Place for tourism as well as spirituality.
yah,Mukteshwar is one of them..
The place is literally the best place to spend some time with nature. The hill stations and religious places should definitely be visited. You have made an amazing list and I really appreciate your work.
Hi,
You need to add Bhageshwar district in this list as bhageshwar district is one of the most adventure place in uttrakhand. we can enjoy paragliding as well in this district and it is situated on 2500 meter approx from the land and at the time of sunset the view of Himalayas is very pleasant.
very intresting placepithoragarh,bageswer.
Hi,
I want to travel to Dehradun, Mussorrie, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Vaishno Devi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pitoragarh, Ranikhet etc. Can you help me plan the package?
Nice blog with detailed information. It would have helpful, if you would have provided how to travel these places for those who are traveling first time. We are planning to travel in march for 11-12 days. Can you please guide the best & nearest places which we can visit? Thank you in advance!
This is very helpful for us but want to ask u something.
How can we randomly reach all this places by train or bus ….
Wonderful and sweet places in uttrakhand,,, lovely uttrakhand
Have you visited those places?
I have covered some places naming Dehradun, Masoorie, Pauri, Nainital, Bhimtal, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Haldwani, Ramnagar. Kumaon. Now Planning to go to Binsar Mahadev Temple. I love Uttrakhand.
Roorkee is also a beautiful city in Uttarakhand & it is famous for iit roorkee, beg roorkee, Kaliyar Shareef. Main attraction of the city is The Ganga Canal which flows in the middle of the city. There are 5 Lions made by Britishers besides the Ganga. It is only 30Km from Haridwar & 6 Km from Kaliyar Shareef.
Thanks
Hello,
We are planning to visit Uttarakhand this summer. Please reply my queries.
1. Is it idle to visit in mid May-18?
2. Which places are must to add on list?
3. Climate in May?
4. Are nine days enough to cover Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, Mussorie & Dehradun?
A very helpful article for those planning the trip to Uttrakhand. Would be more helpful if you could mention the travel routes and hotels to stay.
a very good article..really appreciate for ur work..every thing is clear…good work