Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: Discover Famous Hill Stations, Adventure Sports, Villages and Spirituality

According to Metro Near Me, Uttarakhand is one of the most popular tourist destinations, receiving not only Indian guests but also foreign visitors worldwide. The natural beauty, eye-pleasing landscape, and adventurous sports enhance visitors’ overall experience. Also, in modern times hill stations like Uttarakhand are a popular hit among North Indians bearing the brunt of life-threatening AQI (Air Quality Index) Level. Things like temporary establishments led to a rise in real estate in hill stations like Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh. 

In this BLOG, we will explore Uttarakhand’s beauty, hill stations, pilgrimage sites, adventure activities, favorite tourist places, the best time to visit Uttarakhand, and more. 

Let’s begin with the charming beauty of the Yoga Capital…. 

Exploring the Beauty of Uttarakhand

Uttrakhand, popularly known as “Devbhoomi” or the abode of the Gods, is the home of the giant Himalayas, which blooms its flora and fauna and guarantees its climate and serene environment. The place mesmerizes everyone with its awe-inspiring mountainous landscape surrounded by lush green forest. 

Uttarakhand has everything, from adventure locations to wildlife sanctuaries, making it a popular tourist destination. Not only Indians but also foreigners visit the place for its attractive beauty and adventure. It offers a spectacular glacier view, adventure, pilgrimage, hiking, larger mountains, chilly snowfall, clean water, fresh and calming air, and many eye-pleasing views.

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand attracts tourists throughout the year and enjoys various popular activities and sightseeing. However, March to April and September to October are the best time to visit as the climate during these months is favorable. 

• Summer (March to June): Summer is the peak season for adventure seekers, offering thrilling experiences. It’s also the time for the popular Uttarakhand festival, Bhitauli, and the start of the famous Char Dham yatra. Now is the perfect time to explore Uttarakhand and experience its stunning beauty and adventure. Kausani, Lansdowne, Ranikhet, Chakrata, and Chopta are some of the Uttarakhand places to visit in summer. 
• Monsoon (July to September): Uttarakhand becomes lush green during the monsoon season, making it an ideal budget-friendly time to explore its beauty. The Harela celebration marks the start of the monsoon and honors Lord Shiva’s wedding to Parvati.
• Winters (October to February): Winter is the peak season in Uttarakhand, attracting couples, lovebirds, and families with its pleasant weather. The season features a hazy atmosphere, cold winds, and beautiful scenery. The Uttarayani Fair also takes place, drawing thousands to dip in the Saruya River. Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Almora are some of the Uttarakhand places to visit in winter.

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Best Tourist Places in Uttarakhand- Famous Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

1. Mukteshwar: This town, named after the old Mukteshwar Temple devoted to Lord Shiva, invites visitors to go rock climbing, on nature hikes, and explore its picturesque alleyways. Mukteshwar’s peaceful environment and natural beauty make it a great destination for individuals looking for leisure and a connection with nature. 
2. Nainital: Nainital, with its emerald-colored Naini Lake, is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region and one of the most popular tourist places in Uttarakhand. It serves as a doorway to other local sites, such as the serene Naina Devi Temple and the picturesque Nainital Zoo, Snow View Point, and Tiffin Top. It is beautifully decorated in December for the Nainital Winter and New Year Eve’s Carnival and hence is one of the welcoming places to visit in Uttarakhand in December.Boating on the tranquil waters of Naini Lake, walking down Mall Road, and taking the cable car to Snow View Point are all must-do activities here.
3. Chopta: Another magnificent Uttarakhand tourist place is Chopta, often known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” It is the base for hikes to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Chopta is especially beautiful in snowfall and is among the most famous places to visit in Uttarakhand for snowfall.

Trekking, camping, and bird viewing make Chopta a naturalist’s and adventurer’s dream destination.

4. Lansdowne: Lansdowne is widely renowned as the “Home of the Garhwal Rifles.” With its colonial-era bungalows, clean surroundings, and magnificent views of the Himalayas, it is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking quiet.

Some of the biggest attractions here include trekking to Snow Viewpoint, boating on Bhulla Lake, and seeing the ancient War Memorial. Lansdowne also provides an entry point for outdoor activities like birdwatching, jungle safaris, and nature hikes in the surrounding forests. 

5. Mussoorie: Mussoorie, often known as the “Queen of the Hills”, is a prominent hill station with stunning views of the Doon Valley and Shivalik Hills. Situated at an elevation of 6,170 feet, it is packed with colonial-era buildings and bustling markets.

The hill station faciliates a range of activities, including cable car rides, strolls along Mall Road, treks along Camel’s Back Road, and adrenaline-pumping thrills like paragliding and trekking to Lal Tibba.

6. Ranikhet: Ranikhet, which means Queen’s Meadow, is a hill station well-known for its green meadows, deep woods, and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. Ranikhet is a famous place for golfing, hiking, and taking leisurely walks through nature.

The place is less crowded and has many temples and religious sights, ideally suitable for those looking to spend their holidays in peace & tranquility and close to nature and god. 

7. Almora: Culturally rich, panoramic sights and historical temples make Almora one of the stunning tourist places in Uttarakhand. The town is well-known for its magnificent vistas of the Himalayas and its old temples. The Kasar Devi Temple, the stunning vistas from Bright End Corner, and the historic Katarmal Sun Temple are among the must sights-seeing places. 

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, with its rich flora and fauna, is a must-see destination for nature lovers.

8. Chakrata: Located in Dehradun, Chakrata is known for its caves, ancient temples, and pine trees making the destination a top-notch. Deoban, Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, and Budher Caves are some of the relaxing and scenic places to visit here. Again, Chakrata’s beauty is at its peak during snowfall and is among the popular places to visit in Uttarakhand for snowfall.

The hill station provides a range of activities, including skiing, mountain climbing, and trekking, making a traveler’s journey delightful. 

9. Auli: It is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in November and the crowd is good till March. Auli is known for its ski resorts and snowy slopes. It is elevated 2505 meters above the sea level. As a result, all of its visitors have a spectacular view of the Himalayas. 

Chenab and Chattrakund, the world’s tallest man-made lakes, are also located in this town. Aside from skiing, guests may go trekking, and camping, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Gurso Bugyal and Chattrakund Lake.

10. Kausani: This hill station has around 50 species of birds and has amazing Sunrise and sunset views. Kausani sets up a breathtaking view of the Panchachuli, Trishul, and Bandarpoonch peaks.

The Anasakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple, Rudradhari Falls, and the Kausani Tea Estate are some of the popular tourist attractions of this site.

11. Dehradun: Dehradun is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Uttarakhand in December. Settled at the foothills of the Himalayas, and in the Doon Valley, it offers offers the utmost beauty. 

As it’s the off-peak season during December, the city is covered in snow, lush green carpets, and less crowd, so it is best for those wanting to explore the natural scenery and enjoy the winter carnival, Christmas, and New Year celebrations in Dehradun. 

Tips for Traveling in Uttarakhand

• Internet access and limited GPS are regular obstacles in Uttarakhand, so be prepared. Also, carry cash with you to make payments because digital transactions are not accepted everywhere.
• Always be friendly to the people of Uttarakhand to know about their culture and get help and support with directions and other information while traveling.
• The weather is unpredictable in Uttarakhand. So, always bring warm clothes with you.
• Avoid going out at night as most of the places lack lights on the road, and wild and aggressive animals may attack you.
• Do not accept anything from strangers, especially food, even if it is packaged as it may be loaded with drugs.
• Contact the local police immediately in case of any theft or misplacement of documents. Your document can be misused. 
• Avoid wearing exposing attire, particularly at pilgrimage sites.
• In small settlements, people exclusively speak the indigenous language. Learn local phrases and dialects to communicate easily. 
• If necessary, accompany a registered tour guide as local guides may charge you extra and impart inaccurate information.
• Explore destinations on foot. It allows you to try new things while saving money.
• If you are a thrift, consider traveling by local bus and train to save money. 

Spiritual Destinations for Pilgrims

1. Kedarnath: One of the Char Dham sites, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Hinduism. 
2. Badrinath:  Another Char Dham site, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and revered as one of the holiest temples for Hindus.
3. Haridwar: The city is located in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand and the ‘Ganga Aarti’ at “Har Ki Phauri” is highly popular among devotees. It is one of the most famous and visited Uttarakhand tourist places.
4. Rishikesh: Located in the Dehradun district and known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” is also famous for ‘Ganga Aarti’ at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is also easily accessible by road and thus is one of the easiest places to visit in Uttarakhand by road. It is known as YogNagri for the legacy of thousands of Rishis and Yogis who have lived here and still living there. It attracts mass tourists from across the globe to find peace and tranquility through Yoga and meditation. Perhaps the best place if you want to connect with nature and experience spiritualism.
5. Gangotri Temple: Dedicated to the goddess Ganga, this temple is located in Uttarkashi district and is one of the Char Dham.
6. Yamunotri Temple: Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this temple is one of the Char Dham and is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. 
7. Tungnath Temple: The highest of the Panch Kedar temples, located in the Rudraprayag district, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
8. Hemkund Sahib: It is a pilgrimage site for Sikhs situated near the Valley of Flowers in the Himalayas. 
9. Rudranath Temple: It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the Panch Kedar temples.
10. Joshimath: Located in the Chamoli district, this town is full of sacred Hindu temples and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus.

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Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand

There are various places in Uttarakhand to embark on different adventure sports. Here are some of the most exciting adventure activities and notable as the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for these adventure sports.

1. Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is one of the most popular adventure activities. Rishikesh hosts India’s highest bungee jump platform, at 83 meters, which entails a thrilling experience as you free-fall towards the river below. This also gives a panoramic view of the Himalayan foothills. 
2. Paragliding in Uttarakhand, particularly Mussoorie, Mukteshwar and Ranikhet offers an unmatched perspective of its breathtaking scenery. The trained specialists accompany you to the sky to witness the beauty of nature.
3. Another sports activity that is more popular among international visitors is Ziplining. The zip lines stretch up over some of the most spectacular canyons and rivers, giving a bird’s eye perspective of the lush surroundings below. Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Nainital are popular spots for this sport. 
4. Skiing is one of the most captivating adventures in Uttarakhand. Auli in Uttarakhand is particularly famous for its smooth slopes which are ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers. 
5. One of the most popular reasons for Uttarakhand’s popularity is Trekking. Its hilly terrain and snowy-capped peaks let visitors enjoy the natural beauty and scenic landscape. Trekking the Himalayan terrain is both a challenge and an enriching experience. 
6. The adrenaline thrill of water rowing, Kayaking, and paddling is a popular training experience in Uttarakhand, especially on the difficult rapids between Shivpuri and Rishikesh.
7. The Cable Car Ride begins from one mountain vantage point and continues to the next. It avails a view of the Himalayan’s heavily wooded valleys and snow-capped peak pinnacles, making the link car journey relaxing.
8. White Water Rafting in Rishikesh is not just a sport, but an unmatched experience. It is one of the most daring activities to raft against the roaring rapids of the Ganges and Tons rivers.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Uttarakhand

1. Nanda Devi National Park:  Located in the Chamoli district and near Joshimath, it is famous for Nanda Devi Peak, which is the highest in Uttarakhand, and second highest in India, 7817m. The park is a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and remains open from May to October. 
2. Raja Ji National Park: Named after Sri C. Rajgopalachari (Raja Ji), this national park was formed in 1983 by merging three national parks- Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. It is famous for rafting, jungle safari, and bird-watching with 23 species of wild animals and 300+ species of birds. 
3. Jim Corbett National Park: Previously named Hailey National Park in 1936, this national park is situated in Nainital and later changed its name to Jim Corbett National Park in 1957. It is one of the most visited Uttarakhand tourist places, particularly for its Tiger Reserves, dau jungle safaris, and other eco-tourism activities. 
4. Valley of Flowers National Park: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valley of Flowers National Park is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand. It is open from June to October and is located in Badrinath, roughly 300 kilometers from Rishikesh. It is also one of the most popular Uttarakhand tourist destinations due to its breathtaking beauty and panoramic vistas.
5. Gangotri National Park: The largest national park in Uttarakhand, located in Uttarkashi district is home to the holy site of Gangotri Dham and Gaumukh Glacier. It has various popular trekking sites including Nandanvan Vasuki Tal and Gaumukh Tapovan trek. 

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Glorious Temples and Historical Sites of “Devbhoomi”

The historical and holy temples are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand and it is because of these temples that Uttarakhand receives tourists in large numbers. These temples are top places to visit in Uttarakhand with family and seek blessings of God.

Temples	Location	Best Time to Visit
Badrinath Temple	Badrinath Town	May to November
Kedarnath Temple	Rudraprayag	April to October
Jageshwar Temple	Almora	April to June and September to November
Gangotri Temple	Uttarkashi	May to June and September to October
Yamunotri Temple	Uttarkashi	May to June and September to October
Tungnath Temple	Rudraprayag	April to November
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple	Pauri Garhwal	February to October
Dhari Devi Temple	Rudraprayag	November to June
Surkanda Devi Temple	Chamba	March to June and September to October
Chitai Golu Devta Temple	Almora	October to May

Exploring the Famous Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is famous for its numerous temples and the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage to four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, all located in the Himalayas. The pilgrimage typically follows a clockwise direction, starting at Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and concluding at Badrinath. The Char Dham Yatra is also famous for tourists from across the world, and it is among the most popular places to visit in Uttarakhand with family.

These high-altitude shrines are open from April or May until October or November. Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, while Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Kedarnath to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is devoted to Lord Vishnu. However, some devotees choose to undertake a Do Dham Yatra to only Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Badrinath, home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

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Trekking and Hiking Trails of The Himalayan Range and Mountainous Terrain of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is popular for its beautiful landscape blessed with scenic hilly terrain that makes it one of the best states in the country for trekking. A highly popular trekking path in this region is the Bageshwar – Sunderdhunga – Pindari – Kafni Glacier trek, located in the Pithoragarh district of the state. 

The hiking trails that stretch from Munsiyari to Martoli, Milam, and Ralam Glacier are also well-liked in the region. The Panch Kedar trek is the most well-known trek in the Garhwal area. Gangotri, Gaumukh to Tapovan to Narendranagar trek, Binsar trek, Nag Tibba trek, and George Everest peak, are some other famous treks that give unparalleled trekking experience.

In addition to this, the treks to Hemkund and Roopkund are equally refreshing. The Valley of Flowers is another favored destination for trekking. Trekking is one of the biggest reasons that most people visit Uttarakhand during winter and these are popular places to visit in Uttarakhand in November.

Villages and Local Culture

Uttarakhand’s villages, located at the heels of Himalayan mountain ranges are non-linear in shape, beautiful, made of stones and woods, and the source of income for people here is mainly agrarian. 

The people communicate in Garhwali and Kumaoni and partake in and enjoy various festivities, which include Baisakhi, Harela, and Kumbh Mela, all of which involve the use of traditional songs, dances, and other customs. 

Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisines dominate the mouth-watering specialties of Uttarakhand such as Kafuli, Urad Dal ke pakode, Phanu, Chainsoo, and Aloo ke Gutke. Goods such as knitted sweaters of lamb wool, wood images, embroidered cushions and carpets, and handmade craftworks are well appreciated and popular around the country. 

Rural society today, however, remains rooted in its spirituality and rituals, beliefs, and practices, despite the outward migration of its members and the challenge of climate change.

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How to Reach Uttarakhand- Means of Transport

Uttarakhand is unparalleled in terms of adventure in the Himalayas. The Kumaon area is in the southeast, while the Garhwal region is in the northwest. Follow this guide to reach Uttarakhand.

1. By Air: Uttarakhand by air is just beautiful. The Jolly Grant Airport (DED) offers nonstop flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is another popular airport in Uttarakhand, with flights to hill destinations like Nainital and Almora. 
2. By Train: Traveling to Uttarakhand is economical and convenient. You can easily book tickets to any city in Uttarakhand.
3. By Road: Uttarakhand runs over 1,000 state buses, making travel by road convenient and accessible. The nearest major bus stations are Mussoorie Bus Stand and Dehradun Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), which gives easy access to locations throughout Uttarakhand.

Final Thoughts

Uttarakhand is not only about hill stations and pilgrimage sites, it is more than that. It presents visitors with an insight into the Himalayas, the flora and fauna, the species of birds and animals, and so on. Apart from enjoying the eye-pleasing beauty of the place, one can participate in adventurous activities and make their trip thrilling and unforgettable. The place is as calm and serene as the holy river of Ganga and the Himalayan range, offering relaxation and a different perspective of nature. 

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FAQs

1) What are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand with family?

Almost all of the places in Uttarakhand are ideally suitable to visit with family, however, pilgrimage sites and temples like Tungnath, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and so on. Apart from these, hill stations like Mussoorie, Auli, Rishikesh, Chopta, and Nainital are amazing places to spend holidays with family.

2) What are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand by road?

There are various places in Uttarakhand that you can travel by road. These include Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Auli, Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers, and more.

3) What are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand near Delhi?

While Rishikesh is 250km from Delhi, Haridwar is 222 km, and Dehradun is only 238 km. These locations are nearby and can be traveled by road.

4) What are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in September and October?

Nainital, Mussoorie, Jim Corbett National Park, Auli, Valley of Flowers, Chopta, Lansdowne, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar are beautiful and, full of adventure and delightful local cuisines during September and October.