Uttarakhand is the land of mountains, myths, legends, and adventures, all wrapped up in a blanket of serenity and nature. One of the most beautiful travel destinations to visit in India, this north Indian state has so much to offer to its visitors. With an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities, Uttarakhand provides a respite that is healing to the body and the mind, where the travelers can stop for a while and sync their mind with the rhythm of the place.
Tucked in the Lofty Himalayas, Uttarakhand has two primary regions- Garhwal and Kumaon, both with their own charms. Tourists from all over the world visit Uttarakhand for its hill stations, which it has in abundance. Some of the popular hill stations include Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, Chopta, etc.
Blessed by the Gods, Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi, or the land of Gods because of the presence of the Char Dhams, the 4 most sacred holy pilgrimage sites of India that include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangortri, and Yamunotri. An amazing combination of spirituality and beauty, Uttarakhand is a one stop destination which you must visit for an amazing holiday experience.
Here are the top 17 Places we recommend you visit in Uttarakhand in 2024-
- Haridwar
- Chopta Tungnath
- Auli
- Nainital
- Mussoorie
- Rishikesh
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Kausani
- New Tehri
- Bhimtal
- Kedarnath
- Dehradun
- Ranikhet
- Mukteshwar
- Almora
- Lansdowne
- Dhanaulti
Popular Uttarakhand Tour Packages
Haridwar
Haridwar literally translates to ‘Gateway to Gods’ and is considered to be one of the holiest cities for the devotees of Hinduism. It is one among the 4 cities where the holy gathering of Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. Being a city of such importance, Haridwar is dotted with numerous temples, ashrams, and places of worship throughout. Owing to the flow of the sacred River Ganges through the city, a large number of devotees come to the city every year to take a dip in it and free themselves from all earthly sins.
Accordingly, Har-ki-Pauri is a popular place to visit when in Haridwar, well known for its vibrant and mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, performed in honor of the River Ganges. Along with this, the Mansa Mata Temple at Haridwar is also an important place of worship. It is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti and is said to have emerged from Lord Shiva’s mind. Other important temples at Haridwar include the Chandi Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Maya Devi Temple, among others. For those with a zeal for wildlife, Haridwar has the Rajaji National Park, where one can spot wildlife like elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild boar, etc. Whether you are an ardent devotee, a nature lover or simply want an escape to the hills, Haridwar is the place to be.
Chopta Tungnath
Chopta Tungnath in Uttarakhand is one such destination which will fulfill your dream of traveling abroad as it resembles one of the most beautiful places, Switzerland. Yes, Chopta is often referred to as the mini-Switzerland of India. Tucked away in Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta is a slice of heaven known for its picturesque valleys, snow-capped Peaks, lush meadows and scenic hiking trails. Summer, winter, monsoon be it any time, it is one of the best tourist destinations to visit in Uttarakhand, the weather here remains pleasant throughout the year.
One of the most fascinating things about Chopta is that it acts as a base for trekking to Chandrashila and Tungnath, which is the third holiest Panch Kedar Temples among five. You can also visit holy Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines which are located on the left of Chopta and Rudranath and Kalpeshwar which are on the right. The bliss doesn’t end here. Chopta is a scenic bird watching paradise. You will witness around 240 species of birds here. Some of the most prominent bird species are Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Monal and Hill Partridge etc. From nature lovers, adventure seekers to birdwatchers, Chopta is a one stop destination to enjoy the best moments of life.
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Auli
If you are in Uttarakhand then you must visit Auli. The picture-perfect fairytale like landscapes of Auli, heart melting Oak and coniferous forests, beautiful vistas of the second highest Himalayan Peak Nanda Devi, soothing touch of spirituality in Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, surreal valley of flowers, trekkers delight Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla Summit, and Tapovan – Here you can enjoy all these enchanting delights which will definitely make your vacation in Uttarakhand memorable for a lifetime.
Moreover, you will never get the bliss of Skiing anywhere else better than Auli. It is one of the best skiing destinations for snow lovers and adventurers. It also offers the best cable car rides over snowy slopes in the world. In Fact, it has the longest cable car ride in India.
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Nainital
Nainital, the lake city of India comes in the list of top 10 best tourist destinations to visit in Uttarakhand in India. The scenic natural splendor, the pleasant weather, the colorful markets, delicious cuisines and lofty Himalayan mountains will never cease to elevate your soul. It is a very popular religious tourist destination as Naina Devi Temple surrounded with lofty Himalayan mountains in the backdrop will enchant your spirit. It is one of the most popular and sacred Shakti Peethas in India dedicated to Goddess Naina who is represented by her two eyes. It is said that the eyes of the burned body of goddess Sati fell here.
Moreover, Nainital is also a very scenic hill station to enjoy throughout the year. You will witness the seven hills known as Sapta- Shring. The serene Lake of Naini will seduce your senses with alluring sail boats. Nainital offers everything for a perfect holiday vacation in Uttarakhand. There are plenty of hotels and resorts for comfortable stay, the chill vibes of Mall Road, cafes and restaurants for fun moments, awe inspiring adventurous activities like mountaineering, boating, water sports, paragliding, trekking, golfing, hot air ballooning etc.
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h3>Mussoorie
Being one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie will shine bright on the landscape of your heart even after you have left its shores. Its pleasant weather, scenic Himalayan Peaks of Shivalik, and alluring green landscapes has a touch of romance in its ambiance that is the reason why it is one of the best destinations to visit for Couples in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie will take you back to colonial times. Serene waterfalls, colonial buildings, Himalayan mountains, bustling markets, surreal vistas of Doon Valley, beautiful sceneries and lovely nature walks will make your day here. You will find it difficult to resist its charm.
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Rishikesh
Set against the scenic background of Himalayas, Rishikesh is a sacred homeland of pristine Ganga where with its serene vibes and healing touch has been captivating the mind of devotees for ages. The most fascinating thing about Rishikesh is that tourists come here not only for spiritual pilgrimage but also for relaxing and rejuvenating as it is known as the world capital of yoga and meditation. Numerous Ashrams in Rishikesh attract thousands of fitness freaks. It is also very popular for its serene temples and thrilling adventure sports such as rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining, trekking, giant swing and rock climbing etc. Don’t miss the soul soothing evening Ganga Aarti here. It is one of the best things to experience in Rishikesh. Indeed, Rishikesh is the best tourist destination to explore in Uttarakhand.
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Jim Corbett National Park
Nainital is not only famous for its fascinating landscapes but also for thrilling wildlife opportunities. It is an amazing homeland of majestic wild creatures. Yes, Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital needs no introduction when it comes to awesome wildlife holidays. It is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Uttarakhand. Known for its tiger richness, this oldest national park in India has been blowing the heart of wildlife lovers for many years. It is divided into 5 tourist zones which are teeming with enchanting wildlife and nature vistas. Open grasslands, exquisite floral species and faunal species will make your wildlife tour delightful. You will witness Royal Bengal Tigers, a variety of deer, bears, Asiatic Elephants and around 650 species of domestic and migratory birds. It is one of the top tourist places in Uttarakhand.
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Kausani
Kausani is one of the most scenic villages and hill stations to explore in Uttarakhand. After Chopta, it is considered as the second Switzerland of India. Gigantic Himalayan Peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli Peak will gaze at you with a smile. It is perfect for nature photography. Picturesque lush landscapes, the orange sky of the sunset, bubbling creeks, alpine hills, playful birds and pleasant weather makes it an awesome hill station for family vacation in Uttarakhand away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while. The ambiance is so beautiful that once our Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi visited here and after seeing its soothing vistas he called it the mini Switzerland of India. This place is an ideal weekend destination to visit from Delhi as it is only 406km from Delhi. Lovely nature walks, shopping for Kausani Shawls, scenic village tours, thrilling trek to Rudradhari Cave Temple are some of the best things to do in Uttarakhand.
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New Tehri
Your vacation in New Tehri will never be dull as you will behold some of the most alluring landscapes of Uttarakhand. New Tehri is one of top visiting tourist attractions to explore for nature sightseeing tours in Uttarakhand. Not only nature will please your soul here, it is a place that will keep you alive with various water adventure opportunities, high-altitude treks and blissful temple tours. Overlooking the massive Tehri Lake and dam which is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects, the alluring vistas of Bhagirathi River will take your breath away. It is said that old Tehri was submerged under the lake formed due to the constriction of Tehri dam So, residents shifted to New Tehri. It is an ideal family vacation spot to spend delightful moments in Uttarakhand. You can visit New Tehri all-round the year but the best time to visit here is during the Tehri Lake Festival. If you are a couple, you will surely love to stay in floating huts in the lake to cherish romantic moments with your beloved.
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Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a must visit tourist place to explore in Uttarakhand. There is an interesting story behind the name of Bhimtal. It is named after one of the five Pandava brothers Bhima. It is said that the famous lake of Bhima Sarovar used to be the most visited places for Bhima and his brothers during their exile. They were unable to find any water resource to quench their thirst, Bhim with enormous strength made a sudden blow on the ground with his mace which created a hole in the ground containing underground water. Hence as per this legend the sacred Bhimeshwar Temple along with Bhimtal lake was built in the memory of Bhima. You can enjoy amazing boating and paddling rides in the lake, the pristine beauty of nature and alluring temples makes it quite a sight to behold for a peaceful hill station vacation in Uttarakhand. You can easily plan an awesome road trip to Bhimtal as it has good road connectivity. It is the best destination to explore in any month.
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Dehradun
Blue sky, lofty mountains and idyllic valleys with countless rooftops – that’s Dehradun, the largest city in the foothills of the Himalayas. Geographically, it is situated in the Doon Valley, perched between the River Song and River Asan. It is considered the gateway of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand as people gather here first for travelling to the surrounding region. Dehradun has been famed for being the place for ‘changing air’ to Indian people since the 19th century. Its scenic landscapes, pleasant weather and fresh air were believed to create a positive effect on health.
As mentioned before, Dehradun is the gateway of other stunning tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. It is in proximity and well connected with Uttarkashi, Mussoorie, Chopta-Tungnath, Harsil, Auli, Dhanaulti, New Tehri and Chakarta. Travellers also choose to go for Chota Char Dham Yatra and treks like Kedarkantha, Har ki Dun and many more, via Dehradun, as it is the closest major city.
Apart from these surrounding destinations, tourists also enjoy visiting several spots in Dehradun itself. Some famous tourist attractions in Dehradun are Tapkeshwar Temple, Robber’s Cave, Zonal Museum, Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Forest Research Institute and Rajpur Road Market. A budget-friendly location offering numerous activities for tourists, Dehradun is always one of the first choices if someone wants a relaxing yet fun-filled holiday for some days.
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Ranikhet
Ranikhet, literally means the ‘Land of the queen,’ is one of the charming hill stations in Uttarakhand, Kumaon region. A cantonment town, perched between the snow-clad western peaks of the Himalayas, Ranikhet is one of the best places in North India to be treated as a summer escape. It is located in the Almora neighbourhood and attracts several travellers, hikers and birdwatchers for having numerous opportunities like birdwatching, paragliding, rock climbing as well as hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Ranikhet, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kumaon and Uttarakhand, is known for being home to Asia’s one of the highest golf courses. Ranikhet, which translates to “The Queen’s Land,” was given this name in honour of Queen Padmini, who fell in love with this location’s beauty. Sitting on a lush green meadow in Ranikhet and watching the breathtaking views of Trishul Peak on a clear day – is the best perk of travelling to this pretty hill station. Moreover, fishing in Bhalu Dam, hiking to Holm Farm from Chaubatia Orchards or Meghdoot to Jhula Devi Temple – are other popular activities to do in Ranikhet.
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Mukteshwar
Located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in North India to enjoy a peaceful vacation. Famed for its numerous fruit orchards, verdant forests, green meadows and lane narrows with mountains in sight, Mukteshwar can win anyone’s heart with its calmness and nature. It is also a place for people who prioritise adventure in a less crowded destination. Adventure seekers opt for this place for trekking, camping, paragliding, rock climbing and many more opportunities like these.
This idyllic hill station is flanked by around 22 snow-clad mountains in the Kumaon region. As it is located only 50 kilometres away from Nainital City, you can easily include it in the sightseeing plan. Mukteshwar is situated at a height of 2,171 metres and it is considered a hidden gem in Uttrakhand. The cherry on the cake is its weather; it remains pleasant throughout the year so that travellers can visit the places in Mukteshwar at any time of the year. However, summer would be the best time to enjoy its serenity. With no dearth of activities, Chauli ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls are some amazing tourist destinations to visit in Mukteshwar.
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Almora
One such place in Uttarakhand, as well as in North India, specifically amongst summer retreats, Almora was not developed by the Britishers. Rather, it is a hill station to witness history and peacefulness. To name a few incidents, Almora was the kingdom of the Chand Dynasty, which reigned in the Kumaon Region for almost one thousand years. Another is, Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister served a term of punishment during the British era in jail in Almora.
Almora can be visited during summer, post-monsoon and winter. Monsoon is recommended to avoid for reasons like heavy downpours and road damage. Surrounded by snowy peaks, plunging waterfalls and green forests, Almora is located around 60 kilometres from Nainital City. The beauty of nature here is complemented by friendly people who make this place one of the best places for a weekend escape. Moreover, places like Jageshwar Dham, Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Zero Point, Nanda Devi Temple, Bright End Corner and Martola make Almora famous among tourists who love to explore destinations with history, spiritualism and nature.
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Lansdowne
One of the beautiful hill stations in the Garhwal region, Lansdowne was renamed after Lord Lansdowne in 1887. Prior to that, it was called Kaludanda, where Kalu means black and Danda means hills in the Garhwali language. Located in the Pauri Garhwal District, Lansdowne is fringed by blue pine and thick oak forests all around.
Lansdowne is a famous weekend destination for people living in Delhi, as it is the nearest hill station to the city. However, this place also creates a special place amongst mountain lovers coming from all across the country. As it was developed by the Britishers as a summer retreat, Lansdowne is a planned cantonment town and well connected with other cities since the past. A trip to Lansdowne cannot be completed without visiting places like Tip N Top Point, St. Johns Church, Bhim Pakora, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Hawaghar and Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
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Dhanaulti
An up and coming travel destination in Uttarakhand, the small town of Dhanaulti is attracting tourists with its gorgeous landscape and serene ambience surrounded by dense forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron. Located near Mussoorie, Dhanaulti makes for a perfect trekking expedition owing to its mountainous terrain and lush green vistas that are soothing for both, the body and the soul. A visit to this small town will surely be the respite you are looking for.
At Dhanaulti, you should visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the Surkanda Devi Temple, or Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatar Temple, both abundant in holiness and beautiful architecture. For history buffs, Dhanaulti also has the Deogarh Fort and its many palaces. Built in the 16th century, the fort is a popular attraction of the town and even houses numerous Jain temples within its premises. The town of Dhanaulti also has an Eco Park, where you can view the setting or the rising sun while enjoying a fun picnic among the tall trees of the park. For the adventurous soul, there is the Dhanaulti Adventure Park that offers numerous activities such as sky walking, zip lining, rock climbing, paragliding, etc.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath will not only enrich your travel experience with alluring beauty but also elevate your spirit with its spiritual vibes. It is definitely one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Uttarakhand. Devotees from all over the world come here to feel the ethereal vibes in the holy temple of lord Shiva which is known as Kedarnath Temple. Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India and one of the major temples of Chota Char Dham Yatra. Situated Near the sacred Mandakini River at an elevation of 3584 meters, the lofty Himalayan ranges will surely tickle your camera lens to take amazing photographs. Devotees once in their lifetime definitely visit to fulfill their spiritual quest in Kedarnath. You should not miss the chance to explore this gorgeous place in Uttarakhand.
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We hope that this blog has overpowered your senses to travel more and plan a wonderful trip to Uttarakhand. The beauty of Uttarakhand is quite unparalleled in terms of delightful experiences. So, when are you planning your Uttarakhand Trip?
Other Important Uttarakhand Tourism Information
| Uttarakhand Nickname |
Devbhoomi |
| Top Tourist Places of Uttarakhand |
Auli, Nainital, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Haridwar, Lansdowne, Mukteshwar, Chopta, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kanatal, Dhanaulti, Uttarkashi etc. |
| Uttarakhand Best Time to Visit |
Throughout the Year |
| Top Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand |
River Rafting, Trekking, Mountain Biking, Rock climbing, Paragliding, bungee jumping, Ziplining, skiing, snowboarding etc. |
| Top Trekking Trails in Uttarakhand |
Valley of Flowers, Dayara Bugyal, Nag Tibba, Chopta Tungnath, Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun Trek, Rudranath Trek etc |
Other Important Uttarakhand Tourism Links
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top places to visit in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand?
Garhwal in the Himalayas is an extremely beautiful destination to travel in India. In fact, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. You will find something for every traveler. Some of the top places to visit in Garhwal are –
- Chamba
- Mussoorie
- Devprayag
- Dhanaulti
- Nag Tibba
- Chopta
- Chakrata
- Lansdowne
- Haridwar
- Tehri Garhwal
- Rudraprayag
- Uttarkashi
Tourists come to Garhwal to enjoy the beauty of icy glaciers, lofty snow peaks, beautiful meadows, bubbling rivers etc. Be it a honeymooner, family, adventurer, or solo backpacker, Uttarakhand Garhwal will surely take your breath away.
Which are the best places to visit in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand?
Northern end of Uttarakhand has Kumaon with the most alluring beauty of lakes, temples, rich biodiversity and lofty Himalayan Peaks etc. It is a place which can be visited all-round the year. Every season has its own charm and has the potential to rejuvenate your senses.
Some of the best places to visit in Kumaon region are –
- Ranikhet
- Nainital
- Mukteshwar
- Champawat
- Almora
- Munsiyari
- Pithoragarh
- Abbott Mount
- Kausani
- Lohaghat
- Bhimtal
- Binsar
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Sattal
- Ramgarh
- Chaukori
Saw all these places? No doubt why it is the best place to visit in India. From exotic wildlife, thrill adventures to the most enchanting hill stations, Kumaon has everything you are looking for in a travel destination.
Which are the best places to Visit in Uttarakhand from Delhi?
Delhi is not very far from Uttarakhand. The distance of Delhi from Uttarakhand by road is 231.8 miles. So, without any doubt people of Delhi have the best option to relax and rejuvenate their spirit in the beautiful hill destination called Uttarakhand. It is an ideal weekend getaway for the people of Delhi. There are so many hill stations for family vacation. If you have a spiritual bent of mind then also there are a lot of options. The most prominent one is the holy Char Dham Yatra. For adventure lovers this place has a lot of options like, trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, rafting etc.
Some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand from Delhi are-
- Mussoorie
- Rishikesh
- Nainital
- Dhanaulti
- Tehri
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Ranikhet
- Binsar
- Lansdowne
- Kanatal
- Chakrata
About the author
She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.
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