Uttarakhand, the land of spirituality and a place to witness the beauty of the Himalayas, seems to be the jewel on the crown of India. The state is the abode of some of the best hill stations in north India that are perfect for summer and winter vacations. The hill stations in Uttarakhand offer a range of experiences that include trekking, relaxing nature walks, kids-friendly activities, watersports, and even activities like skiing and birdwatching for the visitors. Here’s the best 20 hill tourist places in Uttarakhand that have something or the other for every kind of traveller to fall in love with.
List of Top 20 Hill Destinations to Visit in Uttarakhand in 2020/2021
- Mussoorie
- Nainital
- Almora
- Binsar
- Auli
- Chopta
- Ranikhet
- Mukteshwar
- Munsiyari
- Lansdowne
- Chaukori
- Dhanaulti
- Pithoragarh
- Kausani
- Naukuchiatal
- Pangot
- Harsil
- Kanatal
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar
Recommended Tour Packages
Mussoorie: The Rightfully Dubbed Queen of Hills
Known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Mussoorie is the pride of Uttarakhand tourism industry and is one of the most visited places in the state. Breathtaking scenic beauty of Mussoorie compels the travellers to accept the truth that nature has painted the canvas of this astounding tourist spot. Nestled amidst the undulating Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie also makes a paradise for the thrill seekers with a number of adventure activities like trekking and paragliding.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie: October to June
Attractions in Mussoorie
- Lal Tibba
- Gun Hill
- Lake Mist
- Mall Road
- Kempty Falls
- Cloud’s End
- Bhatta Falls
- Company Garden
- Jwala Devi Temple
Things to Do in Mussoorie
- Cable Car and Sky Bridge
- Paragliding
- River Rafting
- Trekking and Mountaineering
- Wine Making Workshops
- Night Safari and Night Camping in Mussoorie Wildlife (Bird) Sanctuary
Trekking Trails in and around Mussoorie
- Bhadraj Temple Trek – (15 Kms)
- Benog Hill Trek – (3 Kms)
- George Everest Park – (3 Kms)
- Kempty Falls Trek – (8 Kms)
- Yamuna Bridge Trek – (20 Kms)
Check out: Mussoorie Tourism Packages
Nainital: The Epitome of Beauty in Kumaon Region
Being one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is the perfect retreat for the tourists with different tastes. From honeymoon couples to families to youngsters, everyone gets to explore things of their interest here. The centrally located lake is quite a popular attraction in Nainital where boating is a must-do. Apart from it, shopping in the Tibetan Market, strolling on the Mall Road, sightseeing, cable car ride to Snow View Point and hiking up to Tiffin Top and Naina Peak (China Peak) are some of the fun things to do in Nainital on your holiday. But rest assured, there’s still a lot to do and explore.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie: October to June
Attractions in Nainital
- Naini Lake
- Eco Cave Gardens
- Mall Road
- Naina Devi Temple
- Snow View Point
- Ropeway
- Tiffin Top
- Naina Peak
- Governor’s House
- Zoo
- Tibetan Market
- Gurney House
Things to Do in Nainital
- Boating in Naini Lake
- Trekking to Naini Peak
- Hike to Tiffin Top
- Trek or Take a Ropeway to Snow Viewpoint
- Watch the sunset at Hanuman Garhi
- Rock Climbing
- Shopping in Tibetan Market
Check out: Best Affordable Tour Packages for Nainital
Almora: Showcasing the Grandeur of Nanda Devi and Unexploited Nature
Almora is acclaimed for its picturesque landscape and rich cultural heritage. It is located on a horse shoe-shaped ridge of Kasaya hill at an elevation of 1638 m above sea level. Mostly known for its sightseeing places, Almora has many temples of native deities like Golu Devta, Kasar Devi and Nanda Devi. Enjoying a sunset or sunrise view at Bright End Corner is a must-do activity in Almora.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Attractions in Almora
- Bright End Corner
- Lala Bazaar
- Nanda Devi Temple
- Gobind Ballabh Pant Museum
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Chittai Golu Dev Temple
- Kalimath Temple
- Katarmal Sun Temple
Things to Do in Almora
- Visit the temples
- Picnic at Kalimath Temple
- Sunset view at Bright End Corner
Recommended Tour Packages
Binsar: A Place of Tranquility of Surreal Forests, Temples and Mountains
One of the most beautiful places in Kumaon Himalayas, Binsar is a perfect place to unwind amidst nature. Offering a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Binsar’s Zero point is the main place of interest for tourists.
From nature lovers to adventure enthusiasts, this Binsar can satisfy all. There are many treks that cross through the mesmerizing Himalayan oak and rhododendron woods. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, another important attraction of Binsar, houses more than 200 species of birds making it an ideal bird watching destination. The sanctuary is also home to several animals including leopard, black bear, pine marten porcupine etc., which any wildlife lover would be delighted to sight.
Attractions in Binsar
- Zero Point
- Bineshwar Mahadev Temple
- Mary Budden State
- Binsar Sanctuary Museum
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to Do in Binsar
- Trekking
- Birdwatching
- Watch the Sunset and Sunrise from Zero Point
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Auli: Skiing Capital of Uttarakhand and a Trekking Paradise
If you enjoy skiing, Auli is the best destination for you in Uttarakhand. This destination in Garhwal Himalayas has some of the best slopes for skiing. In Auli, another fun thing to do is taking a ride on a cable car that runs 16 km till Joshimath. There are many treks in Uttarakhand that start from Auli, which means there’s a lot of adventure awaiting at this gradually budding tourist destination in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Attractions in Auli
- Auli Ropeway
- Auli Artificial Lake
- Gorson Bugyal
- Chattrakund
- Joshimath
- Narsingh Temple
- Chenab Lake
- Kwani Bugyal
Things to Do in Auli
- Skiing (Winter)
- Cable Car Ride to Auli from Joshimath
- Trekking (Gorson Bugyal being the most popular trek)
Recommended Tour Packages
Chopta: A Trekker’s Paradise Amidst the Dreamlike Landscape
Mostly visited for adventurous activities, Chopta in Garhwal Himalayas is a trekker’s paradise and an ideal destination for nature lovers. Among the two important treks are Chopta-Chandrashila Trek and Deoriatal which can be done throughout the year. These easy grade treks can be done in one day each. Apart from trekking, Chopta offers a great opportunity for camping on lush meadows. The area is also rich in birds, both native and migratory, and is thus also a perfect place for bird watching.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Attractions in Chopta
- Tungnath Temple
- Chandrashila Peak
- Deoriatal
- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ukhimath
- Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev
Things to Do in Chopta
- Trekking
- Camping
- Birdwatching
Check out: Popular Trekking Destinations in Uttarakhand
Ranikhet: A Destination to Relish Unspoilt Natural Beauty
One of the significant hill stations in north India, Ranikhet is a must-see tourist spot for nature lovers. Apart from bewitching topography, Ranikhet attracts many tourists for the amazing trekking trails. This destination in Kumaon region is also known for its varieties of rare trees and multi-hued flower gardens. Ranikhet has a 9-hole golf course which boasts being the second-largest golf course in India. Camping and birdwatching are also the activities that one can enjoy in Ranikhet apart from relaxing and unwinding amidst nature.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Attractions in Ranikhet
- Chaubatia Orchards
- Golf Course
- Bhalu Dam
- Haidakhan Babaji Temple
- Ashiyana Park
- Rani Jheel
- Kalika
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Majkhali
Things to Do in Ranikhet
- Witness Sunset & Sunrise Views
- Try Hands at Golf
- Hike around Ranikhet
- Birdwatching
Recommended Tour Packages
Mukteshwar: A Destination to Seek Spirituality and Rejuvenation
Located in the Kumaon Hills, Mukteshwar is the nearest getaway from Delhi NCR. Though this hilly region is well-known for the temple of Lord Mahadeva, the scenic beauty is the major attraction. To witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the temple premise is an unforgettable experience in Mukteshwar. Apart from the beauty of nature, one can also enjoy adventure activities like paragliding, rock climbing, rappelling, and trekking. Mukteshwar is a great destination for a 1-2 days trip to Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Attractions in Mukteshwar
- Mukteshwar Temple
- Sitla
- Chauli ki Jaali
- Rajarani Temple
- Brahmeswara Temple
Things to Do in Mukteshwar
- Trekking
- Paragliding
- Rock Climbing and Rappelling
- Photography
Recommended Tour Packages
Munsiyari: A Place to Get Lost in The Music of Nature
For those young and enthusiastic individuals who love to feel the thrill of adventure, Munsiyari in Kumaon Himalayas is the best destination to visit. Located in Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari is the base to a number of high-altitude treks, therefore from beginners to experts, all can quench their thirst of adventure here. Apart from trekking, Munsiyari offers the most mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and the sight of rich wildlife which is enriched by the rare species like Himalayan griffon, Himalayan bear, wagtail, raven, falcon, monal and many more.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Attractions in Munsiyari
- Khuliya Top
- Birthi Falls
- Kalamuni Top
- Maheshwari Kund
- Thamri Kund
- Sarmoli Village
- Nanda Devi Temple
Things to Do in Munsiyari
- Trekking
- Photography
- Birdwatching
- Home stay
- Camping
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Lansdowne: A Destination That is a Reminiscent of Colonial Era
Lansdowne is a perfect getaway to spend a family holiday. It is an ideal destination in Uttarakhand to relax amidst the pristine nature and is easily accessible from Delhi. This small hill station in the Garhwal Himalayas is nestled amidst green forests of Pine, Deodar, and Rhododendron and houses a number of colonial era buildings that amplify its scenic beauty. Lansdowne is also known for its beautiful sunset & sunrise views as well as bird watching opportunities.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Attractions in Lansdowne
- Snow Viewpoint
- Tip n Top
- Kalagarh Tiger Reserve
- Darwan Singh Museum
- Santoshi Maa Temple
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Bhulla Lake
- St John’s Church
- St Mary’s Church
- Bhim Pakora
Things to Do in Lansdowne
- Trekking
- Bird watching
- Boating
- Camping
Recommended Tour Package
Chaukori: An Awesome Destination to Rejuvenate Amidst the Freshness of Tea Gardens
If you are in need of a break from the usual, Chaukori in the Kumaon Himalayas is an ideal place to visit. It is located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand Chaukori is famous for the uninterrupted views of the Panchachuli Peaks. It is also known for its beautiful tea gardens and the views of sunset and sunrise. Chaukori is an offbeat destination that is perfect for family holidays and even for solo travelling.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Attractions in Chaukori
- Arjuneshawar Shiva Temple
- Kalinag
- Bashukinag
- Feninag
- Pinglenag
- Mostamanu Temple
- Harinag Temple
- Ghunsera Devi Temple
- Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple
- Chineshwar Waterfall
Things to Do in Chaukori
- Nature Walks
- Sunrise & Sunset Views
- Photography
- Birding
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Dhanaulti: A Lovely Weekend Escape from Dehradun
An attractive tourist spot near Dehradun, Dhanaulti is enclosed with dense oak, and rhododendron forests and is one of the best weekend getaways from Dehradun as well as Delhi. For thrill seekers, there are adventure activities like Flying Fox and Burma Bridge. There are wonderful walking trails, nice corners and sitting spaces to spend leisure time. Dhanaulti with its picturesque location and close proximity to places like Delhi also make for a great family vacation and corporate outing destination.
Attractions in Dhanaulti
- Surkanda Devi Temple
- Dashavatar Temple
- Deogarh Fort
- Eco Park
- Dhanaulti Adventure Park
Things to Do in Dhanaulti
- Sky Walk
- Sky Bridging
- Valley Crossing
- Zip Swing & Zip Line
- Trekking
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Camping
- Boating
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Pithoragarh: The Gate to Manasarovar and Kailash
Set amidst pristine natural beauty, Pithoragarh is a significant hill station in Uttarakhand. This place in Kumaon Region is popular as the starting point of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Apart from these sacred Hindu pilgrimages, if you are planning a trip to Pithoragarh for only 2-3 days, then it is a great place to experience the rural culture and quietude of nature. There are also numerous trekking trails for those who seek adventure amidst nature.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Attractions in Pithoragarh
- Nakuleshwar Temple
- Arjuneswar Temple
- Dhwaj Temple
- Kapileswar Temple
- Chandak
- Thal Kedar
Things to Do in Pithoragarh
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Trekking
- Nature Walk
- Temple Visit
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Kausani: An Ideal Whisper of Kumaon Hills
A paradise of tranquility, a hub of unbound freshness; Kausani is nestled amidst magnetic Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Detached from the noisy environment of city life, it is a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Kausani is known for its 360° views of the Himalayan Peaks.
Newly married couples can stroll on its breathtaking nature walking trails and can make their trip to Kausani more romantic. Most of the routes pass through oak and pine forest and the smell of ripe fruits will fascinate you. One can also indulge in rock climbing. There are a couple of beautiful ashrams and waterfalls at Kausani.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Attractions in Kausani
- Kausani Tea Estate
- Rudradhari Falls & Caves
- Lakshmi Ashram
- Anasakti Ashram (a.k.a Gandhi Ashram)
- Sumitranandan Pant Museum
- Stargate Observatory
Things to Do in Kausani
- Trekking
- Nature Walks
- Photography
- Visit tea estates
Recommended Tour Package
Naukuchiatal: A Perfect Escape for The Ones Seeking Solace
If solitude is your friend, Naukuchiatal is the perfect tourist spot for you. Known for its long nine-cornered lake, this wonderful tourist attraction near Nainital is a nature lover’s paradise. There are a number of resorts by the lake where you can stay and enjoy the beauty of its picturesque place. One of the best experiences in Naukuchiatal is boating while you try to find all nine corners of the lake.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Attractions in Naukuchiatal
- Lake
- Jungliagaon
- Hanuman Temple
- Sattal
- Bhimtal
Things to Do in Naukuchiatal
- Boating
- Nature Walk
- Bird Watching
Check out: Popular Lakes to Visit in Uttarakhand
Pangot: A Picture-Perfect Place For Bird Watching
If you are a bird lover, head to Pangot, which is located 15 km away from Nainital. If you are planning a 3-4 days trip to Nainital, then spare a day or two to plan a trip to Pangot. Birdwatching is the most prominent activity in Pangot as it boasts being home to more than 150 species of birds. There are special birding lodges in Pangot where you can stay and enjoy birdwatching.
Things to Do in Pangot
- Bird Watching
- Nature Walks
- Photography
- Trekking
Check out: Popular Wildlife & Bird Watching Destinations in Uttarakhand
Bhimtal: A Place to Relax and Rejuvenate amidst Nature
Mostly known for its largest lake in Uttarakhand, Bhimtal can be one of the best places to spend your holiday. A small hill station, Bhimtal has a strategically located lake that is now flanked by a number of restaurants and hotels. The lake is a hub of many water activities like kayaking. Apart from it, this place near Nainital is also ideal for family vacationers and groups.
Attractions in Bhimtal
- Aquarium
- Hidimba Parvat
- Karkotaka Temple
- Bhimeshwar Temple
- Lake
Things to Do in Bhimtal:
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Angling (You need to take special permission from DCFR)
- Rappelling/Rock Climbing
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Harsil: A Hidden Jewel of Uttarakhand
If you are a peace loving soul and the boisterous city life has snatched away your sleep, take a break and head to Harsil, one of the lesser-known places in Uttarakhand. Murmuring water of river Bhagirathi, chirping of birds and dense deodar forest transform the land into a heaven-like getaway. Harsil is without a doubt picturesque and during the summer season, it has pleasant weather. The destination sits quite close to the popular pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, Gangotri Dham. Harsil is also one of the best places to see the apple orchards flourishing with fresh apples.
Best Time to Visit: June to December
Attractions around Harsil
- Gangotri
- Mukhwas Village
- Gangnani
- Nelong Valley
- Uttarkashi
Things to Do in Harsil
- Nature Walks
- Visiting Gangotri Dham
- Trekking
- Motor Biking
Check out: Uttarkashi Tourism Guide
Kanatal: A Secret of The Himalayan Mountains
A drive of 6-7 hours from Delhi will take you to Kanatal, a quaint place tucked away in the dense forests of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Near Mussoorie, this wonderful getaway like other hill stations of the state is also blessed with Mother Nature. Kanatal and the places around it like Dhanaulti, Chamba, New Tehri are perfect for rejuvenation and have become a popular place for corporate outings and group trips.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Attractions in Kanatal
- Dhanaulti Eco Park
- Kaudia Forest
- Tehri Park
- Surkanda Devi Temple
- Tehri Dam
- Chamba
Activities in Kanatal
- Wired Valley Crossing
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Kodia Forest Jungle Safari
- Hiking and Trekking
Check out: Popular Adventure Sports Activities in Uttarakhand
Patal Bhuvaneshwar: A Mysterious and Mystical Place to Learn about Spirituality
The Himalayan foothills are popular pilgrimage destinations since eternity. Most of the caves here are either explored for religious belief or adventure. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is one such mystical and spiritual place which is a limestone cave.
Devotees believe that 33 crore deities are residents of the cave. The entrance to the cave goes through a long and narrow tunnel and the entire cave is around 160m long and 90 feet deep. Worshipping here is regarded as equivalent to Char Dham Yatra. Though the central deity of the temple is Shiva, but numbers of other deities are also seen here. Other wonders found in this cave are the hair of Lord Shiva, Airavat of Indra, and Tongue of Kaal Bhairava.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Attractions in Patal Bhuvaneshwar
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple/Cave
- Berinag
- Haat Kalika Temple
Things to Do in Patal Bhuvaneshwar
- Visit the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave
- Nature Walks
- Photography
Uttarakhand is a land of pristine beauty and there is no other state which has got so many tourist attractions. Almost every other village and town offers a unique and distinct hill experience. So, if you seek mountains as your next vacation destination, head out to one of these hill stations in Uttarakhand. Pack your bags and travel and don’t forget to share your experience with us.
For our help planning your Uttarakhand tour, call us on +91-9212777224 or drop an email at info@tourmyindia.com. We have the best Uttarakhand holiday packages that match your interest and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What are the top sightseeing holiday places in Uttarakhand?
The top places to visit in Uttarakhand are Nainital, Mussoorie, Mukteshwar, Lansdowne, Auli, Bhimtal, and Dhanaulti.
Q.What is the best way to reach Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand is well-connected by air, rail, and road. One can choose the means of transport according to their convenience to reach Uttarakhand. The capital city, Dehradun has the state’s major airport. There is also an airport in Pantnagar and Pithoragarh but with limited flights. The main railway stations in Uttarakhand are in Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Haldwani, and Kathgodam.
Q.What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand for holidays?
The best time to visit Uttarakhand is round the year. It is true that Uttarakhand experiences high rainfall in the monsoon seasons which might interrupt with your travelling plan. However, if you take proper precautions and plan your trip carefully, a tour in the monsoon season can be in fact one of the best. In the winter, Uttarakhand is ideal for sighting snowfall. Summers, is anyway the best time to visit to get respite from the hot weather in other parts of the country.
Q.How many days are enough for an ideal trip in Uttarakhand?
You will need at least 2-3 days to explore one or two destinations at a leisurely pace in Uttarakhand. Other than this, the days are determined according to your interest, purpose and how far you are based from the state.
About the author
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
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