Uttarakhand, resting in the northern segment of India, is eminent for its magnificence throughout the country and even the world. You can find many types of tourist places in Uttarakhand. Snow-covered mountains, lush green forests, rivers, hill stations, and whimsical weather steal almost every traveler’s heart each time they visit.
With numerous untainted places to visit in Uttarakhand, it is one of the states closest to mother nature. Uttarakhand is a tourist place with something to offer to people of all ages, caste, & creeds.
Uttarakhand holds a special spot in the heart of every traveler. The place isn’t renowned solely for its beauty but is also considered the holiest place in India. Often termed as “Dev Bhoomi” (Land of Gods), the place is also the home of one of the “Char Dham” (four abodes) of India, The Badrinath.
Uttarakhand also holds four abodes known as “Chota Char Dham,” where thousands of pilgrims visit these places every year to attain peace of mind. The place also flaunts various rivers’ confluence (Prayag) at different locations to aggregate to India’s holiest river, the Ganga.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Uttrakhand:
1. Tungnath – Chopta
Tungnath is one of the most beautiful and prominent tourist places in Uttarakhand. Mainly due to the presence of the Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the whole world. It is the third of the Panch Kedar temples, all of which rest in the Garhwal Himalayan range. And is built by the heroes of Mahabharata, the Pandavas.
Tungnath dwells in the Chopta Region of Rudraprayag district, which s also famously known as the Switzerland of India. You can only get to the temple by trekking 3 Km uphill. Once you complete your trek and reach the temple, turn around to see one of the best views of your life. You will see clouds and snow-covered peaks at your eye level and feel the dry cold winter breeze, which will make this an experience of a lifetime.
1.2 km uphill trek from Tungnath temple is Chandrashila peak. If you are not tired and have time, do visit this peak. Once you reach the top, you’ll feel that you’re standing on top of the world with everything, including the clouds are below you. You can visit Tungnath at any time of the year due to its diversified elegance.
In summers, you’ll find fresh grass meadows and cool temperatures, a clear sky view, and Himalayan mountains with a stunning greyish-white view. Whereas, In winters, the snow covers the meadows, and it seems as if someone has put a white blanket on the place. For snow lovers, this is a boon.
Suggested Read: Top 20 Shiva Temples in Uttarakhand
2. Chamoli
Chamoli is the name of a town in the Chamoli district. It also falls in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of about 1300 meters, Chamoli has the river Alaknanda flowing at its foot. The town is the resting place for most tourists since major tourist attractions like Tungnath, Auli, Hemkund Saheb, Valley of Flowers, Badrinath, etc., rest nearby.
Chamoli is the second largest district in Uttarakhand and has the highest number of tourist places in Uttarakhand. Also, it is known as the ‘Abode of Gods’, which means the residence of Gods. There are many amazing temples & trekking spots here, making it an integral part of Uttarakhand tourism.
Various trekking trails such as the Gopeshwar-Helang trek, Roopkund trek, and Kuaripass trek are some of its most eminent. The last Indian village, Mana, also falls in the district, which has beauty and richness in culture. Also, Chamoli is home to the famous ‘Chipko Movement,’ which dates back into Indian history. If you are a history enthusiast, do visit this place.
3. Auli
Auli is a ski destination in Uttarakhand. The glittering mountains running around you while you’re skiing is an unforgetful experience. The euphoria of skiing at an elevation of 3050 meters above sea level amidst Deodar & Oak trees is undoubtedly a thrilling experience.
In addition, it is the home to famous mountain ranges like Mana Parvat, Nanda Devi, and Kamat Kamet. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMV), a state government agency, organizes winter sports and competitions. Where tourists can take part and feel the adrenaline rush.
Also, a 4 km cable car, chairlift, and ski lift are some experiences you can get here. Apart from winter sports, Auli is also a trekking destination due to its mountainous landscape. Auli to Badrinath and Auli-Kuari Pass trek are some of the most prominent trekking trails here. Furthermore, it has are many temples and other religious places for Pilgrims.
4. Nainital
Nainital is a town captioned due to its chief attraction, the Nainital Lake. The lake is fringed by mountains from all sides and looks like a comma (,) when observed from the top view. Nainital is a prominent hill station in Uttarakhand especially due to its pleasant climate throughout the year.
Nainital falls in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand which is well-known for being a paradise for nature photography enthusiasts. These mesmerizing landscapes and the ease of access has made it the perfect destination for spending honeymoons. Luxurious hotels and resorts outlining the Nainital lake make the best venues for lodging yourself in the town, be it a honeymoon or a trip. The raw view of the Nainital Lake tinged with a little fog, just after you wake up is one that you’ll yearn for each day.
Apart from Nainital Lake, this Uttarakhand tourism spot is assorted with other lakes such as Bhimtal Lake, Sariyatal Lake, and Khurpatal Lake. Boating is the seduction of these lakes. Nainital is also labeled as ‘the city of lakes’. This is the best place to visit in Uttarakhand. Nainital has many other points of interest including the Naina Devi Hindu temple on its north shore and Uttarakhand’s highest peak, the Nanda Devi. In addition to these are:
- Sher-ka-Danda Ridge
- Guan Hills
- Tiffin Top
- Eco cave gardens
- Nainital Zoo
Nainital is one of the famous tourist places in Uttarakhand. It holds ample interesting destinations for every kind of traveller hence, must not be missed.
5. Chakrata
This one of a kind hill station in Uttarakhand is one of the best spots to interact with the untainted form of nature. Chakrata, being far away from Dehradun, is also away from its noise, pollution and the crowd for good. There isn’t a place where you’ll see so many natural freshwater outlets during the monsoon.
The place is a cantonment area about 83 km from Dehradun and 73 km from Mussoorie. It has been an army area since the British era. This hill station is underrated because of its distance from the main city area and major inter-city routes. The significantly lower number of people travel to Chakrata for sight-seeing, adventures, etc. That is why it is the perfect place to go and enjoy with your family and friends.
Being away from the crowd during our trips is what we always crave and Chakrata grants our wish. It is not only one of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand but also the path to Chakrata is one of a kind.The river Yamuna flows at the foot of Chakrata. A trek to the 10,000 ft Kharamba peak is a sublime experience. Panoramic vistas of beautifully crafted nature are a delight to the eyes.
Matheu is the most stunning place on the road to Chakrata from Dehradun. The spot is a ridge build as a road. On either side of the road, there’s steep declination filled with clouds. This view will be an unforgettable experience for you, with a craving to go there again.
Tiger falls is another stunning spot in Chakrata which ought not to be missed in any case. It is about 20 km away from Chakrata l. With the elevation of 312 ft, Tiger falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in Chakrata. It is such a magnifique that even its photos on google will mesmerize you to visit as soon as possible.
In addition to it, some other mind-blowing tourist attractions are:
- Budher
- Kanasar
- Chilmark
- Deoban
- Mundali meadows
- Lakhamandal
6. Bhimtal
The town Bhimtal falls in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Akin to Nainital, it is known for its most important jewel – The Bhimtal Lake. Bhimtal Lake is one of the most beautifully crafted lakes in the world. The creator has put a whole lot of effort into designing such a state-of-the-art setting.With an elevation of 1370 meters above the sea level, the clean fresh water of the lake looks deep blue when viewed from above. The uncanniest thing about the lake is the island resting at the center of it.
Bhimtal is said to be way older than the famous city of Nainital. It is believed that before the war of Mahabharata, Bhima visited this place and built a temple during the banishment of Pandavas. This temple is now famous as the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple. Some other points of interest are Gorkhakhal, Bhowali, and Kainchi.
Adventure enthusiasts are also embraced by Bhimtal with high dopamine sports like Rappelling, Mountain Climbing, etc. Angling is also facilitated here but not without the permission of DCFR. By going a little further of 4 km, you can have Paragliding, Kayaking and Dirt Biking experience too. Other recreational facilities include boating in the Bhimtal Lake and Zorbing for children as well as adults.
The river Gargi or Gola Nadi, originating from Garg Parvat, is also a tourist attraction. The temperatures in Bhimtal range from 29 degrees Celsius in summers to 4 degrees Celsius in winters. It is a jewel of Uttarakhand tourism which should be protected from the plague of pollution.
Also Read: 20 Best Camping Places in Uttarakhand
7. Binsar
Binsar is an underrated place in Uttarakhand tourism due to its smaller area. This place, though smaller in area, is packed with magnificent vistas no less than any other tourist destination. Binsar is the perfect example of the English idiom “Big things come in small packages”.
Just as you Google the name Binsar, you’ll find such magnificent images that your mind will push you to visit Binsar as your next holiday destination. Those portraits of snow-capped Himalayan mountains standing behind a series of green and dark mountains are too bewitching to be real.
Binsar is the highest hill-station in the Kumaon region with an altitude of about 2500 meters. It is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. The coniferous vegetation including Oak, Deodar, and Pine trees are dispersed over the slopes of the hills.
The Binsar wildlife sanctuary hosts various wildlife species including porcupine, leopard, black bear, etc.Around 200 species of animals’ dwell in here. The Zero Point is also a famed attraction of this region. It gives you the panoramic view of the snow-packed mountains of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, and Shivling.
8. Mussoorie
Mussoorie is widely famous as ‘The Queen of Hills’ in the whole country. The hill station rests at an elevation of 2000 meters with its highest peak at about 2290 meters making it a seduction for the adventure enthusiasts. Mussoorie is at about 30 km from Dehradun city. The road from Dehradun to Mussoorie is highly appealing to the nature photographers and scenic beauty admirers. The sharp curves on the way are the building blocks of adventure for the travellers.
On reaching Mussoorie, the first thing to do is visit the famous ‘Mall Road’ which is an inclined road dotted with shops and eateries along its sides. The houses and architectures in Mussoorie give a vibe of the retro British colonial times. People especially pick this place as their honeymoon destination. This is generally because of the cool climate of this pce. The lavish hotels with a splendid view of the cloud covered valley make their decision unforgettable. Apart from it, Mussoorie’s trek trails are well-established ones.
- Bhadraraj Temple trek (15 km.)
- Yamuna Bridge trek – (20 km.)
- Kempty Falls Trek – (8 km.)
- George Everest Park – (3 Km.)
- Benog Hill Trek – (3 km.)
Mussoorie is highly regarded in Uttarakhand tourism making it a significant source of revenue for the state. It’s still one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Find more about Mussoorie:
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Mussoorie and Things to do in Mussoorie
9. Dharchula
Dharchula is a beautiful valley situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It lies in the Kumaon region so is closer to the Himalayan range mountains. River Kali flows through the valley providing fresh water supply to the town. Dharchula is located at an elevation of 950 meters above sea level.
It lies along the path of the famous Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage. Pilgrims use it as a resting venue on their tour. Tourists and travellers visit this place to enjoy the natural beauty of a valley near the Himalayas. They’re also keen about the unique culture of the inhabitants, the Rung tribe. A large variety of dry fruits are also found here.
Some of the major attractions here are:
- Narayan Ashram
- Mansarovar Lake
- Askot Sanctuary
- Chirkila Dam
- Jaulijibi
- Om Parvat
Devotees from all across the nation come here to take a holy bath in The Mansarovar Lake. Dharchula is an important part of Uttarakhand tourism.
10. Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a hill-station at 2286 meters above sea level. It is well-known for its serene environment coupled with beautiful vistas. This offbeat destination is home for numerous trekking trials into the Himalayan mountains. This hill station is located at about 24 km from Mussoorie and 31 km from Chamba. The road to Dhanaulti from each side is both thrilling and enticing.
Dotted with dense Alpine, Rhododendron and Oak trees, the place experiences moderate snowfall during the winters. The climate ranges from 36 degrees Celsius in summer to -1 degree Celsius in winters. Dhanaulti has a lot to offer to thrill seekers such as activities like Flying Fox and Burma Bridge. Popular treks include Chandrabadni, Surkanda Devi and Kunjapuri making it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
11. Valley Of Flowers
One of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand is the Valley of Flowers. The Valley of Flowers is a paradise for Mr. Hemkund for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. Other than that, it’s a great place for trekking. Mr. Hemkund is a holy place for the Sikh community and one of the best destinations in Uttarakhand.
12. Almora
From the attractions of Uttarakhand, Almora is one of the best offbeat places in Uttarakhand to survive the heat, especially in summer. The panoramic view of Almora is especially recommended for mountaineers. The romantic destination fascinates you with its stunning beauty.
13. Lansdowne
The cantonment town of Lansdowne was founded by the Viceroy of India during the British period and is considered to be the best in terms of interest in Uttarakhand. The city is known for its secluded and quiet environment. It is basically a picnic destination for those who want to spend a quiet time in the mountains. Other popular things in Lansdowne are trekking, camping and nature walks.
14. Jim Corbett
This speed is a must visit if you are looking for a famous Uttarakhand tourist destination. The park is home to about 600 species of birds, an equal number of animals and about 488 different species of plants and trees and is one of the top places to visit in Uttarakhand. Throughout the year. Safari travel is one of the best things about Jim Corbett.
15. Haridwar
Another must see place in Uttarakhand is the adventure capital – Rishikesh and the pilgrim capital id Haridwar. Haridwar is a place where tourists are mesmerized by the rustic touch and the spiritual energy of the place and its surroundings. Rishikesh is considered as one of the best exotic places in Uttarakhand. Some of the thrills of Rishikesh include river rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking and much more.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Rishikesh – Tourists Spots in Rishikesh
16. Chardham
If you are looking for a vacation to enjoy the diverse spiritual essence of India while exploring these fascinating tourist spots of Uttarakhand, there is nothing better than visiting Chardham-Yamnotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
17. Sattal
As the name implies, this place has a group of seven lakes that are lush green and eye-catching. This place is located in Kumaon region at an altitude of 1370 m above sea level. The seven beautiful lakes found here are Naldayamanti Tal, Lakshman Tal, Sukh Tal, Bharat Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal and Panna Tal. It is one of the favorite destinations in Uttarakhand.
18. Uttarkashi
There are two of the four sacred temples of Hindu mythology in religious places. Not only this, the whole place is also proud of its natural beauty and opportunities for trekking and other adventure activities. You can visit the lakes here which are plentiful.
19. Kanatal
A quiet and picturesque village of Mussoorie, Kanatal is quietly located on the Champa-Mussoorie road. At an altitude of 500 feet, the village offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range and green and brown pine forests. One of the funniest destinations in Uttarakhand, Kanatal is a perfect weekend getaway. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Uttarakhand.
20. Mukteshwar
About 50 km from Nainital, Mukteshwar is a small hill town in Uttarakhand. It is known for its beautiful views of the Himalayas and fun adventure sports. With narrow green and narrow alleys, the main attractions are coniferous forests, rolling meadows, picturesque gardens and small cottages.
21. Pithoragarh
Another popular destination in Uttarakhand is Pithoragarh. It has a strange environment that you can choose for its peace and tranquility. There are several places in Pithoragarh that you may be interested in. It is one of the few offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. If you are interested in mountaineering in Uttarakhand then definitely visit this beautiful place.
22. Joshimath
It is one of the best hill towns found in the Himalayan snow-capped Himalayas. Lying at an altitude of 6,000 feet, it is one of the coolest places in Uttarakhand. You can go for trekking from here to the Valley of Flowers which is nearby. There is a great mythological significance attached to this place which is associated with the Hindu text of the Atharva Veda.
23. Naukuchiatal
It is established in a small village with a picturesque lake and a charming natural environment. The place is located near Nainital but not so troublesome. As the name implies, this place is known for its lake which has nine angles with which an interesting myth is associated. You can also go paragliding in Nakuchiatale while visiting this beautiful place.
24. Madhyamaheshwar
It is one of the places in Uttarakhand that is a mixture of mysticism and painting. This place is well known for the Madhyameshwar temple which has been specially established for Lord Shiva. The whole temple comes to pray in this temple.
25. Tehri Garhwal
The place is famous for its spiritual significance. There are many temples throughout the place. People also visit this fascinating place to enjoy the beautiful scenery. This place is at the top of the list of trekkers because it offers countless trekking trails. There are countless beautiful places to visit in Garhwal and exploring them is sure to be a wonderful time with your family.
26. Munsiyari
The mountainous landscape of Munshiyari at the bottom of the Himalayan region presents the royal view of the Himalayas on ice. This is where trekking activities are held within the range. In addition the place is quite popular among biking clubs like ABC.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand, a place of hills and mythology, is a beautiful Indian state that does not cease to amaze travelers. Considered by Hindus as Devbhoomi or “Land of Gods”, one can easily fall in love with this alluring land. Formerly known as the Northern Territory, the state is famous for its ancient sacred sites, scenic meadows, lush green, snow-capped peaks, exciting hill stations, great temples and picturesque lakes.
Offering a range of experiences like rafting, bird watching, skiing, yoga, camping and wildlife trekking, this Indian state has something for one and all. Undoubtedly Uttarakhand is truly a country of unparalleled beauty which provides an unforgettable experience to all. Proud of the perfect combination of nature and adventure, Uttarakhand has plenty of places to visit where you can not only communicate with your heart, but also channel the innate explorer.