Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. From serene hill stations to sacred temples, this northern Indian state has something for every traveller. If you’re planning a trip, here are the top 10 must-visit destinations in Uttarakhand that should be on your itinerary.
- Nainital
Known as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital is one of the most famous places in Uttarakhand. The stunning Naini Lake, surrounded by hills, is perfect for boating and offers breathtaking views. Nainital Zoo, Naina Devi Temple, and Snow View Point are other attractions that make this town a must-visit. With numerous Uttarakhand tour packages available, visiting Nainital is convenient and delightful.
- Mussoorie
Often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie is another top destination in Uttarakhand. Its cool climate, lush green hills, and scenic views attract tourists year-round. Some of the major places of interest are Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, as well as Mall Road. Whether you seek a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Mussoorie has something to offer.
- Rishikesh
Renowned as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is a paradise for those searching for spirituality. It is well known for its ashrams, the famous Laxman Jhula, along with adventure sports like white-water rafting or bungee jumping. Among other places, Rishikesh acts as a doorway to Char Dham Yatra, which is considered an essential place to visit in Uttarakhand.
- Haridwar
A holy town in India called Haridwar is famous for its temples and ghats. Thousands of devotees come to see the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri every day, which creates an enchanting atmosphere. In addition, visiting Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela provides a unique opportunity to understand Hindu spirituality and culture better.
- Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital of the state of Uttarakhand, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and delightful climate. Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara and the Forest Research Institute are some of the most famous tourist destinations in Dehradun. Being an active city, Dehradun provides multiple educational options and has many places to shop; people from various walks come here.
- Jim Corbett National Park
The most ancient national park of India, Jim Corbett National Park, is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts where one can see tigers, elephants and a variety of plants and animals living in their habitat. Many activities are available here such as jeep safaris and bird watching trips. For nature lovers, this is among the top places to visit in Uttarakhand.
- Auli
Auli is a dreamland for ski lovers and adventure takers. The magnificent view of Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains makes it a snowy dreamland. Apart from skiing, there are also cable car rides, trekking and site camping. No doubt, that Auli is one of the most beautiful places ever found in Uttarakhand.
- Badrinath
Badrinath is typically famous for one of the four sacred locations, which are considered Char Dham pilgrimage places that are moved towards primarily Lord Vishnu. This set makes this temple situated between the Nar and Narayana mountains a revered place for devotion. The hot springs of Tapt Kund and the picturesque Mana Village nearby add to its charm.
- Ranikhet
Ranikhet is recognized for its immaculate appearance, which makes it the best place for people who would like to experience peace. The green fields that are full of grass, the high hills where one can see the Himalayas, as well as cool seasons ensure that this is a good place to go. Points of interest include Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Gardens and the Army Museum.
- Chopta
Chopta is often called the Mini Switzerland of India by many due to its captivating beauty and discreetness in the region of Uttarakhand. The place serves as a base camp for Tungnath renowned for being the tallest Shiva temple worldwide and Chandrashila peak too. Once here you would want nothing else than to keep taking pictures of its snow-capped mountains as well as green fields forever.
Conclusion
Ranging from spiritual stagnation to thrill-seeking ventures, Uttarakhand is a land of various experiences. One must confess that this state is beautiful, given the tranquillity of her Nainital lakes, holy ghats at Haridwar and snow-capped Auli slopes. To ensure that you will have a worry-free journey, it is good to choose fit Uttarakhand tour packages, which cover these famous places in Uttarakhand. Just pack your baggage and gear up for an extraordinary experience in Uttarakhand!