Uttarakhand

Earned the status of ‘State’ in the year 2000, Uttarakhand, which was earlier a part of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its scenic beauty and pilgrim centers. If you are associated with religious beliefs, you may be keen to visit the place for its divinity and if you are a nature lover, you will find divinity in the rich expanse of endless natural beauty here. Wherever your faith is placed, be it in god or in the powers of nature to inspire you into living a life of fulfillment, Uttarakhand is the perfect destination.

1. Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is situated at Himalayan foothills. The geographical location of Dehradun is picturesque with Himalayan ranges in view and River Ganges and River Yamuna on either side of the city. Natural beauty apart, the place is famous for the splendid architectural display by some of the ancient constructions.

Places To Visit

Sahastradhara
Tiger Falls
Robber’s Cave
Mindrolling Monastery
Tapkeshwar Temple

Forest Research Institute
Tapovan
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
Lachhiwala
Malsi Deer Park

2. Nainital

Famously referred to as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital, at 1938 meters above sea level, is a scenic delight that would be irresistible to any tourist. It is located around the famous Naini Lake in a valley. With mountains on all sides, Nainital is where you need to be for a rendezvous with nature.

Places to Visit

Naini Lake
Naina Peak
Tiffin Top
St. John in the Wilderness.
Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo.

Gurney House
Snow View
Land’s End
Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
Eco Cave Gardens.

3. Mussoorie

Located at an altitude of 6000 feet, Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’, is beauty personified. With snow-covered Himalayan peaks on view, the land abundant in natural beauty has an excellent climate too. The winters are chilling and the summers are pleasant. The beauty of the place mesmerized Captain Young of the British army who made this place his residence in the year 1820. Mussoorie has seen countless footprints ever since the discovery, the list of excited tourists to enjoy the immense beauty of the place is growing.

Places to Visit

Kempty Falls
Lal Tibba
Happy Valley
Camel’s Back Road
Gun Hill

Mussoorie Lake
Christ Church
Sir George Everest’s House
Jwalaji Temple
The Mall (Mall Road)

4. Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a blend of tranquility and adventure. Its location at the confluence of River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga and views of spectacular hills and various adventurous activities such as trekking, rafting and camping captivate nature lovers; the tranquility of the place with the importance attached to it as a pilgrim center touches the soul of pilgrims. Rishikesh is called as the Yoga Capital of the world.

Places to Visit

Laxman Jhula
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The Beatles Ashram
Swarg Ashram
Parmarth Niketan

Kaudiyala
Shivpuri
Jumpin Heights
Narendra Nagar
Rajaji National Park

5. Haridwar

Haridwar is also called as the ‘Gateway to the Lord’ thanks to a great number of temples and ashrams located here. The city is considered holy and hence pilgrims from various parts of the world travel to the place to offer their prayers. It is also famous for the Kumbh Mela, a festival, which is held once in twelve years.

Places to Visit

Har Ki Pauri
Chandi Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple
Daksha Mahadev Temple

Vishnu Ghat
Shanti Gunj
Pavan Dham
Vaishno Devi Temple
Bharat Mata Mandir

6. Kedarnath

Kedarnath, a small town located in Gahrwal Himalayan Ranges, is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages for those who follow Hinduism. It houses the famous Kedarnath temple. Kedarnath is located amidst majestic mountains.

Places to Visit

Kedarnath Temple
Chorabari Tal
Vasuki Tal
Gauri Kund
Triyuginarayan Temple.

7. Badrinath

Badrinath is yet another popular pilgrim center in Uttarakhand. This town is located between Nar and Naryana, the mountain ranges. Located at an altitude of 3133 meters and shadowed by Nilkantha Peak, you are sure to grope for words to describe its immense beauty.

Places to Visit

Badrinath Temple
Hot Springs
Neelkanth Peak
Charanpaduka
Valley of Flowers

8. Almora

Almora is heaven to nature lovers. The picturesque district is located on the eastern side of Uttarakhand. The views of Himalayas are spellbinding. It is also famous for handicrafts, cuisine and wildlife. It has a rich cultural heritage.

Places to Visit

Kasar Devi Temple
Katarmal Sun Temple
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
Martola

Kalimut
Zero Point
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum
Bright End Corner

9. Kausani

Kausani is the land you need to be if you are keen to enjoy the generosity of Mother Nature. This hill station is located at a height of 1890 meters. The place is famous for the view of 350 km stretch of the majestic Himalayas it offers.

Places to Visit

Rudradhari Falls and Caves
Lakshmi Ashram
Anasakti Ashram

Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
Baijnath Temple
Kausani Tea Estate

10. Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh might make you wonder if every inch of the land is blessed with natural beauty. The stunning beauty of the land defies description. This district is located in the eastern most part of Uttarakhand. It offers scope for trekking as well. The place is an important halt for those who undertake Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Places to Visit

Chandak
Askot Sanctuary
Ralam Glacier
Jhulaghat

Pithoragarh Fort
Thal Kedar
Gangolihat
Dhwaj Temple

11. Ranikhet

Ranikhet is yet another hill station that elevates your spirits to a different plane. At an altitude of 1829 meters, the ‘Queens Land’, as Ranikhet is referred to, is the perfect place to visit to view Himalayas at its best. The amazing richness of greenery and the scenic landscape make this place a dream destination.