Uttarakhand is home to some of the best places to visit in India. From stunning mountain peaks, lush forests and roaring rivers, to ancient Hindu temples and picturesque hill towns, Uttarakhand has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply want to experience nature’s beauty, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Uttarakhand. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in Uttarakhand, from hidden gems to well-known destinations.
1) Auli
Auli is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand and a great tourist destination. Located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal region, it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Auli is known for its ski slopes, providing perfect skiing conditions. It is the highest ski resort in India and the second highest in Asia. There are many options for skiing available ranging from beginners to experts. Apart from skiing, visitors can also enjoy camping and trekking in Auli.
The Auli ropeway gives a panoramic view of the beautiful Himalayas. There are many temples around Auli, such as the Narsingh temple and Gorson Bugyal. It is also home to several flora and fauna, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Auli is well connected by road from Rishikesh and Haridwar and by rail from Dehradun. There are several hotels and resorts in Auli, which provide comfortable accommodation and excellent services.
2) Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is a revered pilgrimage destination located in the hills of Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular destination for Hindu devotees and is one of the four char dhams or ‘four great abodes’ dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has been mentioned in many ancient scriptures and is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya, an 8th-century Hindu philosopher and theologian.
Badrinath Temple is situated at an elevation of 3,133 metres above sea level, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. It is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, making it one of the most picturesque spots in Uttarakhand. The temple complex has a number of shrines and temples which include Sri Badrinarayan Mandir, Garud Gufa, Urvashi Cave, Surya Kund, Saraswati Kund and Bhim Pul.
Inside the main shrine of Badrinath Temple lies a black stone image of Lord Vishnu in meditative pose. Devotees offer prayers here every day and perform rituals with flowers and incense sticks. Badrinath Temple also attracts a number of visitors who come to explore its rich cultural heritage and take part in religious activities such as yoga and meditation.
Visitors to Badrinath Temple can also enjoy scenic views of the nearby mountain peaks, glaciers, rivers and valleys. The temple remains open from April to October each year and is accessible via a number of trekking routes. This sacred site is truly a remarkable experience that no traveler should miss out on!
3) Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an exquisite valley situated between the lofty Himalayan peaks and boasts of over 500 species of flowers, including rare and endangered ones. This beautiful valley comes to life with colorful blooms during the summer months and is a sight to behold.
The park is spread across an area of 87 sq km and is home to several animal species such as Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Red Fox and Brown Bears. The valley has been divided into various parts such as the grasslands, alpine meadows, and sub-alpine forests. This variety of terrain makes it a great destination for trekkers and hikers.
Apart from being a visual delight, the Valley of Flowers National Park is also rich in culture and mythology. It is believed to have been the place where Hanuman collected the Sanjeevani herb for Lord Rama to revive Lakshmana during their epic battle with Ravana in the Ramayana. There are several old temples in the vicinity that serve as religious pilgrimage sites.
The best time to visit this stunning valley is from June to October when it is covered in a carpet of colorful wildflowers.
However, make sure to book your tickets in advance as the park gets crowded during this time. A visit to this exquisite valley will be an unforgettable experience!
However, make sure to book your tickets in advance as the park gets crowded during this time. A visit to this exquisite valley will be an unforgettable experience!
4) Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its picturesque lakes, snow-clad mountains, and lush greenery. Nainital is a popular destination among tourists and locals alike, making it one of the most visited places in Uttarakhand.
Nainital is home to many attractions, such as the Naini Lake, which offers stunning views and is great for boating. The Naina Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site that is located on the banks of the lake. There are also various other attractions such as the Snow View Point, where you can get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayan range, and the Cave Garden, which is a good spot to take a leisurely stroll.
For adventure seekers, Nainital offers plenty of activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and paragliding. You can also enjoy a cable car ride up to the Snow View Point and take in the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.
Apart from sightseeing, Nainital also offers a variety of shopping options. The Mall Road is filled with small shops selling local handicrafts and items like shawls and sweaters made from local wool. You can also find some delicious traditional dishes like gujiya (a deep-fried pastry), kumaoni rajma (kidney beans cooked with spices), and aloo ke gutke (potato fritters).
No matter what your interests are, Nainital has something for everyone. This charming hill station is definitely worth a visit when you’re exploring Uttarakhand.
5) Jim Corbett National Park
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1936, it is India’s first national park and was established to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna with around 600 species of birds, 110 species of trees and several species of mammals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, deers and many more. The park also features four different zones, including the Dhikala Zone and the Bijrani Zone.
The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is during the winter months (October to April). During this time, the climate is ideal for sightseeing and you can observe the diverse wildlife up close. The park also offers various activities for visitors, including elephant safaris, jeep safaris, bird watching, trekking and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Corbett Tiger Reserve where they can observe tigers in their natural habitat.
Jim Corbett National Park is a beautiful destination that offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. Its diverse wildlife makes it a must-visit place for anyone looking to explore Uttarakhand’s stunning natural beauty.
6) Mussoorie
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in India and for good reason. The beautiful landscape of this charming town attracts tourists from all around the world.
One of the most popular activities here is taking a stroll on the Mall Road. It is lined with many shops and restaurants which gives it a very lively atmosphere. You can also take a ropeway ride to Gun Hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the hills and valleys of Mussoorie.
Apart from that, you can also visit Kempty Falls, located 15 km away from the main town. With its cascading waterfalls and lush green surroundings, it is a great spot to spend an afternoon. You can also explore the Camel’s Back Road, Lal Tibba, Company Garden and many other picturesque spots near Mussoorie.
If you’re looking for adventure, you can try paragliding, trekking, rappelling, and mountain biking here. You can also visit some interesting museums like the Bhadraj Temple Museum and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Museum.
Overall, Mussoorie is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a relaxed vacation in the lap of nature. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to this beautiful hill station!
7) Rishikesh
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a popular destination for spiritual seekers, adventurers and nature lovers alike. This bustling town is a perfect blend of ancient temples, spiritual ashrams and modern cafes. Often referred to as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’, Rishikesh offers many yoga classes and meditation retreats to explore.
The city also boasts some incredible sights, such as the iconic Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge. This bridge connects two sides of the river Ganges, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding area. Along with the bridge, the riverbanks are a great spot to relax and watch the sunset or sunrise.
For adventure seekers, Rishikesh offers plenty of activities such as white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping and zip-lining. With its beautiful landscapes, nearby wildlife sanctuaries and religious sites, Rishikesh makes for a great place to visit.
8) Haridwar
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is a holy city and one of the seven sacred cities in India. It is also known as the ‘Gateway to the Gods’ due to its importance in Hindu mythology. The River Ganges passes through Haridwar, adding to its divine aura. Every evening, pilgrims gather along the river banks to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Haridwar is home to many famous temples such as the Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, and the famous Har Ki Pauri. The latter is a revered bathing ghat and serves as a major pilgrimage destination. Tourists can also enjoy boating on the River Ganges and explore some of the nearby attractions such as Rajaji National Park and Chandi Devi Temple.
Apart from being a religious destination, Haridwar is also a hub for adventure activities like white-water rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, and camping. With its breathtaking landscapes and numerous pilgrimage spots, Haridwar is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience a spiritual journey.
9) Chopta
Chopta is an unspoiled hill station situated in Uttarakhand at a height of 2700 meters. It is surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks and alpine forests. It is also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. Chopta is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. The place offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan range including Nanda Devi peak and Trishul peak.
You can explore the meadows and green forests of Chopta and spot rare species of birds and animals like musk deer, black bears, snow leopards, and much more. There are several trekking trails in Chopta where you can explore the Himalayas and visit local villages. Tungnath temple is a popular attraction here that lies at a height of 3,680 meters and is the highest Shiva temple in the world. You can also explore Deoria Tal, Chandrashila, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary and many more places here.
Chopta is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
10) Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a holy Hindu town located in the Garhwal Himalayan range in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The town lies at an altitude of 3584 m, and is one of the four important Char Dhams (four major pilgrimage sites) for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Pandavas from Mahabharata visited Kedarnath during their journey to heaven.
Kedarnath is home to one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva – Kedarnath Temple. This temple, built in 8th century, is a classic example of North Indian architecture, and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrine of Lord Shiva) spread across the country. The temple is open only six months in a year (April – November), as it remains buried under snow for rest of the year.
Apart from the main temple, there are many other small shrines scattered around the town. Some of these shrines are dedicated to various Hindu Gods and Goddesses, while others are dedicated to various saints and gurus. The Gaurikund temple is another must-visit site in Kedarnath.
Kedarnath is also known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush green meadows. It is also home to some of the most scenic lakes, such as Vasuki Tal and Bhairav Tal. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy trekking, camping and rock climbing activities around Kedarnath.
If you’re looking for a spiritual retreat with a touch of adventure, Kedarnath is the place to be. Whether it’s visiting the iconic Kedarnath Temple or exploring the mesmerizing landscape around it, Kedarnath will surely leave you mesmerized.