India: Uttrakhand: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
1. Landour – It’s so peaceful you can hear the tick-tock sound of your watch
Image Source
Just a few kilometers from the bustling Mussoorie, there’s a peaceful heaven called Landour. You may not have heard a lot about it, but it is among the most serene places to see in Uttarakhand. You can either stay at a heritage property in Landour or make it a day-long visit from Mussoorie. But if you prefer places that are less commercialized and crowded, you can ditch Mussoorie for Landour. You can checkout this guide to Landour for more information.
Just a few kilometers from the bustling Mussoorie, there’s a peaceful heaven called Landour. You may not have heard a lot about it, but it is among the most serene places to see in Uttarakhand. You can either stay at a heritage property in Landour or make it a day-long visit from Mussoorie. But if you prefer places that are less commercialized and crowded, you can ditch Mussoorie for Landour. You can checkout this guide to Landour for more information.
Why: For the scenic charm and to experience the serenity of the mountains. And it’s popular for its delicious cheese and homemade jams.
Ideal for: Couples and peace-seekers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Ideal duration: 2 days
How to reach: It’s easily accessible from Mussoorie. One can take a cab from the Mall Road or can walk if you prefer walking through the cold woods.
Things to do: Buy homemade marmalade, jam, cheese, and try their bread. At Char Dukan, do not forget to try their delicious pizzas and pancakes.
2. Dehradun & Mussoorie – Hill stations you just can’t miss!
The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has a picturesque location with a beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges and river Ganga flowing on the either sides of the city. Mussoorie is located at a distance of about 38 km from Dehradun. It is touted to be the ‘Queen of Hills’ and attracts many tourists every year.
Why: ‘Coz there are only a few amazing weekend getaways like Dehradun and Mussoorie
Ideal for: Peace lovers, honeymooners, family and friends
Best time to visit: All round the year except monsoons.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
How to reach: It takes around 5 hours to reach Dehradun from Delhi via road. From Dehradun, Mussoorie is just an hour journey away. The nearest airport is in Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Things to do: Visit the National Parks, Lakes, Kempty Falls, Benog Hill & Jwalaji Temple. Monastery, Resorts and Forest research institute in Dehradun
3. Nainital & Ranikhet – A mix of bustle and quietude
One of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand and a popular getaway for couples and families, is Nainital. Located by the famous Naini Lake in the valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides where one can enjoy majestic vistas of nature here. Plus, there is plenty to explore with some interesting tourist places in Nanital.
Why: The lush green sight of Nainital offers an exotic view of the Himalayan ranges. Enjoy the trekking trails in Ranikhet and go camping in the main sight of the location.
Ideal for: Honeymoon couples, office goers, couples and families
Best time to visit: April – June
Ideal duration: 4 to 5 days
How to reach: Nainital does not have direct access to the air connectivity. The nearest railwway station is located at a distance of 34 km at Kathgodham. It takes about 7 hours from Delhi to reach Nainital.
Things to do: Visit the host of temples at Ranikhet, go trekking, and visit the Nainital zoo and Naini Lake. Enjoy the wildlife sanctuary and the wonderful climate of the hill station.
4. Rishikesh and Haridwar – To the spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand
Another place you definitely must visit in Uttarakhand is the adventure capital–Rishikesh and pilgrim capital–Haridwar. Haridwar is a place where tourists get enchanted by rustic touch and spiritual energy of the place and its surroundings.
Why: Rishikesh as it is the adventure capital of India; Haridwar for the tranquility and religion.
Ideal for: Everyone – friends, couples and families.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year is good except monsoons.
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: Nearest airport is in Dehradun. Trains connect both Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Things to do: Take part in the Ganga aarti in Haridwar, a holy dip in the river Ganga, go for a boat ride, eat the local delicacies and talk to the spiritual gurus. Visit the ashrams in Rishikesh; go for water sports adventures and trekking up in the hills.
5. Chamoli – An ideal vacation spots in the mountains
Image Source
Chamoli is populary known as the ‘adobe of Gods’. Famous for its shrines, temples and connections with Hindu mythology and stories — Chamoli is also the town that sparked off the famous Chipko movement. The place is frequented by tourists for its villages and rich Garhwali traditions.
Why: Chamoli is that ideal vacation spot with something for everyone. It is an ideal blend of pilgrimage, adventure and natural serenity.
Chamoli is populary known as the ‘adobe of Gods’. Famous for its shrines, temples and connections with Hindu mythology and stories — Chamoli is also the town that sparked off the famous Chipko movement. The place is frequented by tourists for its villages and rich Garhwali traditions.
Why: Chamoli is that ideal vacation spot with something for everyone. It is an ideal blend of pilgrimage, adventure and natural serenity.
Best time to visit: Across the year except heavy monsoon
Ideal for: Peace lovers, photographers, pilgrims, adventure junkies
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport Jolly Grant is at a distance of 222 km. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a distance of 202 km. It is well connected by road from all the major cities like Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar,and Pauri.
6. Binsar – Nature’s bounty, untouched!
Image Source
Binsar is located amidst an entire wildlife sanctuary. At an elevation of some 2,400 m, it is a slightly cut off travel destination offering majestic views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Kedarnath and Chaukhambha. Like several others, even binsar has a mythological connect as the local gods Golu devta had a fight with the king of Binsar. Homestays in Binsar are among the best homestays in the Himalayan region.
Binsar is located amidst an entire wildlife sanctuary. At an elevation of some 2,400 m, it is a slightly cut off travel destination offering majestic views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Kedarnath and Chaukhambha. Like several others, even binsar has a mythological connect as the local gods Golu devta had a fight with the king of Binsar. Homestays in Binsar are among the best homestays in the Himalayan region.
Why: If you are looking for a break from the noise of the city life, this is the place to be.
Best time to visit: Summer months; October & November
Ideal for: Writers, nature lovers, peace seekers
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar airport at a distance of 143 km from Binsar. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station (110 km) and is well connected to major cities. If travelling on personal vehicle, the town charges INR 50 as entry charge.
Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, lazing around, trekking, safaris to the wildlife sanctuary
7. Jim Corbett – Where wildlife never fails to amuse
Formely known as Haley’s National Park, Jim Corbett was established in 1938 and attracts visitors for its Royal Bengal Tigers. The park is home to some 600 species of birds, an equal number of animals and around 488 different types of plants and trees. Jim corbett organises safaris and hiking trails through the dense forest’s buffer zones all through the year.
Why: ‘Coz this is the place you can’t miss if you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer and nature lover.
Best time to visit: December to February
Ideal for: Nature enthusiast, photographers, excursionists
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
How to reach: Ramnagar is the nearest railway staion while Pant Nagar provides air connectivity. It is well connecetd by road and there are regular bus services from Ramnagar and Delhi.
Things to do: Elephant rides, elephant safaris, Jeep safaris, photography, and unplanned excursions
8. Almora – A typical small town in the mountains
Almora is one of the best offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand, especially in summer to escape the heat. The picturesque views of Almora are especially recommended to the mountain lovers. The romantic destination allures you with its magnificent beauty.
Why: Because the serenity and peace that Almora offers is hard to find so easily.
Ideal for: Romantic couples, solo travelers, adventure folks
Best time to visit: Anytime throughout the years except monsoons
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: Nearest airport is Pantnagar, at a distance of 116 km away from Almora and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam 90 km away.
Things to do: Shop for handicraft products, enjoy the natural setting, go for trekking
9. Auli – One of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for wintersports
Auli is adjacent to the religious shrine of Badrinath, and offers a panoramic views of the great Himalayas. The breath-taking view of snow-capped peaks around give an astounding view of the place. Auli definitely has to be on your list of places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Why: Visit to Auli is highly recommended to mountain lovers. The mountain sports activities can be enriching to the spirit of an adventure sports lover.
Ideal for: Mountain lovers, friends, couples and ski enthusiasts.
Best time to visit: April – June and November – February for snow
Ideal duration: 5 days
How to reach: The nearest airport to reach Auli is located in Dehradun. Nearest railway station is also at Dehradun located at a distance of about 6 hours from Auli.
Things to do: Skiing – it is one of the best for skiing and snowboarding in India, mountaineering and enjoying the serenity of the beautiful place.
10. Pithoragarh – Find tranquillity and peace
It has the quaint atmosphere which you can like for it’s peace and tranquility. There are quite a few places that you can interest you in Pithoragarh. It is amongst the few offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Why: For the peace, serenity and picturesque views that the place has to offer
Ideal for: Friends and solo travel
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year is good except monsoons.
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is located in Delhi at a distance of about 10 hours.
Things to do: Visit Monastery, local temples, try out the local eateries.
11. Munsiyari – A biker’s favorite!
The hill landscapes of Munsiyari lie at the bottom of the Himalayan region offering majestic views of the snow capped Himalayas. This is where the trekking activities are held in the interior of the range. Additionally the place is quite popular among biking clubs such as ABC.
Why: Offbeat and secluded, offers ultimate peace
Ideal for: Anyone looking for a beautiful view of the nature and trekking adventures
Best time to visit: July to November
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar airport at a distance of 249 kms from Munsiyari the nearest railroad is at Kathgodam at a distance of about 6 hours.
Things to do: Trekking, enjoying the beautiful sunset from viewpoint at Panchchuli Peak.
12. Chakrata – A secluded hill town, home to one of India’s highest waterfalls
The small and secluded hill town of Chakrata is an ideal place for those who are looking for a place to be silent and enjoy the beauty of the hills. Postcard size houses, serene quaint hills with the birds chirping in the background — Chakrata is a peace lover’s dream destination.
Why: For those looking for a simple and quiet place where they can just enjoy the view of the nature and amazing climate.
Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples
Best time to visit: All through the year
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
How to reach: Nearest railway is at Dehradun at a distance of 2 hours from the station.
Things to do: Visit Tiger waterfall and Budher Caves, stay and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
13. Chopta – A pristine camping desination in Uttarakhand
Chopta is one of the least explored hamlets in the Himalayas. At an elevation of 2,680 m, it serves as a base point to famous treks to Tungnath and Chandrashilla. It also offers some amazing 360 degree panorma of majestic mountains through the Trishul, Nanda devi and Chaukhambha peaks.
Why: Chopta is one of those hill stations which will tempt you for life. With a blend of adventure and tranquility, it suits almost everyone’s taste.
Ideal for: Adventure bugs, photography enthusiasts, friends
Best time to visit: Winter months of December, January and February.
Ideal duration: 5 to 6 days
How to reach: The nearest airport Jolly Grant is at a distance of 221 km. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a distance of 202 km. It is well connected by road from all the major cities like Rishikesh, Srinagar,and Pauri.
Things to do: Trekking, camping and photography
14. Lansdowne – The perfect place to laze!
The cantonment town of Lansdowne was founded by the Viceroy of India, during the British period. The city is known for its serene and quiet atmosphere. It is mainly a picnic destination for those who wish to have a quiet time in the hills.
Why: For those who wish to enjoy the beauty of nature
Ideal for: Everyone – Family, friends, and couples
Best time to visit: April to June
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: Kotdwar is the nearest railway station at a distance of 1 hour.
Things to do: Enjoy the nature, walk and discover the nearby towns, museums, viewpoints.
15. Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand is the Valley of Flowers. For those who admire the beauty of nature, the valley of flowers near Hemkund Sahib is a paradise. Other than that, it is a great place for trekking. Hemkund Sahib is a holy place for the Sikh community.
Why: Visit this place to combine your vacation with a blend of nature and spiritual worship.
Ideal for: Families and couples
Best time to visit: July to September
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 149 km from Hemkund shrine. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh.
Things to do: Visit the valley of flowers, trek, go to Hemkund shrine.
16. Chardham – Yamnotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath
If you are looking for a vacation to experience the diverse spiritual essence of India then nothing is better than the visit to the Chardham- Yamnotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Why: It is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites according to the Hindu mythology.
Ideal for: Religious Travellers and tourists seeking an insight into Hindu Mythology.
Best time to visit: Anytime throughout the years except monsoons
Ideal duration: 5 to 6 Days
How to reach: Badrinath and Gangotri are accessible by road. The remaining two destinations of Kedarnath and Yamnotri require extensive trekking. There’s also a Himalaya Darshan helicopter service that allows people to cover the trip in two days. Nearby railway station is at Rishikesh. From there on, tourists will have to hire a vehicle or bus service to reach the site.
Things to do: Spiritual pilgrimage, visit the temples, and enjoy the hilly areas.
17. Dhanaulti – A snow heaven in Uttarakhand
Image Source
Nestled amid the lofty Himalayan peaks, Dhanaulti is just about 60 km from the popular hill station called Mussoorie. Dhanaulti may not have grand tourist attractions and many things to do, but those who are looking for a peaceful weekend getaway near Delhi, must pay a visit. It is probably one of the most scenic tourist places in Uttarakhand for family trips.
Nestled amid the lofty Himalayan peaks, Dhanaulti is just about 60 km from the popular hill station called Mussoorie. Dhanaulti may not have grand tourist attractions and many things to do, but those who are looking for a peaceful weekend getaway near Delhi, must pay a visit. It is probably one of the most scenic tourist places in Uttarakhand for family trips.
Why: If you’re visiting in winter, then for a gorgeous snowfall. If you’re planning a trip in summer, then for the cool and pleasant weather.
Ideal for: Families and friends
Best time to visit: October to January and April to June
Ideal duration: 2 days
How to reach: Dhanaulti is about 60 km from Mussoorie, and it’s also easily accessible from Dehradun. There isn’t frequent public transport facility, but you can take a shared/private taxi.
Things to do: Watch a perfect sunrise and sunset, jungle camping, and long walks through dense pine & deodar forests
18. Kanatal – Feel the thrill of the mountains
Image Source
A serene and picturesque village in Mussoorie, Kanatal is quietly located on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. At an elevation of 8,500 feet, the village offers mesmerizing views of the Shivalik mountain range and lush green & brown pine forests. Among the most fun Uttarakhand destinations, Kanatal make a perfect weekend getaway.
A serene and picturesque village in Mussoorie, Kanatal is quietly located on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. At an elevation of 8,500 feet, the village offers mesmerizing views of the Shivalik mountain range and lush green & brown pine forests. Among the most fun Uttarakhand destinations, Kanatal make a perfect weekend getaway.
Why: For some thrilling water activities and camping
Ideal for: Adventure lovers, families, and friends
Best time to visit: October to January and April to June
Ideal duration: 2 days
How to reach: Dehradun is just about 75 km from Kanatal. One can either take a city or a private taxi from Dehradun ISBT.
Things to do: Trekking, nature-walks, camping, and valley crossing
Frequently asked questions about places to visit in Uttarakhand
1. What are best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December?
Auli, Dhanaulti, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranikhet, and Chopta are some of the best places one can visit in Uttarakhand in the month of December.
2. What are places to visit in Uttarakhand in summer?
Landour, Naukuchiatal, Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Kausani, Pangot are some of the most scenic and lush green places one can visit in summer.
3. What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand for a honeymoon trip?
Nainital, Mussoorie, Kausani, Ramgarh, and Bhimtal are some of the most romantic destinations in Uttarakhand to go on a honeymoon.
Uttarakhand has many magical places to visit with everything from beautiful snow clad mountains to the valley of flowers to the mystical lands. Go experience the unexplored land.
Post a Comment