The state is termed Devbhumi (Land of God), as it has embraced numerous important pilgrimage sites in it. Uttarakhand was formerly known as Uttranchal, and its beauty has always been intact. Deodar, oak, silver fir, chestnut, poplar, birch, rhododendron, and many other species of trees are popped everywhere; even on steep slopes.
This bountiful greenery is scattered all over Uttarakhand, in the hills and plains. The two most sacred rivers of India, Yamuna, and Ganga (Ganges) originated in this state. There isn’t much of an argument needed to prove why Uttarakhand is a must-visit destination; but to draw forth some solid reasons, I have listed some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Top Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
- Haridwar
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Rishikesh
- Nainital
- Valley of Flowers
- Ranikhet
- Char Dham
- Mussoorie
- Dehradun
- Srinagar
- Almora
- Kausani
- Panch Prayag
Haridwar
Haridwar is the city of pilgrims and spirituality. As it is located on the banks of the River Ganga, Hindus come from different regions to take a dip and make their sins wash away. The city is also considered a mandated place for the rituals of death and birth. This is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus.
As dusk knocks in, the river banks get illuminated and evening arti is performed; and to attend this arti thousands of people gather. There are four venues for Kumbha Mela (Grandest Fair of India that takes place once in every three years), and out of these four, Haridwar happens to be one.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett is the oldest national park of India, well known to be a Tiger Reserve as well. This park indeed was the first one to come under The Project Tiger Initiative. Jim Corbett is located in Nainital and was named after the person who played a key role in its establishment.
It is home to 488 different species of flora and fauna, 50 species of mammal, 25 species of reptile, and 580 species of birds. As a whole, the park covers an area of 580 km sq; comprised of grasslands, marshy depressions, rivers, and hills. Since its inception, Jim Corbett National Park has become a wildlife enthusiast’s top interest.
[ Here’s the list of best places to go for wildlife safaris in India ]
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is known as The Gateway of the Garhwal Himalayas and is located at a distance of 25 km from Haridwar. However, the divinity of Haridwar is living here equally, as Rishikesh too has the sacred Ganga River flowing through it. The spiritual importance of Rishikesh is that people believed Lord Rama underwent penance and practiced killing the demon Ravana.
Famous bridges Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are the highlights of the city. These bridges offer a magnificent view of the hillocks and the river. Over the years, Rishikesh came more into the limelight because of its river rafting activities; so today not just pilgrims but groups of adventurers to seek a visit to Rishikesh.
[Check out the list of Rishikesh Tour Packages ]
Nainital
Nainital is located on the foothills of Kumaon, at an elevation of 2048 meters above sea level. This location indeed owes to the awe-inspiring view of the giant mountains with iced tops. The pear-shaped Naini Lake makes this hill station look even more magnificent. And boating in this clear lake is one favorite activity of the visitors.
Let alone leading in the tourism industry, Nainital has India’s best educational institutes as well. What adorns the city further is the British architecture, standing strongly and alluringly for decades.
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers has different species of flowers blooming in abundance. These alpine flowers are eye-catching. It has managed to preserve its pristine nature and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 3658 meters above sea level, Valley of Flowers is home to some of the most endangered species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, and brown bear. This colorful valley not only attracts travelers but birds from faraway lands.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet has served as a summer retreat for the British, and they established their headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here. It is situated at an altitude of 1869 meters and is brimming with Pine, Oak, and Deodar Forests. These forests are the comfortable abode of red-faced monkeys, jackals, langur, red fox, porcupines, sambar, pine marten, barking deer, leopard, leopard cat, and mountain goats. Pilgrims visit Ranikhet to have darshans in the Rama Mandir and Jhula Devi Temple. Chaubatia Garden is a retreat having a plantation of apricots, peaches, almonds, chestnuts, apples, and a wide variety of Himalayan flowers.
[Also check out the top Temples in India ]
Char Dham
Char Dham means four sacred seats of God. And taking a tour and visiting all these four seats is considered highly auspicious. It is said a Hindu must go for Char Dham Yatra at least once in his lifetime, to attain salvation. Chhota (Smaller) Char Dham is located in Uttarakhand, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Yamunotri is the source of the sacred Yamuna River, and so is the Gangotri of the Ganga River. Kedarnath is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Badrinath is where Lord Vishnu is believed to exist in the form of Badrinarayan.
[ If Interested? Check-out here the list of pilgrimage tours ]
Mussoorie
This is a popular vacation destination in India. Mussoorie is located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan Ranges. Apart from being a major tourist spot, this hill station has some of the most important educational institutes of the country. Camel’s Back Road has come out to be a superstar for the tourism industry, travelers spend plenty of time walking around and getting closer to nature.
The cable car rides up to Gun Hill are yet another reason to fall in love with this beauty. People get into the cable car from Mall Road. The oldest church of the Himalayas stands on Mall Road and the oldest Tibetan Temple of India is situated in Happy Valley.
Dehradun
The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is known as one of the “Counter Magnets” of the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. Dehradun has two most sacred rivers of India flowing through it; Ganga in the east and Yamuna in the west. It is located in Doon Valley, on the foothills of the Himalayas.
The city is calm and relaxed and is still appreciably pacing up with modern standards. With the most eminent educational institutes in the country, Dehradun has become a host to a huge number of students as well. Other than its beauty, Dehradun’s proximity to major tourist destinations (Haridwar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, and Rishikesh) has made its tourism activities stronger.
Srinagar
Uttarakhand’s Srinagar is situated beside the Alaknanda River, at an average elevation of 560 meters. This is the largest city of the Garhwal hills and the last city of the plains of Uttarakhand. Srinagar had been the capital of the Garhwal Kingdom until the British invasion. British rebuilt and modernized the city in 1931. And today it is an important destination of education and culture. In a four-day festival, cultural shows are organized to flaunt its ethnicity.
Almora
Almora was founded in 1568 and is considered the cultural heart of Kumaon. It is located at an elevation of 1651 meters, upon a ridge. Thick forests of pine and fir trees encircle the area in abundance, and River Koshi and Suyal flow across it. The city has venerated shrines like Kesar Devi, Nanda Devi, Shyayi Devi, Katarmal temple, Asht Bhairav, and many others. Chand Rajas developed Almora and the British adorned it further. Swami Vivekananda spent years in meditation here and appreciated its raw beauty and serenity.
[ Also check out the Best Hill Stations in India ]
Kausani
Kausani is believed to be one of the few places on earth that has incomparable beauty of its own. Mahatma Gandhi too spent his time here and wrote the commentary on Anashakti Yog. And the very place is today known as Anashakti Yog; a major tourist attraction of Kausani. A Hindi literature Poet Sumitranandan Pant was born here and this place now has special reverence and is known as Pant Museum. Kausani must be visited if you are hunting for sheer peace and tranquility.
Panch Prayag
Panch Prayag literally means Five Confluence. This name has specifically been given to this place because of the five sacred river confluences. These confluences have been named Vishnu Prayag, Nand Prayag, Dev Prayag, Karn Prayag, and Rudra Prayag. Panch Prayag is a sacred Hindu spot having its own mythology. Temples located in the confluences are major spiritual highlights of Panch Prayag.
[ Check out the Best Places to Visit in India ]
Related Post:
Best Places to Visit in Karnataka
Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan
Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Best Places to Visit in Gujarat
Best Places to Visit in Delhi
Best Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh
Best Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
Best Places to Visit in TamilNadu
Uttarakhand is known as Dev Bhoomi and the most spiritual and holy state of India, but its scenic beauty also attracts everyone in the midst of it.
Really! Very nice blog. Thank you so much for share this blog with us.
Nice blog. Thanks for sharing content and such nice information for me. I hope you will share some more content about. Jim corbett national park jeep safari Please keeps sharing!
Just the kind of information, I was looking for away from the hustle-bustle and on the lap of nature.
Your list is awesome. Uttarakhand is one of the best place weekend. can you suggest some offbeat destination in Uttarakhand.
Hello, Your Article is so impressive and very informative. Thanks for sharing great Information. I am now a regular visitor to your website and commenting it. Great Job Keep It Up!
Thank you so much for sharing information about uttarakhand Trip. Your blog about travel is also helpful for everyone. very informative information about uttarakhand…………..
Wonderful blog. You share a grateful information about travel in Uttarakhand. The pictures are really beautiful and the way you explained about the places to visit.Thanks!
I am very much agree with your list because these places are really worthful to visit. I think, you should also inculde patal bhuvaneshwar in this list.
Corbett national park is really amazing. we had visited here 2 year ago and that was awesome experience for all of us.
I like your post about Adventure Trip.
very nice post about uttarakhand tourism.
haridwar is good place for enjoying holiday
Snaps are too awesome. Nainital brings pleasure to our life due to its pleasant environment.
Rishikesh is one of a famous Hindu religious destinations in uttarakhand which is popular amongst devotees, yoga persons and adventurers as well. For rock climbing, water rafting and bungee jumping, you can explore many other places to visit in rishikesh.
Dhanualti is another best place to visit in Uttarakhand. Though it is a lesser known yet it is worth seeing.
Valley of Flowers and kausani are looking beautiful place. My parents are now agreed to go there.