Uttrakhand

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Almora Almora
If you want a perfect refuge from your hectic busy life, head towards Almora. A picturesque hill station in the lap of nature with lush greenery in the divinely beautiful state of Uttarakhand, yes, it is Almora. Situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas, Almora takes pride in its natural beauty. Also known as the Town of Temples, a famous Hindu Temple is situated in the heart of the town, called Nanda Devi.

The beautiful places that you should pay a visit in Almora are temples like Nanda Devi temple, Patal Devi temple, Maa Dunaguri temple, etc., and few other astounding sites. You can hire a taxi for sight-seeing.

Almora has a lot of hotels and resorts where you can stay comfortably. A few of them are Hotel Bhagwati Palace, Khim’s Guest House, Binsar Resort, Khali Estate, etc. If you are a foodie and wondering what and where to eat, there are some really great restaurants offering finger licking foods and some suggestions for you are Lali’s Inn and Restaurant, Kasar Rainbow Restaurant, Essence of Nature, Dolma Restaurant, etc. You should definitely try singauri, ginger tea and choklate in Almora.

If you love shopping, you should definitely visit the street side markets in Almora. The Chowk Bazaar sells some premier quality angora wool garments. Copperwares are also sold there. Another market where you will get a lot of good things to take home is the Lal Bagh Market.

The nearby tourist destinations that you can visit from Almora are Kathgodam, Nainital, Chaukori, Binsar, Kausani, Ranikhet, Saltakhet, Bageshwar, etc.

Kanatal Kanatal
Located in Uttarakhand, to the north of India, Kanatal is a hill station frequented for its pristine beauty and adventure activities. The scenic destination is in close proximity to major tourist destinations like Delhi, Mussoorie, Chamba, and Rishikesh, which makes Kanatal the perfect weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike! Given that the town is perched at a height of 8500 feet above sea level and is resplendent with the magnificent Himalayas and deep valleys, it is undoubtedly a piece of paradise for photographers and nature lovers. But that’s not all there is to Kanatal.

The hill station offers some wonderful sightseeing, like the historic Surkanda Devi Temple which weaves with it a tale of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. A trek to this beautiful attraction is a must, especially when it snows and the hill station is a vision in white! The Kodia Forest and the Eco Park are must-visits too, especially if you enjoy lounging in the lap of Mother Nature and are an animal enthusiast. You’re sure to spot some wild boars and goral here. When making your way around the town, don’t forget to stop by and admire the allure of the Tehri Lake too.

If you’re looking for exciting activities, Kanatal is the place to be. Right from the local Tehri Lake which offers boating on its calm waters amidst lush greenery, to New Tehri which is home to an unmissable jet-skiing experience, Kanatal has a host of adventures to look forward to. Most tourists flock here to experience pleasant camping trips, bird watching and star-gazing, and trekking to picturesque destinations. A short distance away is Shivpuri, popular for river rafting.

The mystical magic of Kanatal is truly witnessed at the onset of winter when the festival of Dussehra coincides with the snowfall. The celebrations are worth being a part of, and the chilly weather makes for an exemplary holiday experience!

Dhanaulti Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a sleepy, little town that sits on the Chamba-Mussoorie road, at a staggering height of 2,250 metres above sea level. Dhanaulti’s elevation means that you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas from almost any point and the weather remains pleasantly cool at almost all times. The landscape of the place is defined by virgin forests with towering trees of deodars, oaks and rhododendrons. A short walk away from the town centre is sure to lead you to quaint meadows, dense jungles and gurgling streams.

Albeit small, Dhanaulti has a strong cultural presence and you will be able to spot locals wearing traditional clothings and headgear. Here, you can enjoy traditional garhwali food and buy local hand-made goods and souvenirs. The place is also dotted with several temples and forts that date back to different eras in history and are a great way of finding more about the Dhanaulti and its place in the pages of history. Dhanaulti is dotted with several resorts and camping sites which offer a plethora of accommodation options. When here, you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the forest from the window of a luxury resort or choose to sleep under the stars in a tent.

There are several places that offer adventure activities that take you skywalking through the peaks, trekking in the forests, climbing mountain faces and sledding down slopes! You can also try your hand at ziplining, biking or rappelling! If you are not much of an adventure enthusiast, you can spend your time in Dhanaulti enjoying spa treatments, playing golf, reading books while lazing on a hammock or taking leisurely strolls through jungle roads. Dhanaulti also has potato farms that stretch for miles where you can go horse riding! Apart from these, the apple orchards at Dhanaulti grow a variety of apples and you can spend an entire day walking through these orchards, apple-picking and enjoying delicious apple-based recipes.

Munsyari Munsyari
This tiny mountain village, translating to ‘the place with snow’ is located in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district at the foothills of the Greater Himalayan ranges. One of the most picturesque places to see in Uttarakhand, Munsiyari borders Tibet and lies on the erstwhile salt route and is inhabited by the elusive Shauka (Tibetan-Burman) tribe.

The landscape here is astonishingly diverse that comprises of waterfalls, small lakes, pine & oak forests that house the rare flacons, serpent eagles, Himalayan griffons, etc. and offers close views of the majestic Panchachuli, Nandadevi, and Rajarambha peaks. This is a great place to explore the local Kumaoni culture and traditional foods like kulka, siddu, and dhungar.

Highlight of the place: Glacier treks to Namik, Milam and Ralam and the Nanda Devi base camp trek. Picturesque forested shepherd villages like Betulidhar & Darkot. The 9000 ft. Balanti Potato Farm for panoramic Himalayan views. Pilgrimage places like Maheshwari Kund, Kalamuni & Nanda Devi Temples. Birthi waterfalls.

Best time to visit: The best months to visit are March-June and September-October when the weather is cool and you can be outdoors. Monsoon months (July-September) are best avoided due to constant rains. Winters (October-February) are perfect for winter sport enthusiasts and the famous Jaulajibi fair and Makar Sankranti celebrations.

Bhimtal Bhimtal
If you wish to escape the digital jungle, then Bhimtal should be your topmost choice. Bhimtal is an offbeat replica of Nainital and is an idyllic destination to have a peaceful vacation. It is located at a distance of around 23 kilometres from Nainital, and the tranquil aura of this place makes it the most sought after destination in India. The Himalayan ranges border the northernmost area of this town, and Almora and Pauri Garhwal neighbour it.

Bhimtal is one of the most popular attractions in Uttrakhand that has gained immense popularity among nature lovers as well as the tourists alike. Dense forests of pine, oaks, and shrubs bound this scenic hill station and make it look like a Gateway of heaven on Earth. From picturesque dams to expansive water bodies and eco-friendly conservatories, it is dotted with the alluring vistas of nature.

There are many popular tourist attractions in Bhimtal that make it a must-visit destination for every tourist. Bhimeshwar Temple is revered for being one of the holiest sites over here that offers homage to Lord Bhima. Bhimtal lake is another popular destination over here that enthrals the visitors with its picturesque beauty and offers memorable rides.

Bhimtal offers tons of enthralling activities to visitors for a fun-filled vacation. From paddle boating to scenic walk and bird watching, you can enjoy some of the most mind-blowing activities over here. You can also try trekking and camping over here for an adrenaline-pumping experience. You can also have a glimpse of the tales of the bygone era by visiting Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya over here that is a repository of rare wooden antiques.

Bhimtal experiences temperate and warm climate all year round, and it experiences an average annual temperature of around 15.7 degrees Celsius. During summer, it undergoes a mixture of cold and warm breezes, and during winters, the weather becomes relatively more freezing but not frigid. Monsoon(July-August) makes the entire area covered in lush greenery with constant showers.

Kedarkantha Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha is such a popular winter trek that it would be apt to entitle it as the Queen of Winter Treks. Knee-deep snow in winters, mesmerizing view from the top, and the beautiful and easy trails make it popular among trekkers. The ‘easy on endurance’ trail goes through the thick pine forests of Govind National Park. The views from the top are worth climbing to an altitude of 12,500 ft.

Kedarkantha trek will give you an inimitable view of the cosmic sky, lush meadows, snow paths, charming villages, scented pine forest, sky-knocking peaks, tranquil rivers, and some mythological story whispers.

Kedarkantha is a trek blushing with beauty, giving photographers a perfect opportunity to capture the snow falling from the pine trees that looks like magic dust

The ‘I rule the world’ pose at the top of Kedarkantha Summit will make a wonderful profile pic and with stunning views in the backdrop, it will make your friends jealous too!

Experience the lovely campsites, where every site is unique in its own way and does not match the beauty with any other campsites in the journey

Get a chance to camp around frozen Juda ka Talab where was once a place for meditation of Lord Shiva

Experience walking in the middle of the night in, the head torches lighting the way and watching the sunrise from the top of a mountain before you reach Summit

Gangotri Gangotri
Gangotri is combination of two words Ganga and Utri meaning Ganga descends.

The path follows the Ganges and leads to Gaumukh Galcier which is believed to be the originating point of Ganga. From here you trek to Tapovan which is considered to be the a great spot for trekkers due to this challenging and strenuous climb.

This district in garhwal region is small, beautifull and tucked away from the noisy city.

Above you, you will find mountains in the backdrop never leaving you and down below are meadows and forests sprawling the entire region.

Gangotri has a huge holy important for Indians and pilgrims.

Mukteshwar Mukteshwar
Lying 50 kilometers away from Nainital in Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar is a quaint hill town that is popularly known for its stunning Himalayan mountain views and exhilarating adventure sports. Mukteshwar city has inherited its name from Mukteshwar Dham, which is a Shiva Temple lying here that dates back to around 350 years. According to the mythological significance of this town, Lord Shiva had once killed a ferocious demon at this place and granted him salvation.

The beauty of Mukteshwar lies in its narrow lanes and lush meandering trails that offer the travelers a rustic feel. The dense coniferous forests, picturesque orchards, tiny colonial style cottages, and rolling meadows add to the charm of this magical town. Mukteshwar tourism conglomerates a plethora of world-famous attractions that make this destination no less than a slice of paradise for nature lovers, peace seekers, spiritual enthusiasts, and photographers. Popular places like Mukteshwar Temple, Sitla, Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, Chauli ki Jali, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Nanda Devi, and Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls propel a heavy influx of tourists to this destination throughout the year.

Mukteshwar is a destination where the travelers can enjoy an action-packed holiday, irrespective of the activities they are seeking. From shopping and sightseeing to temple visits and birdwatching, this place offers you a plethora of exciting things to take part in. Mukteshwar is also a hub for avid adventure seekers. The rocky terrains of this place make it very suitable for enjoying rock climbing and rappelling. You can also enjoy paragliding here that will let you glide across the clouds and float above lush valleys. Furthermore, trekking the serpentine trails and camping in the serene environs will also add to your euphoria in Mukteshwar.

Mukteshwar is blessed with a soothing temperate climate that makes it an ideal destination to visit throughout the year. The summer months of March to June is the best time to visit this town as the weather remains charming and balmy during this period, which favours outdoor activities.

Badrinath Badrinath
Badrinath tour Packages provides various activities and offers to travelers. Badrinath is a holy town and popular pilgrim destination. The majestic places of Badrinath attract pilgrims and travelers. There are many tourist places in Badrinath to spend their leisure time. In the Hindu religion, Char Dham Yatra holds an important significance. Out of the Four Dhams, Badrinath is one of them. Badrinath is surrounded by water bodies and snow-covered peaks.

It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttrakhand between the hills of Nar-Narayana on the bank of Alaknanda river. The main attraction of Badrinath for tourist is Badrinath Temple. The main entrance of the temple is colourful which is also known as Singh Dwar. In the temple, people worship Lord Vishnu.

The statue of the Lord Vishnu is made of black stone that must be seen and worshipped by every visitor. The holy temple remains open only for six months every year because of the extreme weather conditions in the region. Other than the Badrinath Temple, the town has many must-visit places like Tapt Kund. It is a natural thermal spring.
The water of this Kund has medicinal properties. Another prime attraction of Badrinath is Neelkanth which is covered with snow. Some of the other places to visit are Panch Dharas, Ganesha Cave, Vyas Cave, Mana Village, Narad Kund, Vishnuprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag, Nanda Devi National Park, Auli, Gopeshwar. Travellers can also do activities like skiing, trekking, camping and much more. As a holy town non-vegetarian food and alcohol is forbidden.

The ideal time to visit here is from May to October for tourists. Shop for small souvenirs like the sacred stone of Lord Vishnu while touring Badrinath. Enjoy a cup of tea at the last shop of India China border at Mana. Badrinath tour packages comprise many eye-catching places which draw the interest and attention of many travelers every year.

Kedarnath Kedarnath
Kedarnath etymologically translates to ‘Lord of the Field.’ It is a dainty town in Uttarakhand and is an ancient pilgrimage site. It is popular for the Kedarnath Temple, and according to mythology, it was built by the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.

The temperature in Kedarnath varies from -2 to 28 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit this hill station is either from May – June or September – October. If you are a pilgrim going to the site of Kedarnath Temple, then avoid visiting the temple during winters (November – March). Due to the decrease in temperature and heavy snowfall, the temple stays shut during this period. Since monsoons (July – August) come with the hindrance of landslides, visits to Kedarnath are avoided during this time as well.

If you are visiting the Kedarnath temple, then you must visit the Bhairavnath Temple, located at a distance of 500 meters from there. The temple enshrines an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Lord Bhairav. Perched atop a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges with mesmerizing beauty. Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, there are several other tourist attractions in Kedarnath. One such attraction is Vasuki Tal, a lake built at an altitude of 4135 meters. It requires a moderate to difficult trekking experience and is a haven for trekkers.

You must have heard of the Adwaita philosophy propounded by Sri Shankaracharya. Kedarnath has another historical shrine known as the Shankaracharya Samadhi. It is said that Sri Shankaracharya attained Nirvana at the age of 32 at this place. Sonprayag here is known to be the place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. It is also the confluence of the rivers Mandakini and Basuki. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and frosty trees, Sonprayag is a cultural-historical site of attraction. Do keep in mind that Kedarnath is mostly cold throughout the year, so pack warm clothes.

Auli Auli
Auli is a hill station located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in India. It has rightly derived its name Auli - meaning meadows, from the characteristics of its topography. The hill station is located on slopes and has far stretching meadows that look stunning to the eyes. Auli is fondly referred to as a place where nature comes alive in all its glory and splendour. It is rich in natural resources and offers a stunning landscape of the surrounding hills.

The hill station has a plethora of wildflowers and trees like deodars, oaks, coniferous and pine forests. The slopes here that are as high as 9000 feet above sea level offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks; like that of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dunagiri and Mana Parvat. There are a number of attractions here at the hill station. The most famous one amongst tourists is the ropeway.

It is the highest and the longest one not just in India but the whole of Asia and it offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. Auli’s artificial lake is another attraction which is one of the world’s highest man-made lakes. Similarly, Chattrakund and Chenab lake are also two other lakes worth visiting in Auli. Auli is also known as the skiing capital of India which explains how well the activity can truly be enjoyed here.

The winter months offer this thrilling experience and invite enthusiasts from across the globe. Other activities in Auli include trekking to nearby hills like Guarso and Kwani Bugyal. There is also a great scope for camping in and around Auli. The cherry on top is the weather in Auli. The hill station being located on a slope is high in altitude but is also surrounded by dense vegetation of deodars and oaks. This controls the pace of the wind blowing here and thus, giving Auli a pleasant environment.

Dehradun Dehradun
When one speaks about a family vacation, the first few things that strike one’s mind are green trees, blue skies, chilly weather, great food and a place where you can forget all your woes and calm down. This holiday destination is among those that fall under the category of delivering this experience to its visitors.

Lying at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun which is the capital of Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful climate and the lovely landscapes it encompasses. One of the most astonishing facts about this place however, is that it is also one of the most important education hubs in the whole of India. How a place so small and petite be able to give a tough competition to other financial sectors of India is truly unimaginable.

Dehradun lies in Doon Valley which is located on a varying height of approximately 410m. The region is especially known for its climate. While one will experience a pleasant cool weather in Dehradun, the city is often times referred to as the ‘Rainy city of India’ due to the continuous rainfalls especially during monsoons.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. In the recent years – there was a sense of construction boom that took place wherein endless residential property emerged in the city. Modern buildings have gradually been constructed making up for the good portions of Dehradun.

Haridwar Haridwar
The ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand has been a major Hindu pilgrimage site for centuries. Located where the sacred River Ganga emerges from the base of the Himalayas, it’s considered one of the 7 Sapta Puri. The Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years, is also celebrated here. The sacred city of Haridwar offers a colourful and fascinating blend of culture and offers the best tourist places in Haridwar. Being one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar often bustles with devotees. It propitious location near the holy River Ganga has made it gain more popularity.

With the passage of time, it has become more than just a religious city, where people thronged to perform immersion of the ashes or took a dip in the water to wash away their sins. It has in fact evolved into Yoga, cultural and spiritual centre and has also become a prime hub for learning Sanskrit language The modern day, Haridwar is the reflection of the culture of India and thus offer much to its visitors. Here is the list of best 12 places that one must see in this holy city.

While religion plays an important role in Haridwar – many visitors are pilgrims and devotees – there’s more to this holy city. The cuisine is excellent and food lovers eager to try authentic Indian fare will find their palates satiated many times over. Travelers in search of yoga ashrams and centers hoping to improve their physical and mental health won’t be left wanting either. If you’re eager to experience the tourist places in Haridwar, read on to know the best time to visit, how to get here and where to stay.

Mussorie Mussorie
We do not need to describe Mussoorie because great author Ruskin Bond has already done that in his immortal novels and short stories. He used this amazing town and the tourist places in Mussorie as the backdrop of his stories and the natural beauty of this town has created many landmarks in the field of “nature’s romanticism.”
If you are in love with nature’s romanticism and follow literature for that then the enchanting beauty of Mussoorie is your wonderland waiting for you. Sir Sachin Tendulkar, the demigod of the cricketing world loves this place as his regular hideout in a great climate and pleasant city.

Located at the height of almost 1900 meters from the sea levels this landscape of nature has become a paradise for the tourists with a passage of time. This advantage point of nature has a history dating back to19th century when the officers of ruling East India Company developed it as a holiday paradise in the hills. Located at the distance of 40 Kilometers from the state capital of Indian state of Uttranchal, Dehradun, Mussoorie also won this moniker of being the “queen of the hill stations.” More than 15 attractions full of nature, religion and culture are at your disposal when you are planning a stay in Mussoorie Resorts. This hill station also serves as a gateway to the glaciers of Yamunotri and Gangotri and we can consider it as an ideal place to spend summer vacations.

The year of 1991 brought this town into the spotlight because of certain cultural events and movements of political celebrities. We can term this phase as the beginning of the modern history of "Mussoorie the tourism Destination." Now this hill station has become a modern town where nature and modern day amenities are developing a new eco-system of fun, frolic, and entertainment for all age groups and honeymoon couples in particular. Withpassage of time, Mussoorie has also become an educational hub because of the presence of some premium educational institutes and convent schools. The presence of these tourist places in Mussoorie also added a youthful spirit in the ambiance of this hill station.

Jim Corbett National Park Jim Corbett National Park
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India with the highest number of tigers. The park has an abundance of flora and fauna, which makes it perfect for safaris. In the park, you can catch sight of animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Deer, Indian Hog Deer, Sambar Deer, Otter, Asiatic Black Bear, Sloth Bear, and more.

The park is covered with Sal trees and 600 species of distinct plants. Also, there are hundreds of various species of birds which include rare birds like Hornbill and White-backed Vulture. Moreover, the Ramganga river that flows inside the park houses diverse marine life encircled around Golden Oriole, Pallas Fish Eagle, Indian Pitta, and reptiles like Alligator, Crocodiles, and King Cobra.

With all these gifts from nature, the park is also a hub of adventurous activities like river rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, fishing, angling, and more. So, keep two days in your calendar so that you can cover all the fun this park has to offer you.

Nanital Nanital
Nainital, the hill resort town in the district of the same name, derives its name from the emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) which the town is built around. The British Sugar trader, P. Baron, founded the town in the year 1841 and thank God that he did! There could not be a better getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The moment you enter Nainital district, you step into a new, parallel world. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the transition to scenic splendour of the likes of the place is a treat to the senses, a characteristic balming bliss of an experience that one can only understand through live experience.

No wonder then that the Kumaon Himalayas are regarded as “devbhoomi” ( land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of the most intricate natural laws, working for millennia, to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who remain standing as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s appeal comes across as no less than a dreamscape. The British elites had used the location as a retreat during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland once upon a time, and the tradition remains alive for native Indians, as well as our foreign guests to this day.

With the changing climatic patterns ushering in harsher summers, Nainital as an easily accessible and highly affordable getaway vacation spot appears as no less than a prayer answered. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the Naina Devi temple, St John in Wilderness, Hanuman Garhi for the pious ones, Mall road market,Tibetan market for the spendthrift ones, Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Jim Corbett National Park, Snow Viewpoint for the nature and adventure lovers, Nainital has a very inclusive agenda in terms of provisions - there is something for everyone.

Rishikesh Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a tehsil located in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal region right on the banks of the holiest of Indian rivers, the Ganges. This ancient city has several mythological and religious legends associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Bharat, and various prominent sages and is said to have been established in the 9th-century AD by Adi Shankaracharya.

The scenic beauty of Rishikesh is due to its location at the foothills of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas is accentuated by the mighty Ganges cutting right through the city. The picturesque city looks suspended between the stunning riverside promenades, acres of forests, lush mountains, and clear blue skies lending it a surreal appearance.

The city is synonymous with its grand temples, rituals, architectural marvels and yoga ashrams. Every temple here, be it the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple, has its own beautiful legend that attracts people from all over the world. The twin Ram & Lakshman Jhulas are outstanding architectural feats in themselves. These suspension bridges span for over 750 ft. over the Ganges. There are numerous ashrams here that lead people into the spiritual world of ancient forms of yoga, meditation, and vipasana to cleanse their soul and de-stress.

Rishikesh has its share of offbeat and adventure activities too. If you are not enjoying the adrenaline rush of white water rafting available up to grade 6, you can spend time enjoying amazing experiences like cliff jumping, kayaking, body surfing, etc. There are picturesque waterfalls here like Patna fall and Neer Garhi fall, etc. that are perfect to escape into the raw wilderness of nature. If you are the spiritual kind, you can’t miss attending the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Maha Aarti.

The summer months (March-June) here are extremely hot & humid with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. Winter months (October-February) are cold and sunny with temperatures dipping to a low of 6°C, making them the best months to visit. Monsoon months (June-September) see a lot of rains accompanied by humidity.