Uttarakhand is known as the “Land of the Gods, mystical mountains, serene lakes, and spiritual enlightenment”. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. From snow-capped peaks to sacred temples, this picturesque state offers a plethora of attractions and experiences that will leave you spellbound. In this blog, we will take you on a tour of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, highlighting what makes each area special, the things you can do there, and the major tourist attractions. So, get ready to embark on a memorable journey through Uttarakhand!
| Area of Uttarakhand | 53,483 sq. km. |
| Population of Uttarakhand | 100.86 lakh |
| Capital of Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
| Districts | 13 |
| Literacy Rate of Uttarakhand | 78.80% |
Rishikesh – one of the best places near Uttarakhand
Rishikesh: Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is a spiritual haven nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board organizes the annual International Yoga Festival (IYF) here, which attracts thousands of yoga enthusiasts. It offers a serene environment, ancient temples, yoga ashrams, and the sacred Ganges River. Don’t miss the iconic Lakshman Jhula and attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
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Attractions |
What To Do |
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Triveni Ghat Parmarth Niketan Lakshman Jhula Byasi Gita Bhawan |
Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Yoga, Trekking, Rock Climbing, Zipline Tour, Giant Swing |
How To Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Rishikesh, situated at a distance of 21 km. Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh.
By Train: Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations in India. Trains to Rishikesh Railway Station are frequent. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Muni-ki-Reti and Swargashram.
By Road: Rishikesh is well connected by motorable roads with the major destinations of Uttarakhand and the northern states of India. Luxury and normal Buses to Rishikesh are easily available from Delhi, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and Meerut.
Chardham Package:- https://www.shikhar.com/chardham-yatra-sti153
Haridwar – Holy city of India
Another holy city on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar is famous for the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh is organized here every six years. It also hosts the Kanwar Mela every year during the rainy season. It is believed to be one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Explore the ghats, visit temples, and participate in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
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Attractions |
What To Do |
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Mata Mansa Devi Temple Har Ki Puri Patanjali Yogpeeth Daksha Mahadev Temple Sapt Rishi Ashram |
Ganga Arti Ganga Ghats Ashram Tour Ayurvedic Treatment |
How To Reach:
By Air: Haridwar does not have its own airport. To reach Haridwar your best bet is to take a flight to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. This is a domestic airport and is around 20 km from the city center. The distance between Haridwar and Dehradun is 52 km and taxis are easily available from the airport.
By Train: Haridwar has its own station. Haridwar Junction Railway Station is well connected by train, with frequent trains to Delhi, which takes four to five hours; Dehradun takes one hour and Rishikesh takes around one hour too.
By Road: A number of state transport and private buses connect Haridwar with Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and other parts of Uttarakhand. Bus services are easily available, as the frequency is good and the fares are economical. The bus station in Haridwar is very close to the train station. Do note, that buses are known to run late.
Suggested Package:- https://www.shikhar.com/haridwar-rishikesh-program-sti136
Mussoorie – Queen of Hills
Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Mussoorie is a charming hill station offering breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range. Enjoy a cable car ride to Gun Hill, visit Kempty Falls, explore Mall Road, and take a stroll in the beautiful Lal Tibba.
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Attractions |
What To Do |
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Landour Surkhanda Devi Temple George Everest House Bhatta Falls Kempty Falls Jharipani Falls Camels Back Road Lal Tibba Mussorie Lake |
Trekking Angling Zip lining Winterline |
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun (82 km). Taxis are available from the airport.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Dehradun (68 km)
By Road: Dehradun is well connected by roads. Take the Tehri bypass from Mussoorie and drive down the Mussoorie-Chamba road.
Nainital
Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard-perfect hill station and one of the most popular in Northern India. Commonly known as the ‘Lake District’, Nainital is nestled high up in the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,000 m above sea level. This beautiful town is surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring: Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta, and Sher-Ka-Danda. The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake add an immense lot to the beauty of the town. The town is centered around the emerald mountain lake Naini, which on most days is dotted with colorful sailboats. According to mythology, the lake is believed to have been formed when the eyes of goddess “Sati” fell at this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death.
Take a boat ride in the lake, visit the famous Naina Devi Temple, explore the vibrant Mall Road, and enjoy the panoramic views from viewpoints like Tiffin Top and Snow View Point.
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Attractions |
What To Do |
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The Himalayan Museum Kainchi Dam Kilbury Pangot Sariyatal Khurupatal Naukuchiatal Tiffin Top Snow View Point Nainital Zoo |
Water Sports Paragliding Hot Air Ballooning Trekking, Golfing |
How To Reach:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. After that 70 km distance has to be traveled by road, by bus, or by cab.
By Train: You can reach Kathgodam Railway Station by train, which is 23 km away from Nainital.
By Road: If you are starting from New Delhi, the 300 km road route has to be covered by a Bus. You can take a bus from Delhi Kashmiri Gate ISBT and cover this journey in 7 hours approx.
Valley of Flowers National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers is a mesmerizing alpine valley adorned with vibrant flowers during the summer months. Spread over an area of 87 sq km in the Chamoli district. The valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931 when three British mountaineers – led by Frank S Smythe – lost their way and chanced upon this spectacular valley. Attracted by the beauty of this place, they named it the “Valley of Flowers It offers breathtaking vistas, diverse flora, and an opportunity for nature lovers to indulge in trekking amidst pristine surroundings.
Attractions: Govidghat, Hemkunt Lake, Hemkunt Sahib, Joshi Math, Mana, Nanda Devi National Park, Ghangaria
What To Do: Trekking, Rural Tourism
How To Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Valley of Flowers but the roads are only connected up to Govind Ghat from where you have to trek for 16 km to reach Valley of Flowers.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Valley of Flowers is Rishikesh. Take a bus or taxi to reach Govind Ghat. Rishikesh railway station is situated 273 km before Govindghat on NH58.
By Road: Valley of Flowers is connected up to Govind Ghat with motorable roads.
Jim Corbett National Park
India’s oldest national park and a popular tiger reserve. Established in 1936, it is named after the legendary naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. Spread over 1318.54 sq km, of which 520 sq km is the main area and the remaining is a buffer, the park is spread over the picturesque landscapes of Pauri Garhwal, Almora, and Nainital.
Attractions: Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Corbett Falls, Sitabani Forest, Corbett Museum
What To Do: Jungle Safari, River Rafting
How To Reach:
By Air: The closest domestic airport to Corbett National Park is 50 km away at Phoolbagh, Pantnagar. At 295 Km from Corbett National Park, the nearest International Airport is in Delhi.
By Train: The closest railway station to Corbett National Park is Ramnagar, which is 12 km from the Park. Ramnagar is the terminus of the Delhi-Moradabad- Ramnagar broad gauge branch of the North East Railway.
By Road: Most people prefer to drive down to Corbett National Park. It takes approximately six hours from Delhi to cover the 295-km stretch.
Suggested Trek:- https://naturecampsindia.com/dodital_trek
Auli
Known for its picturesque ski slopes, Auli is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and panoramic views of the Himalayas from the Auli Ropeway, the longest ropeway in Asia. Standing at around 2,800 m and surrounded by acres of oak and coniferous forests, Auli offers panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including the second-highest in the country, Nanda Devi (7,816m). It is also the gateway to Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers National Park, including the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, and popular trekking destinations such as Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan can be accessed through Auli.
Attractions: Auli Artificial Lake, Chattrakund, Gorson Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Saildhar Tapovan.
What To Do: Auli Skiing, Auli Ropeway, Trekking.
How To Reach:
By Air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airbase to Auli (about 286 km away). One can hail a cab from the airport to Auli.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh (approximately 255 km away). Visitors can take buses (both state and private) and cabs from Rishikesh to Joshimath and Auli.
By Road: Auli is well connected by road and can be reached from all major destinations in the state. Bus services to the hill station can be availed of from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, and other noted stops. State tourism buses ply between Rishikesh and Joshimath. From the latter, one can take any public transport (buses, taxis, and jeeps) to Auli (about 13 km). Buses and private cars can also be booked from New Delhi.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage centers in Northern India, located on the bank of the Mandakini river at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level. The historical name of this region is “Kedar Khand”. Kedarnath temple is a part of Char Dhams and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
Attractions: Sonprayag, Chorbari Bamak Glacier, Mount Kedarnath, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Mayali Pass.
What To Do: Trekking, Camping, Rock Climbing/
How To Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads to Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Gaurikund.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 216 kilometers before Kedarnath on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations in India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads to Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Gaurikund.
By Road: Gaurikund is the point where the road to Kedarnath ends and an easy 14-kilometer trek begins. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with the major destinations of Uttarakhand and the northern states of India.
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