Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand- A Heaven on Earth!

Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, is a land of affluent natural beauty and spiritual tranquility. A lush green landscape with snow-clad Himalayan peaks atop and the holy river Ganga rapidly flowing across the state- Uttarakhand is a heaven on earth to experience.

With the holiest pilgrimages, profound mythologies, exhilarating water sports, wildlife sanctuaries, yoga and wellness, and the ethereal sights of silent valleys, Uttarakhand attracts travelers of all types from across the world. 

Whether you’re an adventure-enthusiasts or a spiritual seeker, Uttarakhand has to offer you some incredible experiences to carry back home. And the beauty of this place is beyond words. 

So, if you’re ready to board a journey to this mystical land, let’s quickly know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

The Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Garhwal

Uttarakhand’s diverse lands are split into 2 major regions. The western chunk of Uttarakhand is Garwhal, and it borders Kumaon in the east. Garwhal is quite a big whole encompassing a mix of natural treasures, sacred pilgrimages, and popular hill stations. 

Garwhal is home to many pristine glaciers and rivers, including the revered Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers. It also houses the scenic pilgrimages of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Hemkund Sahib.

Amidst natural bounties, Garhwal proudly shelters numerous Himalayan peaks, the Valley of Flowers, and spell-bindingly beautiful confluences of major rivers in Rudraprayag, Devprayag, and Karnaprayag. Garhwal also hosts major adventure hotspots like Auli, famed for skiing in winter. 

Lower in the hills, the popular hill stations of Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Dehradun, and even the plains of Haridwar have adorned parts of Garhwal.

The Garhwali people spread across this beautiful region have an ardent connection to these hills. They share a rich and diverse cultural heritage that colors their traditions, local cuisines, music, dance, and spirituality.  

The fairs in Garhwal are full of life and show its cultural diversity.

Almora

If you’re a nature lover, visiting Almora will be a treat to your soul. Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalaya peaks, Almora is a charming hill station surrounded by deep forests of pine and oaks. With rich cultural heritages, handicrafts, flavorful local cuisines, spectacular Himalayan views, and reviving weather all through the year, this cozy town gets you a much-awaited break from the city’s fast-pacing life. 

Especially, if you’re a trekker, you’ll be thrilled to know that Almora’s mountainous terrain makes way for many beautiful trekking trails. And the dense forests of Almora make these trails incredibly beautiful. While trailing through it, always keep your camera handy as you wouldn’t want to miss the chance of capturing some awe-gasping views midway through this green paradise. 

For devotees, Almora has many ancient temples like Nanda Devi, Kasar Devi, and Katarmal Sun Temple that hold immense religious importance. The intricate carvings and fine architecture of these temples gain the attention of tourists and travelers of all kinds. 

Binsar

Binsar is a true hidden gem of the Himalayas. This stunning green town lies on a hilltop at an altitude of about 7,874 feet and is surrounded by a panoramic view of the Kumaon Himalaya ranges, which encircles Binsar.

An important attraction for you in Binsar is the Binsar Zero Point which offers a 360-degree view of a few 100s of kilometers of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. Something you would never want to miss in Binsar is the sight of the pink Himalayan Sunrise! It’s awe-inspiring!

 Covered with dense forests of oak, pine, and flowery rhododendron trees, Binsar is heaven for any true nature lover. Whether you are a sporty trekker or wish to cozy up in nature and stimulate your creativity, there’s something in Binsar for everyone. Still untouched by heavy crowds, Binsar is a peaceful destination where you can connect with mountain life.

 A real heart stealer is the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which houses many rare animals like the Himalayan Goral and Himalayan Black Bear.

 Also, the ancient temples like the Binsar Mahadev Temple, add a touch of spirituality and cultural significance to the region. Exploring these sites can be an enriching experience for you.

To get the best from this place, visit it in Autumn between September to November, when the oaks and maples turn in many shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a vibrant display of fall colors.

Chamba

Chamba is a peace and adventure magnet.

Scenically, Chamba thrives in nature’s bounty, full of pine and deodar woods, fragrant apple and apricot groves, and its vibrant early-summer rhododendron flowers. A solid kick of adventure is found along this region in extensive land and water sports like camping, trekking, river rafting, kayaking, and more.

 The Gabbar Singh Negi Memorial and Shri Bageshwar Mahadev Temple are good spots to explore in Chamba. On a clear sunny morning, you may get a glimpse of the mighty Langtang Himalayan range from Chamba.

 The Surkanda Devi Temple, perched at 9000 feet above sea level, is a beautiful trek nearby. Being 1 of 51 Shakti Peethas, this temple has much significance among devotees and also offers splendid views for everyone to see. It gives a panoramic sight of gleaming, mighty Himalayas filling your northern horizon.

Tehri

Tehri is the adventure capital of Uttarakhand. Built with the Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake at its center, this modern planned city is a gorgeous landscape of vast waters shimmering by mellow mountains. However, it’s not just a sight to awe. Tehri Lake offers cutting-edge water sporting opportunities. 

The 1800 ft long Tehri Lake and its quiet waters are a hotbed for adventure and water sporting activities. 

Here you can enjoy jet skiing, boating, hot air balloon rides, paragliding, zorbing, hotdog ride, bandwagon boat ride, banana boat rides, nearby camping, and many more innumerable activities.

This modern city is also famous for its avant-garde modern homestays, floating huts on the Tehri Lake, and solar-powered eco-homes just by the lake. It takes ecotourism and responsible travel to a new height in India. 

Some other compelling attractions of this hill city are Dobra Chanti Bridge crossing the Lake, Sem Mukhem Temple, River Bhagirathi, and nearby local villages and cuisines.

Tehri is very near to Chamba, just 11km away. A trip from Tehri to see the bounties of Chamba or trek Surkanda Devi Temple elevates the Tehri experience. 

Jalna

Only 30 kilometers from Almora, Jalna is a charming place to relax and rejuvenate. Away from the city’s noise, travelers seeking peace and comfort of nature reach Jalna. It’s also a place for some trekking and exploration into the wild. At an altitude of approx 1700 meters, this place gives you a spectacular panoramic sight of the mighty Himalayan ranges.

Particularly for nature and animal lovers, Jalna makes for a compelling getaway with more than 400 species of birds and varied wildlife. It has jungle cats, mountain deer, bears and leopards, and a great variety of Himalayan birds.

If you go for a long and peaceful walk, every sight and sound of nature may evoke calmness within you. On clear days, you may witness breathtaking views of great Himalayan peaks glittering at a distance.

Travelers visiting Jalna also visit the nearby famous among locals Kutumbari Devi Temple and Banari Devi Temple.

Mukteshwar

Would you love to wake up to a golden morning where sun rays kiss the cliffs? And a symphony of forest birds uplifts your morning spirit?

Visit Mukteshwar!

Surrounded by green forests and fruit orchards, Mukteshwar serves adventure and spirituality side by side. With abundant natural beauty, Mukteshwar is one of the most charming hill stations of Uttarakhand.

 At a high altitude of about 7500 feet above sea level, this place offers a perfect 180-degree view of the mighty Himalayas and some renowned Himalayan peaks of Uttarakhand, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. That makes it a hub for nature lovers and photographers.

This beautiful hilly town has special significance in Hindu mythology. According to Hindu legends, Lord Shiva killed a demon at this spot and granted him salvation or ‘Mukti’. So, the name of this temple is ‘Mukteshwar’, or ‘the Lord who grants salvation’.

This hill town was also named after this 350-year-old Mukteshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The intricate stone carvings of this temple gain the attention of pilgrims and tourists alike.

Trekking, rock climbing, camping, paragliding, and more: Mukteshwar offers a range of adventures and activities. Its nearby forests are home to many hiking trails including the Mukteshwar Chauli ki Jali trek which takes you to some beautiful viewpoints.

Pithoragarh

Famous for its tranquil nature and pleasing mountain climate, this scenic town of Pithoragarh is situated in the extreme eastern end of Uttarakhand, bordering Nepal. It also has a strong influence of Tibet, the region that borders Uttarakhand on its north. With many magnificent temples, rich flora and fauna, and gorgeously green expansive valleys, this quaint town never disappoints its visitors.

Pithoragarh’s closeness to Nepal and Tibet brings out a diverse mix of culture in the town’s festivals, traditions, and local handicrafts. It brims with Kumaoni, Tibetan, and Nepali influences.

Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges, Pithoragarh offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks including Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli. The town is nestled in a picturesque valley with lush greenery, making it an inviting retreat for nature lovers and trekkers.

Pithoragarh offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance, making it a unique and captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic Himalayan experience.

This place has scope for trekking as well.

Pithoragarh is an important halt for the pilgrims going to the Kailash Manasarovar yatra. 

Uttarkashi

Surrounded by high Himalayan ranges and stunning natural beauty, Uttarkashi is a true paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Angling, camping, trekking, hot springs, many ancient temples, and lush greeneries make this place alluring to any traveler across the world.

Also, if you have religious thirst, this ancient land has much religious importance among the Hindu pilgrims. It houses many temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. The famous Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Because of its location on the banks of the river Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi has several ashrams and yoga wellness centers offering better mental and spiritual health.

Uttarkashi is a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and nature that offers you a unique opportunity to experience spirituality while enjoying outdoor activities amidst mother nature.