Uttarakhand is a state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas. It is a land of mystical mountains entwined in ancient Indian mythologies, with exquisite landscapes and the promise of exhilarating adventure. This state is jaw-dropping, pinch-me, beautiful, known as ‘Devbhoomi’ or the Land of Gods.
A popular tourist destination, Uttarakhand tourism provides you with everything. Do you want to soak up some culture, douse yourself in a little bit of religion, find purpose, discover the beauty of the world, see your kids run along a bridge, watch the mist and the sunset light up your partner’s face, enjoy a cup of tea, fall into the snow and make those snow angels you’ve been dreaming about since you were eight and seen in an old Hollywood movie? Well, you can have it all here!
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Top 10 Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Packed with incredible sights, monuments, history, natural beauty, and spirituality, Uttarakhand will sweep you off your feet. Tourists travelling from different places can take flights to Uttarakhand. Pant Nagar airport is the nearest airport to Nainital, and Jolly Grant is the closest airport to Mussoorie. Dehradun to Delhi flights are readily available from Jolly Grant airport. Here are the top 10 must-visit places in this beautiful state.
Haridwar
You cannot be a certified Indian without hearing your parents say that they need to make a trip to Haridwar. However, Haridwar, the most beautiful place in Uttarakhand, has a lot more to offer than its spiritual ambience, which is one of a kind. One of the seven holy cities of our great nation, Haridwar, is located on the banks of River Ganga in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Filled every corner with temples, ashrams, and narrow lanes across the city, this place lets you understand just why our country holds such a firm belief in religion.
Best time to Visit: October to February
Places to See & Things to Do: Visit the National Parks, Lakes, Kempty Falls, Benog Hill & Jwalaji Temple, Monastery, Resorts and Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, the Ganga Aarti, Har-ki-Pauri Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple
Nearest Airport: Dehradun–Jolly Grant Airport.
Mukteshwar
Not here for taking a dip in the holy river? Perhaps, a small hill town in Uttrakhand would appeal more to your tastes. Little known place in Uttarakhand, famous for its gorgeous views of the Himalayan ranges and several fun adventure sports that this destination offers. Surround yourself with lush greenery, sporting activities, coniferous forests, and the endless meadows that make you feel like you are a part of a Bollywood shooting. Mukteshwar is named after the 350-year-old Shiva Temple housed here called Mukteshwar Dham.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Places to See & Things to Do: Mukteshwar temple, Trekking, Rock climbing, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Sitla, Chauli ki Jaali.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant – Dehradun Airport.
Binsar
It is smack-dab in the middle of an entire wildlife sanctuary. Residing at 2400m above sea level, Binsar is known for its origin myth and the picturesque grounds it offers. Set amid forests covered with oak, pine, rhododendrons, and deodar trees, Binsar is known for its hills, temples, forests, wildlife, and meadows. Want to spend a lazy vacation? Look no further.
Best Time to Visit: Summer months; October & November
Places to See & Things to Do: Sightseeing & Photography, Trekking, Golu Devata Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point.
Nearest Airport: Pant Nagar Airport
Landour
Located a little away from Mussorie, Landour is a perfect lounge-around spot. If you do not want the hubbub of people, Landour might be the place for you. Voted as one of the most serene places that the state offers, Landour will allow the thoughts in your head to resonate or might be the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Places to See & Things to Do: Char Dukan, Lal Tibba, The mountain ranges of Bandarpoonch, Swargrohini: Buy their homemade marmalade, Jam, Cheese and bread and visit their restaurant.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant – Dehradun Airport
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is known for its incredible flora and fauna. The oldest national park in Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers, bird-watchers, or any human with a decent pair of working eyes. Corbett National Park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. A must-visit, add this little biosphere haven to your list of places to hit in Uttarakhand.
Best Time: Mid October to Mid June
Places to See & Things to Do: Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park, Corbett Waterfall, River Rafting in Corbett National Park, Dhikala, Bijrani Zone, Jhirna, Kosi River, Corbett Museum.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant – Dehradun Airport.
Auli
Auli is located to the side of the religious shrine of Badrinath. Credited with hosting some of the best views of the great Himalayas, this place shows you the snow-capped peaks of mighty mountains. Hosting apple orchards, old oaks, pine trees, and several exotic resorts, Auli has a cottage charm. Located at 2800 meters above sea levels, Auli has its own unique origin story like several other places on this list.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Places to See & Things to Do: Skiing in Auli, Trishul Peak, Auli Ropeway, Joshimath, Gurso Bugyal, Trekking, Rudraprayag, Kwani Bugyal, Chenab Lake, Nandaprayag.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant – Dehradun Airport.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is located at a distance of about 38 km from Dehradun. It is touted to be the ‘Queen of Hills.’ And that cannot happen in a state filled with the Himalayas without some awe-inspiring mountain range. Standing at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, Mussoorie lures you in with its pastel colours and archaic colonial architecture of the hotels and churches.
Best Time: September to June
Places to See & Things to Do: Lal Tibba, Camel’s Back Road, Kempty Falls, George Everest’s House, Company Garden, Cloud’s End, Lake Mist, Bhatta Falls, Nag Tibba, Mussoorie Lake, Company Garden.
Nearest Airport: Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district(near Badrinath, located 300 km to the north of Rishikesh, the valley of flowers is just what it sounds like- A Valley of Flowers. Declared a World Heritage Site, this place is acclaimed for its wild, untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. This place is also believed to be where Hanuman brought Sanjivani to the ailing Lakshmana from the valley of flowers.
Best Time: May to October
Places to See & Things to Do: Trekking, Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, The exotic flora and fauna.
Nearest Airport: Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Rishikesh
There’s no way you make a list of the hotspots of Uttarakhand and leave out Rishikesh; that must be a sin. Luckily, this holy city will help you purge yourself of your sins. Situated at the cusp of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga River meeting, Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district. Dotted with ashrams all over, this city brings you closer to divinity. But don’t let that sidetrack you, as it also has whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and camping hidden up its sleeve.
Best Time: September to June
Places to See & Things to Do: Rafting, Flying Fox, Giant swing, Cliff jumping, Kayaking, Camping, Bungee Jumping, Hot Air Ballooning, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Visit Lakshman Jhula.
Nearest Airport: Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Nainital
The word in itself sounds musical. And the place stands up to its sweet pronunciation and all the hype around it. Located by the famous eye-shaped Naini Lake in the valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides, it is a quaint hill station. With a pleasant climate, lovely views, tranquillity, and quietness offered, it’s no wonder it is one of the most sought-after tourist locations.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Places to See & Things to Do: Naini Lake, Cheena Peak, Golu Devata Temple, St Johns Church, Naini Devi Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Nanital Zoo, Naukuchia Taal, Chauthi Jaali, Mall Road, Dodital, & Bhimtal Lake
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Dehradun
The largest city in the state, Dehradun, brings you a pleasant climate and a touch of wistfulness. It is a picturesque location with a beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges and the river Ganga flowing on either side of the city. Known as the getaway spot, it allows visitors to choose the places they wish to visit.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Places to See & Things to Do: Visit the Ancient Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Witness the Beautiful Clock Tower, Sahastradhara, Tapovan Temple, Seek Blessing at Shiv Mandir, Forest Research Institute, Spend a Day at Fun n Food Kingdom
Nearest Airport: Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Bhimtal
A quiet haven located in the middle of nowhere, Bhimtal allows you to indulge in your anonymity fantasies. Located at 1370 meters from sea level, Bhimtal boasts beautiful temples and lovely mountains. This town of Bhimtal is known for its tranquillity. The picturesque Bhimtal Lake is a popular attraction. With dense oaks, pines, and shrubs crowding you in, you can get lost in its beauty for hours.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
Places to See & Things to Do: Bhimtal Lake, Butterfly Research Centre and Fundraiser Cafe, Hanuman Garhi, Hidimba Parvat, Karkotaka Temple, Victoria Dam, & Aquarium Cafe
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Chopta
Chopta is one of the least explored hamlets in the Himalayas. Elevated at 2,680 m, it is the base point for famous treks to Tungnath and Chandrashilla and is amongst the best places to see in Uttarakhand. If you chose this state for its beautiful mountains that deserve to be admired and trekked, then chop-chop, get to Chopta.
Best Time: March to June
Places to See & Things to Do: The Tungnath Trek – Beautiful Green Trail, Baniyakund – Camp At The Meadows, The Chandrashila Trek, & the Sari village
Nearest Airport: Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport
Almora
Almora looks as magical as it sounds. Imagine a spring-winter Disney movie. The set would look like something out of Almora. Situated close to Delhi and other major cities of North India, Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine, and magnificent wildlife. Almora is also known for its biker visitors and their jaw-dropping mountain biking.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Places to See & Things to Do: Zero Point, Jageshwar Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum, Chitai Temple, Kumaon Regimental
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Kedarnath
Yet another sacred spot, Kedarnath hosts one of India’s most hallowed temples and the holiest Hindu pilgrimages. Located on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the Rudraprayag District, Kedarnath witnesses lakhs of devotees every year due to its religious significance. Kedarnath is known for its ambience and serenity offered to its visitors.
Best Time: May to June, September to October
Places to See & Things to Do: Kedarnath Mandir, Madmaheshwar Temple, Religious Sites, Shri Kedarnath, Gauri Kund, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Vasuki Tal Mountain Lake, & Bhairav Nath Temple.
Nearest Airport: Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Uttarakhand calling
We’ve handpicked some of the best tourist spots that Uttarakhand offers. Put these spots in Uttarakhand to check out on your travel list, and you will reminisce over their embracing mountains, lakes, and trees forever. Uttarakhand is a fairy tale haven for the ethereal self in us. So, strap in your bag, book your flight tickets with Aertrip and get to the airport right away! Uttarakhand is calling you to enjoy a grand vacation.
