Uttarakhand Tourism boasts of the snow capped mountains, rolling meadows, high altitude lakes, dense forests and wetland habitat support a divers and exotic wildlife, birds and plants species in Garhwal and Kumaon the two regions of Uttarakhand

March to April and mid-September to mid-October are considered as the Best time to visit Uttarakhand. Trekking, Paragliding and The Char Dham Yatra are the most popular activities during summer, which is also the Peak Season in Uttarakhand.

The traditional cuisine of the land is highly nutritious, simple to prepare. Delicious and Mouth-watering Pahari dishes from Uttarakhand are Chainsoo, Kafuli, Jholi, Phaanu, Til ki Chutney, Arsa etc.

Handicrafts, utensils, handloom, jewellery, you can easily go on a shopping spree.

Hindi is the official language, Garhwali and Kumauni (both Pahari languages), Punjabi, and Nepali.

1.LAND OF SACRED RIVERS

The two most sacred rivers as per beliefs of hindus Ganga and Yamuna originate from Uttarakhand State. While Ganga originate from Gangotri and Yamuna originates from Yamunotri.

2.DEV BHOOMI

This state is also called dev bhoomi due to many religious sites such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedaranath.

3.SECOND HIGHEST PEAK OF INDIA

Nanda Devi is the highest peak of Uttarakhand with altitude of 7816 mtr. This also the second highest peak of India after Kangchenjunga. Kamat and Badrinath are second and third highest peaks of Uttarakhand with a height of 7756 and 7138 mtr.

4.OLDEST NATIONAL PARK IN INDIA

Jim Corbett National Park of Nainital district is oldest national park of India which was established in 1936 for protection of tigers. Rajaji National Park, Gangotri National Park, Nalanda Devi National Park are some other national parks of this State.

5.ADVENTURE SPORTS

You’ll be delighted to know that Uttarakhand is famous for being a skiing destination too!  Auli, located adjacent to the holy place Badrinath, has gondola rides, chairlifts and Poma ski lift options. If you want to indulge in skiing, the best time to visit Auli would be from January to March.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF MARCH 2023)

• The Valley of Flowers
• Nanda Devi National Park

1. NAINITAL

This famous Uttarakhand tourist town is set in serene surroundings and is blessed by beautiful lakes. A popular hill station, Nainital has an abundance of lakes and greenery, which make it a hit with honeymooners. One can also enjoy boating and cable car rides, or visit the sacred Naina Devi Temple.

Places to visit in Nainital: Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Garden, Naina Devi Temple

2. JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park set amidst the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Known for housing the endangered Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Famous for its wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett National Park has multiple resorts set on the riverside. Home to more than 650 species of rare and migratory birds, it is a haven for bird watchers. The most popular attraction at Corbett National Park is DHIKALA, a forest lodge located on the border of Patil Dun Valley, which is known for the stunning location and rich wildlife.

3. MUSSOORIE

The lush Green hills, Beautiful flora and fauna, Majestic view of the Shivalik range and the Doon valley attracts the tourists to visit for Mussoorie. Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in Dehradun district and known as a “Queen of the hills”. With a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, Mussoorie was once the British summer capital.

Places to visit in Mussoorie: The Mall, Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, Landour, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, Cloud’s End

4. DEHRADUN

Dehradun is the capital city and the largest city of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Located just 30kms from Mussoorie, Dehradun is known as the gateway to Mussoorie and Rishikesh and Haridwar. Dehradun is also known as the “Educational Hub of Uttarakhand” with some of the country’s prestigious universities and boarding schools.

Places to visit in Dehradun: Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, Mindrolling Monastery, Forest Research Institute, Paltan Bazaar, Dehradun Zoo, Daat Kali Temple, Sahastradhara Ropeway

5. DHANAULTI

Located at a distance of 62 km from Mussoorie, this little town in Uttarakhand is an offbeat destination located at a height of about 2200 meters above sea level.

Places to visit in Dhanaulti: Eco Park, Dhanaulti Adventure Park, Apple Orchard Resort, Deogarh Fort, Surkhanda Devi Temple, Thangdhar Camp, Dashavatar Temple

6. CHAMBA

Covered with lots of pine and deodar trees, Chamba offers you a never explored break. It is an excellent place to relax and enjoy and is just a drive away from the city blues.

The snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the awe-inspiring views of the green gorges, and the enchanting valleys all around the river Bhagirathi will undoubtedly leave you spellbound, amidst rich apple orchards.

Places to visit in Chamba: Tehri Dam, Surkanda Devi Temple

7. BADRINATH

Badrinath as the name defines; it is the most famous spiritual townships of the Hindus situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated site for Lord Vishnu which is known as Badri Vishal in Badrinath. It is most significant site among Char Dham in India.

Places to Visit in Badrinath: Badrinath Temple, Charanpaduka, Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, Neelkantha Peak, Vyas Gufa

8. KEDARNATH

The most remote of the four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, about 3584m above sea level, and is flanked by breath taking snow-capped peaks. Kedarnath Temple hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples, and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims from all over the world, being one of the four major sites in India’s Char Dham pilgrimage.

Places to visit in Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple, Sonprayag, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Triyuginarayan

9. RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, and popular cafes and as the “Yoga Capital of the World”. Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus.

Places to visit in Rishikesh: Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Geeta Bhawan, Ganga Aarti

10. HARIDWAR

Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities in India, situated in Uttarakhand. It is located where the sacred river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plains for the first time. Dotted with temples, ashrams and narrow lanes across the city, Haridwar is a famous Hindu temple town where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy Ganges. It’s believed that taking a dip in the sacred Har Ki Pauri relieves one of all the sins.

The highlight of Haridwar is the famous Ganga Aarti held at the Har ki Pauri Ghat every evening. Thousands of devotees come together to pray to river Ganga and float diyas. Haridwar is one of the four cities (others being Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad) that host the Kumbh Mela every twelve years. The Kanwar Mela is also organised here every year during saawan (rainy season). It is also the gateway to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand and acts as the base destination for some of the other tourist towns of Rishikesh and Devprayag.

Places to visit in Haridwar: Ganga Aarti in Hardwar, Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Rajaji National Park, Shantikunj, Daksha Mahadev Temple

11. AULI

Auli is a popular skiing destination in India because of its glittering slopes and clean environment. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to the 8th Century AD. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVL) runs a ski resort and a ski rental shop.

Places to visit in Auli: Trishul Peak, Joshimath, Gurson Bugyal, View Points in Auli, Kwani Bugyal, Auli Ropeway

12. VALLEY OF FLOWERS

Valley of Flowers is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas. Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. It is open from June to September every year. Famous for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs, it is also believed that Hanuman brought Sanjivani to the ailing Lakshmana from the valley of flowers. A perfect place to laze around the umpteen number of Himalayan water-falls, streams and paddocks and let the beauty of the place sink in.

13. HEMKUND SAHIB

Nestled amid the Himalayan Ranges, Sri Hemkunt Sahib is a sacred pilgrimage revered by thousands of Sikhs every year. Literally meaning ‘Lake of Snow’, this highest Gurudwara in the world is perched at an altitude of 4329 m above the sea level and lies in the backdrop of snow – clad mountains. The shrine is also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib and can be reached by trekking through numerous waterfalls, thick forest and captivating views of the Himalayas. The gurudwara is open only for few months between May and October and close down during the extreme winter months.

14. JOSHIMATH

Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is a hill town perched at the height of 6150 feet in Chamoli district of Gharwal region of Uttarakhand. Joshimath serves as an important religious centre for Hindu pilgrims and lies in the proximity to one of the four ‘maths’ founded by Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya in the 8th century. This ‘math’ dedicated to the holy text of Hindus called Atharva Veda.

Places to visit in Joshimath: ropeway, Ghangaria, Nanda Devi National Park, Tapovan, Narsingh Temple, Govindghat

15. RUDRAPRAYAG

Lying at the confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini, Rudraprayag is a sacred place regarded as one of the Panch Prayags and place of great religious significance. This beautiful town is full of mysterious charm and the spiritual vibes that will calm your senses.

Places to visit in Rudraprayag: Augustmuni, Koteshwar Mahadev temple, Ukhimath, Chopta, Sonprayag, Khrisu

16. MUNSIYARI

Often referred to as “Little Kashmir”, Munsiyari is a cosy hamlet located in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 2298 metres, the pretty little hill town is known for its panorama of snow-capped Himalayan Range and some adventurous trekking trails.

Perched between the borders of India, Tibet and Nepal, Munsiyari is a base for three glaciers namely Namik, Milam and Ralam Glaciers. The scenic village is often seen romancing with brilliant weather throughout the year and the stunning backdrop of Panchachuli (the five peaks), Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Also dubbed ‘Gateway to Johar Valley’, Munsiyari is the starting point of Johar Valley which was the ancient trade route between Tibet and India.

Places to visit in Munsiyari: Birthi falls, Maheshwari Kund, Panchachuli peak, Thamari Kund, Kalamuni Top, Khuliya Top

17. BINSAR

Binsar is a small town in Uttarakhand known for the surreal beauty of the snow-laden Himalayan peaks. Set amid forests covered with oak, pine, rhododendrons and deodar trees, Binsar is home to beautiful green meadows, temples and the famous Binsar wildlife sanctuary. Besides the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, you can also visit the Kasar Devi temple and the Bineshwar Mahadev temple.

Places to visit in Binsar: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bineshwar Temple, Zero Point, Golu Devata Temple

18. MUKTESHWAR

Mukteshwar is a small hill town located around 50 km from Nainital in Uttarakhand. Known for adventure sports and a dazzling view of Himalayan ranges, Mukteshwar is named after the 350-year-old Shiva Temple housed here called Mukteshwar Dham. Mukteshwar is a popular destination for trekking, apart from rock climbing and rappeling. Major attractions here are the picturesque orchards, coniferous forests, rolling meadows, and little cottages and homes built in quaint colonial style.

Places to visit in Mukteshwar: Sitla, Mukteshwar Temple, Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, Chauli Ki Jali, Kilmora Shop

19. KAUSANI

Kausani is a hill station located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, 51km from Almora. The panoramic snow-clad view of Himalayas in Kausani is dominated by Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli peaks.

Situated at an altitude of 1890m with Pine tree forests, meandering creek, Kausani is ideal for honeymooners, nature lovers and travellers. Kausani receives snowfall during the winter months.

Places to visit in Kausani: Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Gwaldam, Baijnath Temple, Kausani Tea Estate, Someshwar

20. ABBOTT MOUNT

A quaint old town, Abbott Mount is located in the Kali Kumaon region of Champawat district. Here, one can witness the charm of a bygone British colonial era through a marvellous church and 13 isolated cottages across the hill.

Established during the early 20th century by a British businessman – John Harold Abbott, Abbott Mount is a place that remains more or less unchanged. Perched at an elevation of 7000 ft. above sea level, it offers ravishing views of snow-clad Himalayas and tranquil surroundings bringing peace as birds chirp through the wispy breeze.

Places to visit in Abbott Mount: Panchehswar, Lohaghat, Mayawati Ashram, Banasur ka Kila

21. PITHORAGARH

A small urban town bustling with tourists is a prime example of raw beauty of nature and is often fondly referred to as the ‘Little Kashmir’. A gateway to Himalayan Range, this town also serves as the stop over for pilgrims on their way to Kailash Mansarover.

Situated in a beautiful Soar valley and flanked by Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh promises of an unforgettable trip. With River Kali flowing through the town which is prettily adorned with tranquil temples, villages, fort, lush green forests and natural resources, this place is a blessing in disguise for travel enthusiasts.

Places to visit in Pithoragarh: Munsiyari, Chandak, Kaphini (Kafni) Glacier, Askot sanctuary, Gangolihat, Didihat, Pithoragarh Fort, Nag Temple, Narayan Ashram, Kapilaswar Cave

Browse Uttarakhand Tour Packages