15 best places in uttarakhand

 

Uttarakhand - place of peace 

1. Dehradun And Missouri – Picturesque Location

 

The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has a picturesque location with a beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges and river Ganga flowing on either side of the city. Mussoorie is located at a distance of about 38 km from Dehradun. It is touted to be the ‘Queen of Hills’ and attracts many tourists every year to visit famous Uttrakhand destinations which also makes this the most beautiful place in Uttarakhand.

Why: ‘Coz there are only a few amazing weekend getaways like Dehradun and Mussoorie
Ideal for: Peace lovers, honeymooners, family and friends
Best time to visit: All around the year
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
How to reach: It takes around 5 hours to reach Dehradun from Delhi via road. From Dehradun, Mussoorie is just an hour journey away. The nearest airport is in Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport.
Things to do: Visit the National Parks, Lakes, Kempty Falls, Benog Hill & Jwalaji Temple. Monastery, Resorts and Forest research institute in Dehradun

2. Chopta – Serene Quaint Hills

Chopta is one of the least explored hamlets in the Himalayas. At an elevation of 2,680 m, it serves as a base point to famous treks to Tungnath and Chandrashilla and amongst the best places to see in Uttarakhand . It also offers some amazing 360 degree panorma of majestic mountains through the Trishul, Nanda devi and Chaukhambha peaks and trekking to these places is one of the most preferred things to do in Chopta.

Why: Chopta is one of those hill stations which will tempt you for life. With a blend of adventure and tranquility, it suits almost everyone’s taste.
Ideal for: Adventure bugs, photography enthusiasts, friends
Best time to visit: Winter months of December, January and February.
Ideal duration: 5 to 6 days
How to reach: The nearest airport Jolly Grant is at a distance of 221 km. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a distance of 202 km. It is well connected by road from all the major cities like Rishikesh, Srinagar,and Pauri.
Things to do: Trekking, camping and photography

3. Binsar – Spell Binding Views

Binsar is located amidst an entire wildlife sanctuary. It is among the most popular tourist places in Uttarakhand. At an elevation of some 2,400 m, it is a slightly cut off travel destination offering majestic views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Kedarnath and Chaukhambha. Like several others, even binsar has a mythological connect as the local gods Golu devta had a fight with the king of Binsar.  Homestays in Binsar are among the best homestays in the Himalayan region.

Why: If you are looking for a break from the noise of the city life, this is the place to be.
Best time to visit: Summer months; October & November
Ideal for: Writers, nature lovers, peace seekers
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar airport at a distance of 143 km from Binsar. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station (110 km) and is well connected to major cities. If travelling on personal vehicle, the town charges INR 50 as entry charge.
Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, lazing around, trekking, safaris to the wildlife sanctuary

4. Bhimtal – Offbeat Version Of Nainital

This location too is at a height of 1370 meters from the sea level and is known for its temples that are located amidst breathtaking mountains. The town of Bhimtal is well known since the olden times.

The nature is at its best here and your travel experience here will be all about peace and serenity. The whole town is sheltered within dense oaks, pines, and shrubs – an amazing place to get closer to nature. Bhimtal is literally one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Why: If you’re traveling from Delhi, then this can be a perfect getaway from the bustling city life
Ideal for: weekend getaways
Best time to visit: March to June and September to December
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
How to reach: Located at a distance of 58 kilometers from Bhimtal, Pantnagar airport is the closest. Railway station thai is considered the nearest is in Kathgodam. Cabs are available from both locations.
Things to do: visit temples, go for boating

5. Uttarkashi – Quaint Hill Town

Still looking for Uttarakhand tourist places? One of the younger parts of Uttrakhand, Uttarkashi is one of the most visited sites due to its religious relevance. The religious site houses two of the total four holy shrines of Hindu mythology. This is not all, the entire place also boasts of natural beauty and opportunities for trekking and other adventure activities. You can also visit the lakes here which are in large numbers.

Why: this place is a must-visit to rejuvenate yourself inside out. It is not only for religious travelers but also attracts non religious tourists due to the various adventure activities it offers.
Ideal for: Religious travelers and adventure enthusiasts
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal duration: 1 to 2 days
How to reach: the nearest airport and rail connectivity to UTtarkashi is Dehradun. The best option is to take bus which regularly ply from major cities of the country.
Things to do: Visit Dodital Lake, Nachiketa Lake, Shakti Temple and enjoy trekking

6. Landour – For Peace Seekers

Just a few kilometers from the bustling Mussoorie, there’s a peaceful heaven called Landour. You may not have heard a lot about it, but it is among the most serene places to see in Uttarakhand.

You can either stay at a heritage property in Landour or make it a day-long visit from Mussoorie. But if you prefer places that are less commercialized and crowded, you can ditch Mussoorie for Landour. You can check out this guide to Landour for more information.

Why: For the scenic charm and to experience the serenity of the mountains. And it’s popular for its delicious cheese and homemade jams.
Ideal for: Couples and peace-seekers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Ideal duration: 2 days
How to reach: It’s easily accessible from Mussoorie. One can take a cab from the Mall Road or can walk if you prefer walking through the cold woods.
Things to do: Buy homemade marmalade, jam, cheese, and try their bread. At Char Dukan, do not forget to try their delicious pizzas and pancakes.

7. Chamoli – Adobe Of Gods

Chamoli is populary known as the ‘adobe of Gods’. Famous for its shrines, temples and connections with Hindu mythology and stories — Chamoli is also the town that sparked off the famous Chipko movement.

The place is frequented by tourists for its villages and rich Garhwali traditions.

Why: Chamoli is that ideal vacation spot with something for everyone. It is an ideal blend of pilgrimage, adventure and natural serenity. This is one of the most loved Uttarakhand tourist places.
Best time to visit: Across the year except for heavy monsoon
Ideal for: Peace lovers, photographers, pilgrims, adventure junkies
Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport Jolly Grant is at a distance of 222 km. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a distance of 202 km. It is well connected by road from all the major cities like Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar,and Pauri.
Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, photography, skiing, and cable car rides

8. Pithoragarh – Tranquil Hilltown

Another popular among Uttarakhand destinations is Pithoragarh. It has the quaint atmosphere which you can like for it’s peace and tranquility. There are quite a few places that you can interest you in Pithoragarh. It is amongst the few offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. If you are interested in mountaineering in Uttarakhand then surely head to this beautiful place.

Why: For the peace, serenity and picturesque views that the place has to offer
Ideal for: Friends and solo travel
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year is good except monsoons.
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is located in Delhi at a distance of about 10 hours.
Things to do: Visit Monastery, local temples, try out the local eateries.

9. Munsiyari – Splendid Sunset View

The hill landscapes of Munsiyari lie at the bottom of the Himalayan region offering majestic views of the snow capped Himalayas. This is where the trekking activities are held in the interior of the range. Additionally the place is quite popular among biking clubs such as ABC.

Why: Offbeat and secluded, offers ultimate peace
Ideal for: Anyone looking for a beautiful view of the nature and trekking adventures
Best time to visit: July to November
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar airport at a distance of 249 kms from Munsiyari the nearest railroad is at Kathgodam at a distance of about 6 hours.
Things to do: Trekking, enjoying the beautiful sunset from viewpoint at Panchchuli Peak.

10. Sattal – Enchanting Views

As the name suggests, this place has a group of seven lakes that are enveloped within lush greenery and eye-pleasing views. This place is located in Kumaon region at a height of 1370 meters above sea level. The seven beautiful lakes found here are – Naldaymanti Tal, Lakshman Tal, Sukha Tal, Bharat Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, and Panna Tal. This is one of the most loved Uttarakhand destinations.

Why: The freshwater lakes are the highlight of this place and the biggest reason why one would love to come back here
Ideal for: Families on a picnic, honeymooners
Best time to visit: March to June and September to December
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: Nearest airport from Sattal is in Pantnagar while nearest railway station is in Kathgodam. Cabs are available in both the places that will take you to Sattal
Things to do: Birdwatching, boating, walk in nature

11. Joshimath – Religious Hub For Hindu Pilgrims

This is one of the best hill towns that can be found enveloped within the awe-striking Himalayas covered with snow. Lying at an altitude of 6,000 feet, this is one of the cold places to visit in Uttarakhand. You can even go for trekking from here to the Valley of Flowers that is closeby. There’s a major mythological significance attached to this place that is associated with the Hindu text of Atharva Veda.

Why: It is considered as the religious hub for Hindu pilgrims and lies close to Badrinath – one of the ‘maths’ discovered by Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya
Ideal for: Religious travelers
Best time to visit: April to November
Ideal duration: 4 to 5 days
How to reach: Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun is located at a distance of 268 kilometers. Rishikesh railways station is at 251 kilometers. The place is quite well connected through the roadways
Things to do: Visit the temples, trekking

12. Naukuchiatal – Picturesque Lake

It is a small village with a picturesque lake and is established within a mesmerising natural setting. The place is located close to Nainital but is not as bustling. As the name suggests, this place is known for its lake that has nine corners with which an intriguing myth is attached. The weather is pleasant the whole year, ensuring your trip to this place goes all amazing and fulfilling. You can also go for paragliding in Naukuchiatal while exploring this beautiful place.

Why: Its nine-cornered lake that is 1 km long and 40 m deep is a site you must witness
Ideal for: Honeymooners, backpackers, families
Best time to visit: March to June
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: Kathgodam railway station is the closest while in Pantnagar lies the closest airport. Cabs from both the locations can drop you at this place
Things to do: Boating, visiting temples

13. Madhyamaheshwar – Fourth Temple Of Panch Kedar

This is one of the places in Uttarakhand that are a blend of mysticism and picturesqueness. This place is well known for the Madhyamaheshwar Temple that has been established specially for the Lord Shiva. The whole village comes to pray at this temple. This place is best for getting enlightenment on the culture inculcated in the hamlets of Uttarakhand.

Why: There are strong spiritual vibes that can be felt in this part of Uttarakhand owing to the presence of Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Ideal for: Religious travelers, families
Best time to visit: May to October
Ideal duration: 4 to 5 days
How to reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun while the closest railway station is in Rishikesh. Cabs can bring you to this destination
Things to do: Visit the Madhyamaheshwar Temple, trekking
Things to do: Trekking, nature-walks, camping, and valley crossing

14. Tehri Garhwal – Spiritual Significance

Tehri Garhwal is a district in the beautiful hill state of Uttrakhand. The place is famous for its spiritual significances. There are many temples located all across the place. People also visit this mesmerizing place to enjoy beautiful views. The other major attractions include a massive lake and a dam. This place is also on top of the list for trek freaks as it offers countless trekking trails. There are numerous beautiful places to visit in Garhwal and exploring them will surely make you have a beautiful time with your family.

Why: It is a place with several spiritual significances. For some breathtaking views, temple hopping and trekking experience, this is a must-visit place.
Ideal for: Ascetic trip, adventure enthusiasts
Best time to visit: March to May
Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days
How to reach: The nearest airport to Tehri Garhwal is Dehradun located at a distance of 130km away and the nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, around 115 km away. There are direct bus services facilities to and fro the city of Tehri Garhwal.
Things to do: Trekking, temple hopping and visiting Tehri dam

15. Bageshwar – Uttarakhand’s Kashi

This beautiful small town in Uttrakhand is situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayan range. What attracts tourist to this place is the temples, rivers and mountains. The very famous temple Baghnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered very auspicious by the visitors. Well, that is not all. This place has a lot of adventure activities to do as well and also plenty of places to visit around Bageshwar. It is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for experience seekers and adventure lovers.

Why: Perfect for experience seekers to explore mountains, temples and rivers.
Ideal for: Adventure lovers and experience seekers
Best time to visit: October to June
Ideal duration: 1 to 2 days
How to reach: The nearest airport to Bahgeshwar is Dehradun. (200kms away) Kathgodam town which has direct trains from Delhi, Lucknow and other cities is the nearest railhead. From here you can take prepaid taxis and reach Bageshwar. The place has direct connectivity via bus from Nainital.
Things to do: Visit the different temples, Shivratri Fair and Uttrayani Fair and try adventure sports