Uttarakhand, the land of the gods, is among India’s most beautiful states. It is home to majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and ancient temples. It has become an increasingly popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or just want to relax in the lap of nature, Uttarakhand has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring ten of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. From small towns to large cities, these are some of the best places that you must visit if you’re ever in the area!
Mussoorie:
Mussoorie is located about 35 km from Dehradun and 290 km from Delhi in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an average elevation of 1,880 m above sea level. The town is known for its scenic beauty and as a gateway to the Himalayas.
Tourism is the main activity in Mussoorie during the summer months when temperatures are cooler than in the plains. Some popular tourist attractions in Mussoorie include Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lake Mist, Camel’s Back Road and Jwalaji Temple.
Nainital:
Someone or something has located Nainital at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level in Uttarakhand, making it a beautiful hill station. Its setting in a valley surrounded by green hills and a picturesque lake has made it a popular tourist destination.
Nainital has something for everyone – from adventure activities like trekking and paragliding, to leisurely pursuits like boating and bird watching. There are also several temples and museums to explore. The best time to visit Nainital is from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Haridwar:
Uttarakhand’s most popular tourist destinations, Haridwar, is located on the banks of the River Ganges. The city is known for its holy temples and Ghats, and every year thousands of pilgrims visit to take a dip in the holy river and seek blessings from the Gods.
In addition to being a religious place, Haridwar is also renowned for its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. There are many adventure activities available in Haridwar, such as trekking, river rafting, and rock climbing.
If you are planning to visit Uttarakhand, then do not miss out on a trip to Haridwar!
Rishikesh:
Rishikesh is a small town situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Both Indian and international tourists visit Rishikesh, which is known for its yoga and meditation centers, as well as its numerous temples and ashrams. Rishikesh is also a popular spot for adventure sports such as white-water rafting and trekking. The town, which is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
Joshimath:
The north Indian state of Uttarakhand is home to Joshimath, a beautiful town located at an altitude of 1,890 m above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayan range. Snow-capped mountains surround the town and offer stunning views of the Himalayas. As a gateway to several treks and mountaineering expeditions in the region, Joshimath is popular among visitors. Additionally, the town is home to many temples and monasteries that attract visitors from all over India.
Auli:
The state of Uttarakhand, India is located Auli, a beautiful hill station. It is situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level in the Himalayan mountain range. Auli’s picturesque landscapes and ski resorts make it known. Both domestic and international tourists visit it as a popular destination.
The winters in Auli are cold and snowy, making it the perfect place to enjoy some winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. There are several ski resorts in Auli that offer a wide range of facilities and activities for visitors. The main ski season in Auli runs from December to March.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, then Auli is the place for you. The best time to visit Auli is between April and June when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Badrinath Temple:
Adi Shankaracharya built the Badrinath Temple in the 9th century CE. One of the 108 Divya Desams, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,133 m (10,279 ft) above sea level on the banks of the River Alaknanda. The temple complex includes smaller temples and shrines dedicated to Laxmi, Saraswati, and Garuda. The main attraction is a 12-foot tall black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, believed to have been carved from a single piece of black granite. Devotees say the statue’s eyes seem to follow them as they move around the shrine. The temple also houses other important artifacts and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and the Mahabharata. Pilgrims from all over India and tourists from all over the world visit the temple.
The Triund Trek, located in the Dharamshala district of Uttarakhand, is a popular trekking destination known for its stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty. The trek starts in McLeod Ganj and takes 3-4 hours to reach Triund, passing through the beautiful Dhauladhar ranges. Trekkers can book a spot on the Triund Triund Trek booking refers to the process of reserving a spot on the Triund Trek, a popular trek in the Dharamshala region of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Kedarnath Temple:
The Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the town of Kedarnath in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, and is one of the four primary pilgrimage sites in India for devotees of Shiva. It is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite saints), Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandar, have glorified the temple with their hymns.
Pandavas built the Kedarnath Temple during Dwapara Yuga. Adi Shankara rebuilt the present structure in the 16th century AD. Earthquakes and avalanches have repeatedly destroyed the temple, most recently in 2013. It is said that only Shiva’s lingam remained intact after each destruction and it was used to recreate the temple each time it was rebuilt.
Hemkund Sahib:
Hemkund Sahib is a Gurudwara located in the Himalayan Mountains at an altitude of 4,632 meters. Thousands of pilgrims visit it every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara was built to honor Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is a beautiful white marble structure that stands out against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas. The gurudwara complex includes several temples, shrines, and guest houses. The main attraction is the holy Lake of Hemkunt, believed to be the reincarnation place of Guru Gobind Singh. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters of the lake, as it is believed to cleanse their sins.
Hemkund Sahib is also known for its stunning natural beauty, in addition to being a religious site. The alpine meadows and forests around the gurudwara offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Trekkers often visit Hemkund Sahib for the mountain adventure.
Muktes
Lord Shiva dedicated the Mukteshwat Temple, which is located in the town of Mukteshwar in the Nainital district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple, at an altitude of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, boasts beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain range. Believed to be more than 350 years old, the temple is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The main festival celebrated at the temple, the Mukteshwar Temple Yatra, attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country.