Top 10 places to visit in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is one of the apparent destination choices that come to mind when planning vacations to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Famously known as the ‘Land of Gods’, this hilly Indian state attracts maximum tourist footfall from India and worldwide for its unmatched natural beauty, including pristine lakes, snow-capped peaks, lush greens, old temples, and meadows.
When we talk about the best places in Uttarakhand, it is not confined to Manali, Shimla, and Rishikesh. Indeed, these are popular travel destinations in the hilly state but are not the only ones to limit your choices when there are other tourist destinations to refer to. So today, we bring you a checklist of the 21 places in Uttarakhand in this article.
Top 10 places in Uttarakhand
1. Dehradun
Dehradun is one of Uttarakhand’s famous places tourists love visiting for its scenic natural beauty and pleasant weather. The city houses many tourist attractions worth seeing with your family and friends.
Top attractions in Dehradun
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Robbers’s Cave
- Sahastradhara
- Wildlife Institute of India
- Tiger Falls
- Indian Military Academy
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Malsi Deer Park
Activities to do
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Visiting museums
- Camping
Best time to visit
- March – June
2. Mussoorie
Nestled in the middle of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is one of the best tourist places in Uttarakhand. This hill station is popularly called ‘’Queen of the Hills’’ as you will find many hills here. It is a perfect weekend getaway for solo travellers and honeymoon couples.
Top attractions in Mussoorie
- Kempty Falls
- Camel’s Back Road
- Clouds End
- Gun Hill
- Mall Road
- Mussoorie Lake
Activities to do
- Rock Climbing
- Horse riding
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Rafting
Best time to visit
- April – Mid-July
3. Haridwar
Uttarakhand is a place to visit for its serene natural beauty and to immerse oneself in the spiritual wave. And the place to experience it is Haridwar. Nestled on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the site is popularly called the ‘’Gateway to the Gods’’.
For Hindus, this religious place has always been ideal for solace and peace. Devotees come from all over India to become part of the auspicious Ganga Aarti in the evening.
Top attractions in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri Ghaat
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Chanda Devi Temple
- Piran Kaliyar
- Rajaji National Park
Activities to do
- Visiting holy temples
- Attending Ganga Aarti
- Taking Ayurvedic treatment
- Practicing yoga and meditation
- Enjoying the relishing taste of local street food
Best time to visit
- October- February
4. Lansdowne
If you travel to Uttarakhand to experience solitude and peace with yourself, then Lansdowne is the right option for you. With splendid mountains and pristine greens, this tranquil town will win your heart and prompt you to spend more time here. Besides majestic natural beauty, Lansdowne is worth visiting for its colonial charm, fascinating flora and fauna, and pine forests.
Top attractions in Lansdowne
- Tip N Top
- Bhulla Lake
- Bhim Pakora
- St. Johns Church
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Darwan Singh Museum
Activities to do
- Sightseeing
- Soaking in peace
- Camping
- Nature walking
- Trekking
Best time to visit
- April – July
5. Rishikesh
Besides Haridwar, Rishikesh is the next top option to practice yoga and meditation. Popularly known as the ‘’Yoga Capital of the world,’’ this Hindu pilgrimage centre holds greater importance among Hindus.
At Rishikesh, you will also see many internationally acclaimed philosophical study centres. The place also drags tourist attention with its famous adventure sports, i.e. white river rafting. For your convenient stay, you can book a resort in Rishikesh.
Top attractions in Rishikesh
- Lakshman Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- Kunjapuri Devi Temple
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Activities to do
- Practicing yoga and meditation
- Watching and attending Ganga Aarti
- White river rafting
- Bunjee jumping
Best time to visit
- October – March
6. Almora
Joining the list of top-rated travel destinations in Uttarakhand is Almora. Located near the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, the place attracts frequent tourist footfall for its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisines, and handicrafts. This hill station is an ideal spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts to travel any time during the year.
Top attractions in Almora
- Jageshwar
- Deer Park
- Zero Point
- Kasar Devi
- Chitai Temple
- Simtola
- Nanda Devi Temple
Activities to do
- Picnicking
- Trekking
- Watching the picturesque view of the sunrise
- Rock climbing
- Nature walk
Best time to visit
- November – April
7. Chopta
Chopta is one of the places in Uttarakhand that is no less than a paradise for those who love trekking. This exquisite hidden gem within the Himalayas attracts tourists with its enchanting natural view of landscapes and mountains. Hence, this makes it a perfect weekend destination plan for adventure backpackers.
Top attractions in Chopta
- Deori Tal
- Tungnath Temple
- Chandrashila Trek
- Valley of Thangu
- Kanchula Korak Deer Musk Sanctuary
- Kedarnath Temple (80 kilometres by road)
- Gurudongmar Lake
Activities to do
- Nature walking
- Trekking
- Camping at Baniyakund
- Bird watching
- Knowing the local culture
Best time to visit
- April – June and September – November
8. Ranikhet
Next on the list is Ranikhet. Located above sea level up to 1829 metres, this is an ideal retreat to connect with nature and respite from the stressful city life. Going by its name, it means ‘’Land of the Queen’’. The place captivates visitors with its lush green flora, fauna, and breathtaking natural beauty. You can visit Ranikhet anytime during the year.
Top attractions in Ranikhet
- Chaubatia Orchards
- Majhkhali
- Upat Golf Grounds
- Bhalu Dam
- Naukuchia Taal
- Rani Jheel
- Temples
Activities to do
- Playing golf
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Picnicking
- Exploring orchards
- Boating
- Kayaking
Best time to visit
- March – June
9. Chamoli
Located near the Garhwal Himalayas, Chamoli is one of the attractive spots to visit in Uttarakhand. What attracts tourists to visit this place is its scenic landscapes, alpine woods, and rolling creeks. The site also stockpiles numerous temples and shrines and has a historical touch with the Chipko movement.
Top attractions in Chamoli
- Vasundhara Waterfalls
- Mana
- Gopeshwar
- Roopkund Lake
- Hemkund Sahib
- Chamolanath Temple
Activities to do
- Nature walks
- Trekking
- Exploring temples
- Touring villages
- Tasting the famous Kumaoni cuisine
Best time to visit
- November – March and July – August
10. New Tehri
To experience solitude and peace at a hill station, New Tehri is one of the best tourist places in Uttarakhand. This place is a must-travel ride for adventure seekers. Nestled between the lush woods and old temples, New Tehri is an ideal retreat for having an eccentric experience. Two major rivers flow near this place. These are Bhagirathi and Bhilangana.
Top attractions in New Tehri
- Tehri Dam
- Tehri Lake
- Pantwari village
- Budha Kedar
- Ghansali
Activities to do
- Trekking
- Water skiing
- Nature walks
- Boat ride
Best time to visit
April – June and October – December