Top 10 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park – The Wild Heart of Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett National Park is among the best tourist places in Uttarakhand, celebrated for its abundant biodiversity and exciting wildlife safaris. Founded in 1936, it is the oldest national park in India and a top tourist place in India for wildlife enthusiasts. Covering an area of 1,318 square kilometers, this park is home to Bengal tiger, leopards, elephants, and more than 600 species of birds. Featuring thick forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems, Corbett is the must visit place in Uttarakhand and it provides jeep safaris, and eco-tourism activities.

Top Attractions in Jim Corbett National Park

• Corbett Museum
• Garjia Temple
• Corbett Falls
• Hanumandham Mandir

Top Things to Do

• Go on a Jeep Safari
• Enjoy a Canter Safari in Dhikala Zone
• Birdwatching in Jhirna and Sitabani Zones
• Relax by the Kosi River
• Picnic at Corbett Waterfall
• Stay at a Wildlife Resort

How to Reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Corbett National Park is Pantnagar Airport (85 km), offering few flights from Delhi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to arrive at Ramnagar, a small town situated at the periphery of Jim Corbett National Park.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Corbett is Ramnagar (12 km), which is well-linked to Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi. Taxis can be found in Ramnagar to access the park.
• By Road: Jim Corbett is easily accessible by road from Delhi (250 km), Nainital (65 km), and Dehradun (160 km). State and private buses and cabs are easily available from these destinations to reach Corbett.

Best Time to Visit Corbett

• Winter (Nov–Feb): Ideal for wildlife safaris and birdwatching.
• Summer (March–June): Perfect for observing tigers near water sources.

Nainital – The Lake District

Nainital, one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Kumaon region. Surrounded by lush green hills with a shimmering lake in the centre, it is a must-visit hill station in Uttarakhand known for colonial charm. Nainital offers boating experience, panoramic viewpoints, and a vibrant local market. Whether you seek peaceful nature walks, thrilling ropeway rides, or spiritual experiences, Nainital is one of the best places to visit with family in Uttarakhand, promising a refreshing retreat.

Top Attractions in Nainital

• Naini Lake
• Naina Devi Temple
• Snow View Point
• Tibetan Market
• The Mall Road
• Kainchi Dham
• Nainital Zoo

Top Things to Do in Nainital

• Rowing, paddling or yachting on Naini Lake
• Take the Ropeway to Snow View Point
• Hike to Tiffin Top
• Have a Picnic at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary?

How to Reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport (70 km away), which has few flights from Delhi. At the airport, you can either take a taxi to reach Nainital within 2 hours.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam (34 km), with good connectivity to Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Taxis and buses from Kathgodam take approximately 1-1.5 hours to reach Nainital.
• By Road: Nainital is easily accessible by road from Delhi (320 km), Dehradun (285 km), and Haridwar (230 km). State and private buses and cabs are readily available.

Best Time to Visit Nainital

• Summer (March–June): Ideal for boating, sightseeing, and outdoor activities in enjoyable weather.
• Winter (October–February): Perfect for romantic getaways, and peaceful mountain scenery.

Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills

Mussoorie, the top destination to visit in Uttarakhand, is renowned for its lofty peaks, waterfalls, and colonial-world charm. Located at an elevation of 2,005 meters, it is a must visit hill station in Uttarakhand providing stunning vistas of the Himalayas and Doon Valley. Main highlights consist of Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, and Company Garden. Tourists can enjoy a cable car ride, go hiking, or take a stroll along Camel’s Back Road. With its pleasant climate and lively markets, Mussoorie ranks among the top hill stations in Uttarakhand for couples and families.

Top Attractions in Mussoorie

• Kempty Falls
• Gun Hill
• Mall Road
• Lal Tibba
• Company Garden
• Camel’s Back Road
• Mussoorie Lake

Top Things to Do in Mussoorie

• Take a ride on the Gun Hill Ropeway
• Hike to Lal Tibba
• Stroll along Camel’s Back Road
• Boating at Mussoorie Lake

How to reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Mussoorie is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun (60 km away). From that point, book a taxi or catch a bus to Mussoorie, which takes approximately 2 hours.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mussoorie is Dehradun (35 km), which is well-linked to key cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Dehradun, you can take a taxi or bus to Mussoorie, which takes about 1.5 hours.
• By Road:  Mussoorie has good road connectivity with Dehradun (35 km), Delhi (290 km), and Haridwar (85 km). State and private buses and cabs are available from these destinations to reach Mussoorie.

Best Time to Visit Mussoorie

• March to June – Perfect for exploring, adventurous pursuits, and enjoyable weather.
• December through February – Ideal for witnessing snowfall.

New Tehri – Home to India’s Tallest Dam

New Tehri is a top tourist destination in Uttarakhand, known for the Tehri Dam, which is the tallest dam in India. This top destination in Uttarakhand provides breathtaking sights of Tehri Lake, where visitors can partake in boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. Thrill-seekers can discover hiking paths and camping locations near the dam. The town also hosts Chandrabadni Temple, a well-known place of pilgrimage. New Tehri is a must visit place in Uttarakhand for anyone seeking to enjoy a blend of nature, adventure, and spirituality.

Top Attractions in Tehri

• Tehri Dam
• Sem Mukhem Temple
• Sivananda Ashram
• Gautam Rishi's Temple

Top Things to Do in New Tehri

• Visit Tehri Dam
• Water Sports at Tehri Lake
• Stroll across Dobra Chanti Bridge
• Hike to Sem Mukhem Temple
• Visit Chandrabadni Temple
• Camping and Paragliding

How to reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to New Tehri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 90 km away. From that point, either hire a taxi or catch a bus to New Tehri, which takes approximately 3 hours.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to New Tehri is Haridwar (96 km), which has good connectivity to key cities. Traveling from Haridwar, you can take a bus or taxi to arrive in New Tehri in about 3-4 hours.
• By Road: New Tehri has good road connectivity to Rishikesh (76 km), Dehradun (100 km), and Haridwar (99 km). State and private buses and taxis are available to reach New Tehri from these destinations.

Best time to Visit New Tehri

• April to June – Perfect for watersports, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
• October to February – Ideal for tranquil scenery and winter allure.

Haridwar – The Gateway to the Land of Gods

Haridwar, one of the best tourist places in Uttarakhand, is a holy city located along the Ganges River. It is a must visit place for spiritual seekers, famous for its Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a captivating ceremony that draws thousands of worshippers. Pilgrims in Haridwar go to the Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temples to seek blessings. The city is renowned for being the location of the Kumbh Mela, among the largest religious assemblies globally. Haridwar is not only a top tourist attraction in Uttarakhand but also a center of culture and spirituality in India.

Top Attractions in Haridwar

• Har Ki Pauri
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Chandi Devi Temple Daksha Mahadev Temple
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Rajaji National Park
• Shantikunj Ashram

Top Things to Do in Haridwar

• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
• Explore Daksha Mahadev Temple
• Wildlife Safari in Rajaji National Park
• Visit Bara Bazaar for shopping

How to reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun (37 km). From that point, take a taxi or catch a bus to Haridwar, which takes around 1 hour.
• By Rail: Haridwar Junction is an important railway station in Uttarakhand, efficiently linked to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Varanasi. Numerous express and superfast trains run each day.
• By Road: Haridwar is conveniently linked by road to Delhi (220 km), Rishikesh (25 km), and Dehradun (52 km). Public buses and private cabs are easily available from these destinations to reach Haridwar.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

October to March – Perfect for visiting temples, attending Ganga Aarti, and enjoying nice weather.

Rishikesh – The Global Yoga Centre

Rishikesh, one of the most popular tourist places in Uttarakhand, is a spiritual town situated at the base of the Himalayas. It is famous as a hub of yoga, meditation, and thrilling sports activities. Tourists can visit Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Thrill-seekers can experience white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking in the nearby woodlands. The town’s wellness retreats and ashrams draw visitors from across the globe. Rishikesh is a must visit place in Uttarakhand, providing an ideal mix of spirituality and adventure.

Top Attractions in Rishikesh

• Laxman Jhula
• Ram Jhula
• Triveni Ghat
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
• The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
• Shivpuri
• Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Top Things to Do in Rishikesh

• Witness Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
• Stroll Over Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
• Experience River Rafting
• Experience Bungee Jumping at Mohan Chatti
• Hike to Neer Garh Waterfall
• Learn Yoga

How to reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun (21 km). From that point, you can either hire a taxi or catch a bus to Rishikesh, which takes around 30-40 minutes.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which has limited train connectivity. For better connectivity, travelers may reach Haridwar Railway Station (25 km), which is linked to various key cities in India. Taxis and buses from Haridwar take 45 minutes to get to Rishikesh.
• By Road: Rishikesh has good road connectivity with Delhi (250 km), Haridwar (25 km), and Dehradun (45 km). State and private buses and cabs are easily available from these destinations to reach Rishikesh.

Best Time to Visit Rishikesh

September to June – Perfect for thrill-seeking activities, yoga getaways, and exploring.

Chopta Tungnath – India's Mini Switzerland

Chopta Tungnath is a treasure to be discovered in Uttarakhand. Renowned for the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, this location provides beautiful treks and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Chandrashila hike, which reaches a peak elevation of 4,000 meters, is popular among adventurers. Chopta is a haven for camping and birdwatching, making it a must visit hill station in Uttarakhand.

Top Attractions in Chopta Tungnath

• Tungnath Temple
• Chandrashila Peak
• Deoria Tal
• Rohini Bugyal
• Baniyakund
• Dugalbitta
• Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

Top Things to Do in Chopta Tungnath

• Hike to Tungnath Temple
• Reach the summit of Chandrashila Peak
• Trek and camp at Deoria Tal
• Birdwatching at Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
• Camp in the Chopta Meadows
• Hike across Rohini Bugyal

How to Reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 210 km away. From that point, hire a taxi or catch a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, then proceed to Chopta by road.
• By Rail: The nearest train station to Chopta is Haridwar (225 km), which is well-linked to key cities in India. From Haridwar, catch a bus or taxi to Ukhimath, and then continue to Chopta (29 km).
• By Road: Chopta can be reached from Rudraprayag (63 km) and Ukhimath (29 km), with road links available from Rishikesh (200 km) and Haridwar (225 km). Public buses, shared cars, and taxis are available from these destinations to reach Chopta.

Best time to Visit Chopta

• April to June – Perfect for hiking.
• October to February – Ideal for witnessing snowfall and winter hiking.

Ranikhet – The Meadow of the Queen

Ranikhet, one of the top hill stations in Uttarakhand, is renowned for its verdant meadows, pine woodlands, and sweeping vistas of the Himalayas. A popular hill station in Uttarakhand, it features attractions such as Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, and Majhkhali. Visitors can appreciate nature walks, birdwatching, and golfing at the Ranikhet Golf Course. It is also one of the best places for family visits in Uttarakhand, providing a tranquil escape.

Top Attractions of Ranikhet

• Jhula Devi Temple
• Chaubatia Gardens
• Majkhali
• Ranikhet Golf Course
• Bhalu Dam
• Haidakhan Temple

Top Things to Do in Ranikhet

• Hike to Majkhali
• Golf at Ranikhet Golf Course
• Explore Haidakhan Temple
• Relish the Sunset from Sunset Point in Majhkhali

How to reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Ranikhet is Pantnagar Airport (110 km away). From that point, choose a taxi or catch a bus to Ranikhet, which takes approximately 3-4 hours.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Ranikhet is Kathgodam (75 km), which has good connectivity to Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From Kathgodam, you can take a taxi or a bus to Ranikhet, which will take approximately 2-3 hours.
• By Road: Ranikhet has good road connectivity with Delhi (350 km), Nainital (60 km), and Almora (50 km). State buses, private buses and taxis are easily available from these places to reach Ranikhet.

Best Time to Visit Ranikhet

• March to June – Perfect for exploring, enjoying nature walks, and experiencing lovely weather.
• October through February – Ideal for witnessing snowfall.

Pangot – A Haven for Birdwatchers

Pangot, a tranquil hill station close to Nainital, is a top tourist destination in Uttarakhand for birdwatchers. The Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary hosts more than 300 Himalayan bird species, such as woodpeckers, thrushes, and pheasants. This must visit-place in Uttarakhand is ideal for photography, camping, and serene retreats. The Naina Peak hike from here provides stunning panoramas of Nainital and the Himalayan range.

Top Attractions in Pangot

• Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
• Naina Peak (China Peak)
• Guano Hills

Top Things to Do in Pangot

• Witness a Variety of Butterflies
• Jungle Safari & Off-Roading
• Explore Eco Huts & Organic Farms
• Savour Kumaoni Cuisine
• Meditation & Yoga
• Stargazing
• Hike to Naina Peak (China Peak)
• Camping in the Wild
• Photography & Nature Walks
• Explore Waterfalls & Hidden Paths

How to reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Pangot is Pantnagar Airport (90 km away). From that point, grab a taxi or catch a bus to Nainital, and then proceed to Pangot (15 km). The journey takes 3-4 hours.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Pangot is Kathgodam (50 km), which has good connectivity to Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From Kathgodam, catch a taxi or bus to Nainital, then take another taxi or shared cab to Pangot.
• By Road: Pangot has good road connectivity to Nainital (15 km), Delhi (320 km), and Haldwani (55 km). Private taxis from Nainital are easily available for Pangot.

Best Time to Visit Pangot

October through June – Perfect for observing birds, hiking, and nature photography.

Auli – Winter Sports Capital of India

Auli, a top destination in Uttarakhand, is renowned as a premier skiing location. Surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, it provides unspoiled slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The Auli Ropeway, among the longest cable car journeys in India, offers breathtaking aerial views. Visitors in summer can hike to Gurson Bugyal, a picturesque meadow offering sweeping mountain vistas. Auli is a must- visit hill station in Uttarakhand, ideal for winter activities.

Top Attractions in Auli

• Auli Ski Resort
• Auli Ropeway
• Gurson Bugyal
• Chattrakund Lake
• Joshimath
• Kwani Bugyal

Top Things to Do in Auli

• Take the Auli Ropeway
• Hike to Gurson Bugyal
• Join Winter Skiing Festivals
• Snow Trekking to Kuari Pass
• Nature Photography
• Watch the Sunrise
• Birdwatching in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
• Discover Chenab Lake
• Savor Local Garhwali Dishes
• Explore Tapovan Hot Springs
• Camping Beneath the Stars

How to Reach?

• By Air: The closest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun (286 km). Upon arrival at the airport, you can either hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Joshimath, then use a cable car or drive 16 kilometers to Auli.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Auli is Haridwar (280 km), which is connected to key cities in India. From Haridwar, take a taxi or bus to Joshimath, then head to Auli via cable car or roadway.
• By Road: Auli can be reached from Joshimath (16 km), which has good connectivity to Rishikesh (264 km), Haridwar (280 km), and Dehradun (286 km). There are buses and taxis available from these destinations to reach Auli.

Best Time to Visit Auli

• December through February – Ideal for skiing and snowy activities.
• March to June – Perfect for hiking and trekking.