Welcome to Uttarakhand Tourism! A land of spirituality, the origin of the River Ganges, adventure, pristine landscapes, majestic Himalayan peaks, and much more to experience for vacationers who love exploring the Himalayas and mountains.
Also known as the “the Land of the gods,” the state of Uttarakhand tourism offers a piece of north India gifted with substantial, serene rivers, towering mountains, and divine sites. This is the area that is situated in the southeast zone of Nepal, and still a part of the Himalayan range in the foothills; it is a region for the adventure tour, environment & spirituality. Among the hottest world’s shrines, four of the famous Char Dham: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are situated here attracting thousands of Indian and foreign visitors. Uttarakhand has many other sightseeing places apart from religious and pilgrimage places like Auli & Mussoorie famous for their snow-capped mountains, and Nainital & Almora famous for their lush green valleys.
Outdoor activities such as camping, trekking, white water rafting and skiing provide adequate thrills amongst the majestic backdrop for lovers of adventurous activities. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is a fantastic state because of the massive variety in the species and flora and fauna It has many national parks protected, such as Jim Corbett National Park and Valley of Flowers. Uttarakhand nourishes one as treasure thirsts and serves warm sunshine as medicine for travel-weary hearts as well as spiritual souls.
| Region | North India |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer & Winter |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Auli, Jim Corbett National Park, Badrinath, Kedarnath..etc |
| Popular Adventure Activities | Trekking, Peak Climbing, River Rafting, Paragliding, Camping, Skiing, Wildlife Safari..etc |
| Famous Religious Destinations | Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri..etc |
| Popular National Parks | Jim Corbett National Park & Rajaji National Park |
| Languages Spoken | Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Jonsari, English |
| Popular Festivals | Kumbh Mela, Ganga Dussehra, Nanda Devi Mela, Bikhauti Mela, Basant Panchami..etc |
To understand the dynamics of the Uttarakhand Act, one needs to consider the demands of the people who waited for ages to have an autonomous region for their territory. The pioneer pinion of the movement for a separate state seems to have arisen in the Hills of British India from the lack of attention they felt the United Province Government which was based in Lucknow now Uttar Pradesh during the 1930s. This feeling grew even stronger with time, more so after independence when the needs and challenges of the hilly regions, for instance, underdevelopment, non-availability of social basic amenities and unique ethnicity were often overlooked.
It reached a climax in the late 1990s when there were mass protests from such big houses as the PUIC, demanding a break to secure better and more responsive governance and regionalism. After many years of inflexible pressure from the people of the region, the Indian Government in 2000 passed the Uttarakhand Act and Uttar Pradesh was divided into the new state of Uttarakhand. The people of the region were promised more say in their affairs as well as a political system relevant to the success/failure of the Himalayan geography that makes this an advancement for them. Besides, recognising the territorial and cultural differences of the region, the creation of Uttarakhand facilitated future progression and development.
Uttarakhand is one of the most prominent and revered states in India’s travel and tourism. Since it encompasses a variety of geographical features, cultural sites, and fun things to do, many tourists seek it for a different spin on their holiday in Uttarakhand. Those interested in natural beauty will consider the state’s mountains, pure rivers, and the forested regions to be the perfect getaway. On the other hand, millions of spiritual tourists come to its shrines each year such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Haridwar. Hiking, river floating, and skiing are some of the exciting activities people interested in sports encourage to engage in and those interested in wildlife experience the diverse physical environment and animals of Rajaji, Jim Corbett, and other national parks. Some of the popular tourist places in Uttarakhand are-
Nainital is a calm hill station that attracts tourists unexplored and serene in its charm. Kailash is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Nainital is a beautiful town that has the spectacular Naini Lake at the heart of the town. The town is set in a bowl of green, forested hills. Visitors flock to this beautiful area to take a boat ride on the lake and marvel at the beauty of the mountains and vivid landscapes. To get acquainted with the culture, one should visit the colourful Mall Road that borders the lake and encompasses eateries, shops and other stalls. With the beauty of Tiffin Top and Snow View Point and the cold climate of Nainital, it is an ideal place to escape from the heat of the plains.
It is well preferred by the tourists due to the many activities offered in the town including bird watching and trekking. Nainital will attract the traveller seeking seclusion in the middle of nature; it is a perfect retreat because, apart from discovery, there is relaxation too – the boat cruises, the temples, and the old-world charm of the churches.
Haridwar, one of the most sacred cities of India is highly revered by pilgrims and tourists from different parts of the world. Located on the banks of the revered river Ganga, this is among the oldest cities famous for its numerous ghats where people come for their ritualistic wash and prayers. For travellers from other countries, Haridwar is an excellent opportunity to see the spiritual essence of India, especially during Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri which is a fascinating show at night. Many people flock together to witness this divine event: sunsetting, floating oil lamps, and prayers are being read during this day. While it is almost impossible to describe the atmosphere that ranges from relaxed yet charged, the interior certainly has it.
Tourists from other countries are attracted towards the cuisines, trinkets other artefacts that Haridwar has to offer in the crowded bazaars and narrow gullies. The religious practices and overburdened mythology of Hinduism are explained in more detail at the city’s temples, including Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi. Still, the adventure of moving from the plains up the hills on foot or on the cable car to get to these temples adds a unique flavour to the worshipping trip. Haridwar’s advantage is that it is equally comfortable with the old and the new, something that cannot be said of other cities. Though it has rich cultural values, the city is also friendly to tourists irrespective of the category they belong to. HARIDWAR – Begins the Journey / For the beauty of the Ganges, or the culture, or spiritualism, or any other cause and effect, Haridwar leaves a deep impact on all.
Rishikesh is a beautiful town located in the foothills of the Himalayas and thousands of travellers from across the globe visit this place to get involved in adventure activities, yoga and meditation and to be closer to nature. Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ attracts tourists from across the globe due to its ashrams, yoga centres and meditation centres which offer them a respite from their hectic lifestyle. The town is especially picturesque due to the Ganges River beloved by Hindus. A lot of tourists feel relaxed during the evening Ganga Aarti which is a ritual of chanting and lighting oil lamps at the river bank. The spirituality along with the natural beauty that Rishikesh possess often entices foreign tourists.
However, it is not just a place for a spiritual retreat; Rishikesh is famous for its adventurous activities like bungee jumping for the daredevil and adventurous water sports like rafting over the Ganga. Another adventure sport is trekking in the neighbouring hills. Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges are the two famous bridges which are quite popular among tourists as they enjoy walking on the same to have a look at the beautiful view of the town and river. Besides adventure travel, spirituality and a vibrant local culture, Rishikesh provides a unique and enriching opportunity that allows travellers to embrace the essence of the Indian experience and find themselves.
Popular as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Mussoorie is an enchanting hill station in Uttarakhand, India nestled in the Deodar and Oak trees of the Garhwal Himalayas. Mussoorie is one of those ideal tourist destinations that has a temperate climate, enchanting views and a colonial look and feel that tourists can much on when they want to break away from the noise and confusion of city life. The Doon Valley down below and the mountain ranges touching the sky in the distance are simply majestic, and equally so are the narrow lanes of the town dotted with greenery. Taking a leisurely walk on Mall Road of Mussoorie is a great way to explore this hill station and shop for souvenirs, savour the local cuisine and take in the old-world charm of this town established during the British colonial rule. Tourists interested in nature prefer visiting famous places such as Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Lal Tibba.
Mussoorie is perfect for a solitary vacation, family vacations, and honeymoon trips due to its peaceful surroundings, foggy mornings, and gentle winds. I believe Mussoorie should be a place for rejuvenation whether you are walking up and down scenic paths, enjoying the view from the cable car or spending time in the calm of nature. Tourists are to leave with unforgettable impressions and a wish to come back because of the historical background, gorgeous views, and welcoming people.
Jim Corbett National Park is a paradise waiting for wildlife enthusiasts and is one of the best places for anyone wanting to enjoy the raw beauty of nature. It is located in the northern part of India in the state of Uttrakhand at the base of the Himalayan Mountains. Established in 1936, India’s oldest national park was created to protect the Bengal tiger which is now on the brink of extinction. It is now a landmark of successful conservation and gives tourist a rare chance to watch great tigers in their natural habitat. Jim Corbett National Park which covers an area of more than 1300 sq km and comprising of the terai, bhabar, and the siwaliks, the shola and the riverine belts has a rich animal biosphere. This park is a paradise for lovers of wildlife, where one can watch over 600 species of birds, deer, crocodiles, elephants and leopards.
Having multiple areas with different species and terrains, the park allows visitors to learn about different aspects of this biologically diverse area. Jeep safari is one of the most popular means of transport in the park; they are fun as they take you deep into the wilderness, in search of a herd of elephants or tigers. The wonderful landscape of the park is complemented by the presence of the Ramganga River, which is also essential for the development of the park’s specific flora and fauna.
Ranikhet is a picturesque town in Uttarakhand that appeals to tourists due to its unspoiled natural landscape and calm environment. Ranikhet, which lies in the Kumaon Hills, is the perfect place for anyone in want of a quiet retreat from the crowded city. Ranikhet is less bustling hill station than the hilltop towns and has expansive meadows, dense forests, and spectacular views of the great Himalayas. Ranikhet is a paradise for those who love to feel close to nature. It is an excellent place for strolls, nature trails and bird watching since the village is situated amid pine, oak and deodar forests. The town has the old-world charm of bungalows belonging to the colonial era and the fresh, chilly mountain air adds to its charm.
Ranikhet is also a place of pilgrimage for the spiritual souls as there are quite many beautiful places for meditation in the historical temples like Jhula Devi and Haidakhan Babaji Temples. The fine nine-hole golf ground which is located at one of the highest perches in Asia is a unique recreation facility for tourists. Ranikhet’s calm environment, beautiful landscapes and rich cultural sights all make it a perfect holiday retreat for anyone who wants to get back to nature and find his or her soul. Ranikhet makes for a very memorable trip as it does not leave you dissatisfied but at ease if you are wandering in the forest in search of some out-of-the-world trek or if you are sitting quietly at a hilltop watching the majestic sun set behind the Himalayas.
One of the most undisturbed and best places to visit in Uttarakhand for tourists who want to escape from the crowded city life is the Bhimtal hill village located in Uttarakhand. Bhimtal is located approximately 22 km away from Nainital which is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India, Bhimtal offers a beautiful escape surrounded by greenery, hills and the alluring Bhimtal Lake. Unlike other crowded hill stations, Bhimtal is not so commercially developed, and guests are provided with an opportunity to listen to the silence of the surroundings and enjoy nature. The beautiful lake that has a small island where tourists can visit the aquarium as well as take a boat trip on the calm water is the centre of the town.
Bhimtal is a paradise for environment-friendly people especially bird lovers as there are many varieties of birds and many more varieties of flora and fauna. Amazingly, Bhimtal has a way of making you realign with nature and yourself if you need to spend the day by the lakeside, exploring the neighbouring temples or just gazing at nature’s beauty. You are free to relax and enjoy the sweet smell of life in this calm town, should you wish to do so.
Every person who plans a trip to the Valley of Flowers, located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the top tourist places in Uttarakhand. Guests get mesmerised by the sheer natural beauty of this place. Most visitors and guests have said that visiting this beautiful and remote valley feels like stepping into a dream and trekking through the rugged mountainous terrains, the air as fresh as if it was just created and one can pick the sweet smell of wildflowers bearing themselves all over the region.
The valley of flowers is home to over 300 different species of flowers including the endangered ones and the meadows are carpeted with pink, blue, yellow and purple flowers. Besides being an aesthetic experience, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a sanctuary for the soul.
Hemkund Sahib is another impressive pilgrimage site that can be reached only on foot; as many as 6 kilometres from Ghangaria the trek route becomes quite steep. Hemkund Sahib is located in the Garhwal Himalayas; it is in Uttarakhand Hemkund Sahib is an important religious site for Sikhs and it has tourist importance also is situated at a height of 4,632 meters above sea level and is situated in front of it are seven mountains and beautifully captivating Hemkund Lake. The hike to Hemkund Sahib is a tough one but the trek is an exhilarating one and the road showcases high-rising mountains and lush green valleys.
On the way there, people can see flowers, and a lot more if one is lucky enough to be there during the period when the mountains are very attractive. The Hemkund Sahib because of the believed backing affords a consoling atmosphere to anyone particularly if seeking new adventures and spiritual relief. Anybody who pays a visit to this revenue, goes back home with a full heart and is engulfed with tranquillity.
Large number of devotees visit Chardham temples in Uttarakhand every year, which form one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the nation. The Chardham consisting of the four holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri is developed in the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas. All these temples hold a great sacred importance in Hinduism and each of them is identified with certain element of nature. The most popular among these is Badrinath, which is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is dedicated to Vishnu. The shrine of Lord Shiva is Kedarnath and is located on the right bank of the Mandakini River and has beautiful environment suitable for meditation. The origin of the river Ganges also known as the Ganga is in India and the spot is called Gangotri which is considered a holy shrine. It is dedicated to the goddess Ganga.
The Yamuna river is worshiped at the place called Yamunotri, which is the beginning point of the Char Dham yatra. As I pointed out, the rocky surfaces on which people trek to access these temples make the journey less of a pilgrimage. Since the time immemorial this tourism activity is believed to wash the sins of man and offers him an opportunity to attain moksha – the final spiritual journey. These have an erotic look that brings together the divine and the physical location for worship, surrounded by valleys and snowcapped mountains. Seasonally, it can last from the end of April/beginning of May until October or November according to the local climate.
These five temples are located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, and are dedicated to Lord Shiva collectively referred to as the Panch Kedar. Hindu mythology and pilgrimage include these temples: The main Panch Kedar are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. It is believed that after the Kurukshetra war was over the five Pandavas went and solicit Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. However, Shiva transformed himself into a bull and went to the Garhwal Himalayas as he could not forgive them that soon. Finally, when the Pandavas searched for him, Shiva had his body parts distributed all over the region. These body parts are considered as sacred pilgrimage sites as each one of them manifested as a Panch Kedar shrine.
These temples are only accessible on foot through very complicated trails and is the must visit places in Uttarakhand that include the hike is both a spiritual voyage and an opportunity to view the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. Each temple has an aesthetic and historical value of the place by incorporating its unique architectural disguise and religious significance.
Half hidden in the Shivalik range and touching the Great Himalayan tract, Uttaranchal is a heaven for nature lovers and the tourists interested in adventurous activities. Tourists might have the ride of their life at this place, which is famous for its beautiful hill stations and calm lakes. The ‘Queen of the Hills’, Mussoorie provides an excellent view of Doon Valley; while Nainital with its lovely lakes and pleasantly cool climate is ideal. While boating with family and friends is also quite enjoyable here, one can explore Bhimtal and the quiet Naini Lake. For the more laid-back kind of holidaymakers, the equally enchanting charm as well as vantage points of Ranikhet and Almora cannot be ignored. Therefore, Uttarakhand is the perfect place for an incredible vacation, no matter whether you want to enjoy the mountains and adventure or just relax near the water bodies.
Wildlife lovers always enjoy the experiences of wildlife trips in Uttarakhand as it is house to a rich lot of wildlife. This state has the famous Jim Corbett National Park where guests can see elephants, leopards, and Bengal tigers along with many bird species. One other will be Rajaji National Park, which is famous for its painted animals and Asians Elephants. If lucky enough, you may probably come across a bear or a leopard. Bird lovers and bird shooters get an excellent view of natural beauty at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and a great number of birds. The wildlife reserves in Uttarakhand are nothing less than a bewildering experience if you want to indulge in a jungle safari or have the time of your life in the countryside.
Famous for its spiritual significance it is also called “Devbhoomi” or The land of Gods, and has numerous pilgrim centres. It is the Char Dham Yatra, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri pilgrimages, which are famous all over the world. Besides, it is also essential to mention Haridwar, which is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River. All the tourist is enchanted by the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri. Some of the famous temples are present in Rishikesh and due to many historical temples, ashrams and Yoga centres the city is fondly called the “Yoga Capital of the World”. Uttarakhand is gifted with hundreds of divine places including spiritual ashrams, temples, rivers, mountains etc., and they all act as a fascinating experience for every human soul touching the highest spiritual feeling.
Some of the finest treks you can imagine in the great Indian Himalayas are in Uttarakhand making it a trekker’s paradise. Throughout the entire year, thrill seekers flock to the state of either its beautiful views or rugged terrains. For lovers of trekking, the Valley of Flowers trek is a unique one because of this beautiful valley full of flowers of different colours. The easy one is the Garhwal trek which takes to the beautiful Neelkanth Peer Temple while for those looking for greater challenges, there is the Roopkund trek which offers a thrilling trip to the mysterious ‘Skeleton Lake’.
For starters, for those who don’t like narrow trek routes and want to get a glance at the snow-clad peaks, Kedarkantha is perfect. Routine treks like Har ki Dun and Nag Tibba encompass adventurous treks for professional trekkers as well as for first-timers. There are many trekking tracks in Uttarakhand and one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand that gives thrilling moderate to difficult terrain along with scenic mountains for all categories of trekkers.
Especially Rishikesh since it is often called the Rafting Capital of India, has grown to be popular for its incredible River rafting activities. The Ganges River offers the best raw material for both amateur and professional rafters and has Class I through Class IV rapids. Adventurers can negotiate Grade I to IV White water and some of the celebrated ones include “Roller Coaster” and “The Wall”. What the Ganges does offer you are crystal clear rivers for rafting where you can also see the majestic Himalayas at the same time. One can relax on the shores of those beautiful rivers or in some cases even go camping right beside the river after an adventurous rafting. Whether you are seeking the best one-day tour or some adventure then river rafting in Uttarakhand will certainly prove to be a memorable experience for you.
Climbing lovers should go to Uttarakhand because it is full of some activities that might be interesting for those who like climbing though for peak climbing the best season is in summer. The state embraces several splendid rocks such as Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Bandarpunch which are comparatively more demanding peaks for climbers. Interested in an altitude challenge? Stok Kangri is perfect for those in this category while Trishul presents a more challenging climb for the enthusiast. During these hikes, the adventurers are treated to fabulous views of untouched glaciers, striking wild sceneries, and snowy peaks.
Besides testing endurance, peak climbing in Uttarakhand takes hikers to the serenity and majesty of the Himalayas as it is the popular point of interest. Cryptic as this may sound, if you are seeking an adrenaline rush and dramatic landscapes in equal ratios, this trip can’t be beaten.
Uttarakhand, particularly Rishikesh is identified the world over as the Yoga Capital of the World, where tourists are destined in search of rejuvenating, and repose, wholesome health and meditation. Also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, there are numerous ashrams and health centres opened to those willing to practice mindfulness and yoga amid Himalayan serenity in Rishikesh. The holy water of the Ganges and its peaceful surroundings attribute to give it the perfect congeniality to rest and recover. For their body and mind balance, many guests also get involved in health-enhancing treatments based on wellness therapies, detoxification, and Ayurveda. Due to the spiritual energy and natural beauty, people wanting to reestablish their balance and work upon themselves through practicing Yoga and other ancient healing therapies, Uttarakhand is the ideal destination for all.
As for the kind of experience one is in search of, there are several seasons that are good for visiting Uttarakhand during. The best time to visit the country concerning temperature and the terrains is during the March to June which is considered to be the summer season. The best tourist attractions to visit during this time include the hill stations such as Mussoorie, Nainital, and Auli. The delightful climate and wonderful colours of the trees along with bright, sunny days make it easy to get beautiful pictures of the Himalayas. Summer is also the best time for those trekkers who love to repeat some trekking trails like kedarkantha and valley of flowers trek.
The rainy season is also from July to September; thus, traveling can be dangerous during the period. Once this period of many days of rains is experienced, it can sometimes lead to occurrences of landslides. But if the rain does not have an effect on you and one wishes to see the green blanket of Uttarakhand the, the later part of this season shows off the river and waterfalls of the region in their full glory.
From October to February when the other climates are severe, those who love skiing and other types of snow activities get their treasure. Winter tourism activities such as skiing and others start popularizing in areas like Auli and Chopta. Moreover, many pilgrims visit during this season in order to undertake the Char Dham Yatra which is always held in the period between May and October.
Uttarakhand is rather as for as accessibility from major cities of India are concerned because on account of good road, rail and airports network.
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