Uttarakhand is an outstanding part of India situated on the northern side of the country. Often referred to as the ‘Land of Gods’, the state of Uttarakhand is known for scenic landscapes including forests, rivers, lakes, glaciers and of course the Himalayan mountain range. Apart from the pilgrimage sites and temples, there are some excellent destinations in Uttarakhand.
This article provides you with a list of the top 5 magnificent tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Read till the end to have a clear idea about where to visit for your upcoming trip to Uttarakhand.
Table of Contents
Nainital
Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, known as the ‘City of Lakes’. Situated at around 2,000 m above sea level, Nainital is surrounded by mountains. The British rulers used to access this place as a summer gateway to avoid the scorching heat of the country. Today it is a famous tourist destination for visiting across the country and the globe.
When in Nainital, you have to visit the popular tourist sites. Destinations such as Tiffin Top, St John’s Church, Kilbury, The Himalaya Museum, Naina Devi Temple, and Naini Lake are a must-visit. Apart from sightseeing, you can also participate in outdoor activities like trekking, paragliding, golfing, camping or hot-air ballooning. Overall, Nainital is a complete gateway for those looking to avoid the big city crowd for a while.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is another popular hill station in Uttarakhand, situated in the Western Garhwal Himalayan range. Known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie has a rich colonial history after being established as a summer getaway by the British. The town was named after Mansoor, a local scrub that is seen everywhere in Mussoorie. The town includes plenty of attractions like the Company Garden, Cloud’s End, Kempty Falls, Sir George Everest House, Mall Road, and BenogTibba.
Mussoorie also offers you several adventure sports like rock climbing, sky walking, ziplining, rappelling, and hiking. Taking a walk among nature through the luxurious green scenery will clear your head in the best way possible. You can visit between March to June and September to November.
Auli
Auli is a picturesque ski resort town situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Located at a height of 2,800 m above sea level, Auli is surrounded by the mighty Himalayan range. During the winter months, the place gets covered by snow making it a paradise for winter sports. It also includes excellent facilities for skiing and snowboarding.
Auli offers you incredible views of Nanda Devi, Pangarchulla Summit, GorsonBugyal, and Tapovan. In the summer months, you can enjoy hiking and trekking in several picturesque treks and camping spots. Just in case your soul seeks adventure and thrills, then Auli could give you that. It is a perfect spot to relax for a few days and to witness the culture of Uttarakhand.
Chopta
Chopta, a small village situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India. It sits at an elevation of 2,608 metres, surrounded by a snow-covered Himalayan mountain range and dense forest. Chopta is widely recognised for its natural beauty and as a base for Tungnath Trek.
Chopta is a place that offers you stunning scenery, and natural excellency. It is a popular destination for yoga and meditation enthusiasts, bird watchers, photographers, trekkers, and campers as well. Places like Sari Village, Ukhimath, Deoriatal, KanchaKorak Musk Deer Sanctuary and Chandrashila Temple are must-visits for you.
Dehradun
Dehradun is the capital state of Uttarakhand that attracts a huge number of visitors throughout the year. The city is located in the Dion Valley between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. Known for its pleasant climate, educational institutions, and gorgeous landscapes, Dehradun is a renowned city in India.
When in Dehradun, you have plenty of tourist spots to visit. Robbers Cave, Sahastradhara, Malsi Deer Park, Buddha Temple, Lachhiwala, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Dehradun Zoo. The city of Dehradun is also known as the ‘Educational Hub of Uttarakhand’. It includes several prestigious institutions like the ONGC, the Forest Research Institute, the Indian Military Academy and more. You can also access popular places like Haridwar, Mussoorie and Rishikesh.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Uttarakhand is a unique state that offers ancient temples, adventure sports and cultural heritage. Regardless of what kind of gateway you’re looking for, Uttarakhand has something in store for everyone.
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