Uttarakhand is a tourist’s paradise and offers plethora of options to all hues of tourists. From abundant natural beauty to wild life parks to adventure sports to pilgrimage destinations, the state has it all. In fact the state is dotted with so many pilgrimage centres that it is also popularly known as Devbhumi. The state is also an important destination for adventure sports lovers. You can do river rafting at Rishikesh, try your hands at skiing at Auli or do trekking, rock climbing and rappelling at various hill stations. If you are a nature lover the sheer beauty and the majestic views of the Himalayas will leave you speechless. Here is a brief overview of major tourist places that you can visit in Uttarakhand.
Dehradun
The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a small valley town known for its basmati rice, litchis and educational institutions. The famous ‘Doon School’ derives its name from the town itself. Located at the foothills on the way to Mussoorie, Dehradun is an important tourist destination in its own right. Some of the major tourist attractions in Dehradun include: Sahastradhara, Tapovan, Robber’s Cave, Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshawar Temple, Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort, Mindrolling Monastery, and Tiger Falls.
Haridwar
Nestled between the Terai forests of the lower Shivalik Hills and the western bank of the river Ganga, Haridwar is a sacred town for all the Hindus. Haridwar is a sacred town for all the Hindus. It is believed that it was here at the Har-ki-Pauri that Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a rock. Haridwar is also believed to be the place where divine nectar fell from the celestial kumbh and hence the famous ‘Kumbh Mela’ is held at Haridwar every 12 years. The other places to visit in Haridwar include: Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Saptarishi Kund and Vishnu Ghat.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a holy temple town located on the banks of river Ganga. The town is famous for its spirituality; it’s the place where the Beatles took to spirituality under Mahesh Yogi. It is also known as the ‘yoga capital of the world’. The town is dotted with various ashrams where one can learn yoga. Located near Rishikesh is Shivpuri, where adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge in river rafting. The other places of tourist interest in Rishikesh are: Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Swargashram and Triveni Ghat.
Mussoorie
Famously known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie is known for its indescribable natural beauty. Its snow-capped peaks, winding roads, abundant greenery and British-style bungalows will leave you mesmerized. The places that you can visit in Mussoorie are: Mall Road, Camel’s Back Road, Jharipani Falls, Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls and Dhanaulti.
Nainital
Nainital is also known as ‘The Lake District of India’. The region around Nainital is dotted with number of lakes. These include: Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Satttal, Naukuchia Tal and Khurpa Tal. Apart from the lakes, other tourist attractions in and around Nainital are: Eco Cave Gardens, China Peak, Himalayan View Point, Snow View, Tiffin Top, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
Ramgarh
Located on the way to Mukteshwar, Ramgarh is a small hill station, which is famous for its fruit-laden orchards. The place also offers unobstructed view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It is also known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of Kumaon’. While at Ramgarh you can indulge in rock climbing, rappelling, angling, birdwatching or you can go on nature walks.
Badrinath
Nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountains, by the banks of the river Alaknanda, Badrinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for the Hindus. It is one of the four Char Dhams. The temple of Badrinath is dedicated to lord Vishnu and is open for nearly six months from April to November.
Kedarnath
Located close to the source of river Mandakini, at an altitude of 11755 ft, Kedarnath is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to the lord Shiva. The temple is open for six months from Akshaya Tritiya (end of April) to Kartik Purnima (the autumn full moon, beginning of November).
Auli
Auli is a meadow located at an elevation of 9500 ft to 10,500 ft, on the way to Badrinath. It’s an important ski destination and offers magical views of the loft peaks of the Himalayas.
Binsar
Binsar is a small hill station located close to Almora. The place is famous for its wildlife sanctuary and offers majestic views of Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchashuli and Chaukhamba. Binsar is also a bird lover’s paradise and is home to more than 200 bird species.
Jim Corbett National Park
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest National Park in India. Named after the legendary British hunter Jim Corbett, the park is home to the endangered Bengal Tiger. Spread over more than 500 km2, the park’s topography comprises of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions and grasslands. While at Jim Corbett National Park, you can go on tiger safari, elephant ride, try angling and do birdwatching.