The place known for creativity, a fresh ambiance, a pleasant atmosphere, and hills, Uttarakhand is tourists’ dream destination. Nature lovers and adventure junkies, especially, love this tourist spot, as it has a plethora of attractions. The striking view of the Himalayas with pristine rivers and spirituality, Uttarakhand is a land filled with tranquility.
Home to Ashrams and temples, the state serves as a one-stop destination for all spiritual tourists looking to find their inner selves. With so many places to visit in Uttarakhand, this famous Indian state should be on every tourist's bucket list. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in different seasons. Let’s take a look.
Top 21 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
If you are in Uttarakhand and haven’t visited the top tourist attractions mentioned below, your trip here is not worth it. Check out below for the top places you must visit in Uttarakhand.
1. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the best place to visit for peace, spirituality, and history in Uttarakhand. It’s also the adventure capital of India for offering an extensive range of fun activities for tourists. Rishikesh is famous for two things — Yoga Ashrams and Trekking Hills. Explore the surreal beauty of this tranquil city by observing the lush greenery, majestic mountains, and several picturesque views.
Visit Yoga Ashrams to learn popular yoga poses from expert trainers and try river rafting and kayaking for a thrilling experience.
Best Time to Visit: October-May
Things to Do: Try water sports, trekking, and Yoga
2. Dehradun
The capital city, “Dehradun,” is famous for its scenic beauty. Watch the Himalayan beauty, river Ganga, and other picturesque views. This summer destination is the tourists’ weekend getaway for a good reason. The background features Garhwal Hills, and the city is filled with lush greenery, which looks quite enchanting in all seasons (summer, especially). Explore its famous trekking trails and ancient caves. The city also has splendid waterfalls. All these lovely views
make Dehradun one of the places to visit in Uttarakhand for couples.
Best Time to Visit: Any time
Things to Do: Visit Forest Research Institute, waterfalls, monasteries, and rivers.
3. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a part of the Char Dham Yatra for Hindus and is thus the holiest site for people looking for a spiritual trip in India. The Kedarnath Temple is the most popular tourist attraction here, followed by Bhairavnath Temple and Shankaracharya Samadhi. For adventure lovers, Vasuki Tal offers an excellent trekking experience. Although the town has many ashrams and other tourist spots, it’s mainly famous for its spiritual beauty.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time. Avoid winters, as the temples remain shut because of heavy snowfall. Monsoon is also not a good time, as there’s a risk of landslides.
Things to Do: Visit Kedarnath Temple, trek to Vasuki Lake, and visit Sonprayag
4. Kausani
A haven for nature lovers, Kausani is the most attractive and picturesque town in Uttarakhand. Plan a visit in summer to get a stunning view of the Himalayan ranges. The grasslands, mountains, and valleys here offer a view that you can keep looking at throughout the day. Listen to the cheerful sound of the birds and spend some tranquil time in the lap of nature.
Best Time to Visit: April-December
Things to do: Check out the shawls and woolen wear made by local craftsmen. Try trekking, mountain climbing, and biking.
5. Auli
Auli receives a large crowd of tourists in summer when people visit this small yet mesmerizing town in Uttarakhand to escape the city’s rising temperature. The town boasts many boutique resorts and some cozy attractions. Observe the beautiful landscape and high mountains that are located at the height of up to 9000 feet above sea level. The skiing capital of India is home to the largest man-made lake. This hill station has something for every tourist, from trekking trails to pristine lakes.
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Things to Do: Skiing, trekking, and mountaineering
6. Mukteshwar
A small town near Nainital, Mukteshwar is known for its centuries-old temples, cottages, Himalayan views, and a lot of fun activities. Boasting lush greenery and narrow lanes, a trip to Mukteshwar is what you need for a fun weekend.
Best Time to Visit: any time of the year
Things to Do: Rock climbing and trekking.
7. Binsar
The trekker’s paradise and nature lover’s best spot, Binsar is another popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand for all types of tourists. Located around the wildlife sanctuary, this small town in the Land of the Gods attracts wildlife lovers. Flora and fauna are found in abundance here. The place also gives a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges capped in snow. Plan a visit to this mesmerizing hill town in Uttarakhand during summer for the best snow views.
Best Time to Visit: March-May and November-January
Things to Do: Spot wildlife, practice trekking, and observe the snow-capped mountains.
8. Jim Corbett
Serving tourists since 1938, Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife lover's haven and is specifically famous for Bengal tigers. With over 600 species of birds and 450 plants and animals, Jim Corbett makes a perfect tourist destination in Uttarakhand. To explore the park to its fullest, book a safari trip. It will take you through this dense forest, giving you a glimpse of many birds and animals along the way. Plan a trip to Jim Corbett if you are a photographer and wildlife enthusiast.
Best Time to Visit: October-May
Things to do: Spot wildlife, book safari, and enjoy elephant rides.
9. Lansdowne
Founded during the British era, this small picnic spot in Uttarakhand is best for people planning a vacation to a serene town with family. Just take a nature walk or observe the mesmerizing hills in the surrounding. You can spend days in this quaint town peacefully. You can board a train at Kotdwar, a 1-hour ride to Lansdowne.
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year
Things to Do: Spend time in nature, watch mountains, and trek to the hills.
10. Ramgarh
In the Kumaon region, you will find this hidden gem that’s frequented by local and international tourists throughout the year. This holiday destination is also called the “fruit bowl of Kumaon,” as it’s home to apples, peaches, pear, and many delicious orchards. The mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and orchards make Ramgarh tourists’ favorite picnic destination.
Best Time to Visit: October-May
Things to Do: Visit orchards, watch birds, and enjoy the tranquility of this town.
11. Rajaji National Park
Uttarakhand is famous for its Himalayan peaks and wildlife sanctuaries. Rajaji National Park is one such destination where you can spot wild animals and several species of birds. Known for its massive population of elephants, a trip to this dense green forest in Uttarakhand is all you need for an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Spread across 34 kilometers, the park also houses tigers and other animals. You can book a cab from Haridwar or Dehradun to reach this
park. It’s only a 21-kilometer drive from the capital city.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime except for monsoon
Things to Do: Book a jungle safari and capture pictures of wild animals.
12. Champawat
A quaint town known for its culture and history, Champawat is a stunning tourist destination for history buffs. Check out the incredible ancient architecture of Kranteshwar temple, Nagnath temple, and Baleshwar temple in this serene town. For a spiritual retreat, Champawat is your go-to destination.
Best Time to Visit: any time of the year
Things to Do: Visit ancient temples and take nature walks.
13. Mussoorie
A 38kms drive from Dehradun will take you to this queen of hill stations. Located at 1900 meters above sea level, Mussoorie is known for its stunning views, diverse culture, green landscape, and luxury resorts. The hill station is for couples, but anyone looking for a weekend getaway trip to a serene town can plan a trip to Mussoorie alone or with friends.
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year
Things to Do: Visit lakes, parks, waterfalls, and temples
14. Chopta
Your visit to Uttarakhand is incomplete without a trip to Chopta, the mini Switzerland of India. It is a perfect hill station for tourists who love to explore the unexplored beauty in India. For nature lovers, Chopta has a lot to offer. It’s also a great tourist destination for adventure junkies. Trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, and camping are a few exciting activities that will get your adrenaline pumping. The town also houses one of India's oldest and largest Shiva
Temples. The place is covered with thick snow in winter, making it a perfect spot for adventure lovers interested in snow sports.
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Things to Do: Visit Tungnath Temple, trek to Rohini Bugyal, and spot exotic Himalayan wildlife.
15. Uttarkashi
Uttarakhand is famous for its quaint towns, and Uttarakashi is one of those. The place is famous for its four shrines. In fact, it’s mostly visited because of its religious relevance. The town has many lakes.
Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-December
Things to Do: Trekking and sightseeing
16. Ranikhet
The incredibly gorgeous tourist destination in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet makes the most scenic location for tourists looking for a relaxing spot for summer vacation. The mountains feature different shades of green, giving the place a unique vibe and a wonderful ambiance. You can also hear the bells ringing in the temples from far. Ranikhet is adorned by many gardens featuring pine trees, apple orchards, and apricots. Visit Upat Kalika temple and Jhula Devi temple for some spiritual time.
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Things to Do: Fishing, trekking, paragliding, etc.
17. Pangot
Bird-watchers will love the scenic beauty and an extensive variety of bird species in Pangot. If you are looking for places to visit in Uttarakhand in September, look no further. Known for the exotic bird life and fascinating views, Pangot is the most relaxing destination for families and couples.
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Things to Do: bird-watching, photography, trekking
18. Nainital
Surrounded by majestic mountains on all sides, Nainital is an ideal honeymoon destination for newly married couples. Lush greenery and the scenic mountains offer you a mesmerizing view. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Nainital is home to Northern India’s popular educational institutes.
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year
Things to Do: visit Naini Lake and explore animals at Nainital Zoo.
19. Haridwar
The largest and most popular Hindu pilgrimage city in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is known for its temples, ancient architecture, and the Kumbh Mela that’s conducted annually. It is believed that a dip in the holy water in this city can remove all your sins. With time, Haridwar has become more than just a sacred place. It is a cultural hub where one can learn Sanskrit. Try the delicious North Indian cuisines and enjoy the rustic beauty of this holy city.
Best Time to Visit: any time of the year
Things to Do: take a dip in the river Ganga and watch maha Arti.
20. Dhanaulti
A 60-kilometer drive from Mussoorie will bring you to Dhanaulti, a town in Uttarakhand known for beautiful snowfall. The town doesn’t offer plenty of attractions or as many adventure activities as Rishikesh and other cities in the state, but it serves as a relaxing weekend getaway destination from Delhi.
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Things to Do: Take a stroll through pine forests, observe nature, and try camping.
21. Bhimtal
The temples sitting amidst the majestic mountains look amazing in all seasons. Bhimtal is located at a height of 1370 meters and is one of the oldest towns in Uttarakhand. It features shrubs, oaks, pine, and other trees. The place has a natural beauty that will give you a refreshing vacation. A visit to this quaint town is a must to explore Uttarakhand's hidden beauty.
Best Time to Visit: any time except for monsoon
Things to do: Try boating, capture the mountain view, and visit famous temples.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is famous for its scenic beauty, majestic hills, and fresh atmosphere. It makes a great destination for a honeymoon and a weekend getaway. If you are looking for the most peaceful, attractive, and best places to visit in Uttarakhand, try the ones mentioned above.
Have a great journey!
