Uttarakhand boasts of majestic Himalayas, pristine rivers, snow-capped hills and simplistic living amidst nature and harmony. This picturesque state has wide range of experiences to offers from nature’s love, lush green valleys, clear air to meditation, yoga and adventure. With numerous hill stations and magnificent locations, the state sees high footfall throughout the year. Dehradun and Manali for couples, Rishikesh and Nainital for adventure freaks, Haridwar for pilgrims, Landsdowne and Kausani for peace lovers- Uttarakhand pleases one and all.
While every inch of Uttarakhand creates a spell on visitors, it becomes tough for one to pick just six locations from this ever-welcoming state. Yet, to make your search easier here is a list of six best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Are your ready for the complete package of fun, adventure and peace? Here you go!
Dehradun
Nested at the Himalayan foothills, Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. One of the most beautiful resorts in the sub mountain tracks of India, Dehradun is known for its picturesque surroundings and it is also one of the most popular hill stations in India. The mountains and rivers make it a romantic destination for newly-wed couples.
Ideal stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Sahastradhara, Robber’s Cave, Tapovan, Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort, Mindrolling Monastery, Tiger Falls, Tapkeshawar Temple, Forest Research Institute
Markets: Rajpur Road, Paltan Bazaar, Astley Hall, Connaught Place and Tibetan Market
Activities: Fun Valley, Trekking
Delicacies: Kandalee ka saag, Gahat ki Daal, Aloo ke Gutke, Nimbu, Kaafli, Gulgula
Girls Getaway! 3 Girls Trip to Uttarakhand
Nainital
Located by the famous Naini Lake in the valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides Nainital is another popular destination for family, youngsters and couples. Famously referred to as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital offers some of the great sights to visit, beautiful lakes, temples, exotic scenery, adventure activities and shopping, what else can a tourist ask for?
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Ideal Stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Naini Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, Naina Peak, Thandi Sadak, Nainital Zoo, Himalayan View Point, Snow View, Horse Riding, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Lands End, Tiffin Top
Markets: Mall Road Bara Baazar, Bhotia Market, Tibetan Market
Activities: paragliding, trekking
Delicacies: North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian to Thai, Tibetan cuisine and the local cuisines of Uttarakhand.
Mussoorie
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Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, Mussoorie was once said to present a ‘fairyland’ atmosphere to tourists. The ‘Queen of Hills’ attracts huge number of tourists all through the year. The snow capped hills and blue, clear sky with fig trees guarding the pristine scenery, Mussoorie surely is an amazing place for couples to make memories during their honeymoon. Count yourself lucky if you get a chance to witness snow and sunshine together!
5 Hidden Hill Stations In India
Ideal Stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Camel’s Back Road, Jharipani Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Bhatta Falls, Children’s Lodge, Lal Tibba, Cloud’s End, Happy Valley, Company Garden, Kempty Falls, Benog Hill, Gun Hill, Christ Church
Markets: mall road main market, Library Bazaar, Kulri Bazar
Activities: Mussoorie Adventure Park, paragliding, trekking
Delicacies: Bhaang Ki Khatai, Kappa, Sisunak Saag, Aloo ke Gutke, Rus as well as Chinese, Tibetan, Indian, Thai, Moroccan, Italian, Goan cuisines.
Rishikesh
An exotic blend of tranquility and adventure, Rishikesh is located at the confluence of River Ganges and River Chandrabhaga and most famous as a river rafting destination. With spectacular hills, tranquil surroundings and plentiful adventure activities, Rishikesh attracts people of all age groups alike. It is also a favorite destination of peace, fitness and spirituality lovers as the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation.
Ideal Stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple, . Gita Bhawan, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Sivananda Ashram
Markets: local markets such as Lakshman Jhula Market
Activities: mountain biking, canyoning, river rafting and bungee jumping
Delicacies: Local cuisine as well as South Indian, Italian, Nepali, Thai and Chinese cuisine
Almora
Located on the eastern side of Uttarakhand, Almora is a picturesque cantonment town and a nature lover’s paradise with its majestic mountains and magnificent beauty where you can soak in panoramic views of the Himalayas that will leave you spell bounded. This place is quite popular because of its varied wildlife, rich culture and amazing food.
Ideal Stay: 1-2 days
Attractions: Bright End Corner, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, Martola, Simtola
Markets: Lala Bazar
Delicacies: Bal Mithai, Bhaang Ki Khatai, Mixed dal Salad, Kappa, Sisunak Saag, Aloo ke Gutke
Kausani
Last on the list but certainly the most exotic, the beauty of Kausani cannot be put to words! One of my most favourite destinations Kausani has everything that a nature lover would love to see and feel. The enchanting and ever-pleasing Kausani takes you to another world, a world of imagination, fascination and true beauty! Not just the sunset and sunrise but every moment spent in Kausani is a sheer bliss and I love to save the best things for later just like we have desserts in the end but that doesn’t take away the fact that Kausani is one of the must visit places in Uttarakhand.
Ideal Stay: 1-2 days
Attractions: Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Lakshmi Ashram, Anasakti Ashram, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Baijnath Temple, Kausani Tea Estate
Markets: Shop for handmade shawls in local market
Activities: trekking
Delicacies: Continental, Indian, Chinese and Kumaoni dishes
So, these were the most fascinating places from one of the most pleasant states of India. Have you been to any of the cities mentioned above? Share your experience with us, we would be thrilled to hear from you.
