Known for its untouched Himalayan beauty and age-old spiritual heritage, Uttarakhand is on every traveler’s bucket list. Its popularity as a must-visit hill station in India has continued to grow ever since it became an independent state in 2000. The beautiful state is bordered by Nepal and Tibet with the unspoiled natural beauty of Himalayan peaks.
With endless natural beauty, it is an important pilgrim center in India. There are many religious sites to visit in Uttarakhand. Further, the whole state is divided into two regions – Garhwal in the north and Kumaon in the south. The location is very suitable for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and religious travelers. Some of the famous adventure activities which you can do here like trekking, river rafting, Jungle Safri, Rock Climbing, Camping, paragliding and bungee jumping, etc. Now here we are going to mention the best tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand to explore this beautiful location in the desired way. Check below mention tourist place in Uttarakhand and enjoy a great holiday vacation.
List of 15 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
- Auli
- Almora
- Bhimtal
- Ranikhet
- Nainital
- Haridwar
- Chakrata
- Dehradun
- Badrinath
- Kedarnath
- Lansdowne
- Mussoorie
- Rishikesh
- Valley of Flowers
- Jim Corbett National Park
1. Nainital
Located at an altitude of 1938 meters above sea level, Nainital is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. The tourist place is an ideal location for honeymoon couples and families. The picturesque hill station famous for Naini Lake is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by a beautiful hill on both sides.
It is also known as the ‘City of Lakes‘. Further, the pleasant climate and scenic beauty of this tourist place give you a different vibe. The beautiful hill station is one of the best tourist places to visit in India. One can also go boating at Naini Lake to explore this beautiful location from the closet. There are many famous restaurants, hotels, and street shops in Nainital that make it a worth visiting place in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit: April-July (Summer Season)
2. Mussoorie
Mussoorie is another popular Hill station in Uttarakhand after Nainital. The famous tourist spot is also known as ‘Queen of Hills’ and is frequently visited by lots of tourists. It is just 40 km away from another famous tourist spot Dehradun. Further, the whole location is blessed with natural beauty and has a pleasant climate throughout the year that makes it one of the best spots for honeymoon couples too.
Located at an altitude of 1800 m to 2275 m, the location is very suitable for the thrill seeker. There are many trekking routes in Mussoorie to explore this beautiful location in the desired way. So if you want to get a unique experience and lifetime memories then it will be a great tourist place to visit in Uttarakhand that can’t be missed at any instant.
Best Time to Visit: March-May and October-February
3. Almora
With many beautiful landscapes and rich heritage culture, Almora is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand especially for the nature lover. Located at an altitude of 1638 m above sea level, it is famous for its horseshoe shape. You can also find many ancient temples in this region; hence the location is very suitable for the religious traveler too. It was established by Chand kings in 1560 as the summer capital of the Kumaon region.
Further, two beautiful rivers Kosi and Suyal run alongside the town adding another charm to this tourist place. Almora is also known for its indigenous handicrafts, local cuisine, and its rich culture and tradition. There are many accommodation options in Almora from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses that offer you a very comfortable stay. Moreover, unique sightseeing to visit in Uttarakhand makes your holiday trip memorable.
Best Time To Visit: All around the year except monsoon
4. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the popular tourist destinations for Wildlife enthusiasts in Uttarakhand. It is also known as Haley’s National Park and was established in 1936. It also houses a variety of flora and fauna that gives you an amazing experience of wildlife photography.
There are more than 600 species of birds and more than 100 species of animals. You can also find around 450 types of plants and trees here. Further, one can also take a jeep or elephant safari to explore this beautiful location. While exploring this tourist place don’t forget to click photographs to enjoy a memorable holiday vacation in Uttarakhand. The Park is divided into 5 zones namely Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Domunda, and Sonanadi. The Dhikala zone of the park is the most panoramic and offers many breathtaking views. Moreover, a stunning tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand that can’t be missed at any instant.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
5. Auli
Auli is another famous tourist place to visit in Uttarakhand for winter sports. The place offers panoramic views of snow-capped mountain ranges. The scenic hill station is one of the best places for skiing in Uttarakhand. Apart from skiing, the destination is very famous among trekking trails. Located at an altitude of 2800 m above sea level, the tourist place has many glittering slopes that are dotted with apple orchards, oaks, and deodars trees.
Some of the famous treks in this region are Auli to Badrinath and Auli-Kuari Pass treks. Overall it is an ideal location for a winter sports festival that is organized here since 1986 every year. Further, you can find many famous hill resorts in Auli that offer a very comfortable stay.
Best Time to Visit: April -July and November – February
6. Rishikesh
Located on the confluence of River Ganga and River Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is a hub of many adventurous sports activities. There are many ancient temples and yoga ashrams in Rishikesh, hence the location is very suitable for those who looking for some peace and spirituality. For the adventure enthusiast, trekking, river rafting, and camping are the best things to do in Rishikesh.
Further, the location is also known as the birthplace of yoga, hence lots of tourists come here to meditate and to learn yoga techniques. In the last couple of years, Rishikesh became a favorite tourist spot in Uttarakhand or even in India. The location is just 16 km away from the Haridwar and is also well connected to Dehradun Airport.
Best Time To Visit: All around the year
7. Dehradun
The capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a scenic and most beautiful place to visit in Uttarakhand. It is located in Doon valley on the foothills of the Himalayas. The two beautiful rivers Ganga and Yamuna flows on either side of the city adding another charm to this location. The popular hill station is the beckons for solo travelers, families, and couples alike.
Located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level, the tourist place has a pleasant climate all around the year. Further, the location is very famous for its annual feast and fairs like Jhanda Fair, Tapkeshwar Fair, Laxman Sidh Fair, Bissu Fair, and Mahasu Devta Fair. Apart from all these things the tourist place has many options for adventure seekers too. Some of the famous adventure things to do in Dehradun are trekking, paragliding, skiing, and water sports.
Best Time to Visit: All around the year (Except Monsoon)
8. Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and one of the oldest living cities in India. It is also known as the ‘Gateway to the Lord’ and the whole region is famous for a great number of temples and ashrams. Further, it is also considered one of the seven holiest cities in India. Every year lots of tourists come here to pay their respects to the Lord and wash away their sins.
A famous festival is known as the Kumbh Mela also held here once in after twelve years. Be a part of Ganga Aarti to hold a special appeal. Haridwar also serves as a gateway to the Chardham Yatra destinations in Uttarakhand and these Dhams are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Overall it is a spiritual sightseeing to visit in Uttarakhand which has great religious value too.
Best Time to Visit: September to April
9. Chakrata
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Hills from the closet then Chakrata is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Located on top of the Yamuna valley, the small hill station is famous for its lush green forests, caves, and ancient temples. Further, the location is very suitable for skiing and trekking. Trek to Kharamba Peak gives you an amazing experience as it is located 10000 feet above sea level. Moreover, for the peace and nature lover, it is a perfect tourist spot in Uttarakhand.
10. Valley of Flowers
Located in Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand. It lies in the Garhwal region which is very near to Hemkund Sahib. Further, the park was recognized as the World Heritage site and it was discovered in 1931. You can find more than 300 different varieties of alpine flowers at this flowers park also famous for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs.
The Park is spread across 87.50 sq km, where you can spot some rare species of flowers like Brahmakamal, Cobra Lily, Blue Poppy, and a lot more. It is one of the best trekking destinations in Uttarakhand as there is a 13 km long trek that starts from Govindghat and ends at Ghangaria. You can visit this park from 6 AM to 6 PM and there is a small entry fee for both Indian and foreign tourists.
Best Time to Visit: June to October
11. Badrinath
Located at an altitude of 3100 m above sea level, Badrinath is another famous religious place to visit in Uttarakhand. The beautiful town is located between Nar and Narayana mountain ranges. The holy tourist place attracts nature ambiance and spiritual lovers. Further, the location offers a splendid and magnificent view of the surrounding nature that you want to capt in your cameras. Take a dip into the Alaknanda River as it is believed that the water body has some medicinal properties.
Best Time to Visit: April – June and September – November
12. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is another popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus in Uttarakhand and is frequently visited by lots of tourists every year. The tourist spot is famous for its ancient Shiva Temple, shrines, and Himalayan ranges. The main Kedarnath Temple lies very near to Chorabari Glacier and the whole area is covered by snow-capped mountain ranges. It remains closed for six months due to heavy snowfall. Check more about places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit: April to September (Closed in Winter Season)
13. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is one of the ideal places to visit in Uttarakhand who wish to spend some relaxing moments. The small hill station was founded by the Indian Viceroy during British rule. Further, the untouched natural beauty and scenic environment of this place make it a suitable destination for a picnic. Located at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, the place offers many breathtaking views of surrounding nature. The hill station is perched with green forests of Pine and Deodar trees that adds another charm to this tourist place. Viewing sunset & sunrise in such a beautiful place truly rejuvenates your mind and soul. Overall a unique sightseeing to visit in Uttarakhand that can’t be missed at any instant.
Best Time to Visit: April to September
14. Bhimtal
Located at an altitude of 1370 m above sea level, Bhimtal is another major sightseeing near Nainital. Bhimtal is famous for its pristine blue lake and has pleasant weather all throughout the year. The beautiful location is set amidst lush green mountains, hence the tourist spot is well known for its breathtaking beauty.
Bhimtal Lake is one of the major tourist attractions around this location. Further, you can find an ancient temple of Bhimeshwara Mahadev on the banks of the Lake. One can also go boating at Bhimtal Lake to explore this beautiful location from the closet. Overall one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand that you can add to the Nainital Tour Package.
Best Time To Visit: All Throughout the year (Except Monsoon)
15. Ranikhet
For adventure thrill and nature lovers, Ranikhet is another fascinating place to visit in Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 1850 m above sea level, the tourist place is blessed with natural beauty and beautiful landscapes. Further, the location is very suitable for trekking, camping, and paragliding. It is also very popular for the Indian Army Headquarters and Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.
Best Time to Visit: April to July
So these are some major tourist attractions and places to visit in Uttarakhand to explore this beautiful location in the desired way. Here we mention all the top-rated tourist spots to visit during your Uttarakhand Tour to enjoy a memorable vacation. So if you are planning a trip to Uttarakhand then you can add the entire above mention place into your itinerary.