Exploring 15 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a northern state of India which is known for scenic beauty, religious importance and many a variety of landscapes. Be it adventure or be it spiritual, a trip to Uttarakhand must be a destination for all. Every place here is full of nature’s boons, heightening its beauty. It is also versatilely named as “Devabhumi” or “Land of the Gods”. Here below is the perfect guidebook which gives an overview of 15 best places to visit in Uttarakhand, all of their unique attractions and experiences.

List of 15 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

1. Rishikesh
2. Haridwar
3. Nainital
4. Dehradun
5. Mussoorie
6. Ranikhet
7. Almora
8. Jim Corbett National Park
9. Harshil
10. Gangotri
11. Yamunotri
12. Patal Bhubaneswar
13. Badrinath
14. Kausani
15. Chopta

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is abundant with solitude and peace – a serene city on the lap of Ganges, also known by the name “Yoga Capital of the World”. It attracts seekers for yoga, adventure, and much more, who indulge in spiritual practice and other outdoor activities like white-water rafting and hikes to the deep-green mountain valleys. Because of the peaceful environment and the grand views of rivers, it is considered one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Yoga and Meditation: There are numerous popular ashrams like Parmarth Niketan. White Water Rafting: Brace yourself for shooting the rapids on the Ganges. Laxman Jhula: A suspension bridge widely considered to be panoramic.
Best time to visit:	September to November and March to May have a pleasing weather condition, quite favourable for outdoor activities and spiritual retreats.

Suggested Read: Famous temples in Rishikesh

Haridwar

Haridwar is that holy city of India from where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalayas. It holds religious values for the people, which is why the land is sprinkled with holy ghats hosting the magical Ganga Aarti. This is among the top places to visit in Uttarakhand for spiritual purposes.

Things to Do:	Ganga Aarti: This grand ritual of the river takes place during the evenings at Har Ki Pauri. Chandi Devi Temple: One of the most important temples dedicated to the Goddess Chandi Devi. Mansa Devi Temple: Visit this revered temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa.
Best time to visit:	October to March, when the city is at its best in terms of spiritual and cultural feel and ambiance, along with the weather being at ease.

Nainital

The beautiful hill station situated around a beautiful lake and surrounded by lush green hills complements the beauty of this place with – hence; being a favourite place amongst visitors. Serene environment and palatable improvements make it rank as one of the best tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand State.

Things to Do:	Boating: Go boating on the pictures of Sailing Naini Lake. Naina Devi Temple: This is an old temple constructed by the side of the lake. Tiffin Top: This provides a good view of the surrounding mountains and involves an hour to and fro walk
Best time to visit:	The best time to visit the place is between the months of March and June and between September and November, when the temperature is moderate and the sky is also clear.

Dehradun

Dehradun combines in it the beauty of nature and the consumption of a large city. This is famous for educational institutes and good climatic conditions. It is also the entrance to other hill stations and have quite many attractions, thus making it among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Robber’s Cave: Natural cave with running springs. Forest Research Institute: View this building epitomizing the colonial era surrounded by lush green gardens. Paltan Bazaar: Shop from the local handicrafts and enjoy the market atmosphere amidst the hustle-bustle.
Best time to visit:	The ideal time to visit is from March to June and September to November.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in North India

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a lovely hill station popularly known as the “Queen of Hills”. It is considered very charming because of its colonial architecture and beautiful view. Because of its pleasing climate and panoramic view, it has become one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Mall Road: A walk down this busy street is worth everything with all the shopkeepers selling their ware. Kempty Falls: Taking a plunge in this picturesque waterfall is worth it. Camel’s Back Road: Take a serene walk or horseriding down this picturesque road.
Best time to visit:	The most ideal time to visit is from March to June and September to November.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet is one soberly wooded and carded with lush landscapes of serene hill stations, looking at the Himalayas. It is a peace-giving experience far away from the rush void of aberrant life in cities with various attractions in store for nature enthusiasts, one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Jhula Devi Temple: An old temple with idols of the Goddess Durga. Chaubatia Gardens: Pristine gardens executed with perfection, including fruit orchards and flowers. Ranikhet Golf Course: Play golf here in the midst of such beautiful sceneries.
Best time to visit:	March to June and September to November are the best months to enjoy the weather and beauty of nature.

Almora

Almora is a historical town with huge cultural importance and great panoramic views of the Himalayas. It forms an unique forms of traditional crafts, ancient temples,and scenic beauty, making it among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Kasar Devi Temple: Visit an ancient temple with a great view. Nanda Devi Temple: Visit this holy site, a temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Local Markets: Buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Best time to visit:	March to June and September to November offer the best weather for sightseeing in Almora.

Jim Corbett National Park

One of the first of its kind in India, it is an unmitigated delight for those who find romance in the lap of wildlife. Abundant with biodiversity and verdure, the park ensures one of the most stirring safari experiences amidst emerald landscapes and is a great chance to spot the majestic Bengal tiger, thus naming it among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Jungle Safari: Help yourself to a jungle safari to spot animals like tigers and elephants. Corbett Museum: Know more about the history of the park and its famous namesake Jim Corbett. Bird Watching: Different species of birds can be found here in the park.
Best time to visit:	The best time for watching wildlife here and to go for a safari is from November until June.

Suggested Read: Spiritual Darshan to Amarnath

Harshil

Harshil is a beautiful village lying by the side of the Bhagirathi River, with serene landscapes and a peaceful environment. This is one of the lesser-visited spots among Uttarakhand’s tourism places and one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Things to Do:	Harshil Valley: This delectable valley is crammed with ravishing green meadows and picturesque views. Mukhba Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to the local deity. River View: Natural environment and tranquil river view.
Best time to visit:	From May to September the weather is fine and there are clear skies for a fine exploration.

Gangotri

One of the Char Dham destinations, Gangotri is an article pilgrimage place. It is an important religious place surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. It is actually the origin of the Ganges River and forms one of the top places to visit in Uttarakhand. 

Things to Do:	Gangotri Temple: This is a major temple which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Gaumukh Glacier: Trek to the glacier, the source of the Ganges. Ganga Aarti: Attend the evening aarti for spiritual experience.
Best time to visit:	May to June and September to October offers clear weather and accessible trails.

Yamunotri 

Yamunotri is one of the important Char Dham destinations, as it is known to be a place of importance as the source of the River Yamuna. This is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand that are surrounded by the best views of nature.

Things to Do:	Yamunotri Temple: This is the main shrine dedicated to the idol of Goddess Yamuna. Janki Chatti: It is renowned for some of the thermal springs. Yamunotri Glacier: One can trek up to the glacier for some adventure.
Best time to visit:	The months of May to June and September to October are believed to be the best time because it has congenial weather conditions.

Suggested Read: How to reach Kedarnath

Patal Bhubaneswar

Patal Bhubaneshwar is a charming cave temple, nestled in a unique atmosphere of rock-cut structures and artistic carvings. The setting is beautiful, with many a crag and rock formation, and one can feel on top of the world at this amazing place, replete with historical and cultural heritage.

Things to Do:	Cave Exploration: Get to know the ancient caves, including detailed carvings and sculptures. Bhubaneswar Temple: A step towards the rich cultural visit to a nearby temple. Nature Walks: Enjoying serene walks in and around natural beauty.
Best time to visit:	March to June and September to November.

Badrinath

It is a holy Char Dham destination site dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu, abode for the sacred temple, and beautiful location famous for pilgrimage with a calm and serene view of the Himalayas.

Things to Do:	Badrinath Temple: Visit the holy temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. Tapt Kund: Take a dip in this hot water spring. Neelkanth Peak: Majestic view of Neelkanth Peak.
Best time to visit:	May to June and September to October are the best pilgrims and tourists.

Kausani

A quite mesmerizing hill station to see the beauty of the himalayas and calm serenity; a place to relax and feel nature.

Things to Do:	Anasakti Ashram: Most famous Ashram, Gandhi has spent many days here, and you will learn about his way of living and thinking. Himalayan Views: Witness the splendid views of Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks. Tea Gardens: Stroll around local tea gardens and taste a cup of freshly brewed tea.
Best time to visit:	March to June as well as September to November are considered to be pretty good with pleasant weather and clear skies.

Chopta

Named as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”, Chopta is enclosed by lush meadows and scenic beauty, hence forming an ideal spot for trekking and nature walks.

Things to Do:	Tungnath Temple: Visit the world’s highest temple dedicated to Shiva, Tungnath. Long Nature Walks: Go for a walk in the meadows along with beautiful natural scenes and bird-watching. Scenic Views: Witness some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Best time to visit:	April to June and September to November is the ideal time to visit.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Spiti Valley

Uttarakhand is a diverse and scenic state with numerous best places to visit in Uttarakhand, good for all sorts of Travellers. The best tourist places in Uttarakhand offer a rich tapestry from the spiritual ghats of Haridwar to the serene meadows of Chopta. Be it adventure, spirituality, or just peace; while treading on this road to the top 15 best destinations, you’ll realise that a trip to Uttarakhand, this beautiful region has to be quite memorable.