Best tourist destinations you should visit in Uttarakhand 2023
The majestic Himalayas in the north ideally escape the hot summer weather. The beautiful green forests, the peaceful river streams, and the pleasant climate make you wish to stay there forever. In addition, the melodic tunes of birds provide a delightful escape from the disorder of urban living.
As you venture further into remote areas, the scenery becomes increasingly breathtaking and peaceful. Uttarakhand, a land of mountains, myths, adventures, simplicity, and natural beauty, is one of India’s most stunning travel destinations. Visitors can easily connect with the rhythm of the place, making it an excellent choice for all travellers.
Add the below-given list of the top 10 Places to yo your itinerary while visiting Uttarakhand in 2023
Escape Nature!
Uttarakhand is a popular destination for tourists seeking a hill station getaway. The area boasts several breathtaking locations, such as Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, and Chopta. Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the land of Gods, is Char Dhams’s location, India’s most sacred pilgrimage site. The region’s unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty makes it an incredible vacation spot worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Auli
Auli, known as the Mini Switzerland of India, is beautiful and charming. It is renowned for its snowy winter slopes and equally captivating summer. Auli offers stunning landscapes that resemble fairytale settings, breathtaking Oak and coniferous forests, and picturesque views of the second-highest Himalayan Peak, Nanda Devi. You can enjoy all these enchanting delights while creating unforgettable memories of your vacation in Uttarakhand. Skiing enthusiasts and adventurers will love Auli, as it is one of the top skiing destinations in the world, offering India’s longest cable car ride. Auli is a perfect place to visit in Uttarakhand in June, and it guarantees an experience of a lifetime.
Chopta
Chopta is a beautiful village located in Uttarakhand, with vast meadows and lush greenery that are truly captivating. It is a part of Kedarnath National Park. If you enjoy waking up to the sweet melodies of birds and breathing in the fresh air, then Chopta is the perfect place for your next vacation. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta is a slice of paradise renowned for its picturesque valleys, snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and scenic hiking trails. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Chopta is an excellent place for birdwatchers, with over 240 species of birds, including the Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Monal, and Hill Partridge. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or birdwatcher, Chopta is the ultimate destination to create unforgettable memories!
Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful lake city in India with stunning natural scenery, pleasant weather, vibrant markets, delicious cuisine, and majestic Himalayan mountains that will rejuvenate you. Naina Devi Temple, surrounded by the Himalayas, is a popular religious destination that will enchant your spirit. It is one of India’s most sacred Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Naina, represented by her two eyes. Enjoy the seven hills, Sapta-Shring and the serene Lake of Naini, perfect for a sailboat ride. Additionally, there are plenty of awe-inspiring adventurous activities to choose from, such as mountaineering, boating, water sports, paragliding, trekking, golfing, hot air ballooning, and more, making it the perfect holiday vacation destination in Uttarakhand.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, the “Queen of Hills,” is a popular hill station in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. It is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, showcasing its stunning scenery, pleasant weather, and colonial-era charm. As one of the fantastic hill stations in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie will leave a lasting impression on you with its beautiful Himalayan Peaks of Shivalik, alluring green landscapes, and romantic ambience. Mussoorie’s serene waterfalls, colonial architecture, bustling markets, surreal vistas of Doon Valley, beautiful sceneries, and nature walks will transport you back to colonial times and leave you enchanted. It’s no wonder Mussoorie is one of the best destinations for couples in Uttarakhand, and you’ll find it hard to resist its charm.
Munsiyari
Munsiyari, a charming hill station in Uttarakhand, India, offers stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks from 2,200 meters. This serene destination is an excellent base for exploring Milam, Ramik, and Namik glaciers on foot. Thick forests of Rhododendrons, Pine, and Deodar line the banks of the Goriganga River. Visitors can soak in the breathtaking beauty of Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Rajrambha peaks while exploring the area. Birthi Falls, located 35 kilometres away, is a must-see attraction. Devotees also visit the sacred Maheshwari Kund, a beautiful lake with religious significance.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, located against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, is a sacred place where the pristine Ganga river’s serene vibes and healing touch have captivated devotees for centuries. Tourists flock to Rishikesh for spiritual pilgrimage and relaxation, and rejuvenation, as it is known as the worldwide capital of yoga and meditation. The city’s numerous Ashrams attract thousands of fitness enthusiasts, and it is also famous for thrilling adventure sports such as rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, giant trekking swing, and rock climbing and for its serene temples. Take advantage of the soul-soothing evening Ganga Aarti, one of the best experiences in Rishikesh. Undoubtedly, Rishikesh is the best tourist destination to explore in Uttarakhand!
Kausani
Kausani, a stunning village and hill station in Uttarakhand, is a must-visit destination. It’s often called the second Switzerland of India, after Chopta. You’ll be greeted with smiles from the impressive Himalayan Peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. It’s an ideal spot for nature photography, with picturesque landscapes, bubbling creeks, and playful birds. Kausani offers a pleasant break from city life, making it an excellent hill station for a family vacation. Mahatma Gandhi even visited Kausani and called it the mini Switzerland of India. It’s only 406km from Delhi, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Discover the top activities in Uttarakhand, like nature walks, shopping for Kausani Shawls, taking scenic village tours, and embarking on a thrilling trek to Rudradhari Cave Temple!
Almora
Almora, situated in Uttarakhand and North India, is a popular summer retreat with a rich history and a peaceful atmosphere. It even served as a prison for India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, during the British era. Almora is best visited during summer, post-monsoon, or winter, as monsoon season can bring heavy downpours and road damage. The town is encircled by snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, making it a perfect weekend escape. Friendly locals add to the charm of the place. Tourists who love exploring destinations with a mix of history, spirituality, and nature will find a lot to see and do here, such as visiting Jageshwar Dham, Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Zero Point, Nanda Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, and Martola.
Dehradun
Dehradun is a charming city situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, boasting a picturesque landscape with blue skies, majestic mountains, and lush valleys dotted with numerous rooftops. It is nestled between the River Song and River Asan and serves as the gateway to the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Since the 19th century, Dehradun has been a popular destination for Indian travellers. It is conveniently connected to nearby locations such as Uttarkashi, Mussoorie, Chopta-Tungnath, Harsil, Auli, Dhanaulti, New Tehri, and Chakarta. Some must-visit tourist attractions in Dehradun include the Tapkeshwar Temple, Robber’s Cave, Zonal Museum, Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Forest Research Institute, and Rajpur Road Market. Whether looking for a relaxing holiday or an exciting adventure, Dehradun is an ideal destination for a few days.
Chamoli
Chamoli, a district in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, spiritual significance, and thrilling adventures. Global travellers are drawn to Chamoli’s revered spiritual and religious sites, such as the Badrinath Temple, a Char Dham pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, a sacred Sikh shrine situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Chamoli is also the entrance to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vibrant alpine flowers and rare flora and fauna. The park offers trekking opportunities and breathtaking views. Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary. Chamoli offers everything a traveller needs!
Epilogue
Uttrakhand is often called the ‘Land of Gods’, and it’s not hard to see why. This beautiful and mysterious destination is full of exotic and charming tourist spots showcasing magnificence. With so many stunning places to visit in Uttarakhand, it’s worth adding to your list of must-visit destinations in India. If you’re already planning your trip, add these places to your itinerary!