UTTARAKHAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the state one can easily fall in love with. The surreal landscape that comprises of lofty mountains, glistening streams, eye-catching meadows, imposing glaciers and surreal lakes, all make Uttrakhand an anticipated tourist destination in India that not only satiates wanderlust but creates an urge to explore more and more. Dotted with sacred Hindu temples and trekking trails, this North Indian state is a travel destination where along with seeking the blessing of the Almighty, one can indulge in enthralling adventure and heart-soothing recreational activities for a holistic experience.
WHY VISIT UTTARAKHAND?: - For Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage journeys, skiing experience, wildlife tours, whitewater river rafting, yoga, honeymoon, enthralling trekking and peak climbing ventures, birdwatching, rural tourism, culture and heritage, photography tour and for organizing memorable destination weddings.
BEST TIME TO VISIT UTTARAKHAND: – Uttarakhand is a destination to be visited all through the year as each season has something special to offer.
- 1. Popular Tourism places like Nainital, Mussoorie, Corbett National Park and Valley of Flowers
- 2. Religious Tourism Attractions like Hemkund Sahib; Chardham Yatra Temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri; and has sacred rivers like Ganga and Yamuna flowing through its land
- 3. The State also flaunts one of World’s Largest Dam Project in New Tehri, which is indeed a must-see attraction
- 4. Best Adventure Tourism Destination & Best Trekking Trails in India
- 5. The State Proffers a Plethora of Tourist Attractions like Haridwar, Ranikhet, Dehradun, Dhanaulti that are a must visit during your trip to Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Tourism :
Popular Tour
Nainital
Nainital is a charming city situated in a valley flanked by seven hills or Sapta Shring and adorned with a sparkling lake. The city is amongst the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand and why shouldn’t it be, after all its natural beauty is certainly that melt hearts. Nainital is also the district headquarters and is fringed with equally breathtaking travel places.
Best time to Visit: Nainital lures people 12 months of the year. Not with just the activities, you can do here but also with the scenic beauty. A lot of people plan a trip to Nainital during the summer season, of course, to beat the heat, however, for those who want to relish some quieter time, October to March is the better time.
Mussoorie
Though time may have changed the silhouettes of Mussoorie, certain things remain the same. Once the retreat or in an appropriate word an escape for the British from the sweltering summer in India, Mussoorie, till today remains an ideal getaway for all those seeking respite from the harsh weather conditions. Perched on a horse-shaped ridge at an altitude of about 2006 m, Mussoorie is dubbed as the ‘Queen of the Hill Stations’ in India.
Best time to Visit: Mussoorie is one of those hill stations that is ideal for unwinding oneself and enjoying the beauty of nature. A perfect summer escape for those who are travelling from other parts of the country, Mussoorie is loaded with things you would not like to miss once here.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh attracts people from all over the world like a magnet since decades owing to its religious and scenic attributes. Also, one of the most sought-after destinations for adventure seekers, this locale is nestled amidst the foothills of Himalayas. Surrounded by lush green forests and with the fast-flowing crystal clear Ganges crisscrossing this town, Rishikesh is indeed a place for perfect holidays. Rishikesh is also a popular name amongst health fanatics as it is believed to be the ‘Yoga capital’ of the world.
Best time to Visit: Rishikesh remains pleasant to visit all through the year when it comes to the weather. Since it is located in the foothills of Garhwal region, it experiences moderate summers and cool winters. Therefore, it is ideal to plan a trip in these two seasons in Rishikesh.
Haridwar
Elegantly situated on the bank of River Ganga at an elevation of 249.7 m above the sea level and a total area of 2360 sq km, Haridwar is the ‘Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas.’ This sacred city is like a magazine, in the pages of which interesting illustrations from history and modern life persuade travel aficionados from across the world. The city is the venue of Magh Mela every year, Kumbh Mela in every three years, Ardh Kumbh in every 6 years and the Maha Kumbh Mela in every 12 years.
Best time to Visit: The city experiences great weather almost round the year as it is clearly affected by its closeness to the hills. Both summer and winter are the best seasons to plan holidays here. The reason behind this is, during these months the city hosts many religious festivals and events.
Dehradun
Capital City, Dehradun is the heart of Uttarakhand. Situated in the north-east corner of Garhwal region, the city is like a protagonist in a successfully running show. This Capital of Uttarakhand is fringed by the majestic Shivalik Hills, Ganges (in the west) and Yamuna (in the east); thus it is a beautiful place to visit with equally attractive people to interact with.
Best time to Visit: You can start your journey anytime of the year to Dehradun as the weather is refreshing making it easy for you to go from one place to the other without much thought. However, some summer days can get really hot, leaving winter to be the only season when it is comfortable to go sightseeing in Dehradun.
Ranikhet
Amidst the rolling hills, sprawls a land at an altitude of 1829 m that is ideal for anyone seeking utter peace of mind and complete rejuvenation. Ranikhet, the best kept secret of Kumaon Region is a perfect tourists destination in Uttarakhand. Today, Ranikhet may have become a bit commercialized; though the town has not forgotten to be charming. It still remains blanketed with the nature’s best and call out the weary souls seeking nothing but rest and tranquility.
Best time to Visit: Ranikhet is an all-season destination, where the temperature ranges between -3 °C and 22 °C. Still, if you want to experience the best of the destination, you can look for a package during April to September, when the climate is pleasant and is open for most of the activities.
Auli
An international level ski tourism destination, Auli is blessed with jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan mountains that encircle and make it look like an impeccable fairytale land where you can enjoy adventure activities to your heart’s content. In the summer, Auli becomes a place to bask in the warm sun and create a bond with nature. It is also a base to few winter as well summer treks that are both exhilarating and alluring, a combination that no adventure lover can resist.
Best time to Visit: The ideal time to visit this ski destination is the winter season where you will be surely mesmerized by the snow crystals spread all over the place and can, of course, relish the best skiing experience. Other seasons like summer and monsoon are perfect to pack your essentials for sightseeing tours in Auli.
Joshimath
Joshimath also known as Jyotirmath is the winter seat of Lord Badri, and thus is reckoned to be a sacred place in Uttarakhand. Situated in the Chamoli District, Joshimath is where one of the four ‘Maths’ were established by the Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th-century. It is here in Joshimath that one also has the opportunity to witness the sacred Kalpvriksha, which is said to be 1200 years old. The city is also dotted with a number of temples like Narsimha and Gaurishankar that witness arrival of a lot of devotees. Therefore, inarguably, this city in Uttarakhand is amongst the most important destinations for Hindu pilgrimage tour.
Best time to Visit: As Joshimath is situated in Chamoli, a district in the mountainous region, it experiences moderate summers and chilly winter season. For those who want to witness snow must travel to this place in winters, whereas in summers, this city is full of opportunities for trekking, camping, sightseeing and much more.
Almora
The land of Chittai Golu Temple and Nanda Devi, and Bal Mithai and Singauri, Almora is a perfect reflection of Uttarakhand’s rich culture and traditions. Encompassing scenic holiday destinations like Ranikhet and Binsar, this district is a getaway you have been looking for. Come here for an unsurpassed spiritual experience, gastronomic treat and a rendezvous with pristine nature and humble people.
Best time to Visit: Almora can be visited any time of the year, thanks to its moderate elevation. However, the autumn and winter months are more than perfect time to plan a trip to any part of the district. In the summer months, places like Ranikhet and Kausani can be visited in the district to get respite from the heat.
