Uttarakhand is a beautiful state located in the northern part of India, surrounded by the Himalayas. It is a popular destination among tourists from all over the world for its breathtaking natural beauty, serene environment, and religious significance. Uttarakhand offers a wide range of destinations, from hill stations to pilgrimage sites. In this article, we will be discussing the 11 best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
1. Introduction
Uttarakhand is a state that boasts of pristine natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. The state is home to some of the most beautiful hill stations, pilgrimage sites, and national parks in India. Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi, which means the land of the gods. The state is surrounded by the Himalayas, making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts.
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2. Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is also known as the “Queen of Hill Stations” and is a popular destination among tourists. Mussoorie offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. Some of the popular attractions in Mussoorie are Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Lal Tibba.
3. Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is known for its serene environment and picturesque views of the Naini Lake. Nainital is a popular destination among tourists for its pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes. Some of the popular attractions in Nainital are Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, and Eco Cave Gardens.
4. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a spiritual destination located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is a popular destination among tourists for its serene environment and religious significance. Rishikesh is also known for adventure sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, and camping. Some of the popular attractions in Rishikesh are Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, and Ram Jhula.
5. Haridwar
Haridwar is a religious destination located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance. Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. Some of the popular attractions in Haridwar are Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple.
6. Auli
Auli is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its skiing slopes and is a popular destination among adventure enthusiasts. Auli offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is also known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. Some of the popular attractions in Auli are Auli Artificial Lake, Joshimath, and Nanda Devi National Park.
7. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is a popular destination among wildlife enthusiasts. It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is the oldest national park in India. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and more. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and elephant safaris to explore the park and spot the wildlife. The park also offers opportunities for bird watching and nature walks.
8. Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is a beautiful destination located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its scenic beauty and the wide variety of flowers that bloom here. The park is open from June to October, and visitors can witness the beautiful flowers in full bloom during this time. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and more.
9. Badrinath
Badrinath is a popular pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham sites in India and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built in the 8th century. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, making it a popular destination among tourists as well.
10. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is another popular pilgrimage site located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is also one of the four Char Dham sites in India and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 8th century. Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, making it one of the highest temples in India.
11. Gangotri
Gangotri is a popular pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is the source of the river Ganges and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is believed to have been built in the 18th century. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is a state that offers something for everyone. From beautiful hill stations to religious sites and national parks, there are plenty of destinations to explore in this beautiful state. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a spiritual seeker, Uttarakhand has something to offer for everyone.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand? The best time to visit Uttarakhand is from March to June and from September to November.
- Are there any adventure sports activities in Uttarakhand? Yes, Uttarakhand offers a wide range of adventure sports activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, skiing, and more.
- What is the distance between Mussoorie and Nainital? The distance between Mussoorie and Nainital is around 330 km.
- What are the popular national parks in Uttarakhand? Some of the popular national parks in Uttarakhand are Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, and Nanda Devi National Park.
- What are the four Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand? The four Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.