Escape the Crowds: 10 Hidden Gems in Uttarakhand for a Peaceful Getaway

Uttarakhand, the beautiful state in India, is bordered by Nepal and Tibet. It has Garhwal region in the north and Kumaon in the south. The Dev Bhoomi boasts of Himalayan peaks and numerous hill stations, pilgrimage sites, lakes, caves, valleys, forests and waterfalls. Cultural ethos, water sports, camping, skiing, and wildlife tours are among the top places to visit in Uttarakhand.

The best tourist places in Uttarakhand include Char Dham, Badrinath, Haridwar, Mukteshwar, and other ancient sites. For adventure lovers, Uttarakhand tourism has in store lesser-known destinations like Mount Abbott, Kalap, Chakrata, Lansdowne, etc. along with the famous Uttarakhand tourist places like Dehradun, Auli, Mussoorie, Nainital, etc. Among the famous places in Uttarakhand National parks in Uttarakhand also needs a special mention.

How To Reach Uttarakhand

When you are visiting the Himalayan state, how to reach Uttarakhand can be one discussion-worthy question. Roadways are the best way to explore the beautiful hilly land as the road connectivity is available both intrastate and interstate. Uttarakhand also has a few airports and railway stations. To plan your Uttarakhand travel guide read the different routes to reach this mesmerising hill station.

Airways: The primary airport in Uttarakhand is Jolly Grant Airport situated in Dehradun. Another important airport is Pantnagar Airport, located in the Kumaon Region.

Railways: Uttarakhand railways has railway stations that connect the state with Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, and several other major cities in India. Out of all the railway stations, Haridwar, Kathgodam, Rudrapur, Dehradun, and Pantnagar are the railway stations that make travelling by train easier.

Roadways: Roadways provide the best connectivity in Uttarakhand. Highways like NH 108, 109, 119, 121, 123 and 72A connect the state with the rest of the country. Uttarakhand state offers superior bus accessibility. Taxis are also operational to most destinations in the state.

Also Read: Best of Uttarakhand National Parks

Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

The Land of God has many great attractions to its name. Among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand include:

#1 Haridwar

It is the city most people visit while touring North India. It is said that Lord Shiva released Ganga from his locks and into this city. The ancient city is most famous for the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, which is organised every 12 years. Lakhs of followers, pilgrims and tourists visit Haridwar every year to take a dip in Ganga and clean themselves of sin.

#2 Uttarkashi

It is largely visited for its religious relevance. Uttarkashi houses two out of the total four holy shrines in Hindu mythology. Apart from its religious significance, the place is also blessed with remarkable natural beauty. There are many possibilities for trekking and related adventure activities. Also, the place has lakes in large numbers. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand!

#3 Landour

Landour is unexplored but one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. While it is a bit far away, you can reach Landour from Mussoorie. If you like a calm and serene environment, you'll love Landour.

#4 Kalap

It is a tiny village, which is only accessible by foot—the reason why it is one of the most unexplored places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is situated in the upper Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Kalap is an excellent place to get away from your busy lives and it is a bliss to have experienced the simplicity of Kalap's village life. You can even go trekking here!

#5 Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, surrounded by Doon Valley. It houses many natural springs, caves, waterfalls and trekking trails. The town has an astonishing architectural display and observes a pleasant climate all year round. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

#6 Bhimtal

The town has a group of seven lakes amidst lush greenery and pleasing views. The beautiful lakes of Bhimtal are – Naldaymanti Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Lakshman Tal, Bharat Tal, Sukha Tal, and Panna Tal.

#7 Kanatal

A beautiful village in Mussoorie, Kanatal sits on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. The village offers views of green and brown pine forests, and Shivalik Mountain Range.

#8 Munsiyari

Munsiyari is a little town surrounded by huge mountains in Pithoragarh district. It is a heaven for mountaineers and trekkers that offers various opportunities. The trek to Khalia Top and the much longer Milam Glacier Trek starts from Munsiyari. The town has a Tribal Heritage Museum filled with artifacts worth exploring.

#9 Jim Corbett National Park

It is one of India's most famous national parks named after the conservationist, Jim Corbett. This national park in uttarakhand has dense forests with lively wildlife. Jeep and elephant safaris take place daily in the mornings as well as the afternoons and you can spot so many amazing animals. The Dhikala zone in the park offers exemplary valley views for the nature-lovers to enjoy. It provides you with the best chance of animal sightings. Corbett National Park is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

#10 Binsar

Binsar is situated in a wildlife sanctuary. While the place comes under the not-much-explored category, it offers majestic views of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Nanda Kot, and Chaukhambha.

Also Read: 6 Places to Visit in Auli in Uttarakhand 

#11 Chakrata

Like most other destinations of Uttarakhand, Chakrata is also famous for the beauty of the hills and serenity they offer. The quaint hills and the music of birds chirping in the background makes Chakrata a dream destination.

#12 Rudraprayag

The town is located at the confluence of Rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is one of the sacred places of the Panch Prayags, meeting of 5 sacred rivers in India. The quaint little town does hold spiritual vibes and a beautiful charm to its name.

#13 Rishikesh

The city in Uttarakhand is famous as a centre for Yoga and mediation. It is located precisely in the foothills of the Himalayas with river Ganga flowing endlessly through it. While in Rishikesh, visit Swarg Ashram, an enclave built for use by everyone. Among the places to visit in Uttarakhand, do not miss Rishikesh.

#14 Bhowali

Bhowali is a little hill station located between Nainital and Bhimtal. The village offers fantastic views of hills and is the best place to unwind.

#15 Auli

Auli has a three-kilometre long slope, chairlift, gondola, and ski lift. Auli has skiing, and the conditions for it are best in the first three months of the year. A good snowfall is a must to enjoy skiing. You can trek at the Kuari Pass trailhead, the trail of which passes through Nanda Devi National Park.

#16 Char Dham

The place is considered as the spiritual source of four rivers: the Yamuna, the Ganges, the Mandakini, and the Alaknanda. A pilgrimage to Char Dham is deemed to be very auspicious.

#17 The Valley of Flowers National Park

The national park is a popular trekking destination that comes alive during monsoon. It has around 300 distinct varieties of alpine flowers.

#18 Chopta

It is one of the least explored smaller settlements in the Himalayas is Chopta. It is the base point for famous treks to Tungnath and Chandrashilla. Trekking is the most preferred thing to do in Chopta. Through the hamlet's Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhambha peaks, view the fantastic vistas of mountains.

#19 Mussoorie

Mussoorie offers terrific views of the Himalayas. The city is home to several hills, lakes, and temples. In Mussoorie, you can ride on a cable car to Gun Hill, have an excellent time at Kempty Falls, ride a horse to Lal Tibba, or partake in a nature walk on Camel's Back Road.

#20 Nainital

It is regarded as one popular holiday destination for families and couples alike. The city is nestled among beautiful peaks and offers a scenic getaway to everyone who visits it. As the city has many different lakes, it is also known by the name of 'Lake District of India'. The lake city has scenic attractions like Naina Peak, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Eco Cave Gardens, and Snow View.

#21 Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is about a two hours journey from Mussoorie. While it is not a big tourist destination, it is the best place to visit for people looking for a peaceful weekend getaway from Delhi. It is an apt scenic tourist place for family trips.

Things To Do In Uttarakhand

There are various kinds of things to do in Uttarakhand like:

#1 Dive in the sceneries of Kanatal

Kanatal is a six to seven hours drive from Delhi. The charming area is located amidst dense forests of Garhwal district. The place has nature in abundance with complete greenery in the surroundings.

#2 Enjoy bird seeing at Pangot

You can visit the beautiful Pangot after visiting Nainital. The place is thirty minutes away from Nainital. Bird seeing is the main activity in this area. Bird species of more than 150 types can be seen in Pangot. The place attracts wildlife photographers in abundance.

#3 Participate in rock climbing at Mukteshwar 

Situated on top of the hills of Kumain, Mukteshwar is well-known for its Lord Mahadeva temple. The temple is scenic and beautiful, and the views of Himalayas from it is exemplary. You can enjoy both rappelling and rock climbing, some of the best things to do in Uttarakhand at Chauli-ki-Jali. It is famous for its hanging cliffs from where you can take in the fantastic view of the valley. Trek in the woods early in the morning at Mukteshwar for a better experience.

#4 Trek in Auli

If you have come to Uttarakhand for adventure sports, start your journey from Auli. Trekking in Auli-Kuari and Auli-Badrinath pass trek is a must in Uttarakhand. Also, enjoy skiing on the slopes coated with Oak and Deodar forests in Winter. January is the best time to visit Uttarakhand for this activity.

#5 Mount Abbott

The area is rich with pine and deodar forests and offers a beautiful view of Himalayas. Again, a fantastic church is constructed among the thick forest. Mount Abbott is a perfect place for photography, trekking, and bird watching.

Best Time To Visit Uttarakhand

The two periods deemed as the best time to visit Uttarakhand are March to April and mid-September to mid-October. Activities like trekking and paragliding are most prevalent during March and April.

The perfect time to do rafting in Rishikesh is from November to February. Visit Jim Corbett National Park during that time for the best wildlife experience. Cities like Mussoorie and Nainital experience snowfall. It is not advisable to visit Uttarakhand during monsoon season.