The name Uttarakhand literary means the region lying in the north. The state of Uttarakhand lies to the north of the Indian Subcontinent and is one of the best tourists attracted states in India. This state is famous for many Hindu pilgrim destinations and is visited by a huge number of pilgrims every year. Other than pilgrim destinations, the state is home to several magnificent tourist attractions including the misty Himalayas, archaeological sites, enchanting scenic beauties, historical monuments, heritage sites, and the oldest wildlife sanctuary in the Indian subcontinent. Visiting this state will definitely give you eternal bliss and memorable experiences.
Major Cities in Uttarakhand
Almora: The city of Almora is one of the oldest known cities in Uttarakhand. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination of this state. Present in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the city is well-known for several rare species of flora. The town of Almora is surrounded by a thick forest of pine and fir trees and has an awesome scenic beauty. One also gets to see the magnificent view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from this place. Some of the major tourist attractions here include Jageshwar Temple, Binsar Temple, Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple, Chitai Temple, Manila Devi, Katarmal Sun Temple, and Kasar Devi Temple. Apart from temples, the other scenic attractions of this region include Bright End Corner, Deer Park, and Simtola.
Bageshwar: Also known as the “Adobe of Gods”, Bageshwar is one of the major pilgrim destinations in Uttarakhand. The unique location of this town with Suraj Kund in the north, Agni Kund in the south, Bhileswar and Nileshwar mountains on the east and west, and the confluence of two famous rivers Saryu and Gomti have made this place divine. This place also attracts a huge number of adventure lovers, as it is the gateway to Pindari, Kafni, and Sunderdhunga glaciers. The major attractions of this place include Baijnath Temple (lying 26 kilometres from Bageshwar; the place is home to several ancient holy temples), Chandika Temple (dedicated to Goddess Chandika, the temple lies 1.5 kilometres from Bageshwar), Gauri Udiyar (an enormous cave situated around 8 kilometres from Bageshwar), Vijaypur (a high elevated point gives an awesome panoramic view of snowcapped Himalayas), and Kanda.
Nainital: This is one of the famous and highly tourist attracted hill stations in Uttarakhand. Nainital lies around 6350 feet above sea level and comprises three mountains including the Naina, Deopatha, and Ayarpatha. The hill station has a huge number of picturesque destinations that attract its tourist to visit this place again and again. Some of the major tourists attracted destinations here include Naina Lake (base point for tourism in Nainital), Naina Peak (awesome view of snow grabbing Himalayan ranges), Naina Devi Temple (dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi), Sher-Ka-Danda Hill (a ropeway that takes you to the hilltop and gives an awesome view of Nanda-Devi, Trisul, and Nanda Kot pecks), and Kilburi Hills (the peaceful area from where one get a bird’s eye view of Naina Lake). The other attractions here include Cave Garden, Ropeway of Nainital, Bhimtal Lake, and Naukuchia Lake.
Pithoragarh: Also known as the “Miniature Kashmir”, the city of Pithoragarh is one of the major tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. Pithoragarh is highly attracted by a huge number of mountaineers, trekkers, pilgrims, botanists, and adventure seekers and a large number of tourists visit this place every year. Some of the major tourist attractions here include the Pithoragarh Fort (a fort built by Gorkhas in 1789), Chandak (well-known for the famous temple Mosta Manu), Kapilleshwar Mahadev (a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva), Dhwaj Temple (a picturesque view of Himalayas and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti), Thal Kedar (one of the famous temples in Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Shiva), and the Askot Sanctuary (home of snow leopards, monals, tahra, Himalayan Black Bears, snow cocks, chirs, chukors, etc.).
Dehradun: The city is the capital of Uttarakhand and is one of the most enchanting places to visit in India. Dehradun is considered one of the most ancient places and is mentioned in many ancient scripts and literature. Some of the major tourist attracted places in Dehradun include Tapkeshwar Temple (one of the ancient temples), Sahasra Dhara (impressive combination of caves and thousandfold stream), Rajaji National Park (one of the finest ecological reserves in Northern India), and Chandrabani (situated around seven kilometres from Dehradun is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims). The other attractions here include Malsi Deer Park, Kalanga monument, Laxman Siddh, Guchhupani, Tapovan, and many more.
Haridwar: The city of Haridwar is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims and is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. The town is rich in discrete wildlife, nature, archaeological sites, historical monuments, and rich heritage sites. Some of the major attractions here include Har-ki-Pauri (holiest spot for Hindus and an ancient bathing ghat), Sati Kund (heritage site), Daksheswara Mahadev Temple (ancient temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev), Maya Devi Temple (mythological story depicts that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen here), Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sarovar (an ashram and a site where the river Ganga splits itself into seven currents), Bhimgoda Tank (myths say Bhima had drawn water from the rocks by shoving his knee into the ground), and Chandi Devi Temple (temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi). The other attractions include Mansa Devi Temple, Piran Kaliyar, Ram Mandir, and Shantikunj.
Mussoorie: An awesome hill station situated in the Dehradun district is one of the most magnificent places worth visiting in Uttarakhand. The town has rich flora and fauna and some of the most captivating landscapes. Some of the major tourist attracted destinations in Mussoorie include the Gun Hill (highest point in Mussoorie), Lake Mist (also known as the queen of hills and has the Kempty river flowing here giving rise to several small waterfalls), Mussoorie Lake (a lake that also provides an enchanting view of Doon Valley), and Bhatta Falls (a waterfall worth seeing). The other attractions here include Jharipani Falls, Mossy Falls, Sir George Everest’s House, Nag Devta Temple, Jwalaji Temple, Benog Hill, and the Van Chetna Kendra.
Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Uttarakhand
Kedarnath: Situated in the Garhwal Himalayan range, Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Several scripts depict that the temple was built by the Pandavas in order to get rid of their sins. However, the older temple is said to be rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple of Kedarnath is one amongst the twelve jyotirlingas of Hindu Lord Shiva, thus making this place one of the most important pilgrim destinations for Hindus. The Kedarnath Temple is, however, open only between April and autumn full moon, as the winters here are unbearable.
Badrinath: The place is famous for a temple dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu and is situated in the hill town of Badrinath. The place is a major pilgrim destination as the temple is one of the four holiest temples according to the Hindu scriptures. The main deity worshipped is the one-meter tall statue of Lord Vishnu named Bhadrinarayan, which is made up of the Black Shaligram Stone. The temple of Badrinath is open only between the months of April end to the beginning of November due to extreme weather conditions here. Thus, plan your trip to this place in these months to avoid any inconvenience.
Gangotri: The town of Gangotri is one of the major pilgrim destinations and is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. The temple of Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is considered the source of the river Ganga. This is one of the worth visiting destinations in Uttarakhand and is one of the Char Dham destinations. The best time to visit this temple is between the last week of April to the first week of November. The other attractions here include the Gangotri National Park, Joshimath, Tapovan, Bhavishya Badri, and the Gangotri Glacier. A visit to this temple will give you utter happiness.
Yamunotri: Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the temple of Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna. The actual temple of Yamunotri is inaccessible by road and one needs to trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti to reach this place. On the way to this temple, one gets to experience the picturesque view, awesome valleys and several waterfalls. The temple is open only between the last week of April to the first week of November.
The state of Uttarakhand is one of the best and most divine places to visit in India. Other than the places mentioned above, the state is also famous for the Corbett National Park, which is the oldest wildlife sanctuary in India.
