Uttarakhand

Surrounded by mountain peaks and Himalayan plains, Uttarakhand is arguably the most versatile tourist destination of India. It attracts thousands of tourists from around the world and is known for its great natural beauty and pleasant weather. Uttarakhand has something for everyone; whether you are a solo traveller, on your honeymoon, or holidaying with family, you will never get bored.

Also known ‘Dev Bhoomi’, Uttarakhand is home to some important Hindu shrines, including the temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath. This aspect attracts numerous pilgrims to the state. But Uttarakhand tourism is not only about temples and yoga ashrams. There’s much more to the state than you can ever imagine.

It has been a favoured choice for travellers from around the world, who visit this mighty land every year to attain salvation for a life transforming experience. Here, you can easily satiate all your adventurous desires; be it flying like a bird, cruising through the strenuous rapids of the Ganges, trekking to some of the fascinating peaks, skiing through some of the picturesque slopes and enchanting destinations, enjoy the longest cable-car ride in India and much more. In short, Uttarakhand is a dream destination for all.

Geography

Uttarakhand, in its entirety, is a place of saga and folklores in combination with picturesquely beautiful mountain landscapes. It also boasts of the second highest peak, Nanda Devi, with a whopping elevation of 7,816 m. Its marked terrains are covered with impassioned peaks accompanied by soul stirring freshwaters and rivers. Located on the Bhagirathi River, the Tehri dam (with a height of 261 m) is the highest dam in India. This location is fast growing into a hub for a number of water sports. Your Tourism in Uttarakhand would remain incomplete without visiting the spectacular pilgrimage sites that are situated on the elevated hitchhiking trudges.

Highlights of Uttarakhand

1. Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 by the name of Hailey National park and one of the oldest national parks in India. After independence the park was named as Ramnagar National Park but in 1956 it was renamed after Jim Corbett- He was the great hunter who played a major role in the establishment of the National Park. The National park is popular for the Royal Bengal Tiger present in the sanctuary. The area came under project tiger in 1971.

2. Nainital

This famous Uttarakhand tourist town is set in serene surroundings and is blessed by beautiful lakes. A popular hill station, Nainital has an abundance of lakes and greenery, which make it a hit with honeymooners. It is bordered by the Himalayas on three sides, which offers a range of excursion options to adventure enthusiasts. One can also enjoy boating and cable car rides, or visit the sacred Naina Devi Temple.

3. Mussoorie

The lush Green hills, Beautiful flora and funa, Majestic view of the Shivalik range and the Doon valley attracts the tourists to visit for Mussoorie. Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state and known as a "Queen of the hills". Located about 35km from Dehradun and 290 km from Delhi at an elevation of 2005 mts above the sea level. It is also known as the gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri. Mussoorie has several interesting tourist palce like The Mall, Cloud's end in the west to rockville in the east. Gun hill is the second highest peak of Mussoorie offered the panoramic view of the himalayan range from here. At a distance of 6 km from Mussoorie is a beautiful Jharioani Fall is situated. Childer's lodge is the highest peak while the highest point is the Lal Tibba of Mussoorie offered excelent view of the Snow capped Himalayans. Kempty fall is the must visited location of Mussoorie, situated at a distance of 15km from Mussoorie on the way to Yamunotri at an elevation of 4500 ft above the sea level. Mini Appu Ghar and the Skating rink at Kulri Bazar are perfact for families and Kids. Wild life sanctuary is good options for Nature lovers. Trekking and horse riding are the popular Adventures activities doing at Mussoorie.

4. Badrinath

Badrinath as the name defines; it is the most famous spiritual townships of the Hindus situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated site for Lord Vishnu which is known as Badri Vishal in Badrinath. It is most significant site among Char Dham in India. The Spiritual Township is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters above sea level on the left bank of Alakananda River.

5. Kedarnath

The most remote of the four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, about 3584m above sea level near the head of river Mandakini, and is flanked by breath taking snow-capped peaks. Kedarnath Temple hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples, the Kedarnath Temple, and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims from all over the world, being one of the four major sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. Kedarnath Yatra is named after King Kedar who ruled in the Satya Yuga. He ruled the seven continents and was a very saintly king. He had a daughter named Vrinda who was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She performed austerities for 60000 years. Because of her, the land is named Vrindavan.

6. Rishikesh

Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of the World". Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and one of the holiest places for Hindus.

7. Auli

Auli is a popular skiing destination in India because of its glittering slopes and clean environment. Dotted with apple orchards, oaks and deodars, Auli is a popular hill town with numerous ski resorts situated amidst the Himalayan range. Located at 2800 meters above sea levels, it is home to mountain ranges of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet. Many religious destinations are also scattered around Auli. It is believed that Shankracharya had blessed Auli with his visit.

8. Haridwar

Haridwar, considered to be among the seven holiest cities in India, is an ancient city located on the banks of River Ganga in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Dotted with temples, ashrams and narrow lanes across the city, Haridwar is a famous Hindu temple town where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy Ganges. It's believed that taking a dip in the holy Har Ki Pauri relieves you of all your sins.

9. Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. This is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas. Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks.

10. Dehradun

The capital city sits pretty at the feet of the Himalayan mountain ranges, offering worm-eye views of the stunning peaks and unfiltered stretches of blue sky. With the caress of the Ganga to the east, and the Yamuna to the west, Dehradun is protected in a prayerful bubble. As you would expect from a city located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun abounds in caves, waterfalls and natural springs.

Shopping

Some of the best things to buy during your tour to Uttarakhand include- unique handmade accessories and gems, various woodcrafts, woollen articles and Gharwali paintings from Dehradun (Connaught place, Ashley hall, Rajpur and Gandhi road). Thereafter, moving towards Haridwar (one of Uttarakhand’s holiest city), everything here is known for having a sacred feel. When here, do not forget to get your hands on Rudraksh pendants, beaded jewellery, idols of gods and goddesses in varied varieties, Jholas and more.

While doing shopping in Uttarakhand, do not miss handmade candles, colourful lac bangles, fresh apples, cherries, mulberries and strawberries of Nainital. You will get the freshest of fruits from the markets of Nainital.

Cuisine

Simple, yet sumptuous - Uttarakhand’s cuisine. Meticulous care goes into ensuring that the food is not only tasty but aesthetic too. Everything that is prepared is authentic, well balanced and nutritious. Varied lentils and a variety of flowers are quintessential Uttarakhand ingredients. You must try Aloo ke gutke (potatoes cooked with roasted spices and served with fried bread and yogurt), Chainsoo (roasted lentils cooked on a slow fire) and Jhangore ki kheer (barnyard millet cooked with milk, sugar and garnished with dry fruits).

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand

March to April and mid-September to mid-October are considered as the Best time to visit Uttarakhand. Trekking, Paragliding and The Char Dham Yatra are the most popular activities during Summer, which is also the Peak Season in Uttarakhand. While winters from November through February are perfect for rafting in Rishikesh and wildlife spotting in Jim Corbett National Park. Some parts of Uttarakhand like Mussoorie and Nainital experience snowfall. Although an all year round destination, it is not advisable to visit Uttarakhand during peak monsoons in July and August.

How to reach Uttarakhand

By Road

An intricate network of road ways weaves through the state, offering accessibility to neighbouring states. Highways such as NH 108, NH 109, NH 119, NH 121, NH 123 and NH 72A, will ensure that you are spoilt for choice. Should you choose Uttarakhand’s efficient bus service or a taxi, you will be blessed with picturesque views.

By Rail

The Uttarakhand railway department has opened up connections for tourists, maintaining as many as 16 stations which link the state to hubs such as Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata, to name a few. Furthermore, there are railway stations in Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam, Rudrapur, Tanakpur, and Pantnagar, that ensure ease of travel within and from outside the state.

By Air

To fly into and out of Uttarakhand, you can avail of Pantnagar Airport in the Kumaon district, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh. Of the 3, Jolly Grant is well connected.