Uttrakhand is a fascinating blend of natural beauty and divine splendor with a bit of spicy adventure thrown into the mix. This is a rare combination that is hard to replicate. Uttarkhand, however, manages to become perfect in its diversity.
Uttarakhand is caressed lovingly by sparkling rivers that originate from the proud and mighty mountains of the Himalayas. It is home to enchanting meadows that are overrun by wild flowers splashing the areas with every color of the rainbow. Gorgeous lakes reflect the glory of the heavens here. Places like Nainital and Kausani are gifts from bountiful Mother Nature. The wilds of the Corbett National Park roar in delight proclaiming the natural heritage of Uttarakhand.
In the midst of this entrancing beauty, it is only natural that you feel spiritual. That is why, Uttrakhand is also home to some of the most important religious sites of Hinduism. The temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath fulfill that spiritual need for prayer while bneing surrounded by the glory of nature. In Uttarakhand, you will find temples in some of the most incredible vistas possible.
However, Uttarakhand does not only offer you spiritual solace or a feast to satisfy your hunger for nature. It can quench your thirst for adventure. Go on treks across the mesmerizing hills or climb up some mountains. You can challenge the fury of the rivers of the mountains through white water rafting. If you want something a bit more relaxing, you go for skiing across the snowy slopes.
Divinity and natural beauty become merged together in Uttarakhand creating an experience that gets better every time you visit
The majestic volcanic lake nestled in the lap of the Kumaon Hills is going to stun you as soon as you lay your eyes on it. It is rightfully called the Lake District of India. If you love nature, you are going to have the time of your life here. If you do not love nature, you are going to become a nature lover after soaking in the numbing beauty of Nainital. The main lake here called Naini has given its name to the city and the district. However, there are many incredibly scenic lakes dotting the region close by. Dense emerald forests reflect their verdant beauty on the glittering blue waters of the lake while the majestic mountains look on proudly. Mother Nature has blossomed powerfully in the mystical land called Nainital. The magical atmosphere of Nanital provides the perfect escapade from the hectic life of cities. In Nainital, you can relax in the bountiful arms of nature meditating or simply ruminating about the beauty that surrounds you. The place is seemingly divine in its grandeur and will delight you completely.
Naini Lake
Eco Cave Gardens
Naina Peak
Nainital Zoo
Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiffin Top
The small town of Binsar hosts some incredible sights for you to revel in. A verdant carpet surrounds the town as tall trees grow in close proximity to create dense forests. These forests of deodar, oak, pine and rhododendron trees hide some exotic riches of nature.The majesty of the Himalayan Mountains can be experienced from Binsar. Some famous peaks of this range are visible from the town. They are Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Panchchuli. Inside the town, you will find wild flowers growing almost everywhere imaginable. The beauty of these wild flowers is only a small glimpse of the rich flora that the region is blessed with. The immense wildlife sanctuary looms large over the townscape trying to entice you with its rich hidden treasures of nature.
The sleepy hamlet of Binsar is a paradise of exotic nature. Scented orchards and glittering mountain streams sit languidly near verdant meadows creating a fascinating sight. Take a trek into this paradise and experience nature at its finest.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bineswar temple
Kasar Devi Temple
The beautiful city of Pithoragarh is located in a small science valley. This has lent it the nickname of little Kashmir. Ancient history has found its place against the timeless appeal of nature. In fact, it seems that someone has deliberately created a miniature version of Kashmir inside Uttarakhand. Some incredible panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains can be found here.
Pithoragarh Fort
Chandak
Thal Kedar
Askot Sanctuary
Jhulaghat
Ralam Glacier
The beauty of Mussoorie rivals that of Nainital. This spectacular hill station offers some of the most romantic sights you can lay your eyes on.In cold mornings, a light mist hangs over Mussoorie creating an enigmatic atmosphere. As the mist is removed like the veil of a shy bride, Mother Nature is there to surprise you. The magnificently verdant Doon valley stretches to the snowy peaks of the Himalayan Mountains.
Established in the colonial era by the British, Mussoorie quickly rose through the ranks to become a premier destination for tourists. As you take a walk through its lovely streets, you will understand why. The old world charm of the city merges perfectly with the natural splendor of the area.
Kempty Falls
Mussoorie Lake
Jwalaji Temple
Jharipani Falls
Sir George Everest’s House
Bhatta Falls
Mussoorie Adventure Park
One of the holiest cities of the Hindus, Badrinath offers an unforgettable spectacle to the visitor. It is cocooned in the arms of hills while a spiritual aura emanates from its holy sites.
The Narayan and the Nar hill ranges of the Garhwal Hills embrace the town of Badrinath lovingly as proud parents are fond of doing. The scenic Alaknanda River makes its way by the town. The city is a gateway to spirituality. Filled with fascinating vistas and a rich heritage, Badrinath is at once, a divine and a beautiful city.
The Alaknanda and the Rishi Ganga rivers enhance the picturesque beauty of Badrinath and make it look majestic. In the midst of the natural beauty, you can indulge in adventure. There are quite a few exciting activities here to quench your thirst for adventure.
Badrinath Temple
Hot Springs
Neelkanth Peak
Charanpaduka
The spectacular Kausani lies on top of a ridge and covered with forests. The charming place is endowed with properties of rejuvenation. The beautiful panoramic views offered by Kausani give you a fresh perspective on life as you ponder over the snowy peaks in the distance.At a height of nearly 1890m, the scenic hill station offers a vibrant picture of nature. The natural beauty of the region is simply mesmerizing. Here, you can stare into the immense expanses of the Himalayan mountain ranges for hours and still not get bored. The impressive views leave nothing else to be desired as you get clear views of some major and famous peaks such as the Nanda Devi. You are going to be astounded when you see them.
At the same time, the lush Someshwar valley stretches before you like a verdant panorama. A trek or two through the verdant hilly landscape is going to bring to your notice the beautiful gems of nature Kausani has been blessed with. The contemplative nature of the place inspired Mahatma Gandhi to compose his treatise on the Bhagavad Gita called Anasakti Yoga.
Rudradhari Falls and Caves
Lakshmi Ashram
Anasakti Ashram
Baijnath Temple
Kausani Tea Estate
Mukteshwar is a mesmerizing blend of spirituality and natural splendor. The beauty of nature here is wrapped in a soulful atmosphere.The peaceful town of Mukteshwar will enchant you with the fantastic surroundings. The town gets its name from Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu myths, Lord Shiva has the power to provide salvation, known in Sanskrit as Moksha, to his devotees. The entrancing beauty of the region seems to create the prefect location for salvation.
The close association of nature with the town goes a long way back. It was a time when the citizens of this area were living in abject terror due to the man-eaters that roamed around without restraint. It was the legendary hunter, Jim Corbett, who came to the rescue. Of course he later became a great conservationist as well. He did not forget Mukteshwar however and mentioned it in his famous book, ‘The Man-eaters of Kumaon’.
The colonial era charm has not been lost in this serene town. You can still feel the charm through the ancient window frames and red roofs of the buildings. The tall coniferous forests speak of the enchanting walks you are missing out on.
The holy city of Haridwar is located right at the spot where the majestic River Ganga leaves the embrace of the Himalayan Mountains for the plains. It is not only the most sacred city in Uttarakhand but also India.
Haridwar is one of the most sacred sites of the Hindus and the religion has irrevocably shaped the culture and the beauty of the area. Home to hundreds of temples, the city reverberates with the entrancing music created by chants, prayers and bells at prayer times. Every evening, the banks of the River Ganga get lit up with thousands of flickering flames during the evening prayers. The tranquil waters reflect the shining yellow lights creating a mesmerizing sight.
Har Ki Pauri
Chandi Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple
Vishnu Ghat
Maya Devi Temple
Pavan Dham
Vaishno Devi Temple
There is no shortage of natural beauty in Uttarakhand. However, the splendor of Mother Nature in Auli is going to make your jaw drop at least a few times. The incredible beauty of the natural landscapes is perfectly complimented by the presence of exciting ski resorts.
The snowy slopes of the Himalayan Mountains embrace the natural miracle called Auli. Here, you are going to be captivated by the verdant lands fringed with oak trees. Dense forests of conifers invite you in for an enchanting trek. The scented apple orchards offer you a rejuvenating walk. In the distance you can marvel at the loftiness of the Nanda Devi, Kamat and Mana Paravat peaks.
Trishul Peak
Winter Ski Resort
Gangotri is the home of the great and majestic River Ganga. The journey of the incredibly rich river starts here at Gangotri.
The river Ganga is of utmost importance to the history of India as well its culture and economy. The source of all that glory lies here at Gangotri. The river Ganga also has a vital part in the mythology of the Hindus. This makes Gangotri a pretty religious place as well. The legend of the Ganga and Gangotri is tied to the myths. The Goddess Ganga transformed into a river to absolve the sins of the forefathers of King Bhagirath. That is why, the river is referred to as the Bhagirathi. It only becomes the Ganga after it has conquered the mountains and met the river Alaknanda.
At Gangotri, you get the chance to indulge your spirituality in one of the holiest spots of the Hindus.
Gaumukh Glacier
Submerged Shivling
Almora is adorned with a charming beauty that is hard to replicate. Often compared to Switzerland, Almora is a rare sight indeed. The tranquil cool air of the area is as refreshing as it washes over while you lie entranced in the scenic vista that spreads before you. The high mountains of the region are richly decorated with a verdant forest. It is simply luxurious. However, the spell of Almora lies in its quiet atmosphere. Meditation comes naturally here. In the serene silence that embraces you, you will find yourself drawn naturally into a contemplative mood. It is no wonder that Almora has been a center of cultural achievements and possesses a rich heritage. The great Swami Satyananda Saraswati was born here. Even the incomparable Swami Vivekananda stopped here during his Himalayan sojourn. The pristine surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to assimilate knowledge.
Bright End Corner
Katarmal Sun Temple
Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum
Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
Martola
Simtola
The paradisiac beauty of Munsiyari hides an adventurous streak. The borders of the neighboring countries of Tibet and Nepal are not too far from Munsiyari.The breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan Mountains only serves as a call. It calls you to experience nature much more closely. You can enjoy some incredible treks here. If you desire more excitement, you can enjoy a round of mountaineering. Skiing is another popular activity here. Other winter sports are available if your thirst for adventure is not quite quenched.
If your thirst is for natural splendor, then you have come to the right place. You will be able to experience the untamed beauty of glaciers. A lot of wild waterfalls and pristine lakes are to be found here as well. You will have a hard time being bored here.
Birthi Falls
Thamari Kund
Barkot
Nanda Devi Temple
Embraced by the hills of the lower Himalayas, Rishikesh is an amzing place. The River Ganga spreads her holy aura over the city. The cool atmosphere of the city is perfect for enjoying the scenic vistas and, of course, yoga.The verdant sceneries of Rishikesh are made all the more enjoyable by the cool winds that waft down from the majestic Himalayan Mountains. At the same time, the beauty of the generous River Ganga is breathtaking. In Rishikesh, you will be mesmerized by attractions of a different kind.
Rishikesh provides two very different sorts of activities for you to indulge in. Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy the exciting opportunities for white water rafting. On the other hand, if you wish to seek spiritualism, Rishikesh can provide it for you too. The city has become a haven for those wishing to practice and learn Yoga ever since the world famous musicians, The Beatles, visited Rishikesh in the 1960s. The exquisite background of the rushing waters and enigmatic forests is perfect for meditating and yoga.
Triveni Ghat
Laxman Jhula
Ram Jhula
Bharat Mandir
Gita Bhavan
Neelkantha Mahadev Temple
Shivpuri
The picturesque beauty of Chopta cannot be adequately conveyed through words. Snow covers the landscape like a fascinating blanket. In Chopta, you can stand and look at any direction. You will only see the blinding whiteness of the Himalayan Mountains. You can enjoy the view of the Trishul, the Chaukhamba and the Nanda Devi peaks from here.
Nature has not blessed Chopta solely with the glory of snow. There are incredible natural treasures here hidden in the snowy slopes. Flora and fauna thrive here in spite of the cold. Thick forests of deodar, rhododendron and pine cover its landscape adding a dash of green to the white background. Trekking is the favorite activity here and you can go for it if you wish to be closer to nature.
Tungnath Temple
The scenic place called Yamunotri is the home of the other great river in India, the Yamuna. The magnificent Yamuna is second in importance only to the Ganga in the role it has assumed in the history, culture and development of India.
Yamunotri holds a special importance to the Hindus as well for the river Yamuna is considered to be holy by them. The actual glacier from where the river originates may be inaccessible but the place is still a very holy one
However, the beauty of Yamunotri cannot be underestimated. It is stunning and fantastic. Cocooned by mountains on every side, Yamunotri has a plethora of incredible vistas and panoramas to offer. You can opt for trekking through the rough hills to get to the natural splendor of the area more closely. A more exciting activity can be rock climbing. The jagged rocky outcrops contrast perfectly with the lush dense forests here.
Surya Kund
The royal name of Ranikhet seems rather apt for the glorious beauty that Mother Nature has bestowed on it. Its name can be literally translated into ‘Queen’s Meadow’ and it lives up to its name.The spectacular natural beauty of the place is as close as you can get to perfection. It can bind you in an entrancing spell. The region is a musical orchestra with chirping birds leading the band. The intoxicating smell of multitudinous flowers will pull you in and destroy your eyes when they bloom in unison blinding you with all the colors of the spectrum. A trek can be dangerous in Ranikhet as you will be captured by the beauty of the region.
Yamunotri holds a special importance to the Hindus as well for the river Yamuna is considered to be holy by them. The actual glacier from where the river originates may be inaccessible but the place is still a very holy one
The fascinating landscape of Ranikhet is also perfect for some exciting adventure activities such as trekking. At the same time, the wild beauty of the region with a distinctly military atmosphere that hangs around the town. After all, Ranikhet is the home to the strong Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. There are some great places to see and enjoy when you are in Ranikhet.
Jhula Devi Temple
Chaubatia Orchard
Binsar Mahadev
Upat and Kalika
Mankameshwar Temple
Haidakhan Babaji Temple
Tiffin Top
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is a fascinating place. Rapidly growing into a modern large city, there are still charms of the colonial era that pop up when least expected. Nature has been at work here creating quite a few beautiful sights.The cool climate of Dehradun had attracted the attention of the British during the colonial period. They transformed the place into one of the most charming volleys in the region. They have left their mark quite indelibly in the beautiful place. You are bound to be stunned at the extravagant delights that Mother Nature has left for you in the scenic landscape.
You are going to be captivated by the singing streams, the deep ravines and the entrancing landscapes of the valleys. The intoxicating smell of fresh fruits wafts from the innumerable fruit orchards dotting the region. The city has also been endowed with manmade splendor in the form of historic buildings. These buildings date back to the era of the Raj and offer architectural styles to marvel at.
Sahastradhara
Robber’s Cave
Tapovan
Rajaji National Park
Malsi Deer Park
Mindrolling Monastery
Tiger Falls
Tapkeshawar Temple
Forest Research Institute
Counted among the holiest of places in India, Kedarnath is a place of many charms. Here you will find pilgrims coming to pray in the holy city. Others visit to enjoy the embrace of nature.
The Kedarnath Temple looms large over the city. The Mandakini River flows near the city adding to its already rich splendor. The divinity of the place would have been assured even without the temple. The natural beauty of Kedarnath is enough to make you weep in joy at the skills of the divine hand that created it.
The city of Kedarnath is mired in legends and Hindu mythology. Here you can hear some of the fascinating stories of the Hindu religion emanating from the streets and the walls of the city.
Kedarnath Temple
Chorabari Tal
Vasuki Tal
Shankaracharya Samadhi
