What Is Uttarakhand Famous For? Top 21 Popular Places & Things

Uttarakhand has countless offerings for its tourists. Also popular as “Devbhumi” or the land of Gods, this place is one of the most preferred locations for beginning one’s spiritual journey.

From astounding views of the Himalayas to diverse wildlife, there are a plethora of options to explore here. By the end of this article on what Uttarakhand is famous for, you will have enough information to choose your next holiday destination.

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List of Famous Places in Uttarakhand

Here is a list of all the major tourist attractions that Uttarakhand is well-known for:

1. Nainital

One of the popular getaways in Uttarakhand is Nainital. The main attraction of this place is the Naini Lake. Besides boating in this lake, you can also check out the gaming arcades, shop for souvenirs at a local store, or try some delicious momos. Moreover, this hill town was the summer retreat for the British rulers in pre-independent India.

2. Ranikhet

Another charming hill station in Uttarakhand is Ranikhet. It literally stands for "Queens Land” and the name syncs appropriately with this place. Moreover, here you can explore some of its famous trekking trails or even go camping. In addition, the panoramic views of the lush green forests, majestic mountains, and varied flora and fauna add up to form this heavenly abode.

3. Jim Corbett National Park

Uttarakhand is famous for the Jim Corbett National Park, previously known as Haley’s National Park. Tourists from all around India visit this park to catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tigers. Apart from tigers, this national park is also home to around 600 species of animals and birds. In addition, there are over 400 varieties of trees as well.

4. Dehradun and Mussoorie

These two famous tourist places in Uttarakhand are located nearby. With the view of the Himalayas and Ganga on either side, you get impeccable views from here. Some of the things you can do when you are in this city are visit the heritage antique shops or local handicraft stores, take a cable car to Gun Hill or ride a horse to Lal Tibba.

5. Rishikesh and Haridwar

The list of famous places in Uttarakhand is incomplete without Rishikesh and Haridwar. If these two places are compared, one can be claimed as the adventure capital while the other is a spiritual capital of India. Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga and a major hub for spiritual studies and practices. On the other hand, Haridwar is more popular as a pilgrimage site.

You will feel a different spiritual energy when you visit here. Things that are worth trying in these cities are, watching Ganga aarti, taking a dip in the Ganga, visiting ashrams and participating in adventure sports. In addition, a 3 to 4 days trip is enough to travel and explore these two places.

6. Almora

Some may not like visiting overly crowded places, instead, search for some offbeat places, then Almora can be a great option. Moreover, you can skip the scorching summer and immerse yourself in the amazing environment and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains.

Apart from that, the quaint and peaceful surroundings of Almora can be ideal for honeymoon couples and solo travellers. In addition, when staying at Almora, make the most of the natural settings, and go trekking or a photography walk.

7. Abbott Mount

Abbott Mount is spread over five acres of woods with just one church and thirteen cottages. Further, this dwarf hill station in the Kali Kumaon region features rustic European bungalows and properly maintained gardens.

Another fascinating aspect of this place is that Abbott Mount is known as India's one of the most haunted place. Therefore, if you have an inclination towards spooky and mysterious places, you must visit this tourist spot.

8. Auli

Adjacent to Badrinath, Auli is another well-known hill station in Uttarakhand. The breathtaking views of those snowy mountains enhance the beauty of this place. Those who are into adventure sports can take part in several mountain sports activities.

Apart from that, you can visit the nearby religious shrines. In addition, the period from November to February is ideal for a person who wants to enjoy the snow. Otherwise, April to June is the peak season in this place.

9. Chakrata

One of the lesser-explored hill towns in Uttarakhand is Chakrata. This town in Uttarakhand is famous for its quiet and serene ambience. Hence this can be ideal for those looking to spend some time alone, silently amidst the hills.

When you are in this town, you must visit the Tiger waterfalls and Budher caves. Moreover, located between the Tons and Yamuna rivers and bordered by the Himalayas, Chakrate remains an ideal location to visit any time of the year.

10. Chopta

This place is rather famous as a base camp for trekking trails. Certain peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhambha in Chopta provide a 360° panoramic view of these mountains.

Moreover, 5 to 6 days in the months of winter are ideal for touring and sightseeing in Chopta. Apart from that, some popular trekking trails from this point are Tungnath, Deoria Tal, Chandrashila, Rohini Bugyal, Chopta Bugyal, etc.

11. Lansdowne

Lansdowne was founded as a military garrison under the British Raj. This city is quite popular for its pleasant climate and quiet atmosphere. Walk through the streets and discover the simple lifestyle of the people of this town. In addition, there are some museums and viewpoints which you must check out when in town.

12. Valley Of Flowers

Ask any trekker, "what is Uttarakhand famous for"; you will get Valley of Flowers as a common answer. Located near Hemkund Sahib, this place is nothing less than paradise. This valley was discovered in 1930s when three British mountaineers lost their way and accidentally stumbled upon this valley.

UNESCO has now recognised this place as a World Heritage Site. So, plan your trip from July to September when the valley blooms with innumerable exotic flowers.

13. Dhanaulti

This place offers a quieter and more peaceful time for visitors. Enjoy your time here by strolling across the deodar or pine forests, watching incredible sunrises and sunsets, having a picnic or going camping. Since there is no frequent public transport facility, you can ride a shared taxi or rent a private car to reach Dhanaulti.

14. Kanatal

To get a stunning view of the Shivalik mountain ranges, you must visit Kanatal. This small village is located on the Chamba-Mussoorie road. Further, surrounded by lush green forests and apple orchards, this hill station is considered one of the famous places in Uttarakhand for weekend trips. The ideal season to visit here is during the winter, from December to February, when it snows.

15. Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is another hill station in Uttarakhand, popular for its charm and scenic beauty. This village is located just 51 km away from Nainital. Additionally, the village got its name from the Mukteshwar Temple, which is popular among the locals. Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls, Chauli Ki Jali and Mukteshwar temple are some of the major attractions of this village.

16. Binsar

Binsar is one of the historical places of Uttarakhand that used to be the summer capital of the Chand Dynasty. This hamlet is situated in the Kumaon hills, and the ideal way touring around this site is by trekking or safari during winter. Some of the tourist sites of Binsar are Kasar Devi temple, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, and Gananath Temple.

17. Bhimtal

Adjoining Nainital, Bhimtal is another well-known hill station in Uttarakhand. The town is sheltered by dense oak and pine forests. Bhimtal in Uttarakhand is famous because Bhima from Mahabharata is believed to have created this lake. Nevertheless, historians opine that this lake could have been an ancient silk route, and it was also used as a stoppage on the way to Nepal and Tibet from India.

18. Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh, also known as “Little Kashmir”, is a small valley. Tourists mainly feel attracted towards this place due to its quaint atmosphere and tranquillity. The Pithoragarh fort is one of the significant historical monuments of Uttarakhand. In addition, its location provides visitors with an enthralling view of the Kali Kumaon.

List of Famous Things in Uttarakhand (Food, Culture, Activities)

Apart from boasting strikingly beautiful views and thrilling adventure sports options, other popular things in Uttarakhand are as follows -

19. Spiritual Pilgrimage (Chardham)

A unanimous answer to “what is Uttarakhand famous for” would be ‘Chota Char Dham Yatra’. Every person who has a quest for spiritual awakening has a wish to go on this sacred journey. This tour includes temple visits in Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Historical sources state that these pilgrimages date back thousands of years. However, in recent times, these journeys have been made much more accessible.

20. Adventure Sports

Uttarakhand is a haven for those who love to challenge themselves and try adventure sports. Every year numerous people visit the state only to participate in different adventure sports.

Gondola rides, chairlifts and Poma ski lift, skiing, trekking, mountain climbing, canoeing, and paragliding are some of the outdoor activities to try in Uttarakhand.

21. Organic Products

Uttarakhand is famous for producing organic vegetables, jams, juices and nectars that maintain their authentic natural taste even after production. Moreover, since the state has colder climatic conditions, it is suitable for growing peas, edamame, apples, plums, peaches, apricots, and pears. Apart from that, your purchase will contribute to and encourage these home-based small-scale businesses.

The beauty of Uttarakhand is difficult to describe and is hence called the "Land of Gods". In this article, we have highlighted the top things that answer the question of what Uttarakhand is famous for. We hope now you have enough information to pick your favourite places and things to do in Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How to reach Uttarakhand?

You can reach Uttarakhand via air, train and road. The state has two airports, Jolly Grant Airport and Pantnagar Airport. In addition, there are many railway stations in Uttarakhand that connect with all other major cities. The state is also well-connected with national highways, which makes it easier to travel across state borders via road transport.

Which are the must-try food items in Uttarakhand?

Kafuli, Bhang Ki Chutney, Phaanu, Kandalee Ka Saag, Chainsoo, Dubuk, Jhangora Ki Kheer and Garhwal Ka Fannah are the famous dishes of Uttarakhand.