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20 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand for Your Next Trip
It is not without reason that Uttarakhand is referred to as the ‘Land of Gods’. This Indian state is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and attracts tourists from all over the world. Previously known as Uttaranchal, this state has magnificent snow-covered peaks, lush greenery, meadows, pristine lakes and ancient temples.
If you are planning to spend your vacations in this beautiful state, this blog has enumerated details of the top 20 tourist places in Uttarakhand. Make sure to include these places in your itinerary for a memorable vacation.
List of Best Tourist Places in Uttarakhand
Detailed below are some of the famous places to visit in Uttarakhand:
1. Auli
Located amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, Auli rewards tourists with stunning snow-capped mountains, vistas and coniferous forests. It is also a much-preferred destination for sports lovers because tourists can enjoy snowboarding and skiing.
- Best Time to Visit- April to June, November to March (for skiing)
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 10,000 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Jyotirmath, Auli Artificial Lake, Nanda Devi Peak, Chenab Lake, Trishul Peak
- Things to Do- Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, camping and birding tour
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (149 km)
- By Train- Rishikesh (209 km)
- By Road- One can travel by buses and hire cabs from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Ukhimath, Chamoli, Pauri etc. Cables cars also operate from Joshimath to Auli.
2. Chopta
This beautiful place hidden within the Himalayas is a paradise for trekkers. Tourists are rewarded with the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and landscapes. It is a popular tourist place in Uttarakhand for young families and adventurous backpackers.
- Best Time to Visit- March to June
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
- Average Expense - ₹ 4,200 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days for 2 to 4 persons
- Places to Visit- Kedarnath Mandir, Gurudongmar Lake, Valley of Thangu, Tungnath Temple, Deori Tal
- Things to Do- Camping at Baniyakund, trekking, bird watching, nature walking, exploring the local culture
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (97km)
- By Train- Rishikesh Railway Station (100 km)
- By Road- The NH58 is the national highway that connects Chopta to Kedarnath and Rudraprayag. Buses and taxis are available for transport.
3. Nainital
This beautiful place located within majestic mountains is one of the most famous places in Uttarakhand. Young couples and families frequently visit this scenic getaway. Nainital is home to many pristine lakes, and so it is also referred to as the 'Lake District of India'.
- Best Time to Visit- Throughout the year
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 2,500 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Nainital Lake, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Himalayan Botanical Garden, Bhimtal Lake
- Things to Do- Boating, enjoying the scenic beauty, visiting temples, riding ropeway, sightseeing and shopping
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport (70 km)
- By Train- Kathgodam Railway Station (23 km)
- By Road- This tourist destination is well-connected with Indian cities via NH87. Generally, tourists take a bus or hire a cab from New Delhi. It takes 9 hours to cover the journey of 320 km. Busses and taxis are easily available from Kumaon and Garhwal.
4. Mussoorie
Located amidst the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, this hill station is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Uttarakhand. Leisure travellers and honeymooners have chosen Mussoorie as their preferred destination since its discovery in the late 19th century. Moreover, this beautiful place is famously known as 'Queen of the Hills.
- Best Time to Visit- September – June
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 6,000 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Company Garden, Clouds End
- Things to Do- Hiking, trekking, rock-climbing, rafting, horse-riding
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant International Airport, Dehradun (60 km)
- By Train- Dehradun Railway Station (34 km)
- By Road- Tourists can travel by bus and taxis from major cities like Chandigarh, Saharanpur, Shimla, Chamba, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
5. Chakrata
If you wish to escape the hectic everyday life, travel to this place to soak in its serene beauty. Chakrata is a hill town located 2118 metres above sea level. The mighty mountains, coniferous forests and red rhododendrons hold the promise that travellers will have an unforgettable experience.
- Best Time to Visit- Throughout the year
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 3-4 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 4,999 per adult (trekking cost)
- Places to Visit- Chilmiri Neck, Deoban, Tiger Falls, Koti-Kanasar, Kimona Falls
- Things to Do- Trekking, river-rafting, bird-watching, mountain-biking, horse-riding
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (113 km)
- By Train- Dehradun Railway Station (92 km)
- By Road- Well-maintained roads connect Chakrata to the rest of the country. Tourists can easily hire taxis or travel by buses to Chakrata from places like Dehradun, Mussoorie and Saharanpur.
6. Munsiyari
Located 2298 metres above sea level, this scenic village is a paradise for trekkers, adventure-lovers and lone travellers. The breathtaking scenic beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas and lush green forests of Munsiyari has made it one of the best places in Uttarakhand.
- Best Time to Visit- April – June; October – November
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 – 2 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 7,500 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Panchachuli Peaks, Thamari Kund, Maheshwari Kund, Birthi Falls, Balanti Potato Farm
- Things to Do- Trekking, skiing, nature-walking, bird-watching and exploring the beautiful flora and faunaÂ
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport (249 km)
- By Train- Railway Stations at Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km)
- By Road- Well-maintained roads connect Munsiyari to other parts of Uttarakhand. You can travel by bus to places like Almora, Champawat, Tanakpur and Haldwani. You can also hire taxis to go to Munsiyari.Â
7. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a Hindu pilgrimage centre and a famous tourist place in Uttarakhand. This place is known as the 'yoga capital of the world'. Dotted with many internationally recognized centres of philosophical studies, yoga and wellness centres, Rishikesh is a great place to learn yoga and meditation.
- Best Time to Visit- February – May; October – November
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 3,100 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Lakshman Jhula Bridge, Triveni Ghat, Neer Garh Waterfall, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- Things to Do- Yoga, meditation, watching Ganga Aarti, bungee jumping, riverside camping
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (34 km)
- By Train- Haridwar Railway Station (25 km)
- By Road- You can easily drive up to Rishikesh via NH 58. Busses ply regularly from Kashmere Gate in New Delhi, Haridwar and Dehradun.
8. Harsil
Located 2620 metres above sea level, Harsil presents travellers with serene and picturesque landscapes. It is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. Harsil is an ideal place to visit in Uttarakhand for anyone seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
- Best Time to Visit- April – October
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
- Average Expense - ₹ 1,880 for per night per person (hotel cost)
- Places to Visit- Dharali, Kedar Tal, Gangotri Glacier, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital Lake
- Things to Do- Trekking, sightseeing, photography, exploration
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (232 km)
- By Train- Rishikesh Railway Stations (215 km)
- By Road- The place is well-connected with other major tourist destinations of Uttarakhand. Uttarkashi is the nearest bus station. Tourists can travel by busses or taxis from Uttarkashi to Harsil.
9. Kausani
One of the hill stations in Uttarakhand is located on a ridge that is covered with chir and pine forests. If you decide to spend your days at Kausani, the place will reward you with magnificent views of the Himalayan Mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli. The beautiful sunrise and serene landscape will let you replenish your soul with fresh energy.
- Best Time to Visit- April – June, September – December
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 day
- Average Expense - ₹ 9,450 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Rudradhari Falls, Kausani Tea Estate, Anasakti Ashram, Someshwar, Pinnath, Bajinath Temple, Kausani Planetarium,
- Things to Do- Rock-climbing, mountain biking, trekking, touring the museums and ashrams and watching the sunset
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport (162 km)
- By Train- Railway Station at Kathgodam (132 km)
- By Road- The well-maintained Uttarakhand Roadways connect Kausani to major places in Uttarakhand. Busses ply from Ranikhet, Almora and Haldwani. Various private operators run buses from New Delhi to Kausani.
10. Almora
Against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, Almora's rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and handicrafts make it one of the most frequented tourist places in Uttarakhand. The hill station offers something to all kinds of travellers, whether they are history-lovers or adventurists.
- Best Time to Visit- Anytime during the year
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 3 – 4 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 12,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Zero Point, Nanda Devi Temple, Jageshwar, Deer Park, Simtola
- Things to Do- Rock-climbing, trekking, nature walks, picnicking, experiencing the spectacular sunrise and viewsÂ
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport (115 km)
- By Train- Railway Station at Kathgodam (81 km)
- By Road- National Highways 87 and 87E connect Almora to other major cities in North India. Busses ply from New Delhi, Kathgodam and other places in the Kumaon region. You can even book taxis and travel to Almora.
11. Dehradun
This is one of the most famous tourist places in Uttarakhand. The capital of the state is renowned for its pleasant weather throughout the year and scenic beauty. It is home to famous institutions like the Indian Military Academy, Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India and various renowned educational institutions.
- Best Time to Visit- May – October
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 18,000 for 6 Nights/ 7 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Tiger Falls, Malsi Deer Park, Robbers’ Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, Sahastradhara
- Things to Do- Trekking, camping, paragliding, picnicking, exploring museums
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport (29 km from the main city)
- By Train- Railway station in Dehradun
- By Road- Busses and taxis ply from major cities like New Delhi, Shimla, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
12. Ranikhet
Located 1829 metres above sea level, Ranikhet is a perfect destination for tired urban dwellers looking for a few days of respite. The name of this place translates to 'Land of the Queen'. Its scenic beauty, lush flora, and fauna captivate visitors and help them establish a connection with nature.
- Best Time to Visit- Throughout the year
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 4 – 5 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 15,500 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Upat Golf Grounds, Rani Jheel, Bhalu Dam, Naukuchia Taal, Chaubatia, Temples
- Things to Do- Boating, kayaking, paragliding, playing golf, visiting temples, walking through orchards, picnickingÂ
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport
- By Train- Kathgodam Railway Station
- By Road- A road journey from Delhi to Ranikhet will take only 10 hours. Taxis from all major regions of Uttarakhand carry passengers to Ranikhet. Uttarakhand Roadways and KMOU Bus Services ply busses to Ranikhet.
13. Pithoragarh
If you are searching for a place different from the usual holiday destinations, head to Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. The snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, waterfalls and meandering rivers make this beautiful hill station a paradise for nature lovers.
- Best Time to Visit- April – June
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 3 – 4 Days
- Average Expense - ₹ 7,000 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Gangolihat, Pithoragarh Fort, Chaubatia Orchards, Dhwaj Temple, Chandak Hill
- Things to Do- Visiting temples, sightseeing, experiencing the rich flora and fauna, nature walkingÂ
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport (115 km)
- By Train- Kathgodam Railway Station (88 km)
- By Road- Regular buses have ensured a good connection of Pithoragarh with other parts of the state. Tourists can travel to Pithoragarh by taxi as well.Â
14. Landour
This hill station is a famous tourist place in Uttarakhand for its scenic landscape. Landour is considered to be the 'tiara of the Queen of the hills'. Tourists get to experience the tranquillity and serenity of nature and avoid the stress of urban life.
- Best Time to Visit- Throughout the year
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 3,000 for per day per person
- Places to Visit- Lal Tibba, Landour Bakehouse, Rokeeby Manor, Nag Tibba, St. Paul’s Church
- Things to Do- Visiting churches, experiencing the serenity of the mountains, tasting the delicious baked items at Bakehouse, shopping and sightseeingÂ
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (61 km)
- By Train- Dehradun Railway Station (36 km)
- By Road- Tourists can easily travel to Landour via rented vehicles from other major destinations in Uttarakhand like Mussoorie and Dehradun.Â
15. Haridwar
This place is famously known as the 'Gateway to the Gods', and it is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Situated along the banks of river Ganga, Haridwar is famous for its vibrant culture and numerous temples.
- Best Time to Visit- October – March
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 – 2 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 2,500 for per day per person
- Places to Visit- Har ki Pauri Ghaat, Manasa Devi Temple, Rajaji National Park, Chandi Devi Temple, Piran Kaliyar
- Things to Do- Visiting temples, watching Ganga Aarti, tasting delectable street food, getting Ayurvedic treatment and practising yoga and meditation
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (40 km)
- By Train- Haridwar Railway Station in the city
- By Road- Many AC, non-AC, luxury and deluxe buses ply to Haridwar from the major cities in India.
16. Chamoli
Nestled among the Garhwal Himalayas, this is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand. It rewards its visitors with scenic landscapes, rumbling creeks and alpine forests. Chamoli is famous for having many temples and shrines and for being the birthplace of the Chipko movement.
- Best Time to Visit- November – March
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 3 – 4 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 16,500 for 5 Nights/ 6 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Gopeshwar, Chamolanath Temple, Gopinath Temple, Hemkund Sahib, Roopkund Lake
- Things to Do- Visiting temples, village tourism, nature walks, trekking, tasting local cuisine
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (222 km)
- By Train- Rishikesh Railway Station (202 km)
- By Road- People can travel to Chamoli via state-owned or private busses. Tourists can hire cabs as well.
17. Binsar
This place is one of the most beautiful places in the Kumaon hills. It offers its visitors breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Shivling and Panchachuli. It is also the home of the famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Best Time to Visit- March – June; October – December
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days
- Average Expense - ₹ 1,500 per day per person (Accomodation cost)
- Places to Visit- Binsar Zero Point, Mary Budden Estate, Binsar Sanctuary Museum, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kasar Devi Temple
- Things to Do- Visiting wildlife sanctuaries, nature-walking, trekking, visiting temples
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Pantnagar Airport (138 km)
- By Train- Kathgodam Railway Station (104 km)
- By Road- Tourists must note that Binsar's nearest bus station is in Almora. People can travel to Binsar by bus and taxis from Almora.
18. Lansdowne
This quiet hill station, with its unspoiled greenery and magnificent mountains, is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Uttarakhand. Its colonial charm, pine forests, enchanting flora and fauna made Lansdowne a charming tourist destination since the 19th century.
- Best Time to Visit- April - June
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 2,999 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days per person
- Places to Visit- Bhulla Lake, Darwan Singh Museum, Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Tip N Top, St. Johns Church
- Things to Do- Trekking, camping, nature walking, sightseeing, soaking in the serenity of the place
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (83 km)
- By Train- Kotdwar Railway Station (40 km)
- By Road- State and privately run buses connect Lansdowne with other parts of Uttarakhand.
19. Dhanaulti
This hill station is gradually becoming a popular tourist destination and a preferred place for adventure lovers. Located 2286m above sea level, Dhanaulti is a quaint place with magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Best Time to Visit- September – June
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 days
- Average Expense - ₹ 1,339 for per person per person
- Places to Visit- Kanatal, Apple Orchard Resort, Dhanaulti Eco Park, Aaloo Khet, Surkanda Devi Temple
- Things to Do- Hiking, rappelling, horse-riding, camping, picnicking
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant International Airport (50 km)
- By Train- Dehradun Train Station (35 km)
- By Road- Well-maintained roads connect Dhanaulti to other parts of Uttarakhand.
20. New Tehri
This serene hill station is one of the best tourist places in Uttarakhand for adventure lovers. Located amidst lush forests and ancient temples, New Tehri offers visitors a unique experience. Two major rivers- Bhagirathi and Bhilangana, pass nearby, allowing all sorts of water activities.
- Best Time to Visit- January – December
- Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days
- Average Expense - ₹ 1,500 per day per person per person (Accomodation cost)
- Places to Visit- Ghansali, Pantwari village, Tehri Dam, Budha Kedar, Tehri Lake
- Things to Do- Boating, water skiing, trekking, nature walksÂ
How to Reach-
- By Plane- Jolly Grant International Airport, Dehradun (130 km)
- By Train- Rishikesh Railway Station (115 km)
- By Road- Privately run luxury and state-run buses have ensured New Tehri's connectivity to other parts of the state. Tourists can even hire taxis from major places like Dehradun and Rishikesh.Â
This blog has listed all the top tourist places in Uttarakhand you will not want to miss. If you want to spend your vacations in picturesque places away from the hectic urban life, head to this north Indian state. Nature will heal and replenish you.