Top 5 Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Known as “Devbhumi” or the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand is a state in northern India that is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and deep spiritual importance. Whatever your interests—nature lovers, thrill seekers, or those seeking peace and quiet—Uttarakhand has plenty to offer everyone. These are the top three locations to see in this magnificent area.
Table of Contents
1. Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World.

In the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the city of Rishikesh—also called Hrishikesh—is located close to Dehradun. The districts of Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal contain the northern and southern portions of Rishikesh, respectively. Located on the Ganges River’s right bank, it is a Hindu pilgrimage town where saints and ancient sages have come to meditate in pursuit of enlightenment. Many ashrams and temples have been constructed along the river’s banks.
It is referred to as the “Yoga Capital of the World” as well as the “Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas”. Since 1999, the city has played host to the yearly International Yoga Festival during the first week of March. Rishikesh is an alcohol-free and vegetarian-only city.
Rishikesh is 86 kilometres (53 mi) away from the Tehri Dam. On the way to Gangotri, Uttarkashi, a well-known yoga location, is located 170 kilometres (110 mi) upwards. The journey to the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites—Badrinath, Kedarnath ,Gangotri, and Yamunotri—begins at Rishikesh. It is also the starting point for summer and winter hiking routes including Dodital, Dayara Bugyal, Kedarkantha, and Har Ki Dun, as well as popular Himalayan tourist attractions like Harsil, Chopta, and Auli.
History.
A portion of the fabled “Kedarkhand” described in the Skanda Purana included Rishikesh.[16] According to legend, Rama atoned for his death at this location by murdering Lanka’s asura king, Ravana. Using two jute ropes, Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama, traversed the Ganges at the location of the current Lakshman Jhula (लक्ष्मण झूला) suspension bridge. In 2020, Lakshman Jhula also crumbled. And over the river is being constructed a glass bridge, the second strongest in all of India. Built in 1889, the 248-foot-long iron-rope suspension bridge washed away by water in 1924. The United Provinces Public Works Department replaced it in 1927 with a more robust bridge that connects the districts of Tapovan, Tehri, and Jonk, Pauri Garhwal. renowned Ram Jhula suspension bridge.
The location is described as “beautifully situated on the right bank of the Ganges, on a high cliff overlooking the river” in the Gazeteer of Dehradun, penned by Indian Civil Service official HG Walton. The area is growing quite quickly, particularly since the new Song River bridge was built and the pilgrimage route from Raiwala to Rishikesh was rerouted.
Temples are erected along the banks of the Ganges, one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism, as it flows through Rishikesh on its way from the Shivalik Hills of the Himalayas to the northern Indian plains. The three ancient temples that Adi Shankaracharya founded are Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir, and Lakshman Mandir. The Ram Jhula suspension bridge is close to Shatrughna Temple, and Lakshman Mandir is also close.
Transport
- Rail
- Road
- Air
2.Haridwar:The Gateway To The Gods

In the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India, lies the city and municipal corporation of Haridwar, originally known as Mayapuri. It is the largest city in the district and the second-largest in the state, with 228,832 residents as of 2011.
The city is located in the Shivalik ranges’ foothills, on the Ganges River’s right bank. Haridwar is located in the Doab area, home of the Khari Boli language. For Hindus, Haridwar is a sacred location that plays host to significant religious ceremonies and is the starting point for visits to many other well-known sites of worship. The most important of the occasions is the Kumbha Mela, which takes place in Haridwar once every twelve years. Millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists gather in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela to undertake traditional bathing on the banks of the Ganges to wash away their sins and achieve moksha.
Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayag are among the four locations in a Puranic legend where drops of amrita, the elixir of immortality, unintentionally overflowed from a kumbha (pitcher) while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda during the Samudra Manthana, also known as the churning of the ocean of milk. Brahma Kund, the site of the amrita’s fall, is thought to be near Har ki Pauri, which means “the feet of the Lord,” and is regarded as Haridwar’s holiest ghat.Additionally, it serves as the main hub for the Kanwar pilgrimage, which sees millions of people gather holy water from the Ganges and transport it hundreds of miles to Shiva shrines where it is offered as a sacrifice. With the rapidly expanding industrial estate of the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (SIDCUL), the nearby township of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and its associated ancillaries, the city is currently growing beyond its religious significance.
A kaleidoscope of Indian culture and progress may be seen at Haridwar. It has been referred to differently in religious texts as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar, and Mayapuri. It is also a route for the Chota Char Dham, which is one of Uttarakhand’s four main pilgrimage sites.
Etymology
The Hindu liturgical language, Sanskrit, has two meanings: “Vishnu” (Hari) and “gateway” (dvāra). Thus Haridwar means “The Gateway to Vishnu” in translation. It gets its name from the fact that this is the usual starting point for pilgrims travelling to see the famous Badrinath temple of Vishnu.
In the same way, Hara might also signify “Shiva”. Therefore, Hardwar can mean “Gateway to Shiva”. Hardwar is also a common starting point for pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash, Kedarnath, the northernmost Jyotirlinga, and one of the locations of the smaller Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. These locations are significant Hindu sites of worship.Legend has it that when Shiva let the powerful river out of his hair, the goddess Ganga descended to Haridwar. The Ganga River originates in Gaumukh, on the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, and flows for 253 kilometres before entering the Gangetic Plain for the first time at Haridwar. This event gave the city its original name, Gangadwara.
History
Haridwar has been referred to in the scriptures as Kapilasthana, Gangadvara and Mayapuri, among other names. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to the Char Dham, which consists of the four primary pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Shiva carrying the Ganges River’s descent while Parvati, Bhagiratha, and the bull Nandi watch is known as Gangadhara. around 1740
“O Yudhishthira, Gangadwara (Haridwar) is the place where the Ganga rushes past, cleaving the foremost of mountains that are frequented by hunters, Kinnaras, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, and Apsaras. O King, Sanatkumara considers the Tirtha Kanakhala (which is close by) and the location that the Brahmarshis visited to be sacred.
After years of penance during the Satya Yuga, the legendary king Bhagiratha—the great-grandson of the Suryavamsha King Sagara, an ancestor of Rama—is supposed to have brought down the Ganges river from heaven in order to save 60,000 of his predecessors from the curse of the Sage Kapila. Thousands of pious Hindus carry on this custom, bringing the ashes of departed family members in the hopes that they may be saved. It is said that Vishnu imprinted his imprint on the stone embedded in Har Ki Pauri’s upper wall, where the Ganges constantly brushes it.
The Mauryan Empire (322–185 BCE) and the Kushan Empire (c. 1st–3rd century) both ruled over Haridwar. The existence of a terra cotta culture in this area between 1700 and 1200 BCE has been established by archaeological discoveries.
Transportation
- By Train
- By Road
- By Air
3.Nainital:A Serene Escape

The Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India, is home to the charming hill station known as Nainital. Tucked away in the Himalayan Kumaon area, it’s well-known for its stunning Naini Lake, encircled by verdant hills. During British colonial administration in the 19th century, the town was founded as a summer getaway and has since grown to become a well-liked tourist destination.
History
Historically, Nainital has been a part of the Kumaon area. Following the collapse of the Katyuri Dynasty in the tenth century, Kumaon was split up into a number of tiny princely states, and the Khasiya family had multiple branches controlling the area surrounding Nainital.Nainital and its environs were among the final regions to be annexed by the Chand dynasty, which needed many generations to gain consolidated rule over Kumaon following the Katyuris. At Bhimtal, Trilok Chand constructed a fort in the thirteenth century. However, Nainital itself was not ruled by the Chands at the time and was located close to the Kingdom’s western boundary.
Ramgarh and Kota remained under the previous Khasia authority, while the western border of the Chand kingdom stretched to the rivers Koshi and Suyal during the reign of Udyan Chand. At last, power over Nainital and the surrounding area was established by Kirat Chand, the 1488–1503 emperor. The Khasia lords attempted to reclaim their independence in 1560, experiencing a brief period of prosperity under the guidance of a Khasiya from Ramgarh. However, Balo Kalyan Chand mercilessly subjugated them afterwards.
Geography
The town of Nainital is situated at 29.38°N 79.45°E[21], with an average elevation of 2,084 meters (6,837 feet) above sea level. It has a total area of 11.73 km2 (4.53 sq mi). The most populous areas are on the adjacent mountain slopes, which range in elevation from 1,940 to 2,100 meters (6,360 to 6,890 feet). At 2,619 meters (8,593 feet) high, Naina Peak is the tallest point in the vicinity. The town is situated in the outer Himalayan foothills of Kumaon, 285 km (177 mi) from the state capital of Dehradun and 345 km (214 km) from India’s capital, New Delhi.
Situated at an elevation of 1,940 m (6,350 ft) above sea level, the eye-shaped Nainital Lake surrounds the town, which is positioned in a valley. The lake measures 1,433 meters (1,567 yards) in length and 463 meters (506 yards) in width. Its diameter is around two miles. The lake’s deepest point, Pashandevi, is located close to the bed, which is 85 meters (93 yards) below the surface. It is assumed that the lake was produced by tectonic action. The primary stream feeding the lake, Balia Nala, runs parallel to major joints and faults, and the other streams follow a fault line. The lake is nourished by 26 significant drains, three of which are perennial.
Ayarpata (2,344 m/7,689 ft), Devpata (2,435 m/7,989 ft), Handibandi (2,180 m/7,153 ft), Chini (2,612 m/8,568 ft), Alma (2,430 m/7,980 ft), Lariya Kanta (2,482 m (8,144 ft)), and Sher ka Danda (2,398 m (7,869 ft)) are the mountains that encircle Nainital.
Attractions
- Naini Lake:The heart of Nainital, ideal for boating and enjoying picturesque views.
- Naina Devi Temple:A revered Hindu shrine located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.
- Snow View Point:Accessible via a cable car, this viewpoint offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
- Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat):A popular trekking spot that provides panoramic views of Nainital and the surrounding mountains.
- Mall Road:The main promenade of Nainital, lined with shops, eateries, and local handicrafts.
4.Auli:The Snow-Capped Paradise

A popular skiing destination, Auli is known for its beautiful slopes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. In winter, it attracts adventure enthusiasts for skiing, while in summer, it’s perfect for trekking.
In Uttarakhand, India’s Himalayan ranges, Auli is located in the Chamoli district. Auli, which translates to “meadow” in Garhwali and is also called Auli Bugyal, is 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level. The valley is home to one of the greatest concentrations of flower species in the world between June and October. Of the 520 high-altitude plant species, 498 are flowering plants that support sizable populations of endangered species.
History
The origin of this location dates back to the 8th century, when Adiguru Shri Shankaracharya founded a Matha (also known as Jyotir Math or Shri Shankaracharya Math) at Joshimath, which is currently located approximately 6.6 km from Auli. This location also gained notoriety as the “Gateway of the Himalayas” following the founding of the monastery. Like Badrinath, Adi Shankaracharya Ji advanced after this maths was established.From this location, semi-nomadic Tibetan, Mongolian, and Bhotia tribes conducted commerce and communication with Tibet (China) and India. To traverse the Himalayan snow-capped peaks, they relied on the assistance of their horses and long-haired yaks. The well-known Trishul summit (23,490 feet) was the location of an odd expedition in 1958. The ascent took the mountaineers nearly four days, while the ski descent took them around ninety minutes.
Auli and Joshimath are situated in the high Himalayas bordering China. In the Sino-Indian War of 1962, there have been several initiatives by Chinese troops to cross the borders and enter Indian territory. During the conflict, the residents of the border village supported the Indian Army. Auli ropeway was constructed in September 1993 to enhance tourism in Auli. At an altitude of about 10,000 feet, this ropeway serves as a transport between Joshimath and Auli.
Tourism
Auli is a hiking and skiing destination[4], and it was promoted as a travel destination after Uttarakhand, a region that was originally a part of Uttar Pradesh, was created. With a sweeping vista of the Himalayan peaks, it is encircled by forests of oak and conifers.[4] Both expert and beginner skiers are welcome on the slopes. In order to promote skiing in India, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department and the state government organisation Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL), which manages this resort, hold winter sports events at Auli.[5] It features a chairlift, a ski lift, and a 4 km (2.5 mi) cable car in addition to a well-maintained walk route. There is an Indo-Tibetan Border Police training centre. A little Hindu shrine associated with the hindu epic the Ramayana is also present.
Transportation
Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun and roughly 270 kilometres (170 miles) away from Auli, is the closest airport. The closest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is roughly 480 kilometres (300 miles) from Auli. The airport offers daily flights to Delhi. Railway stations at Rishikesh (250 km/ 160 mi) and Dehradun (290 km/ 180 mi) are the closest in terms of distance. Vishnu Prayag, Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass, Joshimath, Badrinath, and Tapovan are among of the nearby attractions. In 2011, the First South Asian Winter Games were held in Auli and Dehradun.
Sports
With its Skii slopes, Auli is a popular winter sports destination in India. Cross-country and alpine skiing. Auli hosted inaugural South Asian Winter Games in 2011. The Winter National Games of India were also held in Auli.Additionally well-liked in Auli are adventure activities like mountain trekking and rafting.
5.Mussoorie:The Queen Of Hills

It is Located in Dehradun city, in the Dehradun district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, lies Mussoorie, a hill station and municipal board. It lies roughly 290 km (180 mi) north of New Delhi, the capital of India, and 35 km (22 mi) from Dehradun, the state capital. The hill station is situated in the Himalayan foothills of Garhwal. “Greater Mussoorie” is the term used to describe the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani as well as the nearby town of Landour, which has a military cantonment.
Mussoorie is at an average altitude of 2,005 metres (6,578 ft). To the northeast are the Himalayan snow ranges, and to the south, the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges. The second highest point is the original Lal Tibba in Landour, with a height of over 2,275 m (7,464 ft). Mussoorie is popularly known as The Queen of the Hills.
History
Long regarded as the “Queen of the Hills,” Mussoorie’s name is thought to have originated from the local shrub mansur. The town is also called Mansuri by the local Indian population.
Mussoorie was founded in 1803 after the Gorkhas, led by Umer Singh Thapa, overran the Garhwal and the Dehra. A war broke out between the British and the Gorkhas on November 1, 1814. By 1815, the Gorkhas had evacuated Dehradun and Mussoorie, and by 1819, the districts had become part of Saharanpur.
The British military officer Captain Frederick Young founded the resort town of Mussoorie in 1825. He did this in collaboration with the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun, F. J. Shore, who explored the area and constructed a shooting lodge on Camel’s Back Road.[8] Young was appointed a magistrate of Doon in 1823, during which he raised the first Gurkha Regiment and planted the first potatoes in the valley. His term as a magistrate ended in 1844, and he served in Dimapur and Darjeeling before retiring as a General and returning to Ireland.[9][citation needed] Although there are no memorials honouring Young in Mussoorie, there is a Young Road in Dehradun, where the ONGC’s[10] Tel Bhawan is located.
The Great Trigonometric Survey of India was supposed to end at Mussoorie in 1832, having started in the southernmost point of the nation. George Everest, the Surveyor General of India at the time, tried, but was unable, to have the new Survey of India office located in Mussoorie; instead, it was settled on Dehradun, where it still stands today.[Reference required] In the same year, Sir Henry Bohle founded “The Old Brewery,” the city of Mussoorie’s first brewery. The brewery had two openings and closures before Sir John Mackinnon reopened it as Mackinnon & Co. in 1850.
The population of Mussoorie increased to 6,461 by 1901, with summer temperatures reaching up to 15,000. Previously, Saharanpur was the closest road route to Mussoorie, 58 miles (93 km) away; however, in 1900, the railway reached Dehradun, making the journey by road shorter at 21 miles (34 km).
Geography
Mussoorie has an average elevation of roughly 2,005 metres (6,578 feet). The highest point is “Lal Tibba”, at a height of around 2,275 m (7,464 ft), although the name Lal Tibba is currently also used to identify a vantage point, a short distance from the peak.
The mid-altitude Himalayan subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb) that prevails in Mussoorie is somewhat typical. Summers are hot and humid, with July and August receiving an average of 660 millimetres (26 in) of rain every month because of the orographic lift of the monsoonal air, which is incredibly moist. Heavy rainfall begins in mid-June after the warm, mostly dry and clear pre-monsoon season in April and May, which is followed by a significantly cooler post-monsoon season.Pre- and post-monsoon seasons have less rainfall than winter, when temperatures are generally chilly and partially cloudy. Although the number of snowy days has decreased recently due to a mixture of local and global reasons, including as deforestation, construction activity, and global warming, Mussoorie often experiences a few periods of snowfall in December, January, and February.October through February is when the town exhibits the unique “winterline” phenomena.
Transport
The closest airport, Jolly Grant in Dehradun, is 60 km (37 mi) from the city; the closest train station is Dehradun; taxis and buses are available within Mussoorie; a ropeway between Purkul Gaon, Dehradun, and Mussoorie is under construction; this ropeway is projected to reduce traffic congestion and increase tourist foot traffic to Mussoorie. Mussoorie is connected by road to Delhi and major cities; it is called the “Gateway” to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines of Northern India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Uttarakhand is a treasure trove of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and adventure. From the serene heights of Auli, perfect for skiing enthusiasts, to the sacred vibes of Rishikesh and Haridwar, where spirituality meets the Ganges, each destination offers a unique experience. The tranquil lakes of Nainital provide a picturesque retreat, while the majestic landscapes of Jim Corbett National Park invite wildlife lovers to explore nature’s wonders. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or spiritual awakening, Uttarakhand’s diverse offerings make it an unforgettable destination for every traveler. Embrace the enchanting charm of this Himalayan state and create memories that will last a lifetime!