Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the land of gods, is a stunning travel destination in northern India that offers scenic beauty, spiritual significance, and adventure opportunities. Whether you want to explore the majestic Himalayan mountain range, visit the ancient temples and religious shrines, enjoy the local cuisine and culture, or indulge in trekking, camping, skiing, and other thrilling activities, Uttarakhand has something for everyone. Here is a complete guide on how to plan a trip to Uttarakhand and make the most of your vacation.
Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the places you want to see. Generally, the summer season (March to June) is ideal for sightseeing, hill stations, wildlife safaris, and adventure sports. The monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall and landslides but also enhances the beauty of the waterfalls and valleys. The winter season (October to February) is perfect for snow lovers, skiing enthusiasts, and pilgrims who want to witness the snow-covered peaks and temples.
How to Reach Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is well-connected by air, rail, and road from different parts of India. The state has two domestic airports: Dehradun Airport and Pantnagar Airport. You can also fly to Delhi Airport and catch a domestic flight or a train/bus/car for internal traveling. The state has several railway stations that connect it with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. Some of the important railway stations are Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kathgodam, Ramnagar, etc. You can also reach Uttarakhand by road via national highways and state highways that link it with neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, etc.
Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is divided into two regions: Garhwal and Kumaon. Each of these regions has its own charm and attractions. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Uttarakhand:
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a holy city on the banks of the Ganga River that attracts pilgrims and adventure seekers alike. It is famous for its yoga centers, ashrams, temples, and river rafting. You can also enjoy other activities like bungee jumping, camping, hiking, paragliding, etc. Some of the must-see attractions in Rishikesh are Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beatles Ashram, etc.
Nainital
Nainital is a picturesque hill station that is known for its lake district. It is surrounded by seven hills and offers a serene and romantic getaway. You can enjoy boating on the Naini Lake, visit the Naina Devi Temple, take a cable car ride to Snow View Point, explore the Mall Road, etc. You can also visit nearby places like Bhimtal Lake, Sattal Lake, Naukuchiatal Lake, etc.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is another popular hill station that is also called the Queen of Hills. It offers panoramic views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas. You can stroll along Mall Road, and visit the Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Gun Hill Point, Mussoorie Lake, etc. You can also enjoy trekking, camping, and paragliding in Mussoorie.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the four sacred sites of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. It is home to the Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is located at an altitude of 3584 meters and can be reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund or by helicopter service. The temple remains open from April/May to October/November and attracts millions of devotees every year.
Haridwar
Haridwar is another holy city on the banks of the Ganga River that is considered one of the seven sacred cities in India. It is famous for its ghats, temples, and festivals like Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela, and Kanwar Mela. You can witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, visit the Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, etc.
Almora
Almora is a quaint hill town that is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is situated on a ridge and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas. You can visit the Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, etc. You can also explore nearby places like Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jageshwar Dham, Ranikhet, Kausani, etc.
Things to Do in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the things you can do in Uttarakhand:
Trekking
Uttarakhand has some of the best trekking trails in India that range from easy to challenging. You can trek to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its alpine flowers and rare wildlife. You can also trek to the Chopta Chandrashila, a scenic trail that leads to the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Other popular treks in Uttarakhand are Nag Tibba, Bedni Bugyal, Auden’s Col, Kalindi Khal, etc.
Skiing
Uttarakhand is a hub for skiing enthusiasts who want to enjoy the snow and the slopes. Auli is one of the top skiing destinations in India that offers a 4 km long cable car ride, a 3 km long chair lift, and a 500 m long ski lift. You can also ski at Mundali, Munsiyari, Dayara Bugyal, etc.
Camping
Camping is another fun activity that lets you experience the wilderness and the starry nights of Uttarakhand. You can camp at Jharipani, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Corbett National Park, etc. You can also enjoy bonfires, music, games, and barbecue at your campsite.
Wildlife Safari
Uttarakhand is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that host a variety of flora and fauna. You can go for a wildlife safari at Corbett National Park, which is the oldest national park in India and is famous for its tigers, elephants, leopards, etc. You can also visit Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
Yoga and Wellness
Uttarakhand is also known as the yoga capital of the world, as it has many yoga centres and ashrams that offer courses and retreats for spiritual wellness. You can learn yoga and meditation at Rishikesh, which is also known as the birthplace of yoga. You can also visit Haridwar, which is a centre for Ayurveda and naturopathy.
Uttarakhand Travel Packages
If you want to plan a hassle-free trip to Uttarakhand, you can choose from various travel packages that suit your budget and preferences. You can opt for customized packages that let you choose your itinerary, or you can go for fixed departure packages that have a pre-planned itinerary. You can also book online or offline through reliable travel agents or websites.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is a state that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for spirituality, adventure, romance, or relaxation, you will find it here. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing state with this complete guide on how to plan a trip to Uttarakhand. Happy travelling!
For more information on Uttarakhand tourism, you can visit this website.
If you want to see some videos of Uttarakhand’s beauty and culture, you can check out this YouTube channel.
If you want to read some blogs on Uttarakhand’s hidden gems and travel tips, you can visit this website.