Uttarakhand is also referred as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ (Land of Gods). Located in the foothills of Himalayas in the northern part of India, Uttarakhand is known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Uttarakhand is divided into two divisions-Garhwal and Kumaon. The state offers majestic mountains and has important ancient temples. The state is also a major center for Yoga and Meditation, because The Beatles visited for meditation in 1968. The state is also famous for several hill stations such as Nainital and Mussoorie. Uttarakhand also offers adventurous activities which attracts adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.

Top places to explore in Uttarakhand

There are breathtaking and sacred attractions in Uttarakhand that attract the tourist’s soul towards the Uttarakhand. Some of the places are: 

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a town situated in Uttarakhand, known as ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. It is one of the popular religious destinations as it is the starting point of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in 1968 for meditation. Rishikesh offers adventurous activities such as river rafting, camping and Bungee Jumping. Attractions in Rishikesh are Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula.

Nainital

Located in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, Nainital is a hill station named after the Naini Lake. Nainital offers scenic beauty of the green hills, majestic landscapes and calm environment that attracts tourists towards the destination. Top attractions in Nainital are Naini Lake, Naina Devi temple and Snow viewpoint. Tourists can also enjoy panoramic views from the Tiffin top in Nainital.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is often known as the “Queen of the Hills”, located in the Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie offers breathtaking beauty of green hills and dense forests. The calm and pleasant weather of Mussoorie attracts the tourists from all over the world. The top attractions in Mussoorie are Gun Hills, Kempty falls and Nanda Devi temple. Mussoorie offers the majestic view of the Himalayas. 

Haridwar

Located in the foothills of Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is a holiest city. Haridwar is referred to as the “Gateways to the Gods” marking the city as the important religious site. The city has vibrant culture and traditions and carries spiritual importance that attracts pilgrims and travelers from all over the world. Haridwar is also famous for the Ganga Aarti in Har ki Pauri Ghat.

Dehradun

Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand that offers pleasant weather to the travelers. The city offers majestic landscapes and vibrant culture. Dehradun is the popular destination among the students since the city has various prestigious institutions. Top attractions in Dehradun are Robber’s cave, Doon valley, Har ki dun and Shikhar falls. 

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife sanctuary situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The national park was established in 1936 and named after the British conservationist Jim Corbett. Tourists can experience Jeep safari, Elephant safari and canter safari in the National Park.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations situated in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is famous for the Kedarnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a part of Char Dham of Uttarakhand along with Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath. Tourists can explore the town by foot or by helicopter services. Kedarnath is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall (November to April).

Badrinath

Badrinath is the sacred town in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. Badrinath is one of the sites of the Char Dham. The main attraction of the town is the Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The town offers a stunning view of the Himalayan mountain range.

Things to do in Uttarakhand

Tourists can perform activities according to their interest. The activities can be either adventurous or it can be religious.

River Rafting in Rishikesh

One of the most popular activities of India is River rafting in Rishikesh which attracts adventurous enthusiasts from all over the world. River rafting in Rishikesh offers breathtaking scenic beauty of the Himalayan range. Rafting in Rishikesh gives you both relaxation as well as adventure.

Cable Car Ride in Nainital

Nainital is a hill station that offers breathtaking beauty of the mountain ranges, landscapes and green hills. Nainital offers a Cable car ride that connects Mallital with the Snow viewpoint giving a spectacular view of the Naini Lake. The distance of the journey is 705 km and the cabin capacity is 11 people.

Wildlife Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

The national park offers a wildlife safari to the traveler for the thrilling experience. The national park is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the park offers flora and fauna and the Bengal tiger. Tourists can either experience day safari or can also choose to stay overnight in the forest.

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh

One of the thrilling and adventurous activities is offered in Mohan Chatti, near Rishikesh. The highest Bungee jumping spot is in Rishikesh. The entire setup of the bungee jumping is safe and secure because the operation is as per the International Safety Standards. One must try this activity to overcome their fear and experience the adventure. 

Experience Ganga Aarti in Haridwar

Experience the religious and famous Ganga Aarti in the ghat of har ki pauri. This ritual brings pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to experience Ganga Aarti. The Aarti takes place in the morning and evening in the ghat of Har ki Pauri.

Skiing in Auli

Auli is one of the famous destinations for skiing activity. Auli offers breathtaking views and adventure to the travelers. Winter is the ideal time for skiing since there is adequate snowfall for such kinds of activities. 

Trek to Valley of Flowers

Located in the Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek starts from Govindghat, then to Ghangaria and then reaches Valley of Flowers. There are variety of species of flora and fauna found in the park. 

Best Time to visit in Uttarakhand

You can visit Uttarakhand throughout the year as every season offers scenic and charming beauty of the State.

During summer

The ideal time to visit Uttarakhand is the summer season (March to June). During this time, the place offers calm and pleasant weather and the temperature lies from 20℃ to 35℃. Tourists can perform activities such as trekking, paragliding and the Char Dham Yatra.

During winter 

Winter is the ideal time to visit if you want to experience snowfall and perform snow-based activities. You can visit Uttarakhand in the month of November to February and the temperature lies from 3℃ to 15℃. Tourists can perform snow activities such as skiing, trekking and snowboarding.

How to reach Uttarakhand

By Flight

The nearest airport to reach Uttarakhand is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This airport has good connectivity with the other states in the country. 

By Train

The major railway stations to reach Uttarakhand are Dehradun, Haridwar, and Kathgodam. These stations are well connected with the other cities of the country.

By Road

The roads are well connected to reach Uttarakhand from the major cities of India. Local transport is available to reach different cities in the state. 

History of Uttarakhand 

The history of Uttarakhand is rich and diverse. The region was mentioned in the Vedas and the Puranas. In the medieval period, Uttarakhand was divided into two regions – Garhwal and Kumaon. During the 19th century, the state came under British rule and hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie was established. In 2000, Uttarakhand was separated from Uttar Pradesh and was made the 27th state of India. The history of Uttarakhand reflects ancient traditions and diverse culture that attracts visitors from all over the world. 

Must-try foods of Uttarakhand

The cuisine of Uttarakhand is known as the Uttarakhandi, Kumaoni or Garhwal cuisine. Most of the dishes of Uttarakhand are vegetarian offering rich taste and vibrant culture.

Kafuli

Kafuli is a curry-based dish made of spinach. It is also known as the state food of Uttarakhand. 

Jhangore ki Kheer

Jhangore ki Kheer is a famous dish in the Garhwal region. It is a sweet dish made with Jhangore (a form of millet) and cooked with dry fruits and milk. 

Aloo ke Gutke

Aloo ke Gutke is a vegetarian dish made with the boiled potatoes with various spices

Phaanu

Phaanu is a dish made by combining various kinds of lentils soaked in water overnight.

Kumaoni Raita

Kumaoni Raita is a complementary dish in the Uttarakhandi cuisine. The dish is made with curd, turmeric and cucumber.

Arsa

Arsa is a traditional dish made from overnight soaked rice mixed with jaggery syrup and deep-fried.

Gulgula

Gulgula is a mouth-watering dessert of Uttarakhand made with jaggery

Bhang ki Chutney

Bhang ki Chutney is a popular dish of Uttarakhand that is made with Hemp seeds.

Chainsoo

Chainsoo is a delicious dish made with kali dal cooked in ironware.

Garhwal ka Fannah

Garhwal ka Fannah is a type of dumpling made with rice flour and served with spicy chutney.

FAQs on Uttarakhand

What are the top attractions to visit in Uttarakhand?

The top attractions to visit in Uttarakhand are Beatles ashram of Rishikesh, Naini Lake and Naina Devi temple of Nainital, Kempty fall of Mussoorie, Char Dham, Jim Corbett National Park and attend Ganga Aarti in Haridwar.   

What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?

The best time to visit Uttarakhand is according to the experience the tourists want. If the tourist is visiting Uttarakhand in summer, they can experience the calm and pleasant weather of the state. If the tourist is visiting during winter, they can visit Auli for skiing activity. 

What are must-try local foods of Uttarakhand?

The cuisine of Uttarakhand reflects the states traditions and diverse culture. Some of the must-try dishes of the Uttarakhand are Aloo ke Gutke, Kumaoni Raita, Garhwal ka Fannah, Chainsoo and Jhangore ki Kheer.

What are the adventure activities to perform in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand offers adventure activities in Rishikesh which is also known as the Adventure Capital of India. The activities include trekking, river rafting, paragliding and bungee jumping.

What are the Snow activities to perform in Uttarakhand?

Tourist can perform snow-based activities such as skiing, snowboarding and trekking during winter season. 

When can we experience snowfall in Uttarakhand?

Winter is the ideal time to visit if you want to experience snowfall and perform snow-based activities. You can visit Uttarakhand in the month of November to February. During winter, the temperature lies from 3℃ to 15℃.