Places to see Uttrakhand
Bordered by Tibet in the north, Nepal in the east, Himachal Pradesh
in the west and the Gangetic plains in the south, Uttarakhand, the land
of spirituality seems to be a jewel on the crown of Indian Territory.
Being the originating point of significant Indian rivers, Uttarakhand is
the abode of some of the best hill stations in north India. While the
winter season can offer you the best views of snow packed mountain
ranges, the same ranges can be the comfort zones in the scorching
summer. From thrilling mountain climbing to relaxing leisure walk, each
single activity is delightful and worthy to time spending.
To
familiarise you with the highly trodden as well as the unexplored
tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, I have prepared a list of must-see
hill stations in the region. This list can work as a miniature form of
Uttarakhand Travel Guide.
Mussoorie
Mostly known as the ‘queen of the hills’, Mussoorie is the pride of
Uttarakhand Tourism industry and a significant source of revenue for the
state. Breathtaking scenic beauty of Mussoorie compels the travelers to
accept the truth that nature has painted the canvas of this astounding
tourist spot with sheer concentration. Nestled amidst the undulating
Himalayan ranges, this region seems like a nest of peace. The average
altitude of Mussoorie is 1,880 m whereas the highest peak is more than
2,290m high making it a paradise for the thrill seekers. March to June
and September to November is the best time to visit this splendid spot.
Some of the most enticing trekking trails in Mussoorie are:
- Bhadraraj Temple trek (15 kms.)–
- Benog Hill Trek – (3 kms.)
- George Everest Park – (3 Kms.)
- Kempty Falls Trek – (8 kms.)
- Yamuna Bridge trek – (20 kms.)
Night Safari and Night Camping in Mussoorie Wild life (Bird) sanctuary is the first of its kind in India.
[Check out best customized holiday packages for Mussoorie]
Nainital:
Being one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is
the perfect retreat for the tourists of all taste. From lovely
honeymoon couples to passionate youths, everyone has unique things to
explore here. Lavish hotels are set in the densely wooded hills around
the Naini Lake. The lush green hillsides offer mesmerizing views of the
snow white Himalayan ranges. Nanda Devi temple on the northern bank of
the lake is a historical sightseeing spot. Sher-Ka-Danda Ridge, Guano
Hills, Tiffin Top, and Eco Cave Gardens are some of the popular places
in Nainital. Nainital Zoo has a few rare species of animals like snow
leopard, Himalayan black bear and steppe eagle. Enjoying boat ride on
the pristinely set environment of Naini Lake is incredibly blissful.
Pangot:
If you are over with Nainital tour and yet have some spare time, head
for Pangot, which is located 15 km away from Nainital. Birdseeing is the
prominent activity in this region. More than 150 species of birds are
observed here. Most of the birds come down to the lower region of
Himalaya to check the chilling winter effect. There are special birding
lodge in Pangot from where you can witness the cheerful activities of
birds more closely. Pangot is a paradise for the wildlife photographers.
For clicking that magic moment of a bird in the greenery, Snow View
Point and Kilbury are the most appropriate places in Pangot.
Abbott Mount:
Abbott Mount is located 6400 ft above sea level and one of the
must-visit getaways in Uttarakhand. The astounding scenic beauty of this
region is perched with deodar and pine forest and captivating views of
the Himalaya. An artistically rich church is found amidst the dense
forest. It is an ideal place for trekking, birding and photography.
Almora
Almora is well acclaimed for its picturesque landscape and rich
cultural heritage. It is located on a horse shoe shaped ridge of Kasaya
hill at an elevation of 1638 m above sea level. Mostly known for its
sightseeing place, Almora has many unique temples like Golu Devta and
Nanda Devi Temples. Other significant temples are Katarmal, Jageshwar
and Kasar Devi. Katarmal is an 800 year old Sun temple. Enjoying the
sunset or sunrise at Bright End Corner is a must to do activity in
Almora.
Auli
If you enjoy skiing, Auli is the best destination for you in
Uttarakhand. For enthusiastic winter sports lovers, it houses some of
the best slopes covered with Deoadar and Oak forest reducing the
velocity of chilling wind. Witnessing the panoramic view of the Himalaya
from Gondola can be an unforgettable experience. Best time to visit is
January to March when nature decors the land with dusty snow. If you
love to go for trekking, Auli to Badrinath and Auli-Kuari Pass trek are
some of the best places for adventure trekking in Uttarakhand.
Bhimtal:
Mostly known for its beguiling lake, Bhimtal can be one of the best
locations to spend your summer Holidays in Uttarakhand. Located at an
elevation of 1371 m above sea level, this sprawling hill station enjoys a
pleasant weather throughout the year. The magnificent hills hovering
with lush greenery border the entire lake area. Bhimtal Lake has a
strategically located restaurant at its centre, from where one can enjoy
the scenic beauty of the entire lake. Boating on its calm water is an
incredible experience. Angling is allowed here, but you need to take
special permission from DCFR. One can indulge in rappelling or rock
climbing in Bhimtal. Bhowali, Kainchi, Gorkhakhal, Bhimeshwar temple are
some of the must see spots near Bhimtal.
Bhowali
If you want to explore some of the less trodden mountain peaks in
Uttarakhand, Bhowali is the destination for you. Situated in Nainital
district, this unique tourist spot is located at an altitude of 1,076m
above sea level. Enjoy nature walks, horse riding, or even rock climbing
and rejuvenate yourself. There are wonderful forest walks in this area
where a walk to the Dorothy’s Seat picnic spot at Tiffin Top can be a
memorable experience. Trekking to Naina Peak is another significant
activity to be enjoyed here.
Binsar:
Located at an elevation of 7600 ft above sea level, Binsar is known to
be the highest hill station in the entire Kumaon region. It is one of
the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand, and located amidst the Binsar
Wildlife Sanctuary. Witnessing the panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks
from Zero point is the main attraction of this region. From nature
lovers to adventure freaks, this region can satisfy all. The mesmerizing
Himalayan oak and rhododendron woods are ideal for trekking. Binsar
Wildlife Sanctuary houses more than 200 species of birds and other
wildlife including leopard, black bear, pine marten porcupine etc. Do
not forget to have a glimpse of snow packed mountains of Kedarnath,
Trishul, Shivling and the Nanda Devi from famous Binsar Zero Point. The
Bineshwar Temple of 13th Century India is highly attention grabbing.
Chakrata
Another famous hill station in Uttarakahand, Chakrata attracts
attention of the tourists for its unique natural setting. Situated by
the side of Yamuna and Tons River, this beautiful hill station is
amongst one of the best locations to repose. The undulating terrains of
the majestic hill, deep forests, and healthy climate make it a perfect
destination for a soothing summer outing. Trekking to Kharamba Peak is a
wonderful experience. The northern slants of Chakrata are famous for
both skiing and trekking.
Chamba
If you want to explore a hill station in fresh environs and stunning
scenic beauty, Chamba can be an excellent option for you. The
picturesque scenic beauty of the region with its unspoiled nature offers
an outstanding feel to the tourists. The tiny hill station, decorated
with pine trees and Deodar forest offering an impressive view of
Himalaya. The pleasant weather of summer makes it a popular retreat for
most of the people residing in cities. Monsoon is romantic here and
winter season is chilling. Sometimes the temperature goes beyond
freezing point and one can witness snowfall as well. According to the
legends, Chamba was earlier a part of the Gorkha Kingdom but it was
Kings of Garhwal who later ruled this place. As the region is located
near to Mussoorie and Rishikesh, one can enjoy camping, trekking and
climbing.
Champawat
One of the most famous sightseeing spots in Uttarakhand, Champawat is
known for its rich cultural heritage. There are a number of historical
locations in this place which include astounding architectural
establishments. Extensive variety of flora and fauna make it a magical
city to explore to the fullest. Religious spots like Baleshwar Temple
and Nagnath Temple display the excellent architectural beauty of the
place. Banasur ka Kila is a significant sight to visit. Other
attractions include Chaumu Temple, Barahi Temple, Abbott Mount, Advaita
Ashrama, Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple etc.
Chaukori
If you are in need of a break from your hectic lifestyle, Chaukri has
multiple options. It is located in the high hill of Pithoragarh district
of Uttarakhand at a height of 2010m above sea level. Chaukori is famous
for its tea garden. The vergin beauty of Chaukori is unaffected by
pollution and crowd the undulating terrains are perched with emerald
green tea gardens overlooking the benign summits of Chaukhamba, Nanda
Devi, Panchauli or Nanda Kaut. Due to the unpolluted environ both the
views of sunset and sunrise is unique in Chaukori. The forest is rich in
pine, oak, and rhododendron trees and interspersed with cornfields and
orchards. Detached from all sorts of artificiality, this natural setting
is the best location to compel tourists to plan a special holiday trip
to Uttarakhand. Some of the prominent sightseeing places in Chaukori are
Arjuneshawar Shiva Temple, Kalinag, Bashukinag, Feninag, Pinglenag,
Mostamanu Temple, Harinag Temple, Ghunsera Devi Temple and Kapileshwar
Mahadev Temple.
Chopta
Encompassing some of the wonderful tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, Chopta is
known to be the Switzerland of India. Mostly visited for adventurous
activities, Chopta has pleasant weather and breathtaking ambiance to
please cosmopolitan city dwellers. Among the adventurous activities, exploring the Chopta Tungnath Trek
is the most amusing. This easy gradient track can be explored in one
day. The journey starts from Chopta and ends at Tungnath summit
(Chandrshila). This steady inclined trek passes through a striking
forest of rhododendron. For having a glimpse of superb views of Chopta,
September to November is the best time. Witnessing the snow covered
mountain tracks while passing through the twist path is remarkable. The
region is perched with numerous alpine meadow slopes which are great
locations for skiing. You can also take part in camping on Chopta.
Dhanaulti
Situated at an elevation of 2286 m above sea level, Dhanaulti is an
attractive tourist spot in Mussoorie. Enclosed with dense oak, alpine
and rhododendron forests, this exotic location can be the best retreat
to the city dwellers. Slightly apart from the crowd of Mussoorie,
Dhanaulti fascinates tourists throughout the year. From weekend
travelers to family vacationers and corporate groups, everyone has
something unique to enjoy in this diverse land. For thrill seekers,
there are scopes to enjoy soft adventure activities like Flying Fox and
Burma Bridge. There are wonderful walking tracks and nice corners and
sitting spaces to spend leisure. Barehipani fall (400m) and Joranda fall
(150m) in Dhanaulti exude wonderful natural ambiance. There are
different varieties of swings for kids. So, if you are with your family,
your kids will also like this place.
Dharchula
Located on the border of Pithoragarh district, Dharchula is a lower
hilly region in Uttarakhand. Slightly detached from all major cities,
this location is one of the unexplored getaway destinations in
Uttarakhand. This small hill station stands on the bank of River Kali
and houses important spots to explore. This is an excellent option for
those who seriously need a break to relax. Flourishing forest is perched
with trees like Pine, Oak, Apple and Deodar. An extensive variety of
dry fruit plants are also found here. You can visit some popular places
like Jaulijibi, Narayan Ashram, Askot Sanctuary, and Chirkila Dam.
Didihat
One among the major tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Didihat is
located 64 km away from Dharchula. The diversity of flora and fauna in
this region is imposing. The entire region is enclosed with deep green
ridge. Witnessing the Panchachuli Peaks from any corner of the vicinity
is breathtaking. Being the ancient kingdom of Katyur Dynasty, Askot is a
popular tourist spot in this area. The remains of many historical forts
are also found here. The Malika Arjun Temple and the Ashram of Swami
Narayan are major religious spots in Didihat.
Dwarahat
Situated in a beautiful natural set up, Dwarahat is one of the best
places to visit in Uttarakhand. Mostly popular among the regular
tourists as a significant sightseeing location, Dwarahat has a group of
55 temples which were mostly built by the Katyuri Kings. Paban Maharaja
Ashram or Durga Temple is located at high altitude and one has to climb
500 steps to reach atop the hill. The view of the Himalayan peaks and
the surrounding vicinity of Almora, Ranikhet and Kasauni are amazing. A
couple of fairs are also organized in Dwarahat. Syalde Bikhauti Mela is
celebrated on Vishuwat Sankranti Day and dance and music play a major
role in this fair.
Gwaldam
There are many interesting spots to explore while you are spending your
holidays in Uttarakhand. Gwaldam is one such less trodden landscape in
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is located at an elevation of 1700 m
above sea level. Nestled in wooded vicinity with undisturbed tranquil
ambiance, this beautiful natural setting invites tourists of all ages to
spend their holidays in Uttarakhand. A 3 km short track runs up to
Talwari which is set in a breath-taking environ. The sideway of the
track is rich in multihued flowers, varieties of birds, and endless
springs. Trekking to the majestic Roopkund Lake will be the most
wonderful memory of Gwaldam. Badhangarh Temple stands on a narrow ridge
and one can go for a short evening walk on its beguiling trails.
Harsil
If you are a peace loving soul and the boisterous city life has
snatched away your sleep, take a break and head for Harsil, one of the
hidden jewels of Uttarakhand. Murmuring water of river Bhagirathi,
chirping of birds and dense deodar forest transform the land into a
heaven-like getaway from the unexciting honks of metros. The region is
located at an elevation of 2620 m above sea level and occupies a
picturesque landscape. During summer it has a pleasant weather and the
winter is as usual chilling. If you are dying to see a lot of snow,
January to March is the ideal time for that. Trekking from Harsil to
Chitkul via Lamkhaga Pass adds to thrill. Other than witnessing the snow
packed Himalayan peaks closely, you can see the apple orchards
flourishing with fresh apples.
Jeolikot
This summer,
plan for a never had before family trip to Jeolikot and feel the charm
of exploring the boundless nature to the fullest. From calm and serene
environment for relaxation to enthusiastic adventurous activities,
Jeolikot has wonderful options for all ages. Famous tourist spots like
Mukteshwar, Naini Lake, Corbett National Park,
and Ramgarh are close to this place. Enjoy the ambiance of orchards
flourishing in seasonal fruits. The village of Jeolikot is paradise for
nature enthusiasts. The adventure lovers can enjoy bird watching or
nature walks. Try to explore the colonial history and heritage of one of
the small villages of this region.
Kanatal
A drive of 6-7 hours from Delhi will take you to Kanatal, a quaint
place tucked away in the dense forests of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
33/kms from Mussoorie, this wonderful getaway is located 8500Ft above
sea level. Like other hill stations of the state, this place is also
blessed with Goddess Nature in its full bloom. But what separates it
from other known names is its untouched beauty and intact rustic appeal.
Kanatal and its less-explored passages attract tourists for
rejuvenation, for self-exploration and for praising the Creator. Another
major attraction of Kanatal is its proximity with Chamba, and Dehradun
as well as its adventurous zeal.
Kausani
A paradise of tranquility, a hub of unbound freshness; Kausani is
nestled amidst magnetic Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Extensive
undulating terrains are perched with emerald green tea gardens and
induce you to stroll by the garden side. Absolutely detached from the
noisy environment of city life, it is a perfect retreat for the
worshippers of nature. Newly married couples can stroll on its
breathtaking nature walking trails and can make their trip to Kausani
more romantic. Some of the important trek routes from Kausani are Base
Kausani trek, Adi Kailash trek, and Bageshwar- Sunderdhunga trek. Most
of the routes pass through oak and pine forest and the smell of ripen
fruits will fascinate you. One can also indulge in rock-climbing or
stroll through the edge of Gomti and Kosi to spend the leisure in
solitude. There are couple of beautiful ashrams and waterfalls at
Kausani among which the major names are Anashakti Ashram, Lakshmi
Ashram,Rudradhari Fall etc.
Khirsu
Another important weekend getaway in Pauri Garhwal district of
Uttarakhand, Khirsu is one of the most peaceful tourist places in
Uttarakhand. This small hill station at an elevation of 1700m fascinates
travelers and offers some of the best views of central Himalaya and its
snow clad peaks. If you love communing with nature, this is the right
place for you. During winter, the mountain peaks get covered with the
powdery white snow. The tranquil forest is thick in Oak, Deodar forests.
Sweet smell of ripen apples is delightful. The ancient temple of
Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is worth a visit. Pauri, Deval Garh,
Dhari Devi, and Ulkha Garhi are some of the best sightseeing options in
Khirsu.
Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a perfect getaway to spend your holiday. An ideal
destination to spend the relaxing moments without doing any activities
is easily approachable from metro cities like Delhi. Located at an
altitude of 1700m above sea level, this small hill station offers the
best views of snow-laden peaks of Mt. Kedarnath and Chaukhamba. The
hills are perched with green forests of Pine, Deodar, and Rhododendron
and amplify the scenic beauty. Unpopulated environments, fresh cold
breezes, colour of sunset & sunrise and bird paradise are the
uniqueness of this tiny hill station.
Lohaghat
Located in the Champawat district, Lohaghat is a 1745m high hill
station in Uttarakhand. Well acclaimed for its pleasant environment this
little quaint destination is important from mythological as well as
historical point of view. This small town is situated by the river
Lohawati and a retreat from the mad rush of city life. Salubrious
weather, abundant nature trails, and deep green landscapes rejuvenate
the flagging spirit. Abbot Mount, Shyamal Tal, Gurudwara Sahib, Forti
Village, Vanasur Fort, Galchaura are some of the significant tourist
spots in this area. Try to visit the mystical Mayawati Ashram popular
among the follower of Advaitins. Adventure lovers can participate in
river water rafting as well.
Mukteshwar
Located at an elevation of 2286 meters (7500 feet) above the Kumaon
Hills, Mukteshwar is the nearest getaway from Delhi and Nainital. Though
this hilly region is well known for the temple of lord Mahadeva, the
scenic beauty is the central attraction. Witnessing the breathtaking
natural ambiance of Himalaya from the temple premise is unforgettable.
Chauli-ki-Jali is known for its overhanging cliffs where sporty
individuals can enjoy rock climbing and rappelling. Have a glimpse of
the excellent view of the valleys below. Trek by the woods in early
morning and feel the freshness of air which is totally absent in a city
life. Ramgarh has a few amazing orchards whereas Sital is known for its
gushing waterfalls.
Munsiyari
For those young and enthusiastic individuals who love to feel the
thrill of adventure, Munsiyari has multiple options. Located in
Pithoragarh district at an altitude of 2298m above sea level this less
polluted holiday destination houses a number of high altitude trekking
routes. From beginners to experts, all can quench their thirst of
trekking. Observe the mesmerizing view of the snow capped peaks of
Himalaya while trekking. If you are in a long trip and want to explore
more, do not forget to look for the multiple varieties of wildlife which
is enriched by the rare species like Himalayan griffon, Himalayan bear,
wagtail, raven, falcon, monal and many more. Birthi Fall is around
35/kms from Munsiyari and a must-see tourist attraction. A very old
temple called Nanda Devi is another attraction of this vicinity. March
to May and October to November is considered to be the best period to
visit this mini Kashmir of Uttarakhand.
Naukuchia Tal
If solitude is your bosom friend, Naukuchia Tal is the perfect tourist
spot for you. Known for its one km long nine-cornered lake, this
wonderful tourist spot is situated at an altitude of 1220 m above sea
level. Unpolluted, clamor-free environ is echoed with the chirping of
birds. Enjoy paddling by the lake side which is a great experience. If
you want to explore some other destinations, Mukteshwar and Sat Tal are
not very far.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar
The Himalayan foothills are popular pilgrimage destinations since
eternity. Most of the caves are either explored for adventure or
religious belief. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is one such mystical and spiritual
place which is located 1350m above sea level. It is a limestone cave and
the entrance to the cave goes through a long and narrow tunnel.
Devotees believe that 33 crore deities are residents of the cave.
Worshipping here is regarded as equivalent to Char Dham Yatra.
Though the central deity of the temple is Shiva, but numbers of other
deities are also seen here. Other wonders found in this cave are hair of
Lord Shiva, Airavat of Indra, Tongue of Kaal Bhairava and some more.
This mysterious cave has four entrances and the entire cave is around
160m long and 90 feet deep.
Pauri
The salubrious weather and astounding scenic beauty of Pauri is enough
to make your short holiday trip to Uttarakhand surprisingly memorable.
The picturesque landscape is perched with skyscraping mountain peaks
covered with pristine white snow. Witnessing sunrise atop the mountain
peaks is an unforgettable experience. Kedarnath, Bander Punchh, Gangotri
Group, Neelkanth, and Nandadevi are some of the significant mountain
peaks that one can witness from Pauri.
Pithoragarh
Set amidst breath-taking natural scenario and holy spots, Pithoragarh
is a significant hill station in Uttarakhand. Located at a height of
1,650m above sea level, this small village is a historical place too.
Mansarovar and Kailash pilgrimage start from this region. Nepal and
Tibbet are the neighbouring countries close to Pithoragarh. Pouring
waterfalls, white glaciers, tranquil lakes, and gushing rivers gulp down
the tiredness and boredom of the travelers. Walk around all unique
elements of Pithoragarh starting from sightseeing to nature exploring
and let your inner soul rejuvenate.
Ramgarh
If you are one among those individuals who love to interact with bare
nature in solitude, Ramgarh in Kumaon district of Uttarakhand must be
your next holiday destination. Detached from the rush of city life, the
environment of this region is calm and serene. Have a glimpse of the
gigantic Himalaya from the sprawling fruit orchards of apricots, apples,
peach and pears. Go for paddling across the orchards and enjoy the
fresh ripen smell of the varieties of fruits.
Ranikhet
One of the significant hill stations in north India, Ranikhet is a must
see tourist spot for the adventure loving youths. Apart from bewitching
topography, the region attracts many tourists for the amazing trekking
trails. The artistic canvas of this region is perched with varieties of
rare trees and multihued nameless flower gardens. Paragliding camps are
organized by different tour organizer groups. The campsite is around
12km ahead of the main town of Ranikhet and located by the oak forest.
There is airy safari tents to smaller trekking tents in this area to add
to your comfort. You can also choose to spend a leisure night in old
style stone houses of the village. There are a few beautiful temples at
Ranikhet, among which Jhula Devi Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple,
Katarmal(Sun Temple) are noteworthy.
[Check out best affordable and customized holiday packages for Ranikhet]
Sattal
If you love birding and if photography is your passion, spend your next
weekend in this camera-friendly destination of Sattal. As the name
suggests, Sat-Tal means a cluster of seven lakes. Water of these lakes
is crystal clear and unpolluted. The region is located 1370m above sea
level. To escape from the intolerable cold of the extreme peaks of the
Himalaya, varieties of migratory birds come down to this region. The
weather is pleasant during summer. In monsoon, the greenery of this
region flourishes impressively.
New Tehri
The only planned city of Uttarakhand, New Tehri is a renovated form of
Old Tehri Town. Mainly visited by the dwellers of plains in summer for
its pleasant weather, this modern town is spread over an altitude of
1,550-1,950 m above sea level. Tehri Dam is known to be the tallest dam
in India. The panoramic views of Chamba are spectacular.
Rudrapur
Mainly
known for its Atariya Temple, Rudrapur is a small getaway destination
in Uttarakhand. It is located on the Rudrapur-Haldwani route. Every year
during Navratras, a 10 days long fair is held in this region. People
from across the state join in this fair to seek blessings from Goddess
Atariya.
Chamoli
Located at an elevation of 995m above sea level, Chamoli is a great
place for pilgrimage as well as adventure activities. It is a part of
the ‘Kedar Khand’ and situated in the Central Himalaya. While the winter
is chilling here, the summer is rather moderate and pleasing. For
adventure lovers, there are trekking trails in Chamoli. Roopkund Trek, Kuaripass Trek, Gopeshwar-Helang Trek are noteworthy. One can enjoy rock climbing and skiing as well.
Joshimath
A famous centre for pilgrimage and the starting point of most of the
adventurous activities, Joshimath is an 1890m high hill station in
Uttarakhand. It is the gateway to Hem Kund and Badrinath Temple.
Vishnuprayag, the confluence of Alkananda and Dhauliganga is located at
the foothill of this mountainous region. Joshimath is the base of Kuari
Pass Treks, Valley of Flowers and Auli Ski Resort. A number of tour
organizers arrange trekking, skiing, white water rafting, and mountain
climbing packages on demand.
Jageshwar
The historical temples of Jageshwar are the central attractions of this
unique tourist destination in Uttarakhand. This religious town is
situated at an elevation of 1,870m above sea level and more than 124
temples are found here. The temples are nestled amidst the deodar forest
with a stream flowing at its backdrop. The temples depict ancient
Indian sculpture and date back to the Gupta dynasty. Mrityunjay Temple
is the oldest temple in Jageshwar while Dandeshwar Temple is the
largest. More than 25 inscriptions of different ages are found in the
temple premise. While the summer is pleasant in this area, monsoon may
bring heavy rainfall and winter season is chill.
Gangolihat
If you are planning for a religious tour to Uttarakhand, the divine
land of Gangolihat has some of the best spots for you. It is a small
hill town in Pithoragarh and famous for its Shaktee Pithas of Hat kalika
or Goddess Kali. There are a number of ancient temples and underground
caves to explore in this place. Temples like Haat Kalika Mandir,
Chamunda Mandir, Vaishnavi Mandir, and Ambika Dewaal are very
significant from a religious point of view. The Vaishnavi Mandir is
situated atop the Shail Parvat and the panoramic view of the Himalaya
mesmerizes the devotees and travelers alike. Exploring the underground
caves like ‘Shaileshwar Gufa’, ‘Patal Bhuvaneshwar’, ‘Mukteshwar’, and
‘Pataleshwar Gufa’ is truly interesting.
Uttarkashi
If you are panning for a religious family trip to Uttarakhand,
Uttarakashi is the perfect place in terms of piousness as well as
sightseeing options. Close to the main town of mystical plains of Kashi
City, this busy town houses a number of shrines and temples. The
vicinity is located at an elevation of 1165 m above sea level and the
holy river Bhagirathi flows by this town. The forest of this region is
rich in fir, pine and deodar trees along with number of medicinal herbs
and shrubs. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is located in this region
to train you in mountaineering. Trekking from Uttarkashi to Dodi Tal and
Dayara Bugyal are very popular among the adventure lovers.
Gopeshwar
Those
who want to go for a holy trip to Uttarakhand and want to visit the
popular pilgrimage destinations, Gopeshwar is a fine option It is
located at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level and houses some of the
ancient temples of unidentified age. The entire region is surrounded by
the four well known Hindu temples, i.e., Tunganath, Badrinath, Anasuya
Devi and Rudranath. Tunganath is the highest temple among the Panch
Kedars of Lord Shiva. Badrinath is the temple of Lord Vishnu which has a
great importance from religious point of view. Vaitrani Kund is the
holy pond where devotees take bath to cleanse their sins.
Kartik Swami Temple
More than just a simple religious destination, this wonderful temple is
mostly visited for its surrounding location and majestic trek from the
base of the hill. It is located at an elevation of 3050 m above sea
level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The idol of Lord Kartikeya
is formed automatically out of a marble rock. The trek to the main
temple starts from dense forest and ends atop a ridge surrounded by
splendid landscape.
Badrinath
Located on the bank of the holy Alakananda River, and in the lap of the
gigantic Himalaya, Badrinath is one of the most prominent Hindu
pilgrimages in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Situated at an average
elevation of 3,100 m above sea level, this spiritual getaway has great
mythological importance. One of the ‘Char Dhams’ and ‘Panch Badris’,
this tranquil holy place encompasses a breath-taking natural ambiance
and surprisingly calm and serene environment. The central deity of the
temple is Lord Vishnu, and he is seated in a meditating pose. The entire
temple premise is set with other small temples and idols of different
other deities. Tapt Kund, a natural thermal spring flows by the
Alakananda River and is believed to have some medicinal properties.
Other must see spots are Neelkanth, Panch Prayag and Mata Murti Temple.
Gangotri
More than just an ordinary worshiping spot, Gangotri is a geologically
important place in Uttarakhand. The main town area is located on the
bank of river Bhagirathi at an elevation of 3140 m above sea level. But,
the most important location is Gaumukh in Gangotri Glacier which is
located around 19km away from Gangotri Town. This is the starting point
of river Ganges, the holiest river mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
Gangotri is one of the ‘Char Dhams’ and has great religious importance.
The submerged lingam of Lord Shiva is seen in the mid river and adds to the surprising elements of this region.
Yamunotri
One of the Char Dhams of Hindu belief, Yamunotri is the abode of
Goddess Yamuna and the starting point of the same (Yamuna River). It is
located at an elevation of 3292 m above sea level and houses a number of
unique sights to be explored. The sacred thermal spring at Janki Chatti
is located around 7 km away from the major attractions of Yamunotri.
The actual starting point of River Yamuna is a bit far from the main
temple at a height of around 4,421 meters (14,505 ft). The scenic beauty
of this divine land is enhanced by the dense pine and deodar forest and
nameless streams rolling down by the rocky hills. Surya Kunda contain
naturally boiling water whereas, Gauri Kund has lukewarm water for
bathing. The temple of deity Yamuna opens on the day of Akshay Tritiya
in April and closes after the Yam Dwitiya in October. The best season to
enjoy the beauty of this place is May to October.
Valley of Flowers
For the nature worshippers of the neighbouring regions to Uttarakhand,
the Valley of Flowers National Park is a paradise. This famous World
Heritage Site is located at an elevation of 3658 m above sea level and
covers an area of 87.50 sq km of Myriad Alpine flowers. This boundless
land of multihued flowers is perched with many nameless species of
flowers including some of the significant species like Brahmakamal,
Cobra Lily, Blue Poppy and a lot more. Other than nature lovers, this
can be a paradise for Botanists. Trekking is the ideal way to explore
this myriad flower bed. This 3 days trek passes through the precarious
cuts on the mountain sides and edges the serpentine source of river
Ganga. The trek starts from Govind Ghat and ends at Ghangria.
Hemkund Sahib
Only 2.1 miles from the mesmerising Valley of Flowers (VOF), Hemkund
Sahib is the highest Gurdwara of the Sikh community. It is located at an
elevation of around 4329 m above sea level. This holy place is situated
in the bank of a pristine lake which is watered by the melting Himlayan
snow. The shrine is surrounded by seven peaks – known as the Sapt
Sring. It is believed that the tenth Guru of the community, Guru Govind
Singh Ji meditated on the hills of Hemkund and thus the abode is
dedicated to this great soul. The shrine is built in star shape and the
vicinity is fascinating. One can complete trekking to Valley of Flowers
and can reach at Hemkund for relaxation.
