Last Updated on February 12, 2025
Uttarakhand is one of the most gorgeous states located in North India boasting numerous gorgeous hill stations. There is a myriad of rivers originating from the spiritual lands of this state and offers the amazing and appealing views of the snow-peaked mountains during the winter months and the same place served as perfect escapades in summer season where everyone loves planning their Holiday in Uttarakhand to escape away from the scorching heat of the sun rays. Uttarakhand, the land of spirituality and a valuable jewel on the crown of Indian territory bordered by Tibet in the north, Himachal Pradesh in the west, Nepal in the east, and the Gangetic Plains in the South.
Below mentioned is the beautifully compiled rundown of top amazing hill stations in Uttarakhand where you can visit to escape away from the same boring schedule of your busy life.
1.Almora – The Cultural Capital of Kumaon
The gorgeous hill station in Uttarakhand popular for its diversity, Almora is a bewitching hill-station nestled at an altitude of almost 1638 meters above the sea level and is adorned with the old oaks forest and the dense and dwindling pine trees spread over a huge area. The incredible aura of the destination keeps the travelers engaged and immensely dipped in its serene and tranquil ambiance. If you visit this place during the beginning of winter months then you get to witness a different charm of the site adorned with the snow-peaked mountains standing gorgeously in the utmost grandeur to please the backpackers coming from different corners of the country.
- Major Attractions: Cultural Hub, temples, hill sites, and the fairs and festivals organized here.
- Best Time To Visit: It’s better to avoid monsoon months as it is not safe to walk on mountains when it rains so the best time to visit Almora is between March and June and then from September to November.
2.Nainital
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Undoubtedly, Nainital strikes first to the mind of every travelers who are seeking to spend their holidays amidst the lofty hills and gorgeous mountains. One of the most quaint and magnificent hill stations in the country, Nainital is tucked at an elevation of almost 1938 meters above the sea level and holds great importance in Uttarakhand tourism as the region boasts of several temples including Naina Devi Temple and there are many more tourist attractions that one can explore in Nainital. Besides being studded with several astonishing tourist sites, the hill station is also famous for its educational centers where many of them were established during the British rule and are still serving the same level of education.
- Major Attractions: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Nainital Zoo, Tiffin Top, Ropeway Rides, Hanuman Garhi, and Raj Bhawan are some of the most popular attractions of Nainital.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
3.Ranikhet
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If you are in love with mountains and hills but do not want to face the crowd then Ranikhet is one of the perfect choices of hill destination for you. Despite being a popular hill station, it is also popular as the Kumaon regiment of the Indian Army and also has the Kumaon Regimental Center Museum which offers you a splendid display of photos, weapons, etc. so that you get to see the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and the grandness as well as the significance of the military. Ranikhet popularly called as “Queen Farm” is believed to be established by the Britishers who also laid the foundation of several ancient temples, grown some green dense forests, and so on. If you are fed up with the rustic life of your city and want to live some soul-soothing and mind refreshing moment then proceed towards this hill station and live some wonderful moments.
- Major Attractions: Alluring views of Nanda Devi Peak, Jhula Devi Temple, Golf Course, and there are many more places to explore here.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year yet the most recommended time to visit Ranikhet is between March and July.
4.Mussoorie
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All the credit to make Uttarakhand, an amazing holiday destination, goes to the tourism board of the state government to maintain the safe routes. One of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie also called as the queen of hills stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above the sea level and witnesses a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. It was quite a popular destination for spending summer holidays during the British era and so several British remnants could be found in the city including the archaic architecture of the hotels and churches. Although the entire hill city is studded with various tourist sites but The Mall Road has a different charm where you can taste the lip-smacking delicacies and shopping out souvenirs for your family and friends and the place also offers you a colonial vibe.
- Major Attractions: The Mall Road, Cable Car Ropeway, Gun Hill, and many more.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer months is considered to be the most ideal time to plan your visit to Mussoorie. Also, monsoon months is not recommended to visit the place as there is a huge chance of landslides during this period.
5.Auli
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The most sought skiing destination in India, Auli is a wonderland studded with dense oak and pine trees, apple orchards, and similarly, there is no dearth of natural charms here. Despite being reckoned among travel enthusiasts as a skiing destination, Auli also offers you a perfect platform to quench your thirst of trekking in the hills of the Garhwal Himalayas. The destination is not only limited to adventure activities, it also enriches your soul and refreshes your mind with its incredible aura and the picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains and greenery found around. Tucked at an altitude of 2800 meters above the sea level, Auli is a pretty popular hill resort in the Himalayan ranges.
- Major Attractions: Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, and other viewpoints make it a worth visit.
- Best Time to Visit: Being a renowned skiing destination, Auli is best to visit during the winter months and if you are looking for other theme holidays then summer is the best time to plan your visit.
6.Mukteshwar
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A quaint yet beautiful hamlet located almost 50 km away from Nainital, Mukteshwar is renowned for offering a perfect platform to get indulged in adventure activities and to witness the dazzling views of the Himalayan ranges. It is believed that this beautiful hill station has been named after a 350-year old Shiva Temple located here named Mukteshwar Dham. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva killed a demon and blessed him with Mukti so the place has been named as Mukteshwar. Apart from rappelling and rock climbing, one can also enjoy trekking along the mountains and the major attractions here are coniferous forests, picturesque orchards, Rolling Meadows, and the houses built in the colonial style. What else could be better to start your day rather than listening to the chirping of birds? So in Mukteshwar, every morning starts with this beautiful sound accompanied by the cool refreshing breeze touching your face.
- Major Attractions: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Indian Veterinary Institute, Nanda Devi Peak View Point, Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, etc.
- Best Time to Visit: Planning your trip to Mukteshwar between March and June as the weather is quite pleasant and favorable at this time.
7.Lansdowne
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One of the most easily accessible hill stations from Delhi, Lansdowne is located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Adorned with oak and pine tree forests, the destination is encircled by the architectures built in the colonial style. There is nothing wrong to say that it is a heaven for every kinds of travelers whether he/ she be a casual hiker, a bird watchers, and a person looking for a short yet refreshing trip. As per the historical evidences, the destination was established by the British and so has been named after Lord Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India. Accommodating yourself in the guest houses here reminds you of the colonial period and from the balconies of these places, you get to witness the enchanting views of the mountains and the lush green valleys.
- Major Attractions: Bhulla Lake, Tip and Top, St. John’s Church, Bhim Pakora, Jungle Safari, and Darwan Singh Regimental Museum are some of the reckoned attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: There is no specific season to plan your tour here as the place can be explored throughout the year.
8.Kausani
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Established in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, Kausani is a blessing with incomparable scenic vista including a meandering creek, Pine tree forests, and so on. This admiring hill station is one of the most sought destinations for newly-wed couples and nature lovers and also for the snow lovers during the winter season. Formerly named as Valna, this magnificent hill destination is adorned with several tourist sites and the sight of sunset is also pretty captivating. If you are a trekking enthusiast then cover the trekking trail situated nearby this destination including Kailash trek, Bageshwar – Sunderdhunga Trek, and Base Kausani trek.
- Major Attractions: Baijnath Temple, Kausani Tea Estate, Trek to Pinnath, Gwaldam, Rudradhari Falls and Caves, and Shopping in Kausani is also a must-do activity.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to February is the two peak season to plan your Kausani trip.
This is not the end of hill stations of Uttarakhand as the state boasts of several other amazing hill sites but we couldn’t enlist them in one article. So, if you want to know about a few more sites then stay updated with us and write it down in the comment box.