Last Updated on January 21, 2025
Uttarakhand is a state in India that has been blessed with bountiful natural beauty. Lofty Himalayan peaks, glaciers, the Holy Ganges, lush green forest cover and varied wildlife make it one of a kind in all of India. There is so much to see and experience in Uttarakhand if you are a nature lover. Every nook and corner of this picturesque state is brimming with a whole different kind of beauty. Alluring travelers to explore and experience its magic.
Here’s a list of the best of Uttarakhand that are worth a visit before you head anywhere else in India.
1- Dehradun
Home to the prestigious Indian Military Academy that produces the finest pedigree of soldiers in India. Dehradun is worth a visit for numerous reasons. Known for its legacy of some of the finest educational institutions and a beauty so captivating. The capital city of Uttarakhand is worth a stop if you are heading to Uttarakhand any time of the year. This valley is known for its scenic locales, legendary bakeries and basmati rice.
Places to visit in Dehradun: From the array of places to visit in Dehradun, Sahastradhara, a religious place known for its beauty of flowing waterfall and green valleys. Tiger falls, Robber’s cave, Mindrolling monastery, Tapkeshwar temple, and forest research institute.
How to reach Dehradun: Dehradun is at a distance of 248 km from New Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and the nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station. Dehradun is also well connected by buses that ply from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi regularly.
2- Haridwar
Take a plunge into the absolute divinity of the Holy Ganges in Haridwar and start your very journey towards attaining moksha. Haridwar an important pilgrimage town for the Hindus, is primarily known for the plethora of temples that adorn it. Some of these temples such as the Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples located on hilltops. They offer some extraordinary vantage points to get that shutterbug in you clicking all the way.
Places to visit in Haridwar: The city known for its Ghats, Har ki Pauri is the main attraction located on the banks of river Ganges. You can also visit Mansa Devi temple, Chandi Devi temple, Vaishno Devi temple, Bada Bazaar for shopping and Sapt Sarovar for taking a holy dip.
How to reach Haridwar: Haridwar is at a distance of 221 km from New Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and the nearest railway station is the Haridwar Railway Station. Haridwar is well connected by buses that ply from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi regularly.
3- Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a place where you can really let go of all your worries and shackles of mundane city life and seek spirituality at its best. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is truly divine and serene. You may choose to spend your days learning yoga, rejuvenating through the numerous Ayurvedic treatments that offer a holistic healing experience. Or you can simply enjoy some amazing music while devouring awesome gourmet cuisine at the numerous cafes here. And if you are the adventurous kind then Rishikesh is perfect for you. You can go river rafting, cliff jumping, kayaking as well as bungee jumping here.
Places to visit in Rishikesh: Lakshman and Ram Jhula on the river Ganges is the main tourist attraction of Rishikesh. You can also visit Beatles ashram (where the famous band the beatles visited) Shivpuri, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Triveni Ghat, Neergarh waterfall, Kaudiyala and Jumping heights for Bungee jumping.
How to reach Rishikesh: Rishikesh is at a distance of 225 km from New Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and the nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station. Rishikesh is well connected by buses that ply from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi.
4- Mussoorie
Located 4,000 m above sea level is this quaint little hill station in the lap of the Himalayas peaks, is one of the famous hill stations of Uttarakhand. It is also the humble abode of India’s favorite author Mr Ruskin Bond. Mussoorie is nothing less than a picture perfect painting of tranquillity. With its bustling market area to some breathtaking trails to tread upon to the lovely remnants of the colonial architecture, Mussoorie is a welcome retreat from the noisy humdrum of the cities.
Places to visit in Mussoorie: Kempty falls is a must go. You can visit Soham heritage art center, Mall road, Fish aquarium, Lal Tibba, Lake Mist. George Everest Peak from where you can enjoy the view of mountain ranges.
How to reach Mussoorie: Mussoorie is at a distance of 279 km from New Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and the nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station. Getting a direct bus to Mussoorie from New Delhi can be a little tricky but you can easily avail the bus service once you reach Dehradun. Mussoorie is at a mere distance of 35 km from Dehradun.
5- Auli
Another lovely location to experience nature and adventure at its best. Auli has managed to gain a lot of popularity in the recent years as the second best skiing retreat of India after Gulmarg in Kashmir. Auli is covered in snow from November to March every year making it the perfect time to indulge in some Snow Skiing. It is the best time to visit Auli. Apart from these months, Auli is a great place and picturesque even throughout the year with its lush green stretches of coniferous forests overlooking the mighty Himalayan ranges. Oh, and there’s nothing better than trekking in Auli.
Places to visit in Auli: Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Viewpoint are the main attractions of Auli.
How to reach Auli: Auli is at a distance of 480 km from Delhi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and nearest International Airport is New Delhi. The nearest railway station is that of Rishikesh at 250 km.
6- Nainital
Nainital or the city of lakes was a popular summer retreat during the colonial era in India. The impact of which can still be seen in the city’s architecture. Known for the plethora of prestigious educational institutions in the area that date back to the British era, Nainital became one of the most coveted places in India to pursue education. The scenic locales of the region extending from the numerous lakes that adorn this little hamlet to the dense forest covers on the slopes of the Himalaya Peak speak of utmost natural beauty. Nainital is a lovely getaway for the solitude and tranquillity-seeking traveller in you.
Places to visit in Nainital: Known for its famous Naini lake, it remains the main attraction of the lake city. You can also visit Mall road, Naina Devi temple, snow viewpoint, Naina peak, Jeolikot are the other places to visit in Nainital.
How to reach Nainital: The nearest railway station is in Kathgodam which is at a distance of 34 km from Nainital. Nainital is at a distance of 301 km from New Delhi. The nearest airport is that of Pantnagar and the second nearest airport is New Delhi Airport.
7- Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most sought after tourist places in India owing to its richness and diversity of wildlife. The wildlife sanctuary is home to the elusive species of tigers, elephants, a variety of birds, crocodiles, and plenty of other animals, Corbett National Park is a paradise for the wildlife lover in you. You can indulge in wildlife safaris, camping and luxurious stays at the Corbett National Park.
Places to visit in Jim Corbett: Known for its wide variety of wildlife, you can stay in a resort amidst the numerous . Corbett falls, Garjiya Devi temple, Durga Mandir temple and Corbett museum.
How to reach Jim Corbett National Park: Ramnagar is the nearest town to the Jim Corbett National Park. Ramnagar is at a distance of 260 km from New Delhi and is easily accessible by road. The nearest railway station is Ramnagar which is around 15 km from then Corbett National Park.
8- Almora
Located at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills is this quaint little hill station. The hilly slopes of the region are carpeted by dense pine and fir forests and fed by the river Koshi. The snow-clad Himalayas form the perfect backdrop of this hill station making it every bit of picturesque and wonderful. The hill station is mainly known for its temple, you can spot a number of ancient temples here and there.
Places to visit in Almora: Jageshwar temple, zero point, Kasar Devi temple, Katarmal temple are the must visit places in Almora.
How to reach Almora: Almora is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and is at a distance of 365 km from New Delhi. The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport and the second nearest airport is the New Delhi Airport. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station. Almora is also well connected to the rest of Uttarakhand by busses.
9- Lansdowne
Lansdowne is another jewel in the crown of Uttarakhand. A picturesque hill station located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is home to unbound natural beauty and scenic vistas. A little offbeat from the other popular destinations in Uttarakhand Lansdowne is the perfect getaway for the offbeat traveller.
Places to visit: The Cantt town is known for Bhulla Lake, Bhim Pakora, Tip and Top Tarakesh Mahadev temple and Darwan singh regiment memorial.
How to reach Lansdowne: The distance from Delhi to Lansdowne is 260km. The nearest railway station is Kotdwar at a distance of 44 km. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
10- Kausani
Blessed with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, dense covers of pine trees overlooking the valleys of Someshwar, Garur and Katyuri is this paradise of sorts. Kausani is located at a distance of 52 km from Almora and is a place worth exploring in Uttarakhand. The rivers Koshi, Gomti and Ramganga feed this charming little hill station making it one of the most fertile regions of Uttarakhand. It is also the starting point for treks in the Himalayas.
Places to visit: Rudradhari falls and caves, Gwaldam, Pinnath, Baijnath temple, Kausani tea estate and Someshwar and a few places that can’t be missed in this quaint little town.
How to reach Kausani: The nearest airport is the Pantnagar airport and the second nearest airport is the New Delhi Airport. The nearest railway station is Kotdwar railway station. Kausani is also well connected by road with the rest of Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand is divinely beautiful and there’s a lot to explore in this minuscule Himalayan state that has been carefully preserving its natural beauty over the years. So what are you waiting for, go explore the Uttarakhand state.