Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Nainital
Often referred to as the Lake District of India, Nainital is a charming hill station nestled around the beautiful Naini Lake. Surrounded by lush hills, this town offers boat rides, ropeway adventures, and scenic viewpoints like Tiffin Top and Snow View Point. The bustling Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, and vibrant Tibetan Market add to its lively charm. Nainital is a great escape for nature lovers, families, and honeymooners alike.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
- Distance from Delhi: 300 km
Mussoorie
Known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is perched in the Garhwal Himalayas and offers panoramic views of the Doon Valley and snow-capped peaks. Popular attractions include Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Camel’s Back Road. The Mall Road bustles with cafes, shops, and colonial-era buildings. A cable car ride to Gun Hill adds thrill and scenic joy. Mussoorie is ideal for a relaxing mountain getaway.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June
- Distance from Delhi: 290 km
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, is a spiritual and adventure hotspot on the banks of the Ganga River. Famous for Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat Aarti, and numerous ashrams, it draws yoga enthusiasts from around the globe. Adventure lovers flock here for white water rafting, bungee jumping, and camping. The serene environment and sacred atmosphere make it ideal for both peace and thrill seekers.
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Distance from Delhi: 240 km
Haridwar
A sacred city on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar is a major pilgrimage site known for the grand Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Devotees visit temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi via ropeways. The city’s spiritual aura, colorful rituals, and religious fairs like Kumbh Mela attract millions of visitors. It is a perfect destination for cultural and spiritual immersion.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Distance from Delhi: 220 km
Auli
Auli is a stunning ski resort town surrounded by snow-covered peaks and coniferous forests. It offers perfect slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and cable car rides, especially in winter. In summer, Auli turns into a green paradise with panoramic views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan giants. It’s also a base for treks like Gorson Bugyal.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March for snow, April to June for trekking
- Distance from Delhi: 500 km
Kedarnath
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters near the Mandakini River, it offers a deeply spiritual and breathtaking experience. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, the Kedarnath Temple is a marvel of ancient stone architecture and devotion. The journey to the temple involves a scenic and spiritual 16 km trek from Gaurikund. During the trekking season, thousands of devotees make their way to seek blessings amidst natural serenity. It’s a place where faith meets the mighty Himalayas in perfect harmony.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October
- Distance from Delhi: 450 km (plus 16 km trek)
Badrinath
Located between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath is one of the Char Dhams and holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and stands gracefully beside the Alaknanda River. The colorful façade and the sacred Tapt Kund hot springs nearby attract pilgrims and tourists alike. The region’s dramatic landscape of snow-covered peaks, gushing rivers, and alpine forests makes the spiritual experience even more majestic. Badrinath is not only about faith but also a gateway to exploring some of the most stunning Himalayan beauty. It is visited by thousands during the pilgrimage season from May to October.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October
- Distance from Delhi: 540 km
Valley of Flowers
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers is a pristine alpine national park in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Known for its endless meadows bursting with over 500 species of wildflowers, it becomes a breathtaking carpet of color during the monsoon months. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and traversed by gushing streams, it is a favorite among nature lovers, botanists, and photographers. The moderate trek to the valley also leads to Hemkund Sahib, adding a spiritual element to the journey. Its ecological richness and unspoiled beauty make it one of the most enchanting natural wonders in India. Every step into the valley feels like walking through a living painting.
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
- Distance from Delhi: 520 km (plus 16 km trek)
Chopta
Often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a serene hill station located in the Rudraprayag district. Surrounded by dense forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron, it offers unobstructed views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is also the starting point of the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila summit, known for its panoramic sunrise views. Chopta remains peaceful and less commercialized, making it perfect for trekking, camping, birdwatching, and nature photography. Whether in snow-covered winters or lush green summers, Chopta is a hidden gem for offbeat travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
- Distance from Delhi: 450 km