Located amidst the majestic Himalayas and endowed with rich topography of lofty snow-laden mountains, gurgling rivers, muddy trails, undulated meadows, striking fruit orchards, quaint villages and verdant forests, the hill state of Uttarakhand is an epitome of natural beauty. The scores of tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand, provide a favourite haunt for honeymooners, trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure freaks and casual holiday seekers and attract countless people from across the country to escape those unbearable mounting temperatures of the plains during peak summer months. With some spectacular places to visit in Uttarakhand and the availability of innumerable thrilling experiences ranging from water sports to the blissful ashrams where you can connect with your inner self, there is no reason you should be a part of the urban grind for more than two months in a row!
While there are endless enchanting hill stations and places to visit in Uttarakhand, we bring to you the best five, saving you from all the stress of listing down the prospective summer vacation destinations. Without further ado, here you go.
1. Rishikesh
Beautifully cradled on the foothills of Himalayas, at the holy confluence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh has always charmed spiritual and adventure travelers. This holy city offers divine views of scenic landscapes and a lush green valley, and is home to ancient temples, spiritual gurus and a host of ashrams preaching yoga, spirituality, meditation and Ayurveda. The small hamlet is also famed for thrilling adventure sports like white water rafting on the rapids of Ganga, cliff diving, body surfing, rock climbing and others.
Best time to visit: September to December and February to April
2. Kausani
Rightly termed as the ‘Switzerland of India' by Mahatma Gandhi, the luxurious hill-top destination of Kausani tucked in the peaceful Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand is sought by travelers who like to go offbeat. It is renowned for the 350 km broad sweeping views of some of the tallest Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Panchachuli and the captivating view that it offers to passionate trekkers and photographers alike.
Best time to visit: March to June
3. Nainital
One of the prime tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand, Nainital lies deep inside the beautiful Kumaon Hills and makes for one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi. This quaint hill town with its natural beauty and cultural spectacle offers great scope for trekking and other adventure activities like hiking, rock-climbing, paragliding and angling amidst the ethereal beauty of its lakes. It also houses myriad temples and religious places that offer a memorable time to all the spiritually inclined.
Best time to visit: March to June
4. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett has ensured to maintain its legacy by holding on to its richness of Royal Bengal tigers in the region. Being one of the very few national parks to allow residing inside the premise at night, Jim Corbett is special in many unique ways. The incredibly diverse landscape, ranging from marshy land, riverine belts to small hills, marshy depressions, lakes and grasslands, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers. A visit to Corbett National Park remains incomplete without taking a jungle safari, so make sure you go for a safari, preferably morning and evening both.
Best time to visit: November to February
5. Dhanaulti
The unadulterated natural bounty of Dhanaulti makes for one of the best nature holiday destinations in the Himalayan region. This quaint little hill town is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the swarming cities flanked by strapping mountain slopes, sprawling verdant forests, snow covered peaks, red apples orchard and luscious cherry trees. Dhanaulti is a haven for you to marvel at the untouched natural beauty, and is dotted with several attractions from ancient temples and pristine parks to nearby villages.
Best time to visit: October to June
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If you are craving for fresh air, serenity and a relaxing ‘Me-time', take a plunge into the limitless beauty of nature, and plan on visiting some of these boutique Himalayan getaways. Mark your calendars for the list of these tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand that you can discover with your loved ones on your next trip to this natural paradise!
