Uttarakhand is a beautiful place that is also known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ (The Land of God). Uttarakhand is covered by mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your beloved, Uttarakhand offers a variety of experiences that cater to every taste and preference. Uttarakhand state is considered a perfect place for adventure lovers because it has some amazing treks that will leave you stunned.
From charming hill stations to remote villages located among the Himalayas, Uttarakhand offers several destinations to experience the magic of snowfall. Along with trekking, Uttarakhand tourism also offers river rafting, paragliding, and many more fun activities that make you a lifelong memory. Join us as we present the best tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, each promising unforgettable moments & cherished memories waiting to be made. If you are someone who loves serenity, you will also discover some of the most peaceful places in Uttarakhand during your journey.
18 Best Tourist Destinations in Uttarakhand:
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand state. This list includes details and local attractions to help you plan a memorable trip.
1. Rishikesh & Haridwar:
Rishikesh and Haridwar are very famous among adventure lovers. There are various fun activities that you can do while you are at Rishikesh and Haridwar such as River Rafting, Bungee jumping, Mountain biking, Cliff jumping, Rappelling, Hiking, etc.
Haridwar is situated on the banks of river Ganga. It is one of the most famous pilgrim spots in India. There are lot of fairs in Haridwar throughout the year. One of the biggest fairs that happens every 12 years known as Kumbh Mela happens in Haridwar.
Rishikesh is located near Haridwar and it is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World ‘. It is located on the banks of river Ganga and tourists can have an enchanting experience of evening aarti on the banks of river Ganga.
| Famous For | Adventure sports & spiritual tourism |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
Also Read: Religious & Adventure Tour To Uttarakhand
2. Dehradun & Mussoorie:
Dehradun and Mussoorie are full of picturesque views that leave the tourists amazed. Both are beautiful hill stations that have pleasant climates throughout the year.
Mussoorie is known as ‘The queen of hill stations and it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand. There are also plenty of adventurous activities that you can do in Mussoorie such as the skywalk, zip swings, river rafting, skiing, paragliding, etc. Tourists can also go camping and trekking in Mussoorie. Beautiful and scenic views make Mussoorie a popular place among honeymooners. Various other offbeat places to visit in Mussoorie are Kempty Falls, Lake Mist, Nag Tibba Trek, Mall Road, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
Dehradun is a famous spot among tourists of all age groups. Robber’s cave is surrounded by hills and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Dehradun. Lachhiwala is a picnic spot in Dehradun where people can enjoy a sunset. Some of the other Dehradun tourist places are Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Mandir, Har Ki Dun, Tapovan temple, etc.
| Famous For | Hill station & scenic beauty |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 450 m (Dehradun), 2,001 m (Mussoorie) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 3–4 days |
Also Read: Tourist Places & Hill Stations to Visit Near Dehradun
3. Nainital & Ranikhet:
Nainital is a beautiful hill station and it is named after Naini Lake. It is popular among tourists because of its beauty and pleasant weather. Boating in Naini Lake is one of the most popular tourist activities in Nainital. Tourists can also go for trekking in the nearby mountain regions. You can also enjoy the ropeway ride in Nainital. Naina Devi Temple, and Snow View Point, Eco Cave Gardens are some of the major attractions of Nainital.
Best Time to Visit Nainital: From March to June. During this time there are plenty of tourists that visit this beautiful place in Uttarakhand.
Ranikhet is a charming hill station covered in natural beauty. Tourists can spend some relaxing and peaceful time here along with some fun activities. Chaubatia Gardens is a beautiful place that is covered with lush greenery and it is a perfect place to take a refreshing walk through the orchards. There is also a golf course named as Upat Golf Course and it is counted among the highest golf courses in Asia. There are various other spiritual and peaceful places to spend time such as Jhula Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Bhalu Dam, etc.
| Famous For | Lakes & peaceful environment |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 1938 m (Nainital), 1,869 m (Ranikhet) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 3–4 days |
Also Read: Trip To Nainital Hill Station Surrounded By 9 Lakes
4. Auli:
Auli is a popular skiing spot in India which makes it very popular among adventure lovers. Apart from skiing you can also go trekking and enjoy the amazing views of mountains covered in snow. Auli is also famous for its longest and highest cable car that covers a distance of 4 km and it is at a height of 2,909 meters above sea level.
| Famous For | Skiing & snow views |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
| Altitude | 2,909 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
Also Read: Road Trip From Bangalore To Auli
5. Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib:
A Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
It is a beautiful national park that is also included in UNESCO’s world heritage site. Tourists can also go trekking in the valley of forests. The trek goes through dense forests, bridges, rivers, and waterfalls on the way. Valley of flowers has different varieties of flora and fauna. It is a perfect place to soak yourself in the beauty of nature. Many nature lovers consider it among the most unexplored places to visit in Uttarakhand due to its untouched beauty.
Hemkund Sahib is a pilgrimage place for Sikhs and it is the highest Gurudwara in the world that is located at an altitude of 4,572 meters. The Gurudwara got its name from Hemkund Lake that is located near the Gurudwara. Devotees who visit Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara also take a dip in the sacred Hemkund Lake.
| Famous For | Trekking & natural beauty |
| Best Time to Visit | July to September |
| Altitude | Around 3,600 m (Valley), 4,572 m (Hemkund Sahib) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 4–6 days |
Also Read: Trek to the Valley Of Flowers and Beyond
6. Almora – Underrated Place to Visit in Uttarakhand:
Almora is a town that is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique handicrafts. It is an offbeat place that is full of scenic and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Almora is also one of the popular tourist places in Uttarakhand among the tourist who loves mountain biking. Almora is a perfect place for people who love exploring nature. Some other tourist attractions of Almora are Zero Point, Chitai Temple, Nanda Devi temple, and Katarmal temple. This destination is also frequently mentioned in lists of offbeat tourist places in Uttarakhand for its unique charm.
| Famous For | Culture & scenic views |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 1,638 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
7. Chakrata:
It is a small town that is located near Dehradun. Chakrata is majorly famous for mountain climbing and camping. Tourists can also witness magnificent and beautiful Tiger falls. It is a peaceful place surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and some astonishing views. Mundali is a popular tourist spot near Chakrata where you can also experience skiing during winters. You can also explore some caves and ancient temples in Mundali.
| Famous For | Waterfalls & camping |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June & Septmber to November |
| Altitude | 2,118 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
8. Jim Corbett National Park:
It is one of the oldest national parks that is home to the endangered species of the Bengal tiger. It is a heaven for bird watchers as there are more than 650 species of birds. Tourists can also do various fun and adventurous activities like river rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, fishing, and many more. There are also various modes of safari-like Elephant safari, Carter safari, and Jeep safari. This park is also counted among the Uttarakhand famous places due to its rich wildlife and thrilling safari experiences.
| Famous For | Wildlife safari |
| Best Time to Visit | November to June |
| Altitude | 385 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
9. Pithoragarh: Famous as Little Kashmir
Pithoragarh is the easternmost district of Uttarakhand and it is also known as the ‘Little Kashmir’. There are a number of places that attract the tourists like Pithoragarh fort, Kapileshwar Mahadev temple, Pancheshwar dam, Dhwaj temple, etc. Tourists can go trekking and explore the beauty of Pithoragarh. You can also enjoy Paragliding in Pithoragarh.
| Famous For | Himalayan views & trekking |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 1627 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 3–4 days |
10. Mukteshwar:
Mukteshwar is located at around 50 km from Nainital. It is majorly known for adventurous sports. The town is named after the Shiva temple is known as Mukteshwar Dham. The best time to visit Mukteshwar is from March to June. Various adventure activities that you can do in Mukteshwar are Rock climbing, rappelling, paragliding. You can also do camping and spend some amazing time with your friends and family while enjoying the beautiful nature.
| Famous For | Adventure & nature |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 2171 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
11. Munsiyari:
Munsiyari is an amazing hill station that is famous for its scenic views and beauty. It is also used as a base camp by trekkers and mountaineers because it acts as the gateway to Milam, Namik, and Ralam glaciers. Other tourist attractions in Munsiyari are Nanda devi temple, Birthi falls, Thamri Kund, and Kalamuni temple.
| Famous For | Trekking base & mountain views |
| Best Time to Visit | March to October |
| Altitude | 2,200 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 3–5 days |
12. Kumaon:
Kumaon is a beautiful place and its one of the major attractions of Uttarakhand tourism that has various lakes and temples. One of the major centers of attraction in Kumaon is Jim Corbett national park. There are numerous places that provide an amazing experience to all the tourists such as Nanda Devi temple, Bhimtal Lake, Naini Lake, Panchachuli glacier, Narayan Ashram, etc.
| Famous For | Lakes, temples & nature |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June and October to December |
| Altitude | Varies by location |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 4–6 days |
Also Read: Majua Hills Karmi A New Camping Site in Kumaon Hills
13. Rajaji National Park:
Rajaji National Park is a Tiger reserve and it is a perfect place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The wildlife consists of Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Deer, and Ghorals. It is home to various varieties of flora and fauna. Bird watching is also a popular attraction because of the different species of birds present in the National Park.
Best Time to Visit: From November to June.
| Famous For | Wildlife & bird watching |
| Best Time to Visit | November to June |
| Altitude | 300–1,350 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
14. Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of about 3,584 meters near the Mandakini River and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is accessible by a trek of around 16–18 km from Gaurikund. It remains open from April to November due to heavy snowfall in winter.
| Famous For | Hindu pilgrimage |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October |
| Altitude | 3,584 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 3–5 days |
15. Landour:
Landour, situated approximately 35 kilometers outside Dehradun, is a small cantonment town close to Mussoorie. Formally known as the “New Town,” Landour was established as a military cantonment and a place for people who came to live during the British colonial era, and it still retains several of these original colonial buildings and churches from that time today.
Landour is primarily known for its peacefulness in contrast to the more busy Mussoorie. Lal Tibba, which is one of the tallest points within the township, provides beautiful views of the highest peaks in the Himalaya range, weather permitting. Landour has numerous locations for visitors to explore within its area, such as Char Dukan and St. Paul’s Church, along with many of the roads being free of traffic and allowing for walking and hiking trails.
| Famous For | Colonial charm & peace |
| Best Time to Visit | March to November |
| Altitude | 2275 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1–2 days |
16. Surkanda Devi Temple:
Surkanda Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located near Dhanaulti in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of about 2,756 meters above sea level and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is considered one of the Shakti Peeths, according to Hindu beliefs.
To reach the temple, visitors have to complete a trek of around 2 to 3 km from Kaddukhal. The route is well-defined and used by both pilgrims and tourists. From the top, the temple area provides wide views of surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. The temple is visited throughout the year, especially during festivals like Ganga Dussehra.
| Famous For | Temple & trekking |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 2,756 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1 day |
17. Kanatal Hill Station:
Kanatal is a small hill station located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of about 2,590 meters and is situated close to Dhanaulti and Chamba. Kanatal has developed as a quiet alternative to more crowded hill stations like Mussoorie.
The area is surrounded by forests and offers open views of the Himalayan region. It is known for camping sites and outdoor activities such as trekking and village walks. Nearby attractions include Surkanda Devi Temple and Tehri Lake. The climate remains cool throughout most of the year.
| Famous For | Camping & peaceful stay |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June |
| Altitude | 2,590 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
18. Sankri Village:
Sankri is a village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of around 1,950 metres and is known as a base village for several trekking routes in the region.
Sankri serves as the starting point for treks such as Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Bali Pass. The village is surrounded by forests and mountain ranges and lies within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary area. It has basic accommodation facilities for trekkers and visitors. The region experiences snowfall during winter months, making it a popular destination for trekking during that season.
| Famous For | Trekking base village |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June & September to December |
| Altitude | 1,950 m |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
Excited to plan your next getaway to Uttarakhand?
As your journey across Uttarakhand comes to an end, one question remains: What memories will you take away from this region of stunning hills and peaceful valleys? Whether it’s the thrill of trekking through beautiful forests, the peacefulness of meditating beside ancient temples, or the warmth of interacting with locals over a steaming cup of chai, Uttarakhand leaves an unforgettable impact on every traveler’s mind. So, as you raise farewell to this wonderful state, reflect on the moments that moved you and wonder: what adventures await you in the next chapter of your journey?
FAQs:
The best places to visit in Uttarakhand include Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, and Jim Corbett National Park for a mix of adventure, nature, and spirituality.
The best time to visit Uttarakhand is from March to June for pleasant weather and from December to February for snowfall in places like Auli and Mussoorie.
Popular hill stations in Uttarakhand are Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, and Mukteshwar, known for scenic views and cool climate.
You can enjoy river rafting in Rishikesh, skiing in Auli, trekking in Valley of Flowers, and camping in Kanatal and Chakrata.
Places like Almora, Munsiyari, Landour, and Sankri Village are known for their peaceful environment and natural beauty.
Auli, Mussoorie, Kedarnath, and Munsiyari are among the best places to experience snowfall in Uttarakhand during winter.
Yes, Uttarakhand is very popular for trekking with routes like Kedarkantha, Valley of Flowers, and Har Ki Dun attracting many trekkers.
