Uttarakhand is a state in northern India and is known as ‘the land of God’ as various Hindu temple and pilgrimage centers are found across the state. The state is also a hub for natural environmental beauty which includes hill stations, lakes, rivers, temples, estates, wildlife sanctuary and is a popular tourist destination in India. The northern part of Uttarakhand shares border with the Himalayas.
Uttarakhand is a perfect state to spend your long vacations along with your family or friends. The tourist spots are open throughout the year. Annually, Uttrakhand attracts more than 3 crores of tourists and is the second-fastest-growing state of India. The tourism sector is a major contributor to the economy to the state, world-class hospitality service providers are there in the state. Hotels and Resort in Uttrakhand provide the best services and are preferred by most of the tourists during their stay.
There are more than 20 tourist destinations in Uttrakhand which include Auli, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Almora, Dehradun, Ranikhet, Bhimtal, Rajaji National Park, Pauri Garhwal, Ramgarh, Devprayag, Gaumukh. Here are the top tourist destinations in Uttrakhand:
1. Haridwar
Haridwar is a city in Uttrakhand, located about 220 km from the national capital New Delhi, from where the River Ganges way outs the Himalayan mountain. Brahma Kund is a spot in the city where it is believed that the drops of ‘Amrit’ accidentally fell over(along with the other three cities that are Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik) from the pottery that was carried by the heavenly bird Garuda. The Brahma Kund, located at Har Ki Pauri is considered as the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. The ghat is famous for hosting Ganga Aarti at night in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps and the place looks majestic. It attracts millions of pilgrims annually.
2. Nainital
Nainital is a hill station in the Kumaon region located at an elevation of about 2000 meters. The hill station is gifted by an eye-shaped lake named Nainital lake which is popular for boating and has Naina Devi Hindu Temple located on one of its shore, surrounded by mountains. The place is located 345 km from New Delhi and 285 Kms from the state’s capital Dehradun and is a perfect spot to fulfill your mind with peace.
3. Garhwal
Garhwal is the land of forts and hence it is called so. It is located in the western region of the states in the Himalayas and is 320 km away from New Delhi. The famous Hindu pilgrim places Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangothri and Yamunotri lie within this region. Tourists from all over the world visit these places, there are very good Hotel and resort in Garhwal Himalayas located in the Garhwal Himalaya region.
4. Jim Corbett Park
It is the oldest national park in India which was established in the year 1936 with the aim to protect endangered Bengal tiger and is located near the Ramnagar town and is rich in flora and fauna. More than 480 and 580 different species of flora and fauna are identified within the park. The park attracts more than 70,000 visitors annually. The park was chosen for the shoot of the episode Man Vs Wild by Bear Grylls along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. The park is about 250 km away from New Delhi.
5. Gangotri
Gangotri is a town located on the Greater Himalayan Range on the banks of origin of River Ganges and River Bhagirathi at an elevation of 3100 meters and is 500 km far away from New Delhi. Gangotri is the origin of the river Ganges and the seat of the goddess Ganga and Gangotri Temple is the place to worship the goddess. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri. Bhagirath Shila and Pandava Gufa are the nearest places to visit from Gangotri. You will find a good deal of Hotel and Resort near Gangotri
6. Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a hill station located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. There are plenty of hill stations, lakes, estates, gardens and falls nearby. The famous Nag Devta Temple is 6 Km away from the Mussoorie, the temple is dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva. Other nearby places to visit are Dhanaulti(a hill station), Nahata Estate, Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Lake Mist, Mussoorie Lake, Bhatta Falls. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration is also located in Mussoorie and the place is at a distance 300 km from New Delhi.
7. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a famous pilgrim city located in the Himalayan foothills on the bank of the river Ganges. The city is considered to be holy and is famous for Yoga centers and meditations. Many temples and ashramas are found in the city along the bank of the river Ganges. The place has the credit of visiting famous saints in order to practice meditation and seek higher knowledge. Located 240 km from New Delhi, tourists from around the world visit Rishikesh to learn Yoga and gain knowledge about spirituality.
8. Abbott Mount
Abbott Mount is a hill station located at a height of 7000 feet which is about 445 km away from New Delhi. There is a small settlement on the Abbott Mount and the place is a perfect spot for a beautiful view of snow-capped cliffs of the mighty Himalayas. Even the massive peaks from the Gangotri cliff to the Dhaulagiri range are visible. The hill station was named after John Harold Abbott who wanted a retreat from the tiring life of the plains.
9. Uttarkashi
The place is known for its stunning natural beauty, and is also called as Devbhumi, which can be literally translated to ‘Land of the Gods’. Pilgrims from all around the country flock to the region too, due to its religious heritage. There are good number of hotel and resort in Uttarkashi to cater your needs.