Uttarakhand was formed in 2000 by the division of the state of Uttar Pradesh, and it’s home to some of India’s most beautiful national parks, scenic valleys and waterfalls, and sacred Hindu sites. After you read this travel guide on 20 best places to visit in Uttarakhand, you’ll be itching to visit this stunning region of northern India as soon as possible. Whether you plan to hike through the Garhwal Himalayas or take in the sites around Rishikesh, there’s no shortage of things to do here!
1) Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a hill station on the Western edge of the Garhwal Himalayas, and offers panoramic views of both the snow-capped peaks and valleys. The majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range can be seen from here. The town was originally developed by the British as a summer retreat, but now it is most famous for its educational institutions. It has been declared as one of the cleanest towns in India.
2) Nainital
Nainital is a city and the headquarters of Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It was founded by James Tod, who designated it as a commercial hub for Kumaon. The city lies at an altitude of 2,291 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level on the eastern edge of Kumaon Hills ranges bordering the vast plains below with mountain ridges and peaks rising on the horizon.
3) Almora
Almora is a small town nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas, which is home to the majestic snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul. It was once a center for trade with Tibet, Nepal and Ladakh and has been ruled by various dynasties such as the Chand dynasty. The Almora fort stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the town.
4) Ranikhet
Ranikhet is one of the 20 best places to visit in Uttarakhand. The town is located at the foothills of the Kumaon region, and was founded by a person named ‘Raja Ram Singh I’. It’s home to many attractions including a beautiful British-era palace that serves as an antique museum. It’s well known for its more than 200 species of birds and lush valleys that are perfect for trekking.
5) Kausani
Kausani is one of the most beautiful and well-known hill stations in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 2,500 m above sea level and is surrounded by dense pine forests. The area has many temples, rivers and lakes that attract tourists from all over India. Kausani offers a variety of activities such as hiking, trekking, rafting, paragliding and more.
6) Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a town and nagar panchayat in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the headquarters of the Bhimtal tehsil. The name Bhimtal refers to the sage Bhima who used to live here. One myth says that this place was created by Lord Vishnu when he kicked down a mountain to release the Ganga from imprisonment.
7) Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a town in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, India. The town is home to one of the holiest temples of Hinduism, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists come from all over the world to visit Mukteshwar and pay their respects at the temple. It’s also a popular destination for tourists who come specifically for trekking or adventure sports like skiing.
8) Chopta
Chopta is a beautiful town located on the way to Kedarnath. It is close to the Tibetan border and has a population of just 900 people, making it one of the most remote towns in India. The town is popular among adventure seekers, trekkers and nature lovers who visit this part of Uttarakhand.
9) Joshimath
Joshimath is a small town in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It was the winter capital of the state of Uttarakhand before being replaced by Dehradun. Joshimath is home to the temple of Badrinath, which is considered one of the holiest Hindu temples. The temple attracts large number of pilgrims during the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Kumbh Mela which are held every year in January and February respectively.
10) Dehradun
Dehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it has a rich history and was once known as the Queen of Hill Stations for its cool weather and beautiful views. The town’s architecture reflects both Hindu and British influences. It’s home to many educational institutions, including the Indian Military Academy, one of India’s most prestigious military training schools.
The post 20 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand: A Travel Guide appeared first on .
This post first appeared on 20 Places You Must Visit The Next Time You’re In Mumbai, please read the originial post: here
