Cradled amid the folds of the majestic Himalayas, Uttarakhand boasts of ethereal scenic beauty. The rolling snow capped mountain ranges, alpine meadows, deep dark crevasses, emerald vales that you get to see in the state of Uttarakhand inspires one’s awe at a beauty that’s truly untouched and sublime.
Apart from the scenic landscapes, Uttarakhand has many beautiful hill stations and sightseeing destinations that come with immense tourism value. Tourists from every nook and corner of the country and world throng these places during the travel season.
Apart from hill stations, Uttarakhand is home to many important religious destinations to which both pilgrims and tourists make a beeline. ‘DAIVYA BHUMI’ or the land of Gods is the perfect term coined to describe the religious importance of places that Uttarakhand has.
An ideal travel package to Uttarakhand would take you on a tour of some of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Given below is a list of some of those destinations. Read on to learn more:
1: Naini Lake, Nainital
Naini Lake of Nainital is one of the most visited lakes of Uttarakhand. The lake has a panoramic view of majestic mountains at its backdrop. The waters of the lake look extremely serene and peaceful. This is natural lake and one of the major tourist hotspots of Nainital. The town of Nainital in fact has got its name from this pellucid and charming freshwater lake.
Tourists often throng the lakeside in the evening time in order to relax themselves and enjoy the mesmerizing scenic beauty of the place. Boating in the Naini Lake is one prominent activity that tourists indulge in.
2: Jim Corbett National Park, Nainital
Jim Corbett National Park, named after the famous hunter Jim Corbett is a globally famous wildlife sanctuary situated at a distance of 60kms from the hill town of Nainital. This was in fact the first of the National parks in our country and turns out to be a real treat for the passionate wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
3: Kempty Falls, Mussoorie
Kempty falls in Mussoorie is the ultimate rejuvenation point for the tourists and visitors. The lush greenery around is simply magnificent and the roaring sound of gushing waters falling from great heights is just enough to give one goose bumps. Enjoying a float in an inflated tier, paddle boating, ropeway ride are some of the activities tourists can indulge in at Kempty Falls.
4: Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri is one of famed spots of the pilgrimage destination of Haridwar. It is always thronged by tourists and pilgrims alike. Har-ki-Pauri’s Ganga Aarti is globally famous. It is indeed a heavenly sight to view oil torches, lamps and incense sticks being raised in the air to perform the Aarti of Ganga ji.
5: Valley of Flowers, Badrinath
Valley of Flowers is a valley of paradisiacal beauty. It is an emerald vale studded with some rare species of Alpine flowers that makes the valley look like a true heaven on earth. This unique valley high up in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand was discovered in the year 1931 by the famed mountaineer Frank S Smith and was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Valley of Flowers is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district in vicinity to Badrinath town.
6: Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat is a revered tourist spot in the Rishikesh town of Uttarakhand. The sacred River Ganges flows past the Triveni Ghat. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is a popular attraction for tourists. Taking a holy dip in the Ganges at Triveni Ghat is considered by many as their religious obligation. Triveni Ghat of Rishikesh is an important Ghat for ritualistic bathing in India
7: Kausani Tea Estate
The tea estate or tea garden of Kausani is the prime tourist attraction in the hill station of Kausani. This lush green tea garden is located on the Kausani-Bageshwar road and is cradled at an altitude of about 1800meters above the sea level. The tea gardens cover an area of 208 hectares. The exotic and famed Giriha’s tea comes from the Kausani tea estate. Strolling through the gardens is a refreshing experience. Also, you may be able to gather a sufficient amount of knowledge on the tea manufacturing process.
8: Yamunotri
Yamunotri is a holy town in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. It houses the famed Yamunotri temple; an abode of goddess Yamuna. The temple marks the source of the sacred River Yamuna and is the first of the Chardhams in the Chota Chardham pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims and tourists gather in large numbers at Yamunotri each year during the Yatra season.
9: Gangotri
The holy town of Gangotri houses the famous Gangotri temple dedicated to goddess Ganga. As per myths, the temple marks the original source of the mighty holy river of our country. Gangotri comes second in the Chota Chardham Yatra circuit and is a revered pilgrimage destination thronged by pilgrims and tourists alike.