Uttarakhand : India - Best Places to Visit

Popularly known as the Land of Gods, Uttarakhand is a combination of charm, magnificence, exotic, mystery, and beauty! The land is enriched with some fascinating tourist places and you can visit them to find out why Gods chose to make it their abode!
​
If you have a travelling spirit and a mind to explore India’s beauty, Uttarakhand must be on your bucket list. Here is a complete collection of the best places you must visit in Uttarakhand. 

Dehradun 

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. The city is surrounded by amazing views of the mountains of Mussoorie. Undoubtedly, this is a must-visit for tourists. Usually, many of the locations we will discuss in the article can be travelled after reaching Dehradun. If you are travelling via flight from a different state, chances of landing in this city are quite high. Let’s explore the places to visit and things to do at Dehradun. 

You can come to the place with your friends and family. Many peace lovers and honeymooners also frequent the place. Check out Kempty Falls, Lakes, Rajaji National Park, Benog Hill, and Tapakeshwar and Jwalaji Temple. There are several monasteries and resorts to check out. The lush Forest Research Institute campus is not a place frequented by travellers. So if you want to discover a calm and quiet place to enjoy the serenity of nature, this is the best place to go. The colonial building is picturesque in itself. It is open between 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. 

Robbers Cave is yet another attraction for adventurous souls located at Anarwala village at an 8 km distance from Dehradun city centre. Sahasradhara is a famous tourist spot that means a thousandfold spring. 

You can hit the local shop to buy pretty woollens, handlooms, antiques, juices, jams, handicrafts, jellies and clothes. Hit Paltan Bazar, Tibetan Market, Astley Hall, Gandhi Road Market, and Bakery Shop. You can visit Arhat Bazar to buy spices. Also, don’t forget to try lip-smacking Garhwali food. From chilli momo to butter toffee, ras malai to poori thali - the place will amuse you with detectable cuisines. 
You can land at Jolly Grant Airport that is approximately 27 km from the city. From there, you can avail a taxi to reach the city centre. Dehradun railway station is located at a distance of 2 km from the city centre. You can reach here from major cities like Delhi Kolkata, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Indore. There is also a state bus transport facility to connect Dehradun with Kashmere Gate in New Delhi. 

Mussoorie 

If you want to revive your childhood nostalgia for Ruskin Bond’s stories, Mussoorie is the perfect destination for you. Known as the queen of hills, Mussoorie is a hill station situated at a distance of approximately 38 km from Dehradun. A trip from Dehradun to Mussoorie is full of mesmerizing landscape and scenic beauty. Its captivating beauty makes it occupy a place in the top 10 places to check out in Uttarakhand. 

Whether you love adventure sports like hiking, trekking, or climbing, or you are a nature and wildlife photographer - Mussoorie is the perfect destination for you. Here are the places to visit in and around the city: Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Camel Back road, Soham Heritage art centre, George Everest House, Mussoorie Mall, Jharipani Fall, Mussoorie Lake, Lal Tibba, Bhatta Fall, Jwala Devi temple, Lake Mist, and Benag Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Yet another place that you must visit is Clouds End. It is at 7.4 km distance from Mussoorie city centre. Surrounded by Deodar and Oak forest, Clouds End denotes the geographical end of Mussoorie. Truly, the place will make you feel like flying above the cloud! Located at a 55 km distance, Devalsari is a famous spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers. And who knows, you can meet Ruskin Bond in the local market! 
Take a stroll in the local markets to buy wooden and brass items, accessories, woollen garments, and other souvenirs. You can visit the Mall Road, Classic Emporium, Sisters Bazaar, Himalayan Weavers, Kulri Bazaar, and Tibetan Market.   

Once in Mussoorie, give high-end restaurants a break and try yummy street foods from around the corner. Here are a few to get started: Aloo ke Gutke, Kafuli, Phanu, Chainsoo, Bhang ki Chutney, Garhwal ka Fannah, Kebabs, momo, and chaat. 

Mussoorie is located at a 58.3 km distance from Jolly Grant airport. You can avail of a private taxi or a state bus to reach the city from the airport. The place is also connected with other cities by SDTC (South Delhi Travel Centre) and ISBT (Inter State Bus Transport) from Kashmiri Gate at Delhi. Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest one to Mussoorie - at a distance of 28 km. 

Nainital 

Mountains surrounding lakes - if you want to witness the amazing beauty, must come to Nainital. It offers a majestic view of the Himalayas. Known as the Lake City of India, Nainital is a popular tourist place in Uttarakhand. For your information, the word Tal refers to lake and Naini is the name of the lake.

Once here, experience the boating ride in Naini Lake. Also, check out the Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, High Altitude, Eco Cave Garden, Naina Peak, Bhimtal Lake, Sittal and Lands End. If you have an adventurous bent of mind, go trekking in Ranikhet.

You can shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, jewellery and woollen garments. Hit Mall Road, Bhotia Bazar, Tibetan Market, and Bara Bazar for shopping. If you are a street food lover, Bun Tikki and Lachha Paratha are a must-try. 

You cannot reach Nainital directly by flight. The nearest rail station is located 34 km from Kathgodham.

Haridwar 

Uttarakhand has to offer something or another to everyone. From adventure enthusiasts to trekkers and even the spiritual souls - everyone finds an interest in the state. Haridwar is the place ideally visited by spiritual souls. The place hosts hundreds of temples and a trip here can bring peace to your mind. 

There are various Ghats in Haridwar that you can roam around and enjoy the serene beauty. Har Ki Pauri Ghat is a mention-worthy name. You can also enjoy a surreal experience at the Brahmakhund. You can take a dip in the holy Ganges and also enjoy a boat ride there. 

The streets and ghats of Haridwar are filled with lots of shops offering handcrafted items, jewellery, and more. You can also visit the Tibetan shopping centre to purchase a few exquisite items. You can buy 100% wool and hand-knitted items from Bhagirathi Handloom. The place also offers authentic Kashmiri shawls. If you are fond of wearing Rudraksha, visit Shiv Kripa Rudraksha Kendra 

You can hit Achar Corner if you have a turn to taste yummy, tangy, and spicy pickles. From guava to raw mango and tamarind - choices are many. Also, titillate your taste buds with aloo puri, chaat, samosa, fresh fruit salad, ras malai, jalebi, lassi, kulhar wala milk, and kachori. 

You can reach Haridwar via a cab from Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is located at a 37 km distance from Haridwar. If you travel by train, land at Haridwar JN - located 0.91 km from Haridwar city. 

Jim Corbett National Park 

A trip to Uttarakhand is not complete until you visit Jim Corbett National Park. It is a forested wildlife sanctuary that houses about 400 types of trees and 500 species of birds. If you are lucky, you may even win a visit from a tiger!

Once there, go on a jungle safari and check out exotic animals. Depending on your interest, plan a trip. For instance, if you want to go bird watching, winter is the ideal time. And summer is a perfect time if you want to spot animals. 

The nearest railway station from Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar - at a 12 km distance from the park. Otherwise, you can also avail a cab from Dehradun to reach the place at the fastest time possible. 

Auli 

The majestic hill station features a panorama view of the entire Himalayan range. The picturesque beauty is often frequented by the newlyweds. Surrounded by oak and coniferous tree, the hill station is a popular tourist place in Uttarakhand. 

Pay a visit to the beautiful Chattrakund lake. Also, Auli is the hub for snowboarding and skiing. You need not be a professional as the place allows fun lovers to indulge in skiing. You can also experience mountaineering and collect incredible memories. 

You can hit the local shops to buy Kullu caps, Tibetan prayer wheels, and woollen shawls. You can also shop from the range of wooden items and paintings. The local delicacies of Auli include Garhwali cuisines such as Kachmauli. Bal Mithai, and Singhori. 

Auli has located 149 km from Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun. You can catch a bus or taxi to reach Auli. The bus will take you to Joshimath and you have to avail of ropeway (or a cab) from there to reach Auli. And Haridwar JN is the nearest rail station to Auli - located 273 km away. 
 
Uttarakhand welcomes you with serenity, peace, natural bounty, and cordial people. It has everything for everyone - from adventure lovers to spiritual minds. Visit the place and get amazed by the hospitality of the people.