Uttarakhand, often referred to as “Devbhumi” (the Land of Gods), is a beautiful state in northern India known for its scenic landscapes, spiritual significance, adventure activities, and serene hill stations. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to planning an Uttarakhand tour, including popular destinations, activities, best time to visit, and sample itineraries.

Overview of Uttarakhand

• Location: Uttarakhand is located in the northern part of India, bordered by Himachal Pradesh to the west, Uttar Pradesh to the south, and Nepal to the east. It is home to the Indian Himalayas, with famous pilgrimage destinations and hill stations.
• Capital: Dehradun is the state capital.
• Climate: Uttarakhand has a temperate climate, with cold winters (November to February), pleasant summers (March to June), and monsoon season (July to September). The best time to visit is during March to June (for sightseeing and outdoor activities) and September to November (for trekking and pilgrimage tours).

Popular Tourist Destinations in Uttarakhand

1. Rishikesh

• Famous for: The yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River. It is known for its spiritual significance, yoga centers, adventure sports, and the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula suspension bridges.
• Things to do: Yoga and meditation retreats, rafting on the Ganga, visiting temples like Triveni Ghat and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, exploring cafes, and adventure sports like bungee jumping and trekking.

2. Haridwar

• Famous for: One of the holiest cities in India, Haridwar is known for its ghats and temples. The Har Ki Pauri Ghat is a significant pilgrimage site where the Ganga Aarti is performed every evening.
• Things to do: Attend the Ganga Aarti, visit temples like Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, explore local markets, and take a holy dip in the Ganga.

3. Nainital

• Famous for: A picturesque hill station surrounded by lakes and hills. The Naini Lake is the centerpiece of the town, and the Naina Devi Temple is a must-visit.
• Things to do: Boating on Naini Lake, visit Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, and Nainital Zoo, and enjoy a cable car ride for panoramic views.

4. Mussoorie

• Famous for: A popular hill station known as the “Queen of Hills,” Mussoorie offers pleasant weather, colonial architecture, and stunning views of the Doon Valley and Himalayas.
• Things to do: Stroll along Mall Road, visit Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, and Mussoorie Lake.

5. Jim Corbett National Park

• Famous for: India’s first national park, Jim Corbett is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is famous for its Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
• Things to do: Safari tours to see wildlife, bird watching, and staying in jungle resorts. The Corbett Waterfall and Garjiya Devi Temple are other attractions.

6. Auli

• Famous for: Known for its skiing slopes, Auli is one of the best skiing destinations in India. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dunagiri, it offers a perfect winter retreat.
• Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and visiting the Auli Artificial Lake. You can also take the Auli Gondola for stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.

7. Almora

• Famous for: Almora is a charming hill station known for its cultural significance and scenic beauty. Surrounded by the Kumaon Hills, it is known for its temples, handicrafts, and unique culture.
• Things to do: Visit Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, and explore Lala Baudi and Chitai Temple.

8. Kedarnath

• Famous for: Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at an altitude of 3,584 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Things to do: Visit the Kedarnath Temple, take a trek or helicopter ride from Phata to Kedarnath, and enjoy the picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains.

9. Badrinath

• Famous for: Another Char Dham site, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the Chamoli district at the foot of the Neelkanth Peak.
• Things to do: Visit the Badrinath Temple, take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs, and explore nearby attractions like Mana Village and Vasudhara Falls.

10. Valley of Flowers

• Famous for: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Valley of Flowers is a high-altitude national park with a breathtaking collection of wildflowers, alpine plants, and rich biodiversity.
• Things to do: Trek to the valley, take stunning photographs, and visit Hemkund Sahib (a Sikh Gurudwara).

11. Chopta

• Famous for: A popular trekking and camping destination, Chopta is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India.”
• Things to do: Trek to Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple in the world), visit Chandrashila Peak for panoramic views, and camp under the stars.

Activities to Do in Uttarakhand

1. Trekking & Hiking: Uttarakhand is a trekker’s paradise with numerous trails like the Roopkund Trek, Kedarnath Trek, Valley of Flowers Trek, Chopta-Tungnath Trek, and Bali Pass Trek.
2. Adventure Sports: Go for rafting in Rishikesh, paragliding in Nainital, and skiing in Auli. For wildlife enthusiasts, safaris in Jim Corbett National Park are highly recommended.
3. Pilgrimages: The Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri), Haridwar and Rishikesh are spiritual hubs for Hindu pilgrims.
4. Wildlife & Nature: Visit Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot tigers, elephants, and other species.
5. Yoga and Meditation: Rishikesh is the hub for yoga and meditation retreats. You can enroll in various courses or take part in sessions by the Ganga River.