Top places to visit in Uttarakhand

•   May 31, 2022
•   by Priyanka Panwar

Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy places and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship. Uttarakhand has many beautiful places to visit.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a picturesque hill station that offers an enchanting view of capacious green grasslands and snow clad Himalayas. A sublime valley adorned with flowers of different colors, cascading waterfalls and streams is just a feast to the eyes.

Mussoorie is a hill station that has many things to attract any traveler. Popularly known as "the Queen of the Hills", the hill is at an elevation of 6,170 ft about the sea level, which is making it a perfect destination to enjoy a hilly environment. There are many places to visit in Mussoorie. Destinations like Mall road, Company garden, Kempty Falls, Gun hill points, Mussoorie Lake and Jwalaji Temple are the most visited places in Mussoorie.

How to reach Mussoorie?

You can book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun which is the nearest airport to Mussoorie. You can also come by train to Dehradun Railway Station which is the nearest railway station to Mussoorie. From Dehradun you can book a cab to Mussoorie from Dehradun Airport cab service. Dehradun Airport cab service is the best cab provider which provides cab service at low fare.

Dehradun

Dehradun is blessed with astounding natural beauty, Doon Valley here is one of the oldest cities in India. This growing capital city of Uttarakhand is a hotspot for adventure, beauty, serenity and culture. Mindrolling Monastery, Zonal Anthropological Museum, Forest Research Institute and Malsi Deer Park are some of the other attractions here.

Dehradun is situated between the two most important rivers in India, Yamuna and Ganga. This bustling town is home to the Indian Military Academy and the Forest Research Institute. Dehradun is often touted as the "Gateway to Mussoorie'', owing to its close proximity to the spellbinding hill station. With a fascinating history related to the Mahabharata, Dehradun has found a special mention in Hindu mythology and epics. It is believed to be one of the oldest cities in India, one where Lord Rama and his brother Lakshman served penance for killing Ravana. There are many places of tourist interest as well as religious prominence in Dehradun. The most famous one is the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, whose name comes from the continuously falling water droplets on the Shivling placed in the temple. There is a Tibetan temple on Rajpur Road which attracts many pilgrims as well as tourists. The city also plays host to a number of cultural fairs such as the Jhanda Fair, Tapkeshwar Fair, Bissu Fair and Mahasu Devta Fair. Commercial yet raw, the city station has retained its natural essence and refreshing beauty. Blessed with nature's bounty, Dehradun is surrounded by the Shivalik Hills to the north, River Yamuna to the west and River Ganga to the east. It is, in all rights, your first contact with the mountains! A trip to Dehradun will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. The old world charm, colonial structures, winding lanes and generous hospitality will warm your heart.

How to reach Dehradun?

You can book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun which is the nearest airport to Dehradun. You can also come by train to Dehradun Railway Station which is the nearest railway station to Dehradun. From Dehradun you cann book a cab to Dehradun from Dehradun Airport cab service. Dehradun Airport cab service is the best cab provider which provides cab service at low fare.

Nainital

Nainital is blessed with plush natural beauty and ancient temples, Nainital is a hill station that calms the senses. It is a perfect holiday destination for tourists in summers. It is often referred to as the lake district of India.

Nainital name derived from goddess Naina Devi, Nainital is located in the hill state of Uttarakhand. This hill station is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its marvelous architecture from the British era. Like many of India's hill stations, Nainital too is criticized for tourist traffic and commercialisation, yet it manages to take your breath away. Nainital is now becoming a haven of honeymoon couples and it is becoming more popular for its cable car and boat rides, some nice hotels, astonishing views, birds and the ever-present snow-capped Kumaon hills in the distance. It is a perfect holiday destination for tourists in summers and a favorite for filmmakers. Movies like Masoom, Kati Patang, Kaal, Koi Mil Gya, and Vivah have been shot here.

Be a part of these colorful festivals and take home some cultural memories. Talking about the local food here, the people of Nainital too enjoy a typically local selection of dishes which constitute their daily meals. Some of the famous local dishes are Bhatt ki Churkani, Baadi and Raas. Most of these are very specific to the locals in Nainital, cooked mostly in their homes and on festivals. It might be hard to find at usual restaurants in the town, unless on rare, special festivals and events. The hill station has many good restaurants that offer a world of cuisines, ranging from north Indian to Italian, south Indian to continental and even the spicy street food like chaat, bhalla papdi and even golgappas. Some of the notable dining options are Machan, Panorama (the in-house restaurant of Manu Maharani), Sakley's and Chandni Chowk.

How to reach Nainital?

Nainital is a hill station that's why Nainital does not have direct air connectivity. The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which lies at a distance of 65 kilometers from Nainital. You can also come by train to Kathgodam Railway Station, located around 34 km away, is the nearest railway station to Nainital.

You can also travel from Dehradun by cab, just book a cab to Nainital from Dehradun Airport cab service. Dehradun Airport cab service is the best cab provider which provides cab service at low fare.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts and devotees alike, Rishikesh is one of the most famous vacation spots in Uttarakhand India. The place emerged as the World capital of Yoga when the Beatles paid a visit to the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Rishikesh is perfect for a weekend trip where you can enjoy many adventure sports like rafting, hiking, bungee jumping etc. Raja Ji National Park is just 16 kms from the city which is an attraction for wildlife fans also. This holy city has the very famous Laxman Jhula and a huge statue of Shiva meditating in the Ganges. Rishikesh has become a favorite destination for not only peace seekers but adventurous backpackers alike through white water rafting with beach camping on the silver clean beaches of the Ganges, bungee jump, zip line tour and more. Head to this beautiful city located in the foothills of the Himalaya-s where a new world of adventure and spirituality awaits. since, well, time immemorial. Rishikesh is also called the “yoga capital of the world”, many people from multiple places come to learn yoga.

Lakshman Jhula, the famous 450-foot long suspension bridge, was built in 1939. It is said that Lord Ram's brother Lakshman crossed the Ganga on a jute rope from here. The Lakshman and Raghunath temples are here. This part of town is better known for its busy bazaars and cafés. The new 13- storey Trimbakeshwar Mandir near the Lakshman Jhula has many shrines, chambers that house religious and Vedic texts and jewelry and gems shops.

There is one more suspension bridge Ram Jhula (also called Shivanand Jhula) 2 km ahead from Lakshman Jhula, at Muni-ki-Reti. It connects Sivananda Ashram on the east bank and Swargashram on the west. Swargashram is a bustling spiritual hub with many ashrams, temples, bazaars and ghats.

How to reach Rishikesh?

You can book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun which is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. You can also come by train to Rishikesh Railway Station which is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh. From Dehradun or Rishikesh you can book a cab to Rishikesh from Dehradun Airport cab service. Dehradun Airport cab service is the best cab provider which provides cab service at low fare.

Haridwar

Haridwar is One of the seven holiest places for Hindus, Haridwar literally means a 'gateway to God', succinctly capturing its pious and spiritual character. Come here for an epiphanic union with the almighty, or just sit by the scintillating river Ganga and watch your stress float away with the swishing water and a cool, balming breeze.

The holy town of Haridwar marks the arrival of the River Ganga into the Northern plains, the first time since its origin at Gaumukh, Gangotri. Visitors hail from all across the country, and globe, for a dip in the holy waters of the river, which is believed to wash away one's sins and help attain salvation. The Ganges flows in rapids here, and people throng the Har ki Pauri to take a holy dip in the fast flowing waters. Har ki Pauri has an interesting legend which says that when Garuda, the holy bird, was carrying the pitcher of Amrita (nectar of the Gods), four drops fell, one of which made a pool in Haridwar, now known as Har ki Pauri. Don't go too deep or you run the risk of drowning. Evenings are a magical time here, when thousands of earthen lamps are immersed in the river after the aarti. Along the banks of the Ganges, the Chandi Devi Temple, built by the King of Kashmir, rests atop the Neel Parvat. Another important temple in the vicinity is the Maya Devi Temple, where, it is believed that Sati's heart and navel fell. A cable car ride will take you to the Mansa Devi Temple. The holy town is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The city is also famous for the 12 yearly Kumbh Mela, when devotees throng here in large numbers. For a truly fervent, spiritual experience, attend the magnificent and elaborate evening aarti and prayer offerings at Har ki Pauri. Blessed with nature's bounty, Haridwar is home to beautiful flora and fauna. Rajaji National Park offers organized tours and safaris for a closer look at the wildlife. Padartha Farms, located within the premises of the Patanjali Yogpeeth, is the biggest food park in the country. It comes as a respite for city dwellers, with acres of lush farmland and meditation centers. The charming town has been immortalized in many fiction tales, especially Ruskin Bond's most loved stories. Remember Bara Bazaar from A Room On The Roof? A popular market, go shopping in the Bara Bazaar, located on the Railway Road. The local delicacies are strictly vegetarian and drinking is not allowed in the city.

How to reach Haridwar?

You can book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun which is the nearest airport to Haridwar. You can also come by train to Haridwar Railway Station which is the nearest railway station to Haridwar. From Dehradun or Haridwar you can book a cab to Haridwar from Dehradun Airport cab service. Dehradun Airport cab service is the best cab provider which provides cab service at low fare.