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Once a part of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal is a set of 14 hilly districts. Carved out of the Himalayan ranges, most of the districts of Uttaranchal have an abundance of flora and fauna. Adding to the natural splendor of the state, Uttaranchal is also home to some of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country.
The Chamoli district in Uttaranchal is one of the most enchanting spots. The Nanda Devi peak lies at a height of 7817 meters above sea level and is one the highest points in the state. The Chamoli district is scattered with glaciers, passes, beautiful meadows and exciting trekking routes. Ganga and Yamuna, tow of the most important rivers of India, originate from Uttaranchal.
A significant part of the Uttaranchal is covered with alpine forests that are home to some endangered wildlife species. Uttaranchal has its own share of fame as it houses the famous Jim Corbett National Park. The other parks and forest reserves in Uttaranchal include Rajaji National Park, Nanda Devi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gobind National Park.
Uttaranchal also has a number of pilgrim sites like Gangotri, Yamunontri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. A state with hilly regions also has a number of hill stations like Auli, Haridwar, Musoorie, Nainital, Kedarnath and many more. An ideal place to mix devotion with merriment, Uttaranchal is a unique place for a holiday.
Tourist Destinations in Uttaranchal
Almora
Chopta
Dehradun
Kausani
Mukteshwar
Mussoorie
Nainital
Pauri
Ranikhet
Valley of Flowers
Almora
The cultural capital of Kumaon, Almora is one of the three hill districts of Kumaon. The other two districts are Nainital and Pithoragarh. Almora owing to its natural splendor is referred to as the unspoilt child of nature. Almora is situated on a three-mile long horse-shoe shaped ridge and is surrounded by four hill ranges - Banari Devi, Shayahi Devi, Kasar Devi and Katarnal. The first three peaks have temples of Godesses while Katarnal has an ancient Sun Temple.
Almora has a museum that is a storehouse of information about the cultural heritage of Kumaon. There is a deer park on the outskirts of the city. The Nanda Devi temple in the heart of the city is a must for visitors. There are many tourist places near Almora that can be visited while staying in Almora. Bajinath situated on the banks of the Gomti (a local river) in Garur Valley, is an idyllic place. It is famous for its 13th century temples. Jageshwar has a group of Shiva temples and is on the Almora-Pithoragarh road and is situated in a densely wooded beautiful narrow valley. The temples were constructed in the 13th century. They are a marvel to see for their artistic beauty and craftsmanship. Jageshwar is among the 12-jyotir lingas in the country.
Bageshwar and Sitalakhet are other places of interest. Bageshwar is one of the main camping sites for the journey to Pindari Glacier, which is situated at a height of 3,820 meters. Kafni Glacier is also close by (3,860 meters) and Sitalakhet is an upcoming tourist resort on the Shayahi Devi hill.
Chopta
Chopta is situated on the Gopeshwar - Ukhimath road, about 40 km from Gopeshwar. Located at a height of about 2900 meters above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque locales in the Garhwal region of Uttaranchal. Chopta provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas.
There are a few places around Chopta that are worth visiting while you are on a trip to Chopta Uttaranchal. The Tungnath Shiva Temple at a height of 3680 meters above sea level is the highest of the Panch Kedar. Gopeshwar, 39 km from Chopta is at a height of 1500 meters above sea level and is known for its pristine climate.
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, 7km from Chopta is famous for breeding musk deer. This sanctuary covers an area of 5 sq. m and is an ideal place for tourists to view rare Himalayan wildlife. This place is also popular for its dense forests and aromatic flowers.
Ukhimath, 31 km from Chopta is the Winter Seat of Lord Kedarnth. In winters due to the snow, the temple of Kedarnath remains closed and the idol is shifted here where the worship is held. The temples of Usha and Anirudh, Shiva and Parvati are also crowd pullers.
Dehradun
Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and the Provisional Capital of Uttaranchal. Located at a height of 2,200 feet above sea level and nestled in the Himalayas, the beautiful Doon Valley is known as the "Abode of Drona". Dehradun is a popular tourist destination owing to its natural beauty and numerous religious and historical places.
The city has the Himalayas to its north, the Shivalik range to its south, the sacred Ganges to its east and the Yamuna to its west. Dehradun is the part of Garhwal Himalayan region, which was earlier known as Kedar Khand.
The idyllic location of Dehradun endows it with a pleasant climate that makes the city a popular getaway in the summers. The places of interest in Dehradun include Robber's Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Tapovan, Malsi Deer Park, Kalinga edicts built by Emperor Ashoka, Buddhist Monastries and Forest Research Institute. The Central Braille Press or Rashtriya Drishtibaditarth Sansthan Bharat is the largest producer of Braille texts in India. As a Hill Station in India, Dehradun is also home to the famed schools of the order of Doon School and Welhams as elite centers of learning in India. Apart from being a much sought after Hill Station in India, they qualify Doon valley to be a star class educational center.
Kausani
Originally known as Valna, Kausani is one of the hill stations in Uttaranchal that offers unmatched views of the mountains. The land of deep pine trees and majestic mountains, Kausani is also known as the 'Switzerland of India'. Kausani offers uninterrupted views of the snow peaks, Nanda Devi and Trishul. With a favorable climate, tourists prefer Kausani round the year.
There are many tourist places in and around Kausani that can be enjoyed by tourists. The famous poet Sumitra Nandan Pant was born in Kausani. The poet's house has been converted into the Pant Museum and contains articles, drafts of his poems, letters and awards belonging to the poet. Pinakeshwar, 9050 feet above sea level, is a small hill station 20 kms from Kausani. Here there is a temple of Shiva from where one can view many valleys. Around Pinakeshwar are other places like Old Pinakeshwar, Gopalkot and Huria.
Pindari Glacier is a popular trek route in this region. To see this majestic glacier, trekkers camp on the way to reach the Zero Point at 3000 meters. Sundardoonga and Kafni Glaciers are two other glaciers in the same region that are suitable for more experienced trekkers. However it is advised to take a local guide along these dangerous routes.
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar in the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal is located at a height of 2286 meters above sea level. Mukteshwar is located at a distance of 42 km from Haldwani and 51 km from Nainital.
Much like other hill stations in Uttaranchal, Mukteshwar offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas and leisurely walks through the winding paths of the hills.
The center of attraction in Mukteshwar is the Mukteshwar Temple. The temple is at a height of 2315 meters and can be approached by stone stairs only. The Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of a Lingam made of white marble. The idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman surround the lingam.
Adjacent to the temple is the Chauli Jail. It is a belief amongst locals that barren women are blessed with a child if they touch this jail.
Indian Veterinary Research Institute was established in 1898. The campus of the institute has various departments for Research, Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Bacteriology along with a library and a museum. Special permission is required to enter the campus of the institute.
Mussorie
Mussorie is popularly known as the "Queen of the Hills". This beautiful hill station is just 34 km from Dehradun and is located at an altitude of 2003 meters above sea level. One of the most beautiful hill stations of India, Mussoorie is a favorite of most of the North Indians. Just a few hours away from Delhi, Mussorie is also preferred as a weekend getaway during the summer months. For people who like to mix pleasure with business, Mussoorie is an ideal destination. Mussoorie is also close to the major pilgrimage sites of Uttaranchal like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
The place remained undiscovered until 1820 when Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the natural beauty of the place and made it his home. Mussoorie gets its name from the plants of 'Mussoorie' that are found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, tourism and business.
Mussoorie has many places of interest like the Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Nag Devta Temple, Mussoorie Lake, Camel's back road, Tibetan Refugee Center and Lal Tibba View Point. Besides these places, one can also visit the Dhanaulti meadows and pine forests, Sarkunda Devi temples, Golf Course at Dehradun and go for river rafting at Rishikesh.
Nainital
Nainital is the land of green hills and lakes. Perhaps one of the most popular hill stations in North India, Nainital is also known for its many legends and stories. There are hundreds of ancient temples and peaks with outstanding views of the mountains in the background that add to Nainital's evergreen charm.
The center point of Nainital is the Naini Lake after which this town is named. Some believe that Nainital owes its name to the temple of Naini Devi that was destroyed in a landslide in 1880.
There are many places in Nainital that are worth visiting. The China Peak is the highest peak of Nainital and is a challenge to many trekkers. Snow View is located about 3 km from the town and is accessible only through a cable car. This point offers a breathtaking view of the 350 km long Himalayan range. Hanuman Garhi is a famous temple of Lord Hanumanji and is just three km from Nainital. View Point at a majestic height of 2300 meters is just five km from the main town is a tourist spot offering glimpses of the Himalayan ranges and the lower forested ridges. An ideal place to spend a quiet moment.
There are many tourist places around Nainital that can be visited while in Nainital. Bhimtal, 23 km from Nainital is a little town with oak tree forests that have their own wildlife species. The Lake at Bhimtal is excellent for boating expeditions.
Sat Tal, 21 km from Nainital is a haven for people who love fishing. Originally a cluster of seven lakes, Sat Tal today has only five since two lakes have dried up. A large part of Sat Tal is really the estate of the Methodist Church, South Asia branch. An ashram founded by the late Rev. Stanley Jones, evangelist, holds camp for young people every year.
Pauri, Uttaranchal
Pauri is located in the Garhwal region of Uttaranchal. Pauri is a land with splendid views of the snow peaks of Himalayas, scenic valleys, meandering rivers, dense forests and beautiful people. With a diverse topography, the district of Pauri Garhwal consists of the foothills of the Kotdwara and the sprawling meadows of Dhudatoli rising to a height of 3000 meters. Dhudatoli remains covered by snow through the winter months.
Pauri is an excellent stopover in Uttaranchal from where you can tour many nearby places. Khirsu with its snow covered peaks offer a panoramic view of the Central Himalayas and attracts a large number of tourists. Located just 19 km from Pauri, Khirsu has an elevation of 1700 meters offering a peaceful spot, free from pollution. The ancient temple of Ghandiyal Devta in the vicinity is worth a visit. Adwani, 17 km from Pauri is an excellent picnic spot, surrounded by thick forests.
Tara Kund situated at a height of 2,200 m, is a picturesque spot amidst lofty mountains in the Chariserh development area. A small lake and an ancient temple adorn the place. The Teej Festival is celebrated with great gaiety when the local people come here to worship and pay homage to God.
Kanvashram is another popular tourist place in Uttaranchal. Situated on the bank of River Malini at a distance of 14 km from Kotdwar, Kanva Rishi Ashram is an important place both historically and archaeologically. It is believed that Sage Vishwamitra meditated at this very spot.
Raniket
Ranikhet is a quaint little hill station tucked in the hills of Uttaranchal. Conceived by the British, Ranikhet has an old army cantonment from the British era. Ranikhet is a little town with unspoilt natural beauty.
Located at a height of 1829 meters, Ranikhet is the apex of a triangle, which includes Nainital and Almora. Ranikhet Uttaranchal offers an excellent view of the great Himalayan peak of Nanda Devi (7816 m). Travelers can take a walk around the town and its sylvan surroundings. The Jhula Devi temple and the Chaubatia orchards are within walking distance, south of the main Mall Road. Bhaludham, 3 km away, is an artificial lake. Upat Kalika, 4 km north of Ranikhet and on the main road to Almora, offers panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and has a nine-hole golf course.
There are a number of places to visit near Ranikhet. The famous tourist center of Nainital is 59 km from Ranikhet. Nainital is famous for its Naini Lake and a number of picnic spots in and around it. Almora is 50 km from Ranikhet, is famous for its health resorts and panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. Dwarahat, 38 km away, was once the principal seat of the Katyuri Rajas. It is full of ancient sculptures. Sitalakhet (35 km), Tarikhet (8 km) and Khairna (22 km) are some of the places that one can visit from Ranikhet.
Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is a U-shaped alpine valley formed by the retreating glaciers in the Garhwal region. The Valley remains covered by snow for most part of the year from November to May. From June onwards, when the snow melts, the Valley of Flowers is splashed with several colors. The valley is then colored with medicinal herbs and flowering plants. The best time to visit the valley of flowers is between mid July - mid August.
The solitude of Valley of Flowers is a haven for Sadhus who look for a space for meditation. The Valley has been associated with Lakshman, who is believed to have meditated on the banks of Hemkund.
The 'Sanjeevani Buti', which revived him when he was wounded in battle with Meghnad, son of Ravana, is said to have been from here.
The Valley of Flowers National Park is above Ghangria in the upper reaches of the Bhyundar Ganga in the Zaskar Range of the Garhwal Himalayas, Chamoli District. Bounded by high mountain ridges and peaks on all sides, around 8,950 hectares of land was declared a National Park in 1982.
The northern slopes of the valley are thickly forested with birch, rhododendron and birch. The southern slopes largely consist with a variety of alpine flowers, including anemones, asters, geraniums, lilies, orchids, poppies and marsh marigolds.
The fauna at the Valley of Flowers include the Himalayan Musk Deer and yellow Marten. . It is believed that black bear, brown bear, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep and snow leopard also frequent this area.
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