I'm your Traveler Best Friend, want to share some details about Uttarakhand with you. This state is up north in India, nestled at the base of the Himalayan mountains. It became its own state in 2000 after splitting off from Uttar Pradesh. A few years later, in 2007, they switched its name from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand. People often refer to this place as the "Land of the Gods" because it's loaded with Hindu temples and places for religious journeys. Uttarakhand's landscape is pretty varied—it's got everything from snowy peaks to vibrant green valleys and even flat areas. On top of that, it's famous for stunning natural views, all kinds of wildlife, and spots for thrilling adventures. Some big-ticket items in Uttarakhand include:
Rishikesh is a city in Uttarakhand, India, perched by the Ganges River. It draws Hindu pilgrims, yoga fans, and thrill-seekers. Here's what to know about Rishikesh:
Named "Rishikesh," which translates to "Lord of the Senses," this place honors a sage's vision of Vishnu1
As the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is famed for its yearly International Yoga Festival every March23
By law, you won't find meat or booze in Rishikesh—it's strictly veggie and alcohol-free1
Considered a starting point for Himalayan expeditions, Rishikesh offers access to holy sites like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri12
Adventures abound in Rishikesh with white-water rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and treks available23
Nainital is a city and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, India. It is the judicial capital of Uttarakhand, the state's High Court is located here and is the headquarters of a district of the same name.
Nainital is located at an altitude of 1,938 meters (6,358 ft) above sea level, in a valley with an eye-shaped lake surrounded by mountains. This lake is called Naini Lake and is believed to be one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, where the right eye of Goddess Sati had fallen. Naina Devi Temple situated on the northern bank of the lake is a popular pilgrimage site
Auli sits high up in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,200 ft). From there, you can catch breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi and others including Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet. Around the locals, it's called Auli Bugyal, with 'Bugyal' translating to 'meadow' in the local Garhwali language.
If you're into skiing, you'll love Auli. It boasts some top-notch slopes right here in India. There's also a cable car stretching 4 km, which happens to be the longest and tallest one in the country, hooking up Auli with Joshimath. During winter months, Auli comes alive with various skiing contests and events. Plus, if you're looking to learn, there are ski schools, and if you need gear, you can rent it on-site.
Mussoorie is a scenic town and local government board close to Dehradun city in the Dehradun area of Uttarakhand, India. It sits roughly 35 kilometers north of Dehradun, the state's main hub and is also located about 290 kilometers from New Delhi, the country's capital. The town nestles in the lower slopes of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Often called the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and agreeable weather. It's a hit with tourists who enjoy things like riding in cable cars taking hikes or going skiing. In the winter, the snow adds to the allure of outdoor activities. If you're in Mussoorie, don't miss out on Snow View Point Tiffin Top Nainital Zoo Eco Cave Garden and the shopping along Mall Road.
Haridwar ranks among the Hindus' seven holy cities and is a key destination for spiritual journeys.It sits by the Ganges River in Uttarakhand, India
Known too as the Gateway to God, locals believe this spot marks where amrita—the eternal nectar—spilled from Garuda’s pitcher. The city is famous for hosting massive religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela, the Kanwar Yatra, and the Ganga Aarti.
Lansdowne is a scenic hilltop town and has its own municipal board in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, nestled at a height of 1,700 meters (5,600 ft). It's loved for its natural splendor, old-time British charm, and rich military tradition.
The town came into being in 1887 thanks to Lord Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India at the time. It was chosen as the base for the Garhwal Rifles, an esteemed unit of the Indian Army; this military presence is still there and adds to the town's quaint atmosphere. From graceful churches to cozy bungalows and solemn war memorials. Lansdowne's architecture mirrors its time as a British garrison.
Jim Corbett National Park holds the title of the oldest and most renowned national park in India, created in 1936 under the British rule. Originally, it was called Hailey National Park after William Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of what was then known as the United Provinces. It's also the site of Project Tiger, which marked the start of tiger preservation efforts in India. For those eager to witness its wildlife and scenic wonders, you can easily reserve safaris, organize tours, book stays in hotels or at the Dhikala Forest Lodge right through the internet.
Spreading over 520.8 km2 (201.1 sq mi), the park boasts a diverse collection of plants and animals. Home to more than 250 wild tigers, plenty of wild elephants, various species at risk and a great assortment of birds are some of its highlights. Visitors can explore six main tourist zones within the park, each offering unique sights and amenities.
Mukteshwar is a quaint mountain settlement in the Nainital region of Uttarakhand, India. It's famed for its untouched wilderness, stunning Himalayan panoramas, and thrilling outdoor activities. Here are some highlights of Mukteshwar:
The Mukteshwar Dham: This ancient, 350-year-old Shiva temple sits at the town's highest elevation. Visitors there get to see an awe-inspiring view of snow-drenched Nanda Devi and other towering peaks.
Chauli-ki-Jali: At this precariously hanging cliff, you can test your courage with rock climbing or rappelling. It's also a hit spot for bird lovers and snap-happy tourists.
Kedarnath is a holy town and a site for religious journeys in Uttarakhand, India. It's known for the Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is also included in the Char Dham pilgrimage route. Positioned at a high elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) near Chorabari Glacier, the Mandakini River's origin point, the temple offers spiritual significance and natural beauty. Legend has it that the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata initially built the temple and it was later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Badrinath is a town and a sacred place in Uttarakhand, India. It's one of the four destinations in the Char Dham pilgrimage and is also included in the Chota Char Dham circuit. The name comes from the Badrinath Temple, a shrine honoring Lord Vishnu who is seen as the universe's caretaker. Positioned beside the Alaknanda River, the temple sits at 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level. People believe that the deity of Vishnu here appeared on its own, and the temple has been around since the 8th century CE.
Yamunotri is a holy site and one of the four sites of Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage in India. It is the source of the Yamuna River and is the seat of the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. It is located in the Garhwal Himalaya at an elevation of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) and about 150 kilometers (93 mi) north of Uttarkashi, the headquarters of Uttarkashi district in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand, India.
Gangotri sits in Uttarakhand, India, and it's a special place known for its spirituality. It's on the Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage path, plus it's where the Ganga River starts and where people worship Goddess Ganga. The city rests by the Bhagirathi River and is pretty high up—at 3,415 meters (11,204 ft) above sea level.
The big draw in Gangotri is the temple honoring Goddess Ganga, built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Nepalese army guy, back in the 1700s. This temple opens yearly from April until November. To get there, folks hike 3 km from a place called Janaki Chatti. Pilgrims also make side trips to hot springs like Surya Kund. They boil rice and spuds there as a tribute to the goddess.
If you're into hikes or serious climbing, Gangotri is your kind of hangout. It's encircled by some awe-inspiring mountains such as Shivalinga and several Parvats: Nar and Narayan. For adventure seekers, there's trails like the Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri Trek that's 14 km, the 22 km journey to Dodi Tal, or the longer 45 km trek to Gangotri from Yamunotri through Gaumukh.