The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand is known for its breathtaking scenery and plenty of exciting opportunities. Every visitor should make it a point to visit Uttarakhand at some point in their lives due to the state’s irresistible allure and authentic cultural history. From the highest peaks to the deepest valleys, the whole state of Uttarakhand is drenched in unspoiled natural beauty. White glaciers, sky-high snow ranges, colossal summits, spread-out blooms, skiing slopes, and evergreen woods all contribute to Uttarakhand’s heavenly atmosphere. This tranquil country, known as “Nature’s Blessing,” is home to a large number of temples and pilgrimage locations, including the “Char-Dhams,” which are considered to be the holiest destinations for Hindu pilgrims.
The term “Uttarakhand” comes from the “puranic” word for the Indian Himalayas, which the region is named after. Garhwali and Kumaoni civilizations are the earliest known groups to have been on this heavenly continent during the mediaeval era. These communities were similar to the Indo-Greek civilisation that existed at the time. The Gurkhas were successful in their attempt to seize control of the Kumaon kingdom at the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the kingdom of Garhwal was also brought under Nepal’s sway. In November of the year 2000, Uttarakhand became the 27th state to be a part of the sovereign nation of India. The state of Uttarakhand is home to over 6 million people, with the city of Dehradun acting as its capital.
Main Tourist Attractions of Uttarakhand, India
Badrinath
Badrinath The town of Badrinath, located in the Chamoli district of Uttrakhand, is the location of the Badrinath temple, which is widely regarded as one of the holiest Hindu temples. The greatest deity of the Hindu religion, Vishnu, is honoured in this temple, which bears his name. A statue of Lord Vishnu that is around one metre tall and depicts the deity seated in a relaxed and reflective position is one of the primary draws in this area. Stone was used in the construction of the temple’s exterior, but the roof was coated with gold plating. In addition to that, this location has an arched entryway as well as a vast hall surrounded by pillars and adorned with beautiful carvings.
Kedarnath
The Kedarnath temple, which was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century and is revered as a sacred site by Hindus, can be found in the town of Kedarnath. Every year, millions upon millions of Hindu pilgrims make the journey to the temple. The Hindu deity Lord Shiva is honoured by the construction of this temple, which dates back more than a thousand years. At an elevation of 3,583 metres above mean sea level, the town is surrounded on all sides by snow-covered peaks that are part of the Himalayan mountain range.
Yamunotri
At a height of 3,235 metres above mean sea level is where you’ll find the Yamunotri Shrine, which is the origin of the Yamuna River. During the 19th century, the efforts of Maharani Gularia of Jaipur were responsible for the construction of the current temple. A special and unusual attraction may be found in the area close to the temple. Hindu pilgrims come to this location to partake in a variety of rites, some of which include the cooking of potatoes or rice in the waters as well as taking a swim in the hot spring pools.
Gangotri
A tiny Hindu pilgrimage town, Gangotri may be found in close proximity to the place where the Ganga river originates. The town is home to a temple that is dedicated to the goddess Ganga in the Hindu religion. Between the months of May and October, millions of pilgrims go to the location, which is situated at an altitude of 3,042 m above mean sea level. The efforts of a Gurkha General named Amarsingh Thapa resulted in the construction of the temple at the beginning of the 18th century. A distance of around 18 kilometres separates the temple from Gaumukh, the point of origin of the Ganges River.
Forest Research Institute
In the year 1906, the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, which is now an important scientific institution and a popular tourist destination, was established. The spectacular Himalayan peaks provide as a stunning background for this educational institution, which is set in a verdant environment. The campus of the institution has a total land area of 1,112 acres. Houses, labs, a library, and a herbarium are all included inside the main structure, which was constructed using a style of architecture that combines Colonial and Greco-Roman influences. The area’s museums are significant draws for vacationers visiting this city.
Mussorie
A well-known hill station, Mussorie may be found in the vicinity of Dehradun. The town is a popular place for tourists to visit due to the breathtaking scenery of the Doon Valley and the Shiwalik hills. The first documented events in the history of the town date back to the year 1827, when a British Captain established this hill resort on the land. One of the most popular destinations is the Kempty Falls, which can be reached by travelling about 11 km from Mussorie. The Bhatta falls, Depot Hill, and Camel’s Back Hill are three other prominent tourist sites that can be found here.
Har-Ki-Pairi Ghat
The Har-Ki-Pairi Ghat serves as the nerve centre for all of Haridwar’s events. According to Hindu mythology, during a battle between the “Devs” and the “Danavs,” a few droplets of heavenly nectar are said to have fallen at this spot. During the nights, when temple priests conduct the vibrant ceremony of Ganga Aarti, with floating lights and flowers, a large number of Hindu pilgrims visit the location. One may see Hindu pilgrims having a holy bath in the river early in the morning. This river is revered by the Hindu religion.
Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple, which is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Hindus in all of Northern India, can be found in Haridwar on the hilltop known as the “Vilwa Parvat.” You may get there by either walking or via a ropeway. Mansa Devi, a deity in Hinduism, is honoured by having her name associated with this temple. A tree that is revered as holy is one of the primary draws in the vicinity of the temple. Devotees show their devotion by tying threads around the tree and asking the goddess for her blessings to help them achieve their goals in life.
Rajaji National Park
Those who have an interest in animals will find the Rajaji National Park to be an absolute paradise. The park was founded in 1983 and is well-known for the many ecosystems that can be found within its wide territory that spans 820 square kilometres. In this park, there are over 300 different species of avifauna that may be found. In addition, over twenty different kinds of animals may be found in this area. Tigers, elephants, deer, and leopards are some of the most well-known of these animals. Other than that, there are a wide variety of migratory birds and fish that can be found in the rivers that are located inside the park.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet are considered to be the queens of the Kumaon Hill ranges, despite their relatively low levels of popularity. Lord Mayo, a British nobleman, stumbled across this beautiful hill-station in 1869 and became the town’s creator. Ranikhet, the little town that now bears his name, is the product of the British vision. In the beginning, the town was established as a cantonment area, and to this day, it is still home to the base camps of the Kumaon regiment. The village, which is perched at an elevation of 1,829 metres, has been steadily gaining popularity due to the breathtaking vistas and varied flora that it offers.
Auli
Uttrakhand is home to the picturesque hill station of Auli. During the winter months, when the Auli mountain ranges are blanketed in snow, they provide for excellent skiing terrain. Auli is home to a number of different hiking trails and locations. Auli is situated around 3,000 metres above sea level, and from this vantage point, visitors may take in breathtaking vistas of major Himalayan peaks. In this location, some of the things to see and do include the longest ropeway in all of Asia as well as a chair lift that connects the lower sections with the higher ones.
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
An significant Sikh Shrine, known as the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, may be found in the Chamoli district at an elevation of 4,329 metres above mean sea level. The shrine, which is in the form of an enormous star, may be found on the banks of the glacial lake known as Hemkund. The 10th and current Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, is said to have pondered on the banks of the lake. The whole temple is encircled on all sides by a number of mountains that are covered with snow. These mountain summits are the source of glaciers that feed the lake below.
Nanda Devi Sanctuary
Within the Chamoli district of the Indian state of Uttrakhand is where you’ll find Nanda Devi National Park. The park is surrounded by a number of breathtaking mountains, some of which are the Nanda Devi Peak, Bethartoli Peak, Trishul Peak, and Dunagiri Peak. The whole region has a bountiful supply of both plant and animal life. This national park is home to a variety of animals, including the Bharal, also known as the blue mountain goat. The whole of the region has been designated as a world heritage site, and it encompasses a vast area that is more than 112 km in diameter and is located around 6,000 m above sea level.
Nainital
Nainital is a well-known hill station that may be found at an elevation of 1,938 metres above mean sea level. Because of the abundance of lakes in the area, Nainital is sometimes referred to as the “Lake District of India.” The Naini Lake, which is surrounded by mountain ranges, is a favourite destination for many of them. The Bhimtal Lake has a restaurant that is located on an island in the middle of the lake. A cable car will take visitors up to the ‘Snow View’ summit, which is another of the region’s points of interest.
Almora
Within the Himalayas, on the Kumaon Hills, is where you’ll find Almora. The picturesque village of Almora, which is at an altitude of 1,638 m above mean sea level, is renowned for having a significant cultural history. Alongside Almora are two rivers called the Suyal and the Koshi. Visitors may take in breathtaking vistas of snow-covered mountains in the backdrop throughout their vacation. One of the biggest attractions in this area is a temple dedicated to the sun that can be found in Katarmal, which is close to Almora.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a hill station that was founded by the British and can be found in the Kumaon Hills. After reaching this location in 1869, Lord Mayo proceeded to convert the whole region into a cantonment town. To this very day, it is still serving as the Kumaon regiment’s main base of operations. Ranikhet, which is located in Uttarakhand and is 1,829 metres above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramas of the Western Himalayas to visitors. This location is home to an exceptionally diverse collection of flora and wildlife.
Kausani
One of the hill stations that can be found in the Kumaon Hills is called Kausani. In the vicinity of Kausani are the peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul in the Himalayas. The whole landscape is brightened by the presence of pear orchards, wildflowers, and tea plantations. In the vicinity of Kausani are a number of beautiful glaciers, including the Pindari glacier and the Kafni glacier. Kausani is also a trekker’s delight. The “Anasakti Ashram,” which formerly served as Mahatma Gandhi’s residence and is currently used as a research centre, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kausani.
Corbett National Park
In the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the Jim Corbett National Park may be found on the lower slopes of the Himalayas. This park was established in 1936, and it was named after the late naturalist and author Jim Corbett. Corbett was known for his work in both fields. The region is well-known for the enormous diversity of flora and fauna that can be found over its expansive area of 518 square kilometres. Tigers, elephants, and leopards are just some of the species that can be seen in the park that is open to the public.
Champawat
The ancient temples of Champawat have helped to make the town famous. The area of Champawat, which is famous for its mild weather, has a landscape that is characterised by terraced farms. Champawat is home to a significant network of hiking and walking paths. One of the most notable buildings in this area is the Baleshwar Temple, which was erected by the Chand kings. The temple is home to some exquisite works of carving. In addition to it, there is the Rataneshwar Temple and the remnants of the old Chand fort, which used to be the rulers of this region.
