Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, rightfully considered the Devbhumi, is the perfect choice if you are looking to visit places with scenic nature, adventures, and pilgrimages. Uttarakhand has something for everyone, including snow-decorated mountains, serene lakes, ancient architecture, and lively hill towns. This blog is all about giving you helpful tips about fares and top attractions if you are planning a trip to Uttarakhand – let it be a family holiday, an outdoor trip, or a spiritual journey.
1. Nainital
Nainital, found in Uttarakhand, is loved by Indians for its beautiful Naini Lake, interesting colonial buildings, and spectacular views of the Himalayas. The busy Mall Road, the lively Tibetan Market, and the relaxing boat rides are what bring many couples and families to Nainital.
Must-Visit Places:
- Naini Lake (boating)
- Snow View Point
- Naina Devi Temple
- Mall Road shopping
Budget Tips:
You can find budget places to stay, like hotels and guesthouses, starting at around ₹800 to ₹1,500 each night. If you’re looking to grab a bite, eating at street stalls or small cafes usually means you’ll pay between ₹100 and ₹300 for yourself. A boat ride on Naini Lake will cost around ₹150 to ₹300 for the whole boat.
2. Mussoorie
Mussoorie has a magical way of captivating every visitor with its pleasant weather, lush green hills, and colonial charm. Known for its scenic walking paths, beautiful waterfalls, and the lively Landour area, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions:
- Kempty Falls
- Gun Hill
- Camel’s Back Road
- Company Garden
Budget Tips:
You can find budget accommodations ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per night. Local transport options like rickshaws and taxis are quite affordable, and dining at local restaurants usually costs between ₹150 and ₹400 per person.
3. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is globally recognized as the hub for yoga, spirituality, and thrilling adventure activities. The mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, exhilarating river rafting, and serene ashram stays attract both spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts.
Top Attractions:
- Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
- Triveni Ghat (Ganga Aarti)
- Beatles Ashram
- River Rafting & Bungee Jumping
Budget Tips:
Budget hostels and ashrams begin from ₹50-₹1,200 a night. Rafting packages are priced from ₹600 per head. Local thalis and cafés are priced at ₹100-₹250 per meal.
4. Dehradun
As the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun beautifully blends colonial charm, educational institutions, and natural beauty. Located in the picturesque Doon Valley, it often serves as the starting point for travelers heading to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, or further into the hills.
Top Attractions:
- Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)
- Forest Research Institute (FRI)
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Buddha Temple (Mindrolling Monastery)
Budget Tips:
Hostels and budget hotels begin from ₹800–₹1,500 per night. Shared autos and local buses are readily available for ₹10–₹50 per trip. Dinners at local restaurants cost about ₹100–₹250 per person.
5. Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India, famous for its ghats, temples, and the enchanting evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Top Attractions:
- Har Ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Chandi Devi Temple
Budget Tips:
Basic dharamshalas and guesthouses are available for ₹400 to ₹1,000 per night. Most temples and ghats are free to enter, and you can enjoy local cuisine at very reasonable prices.
6. Auli
Auli is a skiing paradise, famous for its ski slopes and stunning views of Nanda Devi and the other Himalayan peaks. It becomes a green meadow in the summer, ideal for trekking.
Top Attractions:
- Ski slopes and cable car rides
- Gurso Bugyal trek
- Auli Artificial Lake
Budget Tips:
Ski packages (equipment and lessons included) begin from ₹1,500 per day. Budget accommodations vary between ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night. Visits during the off-season are more economical.
7. Jim Corbett National Park
India’s first national park, Jim Corbett, is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Safari tours provide an opportunity to see tigers, elephants, and diverse birds and animals.
Top Attractions:
- Jungle Safari (Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna zones)
- Corbett Waterfall
- Garjia Temple
Budget Tips:
Jeep safaris are ₹4,000-₹6,000 per vehicle (split between 6). Budget resorts and lodges begin at ₹1,000 per night.
8. Chopta
Chopta is a pristine hill station, famous for its green meadows and as the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
Top Attractions:
- Tungnath Temple (the highest Shiva temple)
- Chandrashila Summit
- Deoria Tal
Budget Tips:
Camping is as low as ₹800 per night. Local dhabas provide meals for ₹80–₹200. Trekking is free, but guides (optional) charge ₹500-₹1,000 for a group.
9. Almora
Almora provides the perfect mix of culture, history, and scenery. Its old temples, vibrant bazaars, and sweeping vistas are a distinctive experience in Uttarakhand.
Top Attractions:
- Kasar Devi Temple
- Bright End Corner
- Nanda Devi Temple
Budget Tips:
Budget hotels for ₹700–₹1,200 per day. Food is cheap, and public transport takes tourists to major sites.
10. Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib
Valley of Flowers is a colorful national park, known for its alpine meadows and exotic flora. Hemkund Sahib, nearby, is a sacred Sikh pilgrimage destination.
Top Attractions:
- Valley of Flowers trek
- Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
- Mana Village
Budget Tips:
The Valley of Flowers permits are ₹150–₹600. Trekking is the activity; budget accommodations in Ghangaria begin at ₹500 per night. Food is simple and inexpensive.
11. Jageshwar
Jageshwar is a serene pilgrim town famous for its group of more than 100 old stone temples surrounded by thick deodar forests within the valley of Jataganga. It is said to be a meditation spot of Lord Shiva and hence a historical and spiritual treasure.
Top Attractions:
- Jageshwar Mahadev Temple complex
- Dandeshwar Temple
- Archaeological Museum
Budget Tips:
Budget guesthouses from ₹600–₹1,200 per night. Local restaurants have meals for ₹80–₹200. The majority of the temple visits are free, and the peaceful forest walks are a bonus.
12. Mukteshwar
Panoramic vistas of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, fruit orchards, and colonial ambiance await in Mukteshwar. It’s also an adventure sports hub with paragliding and rock climbing.
Top Attractions:
- Mukteshwar Temple
- Chauli Ki Jali (cliff and viewpoint)
- Paragliding and rappelling
Budget Tips:
Homestays and budget hotels cost ₹800–₹1,500 per night. Adventure sports like paragliding begin at ₹1,500 per person. Local eateries offer meals for ₹100–₹250.
13. Uttarkashi
A spiritual and adventure destination, Uttarkashi features ancient temples, ashrams, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It’s also the staging ground for treks to Gangotri and Dayara Bugyal.
Top Attractions:
- Vishwanath Temple
- Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
- Dayara Bugyal (alpine meadow trek)
Budget Tips:
Budget hotels and ashrams begin at ₹500–₹1,200 per night. Shared jeeps and local buses are budget-friendly ways to get around. Basic meals are available from ₹80–₹200.
14. Binsar
Binsar is famous for its serene forests, rich wildlife, and stunning Himalayan vistas. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird and nature enthusiasts.
Top Attractions:
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Zero Point (panorama point)
- Binsar Mahadev Temple
Budget Tips:
Forest rest houses and budget lodges begin from ₹1,000 per night. Entry charges for the sanctuaries are around ₹150–₹600. Local dhabas provide food for ₹100–₹250.
15. Triyuginarayan
Triyuginarayan Temple is the mythological wedding ground of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The hereafter eternal flame is believed to have been burning since their wedding.
Top Attractions:
- Triyuginarayan Temple
- Local treks and vista points
- Location close to Kedarnath
Budget Tips:
Basic guesthouses and dharamshalas are from ₹500–₹1,000 a night. Local cuisine is cheap, and temple visits are free. Add a trip to Kedarnath for an added spiritual experience.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand’s beauty is in its diversity – from the holy ghats of Haridwar and adventure-ridden valleys of Rishikesh to the serene meadows of Chopta and snow-covered slopes of Auli. With some planning, you can experience the best of Uttarakhand on any budget and create memories that will last forever. Whether you’re looking for adventure, spirituality, or a serene retreat, Uttarakhand opens its arms and presents to you scintillating views.
Contact Dharmik Paryatan – a trusted travel agency by thousands – for more details regarding affordable packages and to ensure a seamless journey.
