Uttarakhand, in its beauty and serenity is what the Hindus refer to as Dev Bhoomi – the Land of the Gods. Nestled in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is riddled with breathtaking peaks, stunning lakes and holy rivers, making it a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination for adventurers all over the world. Whether you are a historian, a pilgrim, or even a Yogi, in Uttarakhand, you will have a never-ending pick of activities to do and places to see.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, India’s Valley of Flowers National Park is famous for its beautiful meadows filled with endemic flowers. The breathtaking blooms are the centerpiece of this national park, however the valley is riddled with more than just flowers. It is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, the snow leopard, blue sheep and more.
A vast wildlife reserve spanning three different sanctuaries at over 820.42 square kilometers, Rajaji National Park is a nature-lovers paradise. The park is home to over 23 species of mammals and 315 bird species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deers and ghorals, plus many more. There are many ways to explore the park – from going on simple walks, to nature hikes, or even going on a 4x4 to venture out and explore the dense forests in the sanctuary. The sheer beauty of the Rajaji National Park attracts many wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists all over the world.
A hidden beauty in the Himalayan Kingdom, Nainital Lake is one of four major lakes in the Kumaon hills. The beauty of the Nainital Lake comes from its breathtaking surroundings, and natural lunar shape. The freshwater lake is backdropped by three mountain peaks - making it a picturesque boating destination with unparalleled views.
Nanda Devi, also known as the “Bliss-Giving Goddess” is India’s second-highest peak and a majestic mountain that towers at 7,816 meters above sea level. Once open to climbers, the park has since been closed for environmental reasons and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though it is forbidden to climbers and locals, visitors can still admire the beauty of the mountain from the adjacent Valley of Flowers National Park.
The most popular Ghat in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri Ghat is where the Ganga Aarti (ritual offering to the Ganges river) takes place. Right on the banks of the river Ganga, the temple is a major landmark of the holy city and a famous spot for pilgrims. During the Kumbh Mela (religious festival that takes place in one of four holy rivers every 12 years), the river-front temple is also where tourists and pilgrims take their holy dip.
A famous hanging bridge that spans across the holy river, Ganga, the Lakshman Jhula links two important villages in Rishikesh. The bridge is almost 450 feet long, and almost 70 feet above the river. The bridge is not only popular because of its location, but also because of its link to Hindu mythology.
One of the most popular places in Rishikesh, the Ram Jhula is an iconic tourist attraction that draws in pilgrims and tourists all over the world. The suspension bridge made up of iron spans around 450 feet long and hangs above the holy river, Ganga. Walk along the suspension bridge to take in majestic views of the holy river at any time of day.
One of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites in India, the Shree Badrinath Temple or Badrinath Dham, has a very immense importance in Hinduism. The temple, which is located in the Garhwal hills, with an altitude of 10,279 feet offers beautiful scenic views of the snowy Himalays. The holy site draws both pilgrims and tourists all over the world because of its significance to the religion, and equally breathtaking views.
A popular tourist spot, Sattal is a forested lake backdropped by beautiful oak and pine woods – capturing the beauty of the Lower Himalayas. At an altitude of 4,000 feet, the lake is the perfect lounging spot for those who visited the sleepy locale. The lake offers fantastic views and an array of exotic birds to watch: the perfect place to take a breath, sit back and let the hours roll by.
An ashram founded in 1942 along the banks of the holy river Ganga, Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the most popular spiritual centers in all of Uttarakhand. It is the largest ashram in all of Rishikesh, and yogis, pilgrims and tourists all over the world visit to witness a pure and serene atmosphere surrounded by beautiful gardens where they can meditate and be one with nature.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is often referred to as the Land of the Gods. Aside from its breathtaking scenery and majestic environment, the region is famous for its numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers, making it a popular religious site for pilgrims and tourists alike.
While Uttarakhand has wonderful weather all year round, the best time to visit is between March to April, and from September to October to enjoy good climate, and exciting activities.
Those who want to visit Uttarakhand just to enjoy the scenery and take in the views, you should definitely stay in Rishikesh, which is less crowded than the rest of Uttarakhand. It’s also closer to tourist locations in the great outdoors, so if you’re an adventurer or looking to soak in the sun in these beautiful environments, then this is the perfect place for you. However, if you really want to experience the bustle of the city, then you should stay at Haridwar.