Settled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is a beautiful state in northern India, famous for its peaceful scenes, old sanctums, and radiating culture. It is home to hallowed streams like the Ganga and Yamuna, alongside adored journey locales like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Kedarnath. Known as “Devbhoomi” (Place Gods), offbeat places in Uttarakhand offer a blend of spirituality and adventure, drawing in travellers, nature devotees, and profound searchers the same. The state’s lavish valleys, snow-covered pinnacles, and wildlife sanctuaries make it an optimal objective for the eco-tourism industry, offering explorers a tranquil retreat in the midst of immaculate nature.
10 Offbeat Places In Uttarakhand
Here is a list of the top 10 offbeat places in Uttarakhand, India for a great escape amidst nature.
1. Chaukori
Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash
Chaukori is a little hill station situated in the Pithoragarh region, known for its tea gardens and all-encompassing perspectives on the Himalayan pinnacles. The town is encircled by lavish green woods and offers a peaceful climate for unwinding and restoration. Chaukori is one of the most sweet-smelling spots in Uttarakhand. Lying at a height of around 2,010 meters above ocean level, Chaukori is a beautiful location that offers stunning perspectives on the snow-covered pinnacles of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli.
Major Attractions: Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks and lush tea gardens
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
2. Khirsu
Khirsu spellbinds vacationers with its smoothness and vegetation. The land is shrouded in vegetation with the odd plantation that provides the region with a sprinkle of variety consistently. The town is additionally supported by the presence of the popular Ghandiyal Devi Temple, which is a profound image and a position of love that wakes up with enthusiasts and sightseers. Khirsu is one of the most loveable, odd vacation places in Uttarakhand. The all-encompassing perspectives on the Himalayan pinnacles, including Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul, are genuinely hypnotizing.
Major Attractions: Ghandiyal Devi Temple and stunning views of Himalayan peaks
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwara Railway Station
3. Naukuchiatal
Photo: Pratima m / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Naukuchiatal, a little pleasant lake town is an objective for the individuals who look for solitude and peace underneath the shade of immaculate nature. As the name of the spot recommends, this spot is chiefly known for its nine-cornered lake which is 1 km long and 40 m deep. Lying at some separation from the clamouring hill station of Nainital, this spot is likewise joined to a legend. It is said that one look at every one of the nine corners of a lake with two feet on the earth can cause the spectator to vanish into the smoke to accomplish nirvana.
Major Attractions: Nine-cornered lake surrounded by lush greenery
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
4. Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba isn’t an objective, however a round trip. Thus, on the off chance that you at any point get a desire for experience and searching for neglected places in Uttarakhand, then, at that point, you should enlist an aide and head into the wild for an astounding encounter. It tends to be a one small day journey contingent upon your endurance and schedule. On the off chance that you wish to remain in the mountains under the stars, you should bring along your campsite tent and different necessities. Catch the dazzling winter scenes and make enduring recollections.
Major Attractions: Stunning panoramic views from the summit and dense forests
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
5. Hemkund
Photo: Japleenpasricha / Wikimedia Commons
Known for the most noteworthy Gurudwara on the planet Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, Hemkund is an entrancing spot in Uttarakhand. It is of high profound incentive for the community of Sikhs as it is accepted that Guru Gibns Singh pondered here in one of his past lives. The Valley of Flowers is close by for a picturesque view. It is drawn nearer from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath interstate. The primary town close to Govindghat is Joshimath. The height of the lake at Hemkund is roughly 15,000 feet.
Major Attractions: Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara and the Valley of Flowers
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
6. Lansdowne
Photo: Sudhanshu.s.s / Wikimedia Commons
Settled in the midst of the Garhwal Himalayas, Lansdowne is an enchanting cantonment town that holds an old-world appeal. It is known for its rich plant life, quiet air, and pioneer architecture style. The town offers different attractions, for example, the Garhwali Exhibition Hall, Tip-n-Top perspective, and the peaceful Bhulla Lake. Go for a comfortable walk through the pine backwoods or enjoy adventurous exercises like climbing and drifting. Lansdowne is an ideal spot for those looking for comfort in nature away from the buzzing about city life.
Major Attractions: Colonial Architecture and Garhwali Museum
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwara Railway Station
7. Abbott Mount
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
A curious old town, Abbott Mount is situated in the Kali Kumaon area of Champawat region, Uttarakhand. Here, one can observe the appeal of a past English pilgrim period through a magnificent church and 13 disengaged houses across the hill. Laid out during the mid-twentieth 100 years by an English money manager – John Harold Abbott, Abbott Mount is a spot that stays pretty much unaltered. Roosted at a rise of 7000 ft. above ocean level, it offers bewitching perspectives on the snow-clad Himalayas and serene environmental elements bringing harmony as birds peep through the wispy breeze.
Major Attractions: Beautiful cottages and the historic church
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Tanakpur Railway Station
8. Bhimtal
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Roisted at a level of 1370 masl, Bhimtal is an ideal and less-swarmed rendition of Nainital, 23 km away. Bhimtal is a beautiful hill station, the appeal of which lies in its strange, peaceful environment. The pleasant Bhimtal Lake is a famous fascination for paddle sailing, birding and nature strolls. Limited by thick woods of oaks, pine and bushes, it is likewise known for a couple of old sanctuaries. The seventeenth-century Bhimeshwar Sanctuary is a must-visit spot in the hilltown. All around, associated by street, Bhimtal is an optimal end-of-the-week escape from Delhi.
Major Attractions: Bhimtal Lake and ancient temples
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
9. Pangot
Photo: Kannan AS / Wikimedia Commons
Lying only 15 kilometers from Nainital, Pangot, situated in the Kosya Kutoli tehsil of the Nainital area of Uttarakhand. The town is at the level of 6,300 feet above ocean level and is notable all over the country for its rich and fascinating bird life. Pangot likewise turns into a focal point for photography devotees when many various types of birds run here during the unforgiving winters in the upper Himalayas and settle down here for a brief time.
Major Attractions: Rich birdlife and stunning forest trails
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
10. Khurpatal
Photo: Nickk Bisht / Wikimedia Commons
Based at a height of 1550 m, Khurpatal allures with its unblemished emerald green lake bordered by pine and cedar woods. Take a shikara boat ride across the peaceful lake with your accomplice and absorb the unimaginably outside air. Go calculating to take a stab at getting the lake’s renowned Mahseer fishes together. Appreciate comfortable nature trails through small backwoods that encompass the lake. Wonder about the pretty lotuses and lilies dabbing the lake as you go for heartfelt lakeside walks.
Major Attractions: Pristine emerald lake ideal for boating and fishing.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Offbeat places in Uttarakhand offer a distinctive mix of natural beauty, serenity, and a rich social legacy. From the peaceful tea nurseries of Chaukori to the otherworldly sacredness of Hemkund, these less popular spots give a reviving getaway. The offbeat spots in Uttarakhand guarantee remarkable encounters. Plan a trip with TripXL to design your ideal escape and find the appeal of these unconventional objections!
Cover Photo: Amit Shaw / Wikimedia Commons