Garhwal, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, is a haven of stunning landscapes. Covering some of the most gorgeous natural beauty and hill stations under its realism, Garhwal caters to your every desire for spiritual tranquillity or exciting adventures. It is popular for its richness of culture and natural beauty and attracts all who want to experience a serene life. While travelling through its historical sites, beautiful valleys, and pristine forests, you will find exactly the combination of history, nature, and calmness. Prepare for a journey of the best places to visit in Garhwal, where each corner holds its unique awe-inspiring beauty along with cultural wealth.
10 Places To Visit In Garhwal
The Garhwal beckons as a refuge for adventurers and seekers of peace. From lush landscapes to spiritual sanctuaries to mesmerising culture, you can explore many enchanting destinations.
1. Mussoorie
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Garhwal has a gem Mussoorie called the ‘Queen of the Hills.’ The cool weather and the beauty of the Himalayan ranges are the perfect escape this hill station provides. The lush greenery, colonial architecture, and lively Mall Road make it one of the must-see tourist attractions in Garhwal. Camel’s Back Road offers a leisurely walk throughout the year, while Kempty Falls makes for a great destination to experience nature’s best gifts. To enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, visit Gun Hill or Lal Tiba, which is the highest point in Mussoorie, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the snow-capped peaks.
Tourist Attractions: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, and Mall Road
Best Time to Visit: March To June
2. Tehri Dam
Photo: Dr Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
India’s highest dam, the Tehri Dam, is certainly a sight to behold. This UNESCO World Heritage site is built across the Bhagirathi River, overlooking calm waters amidst small hills, and provides an unforgettable view. Situated at an elevation of 260 metres, the dam is encircled by the Garhwal Himalayas and serves several purposes like reservoir and irrigation. It also offers fun-filled water sports like jet skiing, rafting, and boating for adventure enthusiasts. If you love nature and adventure, then it is the spot for you. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the serene Tehri Lake or get your adrenaline pumping, the Tehri Dam is one of the top Garhwal tourist places to explore.
Tourist Attractions: Tehri Lake
Best Time to Visit: March To May
3. Devprayag
At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the holy Ganges and are the highlight of the town. This is one of the best places to visit in Garhwal Uttarakhand if you need spiritual peace combined with nature’s unique formations. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountains, Devprayag derives its name from the confluence of the two rivers. This place is a special abode of the Raghunath Temple which is devoted to Lord Rama other temples which you must visit as well are Kyukaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Chandrabadni Temple.
Tourist Attractions: Sangam, Raghunath Temple, Dasrathsila
Best Time to Visit: April To June
4. Chopta
If you are a nature lover or a trekking enthusiast, this charming village, known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, offers you unspoiled natural beauty. You can explore its evergreen forests and meadows. Serving as the base for trekking to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple, Chandrashila Peak Ukhimath where the view of panoramic Himalayan views will just blow your mind. On your way to the Peak, you can also witness the views of the Nanda Devi and Trishul. The serene atmosphere here makes it one of the most peaceful places where you can connect with nature and is also ideal for camping and birdwatching if the weather is in favour.
Tourist Attractions: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak,
Best Time to Visit: March To May
5. Kanatal
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If you aren’t one of those people who like to be surrounded by hordes of tourists, then Kanatal is the perfect destination for you. Here, you can find the peace you need. Located with hills surrounded by dense forests and greenery, Kanatal provides you with a peaceful background where you can relax and rejuvenate your mind. Head to Surkanda Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is believed to be a place where the head of the goddess fell. Another attraction is Tehri Lake, which is nature’s most peaceful creation combined with modern recreational facilities. Kanatal is a trekker’s heaven and if you are one of those, this is your gateway to heaven.
Tourist Attractions: Surkanda Devi Temple, Tehri Dam, and Dhanaulti
Best Time to Visit: April to October
6. Dhanaulti
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Dhanaulti is a perfect getaway if you are on the lookout for peace and tranquillity. This serene hill station situated just a short drive from Mussoorie gives you sweeping views and a serene environment. With the views of the Himalayas Ranges like Nanda Devi, you can experience nature’s dominating traits and with famous adventure parks like Eco Park and Amber Eco Park, you get to enjoy the fun part of Dhanaulti. Dhanaulti makes it a hidden gem among Garhwal tourist places, ideal for a calm and rejuvenating retreat. The combination of serene atmosphere and natural beauty makes Dhanaulti a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Tourist Attractions: Surkanda Devi Temple, Eco Park, and Amber Eco Park
Best Time to Visit: March To June
7. Deoria Tal
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Deoria Tal is a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountain views. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the Chaukhamba peaks, creating a picture-perfect scene. Whether you’re into photography, camping, or simply love enjoying the peace, Deoria Tal is a great choice. This serene lake is one of the top places to visit in Garhwal Uttarakhand if you’re seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Whether you take a stroll along the shore or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere, Deoria Tal offers something for everyone. On a clear night, camping is a great option to have a view of the starlit sky and bird watching is a common activity that people partake in here.
Tourist Attractions: Lake, Birdwatching, Trekking, and Camping
Best Time to Visit: April To June
8. Chamba
Photo: Dinesh Singh / Unsplash
Chamba offers you a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. It’s popular for its magnificent temples, ancient architecture, and stunning views of the Zanskar as well as Dhauladhar ranges and as it is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, it also has its association with Hindu Mythology. Visit the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Kunjapuri Temple to seek solace and the essence of this town. \To experience the rich cultural region, there is no better way than attending the Minjar Mela, where the community comes alive with joy. Whether you’re interested in history or simply want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Chamba is undoubtedly one of the top Garhwal tourist places to visit.
Tourist Attractions: Mountain Ranges, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Kunjapuri Temples, and Bhagirathi River
Best Time to Visit: March To June
9. Nag Tibba
Photo: Rimjhim Agrawal / Unspalsh
Nag Tibba is the perfect destination for adventure seekers craving an exhilarating experience. This renowned trekking spot, one of the popular tourist places in Garhwal, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks and guides you through enchanting dense forests rich with oak and vibrant flora. The trek is relatively easy, making it accessible even for beginners, and rewards your efforts with stunning vistas at the summit that are simply unforgettable. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and connect with nature, this trek provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
Tourist Attractions: Trekking, Nag Tibba Peak, and Camping
Best Time to Visit: April To June
10. Lansdowne
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for retaining the vibe of 19th-century colonial vibes, Lansdowne is a town which you must visit if you always seek solace and tranquillity more than adventure activities. You can start your trip to this quaint town by visiting Bhulla Tal and Sukha Tal, which is named Twin Lake, and spend a day boating around the lakes. Take in the British vibe on your visit to St. Mary’s Church followed by another very religious place which is Tarkeshwar Temple. Another very important place which you must visit is the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, where you can learn about the region’s history and culture. Visit Lansdowne if you are looking for a place which will give you the most sought peace.
Tourist Attractions: Bhulla Tal, Sukha Tal, Tarkeshwar Temple, St. Mary’s Church, and Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial
Best Time to Visit: April To June
Garhwal is the perfect destination if you’re seeking a blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you’re trekking through serene valleys or exploring ancient temples, Garhwal promises you an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip with TripXL to experience its unspoiled beauty and cultural richness.
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