These 10 places to visit in Uttarakhand promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas, where nature, spirituality, and adventure come together in perfect harmony. Known as ‘Devbhoomi’ or the ‘Land of Gods,’ Uttarakhand has breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, vibrant wildlife, and serene villages. From the spiritual charm of Rishikesh and the scenic beauty of Nainital to the alpine meadows of the Mussoorie and the thrilling treks in Auli, each destination offers a unique experience. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity, adventure, or cultural immersion, Uttarakhand has something to captivate every traveller.
10 Beautiful Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Experience a tranquillity that stirs the soul with a stop at these 10 beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand.
1. Mussoorie
Photo: Manasarya92 / Wikimedia Commons
Often called the ‘Queen of Hills,’ Mussoorie is a scenic hill station with panoramic views of the Doon Valley and Shivalik ranges. This charming destination is known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and British-era architecture. It is regarded as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie’s Mall Road, with its cafes, shops, and views, is a popular place to stroll and relax. Landour, a quieter town nearby, is known for its bakeries and old-world charm. For adventure enthusiasts, Mussoorie offers activities like trekking, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
Location: Dehradun District
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun
Major Attractions: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Mall Road, Lal Tibba, Company Garden
2. Rishikesh
Photo: Prashant bamnawat / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ Rishikesh is a serene town on the banks of the Ganges that blends spirituality and adventure. It’s famous for yoga retreats, river rafting, and serene ghats. Travelers are drawn to Triveni Ghat for its spiritual experience during the nightly Ganga Aarti. Adventure lovers flock to Rishikesh for white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and cliff diving. The surrounding hills offer numerous trekking opportunities, while the nearby town of Shivpuri is a popular camping spot. This is also why it is considered one of the most popular Uttarakhand tourist places.
Location: Dehradun District
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
Major Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Neer Garh Waterfall
3. Nainital
Photo: Nikhil Sachan / Unsplash
A picturesque lake town surrounded by hills, Nainital is known for its emerald-green lake and pleasant weather. It is among the most beautiful tourist attractions in Uttarakhand. This hill station attracts visitors for boating, scenic walks, and heritage sites. The Mall Road along the lake is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants for a perfect evening stroll. A visit to the Snow View Point offers magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The Naini Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Naina, is a significant religious site by the lake.
Location: Nainital District
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam
Major Attractions: Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View Point, Naini Lake, and Naina Devi Temple
4. Corbett
Photo: Soumyajit Nandy / Wikimedia Commons
The oldest national park in India, Corbett National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Known for its tiger population, it offers an adventurous safari experience in a biodiverse setting. Wildlife safaris here let you explore different zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, and Jhirna, each known for unique sightings. Birdwatchers will appreciate the rich birdlife, with over 500 species spotted here. The park has dedicated areas for jungle safaris, nature walks, and jeep safaris to enhance your wildlife experience. It is among the best tourist places in Uttarakhand for animal lovers.
Location: Nainital District
Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar
Major Attractions: Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, Jhirna Zone, Corbett Waterfall, Garjiya Devi Temple
5. Haridwar
Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of India’s holiest cities, Haridwar is known for its spiritual ambience and ghats along the Ganges. It’s famous for the Ganga Aarti and as a gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage. The Har Ki Pauri ghat is an iconic spot where thousands gather for evening prayers and rituals by the river. Many ancient temples, like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, can be reached by ropeway. Haridwar is also renowned for its Ayurvedic centres, offering traditional wellness therapies.
Location: Haridwar District
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction
Major Attractions: Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir
6. Auli
Photo: Amit Shaw / Wikimedia Commons
Auli is a premier skiing destination known for its snow-clad slopes and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi. It’s also a popular trekking base. Skiing season here starts in December, drawing enthusiasts from all over. The Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest, offers a spectacular ride with views of dense oak and deodar forests. Nearby treks to Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass give trekkers a taste of Auli’s pristine beauty. This ski destination ranks high on the Uttarakhand tourist places list.
Location: Chamoli District
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
Major Attractions: Auli Artificial Lake, Gorson Bugyal, Auli Ropeway, Nanda Devi Peak views
7. Mukteshwar
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash
This small hill town offers a tranquil atmosphere and is surrounded by dense forests and orchards. Mukteshwar is famous for its stunning mountain views and the 350-year-old Mukteshwar Temple. The nearby Chauli Ki Jali is a cliffside spot for rock climbing and offers spectacular views of the valleys. In addition to its peaceful surroundings, Mukteshwar is also known for fresh fruit orchards and organic farms.
Location: Nainital District
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam
Major Attractions: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls
8. Chopta
Photo: Alok Prasad / Wikimedia Commons
Often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,’ Chopta is a lush green valley known for its stunning meadows, peaceful environment, and trekking routes. It is a starting point for the Tungnath Temple trek, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas may be seen from the neighboring Chandrashila Peak.
Location: Rudraprayag District
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
Major Attractions: Deoria Tal, Chandrashila Trek, and Tungnath Temple
9. Bhimtal
Photo: SHUVADIP / Wikimedia Commons
A quieter alternative to Nainital, Bhimtal is a serene lake town known for its beautiful lake with an island, rich history, and scenic surroundings. Boating on the tranquil Bhimtal Lake is a popular activity, with the lake’s centre featuring a unique aquarium. Bhimtal is also known for its historic temples and the Victoria Dam, which offers lovely views of terraced gardens. Nearby, one can explore Naukuchiatal, another lake surrounded by hills, perfect for paragliding and angling.
Location: Nainital District
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam
Major Attractions: Bhimtal Lake, Aquarium Island, Victoria Dam, Butterfly Research Centre
10. Almora
Photo: Piyush Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Almora is a cultural hub known for its ancient temples, bustling bazaars, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The local markets are famous for traditional handicrafts, shawls, and unique Kumaoni products. Almora is close to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The town is also known for the unique architecture of its temples, including the famous Nanda Devi Temple.
Location: Almora District
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam
Major Attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Zero Point, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Exploring these incredible places to visit in Uttarakhand reveals the state’s unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and spirituality. Each destination offers something distinct—from the serene lakes of Nainital and Bhimtal to the wildlife of Corbett, the spiritual ambience of Rishikesh and Haridwar, and the thrilling landscapes of Auli and Chopta. Plan a trip a TripXL and have an unforgettable experience, making it a place that resonates deeply with all who visit.
Cover Photo: Abhidev Vaishnav / Unsplash