Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of India’s most breathtaking states — a divine blend of spirituality, adventure, and nature. Known as “Devbhumi” or “Land of the Gods”, it’s home to sacred temples, majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, dense forests, and picturesque hill stations that attract millions of travelers every year.
Whether you’re seeking peace in the Himalayas, adventure in the rapids, or solace in ancient temples, Uttarakhand offers a destination for every mood.
Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 20 Tourist Places in Uttarakhand that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Nainital – The Lake District of India
Nainital, the jewel of Kumaon Hills, is one of the most visited hill stations in Uttarakhand. The town is built around the beautiful Naini Lake, where boating, yachting, and evening strolls create a romantic atmosphere.
Top Attractions:
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Naini Lake
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Naina Devi Temple
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Tiffin Top
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Snow View Point
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Nainital Zoo
Best Time to Visit: March to June, and October to December.
2. Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
Just 35 km from Dehradun, Mussoorie is famous for its misty hills, colonial charm, and panoramic views of the Doon Valley. It’s one of India’s oldest hill stations and remains a popular summer retreat.
Top Attractions:
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Kempty Falls
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Gun Hill
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Lal Tibba
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Company Garden
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Mall Road
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.
3. Rishikesh – Yoga Capital of the World
Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga, Rishikesh is both a spiritual center and an adventure hub. It’s globally famous for yoga, meditation, and white-water rafting.
Top Attractions:
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Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula
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Triveni Ghat
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
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Beatles Ashram
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River Rafting at Shivpuri
Best Time to Visit: September to April.
4. Haridwar – The Gateway to Gods
Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. It’s where the Ganga River leaves the Himalayas and enters the plains. The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a divine experience that draws pilgrims and tourists alike.
Top Attractions:
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Har Ki Pauri
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Mansa Devi Temple
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Chandi Devi Temple
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Bharat Mata Mandir
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
5. Auli – The Skiing Paradise
Perched at 2,800 meters, Auli is a stunning destination for skiing and snowboarding. The slopes here offer world-class skiing facilities and mesmerizing views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
Top Attractions:
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Auli Artificial Lake
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Joshimath
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Gurso Bugyal
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Cable Car Ride
Best Time to Visit: December to March (for snow), or May to July (for greenery).
6. Jim Corbett National Park – The Wild Heart of Uttarakhand
Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and a haven for wildlife lovers. It’s famous for Bengal tigers, elephants, and hundreds of bird species.
Top Attractions:
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Jeep Safari
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Corbett Waterfall
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Garjia Temple
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Dhikala Zone
Best Time to Visit: November to June.
7. Almora – The Cultural Capital of Kumaon
Almora is known for its scenic beauty, traditional Kumaoni culture, and ancient temples. The town sits on a horseshoe-shaped ridge offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
Top Attractions:
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Kasar Devi Temple
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Bright End Corner
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Chitai Golu Devta Temple
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Deer Park
Best Time to Visit: March to November.
8. Badrinath – The Sacred Abode of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, holds immense religious significance. Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and mystic beauty.
Top Attractions:
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Badrinath Temple
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Tapt Kund
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Mana Village (last Indian village near the border)
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Vasudhara Falls
Best Time to Visit: May to October (temple remains closed in winter).
9. Kedarnath – The Land of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath, another of the Char Dham sites, is nestled at 3,583 meters near the Mandakini River. The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Top Attractions:
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Kedarnath Temple
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Gandhi Sarovar
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Vasuki Tal
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Gaurikund
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
10. Gangotri – Source of the Holy Ganga
Gangotri is the origin of the River Ganga, located at 3,100 meters. It’s one of the four Char Dham sites and a place of immense spiritual energy.
Top Attractions:
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Gangotri Temple
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Bhagirathi Shila
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Pandava Gufa
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Surya Kund
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
11. Yamunotri – The Birthplace of River Yamuna
At 3,293 meters, Yamunotri is the westernmost shrine in the Char Dham Yatra. The temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Top Attractions:
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Yamunotri Temple
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Surya Kund (hot water spring)
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Divya Shila
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
12. Chopta – The Mini Switzerland of India
Chopta, surrounded by meadows and pine forests, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand. It’s also the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks.
Top Attractions:
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Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva temple in the world)
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Chandrashila Peak
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Deoria Tal
Best Time to Visit: March to November.
13. Lansdowne – A Peaceful Hill Retreat
Lansdowne is a quiet, cantonment town established by the British. Its clean environment, pine forests, and colonial charm make it a perfect weekend escape.
Top Attractions:
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Tip-in-Top Point
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Bhulla Tal Lake
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St. Mary’s Church
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War Memorial
Best Time to Visit: March to November.
14. Ranikhet – The Queen’s Meadow
Surrounded by pine trees and majestic peaks, Ranikhet is known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. It’s also home to one of India’s best hill golf courses.
Top Attractions:
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Chaubatia Gardens
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Jhula Devi Temple
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Bhalu Dam
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Upat Golf Course
Best Time to Visit: March to October.
15. Pithoragarh – The Mini Kashmir
Known as the “Little Kashmir”, Pithoragarh is a hidden gem surrounded by snow-clad peaks, rivers, and lush valleys. It’s also the starting point for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Top Attractions:
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Pithoragarh Fort
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Askot Sanctuary
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Kapileshwar Mahadev Cave
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Thal Kedar
Best Time to Visit: April to November.
16. Valley of Flowers – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the most stunning natural wonders in India, the Valley of Flowers comes alive with colorful alpine blooms every monsoon. The valley, part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, is a trekker’s paradise.
Top Attractions:
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Valley Trek
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Hemkund Sahib
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Ghangaria Village
Best Time to Visit: July to September.
17. Mukteshwar – The Hidden Gem of Kumaon
Mukteshwar is a small, serene town offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. It’s also popular for rock climbing, rappelling, and nature walks.
Top Attractions:
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Mukteshwar Dham Temple
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Chauli Ki Jali (cliff point)
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Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Best Time to Visit: March to November.
18. Munsiyari – Gateway to the Johar Valley
Located in the Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari is a remote hill station with mesmerizing views of the Panchachuli Peaks. It’s a great base for high-altitude treks.
Top Attractions:
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Birthi Falls
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Thamri Kund
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Khaliya Top Trek
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October.
19. Dhanaulti – The Hidden Hill Getaway
Just 24 km from Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is a peaceful alternative to crowded hill stations. Its eco-parks, forests, and adventure activities make it an ideal family spot.
Top Attractions:
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Eco Park
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Surkanda Devi Temple
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Adventure Park
Best Time to Visit: March to November.
20. Kausani – The Switzerland of India
Kausani offers one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks — Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. Mahatma Gandhi once called it “the Switzerland of India.”
Top Attractions:
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Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram)
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Rudradhari Falls
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Baijnath Temple
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November.
Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
The best time depends on what you want to experience:
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Summer (March–June): Ideal for hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie, and Auli.
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Monsoon (July–September): Perfect for the Valley of Flowers and lush greenery.
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Winter (October–February): Great for snow lovers and temple visits.
Travel Tips for Uttarakhand
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Always carry warm clothes, even in summer.
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Book hotels and Char Dham routes in advance during peak season.
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Respect local customs and temple rules.
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Keep your environment clean – Uttarakhand’s beauty deserves protection.
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Try local dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, and Bhatt ki Churkani.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is truly a paradise for travelers — where spirituality meets serenity and adventure meets beauty. From the divine ghats of Haridwar and Rishikesh to the snow-covered slopes of Auli and the tranquil lakes of Nainital, every corner of this state has a story to tell.
So pack your bags, breathe in the mountain air, and let the charm of Devbhumi Uttarakhand leave you spellbound forever.
Source: Ai