Top 5 Must See Tourist Places in Uttrakhand, India

Uttarakhand - described by many as the land of the Gods, the abode of the towering Himalayas, a treasure house of exotic flora and fauna, an invigorating holiday retreat, and a paradise on earth - lures everyone from everywhere. Uttarakhand earlier known as Uttaranchal is the holiest of all Hindu pilgrimage centers as the land is home to four great religious sites - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. This apart, Uttarakhand boasts of pristine natural beauty, stately mountains, romantic glaciers and gurgling hill brooks, flower bedecked valleys, rare wild life and opportunities galore for adventure sports. Uttarakhand is neighbored by Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana and Nepal.

Nainital, located in Kumaon foothills, is one of India’s most picturesque hill stations surrounded by mountains on three sides. Though Nainital reportedly had as many as 60 lakes - most of the lakes have today sadly vanished robbing the town of all its erstwhile grandeur. But the saving grace is there are few other lakes adjoining Nainital which are equally serene and mesmerizing. Being a much sought-after tourist place Nainital is always busy and vibrant with the ingress of visitors.

Nainital, once known as the Lake District of Uttarakhand, is a ravishingly beautiful and tranquil hill station set amidst the seven hills at an average altitude of 1,938 m. There are a number of scenic places in and around Nainital for sightseeing like Naukuchiya Tal, Mukteshwar, Sat Tal, Dorothy’s Seat (Tiffin Top), Naini Lake, Mall Road, Hanuman Garhi, Astronomical Observatory etc.

Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills and because of its colorful natural beauty, the local people fondly referred to it as the queen of hill stations. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were then found in abundance here. Over the years, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business and tourism. Mussoorie is characterized by a pleasant climate and verdant woods that make it an ideal stress-free retreat. Its modern architecture, lively shopping malls and manicured gardens draw numerous tourists at all times of the year. The prime highlights of this town are Tibetan Temple, Lake Mist, Mussoorie Lake, Municipal Gardens, Gun Hill, Kempty Fall, Nag Devta Temple, Van Chetna Kendra and Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill).

If you are driven by wanderlust, or have an avid adventure sports enthusiast or lover of wildlife, or a spiritual seeker or simply a holidaymaker, Dehradun has enough variety to satisfy everyone. Dehradun is a dynamic happening town situated in the Doon Valley of the Lower Himalayan Ranges.

Dehradun is one of the oldest cities of India and is the capital of Uttarakhand - cozily resting in the mountain ranges of the Himalaya. Dehradun is widely known as an important base for trekking and adventure activities. The Kalinga War Memorial, The Gurkha Fort, Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park, Sahastradhara, Time-honored Monastery and Tapkeshwar Temple are the major attractions of this town. This hill station is undoubtedly one of the most adorable tourist spots in Uttarakhand.

Almora is one of the most exquisite places in Kumaon region of Uttrakhand - full of scenic beauty. It is a wonderful spot for nature lovers and seekers of solitude unlike the glamour and glitter of Nainital. Almora is a very virgin hill-station and its scenic beauty remains to this day unspoilt. You will find here the rugged forts, quaint monuments and spectacular palaces built by the rulers of Chandravansh and Katyuri dynasty.

It may not be wrong to say that Mother Nature had been partial and has blessed Almora with her immaculate love. To add to the romantic surroundings, besides city flows the Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) rivers. Public Museum, Nanda Devi Temple, Chetai Temple Katarmal, Bright End Corner, and Simtola are the other key tourist attractions of this place.

Ranikhet, situated in the Kumaon hills located at an altitude of 1829 m above sea level, is an alluring place that has retained its virginity and pristine charm despite all modernization. Ranikhet is undoubtedly an ideal site to enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Himalayan ranges. It has been endowed with natural beauty in generous measure - in the form of green meadows, undulating hills, snow-capped mountains, meandering rivers and clear silver rivulets. Several other tourist attractions in this place that demand a visit are Chaubatia, Jhoola Devi Ram Mandir, Mankameshwar, Bhaludam, Tarikhet and Kalika.

Uttarakhand is a veritable storehouse of a number of delightful tourist spots that include sacred pilgrimage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, mountainous landscapes, lush green valleys, grassy meadows, cascading waterfalls, gorgeous rivers, dense forests, bewitching hill stations and the majestic mystic Himalayas.

Tourists have lots of opportunities to lose themselves completely in Uttrakhand - be it wildlife, natural scenery, pilgrimage or adventure. Gangotri is an ideal place of tourist attraction as it is located at the base of the holy river Ganges. There is nothing to feel disappointed for the tourists who come to Uttrakhand. The only disappointment may be felt when they have to leave this heavenly abode created by the Gods.