Top 15 Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand, Things to Do

The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is a paradise for nature lovers. Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital, has spiritual vibes along the Ganges River. It is a loving sight to see Haridwar’s Ganga Aarti. In Nainital, the Naini Lake reflects lush hills, perfect for boating.

Pro Tips: Mussoorie, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, which is famous for its amazing views and pleasant weather. You don’t have to miss Kempty Falls, an important place near Mussoorie’s bustling Mall Road. If you are an adventure seekers, Auli is a heaven for skiing and offers thrilling cable car rides with views.

The Char Dham Yatra consists of the holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Roopkund’s mystery lures trekkers while Valley of Flowers presents a floral spectacle. Hemkund Sahib and Baijnath are also spiritual centers in Uttarakhand.

Place	Days	Ideal Time To visit
Kedarnath	2-3 days	May to June, September to October
Gangotri	1-2 days	May to June, September to October
Yamunotri	1-2 days	May to June, September to October
Roopkund	5-6 days	June to September (trekking season)
Hemkund Sahib	2-3 days	June to September (trekking season)
Baijnath	1-2 days	Throughout the year, best avoided during heavy monsoon (July to September)
Tapkeshwar Temple	1-2 days	Throughout the year, best avoided during heavy monsoon (July to September)
Kempty Falls	1-2 days	March to June, September to November
Swarg Ashram	1-2 days	February to June, September to November
Beatles Ashram	1-2 days	February to June, September to November
Badrinath Temple	1-2 days	May to June, September to October
Auli Artificial Lake	1-2 days	December to February, April to June
Har Ki Pauri	1-2 days	Throughout the year, especially during festivals like Kumbh Mela
Jim Corbett National Park	2-3 days	November to June

1. Dehradun

Dehradun #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

In the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is one of the best Uttarakhand Places to Visit. In the foothills of the Himalayas, it combines natural beauty with urban development to create a delightful climate and breathtaking landscapes. The Himalayan mountain range can be seen from Dehradun, which is surrounded by rich, green hills. It is located in the Doon Valley, which is known for its cool climate and peaceful environment. Ancient Lord Shiva Tapkeshwar Temple is located in a cave alongside a river. It’s a spiritual place that attracts both believers and tourists.

2. Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara Translated to “Thousand Fold Spring”. This is a Uttarakhand Places to Visit spot known for its waterfalls and caves. The mineral-rich water is believed to have therapeutic properties, making it a popular natural healing destination. In Dehradun, There is a massive statue of Lord Buddha at this Tibetan Buddhist monastery, which is known for its impressive architecture and detailed artwork.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: Throughout the year, best avoided during heavy monsoon (July to September)

3. Mussoorie

Mussoorie #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

Mussoorie, often referred to as the Queen of the Hills, stands out as one of the most beloved hill stations in the country. Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, Mall Road, Lal Tibba, Mussoorie Lake etc are top traveling places in Mussoorie. This beautiful haven caters to the preferences of relaxation travelers and honeymooners, making it an ideal summer getaway.

Mussoorie is truly a sight to behold, with its stunning location on a 15kmlong horseshoe ridge, set against the breathtaking background of the Himalayas. The town is perched at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, making it a popular destination for those seeking cool and refreshing mountain air.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: April to June, September to November

4. Nainital

nanital — Nainital #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

Nainital, situated alongside the well-known Naini Lake and embraced by mountains in every direction, remains one of Uttarakhand’s exclusive destinations. Its stunning natural beauty, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, makes it a favored retreat for couples and families alike. Snow View Point, Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat), Zoo Gardens, and so on are the top tourist places of Uttrakhand. Additionally, Nainital ranks among the top destinations to explore in Uttarakhand during the monsoon season.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: March to June, September to November

5. Rishikesh

Mussoorie #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand — Rishikesh #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is situated in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. This place has an amazing view of the Himalayan foothills alongside the religious Ganges River. Swarg Ashra, Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, etc are the top traveling places in Rishikesh. There are various temples to explore Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Tera Manzil Temple (Trayambakeshwar Temple), Kunjapuri Devi Temple, and Bharat Mandir.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: February to June, September to November

6. Badrinath

Badrinath #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

Badrinath is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and religious town with many popular destinations. Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund, Neelkanth Peak, Charanpaduka, Mata Murti Temple, Mana Village, etc are top places of Badrinath in Uttrakhand.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: May to June, September to October

7. Auli

Auli #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

Auli is a popular ski destination and a panoramic hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Here are some of the top places to visit in Auli such as Auli Artificial Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Chattrakund, Joshimath etc. One of the Panch Badri temples is known for its religious and cultural importance. These places offer a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual experiences.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: December to February for skiing, April to June for panoramic views

8. Haridwar

Haridwar #Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand

Haridwar is known for its rich culture of India. This place is situated on the banks of the Ganga River, one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism. The river is believed to cleanse sins and take a dip in the Ganges during festivals or occasions. Also, Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Bharat Mata Mandir, Shantikunj and so on are amazing places in Haridwar.

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Ideal Time to Visit: Throughout the year, especially during festivals like Kumbh Mela

9. Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, India, named after conservationist Jim Corbett, is a wildlife haven. Established in 1936, it’s home to Bengal tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species. Visitors can explore its diverse landscapes through jeep safaris and nature walks, enjoying river rafting and trekking. The park’s historical sites add cultural depth. Jim Corbett National Park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, making it a premier destination in India’s wildlife tourism destination in Uttrakhand.

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Ideal Time to Visit: November to June

10. Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers, nestled in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a paradise of natural beauty. Every summer, this UNESCO World Heritage Site blooms with a kaleidoscope of flowers, painting the spot in shades of red, blue, yellow, and purple. Located in the Western Himalayas, the valley is surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and sparkling glaciers.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
Ideal Time to Visit: July to September (opens in June)

11. Chopta

Chopta, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is a peaceful hill station famous for its natural beauty and trekking trails. It is situated at an altitude of around 2,680 meters, it offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, green meadows, and dense forests of rhododendron and deodar trees. Popularly known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: March to June, September to November

13. Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a peaceful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. This place is surrounded by amazing Himalayan peaks and green forests, Ranikhet is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure lovers both. The town is dotted with charming colonial-era buildings, orchards, and dramatic gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: Throughout the year, except for monsoon (July to September)

14. Lansdowne

Lansdowne is a charming hill station located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Visitors can explore scenic trekking trails, visit historic sites like the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, or simply unwind amidst the natural beauty.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: Throughout the year, except monsoon (July to September)

15. Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a holy town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is famous for its ancient Kedarnath Temple, which is connected to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated amidst majestic Himalayan peaks, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees believe that visiting Kedarnath and offering prayers at the temple helps achieve deliverance.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Ideal Time to Visit: May to June, September to October

Best time to visit in Uttarakhand

The best time to visit Uttarakhand depends on the type of knowledge you’re looking for, but generally, March to June and September to November are ideal for most travelers. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons:

Summer (March to June)

Weather: The weather is nice, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C.
Best For: Exploring hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, and Auli. It’s also great for trekking in Valley of Flowers, Chopta, and Har Ki Dun, and rafting in Rishikesh.
Why Visit: Exit the summer heat, enjoy outdoor activities, and witness blooming flowers and lush greenery.

Monsoon (July to September)

Weather: The region shares moderate to heavy rainfall.
Best For: Nature lovers who want to see Uttarakhand’s landscapes at their greenest, especially places like the Valley of Flowers.
Why Visit: Though beautiful, the rains can cause landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky.

Autumn (September to November)

Weather: Crisp and cool, with clear skies and temperatures between 10°C to 25°C.
Best For: Trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying views of the Himalayas. It’s also a great time for religious tours to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Chardham.
Why Visit: Post-monsoon, the skies clear up, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks.

Winter (December to February) – For Snow Lovers

Weather: Cold, with temperatures dipping to 0°C in some regions.
Best For: Snow activities in places like Auli, Chopta, and Munsiyari. You can also enjoy quiet and peaceful retreats in the hill stations.
Why Visit: Perfect for snow sports and those who want to experience a white winter in the mountains.