Top 10 places to visit in         Uttarakhand

                                                                              

Uttarakhand (formerly known as Uttaranchal), a state in northern India, is known as the Land of the Gods – Devbhoomi. It is largely a hilly state that shares international borders with China in the north and Nepal in the east. This vast Himalayan region showcases the beauty of nature and devotion to deities. It has two main regions – Garhwal and Kumaon – that have the charm of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and several sacred temples. Tourists from all around the world visit Uttarakhand for skiing, its wildlife sanctuaries, river rafting, meditation and the Char Dham Yatra. Here are the top 10 must-visit places in Uttarakhand.

  Auli                                                                    

Nicknamed as Auli Bugyal meaning ‘meadow’, Auli is one of the best skiing destinations in India. Boasting excellent ski slopes that offer adrenaline-pumping skiing expeditions, Auli has earned repute by hosting several skiing festivals in Uttarakhand. This snow studded hill station is located at a distance of 500 km from Delhi and offers awe-inspiring views of the majestic Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

 Chopta                                                                            

A small region of endless meadows and evergreen forests, Chopta a trekker’s abbey is a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Located about 368 km from Delhi, Chopta offers a rewarding trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva Temple in the world. A brisk 3.5 km trail from Chopta leads to Tungnath temple, one can also trek further to reach the Chandrashila summit.

 Nainital                                                                                 

What’s better than spending some leisure time by the lakeside in the City of Lakes Nainital. Noting can beat the feeling of sipping coconut juice and having that perfect summer feel while boating at the sultry Naini Lake and enjoying the Himalayan birds chirping from the overreaching branches of the tree. You can go for sightseeing to places like Snow View Point, Tip n Top or have a lake tour to Bhimtal, Sattal, and Nakuchiatal.

 Mussoorie                                                                             

Your highness Mussoorie is the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and often revered as one of the best tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Here one can enjoy boating on Lake Mist, camp at Nag Tibba, stroll at Landour Bazaar or visit the George Everest’s House. If you are an adventure enthusiast then you can indulge in several adventure activities offered at the Snow Adventure Zone in Mussoorie.

 Chakrata

                                                                                    

Often hailed as a backpacker’s paradise, the tinsel town of Chakrata in Dehradun district is a truly a Himalayan gem. With plush surroundings beckoned by the dwindling confiners, Chakrata makes a perfect place for camping amidst the ethereal natural beauty. Here one can explore the Budher Caves, enjoy stargazing at night, trek towards the mumbling Tiger Falls or indulge in bird watching at Deoband.

Munsiyari

                                                                                   

This picturesque town nestled in Pithoragarh district has a lot to offer to its patrons. Tucked away at an impressive altitude, Munsiyari offers a multitude of opportunities for having heart-throbbing adventure activities like trekking, rafting, camping and bird watching. The town is snuggled on the banks of Gori Ganga River and reveals a soul-stirring panorama of the snow-clad Himalayas.

 Rishikesh

                                      

A hub for tourists visiting from all seven continents, Rishikesh is one such place that never fails to quench the wanderlust. One can savor everything here from spirituality, yoga retreats, temple hopping, adventure activities to nightlife. Some of the must-visit places include Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beetles Ashram, Gita Bhawan and Shivpuri for rafting.

 Harsil                                    

                                                                                

Luring everybody by its luster duster, Harsil is a minion hamlet cocooned on the pristine banks of Bhagirathi River. A perfect place for the writers, solitude seekers, and loners to dwell peacefully, Harsil has emerged as one of the lesser-known places to visit in Uttarakhand. Projecting immense peace and tranquility, Harsil is located at a distance of 460 km from Delhi.

 Kausani

                                                                                     

A perfect hideout for the newlyweds, Kausani is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand. This sylvan hill station is one of the best places to avoid the maddening crowd of the cities. A window to the Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and Trishul peaks, Kausani makes a perfect retreat. Some of the places to explore from here are Anashakti Ashram, Rudradhari Waterfall, Lakshmi Ashram and Kausani Tea Estate.

 Almora

                                                                                         

                                                                                             

Known for its scenic landscape and colonial buildings, Almora taking its seat on a horse shaped ridge is one of the touristy places in Uttarakhand. Visitors of all kinds find comfort in this hill town as one easily get accommodation in luxury as well as budget friendly hotels of Almora. Having salubrious weather throughout the year, Almora attracts many visitors to throng here. The city boasts several tourist spots like Bright End Corner, Nanda Devi Temple, Katarmal, Gobind Ballabh Pant Museum and much more.