Uttarakhand Tourism

Uttarakhand – Land of Gods

Unique, unadulterated - Uttarakhand. A state uplifted by the heavenly Himalayan peaks. A state unparalleled in its natural beauty - lakes, glaciers, and forests. A state, understanding of its religion. A state defined by its eclectic history and culture. A state untouched by capitalism’s magic wand. A state uncommercial to its very core. A state undiscovered, for the most part. Uttarakhand is so many things, but underwhelming is not one of them.

Highlights of Uttarakhand: Sensory Survey

Dehradun

The capital city sits pretty at the feet of the Himalayan mountain ranges, offering worm-eye views of the stunning peaks and unfiltered stretches of blue sky. With the caress of the Ganga to the east, and the Yamuna to the west, Dehradun is protected in a prayerful bubble. Although it’s impossible to define this lovely city in just a few lines, we thought we’d give it a try. Pay tribute to Lord Shiva at a forest temple enshrined in a cave - Tapkeshwar Temple. Picnic, hike, or wade through a narrow gorge at Robber’s Cave. Water ski, kayak, or row at Asan Barrage Water Sports Complex. Get lost in the gracefulness of the golden coloured deer herds at Malsi Deer Park.

Rishikesh

For all you Yogis out there, we’re sure Rishikesh tops your bucket list. Tranquillity meets adventure at this enchanting place. The solitude and sense of calm that it exudes is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Rishikesh personifies soul searching! It is the epicentre for reflection. But did you know that it has western musical significance too? Yes, it is home to the Beatles Ashram! It was here that the band studied meditation and wrote most of their songs from the album titled ‘White Album’. We recommend the following serene sights – Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Bharat Mandir, and Ajay Mehandi Art.

Mussoorie 

Deemed as the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is an idyllic little hill station with much in its repertoire to satiate a traveller’s hunger. Perfect for a weekend of individual contemplation, family frolic, or honeymooning, Mussoorie is a dreamland of gorgeous landscapes. When on tour check out some of these gleaming gems – Mussoorie Adventure Park, Camel’s Backroad, Jharipani Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Gunhill Road, and Cloud’s End. 

Nainital

Situated at approximately 2000m above sea level, Nainital proudly wears its title of being India’s Lake District. Jewelled around the periphery of Nainital Lake, from all sides, is the charming town that is often drenched with the evening lights. Colourful vistas adorn the mountains, which you can glimpse from the scintillating cable car rides. We urge you to create cherished memories at Snow View, Tiffin Top, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Eco Cave Gardens, and Himalayan View Point. A trip to Nainital is incomplete without a visit to Jim Corbett National Park, a haven for the royal Bengal tiger. 

Haridwar

To fathom the religious beats of Haridwar means to actually experience it in person. Haridwar acts as a ‘Gateway to The Lord’ with numerous sacred temples, shrines, and abodes in its bounty. It is also the backdrop of the revered Kumbh Mela. The leading religious attractions include - Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Shanti Gunj, Maya Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple. 

Char Dham

The Garhwal district of Uttarakhand consists of one of most important Hindu pilgrimage sites – The Chota Char Dham Yatra. This holy journey is believed to be the path towards attaining spiritual salvation. The 4 abodes of God include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath that worship Yamuna, Ganga, Shiva and Vishnu, respectively. Each dwelling is symbolised by a magnificent temple which is nestled in nature’s belly. Embarking on a trip like this requires careful planning and considerable stamina, so travellers are advised to prepare. 

Cuisine 

Simple, yet sumptuous - Uttarakhand’s cuisine. Meticulous care goes into ensuring that the food is not only tasty but aesthetic too. Everything that is prepared is authentic, well balanced and nutritious. Varied lentils and a variety of flowers are quintessential Uttarakhand ingredients. You must try Aloo ke gutke (potatoes cooked with roasted spices and served with fried bread and yogurt), Chainsoo (roasted lentils cooked on a slow fire) and Jhangore ki kheer (barnyard millet cooked with milk, sugar and garnished with dry fruits).

Interesting facts about Uttarakhand: Captivating Certainties

• Uttarakhand’s second official language is Sanskrit, the only state in India to exercise this. 
• Uttarakhand is home to Char Dham pilgrim sites such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedaranath, and Badrinath. 
• The Chipko movement (people hugged trees to prevent woodcutters from chopping them down) took place in the village of Mandal. 
• Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India.
• Rishikesh is touted as the Yoga capital of the world.
• The city of Rishikesh houses the iconic Beatles Ashram.

Location: Scanning the setting

Blessed with the splendour of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar, and the Terai, Uttarakhand is deemed a natural oasis. Bordered with Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north, Uttar Pradesh in the south, Sudurpashchim Pradesh of Nepal in the east, and Himachal Pradesh in the west, Uttarakhand breathes with the winds of diverse cultures. Garhwal and Kumaon slit the state into 2 portions, while 13 districts manoeuvre the region proudly. 

Click here to view Uttarakhand on Google Map.

Best time to visit

An ever-embracing state, Uttarakhand’s weather is agreeable most of the year. Its summers (March-June) are pleasant and a great time to soak in the scenic beauty and embark on adventures. Its winters (October-February) are biting cold but paint the landscape with snowy wonder. So, if you enjoy the cold, this is a beautiful time to visit the state. Its monsoons (July-September), however, experience heavy rainfall and fall prey to dampness and slipperiness. Hence, it is advisable not to tread the land in this season.

How to get to Uttarakhand: Transport Transcript

By Road

An intricate network of road ways weave through the state, offering accessibility to neighbouring states. Highways such as NH 108, NH 109, NH 119, NH 121, NH 123 and NH 72A, will ensure that you are spoilt for choice. Should you choose Uttarakhand’s efficient bus service or a taxi, you will be blessed with picturesque views. 

By Rail

The Uttarakhand railway department has opened up connections for tourists, maintaining as many as 16 stations which link the state to hubs such as Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata, to name a few. Furthermore, there are railway stations in Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam, Rudrapur, Tanakpur, and Pantnagar, that ensure ease of travel within and from outside the state. 

By Air

To fly into and out of Uttarakhand, you can avail of Pantnagar Airport in the Kumaon district, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh. Of the 3, Jolly Grant is the most well connected.

History: Guts and Glory

The discovery of rock paintings, stone tools, and megaliths throughout the state, suggest the existence of prehistoric civilisations. Over the centuries the following powerful clans ruled over Uttarakhand –  Pauravas, Nandas, Mauryans, Kushanas, Kunindas, Guptas, Gurjara-Pratihara, Katyuris, Raikas, Palas, Karkotas, Chands, and Parmars. Of particular significance were the reigns of the Garhwal Kingdom and Kumaon Kingdoms, respectively. Furthermore, Buddhism made its way into the region infusing the state with its meditative aura. Like with every other Indian state, eventually, the British seized control. By 1816, most of the region was relinquished to the English via the Treaty of Sugauli. Post-independence, the Garhwal kingdom was incorporated into the state, where Uttarakhand was bifurcated into Garhwal and Kumaon. Finally, in the year 2000, Uttarakhand became the 27th state of Republic India (through the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act).