Planning a trip to Uttarakhand? What will you choose to do when you are holidaying in the hill stations? Will it be camping, hiking, skiing, yoga, rafting, pilgrimages, or wilderness tours? All these are a few things that you can do in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand. The most amazing thing is the amazing range of mountain towns! Yes, the hill stations of Uttarakhand are on many people’s bucket lists during a long or short trips. You are in the right place if you are looking for the best hill stations in Uttarakhand.
Thanks to the numerous attractions that can be seen around it, Uttarakhand is a delight for every traveler. In Uttrakhand, you can discover the natural majesty of the Himalayas! Almora, Nainital, Mussoorie, and Ranikhet are among the 23 hill stations in Uttarakhand worth visiting. Among the lesser-known tourist destinations in Uttarakhand are Auli and Lansdowne. Also, trekking lovers should visit the Valley of Flowers.
Explore the Top Hill Stations in Uttarakhand
With its full of natural beauty, Uttarakhand offers a variety of hills station within the state. Let’s read about the top of them: –
Auli
First of all, this picturesque place is one of the most famous ski resorts in India, located in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal district. When you reach Auli, go straight to Joshimath. It is the central point for all the tourist attractions of Auli. All mountain excursions start from here, whether it’s a ropeway to Auli or a walk to Badrinath. The famous Chenab lake is also located here, from which stunning views can be found. Another landmark of Auli is Chhatra Kund – a beautiful small lake surrounded by pine, deodar, and oak trees. The hill station in Uttarakhand also offers an impressive view of Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak in India. Isn’t it fantastic? You can also easily hire taxis at affordable prices to explore the area. Bharat Taxi will offer you a fleet of family or solo travel taxis for local and intercity travel.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a small city in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, adjacent to Haridwar, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, along the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga rivers. It (also spelled Hrishikesh) is recognized as the “Yoga Capital of the World” for its adventure activities, ancient temples, and popular cafes. Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage city and one of the holiest destinations of Hinduism, as well as a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.
In the 1960s, The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh, and the city became famous around the world. As is known, the Beatles Ashram now attracts tourists from all over the world. The laid-back town has long been a spiritual center, but it’s also known for rafting, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and camping along the sacred Ganges River. It is also the starting point for several Himalayan treks.
Rishikesh has long been a center for sadhus (saints), and along the sacred banks of the Ganga, many ashrams have sprung up teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited here as it is a pious city. Rishikesh hosts the most stunning night aarti on the banks of the Ganges, which is not as crowded as its contemporaries in Varanasi and Haridwar. In the first week of March, the International Yoga Festival is held here, which attracts yoga practitioners from all over the world.
Almora
The spacious town of Almora is a lovely hill station set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Uttarakhand. Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, excellent cuisine, and beautiful wildlife, and is easily accessible from Delhi and other major cities in North India. The Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Somalia) rivers pass through this city.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit popular pilgrimage sites like Nanda Devi and Jageshwar. Backpackers also flock to Almora for the hostels and cafes in Kasar Devi, a nearby village.
Many routes leading further into the Himalayas start from Almora, and there are additional day and weekend treks nearby. Mountain biking is also famous in Almora and since it is easily accessible and located at a low altitude, it requires no training. You can rent bikes by the hour or by the day from several businesses and resorts, and you can also cycle the steep mountain trails.
Chopta
Think of a snow-covered village surrounded by dwindling pine, oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests. A quiet place away from the crowds, with snow reflecting the sun’s rays and a gentle breeze offering true natural beauty. Sightseeing, hiking, camping, bird watching, photography, and even yoga and meditation are all possible in Chopta. You can find anything by just naming it. Have you ever considered going on a solo trip? This is a fantastic idea and you can get started right away.
Kausani
Kausani is a hill station in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, 51 km from Almora. The peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchuli dominate the Himalayan panorama from Kausani.
Kausani is a great place for honeymooners, nature lovers, and travelers and is situated at an altitude of 1890m with pine forests and a flowing stream. There is snowfall in Kausani in winter. Formerly known as Valna, this place is blessed with numerous attractions and a breathtaking sunset that will leave you completely enthralled. Adi Kailash treks, Kauzani Base trek and Bageshwar-Sundedhunda trek are some of the most popular trekking routes from Kauzani. The massive, towering mountains surrounding the glitzy city are covered with oak and deodar pine trees that make for a magnificent sight.
Binsar
Binsar, Uttarakhand is a small village known for the surreal magnificence of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It is located 33 km from Almora. Binsar is known for its beautiful green meadows, temples and the famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary nestled among the oak, pine, rhododendron, and deodar trees.
Binsar has a ground zero that commands a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Shivling, and Trishul, making it a trekker’s paradise. The zero point can be reached after a 2-kilometer hike. Sunrise and sunset are two things that everyone should do at least once.
The weather in Binsar is pleasant throughout the year as it is located at 2420 meters. Kasar Devi Temple, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary are worth visiting.
Mukteshwar
Are you a fan of adventure sports? Whether it’s rock climbing, paragliding, trekking, or camping, there’s something for everyone. Whatever you call it, Mukteshwar will provide you with everything you desire. Its surreal beauty has even attracted legendary hunter Jim Corbett. A 180-degree view of the Himalayan ranges can be observed from this impressive location. It is also said that after a fierce battle, Lord Shiva granted the demon immortality, which is the reason for the name of the locality. Also, there are several old Hindu temples located there. So whether you are looking for action or spirituality, Mukteshwar is the place to be!
Mussoorie
It is a well-known hill station in Uttarakhand with diverse natural beauty. Plan a romantic date, a solo excursion, or even enlist the help of your friends to take part in this exciting adventure. Once you see it with your own eyes, you won’t regret it. To the south the Shivalik Hills and the Doon Valley are visible. What else could be there? You can walk along Camel’s Back Road, visit the Kempty Falls or shop for local goods on Mall Road. The hill station is home to some of the state’s most prominent educational institutions and many excellent cafes. Also here you can see the old pubs, mansions, churches and more. Mussoorie is everything you need for a fantastic honeymoon or weekend getaway!
Nainital
Nainital is a bustling town that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Take a boat ride or stroll through the markets of Nainital. Anyone visiting the Lake District will find something to their liking. Jim Corbett National Park, Naina Devi Temple, and Snow White Lookout are must-sees. It transforms the traveler’s soul into a dreamscape with its abundance of all things fabulous. So add this little gem to your list because a trip to Uttarakhand would be incomplete without a stop at Nainital.
Ranikhet
It is a paradise with beautiful pine trees, wild animals in all their beauty, and green hills! Ranikhet translates as “the queen’s country” and it sure is! It is a year-round tourist destination located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand state. Ranikhet is also said to reveal the best of the Himalayan peaks. So if you are looking for a way to get closer to the Himalayas, look no further.
Bhowali
In addition to the others above, Bhowali is a small hill station near Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Satal, Mukteshwar, and several other notable hill stations in Uttarakhand.
Bhowali’s strategic location has made it a famous tourist destination and a hub of the Nainital district. Bholi, located at an altitude of 1706 m above sea level, is a city with panoramic views and rich natural resources. It is a place of solitude where one can find peace and joy, especially with the mild and healthy weather throughout the year. Before independence, this lovely place was popular as a resort; today it is an important export center for exotic fruits such as apples, peaches, strawberries, plums, and apricots.
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