-Asmit Das
Once called ‘Devbhumi’ which meant “Land of the Gods,” with its tranquil magnificence and immaculate locations, Uttarakhand ought to have no issues attracting tourists from this globe. This majestic state, said to have been inhabited by the Gods, is home to the holy Ganga river. There are 2 khands (parts) in Uttarakhand. The two khands are Kedar khand and Kurma khand. This spiritual state has attracted many tourists from around the globe, due to its ritual practices, more than any other state in India.
Furthermore, why don’t we get away from the burning summer warmth and discover some relief in the peaceful magnificence of Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand comprises many famous cities which we all have heard of but never realised
where on Earth this place is. In this article, we will talk about these pristine cities and why we should visit them at least once in our lifetime.
Rishikesh
Renowned as the Yoga Capital of India, Rishikesh is a hub for yoga retreats, ashrams, and yoga teacher training where sages and saints have been preaching this art for centuries.
Rishikesh is situated on the banks of Ganga, the most sacrosanct river to the Hindus. It’s a belief that the spiritual energy of Rishikesh is elevated owing to the Ganga, or Mother & Goddess Ganga as local people allude to it. Also, if you want to bathe in its sacred waters, here you can do it since the pollution hasn't affected this area.
Rishikesh is one of the most popular places among the adrenaline seekers to enjoy the thrilling adventurous activities. The town is likewise called the Adventure Sports Capital of India and is popular for its river rafting and white water rafting.
Rishikesh is additionally one of the three destinations popular for the Ganga Aarti (Haridwar and Varanasi being the other two). Ganga Aarti, a traditional spiritual custom, is a beautiful and heavenly sight. You can visit Ashrams and temples for meditation, kirtan, mantra chanting, and satsang.
There are various cuisines served in the restaurants and cafes of Rishikesh but what locals and vacationers love here comprises aloo puri, samosa, chole bhature, and sweets like besan ki barfi, nariyal barfi, besan ladoo, etc.
Places to Visit in Rishikesh
Swarg Ashram
Rajaji National Park
Jumpin Heights
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The Beatles Ashram
Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti
Ram Jhula
Parmarth Niketan
Shivpuri
2. Dehradun
Captivating history and interesting mythology meet at the junction of this beautiful hill station, perhaps the most famous in the country. Dehradun is settled in the Doon Valley and at the lower regions of the Himalayas encircled by high mountains and rich Sal woodlands. Known for its soothing climate all year round and picturesque environmental surroundings, the city is a door to a few hill stations like Mussoorie and spiritual locales like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Offering a mix of unrivaled scene and present day conveniences, Dehradun is a city for both business and recreation. It offers a mix of unparalleled landscape and modern conveniences. It was once a retirement hub but today it clamors with excitement and has managed to retain its casual vibe.
There are innumerable heritage buildings which are shouldered by many cafes and bazaars (shopping centers.)
The education hub of northern India, this city is home to famous foundations like Welham and Doon School, whose alumni include our previous Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, eminent creator Amitav Ghosh, and Olympics Gold Medalist, Abhinav Bindra. The Indian Military Academy is likewise situated here. Said to have been set up by Sikh master Ram Rai in 1675, the city is otherwise called the house of Dronacharya, the acclaimed educator from the epic Mahabharata.
Momos are eaten quite commonly by the locals of Dehradun as this is quite possibly the most loved snack individuals have there. Different food varieties you ought to enjoy on your excursion include Katlambe, Bun Tikki, Falooda Kulfi, Puri Sabji, and Bal Mithai.
Best Places to visit in Dehradun
Sahastradhara
Robber’s Cave
Tiger Falls
Tapkeshwar Temple
Lachhiwala
Mindrolling Monastery
Malsi Deer Park
Clock Tower
Tibetan Market
Tapovan
3. Nainital
Also referred to as the Lake District of India, Nainital is a pleasant city situated in a valley adjacent to the Sapta Shring (seven hills) adorned with a shining lake. The city is amongst the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand after all its natural beauty certainly melts hearts owing to its peace and calmness in the environment and weather.
The eye-shaped lake is the focal point of all the activities in the city and why shouldn't it be? There is a view of the Naini lake from most of the houses and hotels in Nainital. Boating over its peaceful waters is also a once in a lifetime experience.
A lengthy road called the Mall Road gives a decent run to the Naini Lake. It comes to life in the evenings when the tourists and locals decide to go for a stroll on it. The smell of corn and espresso and the crowd of assorted people make it probably the best spot to catch sight of in Nainital. Tallital (Tail of the Lake) and Mallital (Head of the Lake) are recognized as the two ends of the Mall Road, where Tallital welcomes the tourists with a view of the shining lake, surrounding mountains, and colonial-era buildings, Mallital engages the guests with numerous eating joints serving delicious Momos, hotels with a lake view, Tibetan Market selling stylish clothes and Bada Bazaar that has a rich assortment of locally manufactured candles.
Snow View Point that is accessible by a cable car is the spot to get a mesmerizing view of the far-off snow-clad Himalayan Range on a clear sky day. On the other hill distant from Snow View is Tiffin Top, which is an optimal picnic spot amidst the moderately dense forest. The view of neighboring hills from this place can melt the heart of the spectators.
Nainital being a popular tourist spot, houses a flattering variety of cuisines from North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian to Thai, Tibetan and the local cuisines of Uttarakhand. The local cuisine can be mouth-watering with preparations like Ras (a dish made with several dals), Baadi, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke (a spicy preparation of boiled potatoes, Arsa (a sweet dish), Gulgula (a sweet snack) and lots more.
Best Places to visit in Nainital
Naini Lake
Nainital Zoo
Mall Road
Snow View Point
Tiffin Top
Naina Devi Temple
Eco Cave Gardens
Aerial Ropeway
Raj Bhavan
4. Jim Corbett National Park
Set up in 1936, this is India's first national park. Named after the legendary naturalist and hunter Jim Corbett, the spectacular Jim Corbett National Park is famous for being home to many tigers, the highest among any Indian national park. It is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas close to Nainital. It is home to the real Bengal tiger.
The jeep safari into the thick forest to see the wild animals in their regular natural surroundings is a must-have experience. While on the jeep safari, witness the lavish flora of the park cut across by streams and rivers and a few waterfalls. There are accommodations inside the park for staying at night.
5. Mussoorie
Prevalently recognized as Queen of the hills, Mussoorie in Uttarakhand is the place to be in the scorching summer season. The scenic place offers everything from the captivating mountain peaks to the tranquil streets to the adrenaline rush. Mussoorie is indeed a captivating paradise as it raises the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand to the next level.
If you are planning a family vacation and looking for some quaint spots amidst the luxury of nature, Mussoorie offers you numerous trekking and hiking trails like Nag Tibba and Har ki Dun, where you get an opportunity to get closer to nature.
While nature is what invites explorers to this paradise, it’s the adventure experience like paragliding that captivates them. Perhaps the most popular tourist spots for paragliding, you can soar high in the sky here at this hill station. Doing so gives you a stunning view of the Himalayan mountains and valleys. You needn't bother with any earlier preparation and anybody over the age of 12 is permitted to do this.
Ruskin Bond and Bill Aitken, two remarkable authors have dwelled in this serene city along with film star Victor Banerjee, who resides in Mussoorie. Woodstock School, a famous institution, has had many famous personalities as notable alumni of its history.
Best Places to visit in Mussoorie
Kempty Falls
Gun Hill
Lal Tibba
Clouds End
Devalsari
Lambi Dehar Mines
Dehradun-Mussoorie Ropeway
Soham Heritage Art Center
6. Kedarnath
Perhaps the most worshipped temple destination of India, Kedarnath is settled in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas. The town, built around the admired Kedarnath temple, is situated at an altitude of 3,580 meters, near the Chorabari glacier, which is the source of the Mandakini river. It is perhaps the most sacred pilgrimage of Lord Shiva and is a renowned Char Dham sites. The ancient temple has elegant architecture and is made of equally shaped grey stone blocks.
The historical name of this region is "Kedar Khand" and legend dictates, the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, after having defeated the Kauravas, felt remorseful for having killed countless people and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption.
The city is both a religious center and a blissful holiday destination. This spiritual city offers a serene ambiance with its snow-white mountain peaks, green backwoods, and vibrant landscapes.
The other scenic spots to visit are the Bhairava Temple, Gandhi Sarovar, the Chorabari Lake (a charming glacial lake), and that's just the beginning. Chandrashila is a peak located just 89 kilometers from Kedarnath and is perhaps the most popular trekking and hiking spots in the region. Here one can shop for spices, precious jewels, religious items, garments, and more.
It is advisable to avoid the harsh winter and monsoon months. May to June and September to October are considered the best months to visit Kedarnath. The path leading to the temple gets highly dangerous during peak monsoons as landslides and floods are very common during this time of the year
The sun is blazing in the sky and given the prevailing humid weather conditions, it is obvious that the people would look for respite in the hills and cool mountains. In order to escape the scalding omnipresent heatwave, several tourists are hitting the road leading to Uttarakhand.
Another popular tourist attraction of this majestic state is the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar which takes place after every 12 years where a mass congregation of pilgrims gather to take a bath or dip in a sacred river.
A mystical land of mountains and mythologies, exquisite landscapes and exhilarating adventure, and wellness and yoga, Uttarakhand has something to offer every traveler.
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