Popular Places in Uttrakhad

Mussoorie

Perched at 2,005 m in the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is one of India’s most beloved hill stations. The Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill (reached by ropeway), and Lal Tibba (highest point) are major attractions. The town offers stunning views of the Doon Valley below and the Himalayan peaks above.

Best for: Honeymoon, family vacations, trekking, waterfalls
Best time: March–June and September–November

Haridwar

One of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, Haridwar is where the Ganges descends from the mountains to the plains. The Har Ki Pauri Ghat hosts the world-famous Ganga Aarti every evening — a spectacular sight of thousands of lamps floating on the river. The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years here, is the world’s largest human gathering.

Best for: Pilgrimage, Ganga Aarti, holy dips, Kumbh Mela
Best time: October–March

Rishikesh

Rishikesh sits at the foothills of the Himalayas along the holy Ganges River and is globally famous as the yoga and meditation capital of the world. The Beatles made it iconic when they visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in 1968. The Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges, the famous Triveni Ghat Aarti, and dozens of yoga ashrams make it a spiritual magnet.

Best for: Yoga, meditation, river rafting, bungee jumping
Best time: October–March

Kedarnath — Abode of Lord Shiva

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, Kedarnath temple sits at a staggering 3,583 m altitude, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The ancient stone temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old, built by Adi Shankaracharya. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km) is itself a spiritual journey through breathtaking landscapes.

Best for: Pilgrimage, trekking, Himalayan views
Best time: May–June and September–October (temple closed in winter)

Nainital — City of Lakes

Built around the gorgeous Naini Lake, this charming hill town in the Kumaon region is one of Uttarakhand’s most visited destinations. Naini Peak, Snow View Point (cable car), Tiffin Top, and the famous Naina Devi Temple are key spots. Boating on the emerald lake with mountain reflections is unforgettable.

Best for: Boating, family trips, cable car rides, nature walks
Best time: March–June and October–November

Jim Corbett National Park — Ramnagar

India’s oldest and most prestigious national park (established 1936), Jim Corbett is home to Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 600 species of birds. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, it offers jeep safaris, elephant rides, and nature camps.

Best for: Wildlife safari, tiger spotting, bird watching
Best time: November–June (park partially closes in monsoon)

Neem Karoli Asharm

Kainchi Dham is a famous ashram and temple complex situated in a forested gorge along the Kosi River, about 17 km from Nainital on the Nainital–Almora highway. It was established in 1964 by the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba (also known as Maharaj-ji), one of the most beloved spiritual masters of the 20th century.

Best for: Pilgrimage, trekking, Himalayan views
Best time: May–June and September–October (temple closed in winter)

Ranikhet

Mukteshwar Temple

Perched dramatically at 2,286 m on a ridge in the Nainital district, the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is a 350-year-old ancient Shiva temple that gives the entire town of Mukteshwar its name. “Mukteshwar” means “Lord of Liberation” — Mukti (liberation) + Ishwar (God). It is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the Kumaon region.

Auli — Skiing Paradise

Auli is India’s premier ski resort, sitting at 2,519 m with a stunning panoramic backdrop of Nanda Devi, Mana, and Kamet peaks. It has Asia’s longest cable car (Gondola) from Joshimath to Auli (4 km). Beyond skiing, the meadows offer incredible Himalayan views and trekking in summer.

Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, gondola ride, Himalayan views
Best time: January–March for skiing; May–June for trekking

Chopta — Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand

A hidden gem in the Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta is a pristine meadow at 2,680 m, offering unobstructed views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba peaks. The trek to Tungnath (world’s highest Shiva temple at 3,680 m) and Chandrashila Peak (4,000 m) starts from here.

Best for: Offbeat trekking, camping, winter snowfall
Best time: April–June and November–January (for snow)

Badrinath — Char Dham Pilgrimage

Sitting at 3,133 m on the banks of the Alaknanda River, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most sacred Char Dham sites. The colourful temple facade against the backdrop of Neelkanth Peak (6,596 m) is iconic. Nearby attractions include Mana Village (last Indian village before Tibet), Vasudhara Falls, and Tapt Kund (natural hot spring).

Best for: Pilgrimage, Himalayan scenery, photography
Best time: May–June and September–October