Things to Do in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, a state in northern India is an all season destination located at the foothills of the Himalayas. The state offers varies sites of interests coupled with an array of adventure activities which comprise of some of the Best Things To Do in Uttarakhand. The state of Uttarakhand is referred as "Devabhoomi" or the "abode of the Gods", for its Hindu pilgrimage sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The town of Rishikesh is a major centre for yoga study and Haridwar on the other hand is an important pilgrim hotspot of India where it hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the River Ganga. Uttarakhand enriches all visitors with its display of heritage and culture that is one of the richest in the world. The state is blessed with wondrous reserves of nature with an abundance of towering mountain peaks, gushing Ganges and fertile Himalayan plains. The regions around Garhwal boast of great Himalayan trekking trails promising some of the most spectacular treks in the Himalayas. Tourists also flock to the beautiful town of Kumaon which is characterised by its serene hills and undulating valleys.
The state is home to many forest reserves and sanctuaries that offer Jeep Safaris, Elephant Safaris and more. The infamous Jim Corbett National Park which is India’s first national park, houses many species of animals and birds and is much revered for sheltering Bengal tigers. Rishikesh is a city made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit and now it has grown to become the Yoga capital of India. Rishikesh is also famous for its white water rafting sport which is a top rated activity among the Best Things To Do in Uttarakhand.
The mystical and heavenly appearance, mesmeric beauty and the splendid outlook of the valley make it such.Originating from Ghangria; on the foothills of the Western Himalayas, this fascinating trek comprises of rugged terrains, narrow passages, enticing views of the nearby peaks and steep climbs.
Ascending the strenuous terrains, it takes around a few hours to reach the main valley and upon reaching the flat land, one should spend enough time exploring and witnessing the wonders of the nature.
Best season: Mid July to Mid August
Duration: 6 Days
Altitude: 3,600 m
Rajaji National Park is both a national park as well as a tiger reserve which ranks high amongst the Places to see in Haridwar. The park was created by the amalgamation of 3 sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. The park is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spreads over 820kms.
The park is famous for its 600 elephants, 250 leopards, and 11 tigers along with other animals, who have been kept in the natural forest environment. It has now become the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Corbet.
Location -Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun
Timing- 6 am to 9 am & 3 pm to 6 pm. Visitors booking a full day safari can wait at the rest house inside the forest.
Best Time to Visit - Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June. Park is closed during the monsoon season.
Entry Fee - Rs. 150 per head for 3 hours visit. Gypse rate for 3 hrs safari trip is Rs. 2100 and vehicle entry is Rs.250 per vehicle with Indians and Rs. 500 per vehicle with foreigners. The guide cost is Rs. 600 for general guide and Rs.1000-1500 for experience in wildlife.
History of Rajaji National Park
The Rajaji National Park initially started as three separate national parks in Uttarakhand. The pre-existing natural abundance of the area, along with its thriving community of wildlife, flora and fauna and its idyllic weather served as the perfect premise for the establishment of these national parks.
In 1964, a stretch of the Dehradun Forest spanning 90 square kilometres was declared as the Motichur wildlife sanctuary. The Rajaji Wildlife sanctuary had existed since 1948 and the Chilla sanctuary since 1977 in Shivalik and Lansdowne respectively.
In 1983, these three parks were combined to form the Rajaji National Park as it stands today, which covers an area of over 820 square kilometres. In April 2015, Rajaji National Park received the status of a tiger reserve, making it the second reserve for tigers in Uttarakhand.
It remains one of the most picturesque and well-maintained national parks in the country. The government decided to name the park after one of the most renowned freedom fighters of the country- C. Rajagopalachari, who was known as Rajaji.
After playing a pivotal role in fighting for India’s independence, he was also the last Governor-General of post-independence India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his services to the nation.
A majestic peak nestled in the quaint hill station of Auli, Nanda Devi is renowned as the Goddess of Himalayas. Counted among the many popular UNESCO sites, it is the second tallest peak in India flaunting the surreal backdrops of Garhwal. It stands at an altitude of 7817 meters above the sea level and lures the visitors with its awe-inspiring views.
The peak is surrounded by Nanda Devi National Park where one can bask in nature’s glory and catch the bewitching sight of exotic flora and fauna. Nanda Devi mountain range has two peaks including Western and Eastern peaks. While the eastern peak is named after Goddess Nanda, the western peak is popularly known as Sunanda Peak.
Apart from its natural splendour, the place has also gained massive popularity for its religious significance. Nandadevi is hailed as the Goddess of Uttarakhand and abode of Lord Shiva, which is why it is frequented by a large number of devotees.
This Himalayan beauty is equally popular among adventure enthusiasts and travel buffs for its enthralling trekking routes and serene villages which provide the much-needed relaxation after a hectic day of sightseeing. The 55 Km trek to Nanda Devi flags off from the beautiful town of Lata, takes you through Dharansi Pass, Debrugheta, and Hitoli, and ends at Joshimath.
During the trek, you will get an opportunity to interact with the natives of Himalayas and learn about their lifestyle and culture. You will also get to see the confluence of sacred rivers Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.
Munsiyari, located in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, is a scenic hill station tucked in the Kumaon Himalayas at an elevation of 2,200 metres. This lovely resort is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks, making it ideal for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.
Being a source of the Bhagirathi River, the River Gaumukh is considered as the true source of the River Ganga. A trek of 18 kms from Gangotri takes you to Gaumukh, the surreal and peaceful area that provides the panoramic views of Bhagirathi peaks.
Tapovan 4300 meters is situated beyond Gaumukh and consists of the magnificent meadows situated at the foot of mount Shivling. The trekking trail is usually gentle, but gets perilously steep at places. The trek is a combined experience of trekking, bouldering, rock climbing and glacier traversing.
On reaching Tapovan, you get to see the mesmerising view of the beautiful snow capped peaks swathed in sunlight. Another attraction of this trekking trail is the sight of Akash Ganga, the actual river Ganga that flows from the Jata of Lord Shiva according to popular belief, bathing the Shiva Linga. The surrounding beauty and tranquility of Tapovan will mesmerize, ease and calm your mind.
Best season: May - October
Duration: 11 Days
Altitude: 4450 m
Counted among the best treks in India, the Roopkund trail is a trekker’s paradise. Roopkund’s topography is complete with verdant forests, acres and acres of open meadows, trickling brooks, and the celestial snow of course. Roopkund also comprises of the eerie Skeletal Lake, and is great for one’s initiation into high-altitude trekking. Pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons make Roopkund one of the compulsory trekking places near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 308 Kilometres approximately
Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam Railway Station
The ‘Moon Lake’, as it is popularly called, is the source of the Chandra River that flows through the divine mountains to become River Chenab in Pakistan. Owing to the absolute clarity of the vast skies above, the Chandra Tal changes colours as the day goes by—turning various hues of red, orange, blue and green. Trekkers flock to revel in the scenery, and is undoubtedly among the must-do treks from Delhi. The best months to trek to the Moon Lake is from June till October, and the gradients are moderately-easy.
Distance from Delhi: 722 Kilometres approximately
Nearest Railhead: Joginder Nagar (narrow-gauge), Chandigarh (broad-gauge)
Surya Kund in Haridwar, India, is a sacred water tank located near the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganges River.
Gandhi Ashram in Kausani, Uttarakhand, also known as Anasakti Ashram, is a serene retreat where Mahatma Gandhi wrote his treatise on Anasakti Yoga. Nestled amidst picturesque hills, the ashram offers stunning views of the Himalayas and serves as a museum dedicated to Gandhi's life and teachings.
Shri Maa Chandi Devi Temple, located in Haridwar, India, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Perched atop the Neel Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, it honors Goddess Chandi Devi. Built in 1929 by King Suchat Singh, the temple attracts devotees seeking blessings and offers stunning views of the Ganges River.
Nestled in the serene and picturesque village of Mana, near the revered Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand, lies the enchanting Cave of Veda Vyasa. This sacred site, also known as Vyas Gufa, is steeped in history and spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to its hallowed grounds.
The Cave of Veda Vyasa is renowned as the legendary site where the sage Veda Vyasa composed the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics in Hindu mythology. It is also believed that Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha in this very cave, adding a divine aura to the location. As you approach the cave, the tranquil ambiance and the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings make for an awe-inspiring experience. The cave itself exudes an ancient charm, with its stone walls and modest interior creating a sense of stepping back in time.
The village of Mana, where the cave is located, is the last Indian village before the Tibetan border and is often referred to as the "Last Village of India." The journey to this village and the cave is an adventure in itself, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, verdant valleys, and the gurgling Alaknanda River accompanying you along the way. The crisp mountain air and the serene environment make the journey and the destination spiritually uplifting.
Chopta
This largely unexplored destination is the perfect destination for not only nature lovers but also for those who love adventures that come with trekking, rock climbing, camping, and spotting rare Himalayan wildlife. It is one of the few places to offer views of 41 best-known Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, etc. The forested beauty of the place is further accentuated by emerald-green meadows and the mysticism that comes with 1000-year-old worship places and legends.
Highlight of the place: The 1000-year-old Tungnath Temple, one of the highest Shiva Temples in the world including other ancient temples like Kalimath, Ukhimath, and Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev. Explore treks like Chandrashila, Devaria Tal, Rohini Bugyal, etc. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary for spotting the elusive musk deer, Himalayan Griffon, snow leopards, Himalayan pit viper, etc.
Best time to visit: Summer (March-June) is the best time to visit Chopta to escape the heat of the plains. Travellers who love wintersports must-visit during winters (November-March) when the place is shrouded in thick snow. The monsoon season (July-August) brings landslides, and its best to check with the locals before travelling.
Gangotri
Majestic peaks, glaciers, forests of fir, spruce, rhododendron, crashing rivers, miles of snow fields, and ancient temples make the place a serene mountainside getaway. Gangotri, one of the most unique places to go in Uttarakhand,is also the gateway to some of the most challenging treks and adventure sports like paragliding, rafting, and skiing.
Highlight of the place: Gomukh trek to see the originating glacier of the River Ganges and Auden’s Col trek that goes through high mountain passes and Khatling and Jogin I glaciers. The stunning Dayara Bugyal and Gangotri National Park to see snow leopards, ibex, doves, etc. The 18th-century Gangotri Temple and the elusive natural Jalmagna Shivalinga that is visible only during winters.
Best time to visit: Summers (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best time to enjoy the place. Gangotri receives heavy rainfall during monsoons (July-August) making it difficult to venture outdoors and shuts down during winters (October-February) and is off-limits for tourists.
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The months of March to April and September to October are excellent for visiting Uttarakhand because they provide the most pleasant and comfortable weather for a memorable trip. Though the weather is pleasant throughout the year, certain months are just perfectly ideal for exploring all of Uttarakhand's scenic wonders.
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