Uttarakhand

Best Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

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The splendour and pleasant climate of Uttarakhand has attracted a number of tourists since many years. The Hill stations of Uttarakhand are as famous and different from the other Himalayan states in India. The state is blesses with the amazing beauty with the backdrop of the Himalayas, the milky white valleys, the lush green forest make these hill stations of Uttarakhand one of the best places to visit in India.

Many people come here every year to spend their holidays and make it a lifetime experience. There are many people who love this place so much that they experience something new and explore more things each time they come. They just don’t come to spend time they come to live the life of Uttarakhand. Some of the most visited and liked places by the people include Mussoorie, Nainital, Ranikhet, Kausani, Pithoragarh, Almora and Lansdowne.

There are some of the breathtaking and beautiful Hill stations of Uttarakhand which are not touched and have a lot more to explore from it. The places include Dhanaulti, Khirsu, Chaukori, Champawat and Chopta. Each and every place in Uttarakhand has something for you that will make you feel nature in your palms.

It falls on the North Western Himalayan Region with the capital city as Dehradun. The main languages spoken there include Kumaoni and Garhwali. The best time to visit this place is from the month of October to June.

Almora

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Prime Attraction: Nanda Devi Temple
  • Best Season: September to November and from April to June
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi

View of Almora city from Kasar Devi

Almora is one of the iconic places in Uttarakhand. The prime attraction there is a Temple of Nanda Devi. The best time to visit Almora is from September to November and April to June. The language spoken or understood commonly is Kumaoni, English and Hindi. The Beauty here is very scenic and is an untouched place which has a lot more to explore. It seems like this place is blessed and spread by Mother Nature with its pure love. There are tiny houses built on the slopes of the hills which looks beautiful and natives become more beautiful with the splendour of this place. The River Kaushaki (Koshi) and River Salmali (Suyal) flows just beside the city.

Katyuri dynasty ruled over Almora in the 9th century and later it was under the rule of Chandravansh in the 16th century. In 1563 King Balo Kalyan Chand established this town and became the capital of Kumaon Region. The bygone time would have been splendour here and this can be seen by the forts, palaces and monuments built by the Chandravansh ruler and Katyuri dynasty. Nepali Gorkhas took over Almora in 1790 and then in 1815 it went under the rule of the Britishers.

Almora located on a place which looks like a Shoe shape of a Horse on a hillock which is surrounded by the dense forest of pine and fur tress. The Snow-capped peaks are just as a frame which is a lovely background of Almora. The other places have been changed due to the modern trends but the Almora has still the same with its natural beauty, ancient culture and tradition. The modern technologies have not come here yet which can be seen by the houses that are built without the use of stones and tiles and the town which is built without proper planning.

People of this town greatly believe in God and have a great faith in the Narsingh temple and Nanda Devi Temple which is right in the center of the town. There are many festivals, fairs and events celebrated making this town rich culturally.

The Other Attractions

  • Public Museum
  • Nanda Devi Temple
  • Chitai Temple
  • Bright & Corner
  • Deer Park
  • Simtola

Other Famous Places

  • Jageshwar
  • Gannath
  • Kalimath
  • Katarmal
  • Binsar
  • Bageshwar
  • Baijnath
  • Martola
  • Koshi

Chaukori

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Prime Attraction: Picturesque view of Sunrise and Sunset
  • Best time to visit: September to November and from April to June
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi

Chaukori, Uttarakhand

Chaukori is famous for its picturesque beauty of the Sunrise and Sunset. The Himalayas all over and in between is located the beautiful place of Chaukori. The amazing view of the Himalayas will make you feel like heaven. This place is not only famous for the amazing view of the Himalayas but also for the best view you can get for sunrise or sunset.

The conditions of climate make the tea shrubs which are grown and managed by local people. There are also field of fruit orchards, ripening corn, and pine. The enchanting charm is exuded by the rhododendron and oak trees.

Main Attractions

Dharamgarh is located just 9 kms away from Chaukori. This is a famous place and it is said that at this place where Sarla Behn who was the discipline of Gandhiji had spent her last days. Himdarshan Kutir is her adobe and people who come here surely enjoy the amazing view of the peaks of the Himalayas.

Sunrise & Sunset

The view of sunrise and sunset is best viewed from this place which makes this a special holiday spot for couples as well as families.

The Other Attractions

  • Gangolihat
  • Berinag
  • Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Dhanaulti

  • Location: Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand
  • Founded by: Mussoorie
  • Prime Attractions: Chamba and Surkanda Devi
  • Languages spoken: Garhwali, English, Hindi
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Surkanda Devi, Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is a beautiful place founded by Mussoorie. It is situated in the thick forest of deodar, oak and rhododendron that has an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. The prime attractions there are Chamba and Surkanda Devi. The best time you can visit this place is from September to November and April to July.

The thick untouched forest of deodar, oak and rhododendron makes the atmosphere pleasant and peaceful. The lazy outings, wooded slopes that are long, hospitable and warm inhabitants, cool breeze, pleasant weather and the spectacular view of snow-capped Himalayas makes this place a perfect holiday destination for both families and couples. It is around 25 kms away from Mussoorie and is situated on route of Mussoorie-Chamba.

Other Attractions

Surkanda Devi is located on top of the mountain and is just 10 kms away from Dhanaulti. This is a place worshiped by many people and has a religious significance. It is surrounded by the dense forest and is at an altitude of around 2, 903 m above sea level. Many people come every year to celebrate the fair of “Ganga Dusshera” which is in the month of May-June. To reach the Temple people have to trek for around 2 kms.

Mussoorie is full of natural beauty that is situated in the Garhwal hills. It is situated at an altitude of around 2, 500 m above sea level. The natural beauty of Mussoorie which is immense makes it known as the Queen of Hill Stations. This is one of the best and popular hill stations where a number of tourists from all over the world visit this place.

Chamba is popular for its apples which is exported in many places. It is located at an height of around1676m which gives a beautiful and breathtaking view of Bhagirathi valley and Himalayas. It is around 48 kms away from Dhanaulti.

Lansdowne

  • Location: Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand
  • Altitude: 6000 m above sea level
  • Other Attractions: Jwalpa Devi and Kotwar
  • Languages spoken: Garhwali, English, Hindi
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Lansdowne was a famous hill station among the Britishers. They were attracted towards this place due to its natural beauty and amazing climate. They came here and built a cantonment. It is located around 6000 m above sea level. The other famous places here are Jwalpa Devi and Kotdwar. This is one of the most famous hill stations of Uttarakhand where people from far and distant places come to visit. This is one of the best hill stations situated in Uttarakhand.

Britishers were attracted by the natural beauty and salubrious climate of Lansdowne which made it their favorite place and was popular among them. The Garhwal Rifles are very famous in the Indian Army which has its command office over here.

Lansdowne lies on the Kotdwar-Pauri Road which is 45 kms away from Kotdwar. One can see this place surrounded by thick forest of blue pine and oak. It is considered to be best place for a holiday where one can relax their body and soul in the quite atmosphere and cool winds

Other Attractions

Nainital

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Best sights: Snow view, Kilbury and Naina Peak
  • Languages spoken: Kumauni, English, Hindi
  • Other places: Sat Sal, Naukuchia Taal and Bhimtal
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Naina Devi Mandir, Nainital

Nainital is a small town located in the Kumaon Hills which is a beautiful and lovely hill station that has mountains surrounded on the three sides. The best thing here is the view of the Snow Peak, Kilbury and Naina Peak. The other famous places include Sat Sal, Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal. It is said that earlier there were around 60 lakes in the city and was known as Chakta or City of 60 lakes.

Today there are not many lakes that have remained in Nainital but whatever is left can been seen and identified what it would have been in the earlier period. The Naini lake is the best lake in Nainital and there are also some other lakes which are not less beautiful than the Naini Lake.

Lord Barron who was a Britisher founded Nainital in 1841. The natural beauty, the pleasant weather and the surrounding of this area influenced the British administrator to make this as a summer capital of the United Province.

Nainital is famous all over the world and number of tourists come every year to enjoy their holiday and experience the mesmerizing beauty of Nainital. It is also a place loved by most of the Trekkers and people who are Nature lovers.

Other Interesting Places Nearby

  • Hanuman Garhi
  • Naina Devi Temple
  • John’s Church
  • Snow View
  • Observatory
  • Zoo Gardens
  • Horse Riding
  • Ranikhet
  • Ramgarh
  • Mukteshwar

Sitlakhet

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Other Places: Dwarahat and Ranikhet
  • Best time to visit: September to October and May to June
  • Languages Spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi

Sitlakhet is situated 24 kms away from Ranikhet. It has a picturesque view of the Himalayas and the area is covered with the herbal plants which are useful for medicine and with fruit orchards. The other famous places there are Dwarahat and Ranikhet. The best time you can enjoy this place is from September to October and from May to June. The languages spoken here and understood by the local people are Kumaoni, English and Hindi.

The area is surrounded by many beautiful spots that are picturesque. The majestic view of the Himalayas, the peaceful atmosphere and amazing climate will make you want to make your residence here itself.  The herbal plants and fruits orchards forest is surrounded all over Sitlakhet.

Other Interesting Places Nearby

  • Syahi Devi Temple
  • Natural Spring
  • Ranikhet
  • Dwarahat

Binsar

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Prime Attraction: Spectacular view of Himalayas
  • Height: 2412 m.
  • Best time to visit: September to October and April to June
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi
Binsar Hill Station
source

Binsar is a famous place among the local people for its panoramic view of the Himalayas It is situated at a height of around 2412 m. The best time to visit and enjoy this place is from September to October and April to June.

In the 7th to 8th century Chand Rajas had a summer capital at Binsar. It is one of the places which has many scenic spots which is in Kumaon Himalayas. It is one of the popular hill station where tourists from all over come to enjoy the beauty of this place.

The best thing about this hill station is the panoramic view of the Himalayas which is a 300 kms stretch view that includes Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. Earlier devotes used to come to worship Lord Shiva in the Temple of Bineshwar which was constructed by Raja Kalyan Chand.

Binsar hills are called as Jhandi Dhar which is at a height of 2412 m. It gives a spectacular view of Kumaon hills, the Almora town and the Himalayas. If one takes a walk from the complex, the rhododendron and oak forest around offers a mesmerizing feeling from which the way goes to the Vintage point where the full view of surrounding valley and Himalayan range can be seen.

The Other Attractions

  • Jalna
  • Katarmal
  • Jageshwar

Accommodation

There are many options for accommodation. There is the KMVN’s Tourist Bungalow, Nanda Devi and Forest Rest House. These hotels are located near by with many other budget hotels.

Chopta

  • Location: Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand
  • Prime Attraction: Gopeshwar and Tungnath
  • Altitude: 2, 900 m above sea level
  • Best time to visit: September to November and from April to June
  • Languages spoken: Garhwali, English, Hindi

Rhododendron in Chopta

Chopta is also famous as Mini Switzerland due to its panoramic beauty of the Himalayas. The attractions there are Gopeshwar and Tungnath. It is situated at an altitude of around 2, 900 m above sea level. The language spoken there is Garhwali and Hindi.

Chopta lies on the Road of Gopeshwar-Ukhimath which is around 40 kms away from Gopeshwar. This is one of the famous spots and is popular for its picturesque beauty all over Garhwal region. The breathtaking view of Himalaya’s ranges make us remember the most amazing sets on the films.

The place has a number of tourists from all over far and distant place. They come here to enjoy the view of the snow-capped Himalayas which make us feel that it is just a hand distance away. People enjoy taking pictures here with their loved one’s which they can store in the memory of the holiday for their lifetime. This place is also loved by most of the professional Photographers.

The Other Attractions

  • Tungnath
  • Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
  • Gopeshwar
  • Ukhimath

Kausani

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Altitude: 1890 m
  • Earlier known as: Valna
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi
  • Best time to visit: September to April

Anashakti Gandhi Ashram at Kausani

Kausani is located in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand which is around 1890 m above sea level. It was originally known as Valna. The amazing view of the Himalayas which is 300 kms wide and its scenic beauty makes this hill station picturesque. This place is surrounded with thick, pine and dense forest, narrow ridge a top, the snow that covers the Trishul and Nanda Devi. One can just feel the snow in their hands. The best time to visit this place is from September to April.

The gauzy sunrise has attracted many tourists from all over this place. People can come here in any month but they find this place best for holidays where they can relax their body and soul. This place offers beautiful spots, eulogizes by philosophers and poets, the scenic beauty and also has sightseeing, Pilgrimage and history from which the tourist can enjoy this place anytime during the year. The environs impressed Gandhiji who stayed here at Anashakti Ashram in 1929.

Other Attractions

  • Anashakti Ashram
  • View of the Nanda Devi Hill
  • Baijnath
  • Bageshwar
  • Gwaldam

Mukteshwar

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Other Attractions: Bhowali and Ramgarh
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi
  • Popular as: Himalayan Resort
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Himalayan View in Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a famous and beautiful Himalayan resort. The major attraction there is Bhowali and Ramgarh. It is located just 52 kms away from Nainital. The city has a lot of thick coniferous forest and fruit orchards that is spread all over.

In the night the view is majestic with the glittering light of moon that creates a magic in the view of the located town below which is Almora town and in the view of Himalayas.

Main Attractions

The view of Himalayas is the mark of the hill station which attracts a number of tourists every year. The breathtaking view of the great Himalayas is worth a visit.

Institute of Indian Veterinary Research is a famous place where the research is done on different animals.

The other interesting places

  • Ramgarh
  • Bhowali
  • Ghorakhal

Pithoragarh

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Known as: Mini Kashmir
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Pithoragarh City

Pithoragarh is located in the Eastern Hill of Uttarakhand. This place is popularly known as Mini Kashmir that is nestled in a small valley. This town is also called as Sore valley which was earlier an important place of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. The languages spoken here is Kumaoni, English and Hindi.

It is located at an altitude of 1, 6t50 m above sea level and is the headquarters of the districts. The hill fort of Pithoragarh has housed government buildings. It is around 2000 meters away from Chandak hill which has a breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks like Trishul, Panchachuli group, Nanda Devi and mount Appi of Nepal.

Other Interesting Places Nearby

  • Chandak
  • Dhwaj
  • Thal Kedar
  • Munsiyari
  • Gangolihat
  • Berinag
  • Jauljibi

Champawat

  • Location: Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand
  • Prime Attraction: Nagnath Temple and Baleshwar Temple
  • Best time to visit: September to October and from April to June
  • Languages spoken: Kumaoni, English, Hindi

Baleshwar Temple Champawat

Champawat is one of the places which have breathtaking view as it is located at an altitude of around 1, 615 m above sea level. Earlier Chand Raja of Kumaon had a capital as Champawat. It is said by the people that Lord Vishnu is been incarnated as Kurmavatara in Champawat so it is named as Kurmanchal.

The other attractions here are Nagnath Temple and Baleshwar Temple. The beast season to explore this place is from September to October and April to June. The language spoken and understood by the people is Kumaoni, English and Hindi.

The city is adorned by the small forts and temples of Baleshwar, Ratneshwar, Champadari and Durga. Champawat is also popular for the marvelous sculptures and the picturesque beauty other than of the archaeological and historical importance.

There are some places which are worth an experience like Narsingh Danda, In Hidimba – the Maneshwar, Ghatotkach, Karanteshwar temple and the Surya temple in Ramak village and Hingla Devi.

The Other Attractions

  • Baleshwar Temple
  • Nagnath Temple

The other Famous Places

  • Purnagiri Temple
  • Mayawati Ashram
  • Devidhura
  • Abbot Mount
  • Lohaghat

Dakpathar

  • Location: Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand
  • Other Attraction: Lakha Mandal and Kalsi
  • Situated: On the bank of Yamuna River
  • Languages spoken: Garhwali, English, Hindi
Dakpathar Barrage
Image Credit: Giris Dwivedi

Dakpathar with its beauty and greenery all over makes it a worthy place to visit. It is the best place where you can relax your body and soul and also experience and get some unbelievable pictures that will make you remember this Holiday for your life. The other attractions are Kalsi and Lakha Mandal. It lies on the bank of Yamuna River. The languages spoken here are Garhwali, Hindi and English.

It is situated on Shivalik hills at the foothills that is on the banks of River Yamuna. GMVK – Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam is a recently developed recreation center which has gardens, spacious lawns, good swimming pool where coaching facilities are available.

Other Attractions

Asan – Water sports Resort is just 11 kms away from Dakpathar where GMVN has great facilities for water sports made available such as water sailing, skiing, boating, canoeing, Kayaking and hover craft ride.

Kalsi is around 6 kms away from Dakpathar. This is a place where the Tons and Yamuna are the two Rivers confluences. There is also an edict of Ashoka which is inscribed on a rock and is taken care by the Archeological Survey of India.

Lakha Mandal is situated beyond Yamuna Bridge on Kalsi-Yamunotri Road. There are a number of idols scattered all over which are of archeological importance. There are many devotees who visit this place to take the blessing of several gods and goddesses. It is also said that Kauravas made a house where they planned to burn the Pandavas alive.

Khirsu

  • Location: Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand
  • Altitude: 1700 m
  • Prime Attractions: Ghandiyal Devta temple
  • Languages spoken: Garhwali, English, Hindi
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Khirsu Pauri Garhwal

Khirsu is a place which is full of tourists during winter when they come to enjoy the mountains that are snow laded. This gives the tourists a panoramic view. In summers people can easily view the 300 unnamed and named peaks. It is situated at an altitude of around 1700 m above sea level. The other attractions here are the Temple of Ghandiyal Devta. The other famous places are Dhari Devi and Pauri.

Other Attractions

Pauri is located at an altitude of around 1, 814 m above sea level on the northern side of Kandoliya hills. This district is the headquarters of the region which has picturesque beauty and view of the Himalayas that includes Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Gangotri group, Jonli, Jogin Group, Barte Kanta, Thalaiya Sagar, Kedarnath, Sumeru, Kharchakund, Chaukhamba, Satopanth, Nilkanth, Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parbat, Dronagiri, Trishul and Nanda Devi.

Dewalgarh is located just 22 kms away, set up in the 14th century. Garhwal Rajas capital was Dewalgarh before shifting from Srinagar. The best example of Garhwal architecture can be found in the old palace and temples of Raj Rajeshwari goddess.

  • Dhari Devi
  • Ulkha Giri

Mussoorie

  • Location: Garhwal Hills, Uttarakhand
  • Altitude: 2,005 m above sea level
  • Nearby attractions: Lal Tibba, Kempty Falls, Gun Hills
  • Other places: Nag Tibba, Yamunotri Bridge and Dhanaulti
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Mussoorie Hill Station

Mussoorie is full of natural beauty that is situated in the Garhwal hills. It is situated at an altitude of around 2,005 m above sea level. The other attractions nearby are the Kempty falls, Gun Hill and Lal Tibba. The Yamunotri Bridge, Dhanaulti and Nag Tibba are some of the other famous places which are worth a visit.

The natural beauty of Mussoorie which is immense makes it known as the Queen of Hill Stations. This is one of the best and popular hill stations where a number of tourists from all over the world visit this place.

The young Captain from British army liked this place so much that he made his residence here in 1820. From there Mussoorie started becoming popular among people. There were several plants here earlier which were known as ‘Mussoorie’ and this is the reason for the name as Mussoorie. Later on Mussoorie became very popular among the people and they started coming here from different corners of the world to experience this place. This then became a center for business, education, beauty and tourism.

The location of Mussoorie is very beautiful which is known as one of the hill station that is best in the north area. The malls, modern bungalows and the gardens that are situated on the tiny hill looks so beautiful which also attract any tourist.

Mussoorie is a place where people come from different place to enjoy and relax and spend a good time with their loved ones. People who want relief from the husty busty life come here to set their mind off and relax. Mussoorie has been gifted all things by nature which are required for a best hill station. During the summer people from all over the world start coming here. As the heat of the summer goes up the number of people coming here increases. Mussoorie is a place that is not far from Delhi so many people visit this hill station to spend their weekend and they can return in a day as it is an overnight journey.

While enjoying the natural beauty and the climate of Mussoorie tourist can also visit some major pilgrimages of Hindu like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Rishikesh and Haridwar which are nearby to this place.

Main Attractions

  • Tibetan Temple
  • Lake Mist
  • Mussoorie Lake
  • Lal Tibba
  • Gunhill
  • Municipal Gardens
  • Camel’s Back Road
  • Cloud End

Other Interesting Places Nearby

  • Dehradun
  • Rishikesh
  • Yamunotri Bridge
  • Haridwar
  • Bhadraj Temple
  • Nag Tibba
  • Dhanaulti
  • Surkanda Devi
  • Jharipani Waterfall

Ranikhet

  • Location: 59.5 kms away from Nainital
  • Known for: Natural Beauty
  • Founded: 1869
  • Best time to visit: September to November and April to July.

Ranikhet in Monsoon

Ranikhet is said to be discovered in 1869 that has immense natural beauty. It is located just 59.5 kms away from Nainital. This area was called as Devi Bhumi or Celestial Land by ancient Aryan, due to natural beauty and colorful flowers. In the Foothill the beautiful flowers can be seen and smelled in the month of March and April and the wildflowers grow in the upper region in the month of June and July. The bushes of rhododendron are splendid with mauve and pink blooms the area in all their beauty.

The most interesting part of the flowers here is they confuse when people look at them by the plants mixed into other streams and they have different flowers with different fragrance. When looked at one glance it feels that one plant has different flowers with different fragrance.  European tourists from centuries have loved this place because of its meadows, valley, hills, cliffs, Snowcapped peaks of the mountains, crystal clear water of Rivers and the view of clear rainbow. Ranikhet makes a charming hill station with its majestic pine trees spread all over.

A Queen of lore and legend feel in love with the peaks surrounded all over and glistening in the sunshine made here to build a palace nearby. The palace is still there which is now known as Ranikhet Club.

Ranikhet was founded and built by the British in 1869. People who visit this place experience a great strength in their body, spirit and mind with the panoramic view of Himalayas, the flowers, tress and the unpolluted air

Heavenly Hill Station

Ranikhet is acclaimed as a heavenly hill station which is one of the best all over. In 1869-72, Lord Mayo was the Viceroy of India who loved this place so much that he was influenced to move the headquarters of army from Shimla to Ranikhet. There are many beautiful spots and picnic spots in the area where one can go for a pleasant walk.

Other Interesting Places Nearby

  • Nanda Devi Fair
  • Upat Kalika Temple
  • Chaubatia
  • Bhalu Dam
  • Majhkhali
  • Co-operative Drug Factory
  • Tarikhet

Accommodation

There are many options for accommodation. The GMVN or KMVN Tourist Bungalow is available that offers good accommodation with basic facilities. There are many private hotels and lodges available that are located nearby with good accommodation facilities. One needs to book in advance during the peak season as many hotels and lodges are full during this time.

Clothing

It is suggested that in winter heavy woolen clothes should be carried and in summers light woolen clothes are sufficient.

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