Uttarakhand - “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods)

Uttarakhand, known as “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods), is a beautiful state in northern India famous for its Himalayan views, temples, rivers, adventure sports, and hill stations. 

Detailed Tourist Information about Uttarakhand

Overview

• Location: Northern India (bordering Tibet, Nepal, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh)
• Capital: Dehradun
• Famous for: Mountains, pilgrimage sites, wildlife, yoga, and adventure sports
• Best time to visit:
• March–June (pleasant weather, summer tourism)
• September–November (ideal for trekking and sightseeing)
• December–February (for snow and skiing in Auli, Chopta, etc.)

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1. Hill Stations

Nainital

• Highlights: Naini Lake (boating), Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens.
• Activities: Boating, shopping on Mall Road, horse riding, ropeway ride.
• Nearby: Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal – peaceful lakeside spots.

Mussoorie

• Highlights: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill Point, Company Garden, Camel’s Back Road, Mall Road.
• Activities: Ropeway rides, local shopping, paragliding.
• Nearby: Dhanaulti (eco park, serene nature).

Almora

• Highlights: Bright End Corner, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple.
• Known for: Scenic landscapes, local crafts, and Kumaoni culture.

Ranikhet

• Highlights: Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Golf Ground.
• Best for: Relaxation and Himalayan views.

Lansdowne

• Highlights: Bhulla Tal, Tip-In-Top viewpoint, St. John’s Church.
• Vibe: Peaceful, army town atmosphere.

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2. Spiritual & Pilgrimage Sites

Haridwar

• Highlights: Har Ki Pauri (Ganga Aarti), Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple.
• Activities: Holy bath in the Ganga, attend evening aarti, Kumbh Mela (every 12 years).

Rishikesh

• Highlights: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram.
• Famous for: Yoga, meditation, river rafting, and spiritual retreats.

Chota Char Dham Yatra

1. Yamunotri – Source of Yamuna River.
2. Gangotri – Source of Ganga River.
3. Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
4. Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

• Best time: May to October (temples closed in winter due to snow).

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3. Adventure & Nature

Auli

• Highlights: Snow skiing, Auli Ropeway, Gorson Bugyal trek.
• Best time: December–March for snow; May–June for greenery.

Valley of Flowers National Park

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Best time: July–September (when flowers are in full bloom).
• Nearby: Hemkund Sahib (Sikh pilgrimage site).

Jim Corbett National Park

• Highlights: Jungle safari, tiger and elephant sightings, birdwatching.
• Zones: Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna.
• Best time: November–June.

Chopta

• Highlights: Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva temple), Chandrashila Trek.
• Known as: Mini Switzerland of India.

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4. Offbeat & Scenic Villages

Munsiyari

• Attractions: Panchachuli Peaks, Birthi Falls, trekking base for Milam Glacier.
• Best for: Photography and adventure.

Kausani

• Highlights: Panoramic view of Nanda Devi, Anasakti Ashram.
• Famous for: Tea gardens and sunrise views.

Pithoragarh

• Highlights: Soar Valley, Kapileshwar Mahadev Cave, Askot Sanctuary.

Kanatal

• Activities: Camping, ziplining, eco-park visit.
• Ideal for: Quiet mountain stay.

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5. Wildlife & Eco Tourism

• Rajaji National Park – Elephants, leopards, and birdlife near Rishikesh.
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Forest walks and mountain views near Almora.

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6. Adventure Activities

Activity	Location	Best Time
River Rafting	Rishikesh	March–June, Sept–Nov
Skiing	Auli	Dec–March
Trekking	Chopta, Kedarkantha, Roopkund	May–Oct
Paragliding	Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal	March–June
Camping	Rishikesh, Dhanaulti, Chopta	All year (except monsoon)