Nestled in the laps of the towering Himalayan mountains, Uttarakhand is one of the surreal tourist destinations in India which enchants you with its exhilarating Himalayan vistas, tranquil hill stations, sparkling lakes, eye-pleasing meadows, serpentine rivers and glittering glaciers. Upon reaching this scenic abode, one is welcomed by the mesmerizing sights of its majestic glaciers, spectacular terrace farms and wildlife parks. The wide smiles and the warm hospitality of the people greet and win the hearts of the people. For nature lovers, honeymooners and backpackers, Uttarakhand offers a host of dreamy destinations that offer you a holistic and an unforgettable experience in the heart of the panoramic Himalayan mountains.
Visit the Lake City of Nainital and feel the pristine environment of the Naini lake calming your nerves and delighting your senses with its peaceful touch. Take a stroll through the streets of Mussoorie and experience the colonial charm of this ‘Queen of the Hills”. While the snowy trails of Dhanaulti offer you the perfect escapade from the daily grind of city life, the rich cultural heritage and vivid greenery of Almora leave you with a heavenly feeling of Nirvana.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Uttarakhand, owing to its sprawling wildlife parks and conservation centers, promises an enriching experience. From taking an adventurous safari through the thick forests of the Jim Corbett National Park and spotting the rare and magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger to witnessing some of the most endangered migratory birds in their natural habitats like the Black Francolin, Northern Pintail, Black-haired stock among others, the exotic parks of Uttarakhand offer you some amazing and adventurous excursions that will surely get your adrenaline pumping.
Apart from this, Uttarakhand is also a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Being the land of ancient mythological tales and legends of Hinduism as well as the site of meditation for a lot of revered saints and Gurus, Uttarakhand offers you the rare opportunity to acquaint yourselves with the many ethos and philosophies of the Hindu faith. Popularly known as ‘Devbhumi’ or the Land of the Gods, Uttarakhand stands proudly as the place of origin of the Ganga and the Yamuna, two of the most sacred and revered rivers in Hinduism. The famed Kumbh Mela and the religious expedition to the Char Dham Yatra make Uttarakhand a famous pilgrimage sites for Hindus. If you want to experience the power of faith and spirituality, there’s not a better place to be than the sacred town of Haridwar. A dip in the holy waters of the Ganga will not only wash away your sins but will also grant you the divine blessings of the Almighty. The neighboring town of Rishikesh, also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, is the perfect destination to soothe your nerves, rejuvenate your weary souls as well as seek spiritual enlightenment.
Uttarakhand is separated into two regions, Garhwal and Kumaon, consisting of 13 districts. There is a lot of diversity to be found in its fairs and festivals, culture, traditions and cuisine. From the iconic Kumbh Mela to numerous fairs like Sharadotsav, Gindi Mela and Baikunth-Chaturdashi Mela to name a few, a vacation in Uttarakhand will never lack fun and frolic. Home to a plethora of incredible trekking trails, mountain climbing challenges and white river rafting opportunities, Uttarakhand is also a great destination for adventure tourism.
Uttarakhand boasts 3 domestic airports (Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Pantnagar Airport in Pantnagar and Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh), 16 major and minor railway stations and an extensive and highly developed system of roadways, including many well developed State and National Highways that connect it to the major cities of Delhi, Chandigarh and Lucknow, among others. Many important administrative centers and tourism hubs of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haldwani, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kathgodam and Roorkee, among others, have their own railway stations which make them accessible from different parts of the country. However, the best and simplest way to reach Uttarakhand is by road.
Although Uttarakhand can be considered a year round destination due to its undiluted charm throughout the year, the best time to visit this hilly state is from March-June. However, snow lovers who want to enjoy the magical delight of snowfall, the ideal time to visit Uttarakhand is during the winter months of December and January.
The month of April marks the onset of the summer season which lasts till June in Uttarakhand offering breathtaking natural beauty all around. The weather is pleasant with the temperature ranging between 20℃ and 40℃. Also, a trip in May is the best time for those who wish to perform pilgrimage to Char Dham Yatra.
The season between July and September in Uttarakhand is packed with heavy rainfall with the temperature dropping down to 15℃. It is during this time when the likelihood of roadblocks and landslides increases but those who love rain and adventure can plan a trip to witness the land boasting its kaleidoscope of colours.
Winter months between October and March in Uttarakhand offers surreal tranquility all around with the temperature ranging from 3℃ to 15℃. This is the perfect time to plan a honeymoon or a holiday with friends and family. Also, it is during the winter season when the state celebrates a number of fairs and festivals that are worth witnessing.
Being one of the most sought after travel destinations of North India, Uttarakhand has a wide array of fine accommodation options ranging from budget homestays and midrange hotels to luxury resorts. Top tourist destinations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie and Dehradun boast a large number of budget hotels, homestays and five-star resorts that offer you a comfortable and holistic holiday. Offbeat destinations like Auli, Dhanaulti, Munsiyari, Bhimtal and Kanatal also have a lot of decent and high range accommodation options. However, they have a limited number of homestays and budget hotels and lodges.
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