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Top 5 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Neha P Kashyap

Last updated: Oct 4, 2018

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Home to some of the most spectacular landscapes, Uttarakhand is a must-see tourist destination in India. Unfortunately, Uttarakhand has recently been in the news due to the floods that have devastated some isolated areas. Thankfully much of the state has not been affected and is still safe to travel through. So if you are looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, Uttarakhand is still a great option. As many tourists are staying away, you may also find that the region is cheaper to travel through and less crowded. So why not take advantage and runaway to one of these destinations in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand- a magical maze of beauty and fun

Haridwar One of the most holy sites in India, Haridwar is the place where Lord Vishnu left his foot prints on the sacred ghat of Hari-ki-Pairi.. At night, the ghat is lit up with diyas floating gentling down the river.. The sweet sound of bhajans fills the air as the crowd watches the Ganga Aarti. Regardless of your religious persuasion, this is one of the most ethereal experiences in India.

The pious and sacred ghats of Haridwar

Rishikesh A short drive from Haridwar is the popular town of Rishikesh. Famous for its ashrams, yoga centres and of course, ‘The Beatles’, Rishikesh is also the gateway to some of Uttarakhand’s best adventure activities. As it is at the foot of the Himalayas, the best time to visit Rishikesh is when the weather is hot; October and November is just perfect. During the winter months it does get cool but Rishikesh is still very pretty to visit, so make sure you take plenty of warm clothes.

Peace and tranquility in Rishikesh

If you enjoy adventure sports then why not take to the water for some rafting or kayaking. You can do a day trip for about Rs500 or perhaps go on an overnight kayaking tour for Rs1500 per person. For your own peace of mind, do remember to wear appropriate safety gear in the water including a helmet and inflatable vest. If you prefer to stay on land, then why not go trekking amongst the lush bushland or explore the region by bike.

Thrilling and entirely satisfying - rafting in Rishikesh

Mussoorie At the foot of the Himalayas, Mussoorie has been nicknamed the ‘Queen of Hills’. Precariously perched on a high ridge, it is one of India’s most famous hill stations, and you can almost feel the charm of the colonial era. The Doon Valley lies beneath you like an emerald blanket and in the distance you see the tall peaks of the Himalayas beckoning.

Photo Credit : Ishan Manjrekar / Flickr

If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of short as well as longer treks that you can take in this area. Some of the most popular are Kempty Falls and Gun Hill. Walk up the steps to the edge of Kempty Falls, a beautiful waterfall with a 40 foot drop that is best visited from September to November. Gun Hill is perched above The Mall, and you can walk to it via Camel Back Road, or alternatively take the ropeway up the hill and enjoy the view.

Photo Credit : rajkumar1220 / Flickr

Dehra Dun Enchanting is the word that comes to mind when you first travel towards Dehradun. Surrounded by tea gardens, many people don’t take the time to stop at the capital of Uttarakhand, but it is well worth a visit. Explore the rich Tibetan history here by visiting the Mindrolling Monastery that features an imposing stupa over 5 stories tall and some interesting Tibetan art. The monastery is about 15 kms from Dehra Dun. A little closer to town, is the Tapkeshwar Temple, set in a cave near the banks of the Tons Nadi River, this unusual temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. If you are in the centre of the town, then head to Rajpur Road to see the Clock Tower that has six faces, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dehra Dun.

The inspiring Mindrolling Monastery

Auli Considered by many to be India’s best ski destination, Auli is a great place to practice your moves on the slopes, or just breathe in the mountain air as you enjoy the natural beauty. The ski season starts at the end of December and runs through until March. If you have never skied before, you can do a 7 day or 14 day certification course, with trained instructors and safety equipment that will cost about Rs10, 000 and 18,000 (approximately) respectively, or hire an instructor to give you some shorter private classes. There are even international standard ski lifts that will take you up the slopes for as little as Rs30 (for a standing lift).

Photo Credit: Ishan Manjrekar / Flickr

If skiing isn’t your thing, you can also visit in the off-season when the temperature is mild, and the views of Nanda Devi will leave you speechless. Take a walk through the beautiful region or ride the cable car to get a better view of India’s highest peak. Whether you like adventure activities such as kayaking and skiing, or prefer exploring temples in the hills, there are many gorgeous places to see in Uttarakhand. These towns have not been impacted by the floods and are all safe to visit. In fact, the best time to visit them is quickly approaching, so make sure you don’t miss out on seeing one of the most beautiful states in India. Feel like a weekend break? MakeMyTrip has flights, trains and buses to Uttarakhand.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Rakhee Ghelani: A natural traveler, Rakhee has visited 48 countries in the world and still has plenty more on her bucket list. She is a travel blogger, writer and business consultant.

Neha P Kashyap

Comments

NITESH KUMAR | on 12 July 2018

Tapkeshwar temple is one of the famous temples of Lord Shiva. It is said that Dhrona Acharya of Mahabharata medicated at this place to attain more knowledge. Tapkeshwar temple is situated amidst the forest valley around 6.5 km from the main city of Dehradun. Bharat taxi prides on providing best taxi service in Dehradun as our courteous driver are extremely polite and professional therefore relax while our chauffeurs drive you around the town.