Uttarakhand Travel Guide: 17 Mesmerizing Hill Stations To Visit In Uttarakhand (2024)
Uttarakhand boasts the marvelous Himalayan mountain ranges, culturally-significant attractions, snow-capped hills, and panorama of nature’s bliss melting in your eyes. There are plenty of adventure activities and exploration amidst the mysteries of mother nature to experience. Uttarakhand is a place to connect to your inner self and to the higher power you believe in.
Uttarakhand Travel Guide: 17 Mesmerizing Hill Stations To Visit In Uttarakhand
There are numerous top hill stations in Uttarakhand to visit, unique in their ways. Here you find the most popular or the best ones for solo travelers, friends, and families to enjoy their best holidays or trips. We have curated a list of 17 beautiful hill stations that one can visit when travelling to Uttarakhand for a vacation.
1. Nainital
Nainital is the gem of Uttarakhand, an eye-captivating hill station lying at the green foothills of Kumaon ranges in the Himalayas. It is located at the elevation of 1938 m where the most popular place to visit is the Naini Lake. You will find some renaissance of British colonialism in the architecture and essence of the constructions there, some resemblance still embodied and beautified the place even more. You cannot beat this perfect summer getaway in India to experience nature’s blessed mountains and pleasant climate.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year except and November to February ( for Snowing)
How To Reach: There is no direct air connectivity to Nainital. You can reach the nearest railway station, Kathgodam which is around 34 km from the location. If you come by road, it will take around 7 hours from Delhi to Nainital.
Things To Do: Visit the pristine and gorgeous Naini Lake, Shop at Tibetan Market and Mall Road, Go for trekking or hiking.
2. Dehradun
The capital city of Uttarakhand proudly settles amidst the Doon valley, known to be one of India’s most popular hill stations and places to visit in Uttarakhand. Whether it is summer holidays, honeymoons, weekend getaways, or family expeditions, Dehradun always amongst the top choices. And that is for the reason, boasts.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the Year
How To Reach: You can reach Dehradun to Delhi in 5 hours via road transport. The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. You can also reach the nearest Dehradun railway station as well.
Things To Do: Dig in Robber’s Cave, Nature Park, Paragliding, Go for Tiger Falls, Go for Trekking in Nag Tibba, Enjoy a Photowalk
3. Mussoorie
Mussorie is another one of the most popular hill stations and places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is a go-to place for all the mountain lovers and travelers seeking rejuvenation, peace, and tranquility. You get this backdrop of Shivalik range of Himalayas amidst of the Doon valley. Mussoorie is known as ‘Queen of Hills’, and that surely for a reason. Standing at the altitude of 7000 ft above the seal, all you see around is majestic hills, scenic valleys, and lush greenery all around.
Best Time To Visit: September to June
How To Reach: You have to reach Dehradun first where you can reach in 5 hours from Delhi via road. Then, Mussorie is just an hour away from the place. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport situated in Dehradun.
Things To Do: Visit Kempty Falls. See the highest point at Lal Tibba, Shop at Mall Road, Go to Jharipani Falls, Company Garden, and Jawala Devi Temple
4. Abbott Mount
Located in the Kali Kumaon region of district, Champawat, Uttarakhand; Abbott Mount is a picturesque old town with its charm. A lot of its ancestral charm comes from the British colonial era featuring an extraordinary church along with 13 isolated cottages on the hill. The place still thrives in history, has not changed much. Sitting at the elevation of 7000 ft. above sea level, you witness this panoramic views boasting snow-capped majestic Himalayas and peaceful lush green surroundings, birds chirping in this cool breezing air.
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Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year except for Monsoons
How To Reach: You can reach the location by air via Chandigarh to the nearest airport, Pantnagar Airport that is 180 km away. You can also reach the nearest railhead, Tanakpur Railway Station. The roads are well-connected to the places, so you can reach from any major cities.
Things To Do: Visit Bansaur Ka Kila, Abbott Mount Church, Pancheswar Mahadev Temple, and Maa Barahi Temple. Go for Hiking, Bird Watching & Exploration.
5. Auli
Auli, the adjacent hill station to the religious shrine Badrinath, is dotted with apple orchids, pine trees, and old oaks as well. One of the ideal things to do in Auli is skiing on this white infinite stretch with scenic mountain views. You can go for a long trek on Garhwal Himalayas. Explore the snow-capped mountains, pine trees, skiing resorts and so much more in Auli. The 8th-century AD dated hill resort in Himalayan range Auli is a popular skiing destination of India as well.
Best Time To Visit: April to June, November to February (For Snow)
How To Reach: By Air, the nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can also reach by Train from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh railway stations. Auli is connected to all the major cities through the bus, taxi, and other roadways services.
Things To Do: Skiing, Mountaineering, Sightseeing
6. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is located at the foothills of the Himalayas converging the Ganga and Chandrabhanga River. The place is popularly known for its ancient temples, adventure activities, popular cafes, spiritualism, and religious significance. Rishikesh is also known as “Yoga Captial of the World”. You will always find peace and happiness at Rishikesh with tranquility and pleasantness in the air. Rishikesh is the hub spot of Ashramas, one of the most popular ashram is the Beatles Ashram.
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Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun just 35 km away from Rishikesh. You can directly halt at the Rishikesh Railway Station as well. Rishikesh is also well connected with Buses and Taxis to all nearby major cities.
Things To Do: River Rafting, Trekking, Camping, Sightseeing, Visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula. Go to Beatles Ashram
7. Chopta
Chopta, in the Himalayas, is amongst the least explored hill stations in Uttarakhand. Situated at the elevation of 2,680 m, it is known to be the base point of the famous treks to Chandrashilla and Tungnath. You can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic landscapes of majestic and gigantic mountains at the Nanda Devi peak, Trishul peak, and Chaukhamba peak as well. Chopta is one of the places to visit in Uttarakhand for people who love adventure and photography.
Best Time To Visit: December, January & February
How To Reach: Jolly Grant at Dehradun is the nearest airport at a distance of 221 km from Chopta. The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh located at a distance of 202 km. Chopta is also well connected through roads to all the major cities in Pauri, Srinagar, and Rishikesh.
Things To Do: Trekking, Photography & Camping
8. Almora
Almora is one of the best offbeat places you can visit in Uttarakhand. One would love the picturesque panoramas of the hill stations. It is an ideal romantic getaway for people who love tranquility and peace.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year except for Monsoons
How To Reach: The nearest airport here is Pantnagar located at a distance of 116 km from Almora. Just 90 km away from the place, there you find its nearest railway station – Kathgodam.
Things To Do: Enjoy nature walks, Sightseeings, Shop for handcrafted products
9. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a cantonment town of Uttarakhand which was founded by the Viceroy of India at the time of British Colonization. It was the favorite destination of British officials then. The place has a serene and calming atmosphere for a great holiday. You can go for trekking, camping, outing, sightseeing and a lot of other activities at Lansdowne.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
How To Reach: Nearest railway station is Kotdwar which is just 1 hour away from the Lansdowne.
Things To Do: Nature walks, Trekking, Camping, Picnicking, Exploring
10. Kanatal
Kanatal is a must-visit place in Uttarakhand. You can plan for a refreshing getaway on a weekend. Kanatal offers beautiful sceneries to cherish your trip. Every frame seems like a painting in Kanantal. Whether you are interested in just having a peaceful stay, love adventures, or have a liking for mountains and lakes, well, Kanatal is your answer.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
How To Reach: The closest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. If you are coming by train, both Rishikesh and Dehradun railway stations are connected to Kanatal. Reaching Kanatal by road is also convenient as there are plenty of Taxi and Bus services connecting it to the major cities.
Things To Do: Water sports and activities, camping and trekking
11. Munisiyari
Munisiyari is the heart of the hill landscapes in the Himalaya region located in Uttarakhand. The place gives you one of the best views of snow-capped mountains touching the blue cloudy sky. It is quite ideal for trekking and other fun activities. If you love exploring nature, biking around the mountains and trekking, Munisiyari is a perfect choice for such travelers. Consider Munisiyari amongst those offbeat hill stations where you won’t find much of the regular tourist traffic. The place is a bit secluded and peaceful, still not commercialized.
Best Time To Visit: July to November
How To Reach: You can reach Munisiyari from the nearest airport which is Pantnagar airport located 249 kms from the location. Within a distance of 6 hours of travel, you can reach the nearest railway station Kathgodam as well.
Things To Do: Enjoy the sunset, Trekking, Biking, and other activities.
12. Valley Of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
You cannot just skip Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib that are in proximity to each other in Uttarakhand. These are amongst the highlights of the tourist attraction in the state. Valley of Flowers, is just what the name suggests, a beautiful, vibrant and colorful valley of flowers on a wide scenic stretch. The beauty of nature at its best!
Hemkund Sahib is the holy place for the Sikh community which embodies the divinity and spirituality there itself.
Best Time To Visit: July to September
How To Reach: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach there. It is located at a distance of 149 kms away from Hemkund Shrines. You can also reach the place by train where Rishikesh will the nearest railway station.
Things To Do: Enjoy the scenic views of Valley of flowers, Visit Hemkund Shahib, Trekking around.
13. Chakrata
Chakrata is a small and secluded hill station in Uttarakhand. It is an ideal place for people who are looking for silence and least crowded place to spend their summers amidst serene mountains. There are postcard size houses, quaint hills, pleasant weather, always birds chirping and so much peaceful around. Chakrata is one of the most beautiful and yet least crowded places in Uttarakhand.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is located at Dehradun at a distance of 2 hours from the location.
Things To Do: Travel to Budher Caves, Tiger Waterfalls. Enjoy your stay and connect with nature. Long walks.
14. Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is one of the most scenic tourist places in Uttarakhand amid the Himalayas peak. Dhanaulti is a popular tourist attraction, and a perfect weekend getaway as well. It is located at a distance of just 60 kms from Mussorie. It is highly recommended to visit the place in winters to witness the magical snowfall. However, if you visit in Summer, you will still witness pleasant and cool weather.
Best Time To Visit: October to January, April to June
How To Reach: Dhanaulti is located 60 kms away from Mussorie. You can easily reach the place from Dehradun. You won’t see many frequent public transports but you definitely can go for a shared or private taxi.
Things To Do: Witness the sunrise and sunsets, Jungle camping, Long nature walks
15. Landour
One of the most serene places to visit in Uttarakhand, Landour is home to India’s most renowned author Ruskin Bond. It is a strikingly beautiful town located near Dehradun. Landour is one of those places in Uttarakhand that hasn’t been touched by commercialization yet. You can still unwind yourself here, spend some time with the pristine nature, breath-taking landscapes and so much more. Landour also is known for its homegrown jams and delectable cheese.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
How To Reach: Landour is around 37 kms away from Dehradun. You can reach the place easily by taking a cab from Mall Road. By air, you can land at Jolly Grant Airport that is approximately 61 kms far from Landour. Dehradun railway station is around 36 kms from Landour if you are coming by train.
Things To Do: Trekking, Sightseeing
16. Mukteshwar
Mukhteshwar is a small hill town in Uttarakhand, located around 50 kms away from Nainital. It is popularly known for its breath-taking views of Himalayas ranges, scenic forestry, and adventure sports. Traveling to Mukteshwar is a visual treat, exploring the coniferous forests, panoramic orchards, small cottages, astonishing architectures and so much more. The place is surrounded by the lush greenery and abundance of flora and fauna.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
How To Reach: Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railway station located at the distance of 62 kms away from Mukhteshwar. The nearest airport to reach Mukhteshwar is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport.
Things To Do: Go for trekking, Visit Mukhteshwar temple, Sightseeing at Himalaya ranges, Rock-climbing
17. Uttarkashi
One of the holiest cities in the Hindu Mythology that you can find in Uttarakhand, is Uttarkashi. The hill town hosts great cultural value, divine heritage, and serene natural beauty and tranquility in the air. The town is even named as Devbhumi, literally translates to the Land Of The Gods. Witness snow-clad mountains, picturesque sceneries featuring majestic valleys and verdant alpine woods making it one of the fulfilling places to travel.
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Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
How To Reach: The nearest airport and the railways are in Dehradun. You can also take a bus taking to the location of major cities in the country.
Things To Do: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Nachiketa Temple, Dodital Lake, Gaumukh Glacier, Dyara Bugyal. Enjoy Trekking.