Uttarakhand's Delightful Getaways

By Author: Pragati Chauhan
Total Articles: 4
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Uttarakhand known as the ''Land of Gods'' is bestowed with quintessence of nature. At Uttarakhand one can find the solidarity of various cultures and art forms. The state has magnanimous natural beauty which unravel itself in the most beautiful manner. The salubrious weather, misty hills, rumbling waterfalls and verdant forests makes it an ideal tourist destination. Uttarakhand has some of the best hill stations which are isolated from the hustle and bustle of the cities and are visited by a number of tourists in search of peace and happiness. The quietude of the hills, absolute peace and tranquility makes the journey blissful in the lap of nature.

Some of the best tourist destinations in Uttarakhand are as follows - :

1) Mussoorie - ''The Queen of Hills'' Mussoorie is a picturesque hill station situated in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. It is perched at an average altitude of 1,880 meters. The hill station is located at a favorable distance of 35 km from Dehradun and about 290 km from New Delhi. The quaint hills of Mussoorie are surrounded by lush green forests and are rich in varied flora and fauna. ...
... Mussoorie is home to an eminent Anglo Indian writer Ruskin Bond who lives a simple yet fulfilling life in Landour. Ruskin Bond grew up in the hills and has a strong penchant for the mountains of Mussoorie to which he refers as his home.

Things to do in Mussoorie - The travelers can go for sightseeing to Clouds End, Sir George Everest House, Laal Tibba and Gun Hill where they can explore the natures bounty. Enjoy boating with your loved ones on Lake Mist and Mussoorie Lake. Stroll around at Company Garden, The Mall Road and Camel's Back Road. Have a look at the skillfully made handicraft items at The Soham Heritage & Art Centre and Kashi Devasthanam. Be fascinated by the cascading Jharipani Falls and Bhatta Falls. Bow your head in faith in front of Jwalaji Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple which are the sacred shrines of Mussoorie.

Best time to visit Mussoorie - The best time to visit Mussoorie is between the summer months of March and June. This also happens to the peak tourist season when the town is over crowded by tourists. The months between September and November are pleasant with a little cool in the evening, so don't forget to carry a cardigan or light jacket. The winters months experience a fair amount of snowfall to attract their share of tourists.

Note - Avoid visiting in the months between July and August as the place experiences heavy rainfall.

2) Dehradun - The city of Dehradun lies in the northern part of India in the Garhwal region. It is located 236 kilometers north of India's capital New Delhi. The city is an epitome of beauty as it is blessed with scenic splendor, natural abundance and ever changing romantic weather. The city holds a large number of inhabitants of Garhwal region who migrated to Dehradun in search of jobs, education and for a better standard of living. One can find the richness of Garhwali, Kumauni, Nepali, Jaunsari and various other cultures which are bonded with a thread of love by this city. In the past few years Dehradun has emerged as a major tourist hub as it is located close to some of the popular tourist destinations like Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Dehradun is a home to renowned educational institutions and government departments of India such as Indian Military Academy, Doon School, the Ordnance Factory Dehradun, Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Research Institute, Oil and Gas Corporation and many more.

Things to do in Dehradun - One can never get bored of this city as it has a number of lively places to visit. The travelers can go on a picnic to Lachhiwala which is located at a distance of 17 kilometers from Dehradun city. It is a ideal place to visit in summers. Feel rejuvenated at the man-made pool which is safe for everybody. Visit the aesthetically designed Buddha Temple located at Clement Town which showcases skillful Japanese architecture. Have a mesmerizing view of the lustrous Doon Valley from the terrace area. The travelers can beat the heat by visiting Robbers Cave which is located at Anarwala village about 8 kilometers from Dehradun city. Many people come here to explore the unusual cold springs.

Note - One should avoid visiting Robbers Cave in monsoon season and it’s better if you carry an extra pair of clothing and some food.

Spot a large number of migratory birds and threatened bird species at Asan Barrage which is located near Dhalipur Village. The tranquil winds, the lush green surroundings and the melodious voice of the playful birds will melt your heart. This place is truly a bird watchers paradise with birds such as cormorant, egrets, wagtails, pond heron, marsh harrier, greater spotted eagle, osprey and steppe eagle can be seen here.

Note - The best time to visit this place is in the month of October and November and in late February and March.

Visit Forest Research Institute established in the year 1906. It displays authentic Greek Roman infrastructure by C.G Bloomfield in 1929. The institute sprawls over 2,000 acres of lavish vistas and well manicured lush green fields.

Note - You will be asked to pay an entry fees of Rs. 10/- at FRI and guide services will be available at Rs. 50/-. The timings to visit the museum are from 9:00 am to 5:30 am. The museum is closed on gazette holidays. You can visit this place in any month but don’t forget to carry a camera along with you as the well manicured gardens and the scenic landscape around the institute will entice you to take some photographs.

Best Time to visit Dehradun - The weather is very pleasant in March, April and October, November. The summer months of May and June are hot, whilst it is awfully slushy in monsoons. It continues to rain till September. The winter months, from December to February, are wet and decidedly cold with temperatures dropping to 2 degrees centigrade.

3 ) Nainital - Nainital also known as ''The Lake District of India'' is a place which is frequently visited by honeymooners, bag packers and leisure seeking tourists. The serene hill station is situated at an elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level. Nainital is about 285 km by road and aerial distance of 235 km from Delhi. It is nestled in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand which is surrounded by mountainous terrains and ravishing lakes. Tourists from all around the world come to visit the emerald green lakes of Nainital which offers recreational activities such as boating and bird watching. A wide variety of aquatic species thrive around Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, Nakuchiatal, Khurpatal, Sariyatal and Sukha Tal lakes.

Things to do in Nainital - Enrapture in the holiness and take blessings from Naina Devi and Hanuman Garhi. You can enjoy boating on the tranquil Naini Lake or merely sit by the lake side and absorb the beauty of the moment. Spot various animals at Govind Ballabh High Altitude Zoo or you can admire a panoramic view of the city from Aerial rope way. Visit Governors House built in 1899 which displays remarkable Victorian Gothic style architecture. Admire an enchanting view of the snow clad peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot from Snow View Point. Go on an excursion to Eco Cave Garden, Naina Peak/China Peak, Tiffin Top and have a shopping spree at The Flatts. Adventure lovers can carry forward a trek to Binayak and enhance their traveling experience.

Best Time to visit Nainital - The best time to visit Nainital is between March to June and September to October. In the month of May and June the town is flooded by tourists who come here to escape the scorching summers. The weather is pleasant in September and October which is ideal for planning a trip. The months of December and January are freezing in Nainital.

Note - Avoid visiting in monsoon season as the roads clog due to heavy down pour.

Suggestion - If you are planing to visit Naninital in peak months then you should/must book a hotel in advance as the reservations may be done to soon.

4 ) Rishikesh - Rishikesh idyllically situated on the foothills of the Himlalayas is also known as ''The Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas''. It is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is situated at a distance of 240.8 km from Delhi via NH 58. It is located in northern part of India which is outlined by three main districts namely Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and Haridwar. A large number of tourists from all over the world come to visit this place for spirituality, adventure, recreation, yoga and meditation. It is among the most pious cities of India which is visited by millions of Hindu devotees, who come here for spiritual quest. Rishikesh is a home to a number of saints, hermits and sages who can be seen meditating along the banks of holy river Ganges.

Things to do in Rishikesh - One of the lesser known fact about Rishikesh is apart from being a holy place and known as Yoga Capital of India; it also offers a wide variety of adventure activities. The roaring streams of river Ganges offers a rapturous delight to the adventure enthusiasts who enjoy white river rafting on the turbulent rapids of river Ganga. There are many things one can do in Rishikesh like visiting sacred shrines such as Neelkanth Mahadev, Bharat Mata Mandir, Tera Manzil Temple and Kunjapuri Temple. One can have a yoga retreat at the revered institutions and explore popular places of Rishikesh like Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Swargashram, Vashista Gufa, Rishikund and Parmarth Niketan. Enjoy camping on the silvery sand beaches of Shivpuri and do white river rafting at Kaudiyala Village. This village is located at a distance of 38 km from Rihsikesh. Have a wildlife experience in the wilderness of Rajaji National Park where you can go on an exciting jungle safari in an open jeep and spot various animals.

Travelers can also taste delectable local cuisines belonging to different cultures at Rishikesh. One can also experience night life at the exotic clubs and lounges of Rishikesh. Enjoy shopping spree at the local markets which showcase skillfully made handicraft items belonging to various cultures of Uttarakhand.

Best Time to visit Rishikesh - The best time to visit Rishikesh is between May and November, when the Yatra routes open up and trekking is also possible in the upper reaches. White river rafting is possible in the month of September to middle of December and then again from middle of February till April.

5) Mukteshwar - Mukteshwar is a beautiful hill station bejeweled like a crown in the Kumaun Hills of Uttarakhand. It is located at a distance of 340.6 km and is well connected by motorable roads. Mukteshwar is perched at an altitude of 2286 meters which makes it a chilly place to visit during winters. The hill station got its name from a 350 years old temple, Mukteshwar Dham whose residing deity is Lord Shiva. The top of the mountain cliff offers a breath taking view of the majestic Himalayan range. The hill station is rich in natural vegetation and it has fruits orchards that are laden with ripe apples, oranges, plums, peaches and berries.

Things to do in Mukteshwar - The travelers must visit the 350 years old Shiva Temple also known as Mukteshwar Dham which is located at a hill atop. It is the highest vantage point which offers a panoramic view of the hill station. Another famous place of Mukteshwar includes Chauli Ki Jhali which is a situated on a cliff behind Mukteshwar Temple. The travelers can pay regards at the Methodist Church which is situated near Chauli Ki Jhali. For the admirers of skillful architecture there is a PWD Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow which is opened for the visitors. Travelers can also visit The View of Himalayas which offers fascinating view of the majestic Himalayas. Another place to visit in vicinity of The View of Himalayas is The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Best time to visit Mukteshwar - You can visit this place throughout the year, as the hill station has a very pleasing temperature. During the summer season, from March to May the weather is suitable for sightseeing and the orchards are laden with juicy fruits.

Note - Avoid visiting Mukteshwar during monsoons. In July and September, Mukteshwar receives heavy rainfall hence travelling is not a good choice.

Suggestion - Winters months are cold with temperature varying between a maximum of 17°C and a minimum of 3°C. Mukteshwar receives heavy snowfall which leads to blockage of roads so plan accordingly.

6) Kausani - Kausani originally known as ''Valna'' is one of the best tourist destination to head in Uttarakhand. When Gandhiji visited Kausani he was deeply touched by the glorious beauty of this place and described it as ''Switzerland of India''. The hill station is perched at an altitude of 1890 meters and is a celebrated site for its exquisiteness and alluring views of the Himalayas. The magnificent landscape of Kausani allures a lot of tourists who visit this place to surrender in the benevolent hills. Kausani is situated at a distance of 457.8 km from the capital Delhi via NH 24. The hill station is surrounded by dense coniferous trees, silent valleys and bubbling creeks. The hill station offers spellbinding view of snow clad peaks and Himalayan birds singing songs in ecstasy. It is an ideal place to visit for the nature worshipers as they can expose their soul to the melodious chirping of the birds peeping from every nook and cranny.

Things to do in Kausani - There is a long list of things one can do in Kausani as the place is blessed with gratifying beauty. Feel perplexed at the sight of the divine Rudradhari Waterfall flowing in eternity. There are many hidden ancient caves near the waterfall which are are waiting to be explored. The place has a mythological story attached to it which dates back to era of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The travelers can visit the famous Lakshmi Ashram/Sarla Ashram and Anasakti Ashram also known as Gandhi Ashram which was built to pay tribute to Gandhiji. Other popular places of Kausani are Sumitranandan Pant Gallery and Kausani Tea Estate. With natural bounty the place also offers adventurous trekking on Pindari Glacier, Kafni Glacier and Sundar Dhunga Glacier. Travelers can engage in recreational activities such as bird watching, nature walk, jungle trekking and star gazing to enhance their traveling experience.

Best Time to visit Kausani - The best time to visit Kausani is from March to May as the weather is pleasant enough to go for sightseeing tour and outdoor activities. The winter season is the best time to explore the natural beauty of the place, the meadows, waterfalls and pine forests and take part in trekking. Summer months are delight some but the monsoons months which stretches from July to August are are not so pleasant.

Note - During monsoon season, Kausani receives medium rainfall. Hence, it is not an ideal time to visit the place as it becomes marshy.

7) Lansdowne - Lansdowne was known as the Britishers hill station, it was the place where Britishers resided before India's Independence. Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne who was the Viceroy of India during post Independence period. It is located about 263.5 km from Delhi via NH 119 and is easily accessible as it is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of India. Lansdowne is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. It is one of the quietest hill station which has been untouched by the modern civilization. Lansdowne is currently the command office of the famous Garhwal Rifles regiment of the Indian Army. The hill station is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests which appears to be charming like the sonnets of Shakespeare. The lush green environs of Lansdowne are a perfect hideaway for writers, poets, loners, solitude seekers and nature lovers. The awe inspiring beauty of this place will make you fall in love with it.

Things to do in Lansdowne - Since Lansdowne was the place where training sessions of the Garhwal rifles were carried on, therefore this place has some of the famous martyrs corner. The visitors can pay tribute to the lost souls of the war at The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial and Darban Singh Regimental Museum. Pay your regards at St. Mary's Church and St. John's Church. For relaxing amidst the gorgeous vista of lake you can visit Bhulla Tal. Bhulla refers to younger brother in Garhwali, the local dialect of people who belong to Garhwal. It is an artificial lake which has been dedicated to the youg army men of Garhwal Rifles who contribute their lives to serve their motherland. Other must visit places of Lansdwone are Tiffin Top, Bhim Pakora and Havaghar.

Best Time to visit Lansdowne - The best time to visit Lansdowne is during the summer months of March to June. The weather is suitable for carrying out outdoor activities like trekking, hiking and leisurely walks. If you are a nature lover then you must visit Lansdowne between September and November as after the rains Lansdowne is surrounded by greenery.

Note - The winter months between December and February are very cold which often witness heavy snowfall with chances of landslides. Therefore, avoid visiting during this period unless you are the adventurous type.

Suggestion - Since summer is also the peak season, it is advised to make reservations for your hotel well in advance. If you happen to visit between July and August then don't forget to carry your rain-gear as it pours heavily.