Uttarakhand, a state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, is known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit. The city also hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering on the sacred Ganges River. Haridwar hosts the Kumbha Mela every twelve years and draws millions of pilgrims. The state's forested Jim Corbett National Park shelters Bengal tigers and other native wildlife. There are many ancient temples, pilgrimage sites like Chota Char Dham, shrines, forest reserves, national parks, hill stations, and mountain peaks with 44 nationally protected monuments that draw large number of tourists, both spiritual and adventure oriented, to the state. Called the “Land of the Gods’, pilgrims have been visiting the region in the hopes of salvation and purification from sin.

Nainital is a Himalayan resort town in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand state, at an elevation of roughly 2,000m. Formerly a British hill station, it’s set around Nainital Lake, a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore. A cable car runs to Snow View observation point (at 2,270m), with vistas over the town and mountains including Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand’s highest peak.

Bhimtal is one of the most serene places to visit near Nainital. It was named after the legendary Bhima of Maharashtra. The lake is beautifully centred amidst green mountains and a small island at its centre. Bhimtal offers splendid views of nature.

One of the most revered hill stations in north India, Ranikhet is a Cantonment town in Almora district of Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of 1829 m above sea level, this wonderful getaway presents panoramic views of the Himalaya. Rolling green hills are dotted with tall coniferous trees and a significant number of wildlife resides on this hills. Apart from a military museum, this popular tourist spot presents trails for peaceful walks, views of snowcapped hills, and encourages you to arrange a small get together on its breathtaking picnic spots.

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National Park.

Places to visit in Uttarakhand

Nainital Bhimtal Almora Ranikhet Jim Corbett National Park