Today is Uttarakhand’s foundation day. So what better time than now to list out the ten places you must visit in one of India’s youngest states?
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Uttarakhand turns 15 today. Often called Devbhumi (or the land of the gods), Uttarakhand is home to several Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers. The Chota Char Dham pilgrimage is the crown jewel of Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage tourism map. However, Uttarakhand has a lot more to offer to its visitors than religion. From stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayas to exciting safaris at the Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand has something for everyone. So where should you be heading to? We draw up our 10 favorite places in Uttarakhand.
1. Ranikhet
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One of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is about 90 km from Jim Corbett National Park. With an amazing view of the Himalayas, the town has pleasant climate almost through the year. While traveling to Ranikhet, try taking the route from Bhimtal that offers more scenic views than the route from Nainital. The Chaubatia Garden filled with fruit orchards is one of the most popular tourist spots in the town.
Places to visit: Chaubatia Garden, Kumaon Regimental Museum, Bhula Dam
2. Yamunotri
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One of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage spots sacred to Hindus, along with Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gangotri, Yamunotri is famous for its thermal springs and glaciers. Home of Goddess Yamuna, the most popular temple in the region is dedicated to her. While the temple remains closed from the day after Diwali until April/May, the idol of Yamuna that lies inside it can be seen in the village of Kharsali. Pilgrims believe that performing a cleansing ritual in her name guarantees them a painless death.
Places to visit: Hanuman Chatti, Yamunotri temple, Janki Chatti
3. Valley of Flowers
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Spread over 87 sq km of alpine shrubs, meadows, streams and snow-covered mountains, the Valley of Flowers National Park is known for its magical natural beauty. Included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in 2005, the valley is also believed to be the place from where Hanuman brought the magical herb that revived Lakshmana in the battle against Ravana. The valley has over 650 species of flowers and though the peak season is far from over, a trek to the Valley of Flowers isn’t altogether a bad idea.
Places to visit: Govindghat, Joshimath, Trekking in Valley of Flowers, Mana
4. Ukhimath
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Offering panoramic views of the Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks, the hill town of Ukhimath is the perfect escape for people looking forward to time away from the chaos and pollution of city life. A famous pilgrimage center, the town is filled with temples dedicated to Usha, Shiva, Parvati, Aniruddha and Mandhata. Mainly inhabited by the priests of Kedarnath temple, the pleasant weather and the pristine air also make it the perfect hill station for tourists.
Places to visit: Gaurikund, Chopta, Kedarnath temple, Madhameshwar
5. Gangotri
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About 300 km from Dehradun and very close to the Indo-Tibetan border is Gangotri. Home to Goddess Ganga and the origin of the Ganga river, Gangotri is one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites (the other three being Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri). Gangotri is also home to the eponymous 300-year-old temple. The river symbolizes purity and it is believed that a dip in the river cleanses one’s sins.
Places to visit: Harsil, Gangorti temple, Gaumukh
6. Rajaji National Park
Photograph Courtesy: Parth Joshi/ Creative Commons
Rajaji National Park was formed when in 1983 three sanctuaries — Rajaji, Chila and Motichur — were merged into one. About 9 km from Haridwar and 6 km from Rishikesh, the park sees several tourists who are traveling to the two neighboring towns. While 315 species of birds and 23 species of animals can be seen in the park, Rajaji National Park is also home to a large number of rare species of fish. Between November and March, the park also sees many migratory birds travel to the area, adding to the beauty of the park. Rajaji National Park offers elephant as well as jeep safaris.
7. Jim Corbett National Park
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Accessible from Delhi, Nainital, Agra and Lucknow, Jim Corbett National Park sees tourists throughout the year. While sloth bears, elephants, deer, peacocks and several other animals are easily spotted in the park, the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is still the most sought-after sight of the region. With both evening and morning safaris, the park gives you several opportunities to spot the animals you are looking for. Shut during the monsoons and too hot to handle during the summer, October to February is the perfect time to visit the park.
8. Kedarnath
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One of the four major sites on the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage (the other three being Yamunotri, Badrinath and Gangotri), the Shiva temple in the town of Kedarnath is one of the most popular pilgrim spots in Uttarakhand. The most remote of the four Chota Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and is covered by snow for six months of the year. While getting to the temple requires a difficult trek, it is one that several faithful take each year.
Places to visit: Kedarnath temple, Vasuki Tal, Bhairav Nath temple
9. Haridwar
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One of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela, the other three being Allahabad, Nashik and Ujjain, Haridwar is one of the seven holy destinations in India and hosts the religious gathering once every 12 years. Literally translating to ‘Gateway of the Gods’, Haridwar serves as an entry point for all the Chota Char Dham pilgrimages.
Places to visit: Mansa Devi Mandir, Birla Ghat, Har ki Pauri
10. Dehradun
Nestled between the Himalayas to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, Dehradun offers the some of the most spectacular views in north India. Situated in the Doon valley and surrounded by the two of the most important rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, the town is the epicenter for tourism in the state. The beautiful waters of the Yamuna river and the picturesque views of the Himalayan mountains make the town perfect for picnics and relaxing vacations.
Places to visit: Robber’s Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, Tiger Falls
So plan your trip to Uttarakhand before the cold winters don’t allow you to travel there anymore.
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