Uttarakhand Tourism

Uttarakhand's unique location makes it a highland haven for India's distinct and diverse wildlife. Amidst the mountains and valleys, you can encounter numerous rare species of animals by embarking on a wildlife tourism adventure in Uttarakhand. This Himalayan state itself boasts ample wildlife territory, with approximately 12% of Uttarakhand designated as reserved forest area. Within this region, there are 7 wildlife sanctuaries, 6 national parks, and several conservation areas and biosphere reserves. Uttarakhand is home to more than 3,000 species of animals, over 500 species of birds, and a myriad of rare flora species making wildlife tourism a top thing to do in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand is one of the top states with the highest tiger population. During a wildlife tour of Uttarakhand, you can witness the rare spectacle of the Royal Bengal tiger, but that's not all; there are many more exotic animals and creatures that contribute to the state's wildlife diversity. Leopards, black bears, other jungle cats, Asian elephants, elk, rhesus macaques, langurs, green otters, porcupines, Himalayan bears, wild goats, wolves, barking deer, pythons, and many more can be found in the slopes and high terrain that serve as fertile habitats for the rich wildlife in the forests spread across all corners of Uttarakhand.

Jim Corbett National Park showcases the dynamic beauty of the state along its forest boundaries. Dense forests and open meadows are home to the highest number of Bengal tigers in a single forest in India. Jim Corbett National Park is a popular wildlife destination in Uttarakhand and a major destination for jungle safaris in India, offering exotic landscapes, adventurous experiences, and a rich variety of fauna and avifauna, making it the ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers is another natural oasis in the state, spreading over an 85 sq km area in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This vibrant paradise is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is blessed with a plethora of rare and magnificent flowering species in abundance. It features over 600 species of flowers, with the most famous ones being the Brahma Kamal, daisies, poppies, marigolds, and various genera of orchids. Among the top visiting places in Uttarakhand, this site is a fabulous hiking destination with an abundance of heartwarming and overwhelming sights, making it one of the prominent wildlife gems of Uttarakhand.

For nature enthusiasts, Uttarakhand offers several other wildlife locations, including Rajaji National Park, which serves as the migratory ground for Asian elephants from Jim Corbett. Nanda Devi National Park is a biosphere reserve located amidst the Great Himalayan mountains and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, there's Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

Uttarakhand is often referred to as "Devbhumi," which translates to the "Land of the Gods" and is home to countless holy places including highly revered temples, ashrams, and spiritual destinations. Uttarakhand is therefore a popular destination for those seeking spiritual solace and divine connection.

The most significant part of the spiritual journey in Uttarakhand is the Chota Char Dham tour which includes an accompanied visit to four pilgrimage places in a circuit. These include the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The journey of this pilgrimage circuit starts from the Yamunotri, dedicated to the Yamuna River and follows the Gangotri, which is the source of the most sacred river in India - Ganga. Kedarnath is the third destination for the people on the spiritual journey of char dham in Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of over 3,500 meters, reaching Kedarnath is an arduous but highly suspicious journey in itself. The Kedarnath temple is of high significance in the Hindu religion. Also, the trek through the stunning Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, adds to the spiritual and natural experience. The fourth and last pilgrimage of the Chota Char Dham is the Badrinath Temple, situated in Badrinath town in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. These four revered destinations stand in the list of best places to visit in Uttarakhand for religious enlightenment.

Another Key pilgrimage in the state of Uttarakhand which people visit collectively is the Panch Kedar. Panch Kedar is the group of five holy temples dedicated to Lord Shiva forming another significant pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. The five temples include Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar, each situated in the pristine Himalayan landscape. Due to the landscapic views from the treks of the panch kedar these have become popular destinations in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand is not just about temples and shrines; it is also home to numerous ashrams and spiritual retreats. Many seekers come here to learn from spiritual gurus, practice meditation, and deepen their understanding of yoga and philosophy. Rishikesh, also known as the world's yoga capital is the perfect place to spend time diving deep within yourself and in spirituality.

While Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand has some of the most revered temples like Kedarnath Dham, Tunganath Mandir, and Madmaheshwar, it has many other significant religious tourism sites including Kalimath, Triyuginaryan, Omkareshwar, and Kartik Swami Temple.

Kainchi Dham is an auspicious temple dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Shiva, Hanuman. It is among the most well-known temples worldwide and was once specially visited by Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerburg.

The serene town of Hemkund Sahib is also a significant pilgrimage destination for Sikhs. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, located amidst the Himalayas, is a site of deep religious importance and is surrounded by a stunning lake.

Uttrakhand is among the top destinations for all adrenaline buffs looking for a location offering a wide range of activities to be involved in. The long list of Uttarakhand's possible adventure options is never-ending, but most of them which one should not miss by any chance include Trekking, River Rafting, Mountaineering, Wildlife safaris, Paragliding, skiing, Hiking, Zip-lining, Zorbing, Rock Climbing, Boating, Kayaking, Cable car rides, Cliff Jumping, and Bunjee Jumping. This treasure trove of adventure activities has a varied terrain that ranges from lush forests to towering snow-capped peaks. The top adventure destinations in Uttarakhand include Rishikesh, Haridwar, Chopta, Auli, and Many others.

Rishikesh and Haridwar, situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River, are famous for their white-water rafting experiences. The river's turbulent waters provide an exhilarating challenge for rafting enthusiasts, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experts. Another prominent adventure activity in Uttarakhand is trekking. As the state boasts a network of trekking trails that meander through dense forests, serene meadows, and high-altitude landscapes, it is among the top things to do in Uttarakhand. The most renowned trek, the Valley of Flowers trek, is a pleasant trekking sight that offers magnificent views of beautiful meadows covered with flowers and different shades. The Kuari Pass, Chopta-Chanrashila, Kedarkantha, Kalinidi Pass, Kedarnath and Roopkund treks also offer stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks and glacial lakes.

For those seeking a more daring adventure, Uttarakhand offers opportunities for mountaineering. The Garhwal and Kumaon regions are home to numerous peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Trisul. Aspiring mountaineers can test their skills and endurance on these formidable summits.

For adventure buffs in love with nature, the state's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries provide an opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to engage in safaris. The Jim Corbett National Park, in particular, is a haven for wildlife lovers, offering a chance to spot the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and many other rare Animals and Bird species in their natural habitat. While Paragliding is a popular adventure sport with locations like Billing and Bedni Bugyal attracting paragliders from around the world, Skiing draws adventure enthusiasts to Uttarakhand during the winter months in Auli. Tourists love the Camping, choosing it as a great way to immerse oneself in the pristine surroundings One can't overlook the spiritual aspect of Uttarakhand, with the Char Dham Yatra being a pilgrimage of utmost significance. The journey to the holy temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath combines spirituality with the challenge of high-altitude trekking.

Covered by longing mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is blessed with a number of beautiful destinations with the perfect balance of nature and comfortability. The difference in the altitude throughout the state provides high and low ground which makes them preferred for different activities. Some destinations are ideal for spiritual journeys others are ideal for adventure, some perfect for trekking others for peace and serenity, some locations are the abode of prominent pilgrimage sites others are destinations for landscape views; All different hill stations have their distinct features defining them.

One of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand is Nainital. Set around the stunning Naini Lake, it offers a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by lush forests and the majestic Himalayan ranges. Boating in Naini Lake is a favourite pastime, and a visit to Naina Devi Temple adds a spiritual touch to the experience. Explore the markets as they are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand for keepsakes and artefacts. The Mall Road, with its shops and eateries, is a perfect marketplace for a leisurely stroll. Mussoorie, often called the "Queen of Hill Stations," is another gem in Uttarakhand. The town's colonial-era charm is reflected in its architecture and the famous Camel's Back Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Kempty Falls and Gun Hill are popular tourist spots, and a cable car ride to Gun Hill provides a mesmerizing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Rishikesh and Haridwar, the gateway to this Himalayan state have their significance due to their spiritual prominence and adventure sports opportunities.

Auli, situated in the Garhwal region, hides from the common eye and comes out as a splendid location for nature lovers. This hill station has the Auli Artificial Lake, a hub for skiing and other winter sports. In the proximity, the Valley of Flowers comes as a complimentary experience to the hill station. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautiful meadows covered with rainbowed colour.

Another fascinating destination is Ranikhet, known for its lush green golf courses, orchards, and the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, which showcases the history and achievements of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army.

For those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature, Munsiyari is the answer. It's a gateway to the Johar Valley and offers mesmerizing views of the Panchchuli peaks. This quaint town is a trekker's paradise and a place to rejuvenate in the lap of nature.