Uttarakhand Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, meaning ‘a part of the North’, is replete with the mesmeric splendor of the North. Its pine-scented slopes, floral valleys, beautiful environs, fresh air, and snow transform it into a destination for every season. Uttarakhand is loaded with plenty of beauty with diversity. Whatever your purpose – family holiday, honeymoon, adventure, or backpacking, Uttarakhand has everything you are looking for! Check out this Uttarakhand travel guide to plan your next vacation to get the best of everything.

About Uttarakhand

Located in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is called “Devbhoomi,” meaning “Land of the Gods.” It is one of India’s most gifted tourist destinations, carved out from northern Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India on 9th November 2000. Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most beautiful retreats in the sub-mountain regions of India, known for its spectacular surroundings. The town sprawls in the Doon Valley, on the watershed of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Uttarakhand is a famous pilgrimage site as it is home to the Char Dham – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. They are highly revered sites that bring a massive influx of devotees and tourists from all corners of the world. In addition, Rishikesh, Chopta, Nainital, Ranikhet, Mussoorie, Almora, Auli, Dehradun, and Mukteshwar are popular hill towns and cities in Uttarakhand offering various options for sightseeing and activities.

Apart from this, Uttarakhand’s steep slopes and towering peaks invite thousands of adventure enthusiasts from around the world to indulge in trekking, skiing, rock climbing, and more for an unforgettable holiday.

Key Information About Uttarakhand Tourism

Uttarakhand Travel Guide: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Why should you visit Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is a beautiful state and can be visited for various purposes – religious, spiritual, adventure, or recreation. You can visit the famous sacred Hindu temples such as Panch Kedar, Dhari Devi, and Tungnath Temple or opt for the famous Chardham. Visit its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers to witness the stunning flower species.

Pleasant weather, snow, adventure activities, scenic beauty, rolling valleys, and meandering rivers make Uttarakhand one of the most popular destinations in India. The state is home to an astounding confluence of five sacred rivers called Panch Prayag. This provides a scenic view when Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi and becomes Ganga.

What Makes Uttarakhand Tourism Wonderful

This excellent Uttarakhand tourism guide is designed to help you plan your trip to Uttarakhand and explore it almost like a local.

Where is Uttarakhand located?

Uttarakhand is located in the northern part of India. The state borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north, Uttar Pradesh to the south, the Sudurpaschim Pradesh of Nepal in the east, and Himachal Pradesh in the west and north-west.

How to Reach Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is well connected to the major states of India. You can easily reach Uttarakhand via flights, trains, and roads.

• By Flight: Uttarakhand has three airports, Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun Airport, Pantnagar Airport, and Naini Saini Airport. The majority of domestic flights around the country land at Jolly Grant Airport. The airport is located about 30 km away from the city center and can be easily accessed via local transport.

• By Train: More than 40 railway stations in Uttarakhand are well-connected to several major cities in India, such as Lucknow, Delhi, Kolkata, and Punjab. Haridwar Junction, Rudrapur, Tanakpur, Pantnagar, Kathgodam, Dehradun, Roorkee, and Lal Kuan are important railway stations in Uttarakhand.

• By Road: The state is well connected via national highways such as NH 108, NH 109, NH 119, NH 121, NH 123, and NH 72A. These highways unite Uttarakhand with other major states of India. UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) bus service plies within Uttarakhand and adjoining states of Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand

March to April and September to October are the best time to visit Uttarakhand. The favorable climate of Uttarakhand attracts tourists throughout the year and helps to enjoy several popular activities and sightseeing.

• Summer (March to June): Summer is considered the peak season that is enjoyed by adventure lovers as summer opens the gate for amazing, thrilling activities. Bhitauli, a famous festival of Uttarakhand, is celebrated during this time. The famous Char Dham yatra also begins in this season.

• Monsoon (July to September): Uttarakhand turns lush green in monsoon and is considered the best budget-friendly tour season for those who want to adore the beauty of Uttarakhand. Harela festival marks the beginning of the monsoon. During this festival, the people of Uttarakhand also celebrate the wedding of Lord Shiva to Parvati.

• Winters (October to February): Winter is the peak season in Uttarakhand. The pleasant weather of the state attracts honeymooners and young couples. Winter is a great season for families to enjoy a peaceful vacation. Winter has a misty atmosphere, chill winds, and beautiful landscapes. Uttarayani Fair is celebrated where masses take a dip in River Saruya. To know more about best time to travel to Uttarakhand.

Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

The abundant flora and fauna, beautiful hill stations, great wildlife sanctuaries, majestic peaks, tranquil lakes, holy rivers, and embracing culture are great attributes you experience in Uttarakhand. There are a lot of places to visit in Uttarakhand that include hill stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranikhet, Mussoorie, Almora, Dhanaulti, Munsiyari, Lansdowne, Kausani, and Lohaghat.

Things to do in Uttarakhand

Misty Himalayan peaks with unbeatable charm fascinate travelers from near and far. Uttarakhand offers limitless opportunities for exploration and adventure. 

Pilgrimage tours, wildlife exploration, adventure activities, Yoga, and Meditation – there is something for everyone. From its beautiful villages to adventure trekking trails, there are a lot of attractions in Uttarakhand for a captivating experience.

If you are looking for a peaceful vacation in India with ultimate adventure activities, nothing beats Uttarakhand. Along with its scenic surroundings, it is home to one of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites popularly known as Chardham. Adventure sports in Uttarakhand include treks, camps, nature, wildlife, shopping, eating, religious sites, and road trips.

Where to Stay in Uttarakhand

There are various best and unique places to stay in Uttarakhand. From silent valleys to bustling cities, you can find various hotels, resorts, ashrams, camps, guest houses, homestays, and tourist bungalows.

What to Eat in Uttarakhand

Uttrakhand treats you with different flavors and aromas from luxury restaurants to roadside vendors. The food habits change according to the seasons. So, if you visit in winter you will find Mathir and Til Laddus or Madua Rotis, and in summers Dubkas with Chholia Rotis. Savor the Garhwali and Kumaoni food on your Uttarakhand trip.

Festivals and Fairs in Uttarakhand

The Fairs and Festivals in Uttarakhand add color to the people’s lives. Some of the famous festivals are Butter Festival (Aug), Kumbh Mela (Jan to Apr), Kanwar Yatra (Jul), Nanda Devi Raj Jaat (Sept), Uttarayani Mela (Jan), Baithaki Holi (Dec/Jan), and Syalde Bikhauti Mela (Apr/May).

Is it safe to visit Uttarakhand?

Yes, it is completely safe for tourists to visit Uttarakhand. However, know about the places you wish to visit to avoid scams. Avoid people asking for donations in the name of religion. Before booking the hotels, read reviews about that hotel for a better holiday experience.

Experience in Uttarakhand

A land of unspoiled beauty, magnificent temples, plentiful wildlife, and numerous adventure sports are found in Uttarakhand. In the state, there are countless intriguing activities to do that will make your trip memorable. Uttarakhand offers various activities, including hiking along stunning routes, paragliding, riding on ropeways, and attending the renowned Ganga Aarti in Haridwar.

You can choose between quaint, eccentric hill hamlets and commercial tourist hill destinations for a holiday. The overall experience of Uttarakhand will leave you mesmerized, as the activities offered here are one of a kind.

How to save money on a Uttarakhand trip?

• Travel through local bus and train.
• Stay at budget places and eat in small restaurants.
• Avoid unnecessary shopping.
• Explore places on foot. It allows you to explore and save money at the same time.

Traveling Tips for Uttarakhand

• Be prepared for low signal areas meaning No GPS, no social media, and no online banking.
• There is not much development in some regions, so try to pay your bills through cash. Always be kind to people in Uttarakhand.
• They are ready to help you with directions and other stuff.
• Weather is unpredictable. So, always carry warm clothes with you.
• Avoid going out at night. Most areas do not have road lights, and you can get attacked by animals.
• Don’t accept anything, especially food from strangers, even if it is packed. It may be laced with drugs.
• If any important document gets stolen or lost, immediately inform local police stations. Your documents can be misused.
• Don’t wear revealing clothing, especially at pilgrimage sites.
• In smaller villages, people only speak local languages. Learn local phrases.
• Go with a registered tour guide, if needed. Local guides can charge you extra with inauthentic information.

Why choose Indian Holiday for your Uttarakhand vacation?

Introducing you to the most enticing Uttarakhand tour package, Indian Holiday immerses you in this city’s eclectic mix of cuisines, customs, and people. You can browse a wide range of tours offering comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides from the comfort of your couch.Our team of experts carefully curates and organizes Uttarakhand packages for you to have the best experiences in this hill station. While browsing the Uttarakhand holiday packages, you can occasionally avail of various unbeatable discounts to get a sweet deal on a booking.