Uttarakhand

Popularly known as the ‘Devbhumi’ or ‘Land of the Gods’, Uttarakhand is a prominent pilgrimage destination blessed with abundant natural beauty. Home to the two sacred rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, the state offers breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan range.

Uttarakhand – The Land of the Gods

Popularly known as the ‘Devbhumi’ or ‘Land of the Gods’, Uttarakhand is a prominent pilgrimage destination blessed with abundant natural beauty. Home to the two sacred rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, the state offers breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan range. Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to visit the Char Dham shrines – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Apart from its spiritual importance, Uttarakhand is equally famous for its adventure tourism, wildlife, and serene hill stations, making it an ideal destination for every type of traveler.

Rishikesh

A small town in the Dehradun district, Rishikesh is known as the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. Considered one of the holiest destinations for Hindus, the town is dotted with ancient temples and ashrams. More famously, Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and is globally renowned as the place that inspired the Beatles. Apart from spirituality, Rishikesh is a hub for adventure enthusiasts offering activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and trekking.

Mussoorie

Popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Mussoorie is one of Uttarakhand’s most visited hill stations. Perched at about 7,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Shivalik range and the Doon Valley. Once the summer capital during British rule, Mussoorie still retains colonial charm visible in its old buildings, churches, and hotels. The famous Mall Road is a bustling hub for shopping, food, and evening strolls.

Haridwar

Located on the banks of the river Ganga, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism. Pilgrims flock here to take a dip at Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat, believed to wash away sins. The highlight of Haridwar is the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, performed every evening with hundreds of diyas floating in the river. Haridwar is also the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra and the Kumbh Mela, held here once every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees.

Dehradun

The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1,400 feet and serves as a gateway to nearby tourist attractions like Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Known as the ‘Educational Hub of Uttarakhand’, it houses some of India’s most renowned schools and institutions like Doon School, Forest Research Institute, and Indian Military Academy. The city offers natural attractions such as Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Mindrolling Monastery, making it perfect for both families and adventurers.

Nainital

Nestled in the Kumaon hills, Nainital is one of the most picturesque hill stations in North India. Famous for its pear-shaped Naini Lake, the town offers boating, yachting, and scenic walks along Mall Road. Nainital is also dotted with colonial-era buildings and churches that add to its charm. Nearby attractions include Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, and Nainital Zoo. It is an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi and Dehradun.

Char Dham

The Char Dham refers to the four sacred shrines – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri – located in the Garhwal region. These temples hold immense religious significance, and it is believed that every Hindu should visit them at least once in their lifetime.

Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at 11,755 ft near the Mandakini River.
Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges.
Gangotri – Source of the holy river Ganga.
Yamunotri – Source of river Yamuna and home to thermal springs.

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages in India, attracting devotees and adventure travelers from across the country.

Corbett National Park

For wildlife enthusiasts, Jim Corbett National Park offers a thrilling experience. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it is India’s oldest national park and was the first site where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. Spread across more than 500 sq km, the park is divided into zones like Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi for better tourism management. It is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, gharials, deer, and over 600 species of birds. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and canter rides for an unforgettable jungle experience.

Mouthwatering Meals of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand cuisine is defined for its rich taste filled with nourishing nutrients that keeps people warm in the mountains. The Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine are primarily a lot of lentils and pulses topped with a lot of ghee (Indian purified butter). The traditional dishes are made especially in wood and charcoal that help to preserve the nutritional value. Everything is made from local raw materials that simply add to the richness in its taste. Mostly the dishes are local and classic Indian recipes that are found in the North and you may primarily find vegetarian dishes in the region because there are many pilgrimage sites. These days some cities like Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital are now brimming with cafes and bakeries that serve continental food. Bhatt ki Churdkani, Arsa (a sweet dish), Kafuli (a preparation of local green leafy vegetables), Phannu, Badi, Rus (the development of many lentils), Gulgula (a sweet snack), Kandalee ka Saag, and Palau are some of the regional specialties. The best way to enjoy the cuisine of the region is to just wander around, find local restaurants and dive in. Even the hotels, hostels and homestays that you’ll be staying in make the best effort in servicing authentic local dishes.

Shopping at Uttarakhand

One of the most prominent states with tourists rushing in for the surreal mountain experiences, Uttarakhand has a lot to offer in terms of a shopping experience. Be it locally produced jams to traditional woolen materials, you’ll have plenty of options to pick the best one as a souvenir back home. As the region is flourishing in production of apples, strawberries amidst other fruits, there are many local stores where you can purchase jams and pickles. You can also try out the local, wine, apple cider found in every local market. There are many local vendors that sell specially curated wines and ciders that are unique to this region. Being in the mountain region you’ll find local traditional woolen wear that is often handmade. It’ll surely brighten your wardrobe back home.

In Haridwar you can go to Har Ki Pauri for all the locally produced utensils and jewellery. While in Dehradun try the local markets and malls for the best shopping experience. You will find a long queue of shops at Mall Road and Bada Bazaar in Nainital offering everything from fine-looking scarves, stylish bags, and warm clothes. Almora is known for its jewellery, pashmina shawls, Angora cloth and precious stones easily found in the local markets. Similarly at Mussoorie the Mall Road has numerous options to indulge the shopper in you. With so many options, don’t miss out on shopping in the mountains.