Discover Uttarakhand’s charm with 6 stunning places. From Mussoorie’s hills to Rishikesh’s spirituality, explore nature, history, and adventure. Perfect escapes, easily reachable by car, train, or bus.
Uttarakhand, a state nestled in the Himalayas, is renowned for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance. Below is a detailed guide to six standout destinations—Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, Rishikesh, Almora, and Bageshwar—offering a mix of natural splendor, historical depth, and cultural richness for a memorable trip
Uttarakhand Travel: Here Are The 6 Places
1. Mussoorie
Mussoorie, located at 2,000 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a charming hill station known for its colonial architecture, scenic hills, and panoramic views of the Doon Valley and snow-capped peaks. Established as a British summer retreat in the 1820s, it features landmarks like the Gun Hill cable car and colonial-era churches. The town’s bustling Mall Road is lined with shops selling local woolens and sweets, while nearby waterfalls like Kempty Falls add to its natural allure, making it a favorite for tourists seeking a blend of history and nature.
How to Reach from Nearby Hub: Approximately 290 km from Delhi or 33 km from Dehradun; reachable by car via NH-7 (6-7 hours from Delhi, 1 hour from Dehradun) or by train to Dehradun, then a 1-hour drive. Buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Mussoorie take about 7-8 hours; from Dehradun ISBT, autos to Mussoorie cost ₹200-300.
Nearest Attractions: Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, Lal Tibba, Jharipani Falls, Company Garden.
Best Time to Visit: March to June for pleasant weather; October to February for snow views.
Recommended For: Families, nature lovers, history enthusiasts.
2. Nainital
Nainital is a must picked point in your Uttarakhand travel , situated at 2,084 meters above sea level, is a picturesque hill station centered around the emerald-green Naini Lake, surrounded by lush hills and colonial bungalows. Founded by the British in 1841 as a summer retreat, it features the Naina Devi Temple on the lake’s northern shore and the historic St. John’s Church. The town’s boating activity and views from Tiffin Top make it a popular getaway, while its cool climate and terraced landscapes attract visitors year-round, offering a mix of natural beauty and colonial heritage.
How to Reach from Nearby Hub: Approximately 300 km from Delhi or 65 km from Kathgodam; reachable by car via NH-9 (6-7 hours from Delhi, 2 hours from Kathgodam) or by train to Kathgodam, then a 2-hour drive. Buses from Delhi ISBT to Nainital take about 7-8 hours; from Kathgodam station, autos cost ₹150-250.
Nearest Attractions: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Eco Cave Gardens.
Best Time to Visit: March to June for clear skies; October to February for a cool retreat.
Recommended For: Families, couples, nature enthusiasts.
3. Auli
Auli, perched at 2,800-3,050 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a premier ski destination known for its snow-covered slopes and breathtaking views of peaks like Nanda Devi. Developed as a skiing hub in the 1980s by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, it features artificial lakes and dense oak and pine forests, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Its proximity to the Badrinath temple route adds a spiritual dimension, while summer treks to Gorson Bugyal offer vibrant meadows and panoramic vistas.
How to Reach from Nearby Hub: Approximately 260 km from Delhi or 16 km from Joshimath; reachable by car via NH-7 (8-9 hours from Delhi, 1 hour from Joshimath) or by train to Rishikesh, then a 7-8 hour drive. Buses from Delhi ISBT to Joshimath take about 10-11 hours; from Joshimath, autos to Auli cost ₹200-400.
Nearest Attractions: Auli Ski Resort, Gorson Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Nanda Devi National Park.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for skiing; April to June for trekking.
Recommended For: Adventure seekers, winter sports enthusiasts.
You may also like – Amazing 12 Trekking Routes in India
4. Rishikesh
Rishikesh should be a prominent part of your Uttarakhand travel, located along the Ganges River, is a spiritual hub known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” attracting pilgrims and adventurers alike. With roots tracing back to ancient Hindu scriptures, it gained global fame in the 1960s when The Beatles visited to study meditation. The town features iconic suspension bridges like Laxman Jhula, numerous ashrams, and the Triveni Ghat for evening aartis, while its rapids make it a top spot for white-water rafting, blending spirituality with adventure.
How to Reach from Nearby Hub: Approximately 230 km from Delhi or 25 km from Haridwar; reachable by car via NH-7 (5-6 hours from Delhi, 1 hour from Haridwar) or by train to Haridwar, then a 1-hour drive. Buses from Delhi ISBT to Rishikesh take about 6-7 hours; from Haridwar station, autos cost ₹100-200.
Nearest Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Neer Garh Waterfall.
Best Time to Visit: September to November; March to May for pleasant weather.
Recommended For: Spiritual seekers, adventure enthusiasts.
5.Almora
Almora, situated at 1,638 meters above sea level in the Kumaon Himalayas, is a historic hill station known for its crescent-shaped ridge and traditional architecture. Established as the summer capital of the Chand dynasty in the 16th century, it features old temples like Nanda Devi and Katarmal Sun Temple, surrounded by pine and oak forests. The town’s bustling markets sell handmade crafts, and its views of the Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks make it a peaceful retreat, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty. If you are seeking a quiet, cultural, and spiritual retreat, Almora should be included in your Uttarakhand travel.
How to Reach from Nearby Hub: Approximately 360 km from Delhi or 65 km from Kathgodam; reachable by car via NH-87 (7-8 hours from Delhi, 2 hours from Kathgodam) or by train to Kathgodam, then a 2-hour drive. Buses from Delhi ISBT to Almora take about 9-10 hours; from Kathgodam station, autos cost ₹200-300.
Nearest Attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jageshwar Temples.
Best Time to Visit: March to June for clear views; October to February for a cool climate.
Recommended For: History buffs, nature lovers, families.
6. Bageshwar
Bageshwar, located at 1,004 meters above sea level in the Kumaon region, is a spiritual and scenic spot at the confluence of the Gomti and Sarayu rivers. Known for the Bagnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the 7th century by the Katyuri kings, it draws pilgrims during the Uttarayani Fair. The surrounding Himalayan foothills, terraced fields, and views of peaks like Trishul and Nanda Kot offer a serene backdrop, while its proximity to trekking routes like Pindari Glacier adds an adventurous edge to this cultural haven and it can be an ultimate tourist place in your Uttarakhand travel.
How to Reach from Nearby Hub: Approximately 430 km from Delhi or 90 km from Almora; reachable by car via NH-87 (9-10 hours from Delhi, 3 hours from Almora) or by train to Kathgodam, then a 4-hour drive. Buses from Delhi ISBT to Bageshwar take about 11-12 hours; from Almora bus stand, autos cost ₹300-500.
Nearest Attractions: Bagnath Temple, Baijnath Temple, Pindari Glacier, Sunderdhunga Glacier.
Best Time to Visit: April to June for pleasant weather; September to November for clear views.
Recommended For: Pilgrims, trekkers, nature enthusiasts.
Conclusion
These six destinations in Uttarakhand—Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, Rishikesh, Almora, and Bageshwar—offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual depth, making them ideal for one-day escapes. Easily accessible from Delhi or nearby towns by car, train, or bus, they cater to a range of interests. For more travel inspiration like this Uttarakhand travel guide, we humbly invite you to explore with Travelseek.
Best places to visit in Uttarakhand, Source Youtube – https://youtu.be/jw5RxjyoVEc?si=v7TEpC4InEJRGAsQ
