Search Destination

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Best Visit Time

Best Time to Visit:

Summer:

Winter:

Monsoon:

Introduction
Uttarakhand is the Indian union's 26th state, formed from 14 hilly districts of former Uttar Pradesh. Due to the many sacred Hindu temples and towns found throughout the state, which are some of Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious locations, Uttarakhand is affectionately known as the Land of Gods - Dev Bhumi. 
 
The Char Dham Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage that includes the shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Uttarakhand tourism allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of its natural splendour, the grandness of its wild denizens, and the simplicity of its inhabitants. The area is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. The Beatles' visit in 1968 helped to popularise the varied and abundant state that is now a popular tourist destination. The much-anticipated Ganga Aarti – a spiritual gathering around the holy Ganges River – has drawn people from all over the world. Thousands of tourists visit the state's lush Jim Corbett National Park every day hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic Bengal Tiger.
 
You can visit Uttarakhand tourism at any time of the year because it is a year-round destination. Uttarakhand is not only a spiritual destination known as the Land of Gods, but it will also amuse you with a variety of active activities while you're there. There's nothing an adventurous person can miss in Uttarakhand's mountain areas, whether it's rock climbing, river rafting, trekking, or mountain biking.
 
A visit to these beautiful valleys is enough to elicit feelings of romance in those seeking love or spirituality in those seeking to be closer to God. Your visit to Uttarakhand will leave you fulfilled, as it is a mystery of myth and mountains. With every breath of fresh Himalayan air, you'll feel a rush like you've never felt before.
 
Traditions and Culture
Uttarakhand is a picture-perfect home with 13 districts divided into two areas, namely the Kumaon Region and the Garhwal District, with residents following the Garhwali and Kumaoni cultures. Various fairs and festivals held in the area reflect the religious and social-cultural desires of the people of Uttarakhand. These events have evolved into outstanding stages for a variety of events. The province of Uttarakhand excels in that it houses people who have a place with a few sub-groupings and ethnic gatherings all under one roof. In general, the state's citizens are united by their way of life, customs, and convictions.
 
River Ganga – the holiest of all rivers – is associated with a number of religious events. Every evening, aartis is performed on the banks of the Mother-River in Haridwar and Rishikesh, providing a memorial sight. Every twelve years, the Kumbh Mela takes place, attracting one of the world's largest gatherings of devotees. 
 
Hindus make up the majority of the population in Uttarakhand. The state, on the other hand, maintains a secular atmosphere with a sizable population of people who practise other faiths such as Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Christianity, among others. The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat and Kailash Mansarovar Yatras attract a large number of devotees. Sikh devotees visit the Hemkund Sahib and Nanakmatta Sahib shrines, while Muslims visit the Dargah at Piran Kaliyar Sharif.
 
Garhwal is populated by people from various cultural backgrounds and social classes. Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali, Bhotiya, and Jaunsari are the main languages spoken here. Typically grain and oat-based, with simple fixings and minimal spicing; in addition, ideal cooking methods are used to transform food into flavorful and nutritious dishes served with homemade pickles. Men's traditional attire includes a kurta and Pyjama or Churidar, as well as a Topi or a hat. When it comes to wearing a topi or cap, a man's age is significant. Married women wear Hansuli, a silvery necklace that adorns the spouse's neck and is accompanied by a guluband.
 
Animals, birds, and plants play an important role in forming Kumaoni culture and traditions. It is said to be the birthplace of PahariKalam, a famous style of painting all over the world. The Central Pahari languages are the name given to the group of languages spoken. Kumaon cuisine makes excellent use of local produce and combines a wide variety of unusual herbs and warm flavours such as fenugreek, coriander, and mustard. Mahila Holi, Khari Holi, and Baithki Holi are the three types of holi celebrated in Kumaon. People in the Kumaon area invite feminine Brahmins (ladies) to sing the song during auspicious activities such as weddings, childbirth, etc. Pagdis refers to men who dress in kurta pyjamas and don topis or turbans. The female wears Ghagras with a yellow Pichora and a short shirt named kameez. Married women are expected to wear a large Nath or nose ring that nearly covers the entire cheek, as well as silvery toe jewels with coloured sindoor.
 
Chanchari is a traditional dance in Uttarakhand. It is a folk dance from Uttarakhand that is popular in both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. In Kumaun division, Chanchari Folk-Dance is also known as "Jhoda-Dance." Dancers dance in a circle and place their hands around their waists. This dance, also known as chopali dance, is performed in the moonlight with a Hudka player in the middle and another Dancer dancing in a circle around him. In Uttarakhand, particularly in the Kumaon area, during weddings, the Choliya Dancers are invited for a delightful performance.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Uttarakhand:

Uttarakhand is regarded as the "Land of Gods" or "Devbhoomi." Uttarakhand is revered as a holy spot, from the spiritual Ganga Ghats in Haridwar to the snow-capped mountains of Auli. It is home to people of various ethnic groups, tribal cultures, and even refugees, giving it a diverse and vibrant community. Fairs and festivals in Uttarakhand continue to be a fascinating way of life; the people of the state celebrate both small and big achievements, always paying homage to nature's beauty and nurturing a bond of unconditional love between them. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is one of Uttarakhand's largest and most famous festivals. Despite the fact that it is technically a Mela or fair, it is a significant event for the citizens of this northern state. It is the largest gathering of pilgrims who bathe in the Ganga River to cleanse themselves of their sins. This 3-month-long festival takes place once every four years, rotating between Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik, i.e., only once every 12 years in any one venue.
  • Basant Panchami: The locals dress themselves up in yellow clothing, perform Chounphula and Jhumelia dances and fly kites. They worship Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and prosperity and the land. Sweet rice is made in almost every home.
  • Phool Dei: The lovely Phool Dei festival takes place in the middle of March, ushering in the spring season. This harvest festival is when young girls go from house to house singing folk songs and decorating each house's doorstep with colourful flowers in exchange for blessings of jiggery (gur) and rice. Since it is spring, the festival is centred on flowers, and it lasts for months. The festival represents prosperity and good wishes for all households, as well as a prosperous future for all.
  • Bhaitauli and Harela: Harela is a festival that celebrates the start of the rainy season, also known as monsoon. The Kumaon group celebrates this festival in the month of Shravana, which falls between July and August. This mythological case commemorates Lord Shiva and Parvati's wedding celebration. Small idols or dikars of gods such as Maheshwar and Ganesh are created. Another festival, Bhaitauli, is observed in the month of Chaitra, i.e., March-April. It focuses on farming, with ladies planting seeds in the soil and reaping the harvest, known as harela, at the end of the festival. This enables them to evaluate the quality of their seeds. During this festival, brothers often give their sisters gifts.
  • Ganga Dussehra: The festival of Ganga Dussehra is primarily observed in this state. Every year in June, during the scorching summers, the festival approaches. The festival is highly anticipated and the people participate in the festivities with a crazy amount of enthusiasm, which is a beautiful sight to see. It is dedicated to the holy river Ganga, which serves as the people's lifeline. The festival will last for a week to 10 days.
  • Magh Mela: The Magh Mela, one of the most famous fairs in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, is a religious fair that has gradually evolved into an important source of revenue through tourism. Dolis or palanquins carrying the deity are seen flocking to the Ramlila Ground where devotees take a dip in the river Ganga during the month of January (14th-21st January).
  • Nanda Devi Raj Jat: This three-week-long (22-day) festival honouring goddess Nanda Devi is held in both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, and people from all over India travel to attend. This yatra takes place once every 12 years in the Chamoli district, where a Yatra is taken from Kansuwa village in Karnaprayag to Roopkund, accompanied by a four-horned sheep. After performing a typical Yajna and decorating it with various ornaments and food, the sheep is set free. Every year, this raj Jat takes place in every Nanda Devi temple in Uttarakhand. 
  • International Yoga Festival: This annual festival is held in the first week of March and is co-organized by Uttarakhand Tourism and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
  • Holi: During the Holi festival, the entire state of Uttarakhand is bathed in bright Gulal colours. Others celebrate Holi as the triumph of good over evil, while Uttarakhand celebrates the arrival of spring. People also have their own versions of Holi, such as Mahila holi, Khadi holi, and baithaki h, which can be clearly observed during this period when folk music is in the air and people have their own versions of Holi including Mahila holi, Khadi holi, and baithaki Holi.
  • Diwali: In Uttarakhand, this festival lasts almost five days, encompassing Dhanteras, Anant Chaturdashi, Bhai Dooj, Govardhan, and others. People dress up in their best and brightest colours, dance and sing in their native tongues, and light fireworks. In Uttarakhand, there is also a tribe that celebrates Diwali a month after the plains' general Diwali dates.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Uttarakhand:

The Himalayan range's majestic presence necessitates a plethora of lovely hill stations with a diverse display of bugyals, valleys, lakes, caves, trees, and falls. Innumerable tourist destinations abound in Uttarakhand during the summer months.

  1. Dehradun- Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and a bustling city with beautiful views of the Mussoorie mountains. Dehradun is unquestionably one of Uttarakhand's most popular tourist destinations.
  2. Nainital- Nainital, Uttarakhand's crown jewel, is a charming hill station nestled in the green foothills of the Himalayan Kumaon ranges. Nainital is situated and built around the beautiful Naini Lake, after which the town is named, at an elevation of around 1938 metres.
  3. Jim Corbett- The park is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, with 600 species of birds, an equal number of mammals, and about 488 different types of plants and trees. Throughout the year, Jim Corbett organises safaris and hiking trails through the thick forest's buffer zones. One of the best things to do in Jim Corbett is to go on a safari trip.
  4. Rishikesh- Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges, India's holiest river. Lord Vishnu, Lord Bharat, and various prominent sages are all described in mythological and religious legends associated with this ancient city. Rishikesh's scenic beauty is enhanced by the mighty Ganges cutting right through the district, which is situated at the foothills of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas. The picturesque city appears to be suspended between beautiful riverside promenades, acres of trees, green mountains, and clear blue skies, giving it a surreal appearance.
  5. Haridwar- Spiritual seekers would thoroughly enjoy their visit to Haridwar. You can take a dip in the Holy Ganges at Har ki Pauri ghat. You can also go to one of the many ashrams in the region. The evening ghat aarti is not to be missed. Here you can find some of Uttarakhand's most famous temples.
  6. Kedarnath- Among all the Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath is the highest and most important. Kedarnath is a holy Hindu town in Uttarakhand, India, situated in the Rudraprayag district. It is famous for the Kedarnath Temple. Since ancient times, Kedarnath has been a pilgrimage site. It is located in the Himalayas and is one of the Char Dhams.
  7. Auli- This spectacular hill station in Uttarakhand provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and is a fascinating place to visit. This charming hamlet is also a fantastic honeymoon spot. This Himalayan ski resort and hill station, surrounded by coniferous and oak trees, is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand.
  8. Chakrata- Chakrata, a small and secluded hill town in Uttarakhand, is an ideal place to be quiet and enjoy the beauty of the hills; it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Chakrata is a peace lover's dream destination, with postcard-size homes, serene quaint hills, and birds chirping in the distance.
  9. Mussoorie- Mussoorie, also known as Queen of the Hills, is located at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level and has a calm, nice climate all year. It is surrounded by the Shivalik range of Himalayas and the Doon Valley. Mussoorie, once the British summer capital, is a popular honeymoon and family destination. The Mall (also known as the Mall Road) is a slightly steep boulevard with eateries and other shops lining its entire stretch and is one of Mussoorie's most prominent tourist attractions. The Ropeway to Gun Hill is another big Mussoorie attraction. Gun Hill is Mussoorie's second highest elevation. Landour, a nearby small hill station, is part of the greater Mussoorie, which also includes Mussoorie, Barlowganj, and Jharipani. Mussoorie entices trekkers, climbers, and adventure sports enthusiasts with a mind-blowing view of the snow-capped Himalayas.
  10. Nag Tibba- Serpent's Peak, also known as Nag Tibba, is the highest peak in the lesser Himalayan range. Since locals believe that the God of Snakes' abode protects their animals, villagers flock to this location to pray. This dramatic landscape will take you to a land of tranquillity and serenity, and it is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in summer. It is also a great place for camping, hiking and trekking.
  11. Badrinath- The Lord Vishnu-dedicated Badrinath Temple is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage Yatras and one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. According to Hindu legend, this is where God Vishnu sat in meditation. The temple, which stands at a height of 10,279 feet, is surrounded by the lofty snow-capped Himalayas and the Alaknanda River. Badrinath Temple's spiritual importance and purity earn it a high score.
  12. Valley of Flowers and Hemkunt Sahib- The Valley of Flowers is one of Uttarakhand's most beautiful destinations. The valley of flowers near Hemkund Sahib is a paradise for those who appreciate natural beauty. Aside from that, it's a fantastic location for hiking. Hemkund Sahib is a sacred site for the Sikh community and one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Cuisine
Uttarakhand is known for its distinct cuisine. Cooking food over charcoal or burning wood imparts this flavour. With signature dishes and street-food varieties, this fascinating cuisine of the land attracts all visitors.
 
The best dishes to try in Uttarakhand are mentioned below:
  • Kafuli: Kafuli is a popular Uttarakhand dish that everyone raves about. It is mainly made up of spinach and fenugreek leaves, which are also recommended by physicians. It's an exotic dish served with hot steaming rice and cooked in an iron kadhai. It's the most nutrient-dense and health-conscious dish you'll find in the state.
  • Bhaang ki Chutney: Hemp seeds, or bhaang, are a form of cannabis. Chutney made from the seeds of this cannabis plant is used in this cuisine. The flavour of the dish is tangy and herbal. To make the chutney, the seeds are roasted and ground with other spices and mint leaves.
  • Phaanu: Phaanu is a dish that is particularly common in Uttarakhand's Garhwal area. It's a little tricky to make because it's made by combining lentils of various varieties that have been soaked in water overnight. It's a soupy dish that's usually eaten with white rice. Phaanu's distinct flavour will certainly delight your taste buds!
  • Garhwal ka Fannah: This is Mussoorie's signature meal. It's made with a local lentil variety and a good dose of spices. The dish is served hot with roti or rice, and it's a staple at many wedding feasts. This is a Pahari dish that has been passed down over generations. The dish's main flavour comes from tomatoes and spices. This dish resembles the well-known dal makhani.
  • Singori: Singori, also known as Singodi / Singauri, is a common sweet dish in Uttarakhand made with Khoa, a thickened milk dairy product wrapped in a Maalu leaf. It's a sweet savoury cone that can be found in Almora, Uttarakhand's Kumaon district.
  • Jhangora ki Kheer: This is one of the region's many desserts. Jhangori is a sweet pudding made from millet, milk, and a large number of nuts. Local millets and kewra essence provide the flavour. You will find this pudding made of vermicelli, chawal (rice), sabudana, and other ingredients instead of millets.
 
FAQ’s

Uttarakhand is renowned for its grasslands, stunning temples, and the Himalayan Mountains' natural splendour.The Himalayas, holy rivers, spiritual sites, and picturesque landscapes are just some of Uttarakhand's attractions. Along with adventure sports, a wide variety of flora and wildlife, an intriguing past recorded in ancient stones, and the most humble of people, Uttarakhand is also well renowned for these things.

Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dharchula, and Pauri Garhwal are a few of your best options if you're travelling with family and friends and want a calm setting. For those seeking tranquillity and calm, Rishikesh is the perfect destination.

Uttarakhand is accessible throughout the year. The state's mountains and meadows are alive with wildflowers and lush carpets of green in the summer, and excursions are not difficult. In the summer, you may also go rafting and hot air ballooning. Enjoy the distinctive splendour of the Valley of Flowers from June through August. Expect gorgeous snowfall, toasty warm evenings, and snow adventures during the winter.  Snowfall is seen as an attraction on the numerous hill stations & various snow-based activities during the winter months of January, February, & March.

 

Yes, Uttarakhand is entirely safe for female travellers travelling alone, and the state's administration supports a secure and comfortable environment.
 

Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods) is the name given to Uttarakhand. So you may discover a temple close by wherever you are in Uttarakhand. Travel to the Shaktipeethas, Char Dham, Haridwar, and the Rishikesh Tour for a deeply spiritual experience. Chamoli is referred to as the "abode of gods" since it is home to a large number of respected, historic temples that are connected to Hindu mythology. Furthermore, Tungnath should not be overlooked because it is one of the highest shrines devoted to Lord Shiva.

One of the top vacation spots for those seeking adventure is Uttarakhand. The foothills of the Himalayas are blessed with wonderful treks, including Har-ki-Dun, Kedar-Kantha, and Chandrashila Tungnath Trek, to name a few. River Crossing, Water Zorbing, ATB Mountain Biking, Paragliding, Rappelling, and Rowing Boat are some of the adventure activities available in Nainital. The top adventure activities in Uttarakhand are Bungee Jumping, White Water Rafting, and Camping in Rishikesh; Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park; skiing in Auli; and Sky Walk and Sky Bridge in Mussoorie.

 

One of the top vacation spots for those seeking adventure is Uttarakhand. The foothills of the Himalayas are blessed with wonderful treks, including Har-ki-Dun, Kedar-Kantha, and Chandrashila Tungnath Trek, to name a few. River Crossing, Water Zorbing, ATB Mountain Biking, Paragliding, Rappelling, and Rowing Boat are some of the adventure activities available in Nainital. The top adventure activities in Uttarakhand are Bungee Jumping, White Water Rafting, and Camping in Rishikesh; Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park; skiing in Auli; and Sky Walk and Sky Bridge in Mussoorie.


 

It is difficult to single out a few "Must Visit" places in Uttarakhand because the state offers something for everyone. Haridwar, Rishikesh, the Rajaji and Corbett national parks, Nainital, Chamoli, Dehradun, and Mussoorie are a few notable places, though.


 

Aloo ke gutke, Kafuli, Phaanu, Baadi, and Chainsoo are a few of Uttarakhand's most well-known dishes that one should try.

Visit one (or more) of the state's national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves if you wish to witness wildlife and preserve those memories on camera. Jim Corbett, Nanda Devi, and Rajaji national parks stand out among them. Locations like Kausani, Mount Abbott, and Almora are perfect for those who love the outdoors. Pangot is a major attraction for bird watchers.
 

Yes, there is a strong likelihood of snowfall in December, particularly in areas like Auli, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Nainital, Mukteshwar, and Munsiyari. Some parts may be inaccessible for some duration due to heavy snowfall. It's better to do research or consult us before planning a tour.

The state of Uttarakhand is made up of a variety of places, including towns, villages, cities, and forests. While there are many ATMs (immediate cash facilities) in cities and towns, there are fewer in villages. Therefore, it is a good idea to withdraw a sizable sum of money as you travel by the cities.


 

It is enough time for the Uttarakhand holiday to last about a week. The packages range from 3 nights and 4 days to 19 nights and 20 days, but you can choose from a number of them.

 

Some of the coldest locations in Uttarakhand in June are Chopta, Auli, Hemkund Sahib, the Valley of Flowers, Kedarnath, and Harsil.

 

The majority of the roads in Uttarakhand are steep and subject to landslides, heavy rain, and snowfall. Keep current with road conditions by checking with the police and local authorities before you travel.

 

The state of Uttarakhand is well known for its handicrafts, Pashminas, woollen apparel, jams, pickles, honey, and indigenous wines.

 

In some circumstances, it may be possible to change your tour dates after you have confirmed the same, but doing so could result in extra charges.
 

Tour Itineraries