If you're planning a holiday in Uttarakhand, you definitely need to visit its hill stations. Uttarakhand is full of scenic landscapes, and the panoramic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains can be seen from almost every hill station. These hill stations are places of immense natural beauty. Sacred rivers, dense deodar forests, mystic valleys, green pastures, nomadic villages, and historical temples can be found in nearly every hill station in Uttarakhand. Additionally, there is a touch of colonial architecture in the British-era buildings and monuments.
There are more than forty hill stations in Uttarakhand, but here we have covered the most popular ones. While making your Uttarakhand travel itinerary, make sure to include these top 10 Uttarakhand hill stations.
# MussoorieNature has endowed Mussoorie with the most amazing natural landscapes. Scenic points like Lal Tibba and Gun Hill Point offer spectacular views of Himalayan peaks. Kempty Falls and Jharipani Falls are the top tourist destinations in Mussoorie. You can do boating in Mussoorie Lake, and shop for handicrafts in Tibetan Market or Mall Road. Company Garden and Lake Mist are other scenic tourist spots in Mussoorie. You can do horse riding on Camel’s Back Road in Mussoorie. Rare Himalayan wildlife such as blue magpie, quails, and other species can be found in Benog Wildlife Sanctuary in Mussoorie.
# Nainital
Nainital is famous for being one of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand. It has innumerable lakes like Sattal, Bhimtal, Khurpa Tal, etc. Naini Lake is among the Top Tourist Attractions in Nainital. You can marvel at the British architecture of Raj Bhawan and Gurney House. The scenic views from Tiffin Top or Snow View Point are spellbinding. Naina Devi Temple and Hanuman Garhi are some holy places of worship in Nainital.
# AuliAuli is famous as one of the top skiing destinations in India. Take an aerial ride in the Auli Ropeway in Auli. Auli has some of the best alpine lakes like Chattrakund. The views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and other Himalayan peaks from Auli are breathtakingly beautiful. There are meadows like Kwani Bugyal and Gurso Bugyal. Auli is the gateway to sacred pilgrimages places like Joshimath, Vishnuprayag, and Rudraprayag. Auli is also the gateway to Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, and Nanda Devi National Park.
# HarsilHarsil is famous for being the closest helipad to visit Gangotri. But Harsil is also worth some sightseeing in places like Wilson Cottage and Sattal. Harsil gives you amazing views of the Bhagirathi River flowing through the dense valleys. There are tiny Garhwali villages like Dharali, Gangnani, and Mukhwas Village where you can visit apple orchards and thermal hot springs. Harsil is also best for going on treks to Dayara Bugyal, Gangotri Glacier, Kedar Tal, etc.
# DhanaultiLocated close to Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is a charming hill station in Uttarakhand. Deogarh Fort is a top attraction here. You can see spectacular views of Himalayan peaks from Eco Park and also take part in several adventurous activities like ziplining, rock climbing, etc. Dhanaulti has several potato farms and apple orchards where you can see for yourself how they are cultivated. Dashavatar Temple and Surkanda Devi Temple are other sightseeing spots in Dhanaulti.
# ChoptaChopta is emerging as the most beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand. It is a winter travel destination that is often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’. Tourists are getting to know of beautiful places in Chopta like Chandrashila, which offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks. Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple is in Chopta. Ukhimath and Madhyamaheshwar Mandir are some popular temples in Chopta. Camping in Rohini Bugyal or Deoria Tal offers solitude and tranquillity to the soul.
# MunsiyariThe quaint hill station of Munsiyari is very close to Nepal and Tibet borders. Birthi Falls is the top tourist attraction of Munsiyari. This cascading water of this fall can be seen from a long distance. Khaliya Top and Kalamuni Top in Munsiyari offer the most beautiful views of Nanda Devi and Panchchuli Peaks. You can visit tiny villages like Barkot and Madkot and buy some Garhwali souvenirs. Lakes in Munsiyari like Maheshwari Kund and Thamri Kund are picturesque locations.
# New TehriNew Tehri is a famous hill station in Uttarakhand near Tehri Dam. The dam is built on the Bhagirathi River. The beautiful Tehri reservoir offers so many activities such as boating and water skiing. There are spiritual centers like Sem Mukhem Temple, Chandrabadni Temple in New Tehri. Budha Kedar is a centuries-old Shiva temple. Trekkers can go trekking to Nag Tibba and many other places from New Tehri. Gautam Rishi Ashram is full of divine peace and solitude.
# LansdowneLansdowne was developed by the British and there are many colonial-era buildings here like St John’s Church and St Mary Church. Bhulla Lake and Tip n Top are the top tourist attractions in Lansdowne. Places like Garhwali Mess, Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum are places to find out more about the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. You can go for activities like bird watching, boating and nature walks when you visit Lansdowne. There are many temples here like Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Bhim Pakora is a unique rock structure to visit in Lansdowne.
# PithoragarhPithoragarh is one of those Uttarakhand hill stations which offer magnificent views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli peaks. Tourists who are going for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra stop on the route, in Pithoragarh on their journey. Pithoragarh Fort is the top attraction of Pithoragarh. There are many temples like Arjuneshwar Temple, Nakuleshwar Temple, and others in Pithoragarh. Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary in Pithoragarh is the best place to spot wildlife like musk deer, brown bear, leopard, etc.