Nainital
Nainital is a Himalayan resort town in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand state, at an elevation of roughly 2,000m. Formerly a British hill station, it’s set around Nainital Lake, a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore. A cable car runs to Snow View observation point (at 2,270m), with vistas over the town and mountains including Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand’s highest peak.
Naini Lake
Naini Lake (short for Nainital Lake) is a beautiful natural fresh body lake. The lake is in crescent or kidney shape and is one of the most famous lakes of the Kumaon region. Bounded by Naini Peak on North West, Tiffin Point on the South West and snow-capped peaks on the north, the Nainital Lake offers a breathtaking view, especially during early morning and sunset. The mesmerising lake is most famous for its wonderful scenic beauty which is a hotspot for family picnics. Boating, long evening walks and endearing interactions with ducks are some of the things that are a must do whilst visiting this glittering lake. You can also seek the blessings of Goddess Naina Devi at the Naina Devi temple which is also situated near the Naini Lake.
Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple is a holy site that is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. This temple is one of the most renowned places of Hindu worship all over the country. Dedicated to Devi Sati’s eyes, devotees from all parts of India flock to this region in huge numbers all year round.
Eco Cave Gardens
Famous for its interconnected rocky caves, hanging gardens and the musical fountain, the Eco Garden are a set of six small caves in the shape of various animals. Located in the Mallital area of Nainital, you need to crawl your way in. In the evenings, you can see the spectacle of the musical fountain with various audio video effects.
The Eco Cave Garden is set up to give tourists a glimpse of the natural habitat of the Himalayan Wildlife by constructing different caves for different animals, similar to their natural home. Lit with petroleum lamps, the most popular caves are Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Apes Cave, Bat Cave and Flying Fox Cave. Visiting Eco Cave Garden is not recommended for old people and toddlers.
Snow View Point
Snow View Point in Nainital stands at a dizzying altitude of 2270 meters above sea level and is one of the most attractive tourist spots of the area. As the name suggests, Snow View Point offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas draped in a blanket of milky-white snow. One can see a picturesque view of all three important peaks- Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks together from this point.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.Mussoorie is at an average altitude of 2,005 metres (6,578 ft). To the northeast are the Himalayan snow ranges, and to the south, the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges. The second highest point is the original Lal Tibba in Landour, with a height of over 2,275 metres (7,464 ft). Mussoorie is popularly known as The Queen of the Hills.
Lal Tibba
Untouched by commercialisation, Lal Tibba is located on the top of Depot Hill in Landour, approximately 6 kilometres from Mussoorie. La Tibba has mesmerizing views of the Tibet border. The place is relaxing and has remains of British Architecture. There are few things better than being surrounded by a thick verdant forest cover, a tiny little picturesque hill station within eyeshot and the horizon studded with snow-clad mountains!
Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls is a beautiful cascade of water that falls to the ground from a mighty altitude of 40 feet. Surrounded by high mountain cliffs, Kempty Falls is nestled at an altitude of around 4500 ft above the sea level.
Gun Hill
the Gun Hill is the second highest point in the entire area of Mussoorie standing tall at an altitude of 2024 meters! The scene from the top of this hill is a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges right beside the widespread Doon Valley and a full view of the hill station of Mussoorie.
Lake Mist
The emerald waters are covered by green forest terrains from sides giving the whole scenario a resplendent image making it an ideal for spending the moments of repose with your family and friends.
Lake Mist falls on the way to Kempty Falls. The major highlight of this scenic lake is the less crowded, hence, you can enjoy the calmness in the laps of nature. It is a gem of attraction.
Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett National Park is a forested wildlife sanctuary in northern India’s Uttarakhand State. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s known for its Bengal tigers. Animals, including tigers, leopards and wild elephants, roam the Dhikala zone. On the banks of the Ramganga Reservoir, the Sonanadi zone is home to elephants and leopards, along with hundreds of species of birds.
Jungle Safari, Corbett National Park
Covering a vast area of the ecologically rich and diverse foothills of the Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park, part of the enormous and all-inclusive Corbett Tiger Reserve. The coexistence of the resident animals, birds and reptiles with the vast ecosphere combining the ravines and ridges of the lesser Himalayas with the subtropical and deciduous forests and minor streams makes it worth spending a good chunk of the day traversing the area.
Corbett Waterfall
This 66 ft. high waterfall is a sight to witness, especially on full-moon nights. Nature lovers often camp and come on a picnic near this falls. This place is surrounded by dense forests and offers a very serene environment.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a hill station in Uttarakhand State, northern India. It’s known for its views of the Himalayas. Hundreds of bells adorn Jhula Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, headquarter of Kumaon Regiment and memorial of first Param Veer Chakra Major Somnath Sharma. Fruit trees grow on the terraced orchards of Chaubatia Gardens, with views of peaks including Nanda Devi. Mahatma Gandhi stayed in a hut, Gandhi Kuti, in nearby Tarikhet village during the independence struggle.
Jhula Devi Temple
Built in 8th century, the temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is known for its cluster of elegantly designed bells. It is believed that the temple is wish fulfilling. The Ram temple located close by also draws many people.
Majhkhali
Giving a glimpse of the majestic Sonya peak, Majhkhali en-route to Almora is endowed with scenic beauty and lovely weather.
Golf Course
This 9 hole golf course maintained by the golf club is the second largest golf course in India and offers various membership plans, including outsiders as well.
Sunset Point, Ranikhet
Ranikhet is home to numerous Sunset Points that offer magnanimous views of the snow covered Himalayas. The best ones among them are Machkhali (located near woodvilla point between Transit Camp and Ganiadeoli) and the one on the road from Jhoola Devi Temple to Bhargaon. The place is best visited between February and November to witness these breathtaking mountains and sunsets in all their glory.
Kasauni
Kausani is a hill station and Village situated in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. Mahatma Gandhi called this place the ‘Switzerland of India’, due to similarity in landscapes.
Rudradhari Falls and Caves
At a distance of 12 km from Kausani, bounded by the paddy fields and green pine forests is the spellbinding Rudradhari Falls. Located on the trekking way to Adi Kailash region, one can also explore the mysteries of the ancient caves lying near the falls. According to the legend, this place holds connection with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The Shiva Temple of Someshwar lies in the proximity to the waterfalls.
Gwaldam
A beautiful, quaint and sleepy village sandwiched between Garhwal and Kumaon, Gwaldam is a place straight out of a fairytale. The place is full of forests and small lakes providing a setting for a peaceful retreat. Nestled in the woods, Gwaldam is a tiny heaven, unspoilt and picture perfect. There are dazzling hills covered by tall pine trees, terraced farms on the enchanting hill slopes and little wooden houses scattered in the middle of it as far as the eyes can see.
Kausani Tea Estate
This is a place where one will feel very close to nature and a paradise for tea lovers. Kausani Tea Estate, situated 5 km away from the main town is spread across the area of 208 hectares. The place also arranges for a short tour to show their manufacturing process guided by their own staff. One can taste and buy different flavored tea from there. Apart from it is an amazing location where you can stroll but take care not to visit here from November to March, when it remains closed.
Someshwar
The beautiful valley of Someshwar is most famous for its temple. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva and is a highly revered temple among locals and believers alike. In addition to its religious significance, this destination also has some picturesque sceneries to offer. Lying only about 10-11 kilometers from the famous hill station Kausani, you can easily reach this destination.
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a village and tourist destination in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. Mukteshwar gets its name from a 350-year-old temple of Shiva, known as Mukteshwar Dham, situated atop the highest point in the town, on the veterinary institute’s campus. Close to it lie the overhanging cliffs, locally known as Chauli-ki-Jali, used for rock climbing and rappelling, with an excellent view of the valleys below. The charm of visiting Mukteshwar lies in enjoying nature, listening to air gushing through deodar forests, bird watching, meditation, and seeking peace. The cleanliness, solitude, and nature attract people escaping urban life.
Mukteshwar Temple
One of the most popular shrines, Mukteshwar temple, is an ancient temple which is almost 350 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perched on top of the highest point in Mukteshwar (which is a beautiful hill station that got its name after the shrine), the temple lies approximately 2312 m above the sea level. This grand temple is identified as one of the eighteen most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu scripture.
Chauli ki Jaali
Next to Mukteshwar temple is Chauli ki Jaali, and area where it is believed that a Demon and a Goddess fought a battle. The place is marked with what is believed to be faint outlines of a sword, a shield and a trunk of an elephant. People also hold it as a belief that women unable to bear children will be blessed with children when touched by the natural lattice around the rock.
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
It is situated at the height of 7620 ft on the intersection of Gagar and Lohaghat ranges of the Kumaon hills, the location adds to the scenic beauty of the place and makes it even more beautiful.
This Institute aims at achieving objectives such as carrying out research on the various viruses and diseases which the livestock and poultry come across. It also has a goal of producing antigens, vaccinations, and nucleic acid probes so as to cure such diseases. It also wishes to carry out research related to the health, psychology and nutritional requirement of the various animals belonging to the temperate region.
Char Dham
The Char Dham is a set of four pilgrimage sites in India. Vaishnavite Hindus believe that visiting these sites helps achieve “Moksha”. It comprises Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri and Rameswaram. It is considered by Hindus that every Hindu must visit the char dhams during one’s lifetime. The Char Dham as defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of four Hindu pilgrimage sites. Another small circuit in Uttarakhand of four pilgrimage sites-Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath is referred to as Chota Char Dham.
Gangotri
Mythological stories will have you believe that following King Bhagirathi’s penance spread over centuries, Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to wash away the sins his forefathers. Lord Shiva then gathers Ganga into his matted locks to minimize the immense impact of her fall, and ever since the Himalayan glacier from which Ganga emerges has also been called Bhagirathi. Ganga derives its name after the river passes Devprayag and merges into the river Alaknanda.”
Yamunotri
This sacred home of sage Asti is surrounded by undulating peaks, Himalayan glaciers and thermal springs. Hindu mythologies hail Yamuna as the sister of Yama- the God of Death, and it is believed that a bath in Yamuna can make death painless. It appeals to all sorts of tourist from the pilgrims, to the ones in search of a romantic destination as well as adventure enthusiasts who are sure to find abundance of thrill and excitement in its grand and awe inspiring sceneries, given the location.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples as it is a part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple, located on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the most prestigious and sacred Hindu temples as it is a part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Situated at a height of 3,583 metres, the temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set amidst the snow-clad and lofty mountains with Mandakini River flowing in front of it.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
It is believed that Sri Sankaracharya who propounded the Adwaita Philosophy established this holy shrine and one of his four Mathas in the 8th century and attained Nirvana at age 32 here.
Agastyamuni
Dedicated to Saint Agastya, the temple commemorates his one year Tapas (mediation) here. This ancient temple stands as an example of grand architecture and interiors with wall art adorning its walls.
Sonprayag
Sonprayag situated at an elevation of 1829 m is famous a site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. Flanked by nature’s bounty and glorious snow capped peaks, it is also a place where River Mandakini meets River Basuki.
Avli
Rudraprayag
It is a belief that devotees can achieve Baikunt Dham with the touch of water
Badrinath
Situated at the height of 10,279 feet, the temple is surrounded by lofty snow-clad Himalayas. Believed to be originally established by the saint, Adi Shankaracharya, the black stone idol of Lord Vishnu is 1m tall and is considered to be one of the 8 swayam vyakta kshetras or self-manifested statues of Vishnu. It also finds its mention in the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Lord Vishnu in India.The religious importance and purity of Badrinath Temple allures scores of devotees.
Badrinath Temple
The main gate of the shrine painted with myriad colours. It has not only the image of Lord Vishnu but, several other gods and saints are housed inside the temple. From November to April end, the temple remains closed due to extreme weather conditions. Badrinath is accessible by road and therefore driving up to this pilgrim spot is not difficult. Badrinath Temple has a Tapt Kund, a hot water spring which is considered to have medicinal values. River Alaknanda is known to originate from here.
Tapt Kund
Believed to be the home of Lord Agni, Tapt Kund is a natural hot water spring at 45 degrees Celsius above the Alaknanda river bank where visitors take therapeutic baths. The water of the kund is believed to have medicinal properties.
Vasudhara Falls
4 km of Badrinath at Mana, the Vasudhara Falls at 400 ft is believed to have been the resting place of the Pandavas. People also believe that the water falls turn away from visitors impure in thoughts and heart.