Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the land of gods, is a state in northern India that offers a variety of attractions for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for scenic hill stations, ancient temples, adventurous activities, or serene lakes, Uttarakhand has something for everyone. In this blog post, I will share some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand and why you should plan your next trip to this beautiful state.
Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World
Rishikesh is one of the most popular destinations in Uttarakhand, especially for those who are interested in yoga, meditation, and spirituality. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, temples, and yoga centers that offer courses and retreats for all levels of practitioners. Rishikesh is also a hub for adventure sports such as river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, and trekking. Some of the must-see attractions in Rishikesh are:
- Lakshman Jhula: A suspension bridge that connects the two banks of the Ganga and offers a panoramic view of the river and the mountains.
- Triveni Ghat: A riverfront site where devotees gather every evening for the Ganga Aarti, a ritual of offering prayers and lamps to the river goddess.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have consumed poison at this spot during the mythological event of Samudra Manthan.
- Beatles Ashram: An abandoned ashram where the famous Beatles band stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968.
Nainital: The Lake District of India
Nainital is a charming hill station that is famous for its picturesque lake and surrounding hills. Nainital Lake, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater lake that is shaped like a crescent and attracts tourists for boating, paddling, and fishing. The lake is also surrounded by a promenade that offers a pleasant walk along the water. Nainital also has many other attractions such as:
- Naina Devi Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is said to be one of the forms of Goddess Parvati. The temple is located on the northern shore of the lake and is visited by pilgrims throughout the year.
- Snow View Point: A vantage point that offers a stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Nanda Kot. The point can be reached by a cable car or a trek.
- Bhimtal Lake: A larger and quieter lake than Nainital Lake, Bhimtal Lake is named after Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. The lake has an island in the middle that houses an aquarium with various fish species.
Jim Corbett National Park: The Wildlife Haven
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and most famous national parks in India. It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and later renamed after Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter and naturalist who played a key role in its conservation. The park is spread over an area of more than 500 sq km and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The park is especially known for its population of Bengal tigers, which can be spotted during jeep safaris or elephant rides. Other animals that can be seen in the park are leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and more than 500 species of birds. The park also has several zones such as Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durga Devi, and Sitabani that offer different experiences and landscapes.
Almora: The Cultural Capital of Kumaon
Almora is a quaint hill town that is situated on a ridge at an altitude of 1646 meters above sea level. It is one of the oldest towns in Uttarakhand and has a rich cultural heritage and history. Almora was once the capital of the Chand dynasty that ruled over Kumaon from the 11th to 18th centuries. Almora has many attractions that showcase its culture and beauty such as:
- Nanda Devi Temple: A 1000-year-old temple that is dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi, who is considered to be the patron deity of Kumaon. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures and hosts an annual fair in September.
- Kasar Devi Temple: A temple that is located on a hilltop and offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas. The temple is also famous for being visited by many eminent personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens
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