Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is known for its serene natural beauty and the majestic Himalayas. From the lush green valleys to the snow-capped peaks, this state has it all. Uttarakhand is a haven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. If you are planning to explore the best of Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, then this blog is for you.
NAINITAL
Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It is famously known as the ‘Lake District of India’ due to the numerous lakes that are present in the area. The town is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills.
The main attraction of Nainital is the Naini Lake, which is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by hills. Boating is a popular activity on the lake, and you can enjoy paddle boats, rowing boats, and even yachts. The lake also has a famous temple called the Naina Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Naina Devi.
Apart from the Naini Lake, there are several other scenic lakes in the area, including Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal. Bhimtal is the largest lake in the Nainital district and has an island in the center. Sattal is a group of seven interconnected freshwater lakes, and Naukuchiatal is a beautiful lake with nine corners.
Nainital is also home to several ancient temples, including the Hanuman Garhi Temple, the St. John in the Wilderness Church, and the Ghorakhal Temple. The town has a rich cultural heritage, and you can witness it in the various festivals that are celebrated here. The Nanda Devi Mela, held in September, is a famous festival that attracts a large number of tourists.
In addition to the natural beauty and cultural heritage, Nainital is also a popular destination for adventure activities. You can go trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling in the surrounding hills. Paragliding and hot air ballooning are also popular activities in the area.
RISHIKESH
Rishikesh is a spiritual town located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. It is situated on the banks of the holy Ganges river and is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’ Lush green hills surround the town and is a popular destination for yoga enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions of Rishikesh is its spiritual significance. The town is home to several ancient temples, including the Trimbakeshwar Temple and the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The Trimbakeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located at a height of 1,330 meters above sea level and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rishikesh is also famous for its yoga and meditation centers. The town is home to several ashrams and yoga schools, including the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram and the Sivananda Ashram. These centers offer various yoga and meditation programs, including hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, and meditation retreats.
Apart from its spiritual significance, Rishikesh is also a popular destination for adventure activities. The town is known for its white water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining activities. The white water rafting on the Ganges is a thrilling experience and attracts adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.
Rishikesh is also an excellent destination for trekking and hiking. The surrounding hills offer several scenic trekking trails, including the Neer Garh Waterfall Trek and the Kunjapuri Sunrise Trek. These trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Ganges river.
In addition to its natural beauty and adventure activities, Rishikesh is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The town has a bustling market, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. The town also has several restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine.
JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Jim Corbett National Park is a renowned national park located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. It is named after the famous hunter and conservationist, Jim Corbett, who played a vital role in the establishment of the park. The park is spread across an area of 520 square kilometres and is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
The park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is one of the most endangered species in the world. The park also has a significant population of wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer. The park is also home to over 500 species of birds, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Jeep Safari. It is a thrilling experience that takes you deep into the forest to witness the wildlife in its natural habitat. The Jeep Safari is conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which is the best time to spot the animals. You can also opt for an elephant safari, which is a unique experience that takes you on the back of an elephant.
Apart from the Jeep Safari, the park offers several other activities, including birdwatching, trekking, and camping. The park has several scenic trekking trails that take you through the forest and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Camping is also a popular activity in the park, and you can camp in the forest under the stars.
The park is open from mid-November to mid-June, and the best time to visit is from December to March. The park remains closed during the monsoon season from July to October.
AULI
Auli is a picturesque hill station located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Mana Parvat. Auli is known for its stunning natural beauty, adventure activities, and skiing.
One of the main attractions of Auli is its skiing slopes. Auli is one of the best skiing destinations in India and attracts skiing enthusiasts from all over the world. The skiing season in Auli starts in December and lasts until February. The slopes in Auli are suitable for both beginners and experts, and you can take skiing lessons from professional instructors.
Apart from skiing, Auli is also famous for its scenic beauty. The hill station is surrounded by dense forests of oak and pine trees, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks from Auli. The sunrise and sunset views in Auli are breathtaking and attract nature lovers and photographers.
Auli is also an excellent destination for trekking and hiking. The town has several scenic trekking trails that take you through the forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills. The Kuari Pass Trek is a popular trekking trail that takes you to an altitude of 4,264 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
In addition to adventure activities, Auli is also known for its cultural heritage. The town has several ancient temples, including the Nanda Devi Temple and the Joshimath Temple. These temples are an excellent example of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
VALLEY OF FLOWERS
Valley of Flowers is a beautiful national park located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The park is situated at an altitude of 3,500 to 6,500 meters above sea level and is spread across an area of 87.50 square kilometres. The Valley of Flowers is known for its stunning natural beauty, rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and trekking trails.
The valley was discovered by Frank Smythe, a British mountaineer, in 1931. The valley is famous for its vast meadows of alpine flowers, including primulas, poppies, daisies, and anemones. The valley also has several rare and endangered species of flowers, including the Himalayan blue poppy and Himalayan cobra lily. The valley is a paradise for nature lovers, botanists, and photographers.
Apart from its floral beauty, the Valley of Flowers is also home to several rare and endangered species of animals, including the Asiatic black bear, brown bear, snow leopard, and blue sheep. The park is also home to over 500 species of birds, including Himalayan monal, Himalayan griffon, and snow partridge.
The Valley of Flowers is accessible only on foot, and the best time to visit is from July to September when the flowers are in full bloom. The trek to the valley is a moderate trek and takes around 4-5 hours. The trek starts from Govindghat and passes through several scenic villages and forests before reaching the valley.
In addition to the Valley of Flowers, the park also has several trekking trails, including the Hemkund Sahib Trek. The Hemkund Sahib Trek is a steep trek that takes you to an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level and is an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
FAQs
Q: What are some popular destinations in Uttarakhand?
A: Some popular destinations in Uttarakhand include Nainital, Rishikesh, Jim Corbett National Park, Auli, and the Valley of Flowers.
Q: What is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers?
A: The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is between July and September when the wildflowers are in full bloom
Q: What are some adventure activities to do in Rishikesh?
A: Some adventure activities to do in Rishikesh include white water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining.
Q: What kind of wildlife can be found in Jim Corbett National Park?
A: Jim Corbett National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, deer, and several species of birds.
Q: What is the altitude of Nainital?
A: Nainital is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level.
Q: What is the main attraction of Nainital?
A: The main attraction of Nainital is the Naini Lake, which is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by hills.
