Best Destinations in Uttarakhand for Summer Holiday

Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a hill station of Almora district which is situated in Uttarakhand. Ranikhet is at an elevation of 1,869 metres above sea level. Ranikhet is also known as ‘Queen’s Meadow’. The climate of Ranikhet is very cool and pleasant. That’s why it is a perfect tourist destination to beat the scorching heat in summers.

Best time to visit

Ranikhet is a town which can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit Ranikhet in Summer is from March to October and the best time to visit Ranikhet for snowfall is November to February.

Places to visit in Ranikhet

• Golf course (One of the highest Golf Course in Asia)
• Rani Jheel
• Binsar Mahadev
• Katarmal (Sun Temple)
• Majkhali

How to reach Ranikhet?

The nearest Airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 119 km from Ranikhet. And the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station which is approximately 88 km away from Ranikhet. You can take taxis or buses from the airport or railway station to reach Ranikhet. You can also reach Ranikhet by Bus. Ranikhet has a good connectivity with the cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Halawani, Almora, Haridwar, Chandigarh, Bareilly.

Delhi to Ranikhet

Ranikhet is approximately 335 km away from the national capital Delhi. You can take any means of transport from Delhi to reach Ranikhet.

Munsiyari

Munsiyari word refers to ‘a place of snow’. Munsiyari is a popular tourist destination located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Munsiyari is at an average elevation of 2200 metres. Munsiyari is a place located at the bank of the river Goriganga. Munsiyari is one of the favourite destinations of the nature lovers, trekkers and mountaineers.

Best time to visit Munsiyari

The best time to visit Munsyari is from March to June and from September to October. This is also the best time for trekking. You can also enjoy a clear splendid view of peaks during summer.

Best places to visit in Munsiyari

• Milam Glacier
• Khaliya Peak (Khaliya Top)
• Tribal Heritage Museum
• Mesar Kund
• Darkot Village

How to Reach Munsiyari?

The nearest Airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 250 km from Munsiyari. And the nearest railway stations are Kathgodam Railway Station (275 km) and Tanakpur Railway Station (286 km). You can take taxis/cabs or buses from the airport or railway station to reach Munsiyari. You can also reach Munsiyari by Bus. Munsiyari has a good connectivity with the cities of Uttarakhand.

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a hill station located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The name Mukteshwar is derived from Lord Shiva. It is located at an altitude of 2286 metres. Mukteshwar offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. Mukteshwar is a perfect destination for meditation and seeking peace. The peaks which are visible from Mukteshwar are Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Trishul.

Best time to visit Mukteshwar

The best time to visit Mukteshwar is from March to June and October to November

Best places to visit in Mukteshwar

• Mukteshwar Temple
• Chauli ki Jali
• Dhokaney Waterfall
• Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)
• Mukteshwar Dham

How to Reach Mukteshwar?

The nearest Airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 65 km from Mukteshwar. And the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station which is approximately 66 km away from Mukteshwar. You can take taxis or buses from the airport or railway station to reach Mukteshwar.

Nainital

Nainital is a hill station of Kumaon region located in Uttarakhand. Nainital is located at an average elevation of 2,084 metres. Nainital is known as ‘The City of Lakes’.

Best time to visit Nainital

March to June is the is the peak season of Nainital tourism. So, it is the best time to visit Nainital.

Best places to visit in Nainital

• Naini Lake Nainital
• Naina Peak (China Peak)
• Tiffin Top
• Snow Viewpoint
• Naina Devi Temple
• Cave Garden

How to Reach Nainital?

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 68 km from Nainital and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station located at a distance of 34 km from Nainital. You can take taxis or buses from the airport or railway station to reach Nainital.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest National Park of India located in Nainital. It was established to protect the endangered Bengal Tiger. Jim Corbett National Park was also known as Hailey National Park. The area of Jim Corbett National Park is 520 square km.

Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park

The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between the months from November to June.

Best places to visit in Jim Corbett National Park (Helly National Park)

• Jeep Safari
• Walking Safaris
• Kalagarh Dam
• Corbett Falls
• Dhikala

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park?

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 50 km from Jim Corbett National Park and the nearest railway station is Ramnagar Railway Station located at a distance of 9 km from the reserve. Taxis/buses or cabs are available from the airport or railway station to reach Jim Corbett National Park.

Jeolikot

Jeolikot is a hill station located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Jeolikot is called ‘The Gateway to Naini Lake’. Jeolikot is a perfect destination for those visitors who are interested in floriculture and butterfly watching. It is located at an average elevation of 1,219 metres. Jeolikot is an ideal place for doing meditation in solitude. Jeolikot is located just 6 km away from ‘The city of Lakes – Nainital’.

Best time to visit Jeolikot

The climate of Jeolikot remains cool and calm throughout the year. You can visit Jeolikot any time of the year.

Best places to visit in Jeolikot

• Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
• Pangot Village

How to reach Jeolikot?

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest Airport which is located at a distance of 56 km from Jeolikot. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station which is located 18 km away from Jeolikot. Buses are also available from the towns of the state.

Ramgarh

Ramgarh is a hill station located in the Kumaon region of Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Ramgarh is located at an average elevation of 1,518 metres. The splendid view of the Himalayas peak can be seen from Ramgarh. The cool and calm weather of Ramgarh attracts the tourist most. Ramgarh is renowned for its orchids.

Best time to visit Ramgarh

The best time to visit Ramgarh is between the months of April to June.

Best places to visit in Ramgarh

• Nathuakhan Village
• Orchards
• Jungle Walks

How to reach Ramgarh?

Ramgarh is just 25 km away from the popular hill station Ramgarh. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 83 km from Ramgarh and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station located at a distance of 52 km from Ramgarh. Taxis/buses or cabs are available from the airport or railway station to reach Ramgarh.

Binsar

Binsar is the most scenic spot of Kumaon region located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Binsar is located at an elevation of 2,420 metres. Binsar is 95 km away from Nainital. Binsar offers a mesmerising view of the Himalayan Peaks.

Best time to visit Binsar

The weather remains almost pleasant throughout the year. The peak season to visit Binsar is Summer season. April, May and June are the summer months in Binsar.

Best places to visit in Binsar

• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kasar Devi Temple
• Zero Point
• Golu Devta Temple
• Khali Estate

How to reach Binsar?

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 152 km from Binsar and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station located at a distance of 119 km from Binsar. You can take taxis or buses from the airport or railway station to reach Binsar.

Almora

Almora is considered as a cultural heart of Kumaon region. Almora is located at an elevation of 1,861 metres. Almora is surrounded by the dense forests of pine and fir trees. The mesmerising view of snow-capped Himalayas peaks can be seen from Almora. Almora is popular for its alluring nature and cultural heritage.

Best time to visit Almora

March to November is the best time to visit Almora.

Best places to visit in Almora

• Sun Temple (Katarmal Surya Mandir)
• Chitai Golu Devta Temple
• Nanda Devi Temple
• Kasar Devi Temple
• Bright End Corner

How to reach Almora?

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 125 km from Almora and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station located at a distance of 91 km from Almora. Taxis/ Buses are available from the airport and railway station to reach Almora. Almora is well connected by the cities of Uttarakhand.

Abbott Mount

Abbott Mount is located in the Kumaon region of Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Abbott Mount was founded by a British Businessman, John Harold Abbott. Abbott Mount is surrounded by the dense forest of Deodar trees. Abbott Mount offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range.

Best time to visit Abbott Mount

The best time to visit Abbott Mount is from March to June. The climate of Abbott Mount remains pleasant throughout the year.

Best places to visit in Abbott Mount

• Banasur Ka Kila
  Abbott Mount Church
• Pancheshwar
• Mayawati Ashram
• Panchchuli Trek

How to reach Abbott Mount?

The nearest airport is Naini Saini, Champawat which is 40 km away from Abbott Mount and the other nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station located at a distance of 165 km from Abbott Mount.

Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is also known as ‘The Little Kashmir’. Pithoragarh is the hill station of Kumaon region located in Uttarakhand. Pithoragarh is located at an average elevation of 1,514 metres. Pithoragarh shares international boundaries with Nepal and China.

Best time to visit Pithoragarh
You can visit Pithoragarh throughout the year. April to June is the best time for Pithoragarh sightseeing.

Best places to visit in Pithoragarh

• Patal Bhuvaneshwar
• Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple
• Thal Kedar Temple
• Pithoragarh Fort (Gorkha Kila)
• Chandak Reserve Forest
• Kamakhya Temple

How to reach Pithoragarh?

The nearest airport is Naini Saini, which is 5 km away from Pithoragarh, but the airport is not fully operational yet. The other nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 200 km from the nearest railway station is Tanakpur Railway Station located at a distance of 138 km from Pithoragarh. Pithoragarh is well connected with the major cities like Badrinath, Delhi, Dehradun, Haldwani, Nainital.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a popular hill station of Uttarakhand which is located at a distance of 35 km from Dehradun. Mussoorie is popular as ‘The Queen of Hills’. Mussoorie offers a mesmerising view of the Himalayan range. It is situated in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan Range.

Best time to visit Mussoorie

March to June is the best time for sightseeing in Mussoorie. Mussoorie experiences snowfall in the months of December, January and February.

Best places to visit in Mussoorie

• Cloud End
• Laal Tibba
• Gun Hill
• Mussoorie Lake
• Kempty Fall

How to reach Mussoorie?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport) and the nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station. Buses, Taxis are easily available from the airport and railway station for Mussoorie.

Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is a famous hill station located in Uttarakhand. Dhanaulti is surrounded by the thick forests of Deodar, Oak and Rhododendron trees. It is located 31 km away from Chamba and 24 km away from ‘Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills’. Dhanaulti is situated at an altitude of 2286 metres above sea level.

Best time to visit Dhanaulti

The best time to visit Dhanaulti is during the summer months from March to June. Dhanaulti offers a pleasant weather during the summer months. Dhanaulti experiences snowfall during the winter season from November to February. If you want to witness the snowfall of Dhanaulti then the best time to visit here is between the months from November to February.

Best places to visit in Dhanaulti

• Surkanda Devi Temple
• Eco Park
• Dashavatar Temple
• Kanatal Adventure Camp
• Chanderi
• Deogarh Fort

How to reach Dhanaulti?

The nearest airport is Jolly grant airport (Dehradun Airport) from Dhanaulti. It is located 83 km away from Dehradun. The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway station which is 60 km away from Dhanaulti and the second nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station which is located 80 km away from Dhanaulti. Buses, Taxis and cabs are also available from these places to reach Dhanaulti.

Tehri Garhwal

Tehri is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an elevation of 1,750 metres. Tehri Garhwal is located at a distance of 42 km from Mussoorie and 76 km away from Rishikesh.

Best time to visit Tehri Garhwal

The weather remains pleasant throughout the year. But avoid visiting Tehri during Monsoon Season due to the possibility of landslides and cloudbursts.

Best places to visit in Tehri Garhwal

• Tehri Dam
• Chamba
  Devprayag
• Mahasar Taal
• Devalsari Village
• Sem Mukhem Nagaraja Temple
• Khatling Glacier
• Buda Kedar

How to reach Tehri Garhwal?

The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport (Dehradun Airport) which is 91 km away from Tehri and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. Buses, Taxis are easily available from the airport and railway station to reach Tehri Garhwal. You can also reach Tehri Garhwal by Bus. Tehri is well connected to the major cities like Delhi, Srinagar, Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Haridwar etc.

Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is located at the banks of the river Bhagirathi. Uttarkashi is popularly known as ‘Kashi of the North’. Uttarkashi is located at an elevation of 1,158 metres.

Best time to visit Uttarkashi

The best time to visit Uttarkashi is between the months of April to June during the Summer Season and September to November.

Best places to visit in Uttarkashi

• Dayara Bugyal, Uttarkashi
• Dodi Taal Lake, Uttarkashi
• Gangotri Glacier, Uttarkashi
• Kedarkantha, Uttarkashi
• Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi
• Nachiketa Taal, Uttarkashi
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi

How to reach Uttarkashi?

The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport which is located at a distance of 61 km from Uttarkashi. The nearest Railway Station is Railway Station which is 144 km away from Uttarkashi. Buses are also available from the major cities of the country to reach Uttarkashi.

Lansdowne

Lansdowne offers a scenic natural beauty. Lansdowne is a hill station which is unexplored and not so much commercialised as other hill stations. It is surrounded by the dense forest of Oak and Pine trees. Lansdowne is a hill station located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 1,706 metres. It is situated at a distance of 44 km from Kotdwar.

Best time to visit Lansdowne

The best time to visit Lansdowne is between the months from March to November. If you want to witness ‘Sharadotsav Festival’ then Autumn Season is the best time to visit Lansdowne.

Best places to visit in Lansdowne

• Gauri Kund
• Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
• Kanvashram
• Jwalpa Devi Temple
• Tip n Top viewpoint

How to reach Lansdowne?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 152 km away from Lansdowne and the nearest railway station is Kotdwar railway station which is 44 km away from Lansdowne. Buses are also available from the major cities like Delhi, Dehradun etc.

Auli

Auli is a beautiful hill station and a Himalayan ski resort located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by the thick forest of Oak trees. Auli is located at an average altitude of 2,205 metres. Auli is surrounded by Nar Parvat and Nanda Devi mountains.

Best time to visit Auli

Auli experiences snowfall from November to March. You can also visit here in the summer season.

Best places to visit in Auli

• Auli Ropeway
• Auli Artificial Lake
• Joshimath
• Kwani Bugyal, Auli
• Chenab Lake, Auli
• Trishul Peak, Auli

How to reach Auli?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport and the nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station. Auli is located 160 km away from Dehradun. You can hire a taxi or cab from Dehradun to reach Auli. Buses are also available from Dehradun to reach Auli.

Chakrata

Chakrata is known as a picturesque picnic spot which offers a majestic view of nature. Chakrata is located in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand which is 98 km away from Chakrata. Chakrata is situated between the rivers Tons and Yamuna. It is located at an average elevation of 7000 metres.

Best time to visit Chakrata

The best time to visit Chakrata is in Summer season (March to June) and winter season (November to February).

Best places to visit in Chakrata

• Lakhamandal
• Tiger Falls
• Kalsi
• Kanasar
• Hanol – Mahasu Devta Temple
• Budher Cave

How to reach Chakrata?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 115 km away from Chakrata and the nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station which is 87 km away from Chakrata. Buses are also available from the major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Paonta Sahib, Vikasnagar etc.

Chopta

Chopta is a natural destination lying in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Because of its natural beauty, it is also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. It offers a mesmerising view of mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba. Chopta is located at an average altitude of 2,680 metres. Chopta is surrounded by the thick forests of Rhododendron, Oak and Pine trees.

Best time to visit Chopta

The best time to visit Chopta is from April to November. To witness the snowfall in Chopta you can also visit Chopta during Winter Season which exists between the months of December to March.

Best places to visit in Chopta

• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
• Visibility of 41 peaks
• Tungnath Temple
• Atri Muni Falls
• Chandrashila Peak
• Deoria Taal
• Chopta Bugyal

How to reach Chopta?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 180 km away from Chopta and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station which is 200 km away from Chopta. Buses and taxis are also available from the major cities of Uttarakhand like Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, Rishikesh, Gopeshwar, Srinagar etc.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a holy city of Uttarakhand located in the foothills of Himalayas besides the river Ganga. Rishikesh is renowned as the city for the study of Yoga and meditation. Rishikesh offers a perfectly peaceful and spiritual environment.

Best time to visit Rishikesh

The best time to visit Rishikesh is from September to November and March to May.

Best places to visit in Rishikesh

• Muni Ki Reti
• Ram Jhula
• Lakshman Jhula
• Parmarth Niketan

How to reach Rishikesh?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 43 km away from Rishikesh and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station. Buses are also available from the major cities of India like Dehradun, Haridwar, Delhi. You can also hire taxis or cabs to reach Rishikesh.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a town located in the Garhwal Himalayan range of the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four sites of India’s Char Dham Pilgrimage located at an elevation of 3,583 metres. Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is May to June and September to October.

Best places to visit in Kedarnath

• Kedarnath Temple
• Bhairava Temple
• Chorabari Taal (Gandhi Sarovar)
• Chorabari Glacier
• Sonprayag
• Chandrashila
• Agastyamuni
• Vasuki Tal

How to reach Kedarnath?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 227 km away from Kedarnath temple and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station which is 216 km away from Kedarnath Temple. You can hire taxis/cabs to reach Kedarnath.

Badrinath

Badrinath is a town located in the Garhwal Himalayan range of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is located at an average elevation of 3,300 metres. Badrinath is one of the four sites of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage.

Best time to visit Badrinath

The best time to visit Badrinath is in Summer Season from the months of April to June and then September to October after the monsoon.

Best places to visit in Badrinath

• Badrinath Temple
• Ekadashi Gufa
• Nilkantha Temple
• Tapt Kund
• Brahma Kapal
• Vyas Gufa
• Vasudhara Falls

How to reach Badrinath?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 311 km away from Badrinath and the nearest railway station is Haridwar railway station which is 318 km away from Badrinath. You can hire taxis/cabs to reach Badrinath.

Gangotri

Gangotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Gangotri is located at the banks of the river Bhagirathi. Gangotri is located at an average altitude of 3,100 metres. Gangotri is the origin of the river Ganga. It is one of the four sites of India’s Char Dham Pilgrimage.

Best time to visit Gangotri

May to June is the best time to visit Gangotri and then from September to October.

Best places to visit in Gangotri

• Gangotri National Park
• Gangotri Temple
• Gomukh Tapovan
• Dodi Tal
• Harsil
• Dayara Bugyal

How to reach Gangotri?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 260 km away from Gangotri and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station which is 250 km away from Gangotri. You can hire taxis/cabs to reach Gangotri.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is one of the four sites of India’s Char Dham Pilgrimage.  It is located at an average altitude of 3,293 metres.

Best time to visit Yamunotri

May to June and September to October is the best time to visit Yamunotri.

Best places to visit in Yamunotri

• Yamunotri Temple
• Surya Kund
• Divya Shila
• Champasar Glacier
• Janki Chatti
• Hanuman Chatti
• Bandarpunch Glacier
• Bali Pass
• Barkot

How to reach Yamunotri?

The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport which is 210 km away from Yamunotri and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh and Dehradun railway station. You can also hire taxis and cabs to reach Yamunotri.