What is the delay if you are fond of traveling and want to see and do something unique beyond all? Let us wholeheartedly welcome you to Uttarakhand, the most beautiful state in India. In Uttarakhand, you will get a chance to explore something unique at every corner of the way. This place has a treasure – trove of exceptional destinations for offbeat lovers. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how busy you are. The unique features of these places like the rumble of rivers, the tinkling of dry leaves, rays of scorching sun, waterfalls, and mighty snow-capped Himalayas are adept at attracting anyone to them. It is impossible to avoid the call of these magical places, too hard to resist the hypnotic, almost breathtaking beauty and charm.
Let’s look at the ten offbeat destinations of Uttarakhand that travelers should keep on their bucket list.
Kanatal
Kanatal is one of the attractive hill stations of Uttarakhand. Enriched by the sun-kissed peak, velvety soft grass, pine trees, and apple orchards, it is tucked at 8500 feet above sea level. Situated in the middle of nature near Mussoorie, this place gives you a chance to be different. Filled with nature’s treasures, this hill station also offers several homestays that provide organic food and a glimpse of rural life. After the snow falls in winter, this place turns into a magical place. Enjoy photography and meditation in this charming hill station with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Things to Do: Sightseeing, Camping, Trekking, Nature Walk, Bird Watching, Jungle Safari, Rappelling, Valley Crossing.
How to Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport at a distance of 92 km.
By Train: Rishikesh and Dehradun both the railway stations are well connected to Kanatal, you can go by any one of them.
By Road: Kanatal is well-linked with motorable roads. Use any road transport.
Dhanaulti
The small village of Dhanaulti is considered an ideal winter gateway due to heavy snowfall during winters, making it a highly sought-after winter destination. This charming hill station is situated at an altitude of 2286 meters above sea level and offers a magical view of the lofty Himalayas. Dhanaulti comes on the way to Mussoorie, Tehri, Kanatal, and Chamba. Surrounded by dense forests of velvet deodar, rhododendron, and oak forest, it attracts many tourists from all over the country. Dudhatoli is a must-visit place for those who want to get a captivating kaleidoscopic view of the Himalayan ranges and enjoy the wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: September to June
Things to Do: Camping, Trekking, Rock Climbing, Zipline, Zip Swing, Sky bridging, skywalk, etc.
Sightseeing: Adventure Park, Eco Park, Deogarh Fort, Tehri Dam, Dashavatar Temple, Surkanda Devi Temple, Potato Farm, and Kanatal Adventure Camp.
How to Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport at 83 meters.
By Train: Rishikesh and Dehradun are the nearby railway stations for Dhanaulti.
By Road: Dhanaulti is well connected with all major destinations by road. You can take a bus, taxi or any private vehicle.
Chamoli
Uttarakhand at 1300 meters above sea level. Considered the “Abode of God,” it offers a variety of destinations for pilgrims, including Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and Valley of Flowers.
Located in the Central Himalayan region and enclosed by lush-green surroundings, magnificent valleys, stunning vistas, breathtaking landforms, and various varieties, This compels tourists to come here. Chamoli is the born place of the Chipko Movement and attracts nature lovers as much as it beckons the religiously bent. In Chamoli, do not miss trying local and traditional cuisine. Mostly grain and cereal-based, the dishes are simple and nutritious, including fresh local produce. Chamoli is one of the perfect places to leisure your journey amidst nature.
Best Time to Visit: July – August, and November – March are the best time to visit here.
Things to Do: Rafting in Alaknanda, Trekking, Photography, Nature Walk.
Sightseeing: Valley of flowers, Auli, Mana, Gopeshwar, Vasundhara Waterfall, Kalpeshwar, Gopinath, Rudraprayag, Badrinath, Brahmatal, and Nandprayag.
How to Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport at 222 kms.
By Train: Rishikesh is the closest Railway station to Chamoli.
By Road: Chamoli is well connected by motorable road with all major destinations of Uttarakhand.
Kausani
Kausani is a magical hill station located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is the first choice of backpackers, also known as the Mini – Switzerland of India, because of its red sun and lush green hills. This small village offers its mighty Himalayan beauty with a panoramic view of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks.
Kausani is an ideal winter destination for winter lovers, and winters are the perfect time for a fantastic view of the mighty Himalayan peaks. Covered with the scenic beauty of alpine hills, splashing creeks, and the frozen Himalayas, the small village of Kausani is indeed a ‘nature lover’s paradise. Here the day begins with the chirping of birds and gradually ends with the sunset.
Best Time to Visit: April – Jun, and December – February
Things to Do: Trekking, Shopping, Photography.
Sightseeing: Baijnath Temple, Rudradhari Fall, Trek to Pinnath, Tea State, Gwaldam, Someshwar, Stargate Observatory, Pant Museum, Lakshmi, Anashakti Ashram.
How to Reach
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearby airport at about 170 kms.
By Train: Kathgodam is the nearest Railway station to Kausani, which is 140 km.
By Road: Buses and taxis are readily available from the airport and railway stations.
Gangolihat
Gangolihat is one of the largest hill stations of Pithoragarh, situated at an altitude of 1760 meters above sea level in the Uttarakhand district. Surrounded by two rivers, Surya and Ramganga, it forms a garland on the shoulders of the mighty Himalayas.
Many ancient temples, including Haat Kalika towards the east, Ambika Deval, Chamunda Mandir towards the north, and Vaishnavi temples to the west, offer a clear view of the Vaishnavi temple.
One can explore some of the famous caves in Gangolihat like – Patal Bhubaneshwar, Mukteshwar Cave, Bholeshwar Cave, and Shaileshwar Cave.
Best Time to Visit: October – March
Things to Do: Trekking, Village Exploration, Photography, Shopping.
Things to Do: While in Gangolihat, visit Haat Kalika, Ambika Dewaal, Chamunda Mandir, Vaishnavi Mandir and Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 250 km from Gangolihat.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam Railway Station, 200 km from Gangolihat.
Road: Gangolihat is well connected by motorable road so you can go by any road-accessible vehicle.
Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba is the highest mountain peak in the lower Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3200 m above sea level. It is one popular offbeat destination for adventure lovers due to its highest summit, “Nag Tibba Trek.” Nag Tibba Trek is an excellent opportunity for trekkers to witness the snow-capped mountain peaks surrounded by the beauty of nature. During the trek, you can see beautiful vegetation, lush green hills, and dense forests that will make you fall in love with nature. Nag Tibba is also an ideal destination for camping during spring and summer. This Famous place also offers a majestic view of stunning Peaks, including Bandarpoonch Peak, Gangotri Peaks, and Kedarnath Peak, to attract visitors’ attention.
Best Time to Visit: October – December, and April – June
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Photography, and Nature Exploration.
How to Reach
First, you have to reach Mussoorie or Dehradun for Nag Tibba.
To reach Devalsari Village: To Reach Devalsari Village, one can take a jeep or taxi. It is about 50 km from Mussoorie.
To reach Pantwari Village, one can hire a taxi or bus from Dehradun to get Pantwari Village. It is just 8 km away from Nag Tibba.
Khirsu
The great hill queen of Khirsu is situated at 1900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by picturesque oak, pine, and deodar trees, it offers a stunning view of the sun-kissed Himalayas. Khirsu is one of the best places to spend your vacation in the middle of the Himalayas. One can also explore the spectacular panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains, including Trishul, Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Panchachuli peaks. Khirsu is the only place in Pauri Garhwal, where you can enjoy dazzling weather. Spend your vacation amid an apple orchard, and the chirping of birds is no less than a paradise on earth.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Things to Do: Nature walk, Bird Watching, Village Tourism, and Photography.
Sightseeing: Ulkha Giri and Pauri Garhwal.
How to Reach
Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport at about 145 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Rishikesh Railway Station which is 135 km from Khirsu.
Road: Khirsu is well connected by motorable road with major destinations of Uttarakhand so you can go by bus or taxi.
Lohaghat
Lohaghat is discovered on the banks of the Lohavati River in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Blessed with the lush green beauty of oak and deodar forests, it attracts nature lovers throughout the year. Lohaghat is situated at an altitude of 1,788 feet above sea level and is spread over 4.5 sq km. This quiet hamlet is blessed with a diversity of flora, enough to tempt any tourist. Apart from this, you can also refresh your mind and body by doing yoga and meditation. This place is the perfect alternative to offbeat.
Best Time to Visit: Fab to Jun, and September – November.
Things to Do: Yoga & Meditation, Camping, Nature Walk, and Photography.
Sightseeing: Abbott Mount, Devidhura, Vanasur ka Kila, Mayawati Ashram.
How to Reach
Air: Pantnagar Airport is a nearby airport at about 160 km.
Rail: Tanakpur Railhead is the nearest Railway Station at around 60 km.
Road: Lohaghat is well linked by motorable roads with major destinations of Northern India. Taxis and buses are readily available for Lohaghat.
Didihat
Didihat is a beautiful hill station situated at an altitude of 1,725 meters above sea level in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Wrapping an area of 1.5 sq km, it offers a panoramic view of a snow-clad mountains like Panchachuli and Trishul peaks.
Didihat is situated on the hilly plain of Digargarh on the banks of the Charamgarh River. The place is also known for the ancient Shirakot temple of Lord Malay Nath, built by the Raika kings. Here one can locate the Askot musk deer sanctuary located in Didihat tehsil. If anyone wants to do something different, there is a stone more significant than a house amidst the field in the village of Hat Tharap called Bhima ka Patthar.
Best Time to Visit: April – Jun, and September – December.
Things to Do: Camping, Hiking, Village Tourism, and Photography.
How to Reach
Air: Pantnagar Airport is a nearby airport at about 263 km.
Rail: Kathgodam Railhead is the nearest Railway Station at about 228 km.
Road: Didihat is well connected by motorable road with major destinations of Northern India. Taxis and buses are readily available for Lohaghat.
Peora
Peora is a beautiful village situated at an altitude of 6600 feet above sea level in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Located at about 10 km from Mukteshwar and 23 km from Almora, it welcomes backpackers and nature lovers. Untouched by commercialization, Peora is the perfect place to enjoy quality time away from a stressful life.
Peora is an ideal place for those who want to live in a different world, where you will enjoy the simple life in British-era bungalows. The site has a mesmerizing beauty with a snow-clad valley, fruit-laden trees, and various flora and fauna. Piora is a perfect getaway to pamper yourself and have a great time with the special one. Head here and admire the beauty of this picturesque destination.
Best Time to Visit: March – Jun, and September – December.
Things to Do: Trekking, Bird Watching, Picnic, Fruit Picking, and Photography.
How to Reach
Air: Pantnagar Airport is a nearby airport at about 77 km.
Rail: Kathgodam Railhead is the nearest Railway Station at about 77 km.
Road: Didihat is well connected by motorable road with major destinations. Buses and taxis are easily available.
