Popularly known as the abode of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is blessed with many beautiful hill stations. Due to its beauty and peace-loving, it attracts a large number of tourists per year. It is no wonder that hill stations are such a miracle of nature that helps us break out of the hat-trick routine. If someone is looking for a vacation site to enjoy adventure, pilgrimage, lush green surroundings, riverine and snow-capped mountains, then this hill station in Uttarakhand is the best option for them. Let’s visit some of the famous hill stations in Uttarakhand and admire the beauty of nature amidst peaceful surroundings.
Check out the list of some popular hill stations where you can enjoy your vacation peacefully.
Nainital
Nainital is located at the eye-catching hill station in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the famous hill stations of Uttarakhand, perched at an altitude of 1,938 meters above sea level. The charming hill station is located in the Kumaon foothills of the Outer Himalayas at 285 km from Dehradun and 345 km from New Delhi.
The city is nestled in an idyllic valley with an eye-shaped lake surrounded by lush green mountains. One can witness the highest Naina Peak (2,615 m) in the north, Devpath (2,438 m) in the west, and Ayarpath (2,278 m) in the south.
Best Time To Visit
Round of the year, and March – Jun
How to Reach
By Air:- Pantnagar is the nearest airport at a distance about 70 kms from Nainital.
By Train:- Kathgodam is the nearest railway station which is approx 23 kms from Nainital.
By Bus:- Nainital is well connected by motorable roads. You can go by bus, taxi or any other road transport.
Places to Visit
Naini Lake
Nainital Zoo
Naina Devi Temple
Ropeway
Tiffin Top
Eco Cave Garden
The Mall Road
Raj Bhawan
Kilbury
Snow View Point
Hanuman Garhi
Mussoorie
The Majesty of hills Mussoorie is located at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, and it is a small hamlet situated amidst a serene environment. It is located conveniently near nearby places and is an ideal weekend getaway. It lies 35 km from Dehradun and 290 km from New Delhi. The tiny hill station is perched at an elevation of 2,005 meters above and surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayan range. The beautiful hill offers a magnificent view of Doon Valley in the south and Himalayan snow ranges in the northeast. Mussoorie is also popularly known as The Queen of the Hills.
Best Time To Visit
April – Jun
How to Reach
By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport from Mussoorie at a distance of 60 km.
By Train:- Dehradun Railway station is the nearest railhead at a distance of about 36 km.
By Road:- Dehradun Road transport is well connected with all major cities, anyone can go by bus, taxi and any other road transport.
Best Places to Visit
Kempty Fall, Camel Back Road, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, The Mall Mussoorie, Jharipani Fall, Bhatta Fall, Lal Tibba, Jwala Devi Temple, Company Garden, IKYA Island, Adventure Park Mussoorie, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Devalsari, Cloud End, K Devbhumi Wax Museum, and Dehradun – Mussoorie Ropeway.
Chopta
Chopta is a small hill station surrounded by lush green meadows and dense forest at 2,709 meters above sea level. This beautiful bliss is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary located in Uttarakhand. Chopta is very popular among trekkers as it marks the beginning of trekking to Tungnath, the third temple of Panch Kedar, at a distance of 3.5 km. There is another 1.5 km trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila at 4000 m.
Chopta is one of the new hill stations of Uttarakhand, which offers an eye-catching view of the mighty Himalayan ranges – Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba.
Best Time To Visit
April – Jun, and October – December
How to Reach
By Air:- Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of about 221 km is the nearest airport.
By Train:- Rishikesh railhead is the nearest railway at a distance of about 230 km.
By Road:- Chopta is well connected by motorable road with all cities in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. You can take buses, taxis, etc.
Places to Visit
Tungnath Temple
Chandrashila Temple
Sari Village
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev
Ukhimath
Kalimath
Deoriatal
Duggalbitta
Rohini Bugyal
Bisurital
Banyakund
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
Kausani
Kausani is a pleasant hill station located in the Bageshwar district of the state of Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 1800 meters, Kausani is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. This beautiful hill station is enriched with beautiful splendor and offers a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. Apart from this, Anashakti Ashram in Kausani is also a quiet place where Mahatma Gandhi spent some days. KMVN is an ideal place to witness the panoramic view of the mountain range.
Best Time To Visit
April – Jun, and December – Mid Fabruary
How to Reach
By Air:- Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 170 km.
By Train:- Kathgodam is the nearest railway station at a distance of about 140 km.
By Road:- Kausani is well connected with all major cities by road transport. You can go by bus or taxi.
Places to Visit
Baijnath Temple
Rudradhari Fall
Gwaldam
Trek to Pinnath
Kausani Tea Estate
Someshwar
Anashakti Ashram
Lakshmi Ashram
Stargate Observatory
Sumitranandan Pant Museum
Auli
Auli is a quiet hill station in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is also known as Auli Bugyal. Situated at an altitude of 2800 above sea level, Auli is a popular ski destination and popular among adventure lovers. Being located amidst the thick oak forest, it offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan peaks. If anyone wants to enjoy the thrill of snow, then definitely visit Auli to quench your thirst. Auli covers the highest number of flowering species between June to October, with 520 species of high altitude plants and 498 significant populations of endangered species.
Best Time To Visit
December – Fabruary
How to Reach
By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest airport for Almore at a distance of around 286 km from there.
By Train:- Rishikesh is the Railway station for Auli at a distance of 264 km.
By Road:- Auli is well connected by a motorable road.
Places to Visit
Kuari Pass Trek.
Auli Artificial Lake
Nanda Devi National Park
Camping
Ropeway Ride
Joshimath
Chenab Lake
Auli Gorson Trek
Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a gorgeous hill station situated at an altitude of 2200 meters in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and is also the base camp of many popular trekking trails. Nestled amidst the snow-capped mountain peaks, Munsiyari offers a magical view of the beauty of nature. Situated on the Gori Ganga River banks, it is a fast-growing tourist destination and is popular among trekkers. Those who are mountaineers, glacier lovers, and altitude trekkers must-visit Munsiyari. ‘Munsiyari’ means ‘place of snow’ in the local language.
Munsiyari lies at the entrance of the Johor Valley on the ancient salt route from Tibet, which extends along the Gori Ganga river to its source at the Milam Glacier.
Best Time To Visit
March – Jun, and Mid September – October
How to Reach
By Air:- Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 336 km away.
By Train:- The nearest railway station is Tanakpur, which is almost 273 km away.
By Road:- Munsiyari is well connected by road transport. One can go by bus or taxi.
Places to Visit
Maheshwari Kund
Thamari Kund
Birthi Falls
Khaliya Top
Kalamuni Top
Skiing
Camping
Bird Watching
Panchachuli Peak
Nanda Devi Trek
Nanda Devi Temple
River Rafting in Gori Ganga
Chakrata
Chakrata is a beautiful hill station adorned with lush green beauty, located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at 2118 meters between the Tons and Yamuna rivers. This beautiful city is a perfect weekend getaway for those who want to spend time in a peaceful environment. Surrounded by dense coniferous forest, Chopta is a magical place as it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Adventure lovers also get an opportunity to experience trekking and skiing.
Best Time To Visit
April – Jun, and September – November
How to Reach
By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest airport to Chakrat, 113 km away.
By Train:- Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway station for Chakratalocated at a distance of about 87 km away.
By Road:- Chakrata has good connectivity with all the major cities around.
Places to Visit
Chilmiri
Tiger Falls
Kansara
Budher
Manjh Gaon
Bairat Khai
Deoban
Mundali Meadows
Harsil
Harsil is an unspoiled delight located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The hidden jewel is situated at an elevation of 2,745 m above. Embellished by apple and Deodar trees, it offers a fantastic view of Himalayan valleys. This pretty hill station is the best option for adventure and nature lovers. It also provides various trekking trails to explore the beauty of nature. One can rejuvenate the mind and body while visiting this place by doing Yoga and Meditation.
Best Time To Visit
April – Jun, and September – October
How to Reach
By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest airport, 232 km away.
By Train:- Dehradun is the nearest railway station 217 km away.
By Road:- Harsil is well connected by a motorable road.
Places to Visit
Dharali
Sattal
Mukhwas Village
Gangnani
Sattal
Kanatal
Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kanatal is a charming hill station in Uttarakhand. Being located close to major destinations like Delhi, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Chamba, it is the most suitable place for a weekend getaway. This hidden jewel of Uttarakhand offers a stunning view of the lush green surroundings as well as sun-kissed peaks and velvety coniferous trees.
The small village of Kanatal is situated at an altitude of 8,500 feet above sea level to Mussoorie-Chamba. It is considered to be the ideal camping destination in Uttarakhand.
Best Time To Visit
December – February
How to Reach
By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is the nearest airport 92 km away from Kanatal.
By Train:- Dehradun is the nearest railway station at a distance of 72 km.
By Road:- Kanatal is well connected by a motorable road.
Places to Visit
Chamba
Mussoorie
Dhanaulti
New Tehri
Kodia Jungle
Surkanda Devi Temple
Camping
Valley Crossing
Rock climbing Rappelling
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a pleasing tourist destination situated at 2,171 meters above sea level. Mukteshwar is named after the 350-year-old Shiva temple Mukteshwar Dham. Mukteshwar offers an opportunity to see its windy waterfalls such as Bhalu Ghad, Tithe Falls, Dhokane Falls, and Rudradhari Falls. A spectacular view of the sunrise can also be seen from PWD Rest House.
The unspoiled beauty of Mukteshwar has a lot to attract nature lovers, like the chirping of birds, the lush green surroundings, the short trek, the idyllic sun rays, and the clear blue sky.
Best Time To Visit
March-May
How to Reach
By Air:- Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of about 90 km.
By Train:- Kathgodam is the nearest railway station at a distance of 57 km.
By Road:- Mukteshwar is well connected by a motorable road.
Places to Visit
Sitla
Ramgarh
Nathuakhan
Peora
Chauli Ki Jali
Nanda Devi Peak
Mukteshwar Temple
Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
