Things to Do in Uttarakhand

Rajaji National Park is both a national park as well as a tiger reserve which ranks high amongst the Places to see in Haridwar. The park was created by the amalgamation of 3 sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. The park is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spreads over 820kms. 

The park is famous for its 600 elephants, 250 leopards, and 11 tigers along with other animals, who have been kept in the natural forest environment. It has now become the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Corbet.

Location -Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun

Timing- 6 am to 9 am &  3 pm to 6 pm. Visitors booking a full day safari can wait at the rest house inside the forest.

Best Time to Visit - Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June. Park is closed during the monsoon season.      

Entry Fee - Rs. 150 per head for 3 hours visit. Gypse rate for 3 hrs safari trip is Rs. 2100 and vehicle entry is Rs.250 per vehicle with Indians and Rs. 500 per vehicle with foreigners. The guide cost is Rs. 600 for general guide and Rs.1000-1500 for experience in wildlife.

History of Rajaji National Park

A majestic peak nestled in the quaint hill station of Auli, Nanda Devi is renowned as the Goddess of Himalayas. Counted among the many popular UNESCO sites, it is the second tallest peak in India flaunting the surreal backdrops of Garhwal. It stands at an altitude of 7817 meters above the sea level and lures the visitors with its awe-inspiring views.

The peak is surrounded by Nanda Devi National Park where one can bask in nature’s glory and catch the bewitching sight of exotic flora and fauna. Nanda Devi mountain range has two peaks including Western and Eastern peaks. While the eastern peak is named after Goddess Nanda, the western peak is popularly known as Sunanda Peak.

Apart from its natural splendour, the place has also gained massive popularity for its religious significance. Nandadevi is hailed as the Goddess of Uttarakhand and abode of Lord Shiva, which is why it is frequented by a large number of devotees.

This Himalayan beauty is equally popular among adventure enthusiasts and travel buffs for its enthralling trekking routes and serene villages which provide the much-needed relaxation after a hectic day of sightseeing. The 55 Km trek to Nanda Devi flags off from the beautiful town of Lata, takes you through Dharansi Pass, Debrugheta, and Hitoli, and ends at Joshimath.

During the trek, you will get an opportunity to interact with the natives of Himalayas and learn about their lifestyle and culture. You will also get to see the confluence of sacred rivers Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag.

Nanda Khat (6,611 meters) is a stunning peak in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, located in the eastern flank of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. It is a challenging yet rewarding climb, attracting seasoned mountaineers seeking an offbeat Himalayan expedition. The peak offers breathtaking views of surrounding giants like Nanda Devi, Changuch, and Panwali Dwar.

Anasakti Ashram is a serene retreat perched about 1 km uphill from Kausani town in Uttarakhand. This peaceful ashram is where Mahatma Gandhi spent fourteen transformative days in 1929, formulating his treatise Anasakti Yoga. Surrounded by deodar and pine forests, it offers panoramic vistas of the Himalayan peaks, so much so that Gandhi referred to Kausani as the "Switzerland of India." 

Today, it functions as a meditation and study centre, housing a small museum with photos and writings from Gandhi's stay, a prayer hall, a library, and modest visitor rooms. Entry is free, and the calm ambience makes it ideal for introspection and spiritual solace.

Kausani Tea Estate is a tea plantation in Uttarakhand. Spread over rolling slopes, it is famed for its organic and aromatic tea and cool mountain breeze. Walking through the tea gardens, visitors can easily see workers hand-plucking fresh leaves while the snowy peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul stand proudly in the distance. The aroma of tea leaves, the sound of birds, and endless greenery make it one of the best places to include in your Uttarakhand Tour Package.

Watch the traditional, manual tea-making process without any machines, then enjoy a freshly brewed cup while soaking in panoramic views of the estate. Along with the estate, there are plenty of other places to visit in Kausani that make the trip even more rewarding.

Kala Nag or Black Peak is one of the most famous peaks in the Western Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It stands tall at 6,387 meters and is the highest peak in the Bandarpunch massif. Located in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, it is near Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Tal trekking routes. Its name, Black Cobra, comes from its cobra-like shape and dark appearance.

Seasoned mountaineers love the Kala Nag expedition for the stunning views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Gangotri peaks. With its challenging climb, glacial terrain, and alpine beauty, Kala Nag is a dream climb in the Indian Himalayas.

Nestled in the serene town of Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand, the Navadurga Temple stands as a testament to both spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur. Dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, this sacred shrine is revered by pilgrims and devotees who seek blessings and solace.

Located in the Sacred and beautiful town of Jyotirmath (Joshimath), the Adi Shankaracharya Temple is a symbol of spiritual awakening and ancient wisdom in India. This temple has historic significance and marks one of the four original Mathas (Monastic centres) which were established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to preserve Sanatan Dharma. Nestled in the Chamoli district near Badrinath, the temple is not only known for its religious significance, but also for its peaceful environment along with a beautiful Himalayan Backdrop.

Devotees and seekers come here to meditate, learn, and experience the philosophical roots of Advaita Vedanta. The temple is a must-visit for spiritual travellers exploring Uttarakhand’s Char Dham circuit.

Gandhi Ashram in Kausani, Uttarakhand, also known as Anasakti Ashram, is a serene retreat where Mahatma Gandhi wrote his treatise on Anasakti Yoga. Nestled amidst picturesque hills, the ashram offers stunning views of the Himalayas and serves as a museum dedicated to Gandhi's life and teachings.

Shri Maa Chandi Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located atop Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Built in 1929, it houses a much older idol of Goddess Chandi, believed to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is known as Siddha Peetha, a place where devotees believe their wishes are fulfilled. You can reach the temple by a thrilling cable car ride (Udan Khatola) or by trekking a scenic 3 km trail starting from Chandighat. 

From the hilltop, the views of the Ganga River and Haridwar are breathtaking. It is also a hotspot during festivals like Navratri and Chandi Chaudas, where rituals, music, and local traditions light up the temple. For those interested in both spirituality and culture, Chandi Devi Temple offers a peaceful and enriching experience, it is a must-visit on every Uttarakhand tour package.

The Cave of Veda Vyasa, located in Mana, is a place of deep spiritual connection and cultural experience. The narrow, old cave (about 5,300 years old) next to the Saraswati River is thought to be where Sage Vyasa dictated the Mahabharata. Additionally, it is believed that he also composed four Vedas, Puranas, and Brahma Sutras, with Lord Ganesha as the scribe here. 

The ceiling of layered rock looks like palm-leaf manuscripts, which is why it is called "Vyas Pothi." It also has a shrine with statues of Vyasa and Ganesha. People who come to the shrine to pray find peace in its silence, which is thought to be due to its natural soundproofing. You can get here by walking 700 meters uphill from Badrinath, passing Ganesh Gufa, Bhim Pul, and Vasudhara Falls along the way. This makes for a layered journey through myth, devotion, and the beauty of the Himalayas. The best times to visit are May to June or September to October, when the skies are clear and the roads are safe.

Located about 12 km from Joshimath, Dhak is a quiet mountain village at around 2,900 meters above sea level. It is a peaceful place to get away from the stresses of urban life, a place full of local Garhwal culture. Pine and oak forests all around, and rhododendrons in the spring, make for an enchanting scene. There are also a lot of birds, making it a great place for both avid birdwatchers and general nature lovers.

Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nar Parbat are some of the most beautiful peaks in the world, visible from the village. Dhak is the starting point for treks like Kuari Pass, Roopkund, Bedni Bugyal, and Pangarchula, and also a great place for backpacking and camping.

Gulling Top (about 9,600 feet), a camp on trek from Dhak and Tugasi,  is a beautiful place to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. A moderate 3–6 km hike through terraced fields, oak-rhododendron forests, and bubbling streams will take you to a peaceful alpine meadow campsite.

You can see the beautiful peaks of Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parbat, and the larger Garhwal range from the camp top. The clean and crisp mountain air at night aids in a stunning sight of stars, as well as beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Trekkers are rewarded with otherworldly sights of snow during winters or bright spring flowers in spring and summer. Gulling Top isn't just a trek, it's a full-on mountain experience that combines mild adventure with the beauty of nature.

Located in the beautiful village of Binsar, Uttarakhand, the Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most beautiful and peaceful, and sacred Shiva temples of Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is an ancient structure that dates back to the 16th century. It was built by King Kalyan Chand of the Chand dynasty. The temple is surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests, and offers a spiritual serenity and architectural charm.

It serves not only as a religious destination but also as a cultural marker for the region. Located on the route to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bineshwar Mahadev draws both pilgrims and nature lovers alike. The peaceful surroundings make it ideal for meditation, photography, and quiet introspection.

Flowing gracefully through the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand, the Ganges River emerges as a symbol of spiritual significance and natural splendor. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas, this sacred river embarks on a journey of over 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) before merging with the Bay of Bengal. In Uttarakhand, the Ganges meanders through serene valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests, bestowing life upon the land and its inhabitants.

Gangotri Temple, nestled in the serene town of Gangotri in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and the origin point of the holy River Ganga. Dedicated to the Goddess Ganga, this ancient temple is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks and the soothing sound of the Bhagirathi River flowing nearby. It is not just a religious site but also one of the most peaceful places to visit in Uttarakhand for those seeking spiritual calm and natural beauty. 

The temple holds deep mythological significance, believed to be the place where Goddess Ganga descended to Earth through Lord Shiva’s locks after King Bhagiratha’s penance. Pilgrims visit to take part in daily aartis, offer prayers, and walk along nearby sacred trails like Gaumukh and Tapovan. Whether you are a devotee or a nature lover, a visit to Gangotri Temple promises peace, purity, and a heart-touching experience in the lap of the Himalayas.

The Rudranath Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, and is one of the five temples collectively known as the Panch Kedar. Situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters above sea level, the temple is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings. 

At Rudranath Temple, the worship is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s face (ekananda), while the worship of his entire body is conducted at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is set against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas, including the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul, which add to its allure and spiritual significance. The temple’s serene environment and the awe-inspiring natural beauty surrounding it make it a revered site for devotees and visitors.

Osla is a small village in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2590 meters in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarakhand. This village is on the Har Ki Dun trail and offers a glimpse of ancient Garhwali culture, wooden architecture and untouched mountain life. The village is above the Supin River and is inhabited mainly by the Rajput Community. This village is also famous for its ancient Someshwar Temple dedicated to Duryodhana from the Mahabharata.

Osla village is surrounded by Deodar forests, alpine meadows and snow peaks. The village is a beautiful stopover for trekkers and cultural enthusiasts. To reach Osla, one has to trek from Sankri via Taluka.

Bhatwari is a picturesque village nestled in the scenic hills of Uttarakhand, located in the Tehri Garhwal district. The village is known for its serene surroundings, lush greenery, and the majestic Himalayan views that captivate visitors. Bhatwari offers a glimpse into the traditional life of Uttarakhand, with terraced fields, wooden houses, and a community closely connected to nature.