A List Of Famous Places In Uttarakhand

The state of Uttarakhand is divided into two divisions, namely the Garhwal districts, which has seven subdivisions and the Kumaon districts, which has six subdivisions. It is a North Indian state crossed by the Himalayas and is very famous for all the pilgrim sites that it hosts for Hindus, like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, Vaishno Devi, etc. The state also hosts the famous evening Ganga aarti on the banks of the river Ganga.

Heart of Uttarakhand

The “heart of Uttarakhand” constitutes many snowy peaks, valleys, meadows, admirable lakes, and icy glaciers, which are the sources of many glistening rivers. It is also the source of two most important rivers of India, the Ganga and the Yamuna. It houses various Hindu pilgrim sites, such as the Kedarnath and Badrinath Temples. Garhwal is divided into seven districts and a plethora of shrines, such as  the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and the Hemkund Sahib are located here. 

The two most holy Indian Rivers – Yamuna and Ganga, have their sources in the Garhwal hills, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Shivling and Kedarnath peaks also belong to the Gangotri range. The river Ganga also has many streams originating from the same peaks, like the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, which forms the union of five holy rivers in the Garhwal Himalayas. The significant pilgrim sites are the Vishnuprayag, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, and Devprayag. 

The meadows, deep valleys, and the dark and lush green forests of the Garhwal hills have rich flora & fauna. Various species of animals can be found in the Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, like tigers, snow leopards, panthers, jackals, musk deer, bear, monkeys and flying squirrels. 

All popular destinations in Uttarakhand

1. CHARDHAM YATRA – There are four Hindu pilgrim places in Uttarakhand that one must visit, namely Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. These four are called Char Dham. They are dedicated to four different Hindu Deities – Gangotri to Goddess Ganga, Yamunotri to Goddess Yamuna, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath to Lord Vishnu. 
2. HEMKUND SAHIB – This place is very well known for its beautiful landscape. It is also believed that Guru Gobind Singh had meditated for years before he left this world. This place holds a special emotional connection and significance for the Sikhs, and hence is an important part of the Sikh Yatra. 
3. AULI – the word “Auli” literally translates to “meadow”. It is a very famous place in Uttarakhand and is known to be a sought after destination for individuals who are interested in winter sports. The meadows in Auli are lush green during the summers and are known to be covered in snow during the peak winter months. Hence it is very famous for skiing during winters. 
4. RISHIKESH – Rishikesh is also called the Yoga Capital globally. This is because it is the cultural spot for various spiritual activities. This place has recently become very famous for its adventure tourism also. Rishikesh is home to the famous Lakshman Jhoola and many adventure sports such as bungee jumping, kayaking, and even river-rafting. Rishikesh is also known to host the Rishikesh International Film Festival, which screens many films & videography of filmmakers, producers, and directors who conduct cultural workshops. 
5. UTTARKASHI – Uttarkashi is a place that is famous for its important pilgrim sites & various adventure sports. This place also has many ashrams and provides various activities for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. 
6. DEHRADUN is a very famous and popular hill station in the country. It also houses various important educational institutions like the Doon School, the Indian Military Academy as well as the Forest Research Institute. Various shopping streets are famous for their variety and quality, like Tibetan Monasteries, Paltan Bazaar, Robber’s Cave and Lal Tibba. 
7. NAINITAL – Nainital is known as the city of lakes. One can feel the sultry summer while boating in the lakes, sipping coconut water, and enjoying the environment. There are various sightseeing places in Nainital like the Bhimtal, Sattal and Nakuchiatal. One can also go see Tip n Top as well as Snow View Point as famous places in Nainital for sightseeing. 
8. MUNSIYARI – this town is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The town is a very picturesque place which has a lot to offer to its visitors as well as residents. Munisiyari is located at a very high altitude and offers a wide opportunity for adventure enthusiasts for various adventure and nature activities like trekking, rafting, camping, and bird-watching. The Munsiyari town is located on the banks of the river Gori Ganga and provides a beautiful snow-clad view of the majestic Himalayas. 
9. Valley of Flowers- The valley of flowers is located near Auli, Uttarakhand. It is a national park that is a world heritage site. The maximum and minimum Auli temperature is 17° C and 7° C, respectively. Many exotic species of flowers like orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones are some of the most popular and breathing flowers. The total area of this national park is 87 km sq. This valley of flowers was discovered around 1932. There are more than 600 species of flowers in this national park. Black bears, red foxes, and the lime butterfly can also be seen in this national park. 

Conclusion

The Pauri Garhwal region in Uttarakhand is very famous for its trek routes, and it is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. It includes various places like the Doi Tal, Nachiketa Tal, Nanda Devi, Har ki Dun valley of flower trek, and Kedar Tal. Gangotri trek, etc. There are various budget-friendly places, rooms, and hotels around the most famous tourist spots. The region is well connected by rail and road, making the travel very easier for the commuters. It would be a great place to plan your next trip with your family!