13 Mesmerising Photographs Of UttaraKhand That Will Make You Forget Everything

Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states in the world. It earned the status of State in 2000. Earlier, it was the part of Uttar Pradesh and is extremely popular for its beautiful scenic views and pilgrim centers. No matter how deep you know about the place, it will give you a new feel whenever you visit there. There are some locations in Uttrakhand that are not only new to you but, will also let you forget about Switzerland once to visit there.

Have a Look:

1. Lansdowne - A hill station to let your soul feel free

2. Binsar - A paradise for bird lovers

3. Kedartal

Kedar Tal is a glacial lake, also known as Shiva's lake. It's situated at a height of 4,750 meters (15,600 feet) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in India. The receives snowfall over Mt Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Meru (6,672m), Mt Bhrigupanth (6,772m) and other surrounding hills, which are the source of Kedar Ganga too. Also, as per Hindu mythology, it's considered to be Lord Shiva's contribution to Bhagirathi (a source stream of River Ganga). How To Reach: KedarTal trek starts from Gangotri. You can access the place by the use of road transport to reach Gangotri from Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. From Gangotri, you have to trek 18 km which is completed in 3 days so that you can accommodate well at high altitude. The camping points of the Kedartal trek are - Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak and Kedartal. Route Of Kedar Tal Trekking: Dehradun– Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Bhoj Kharak – Kedar Kharak – Kedar Tal – Bhoj Kharak – Gangotri – Dehradun

4. Kedarnath

Kedarnath is holy Hindu town situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It's listed in one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas. Also, this is assumed to be one of the places that were visited by Pandavas to seek the divine. The place is located above sea level adjacent to head of Mandakini River. The Kedarnath temple is nestled amid the magical snow-covered Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is visited every year by thousands of tourists. How To Reach:

• Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport, situated at a distance of 238kms. Taxis will be available from Jolly Grant Airport to Gaurikund.
• Rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath. The station is at a distance of 216 kms before Kedarnath on NH58. Rishikesh is well-established by railway networks with important destinations of India.
• Road: Gaurikund is well linked by motorable roads with prime destinations of Uttarakhand and northern states of India. From ISBT Kashmiri Gate, buses are available to Rishikesh and Srinagar. You'll find buses and taxis to Gaurikund that are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli, etc. Gaurikund is on NH 109 which connects Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.

5. Bhimtal

Bhimtal is a photogenic town and a Nagar Panchayat in Nainital district in Uttarakhand, India. It's located about 22 kilometres from Nainital. Bhimtal Lake is a major attraction here. How To Reach:

• Air: Pant Nagar Airport, located 58 km away from Bhimtal is the nearest airport to the town.
• Road: Uttarakhand is well-connected with road network which links important cities within the towns along with major cities in the neighboring states. Private buses frequently run to Nainital and Kathgodam.
• Train: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, located 30 Km away. Kathgodam is the entrance to the Kumaon region, which is well-connected via two trains that daily runs between Delhi and the city.

6. Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib also known as Hemkunt, formally known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, is a holy Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. The place is amid a glacial lake, surrounded by seven mountain peaks, each embellished by a Nishan Sahib on its hill, as per the Survey of India located in the Himalayas. The place is accessed from Gobindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. How To Reach:

• Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport. Here, the roads are only connected up to Govind Ghat from where you have to start your 19kms' trek to reach Hemkund Sahib. Govindghat is at a distance of 292kms from Jolly Grant Airport.
• Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of 273 Kms ahead of Govindghat on NH58. Buses and taxis are easily available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and many other major destinations to Govindghat.
• Road: The place is well-connected up to Govind Ghat with the road network and from here you have to start the trek of 19kms to reach the desired destination. Buses are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar. Also, taxis and buses are comfortably available from prime destinations like Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand.

7. Valley of Flowers National Park

Valley of Flowers National Park, an Indian national park, finds its spot in North Chamoli, in the state of Uttarakhand and is famous for its meadows of native alpine flowers and the variety of flora. How To Reach:

• Air: Dehradun is the nearest airport which is 295 kilometers (183 miles) away.
• Rail: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, located 276 kilometers away.
• Road: By road, Govind Ghat is the closest you can get to the Valley Of Flowers. A 10-hour drive is required from Dehradun to Joshimath; another one hour drive to Govind Ghat. And finally, from Govind Ghat, you need to trek to base camp at Ghangaria.

8. Almora

Almora, located on a hill at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalaya range which is 363 km away from Delhi, 351 km via NH109, 415 km via Saharanpur Road, and 388.6 km via Ambala- Dehradun- Haridwar Road from Dehradun. How To Reach:

• Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport which is 115 Kms away from Almora.
• Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station which is 83 Km away.
• Road: There are frequent bus services from other major cities of the country to Almora.

9. Munsiyari

Munsiyari is a small village in the  Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand which is surrounded by the snow-capped ranges of Himalayas. Munsiyari's literal meaning is - "place with snow" and it's also referred to as Little Kashmir. How To Reach:

• Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport at a distance of 249 km.
• Rail: Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km) are the two best choices of the nearest railway stations to reach here.
• Road: Munsiyari is well-connected to several major cities of Uttarakhand as well as neighboring states via a well-established road network.

10. Chopta

11. Rani Khet

Ranikhet, a fascinating hill station and cottage town in Almora district. This place houses Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army. How To Reach:

• Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport at a distance of 119 kms.
• Rail: Kathgodam is the closest railhead to the city, situated at a distance of 80 Kms.
• Road:  Garhwal and Kumaon regions are mostly linked with Ranikhet. You can take buses from Anand Vihar ISBT gate Delhi to Almora and Kathgodam which are the closest destinations to reach Ranikhet.

12. Chakrata

Chakrata, 90 kms from Dehradun, Uttarakhand is beautified by the sun-kissed Himalayan ranges. This serene hilly town is placed in the Dehradun district and is a perfect weekend getaway for the backpackers. Fenced by the coniferous forests, Chakrata is a delight for solo travelers as it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. 

How To Reach:

• Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport, situated 113 Kms away.
• Rail: Dehradun is the closest railhead to the city, situated at a distance of 87 Kms.
• Road: Garhwal and Kumaon regions are mostly linked with Ranikhet. You can take buses from Anand Vihar ISBT gate Delhi to Almora and Kathgodam which are the closest destinations to reach Ranikhet.

Also Read: Vacation Destinations For Nature Lovers

13. Rishikesh

Haridwar, known as the Land of Yogis, is another famous pilgrimage site. It's well-known for its temples and lively ghats where devotees take a holy dip to leave behind all their sins. Many pilgrims come to Haridwar to have a holy dip in the Har Ki Pauri. How To Reach:

• Air: Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport, located at a distance of approximately 35 kilometres.
• Road: Rishikesh has a good network of buses which connects with places like Haridwar, Dehradun, and New Delhi. Every day, buses leave in the morning and late evening from the Kashmiri Gate, ISBT, New Delhi, for Rishikesh.
• Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railhead, located 25 Kms away. Shatabadi Express, Jan Shatabdi, AC Special Express and Mussoorie Express are some of the major trains to reach Haridwar. And the either hire a bus or taxi to reach Rishikesh.

14. Auli

It's one of the best travel destinations for snowboarding and skiing in India. It's one of the best snow places along with uncrowded tourist spots. How To Reach:

How to reach:

Nearest airport: Located at a distance of 279 km, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Auli. This one is well-connected and you can take a cab or bus to reach Auli from the airport. Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway station is the nearest major railhead from Auli, located at a distance of 273 km.