Uttarakhand

The best time to visit Uttarakhand varies depending on the specific activities you want to enjoy and the regions you plan to explore. Generally, the most favorable periods are:

1. Spring (March to April)

• Weather: Pleasant and mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
• Highlights: This season is ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying the blooming flowers in the hills. It’s a great time to visit popular hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie.

2. Summer (May to June)

• Weather: Warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F).
• Highlights: This is peak tourist season as people flock to the cooler hill stations to escape the heat of the plains. Activities like boating in Nainital and hiking in Auli are popular during this time.

3. Monsoon (July to September)

• Weather: Heavy rainfall can lead to landslides and travel disruptions. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
• Highlights: While the monsoon can be beautiful with lush green landscapes, it is not the best time for travel due to the risk of landslides, especially in hilly areas.

4. Autumn (October to November)

• Weather: Cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
• Highlights: A great time for trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, making it an excellent time to visit places like Rishikesh and Haridwar.

5. Winter (December to February)

• Weather: Cold, with temperatures dropping to 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F), especially in higher altitudes.
• Highlights: Ideal for snow lovers and those interested in winter sports, especially in places like Auli and Mussoorie. However, be prepared for chilly conditions, particularly in the mountains.

Overall Recommendation

The best time to visit Uttarakhand is between March to June for pleasant weather and outdoor activities, and October to November for clear skies and beautiful scenery. Each season offers unique experiences, so your choice may depend on the specific activities you want to pursue and the regions you wish to explore.

Reaching Uttarakhand is convenient due to its well-connected transportation network. Here’s how you can get there by various modes of transport:

1. By Air

• Major Airports:
  • Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun): The primary airport in Uttarakhand, located about 25 km from Dehradun city. It has regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
  • Pantnagar Airport: Serves the Kumaon region, particularly Nainital and Almora, with limited flights from Delhi.

2. By Train

• Rail Network: Uttarakhand has several railway stations that connect to major cities across India.
  • Dehradun Railway Station: The main railway station, well connected to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. It takes approximately 6-7 hours from Delhi to Dehradun.
  • Haridwar Railway Station: A significant station for those visiting Haridwar and Rishikesh, with trains connecting to major cities.
  • Other Stations: Kathgodam (for Nainital), Rishikesh, and Jaisalmer also have rail connectivity.

3. By Road

• National Highways: Uttarakhand is well-connected by a network of national and state highways, making road travel convenient.
  • From Delhi: The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is about 250 km (155 miles) and takes approximately 6-7 hours by car.
  • Buses: Numerous state-run and private buses operate from Delhi and other nearby cities to various destinations in Uttarakhand, including luxury sleeper and semi-sleeper options.

4. Local Transport

• Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws: Commonly available for local travel in cities and hill stations. You can hire taxis for sightseeing or intercity travel.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Ola and Uber operate in major cities like Dehradun and Haridwar.

Uttarakhand is home to a diverse range of attractions, from serene hill stations and spiritual sites to stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the must-visit places in Uttarakhand:

1. Dehradun

• Robber’s Cave: A natural cave formation ideal for picnics and exploration.
• Sahastradhara: Known for its sulphur springs and scenic beauty.
• Mindrolling Monastery: A beautiful Buddhist monastery with intricate architecture.

2. Mussoorie

• Kempty Falls: A popular waterfall offering picturesque views and opportunities for swimming.
• Gun Hill: The second-highest peak in Mussoorie, accessible by a cable car, offering panoramic views.
• Lal Tibba: The highest point in Mussoorie, perfect for sunrise and sunset views.

3. Nainital

• Naini Lake: A beautiful crescent-shaped lake ideal for boating and scenic walks.
• Naina Devi Temple: A revered temple located on the northern shore of Naini Lake.
• Snow View Point: Offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

4. Rishikesh

• Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Iconic suspension bridges over the Ganges, popular for photos and views.
• Parmarth Niketan: A prominent ashram known for yoga and meditation classes.
• Ganga Aarti: Experience the spiritual evening ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

5. Haridwar

• Har Ki Pauri: A sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges, famous for the Ganga Aarti.
• Mansa Devi Temple: A popular temple located on a hill, accessible by a cable car or trek.
• Chandi Devi Temple: Another important temple situated on Neel Parvat.

6. Jim Corbett National Park

• Wildlife Safaris: Explore the park's rich biodiversity and spot tigers, elephants, and various bird species.
• Dhikala Zone: One of the most popular zones for wildlife viewing, offering scenic landscapes.

7. Auli

• Skiing: A popular winter destination known for its skiing slopes and snow activities.
• Auli Gorson Trek: Offers breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi and other peaks.

8. Valley of Flowers National Park

• Floral Diversity: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking meadows of endemic alpine flowers.
• Trekking: Ideal for trekking enthusiasts, with stunning landscapes and unique flora and fauna.

9. Badrinath and Kedarnath

• Char Dham Yatra: Important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, located in the Garhwal region.
• Badrinath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
• Kedarnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, located near the Kedarnath mountain.

10. Ranikhet

• Chaubatia Gardens: Beautiful orchards and gardens offering scenic views of the Himalayas.
• Golf Course: One of the highest golf courses in Asia, surrounded by lush greenery.

11. Champawat

• Baleshwar Temple: An ancient temple known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
• Purnagiri Temple: A famous temple located on a hilltop, offering stunning views.

12. Almora

• Nanda Devi Temple: A significant temple dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi.
• Kasar Devi Temple: Known for its historical and spiritual significance, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Uttarakhand offers a wide range of activities for travelers, from adventure sports to spiritual experiences. Here are some of the top things to do in the state:

1. Trekking and Hiking

• Valley of Flowers Trek: Embark on a trek to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning alpine flowers and breathtaking landscapes.
• Kedarkantha Trek: A popular winter trek that offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and a chance to experience snow.

2. Wildlife Safaris

• Jim Corbett National Park: Go on a jeep or canter safari to spot tigers, elephants, and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Rajaji National Park: Explore this lesser-known park for a chance to see diverse flora and fauna, including elephants and leopards.

3. Adventure Sports

• River Rafting: Experience thrilling river rafting in Rishikesh on the Ganges, with various rapids suitable for beginners and experienced rafters.
• Paragliding: Try paragliding in Nainital or Mussoorie for an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes.

4. Yoga and Meditation

• Rishikesh: Attend yoga classes or workshops at various ashrams and wellness centers in the yoga capital of the world.
• Retreats: Participate in meditation retreats that offer holistic wellness programs.

5. Spiritual Experiences

• Ganga Aarti: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar or Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh for a spiritually uplifting experience.
• Pilgrimage Visits: Undertake the Char Dham Yatra to visit the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

6. Boating

• Naini Lake: Enjoy boating in Nainital, where you can paddle or row while soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
• Bhimtal Lake: Visit Bhimtal, known for its picturesque lake and boat rides, including options for pedal boating.

7. Cultural Exploration

• Visit Temples: Explore ancient temples like the Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar and the Naina Devi Temple in Nainital.
• Local Markets: Shop for handicrafts, woolens, and local produce in towns like Almora and Ranikhet.

8. Scenic Drives

• Hill Station Hopping: Take scenic drives through the hills, visiting charming hill stations like Mussoorie, Ranikhet, and Auli, enjoying the stunning views along the way.

9. Photography

• Capture Natural Beauty: The diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to snow-capped peaks, provide excellent opportunities for photography.
• Cultural Photography: Capture the essence of local culture, festivals, and daily life in the villages and towns.

10. Relax and Unwind

• Spas and Wellness Centers: Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic treatments and massages in wellness retreats in Rishikesh and Dehradun.
• Nature Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks in the serene natural surroundings, exploring the diverse flora and fauna.

11. Winter Sports

• Skiing in Auli: Experience skiing in Auli during the winter months, with well-maintained slopes and beautiful snow-covered landscapes.
• Snow Activities: Enjoy other snow activities like snowboarding and trekking in the winter season.

12. Festivals and Local Events

• Participate in Local Festivals: Experience traditional festivals like Kumbh Mela, Baisakhi, and the Nanda Devi Mela, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.