Experience the True Essence of Uttarakhand Tourism
Uttarakhand is often called Dev Bhoomi — the Land of the Gods — because of its many revered pilgrimage sites. For centuries, saints, devotees, and travelers have made their way to these spiritual landmarks. Char Dham Yatra: The journey to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath forms one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages. Each site sits amidst the mountains, connected not just by roads but by deep faith.
The journey to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath forms one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages. Each site sits amidst the mountains, connected not just by roads but by deep faith. Haridwar and Rishikesh: On the banks of the Ganges, these twin cities offer spiritual immersion. While Haridwar hosts the grand Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh has become a global center for yoga and meditation.
On the banks of the Ganges, these twin cities offer spiritual immersion. While Haridwar hosts the grand Ganga Aarti, Rishikesh has become a global center for yoga and meditation. Hemkund Sahib: A Sikh pilgrimage site at a height of over 4,000 meters, surrounded by snow and serenity.
These spiritual centers are not just religious sites; they're part of the cultural identity that makes Uttarakhand Tourism rich in heritage.
Hill towns in Uttarakhand are timeless in charm and have served as retreats for writers, travelers, and nature lovers for decades. Nainital: A serene lake town with colonial architecture and bustling local markets. Boating, ropeway rides, and peaceful walks around Naini Lake are common experiences here.
A serene lake town with colonial architecture and bustling local markets. Boating, ropeway rides, and peaceful walks around Naini Lake are common experiences here. Mussoorie: Popularly called the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is lined with scenic viewpoints and old churches. It's ideal for short breaks and romantic getaways.
Popularly called the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie is lined with scenic viewpoints and old churches. It's ideal for short breaks and romantic getaways. Almora, Ranikhet, and Binsar: These quieter hill stations offer an escape from crowds. Mist-covered valleys, pine forests, and panoramic views of the Himalayas define their charm.
Each hill station has its own personality, adding depth to the landscape of Uttarakhand Tourism.
For those drawn to untamed nature, Uttarakhand has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that protect the region's rich biodiversity. Jim Corbett National Park: India's first national park, known for its tiger population and dense Sal forests. Safari trails bring visitors close to elephants, leopards, deer, and more.
India's first national park, known for its tiger population and dense Sal forests. Safari trails bring visitors close to elephants, leopards, deer, and more. Rajaji National Park: A lesser-known gem that offers quiet safaris, birdwatching, and untouched terrain.
A lesser-known gem that offers quiet safaris, birdwatching, and untouched terrain. Valley of Flowers National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its alpine meadows and rare plant species. This area remains snow-covered for most of the year but blooms spectacularly in the summer.
Nature conservation is a big part of Uttarakhand Tourism, and these sanctuaries showcase how the state balances ecology with visitor experiences.
While many come to Uttarakhand for its peace and culture, the state is also a hotspot for thrill-seekers. Adventure has a strong presence here — not in theme parks, but in raw natural environments. Trekking: Routes like the Roopkund Trail, Kedarkantha Trek, and Har Ki Dun take you through dense forests, high-altitude meadows, and snowy ridges.
Routes like the Roopkund Trail, Kedarkantha Trek, and Har Ki Dun take you through dense forests, high-altitude meadows, and snowy ridges. River Rafting: Rishikesh offers powerful rapids of the Ganges, perfect for both beginners and seasoned rafters.
Rishikesh offers powerful rapids of the Ganges, perfect for both beginners and seasoned rafters. Paragliding and Ziplining: In towns like Ranikhet and Bhimtal, you can fly over green valleys or zoom across wide gorges.
In towns like Ranikhet and Bhimtal, you can fly over green valleys or zoom across wide gorges. Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking: These sports are gaining traction among visitors who want to push their limits in nature.
These activities attract a younger crowd and keep the spirit of Uttarakhand Tourism adventurous and alive.
The culture of Uttarakhand is shaped by its mountain life. Folk songs, dance forms like Chholiya , and handwoven garments tell stories of the past and present. Local fairs such as Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra or the Purnagiri Mela pull visitors into rituals that have remained unchanged for generations.
Cuisine is simple yet flavorful — Aloo Ke Gutke , Mandua Roti , and Bal Mithai are just a few examples. Villages in the hills have preserved these culinary traditions, offering visitors a taste of mountain life beyond typical restaurants.
Cultural preservation is a core value of Uttarakhand Tourism. It's not just about what you see, but how you feel connected to the local way of life.
With its fragile ecosystems and spiritual significance, Uttarakhand encourages conscious tourism. More homestays are being built using local materials. Initiatives to reduce plastic waste in tourist zones are gaining ground. Trekking groups now carry back all waste and follow rules laid down by the forest departments.
Travelers are urged to respect religious customs, avoid littering, and support local artisans rather than large commercial vendors. These efforts make Uttarakhand Tourism a model of sustainable travel for the rest of India.
Not every gem in Uttarakhand is on the tourist map. Some treasures lie off the beaten path, perfect for those who seek quiet and authenticity. Chopta: Often called the Mini Switzerland of India, this region is a base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Dense forests and open skies define the area.
Often called the Mini Switzerland of India, this region is a base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Dense forests and open skies define the area. Munsiyari: A far-off village with majestic views of the Panchachuli peaks. It's a trekker's paradise.
A far-off village with majestic views of the Panchachuli peaks. It's a trekker's paradise. Kanatal and Dhanaulti: Close to Mussoorie, yet quieter and greener, ideal for a relaxed weekend.
Close to Mussoorie, yet quieter and greener, ideal for a relaxed weekend. Askot and Dharchula: Border towns that offer raw Himalayan terrain, rare wildlife, and glimpses of local tribal life.
Such hidden corners are becoming increasingly vital to Uttarakhand Tourism, especially for travelers who want more than just popular sightseeing.
The timing of your trip affects what you'll experience: Summer (March to June): Ideal for hill stations, trekking, and rafting. Clear skies and mild temperatures dominate.
Ideal for hill stations, trekking, and rafting. Clear skies and mild temperatures dominate. Monsoon (July to September): Great for lush greenery, though some regions may face landslides. Best avoided for long treks.
Great for lush greenery, though some regions may face landslides. Best avoided for long treks. Winter (October to February): Perfect for snowfall and a peaceful retreat. Skiing and snow activities pick up in places like Auli.
Each season brings out a different side of the mountains, making Uttarakhand Tourism a year-round journey. Acclimatize slowly: Especially when heading to high altitudes. Respect local customs: Dress modestly at religious places. Pack wisely: Layers are key, as temperatures can vary sharply. Carry cash: Many remote areas have limited digital payment access. Book early in peak season: Especially during Char Dham Yatra or school holidays.
Being well-prepared helps visitors experience Uttarakhand Tourism in a safer and more fulfilling way.
Uttarakhand is not a place that rushes you. It invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect — with nature, with tradition, and often, with yourself. Its valleys hold stories, its rivers carry prayers, and its mountains watch silently over everything. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or stillness, Uttarakhand Tourism offers a canvas large enough for every kind of traveler.
This isn't a destination that demands attention. It simply waits — calm, timeless, and always welcoming.
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CNN
a day ago
- CNN
Toasting the god of destruction and renewal, these Hindu pilgrims party hard. Not everyone is thrilled.
Buckets of holy water slung over their shoulders, millions of Hindu devotees have been walking for days. The water, scooped up from the holy river Ganges, is destined for the pilgrims' local temples. And the precious cargo must be treated delicately: spilling a single drop, or touching another person before reaching their hometown, would cancel out the devotional deed. Breaking up the wearying journey, devotees gather for outbreaks of extravagant revelry – ground-shaking music and dancing fueled by devotion, ganja and alcohol, as befits in their eyes Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and renewal, to whom the festival is dedicated. This is the Kanwar Yatra festival, which draws tens of millions onto northern India's roads each year. It's gotten louder and rowdier in recent years – and increasingly bound up with the Hindu-nationalist politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Inside a tent along the route, the air was thick with marijuana and music. Devotees sipped bhang, a preparation of cannabis with milk and other fruits, and broke into dance. As monsoon rain poured outside, Pankaj, an auto-rickshaw driver from New Delhi who goes by one name, led the dancing. He said this was his 21st time performing the ritual. 'I always get lost in the city of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva), like slipping into a trance,' he told CNN. 'He [Shiva] ensured we did the entire journey peacefully, dancing, praying and enjoying ourselves. He makes sure we are happy.' The bhang also helps, he said. The concoction is 'a religious offering,' he said. 'Bhang is something all devotees share with each other. We drink and also make others drink.' In Delhi, some of the millions of devotees could be seen, holy water balanced in pails, or containers hanging from each end of the kanwar pole that gives the festival its name. Along the roadway, trucks mounted with huge speakers played pounding religious music set to bass-heavy beats, making the ground tremble. Aarti Kumar, 21, a former bouncer, was on the way back to her hometown with her friends. She said they had walked 280 kilometers (175 miles) so far with the sacred cargo. 'We are looking forward to offering the holy water and completing the pilgrimage, we are awaiting it in anticipation and excitement that our hard work of so many days will pay off.' Pushkar Singh Dhami, chief minister of Uttarakhand, said the state witnessed an 'unprecedented confluence of faith and order,' with more than 45 million devotees visiting to take the sacred water of the Ganges. But each step can spell devotional disaster. If the holy water spills or falls to the ground, or if a devotee comes into physical contact with another person, then the water becomes impure and the ritual is forfeit. Kumar described seeing one man whose water had fallen. 'He broke down in tears and I cried looking at him,' she said. The water is meant to show thanks to god, or provide spiritual relief, including purifying the devotee's soul of sin. 'Devotees hold this water close to their heart and bring it back with such care and warmth. So it is heartbreaking when it falls and becomes impure.' The tension of the challenge, combined with the drugs and alcohol going about, can make for a combustible atmosphere around the devotees – who are almost all young men. The Kanwar Yatra passes through the northern states that form the bedrock of support for Modi's Hindu-nationalist government, which critics accuse of attacking the secular ideals enshrined in India's constitution. Recent pilgrimages have been marred by reports of violence against authorities, and tensions have risen when crowds pass through Muslim areas. This year, authorities in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh states, through which the Ganges runs, banned devotees from carrying the swords and tridents associated with Shiva, due to fears of violence. They also mandated that restaurants along the journey display the names and details of their owners via QR codes. Critics say displaying those details may encourage some observing the festival to boycott shops owned by those of another faith – an attack on the secularism enshrined in the constitution. On 14 July, local media reported, citing police, that a group of devotees had vandalized a restaurant in Meerapur, Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the owners, who were Muslims, had not displayed their identities as local authorities had mandated. Days earlier, a member of the state legislature, apparently took matters in his own hands. Video posted online allegedly showed him Nandkishor Gurjar shutting down a butcher's shop in the town of Loni. 'This is the (pilgrimage route),' the man was heard shouting in the video. 'Meat shops cannot open here.' Authorities are also unwilling to intervene when devotees run amok, said businessman Danish Khan. 'These kanwars behave like they are the owners of state and national highways, dancing on high-volume DJs, sometimes drunk and beating people. The police are often just watching and giving them a free hand,' he said. Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, appealed to devotees to participate in the pilgrimage responsibly. 'Some elements are working constantly to disrupt the faith and devotion of this pilgrimage,' he told a press conference. 'They're doing this through posts on social media and other ways. These elements are trying to defame the pilgrimage.' Another complaint is that social media has turned the festival into just another opportunity for self-promotion. 'Before social media no one was competing on the amount of water they were bringing back, the size of the DJ, how loud the music is, or the speed with which you are doing the pilgrimage,' Sandy N, an entrepreneur from Delhi, told CNN. 'Now everything has become a gimmick and it is being done irresponsibly,' the 50-year-old said. But for the majority, the journey is still a way to find peace. In one of the tents set up for the devotees in the capital, laborer Ankit Gupta put out plates and food in anticipation of the arrival of the next group of pilgrims. 'This is our devotion for Lord Shiva… Tomorrow it will come to an end,' he said ruefully. 'It is a break from the otherwise hectic lives we live to make ends meet.'
CNN
a day ago
- CNN
Toasting the god of destruction and renewal, these Hindu pilgrims party hard. Not everyone is thrilled.
Religion FacebookTweetLink Buckets of holy water slung over their shoulders, millions of Hindu devotees have been walking for days. The water, scooped up from the holy river Ganges, is destined for the pilgrims' local temples. And the precious cargo must be treated delicately: spilling a single drop, or touching another person before reaching their hometown, would cancel out the devotional deed. Breaking up the wearying journey, devotees gather for outbreaks of extravagant revelry – ground-shaking music and dancing fueled by devotion, ganja and alcohol, as befits in their eyes Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and renewal, to whom the festival is dedicated. This is the Kanwar Yatra festival, which draws tens of millions onto northern India's roads each year. It's gotten louder and rowdier in recent years – and increasingly bound up with the Hindu-nationalist politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Inside a tent along the route, the air was thick with marijuana and music. Devotees sipped bhang, a preparation of cannabis with milk and other fruits, and broke into dance. As monsoon rain poured outside, Pankaj, an auto-rickshaw driver from New Delhi who goes by one name, led the dancing. He said this was his 21st time performing the ritual. 'I always get lost in the city of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva), like slipping into a trance,' he told CNN. 'He [Shiva] ensured we did the entire journey peacefully, dancing, praying and enjoying ourselves. He makes sure we are happy.' The bhang also helps, he said. The concoction is 'a religious offering,' he said. 'Bhang is something all devotees share with each other. We drink and also make others drink.' In Delhi, some of the millions of devotees could be seen, holy water balanced in pails, or containers hanging from each end of the kanwar pole that gives the festival its name. Along the roadway, trucks mounted with huge speakers played pounding religious music set to bass-heavy beats, making the ground tremble. Aarti Kumar, 21, a former bouncer, was on the way back to her hometown with her friends. She said they had walked 280 kilometers (175 miles) so far with the sacred cargo. 'We are looking forward to offering the holy water and completing the pilgrimage, we are awaiting it in anticipation and excitement that our hard work of so many days will pay off.' Pushkar Singh Dhami, chief minister of Uttarakhand, said the state witnessed an 'unprecedented confluence of faith and order,' with more than 45 million devotees visiting to take the sacred water of the Ganges. But each step can spell devotional disaster. If the holy water spills or falls to the ground, or if a devotee comes into physical contact with another person, then the water becomes impure and the ritual is forfeit. Kumar described seeing one man whose water had fallen. 'He broke down in tears and I cried looking at him,' she said. The water is meant to show thanks to god, or provide spiritual relief, including purifying the devotee's soul of sin. 'Devotees hold this water close to their heart and bring it back with such care and warmth. So it is heartbreaking when it falls and becomes impure.' The tension of the challenge, combined with the drugs and alcohol going about, can make for a combustible atmosphere around the devotees – who are almost all young men. The Kanwar Yatra passes through the northern states that form the bedrock of support for Modi's Hindu-nationalist government, which critics accuse of attacking the secular ideals enshrined in India's constitution. Recent pilgrimages have been marred by reports of violence against authorities, and tensions have risen when crowds pass through Muslim areas. This year, authorities in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh states, through which the Ganges runs, banned devotees from carrying the swords and tridents associated with Shiva, due to fears of violence. They also mandated that restaurants along the journey display the names and details of their owners via QR codes. Critics say displaying those details may encourage some observing the festival to boycott shops owned by those of another faith – an attack on the secularism enshrined in the constitution. On 14 July, local media reported, citing police, that a group of devotees had vandalized a restaurant in Meerapur, Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the owners, who were Muslims, had not displayed their identities as local authorities had mandated. Days earlier, a member of the state legislature, apparently took matters in his own hands. Video posted online allegedly showed him Nandkishor Gurjar shutting down a butcher's shop in the town of Loni. 'This is the (pilgrimage route),' the man was heard shouting in the video. 'Meat shops cannot open here.' Authorities are also unwilling to intervene when devotees run amok, said businessman Danish Khan. 'These kanwars behave like they are the owners of state and national highways, dancing on high-volume DJs, sometimes drunk and beating people. The police are often just watching and giving them a free hand,' he said. Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, appealed to devotees to participate in the pilgrimage responsibly. 'Some elements are working constantly to disrupt the faith and devotion of this pilgrimage,' he told a press conference. 'They're doing this through posts on social media and other ways. These elements are trying to defame the pilgrimage.' Another complaint is that social media has turned the festival into just another opportunity for self-promotion. 'Before social media no one was competing on the amount of water they were bringing back, the size of the DJ, how loud the music is, or the speed with which you are doing the pilgrimage,' Sandy N, an entrepreneur from Delhi, told CNN. 'Now everything has become a gimmick and it is being done irresponsibly,' the 50-year-old said. But for the majority, the journey is still a way to find peace. In one of the tents set up for the devotees in the capital, laborer Ankit Gupta put out plates and food in anticipation of the arrival of the next group of pilgrims. 'This is our devotion for Lord Shiva… Tomorrow it will come to an end,' he said ruefully. 'It is a break from the otherwise hectic lives we live to make ends meet.'
CNN
a day ago
- CNN
Toasting the god of destruction and renewal, these Hindu pilgrims party hard. Not everyone is thrilled.
Religion FacebookTweetLink Buckets of holy water slung over their shoulders, millions of Hindu devotees have been walking for days. The water, scooped up from the holy river Ganges, is destined for the pilgrims' local temples. And the precious cargo must be treated delicately: spilling a single drop, or touching another person before reaching their hometown, would cancel out the devotional deed. Breaking up the wearying journey, devotees gather for outbreaks of extravagant revelry – ground-shaking music and dancing fueled by devotion, ganja and alcohol, as befits in their eyes Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and renewal, to whom the festival is dedicated. This is the Kanwar Yatra festival, which draws tens of millions onto northern India's roads each year. It's gotten louder and rowdier in recent years – and increasingly bound up with the Hindu-nationalist politics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Inside a tent along the route, the air was thick with marijuana and music. Devotees sipped bhang, a preparation of cannabis with milk and other fruits, and broke into dance. As monsoon rain poured outside, Pankaj, an auto-rickshaw driver from New Delhi who goes by one name, led the dancing. He said this was his 21st time performing the ritual. 'I always get lost in the city of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva), like slipping into a trance,' he told CNN. 'He [Shiva] ensured we did the entire journey peacefully, dancing, praying and enjoying ourselves. He makes sure we are happy.' The bhang also helps, he said. The concoction is 'a religious offering,' he said. 'Bhang is something all devotees share with each other. We drink and also make others drink.' In Delhi, some of the millions of devotees could be seen, holy water balanced in pails, or containers hanging from each end of the kanwar pole that gives the festival its name. Along the roadway, trucks mounted with huge speakers played pounding religious music set to bass-heavy beats, making the ground tremble. Aarti Kumar, 21, a former bouncer, was on the way back to her hometown with her friends. She said they had walked 280 kilometers (175 miles) so far with the sacred cargo. 'We are looking forward to offering the holy water and completing the pilgrimage, we are awaiting it in anticipation and excitement that our hard work of so many days will pay off.' Pushkar Singh Dhami, chief minister of Uttarakhand, said the state witnessed an 'unprecedented confluence of faith and order,' with more than 45 million devotees visiting to take the sacred water of the Ganges. But each step can spell devotional disaster. If the holy water spills or falls to the ground, or if a devotee comes into physical contact with another person, then the water becomes impure and the ritual is forfeit. Kumar described seeing one man whose water had fallen. 'He broke down in tears and I cried looking at him,' she said. The water is meant to show thanks to god, or provide spiritual relief, including purifying the devotee's soul of sin. 'Devotees hold this water close to their heart and bring it back with such care and warmth. So it is heartbreaking when it falls and becomes impure.' The tension of the challenge, combined with the drugs and alcohol going about, can make for a combustible atmosphere around the devotees – who are almost all young men. The Kanwar Yatra passes through the northern states that form the bedrock of support for Modi's Hindu-nationalist government, which critics accuse of attacking the secular ideals enshrined in India's constitution. Recent pilgrimages have been marred by reports of violence against authorities, and tensions have risen when crowds pass through Muslim areas. This year, authorities in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh states, through which the Ganges runs, banned devotees from carrying the swords and tridents associated with Shiva, due to fears of violence. They also mandated that restaurants along the journey display the names and details of their owners via QR codes. Critics say displaying those details may encourage some observing the festival to boycott shops owned by those of another faith – an attack on the secularism enshrined in the constitution. On 14 July, local media reported, citing police, that a group of devotees had vandalized a restaurant in Meerapur, Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the owners, who were Muslims, had not displayed their identities as local authorities had mandated. Days earlier, a member of the state legislature, apparently took matters in his own hands. Video posted online allegedly showed him Nandkishor Gurjar shutting down a butcher's shop in the town of Loni. 'This is the (pilgrimage route),' the man was heard shouting in the video. 'Meat shops cannot open here.' Authorities are also unwilling to intervene when devotees run amok, said businessman Danish Khan. 'These kanwars behave like they are the owners of state and national highways, dancing on high-volume DJs, sometimes drunk and beating people. The police are often just watching and giving them a free hand,' he said. Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, appealed to devotees to participate in the pilgrimage responsibly. 'Some elements are working constantly to disrupt the faith and devotion of this pilgrimage,' he told a press conference. 'They're doing this through posts on social media and other ways. These elements are trying to defame the pilgrimage.' Another complaint is that social media has turned the festival into just another opportunity for self-promotion. 'Before social media no one was competing on the amount of water they were bringing back, the size of the DJ, how loud the music is, or the speed with which you are doing the pilgrimage,' Sandy N, an entrepreneur from Delhi, told CNN. 'Now everything has become a gimmick and it is being done irresponsibly,' the 50-year-old said. But for the majority, the journey is still a way to find peace. In one of the tents set up for the devotees in the capital, laborer Ankit Gupta put out plates and food in anticipation of the arrival of the next group of pilgrims. 'This is our devotion for Lord Shiva… Tomorrow it will come to an end,' he said ruefully. 'It is a break from the otherwise hectic lives we live to make ends meet.'
