Uttarakhand is a beautiful state in northern India, known for its picturesque mountains, spiritual significance, and adventure sports. It is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh. However, there are many underrated travel destinations in Uttarakhand that people should know about. In this article, we will explore some of these hidden gems that offer unique experiences to travelers.
Kanatal
Kanatal is a small town located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is a serene hill station situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters above sea level. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, apple orchards, and beautiful wildflowers. Kanatal is perfect for those looking for a peaceful getaway and offers activities such as camping, trekking, and nature walks. Some popular attractions in Kanatal are Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle, and Tehri Dam.
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a quiet hill station located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,285 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Mukteshwar is known for its beautiful orchards, scenic hiking trails, and the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple. It is also a popular destination for adventure sports such as rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining.
Abbott Mount
Abbott Mount is a hidden gem located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. It is a serene hill station that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The town is surrounded by thick oak and deodar forests and is home to several colonial-era bungalows. Abbott Mount is perfect for those looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway and offers activities such as birdwatching, nature walks, and village tours.
Binsar
Binsar is a beautiful hill station located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,480 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests and stunning views of the Himalayas. Binsar is known for its wildlife sanctuary, which is home to several species of birds, animals, and trees. The town is also home to several ancient temples such as Bineshwar Mahadev Temple and Jageshwar Temple.
Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a quaint hill station located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 1,706 meters above sea level and is known for its serene surroundings and colonial-era bungalows. Lansdowne is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway and offers activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping. Some popular attractions in Lansdowne are St. Mary’s Church, Tip-in-Top, and Bhulla Lake.
Chaukori
Chaukori is a beautiful hill station located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,010 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Chaukori is known for its tea gardens, which produce some of the finest tea in India. The town is also home to several ancient temples such as the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple and the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple.
Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a picturesque hill station located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,298 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Panchchuli and Nanda Devi peaks. The town is known for its trekking trails, which offer a unique experience to adventure enthusiasts. Some popular treks in Munsiyari are the Milam Glacier Trek, the Ralam Glacier Trek, and the Namik Glacier Trek.
Khirsu
Khirsu is a charming village located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The village is known for its apple orchards, which produce some of the best apples in India. Khirsu is perfect for those looking for a peaceful getaway and offers activities such as nature walks, village tours, and camping.
Kausani
Kausani is a beautiful hill station located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 1,890 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Kausani is known for its tea gardens, which produce some of the best tea in India. The town is also home to several ancient temples such as Baijnath Temple and Anasakti Ashram.
Pangot
Pangot is a serene hamlet located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 6,300 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The hamlet is known for its birdwatching, and it is home to over 200 species of birds. Pangot is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway and offers activities such as hiking, nature walks, and camping.
In conclusion, Uttarakhand is a state that offers a plethora of travel destinations to tourists. While popular destinations like Mussoorie and Nainital attract a lot of tourists, there are many underrated travel destinations in Uttarakhand that people should know about. These hidden gems offer a unique experience to travelers and are perfect for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. So, the next time you plan a trip to Uttarakhand, make sure to explore these hidden gems and make your trip an unforgettable one.
