Uttarakhand, the land of sublime and ethereal natural beauty interlaced with serene spirituality is a don’t-miss-ever state of India. A simple trip, just for once, will make you retreat in its expanse each vacation. There are umpteen places to visit in Uttarakhand during September amongst the towering mountains lined verdantly by alpine vegetation and carpets of wild flowers, many of them rare endangered species. You’re bound to bring back colorful revitalized memories of the best weekend Getaway.
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Dehradun & Mussoorie
Basking in the view of the Himalayan ranges and the River Ganga gushing on the either sides of the hillstation, Dehradun the capital of Uttarakhand is a sheer delight no one will like to miss. Just about 38kms from this picturesque city is the ‘Queen of Hills’ Mussoorie, a place just carved out for all nature lovers.
Major attraction: Kempty Falls, Company Bagh, Rajupur Road, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Rajaji National Park, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, and Clouds End etc.
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How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. From there you can hire a cab for Mussoorie which will take almost an hour.
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There are a lot of private and state run buses from Delhi to Dehradun within each 20 mins, you can easily reach Dehradun in 5hours 50mins.
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Train- there are lots of direct trains to Dehradun from Delhi, Dehradun Shatabdi, Dehradun Janshatabdi and Nanda Devi Express are the best.
Why to visit this place: it’s the ideal place to relax and delve into the beauty of nature.
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Nainital
This famous ‘lake district of India’ is 1938mts above the sea level, located around the famous Naini lake, Nainital is a scenic delight for any weekend planner. Live in this assurance, you won’t ever forget this rendezvous with nature gliding in the lake with mountains on all sides.
Major attractions: Naini Lake, St. John in the wilderness, Naina Peak, Tiffin top, Pt. G.B. Pant high altitude Zoo, Gurney House, Snow View, Land’s End, Eco Cave Gardens and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
How to reach:
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Flight- the nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport at a distance of 65 kms, catch a plane from IGI Delhi to PGH Pantnagar.
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Train- catch a train to Kathgodham from Delhi, it’ll take you 34kms to cover from Kathogodham to reach Nainital.
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Bus- buses from Delhi to Nainital are available on Daily bases.
Why to visit this place: Nainital with its several lakes is bound to leave your wits away, it’s a gorgeous hill station.
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Rishikesh
Amongst the confluence of the River Ganges and the River Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh adds a dash of adventure and tranquility with a spectacular view of the hills. Trekking, rafting, and camping adventures captivate people from all over the world. Also known as the ‘yoga capital’ of the world, Rishikesh is more than just a tourist destination.
Major attractions: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, The Beatles Ashram, Laxman Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Rajaji National Park, Kaudiyala, Shivpuri, Jumpin Heights, Narendra Nagar and Shivpuri.
How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. From Dehradun, you can hire a cab or a bus to Rishikesh which is almost 35kms away.
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Train- catch a train from Delhi to Haridwar which is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh at a distance of approx 25kms.
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Bus- there are direct state run and private buses from Delhi to Haridwar which move on a daily basis.
Why to visit this place: with all the sport and adventure activities amongst the temples in hand, Rishikesh is the best place to visit.
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Haridwar
Also known as the’ Gateway to the lord’, it attracts pilgrims from all over the world to offer their prayers in numerous temples and ashrams located here. The Kumbh Mela a festivle which is held here once in 12 years drives more crowds to the city.
Mahor attraction: Vaishno Devi Temple, Vishnu Ghat, Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Pavan Dham, Mansa Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, Shanti Gunj, Bharat Mata Mandir are some for the places to visit.
How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. Haridwar from Dehradun is just 1hr30mins away a distance of just 53kms.
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Train- catch a train from Delhi to Haridwar, Dehradun Janshatabdi is the best.
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Bus- direct buses from Delhi to Haridwar are available daily.
Why to visit this place: this Pilgrimage capital of India is the best place to revilatize yourself spiritually.
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Chamoli
Also known as the ‘abode of Gods’, Chamoli is famous for its shrines and temples and their prehistoric connection with the Hindu mythology. The famous Chipko movement to save the trees started here and became famous worldwide. Chamoli is the best place to visit for rich Garwali Traditions.
Major attractions: Jyotirmath, Nanda Devi National Park, Valley of flowers, Badrinath Temple, Roopkund, HemaKund, and Nilkanth are some of the frequented places by the tourists.
How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. Chamoli is 147kms from Dehradun; you can either hire a cab or take a bus from Dehradun.
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Train- catch a train from Delhi to Haridwar, Dehradun Janshatabdi is the best. From Haridwar you can easily reach Chamoli by taking a bus or hiring a cab, it’s a distance of 140kms. You can also board a train from Delhi to Dehradun.
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Bus- you can take a bus ride from Delhi to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Uttarkashi etc, these are the closest cities from where you can easily take a bus to reach Chamoli via NH58.
Why to visit this place: Chamoli is the ideal place for all peace lovers, pilgrims, photographers and adventure junkies.
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Badrinath & Kedarnath
Badrinath, located between the mountain ranges Nar and Naryana is positioned at the height of 3133 mets above the sea level shadowed by the Nilkantha Peak. You’re sure to gape at the beauty in awe and wonder, the Badrinath Temple being the main attraction draws hundreds and thousands of devotees each year. Kedarnath some 40kms from Badrinath is located amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges in the Gahrwal region, this small town is one of the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.
Major attraction: Badrinath- Badrinath Temple, Hot springs, Neelkanth Peak, Charanpaduka, Valley of flowers. Kedarnath- Kedarnath Temple, Chorabari Tal, Vasuki Tal, Gauri Kund, Triyuginarayan Temple.
How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. Once in Dehradun, you can either hire a taxi or hop into a bus to Badrinath which is nearly five hour distance. Kedarnath from Badrinath is 40kms.
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catch a train from Delhi to Haridwar, Dehradun Janshatabdi is the best. From Haridwar you can either hire a taxi or travel by a bus to reach Badrinath a journey of 9hrs55mins via NH7 a distance of 316.3kms.
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since there’s no direct bus, you can hop into a bus going to Haridwar and from there move forward to Badrinath.
Why to visit: these two holiest Hindu pilgrimages will not only make you seek your blessings but sit revered in the beauty of nature created by God.
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Valley of Flowers
You’re bound to love this enticing valley of myriad hues of florals at display. It’s like a sea of faithful worshippers, worshipping the majestic snow clad mountains, towering the valley and protecting its exotic inhabitants. It is a botanists paradise, with rare and endemic species of shrubs, herbs and wildflowers found nowhere in the world. Trekking this valley, you’ll be cherishing Himalaya’s most mesmerizing panorama of carpets of flowers woven in a riot of tints, shielded by the sturdy snow capped Nanda Devi Parbat with the gushing Pushpawati River flowing from the middle. The climb to the Hemakund Sahib is set to leave you awestruck; it’s a clear alpine water lake at the altitude of 14300ft.
Major attractions: Hemakund Sahib, Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, some dare devils also plan a trip to the risky Mt.Kamet.
How to reach:
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Train: catch a train to Haridwar from Delhi, from Haridwar you’ll have to hire a taxi to Govind Ghat a distance of 300kms, once in Govindghat, you’ll have to hire another taxi or a bus to Ghangaria you can also trek and reach the valley of flowers.
Why to visit this place: the carpet laid in pastel florals is enticing, it speaks for itself and there has to be a word created to describe the beauty of it.
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Almora
This scenic panoramic district is located on the eastern side of Uttarakhand a haven of nature lovers. Famous for its cusines, wildlife and handicrafts it beautifully and intricately displays the cultural heritage. Almora is one of those places which are sure to touch your heart and wait silently as nature unfolds its miraculous beauties.
Major attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, Martola, Kalimut, Zero Point, Chitai Glou Devta Temple, Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum, Bright End Corner.
How to reach:
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Flight- catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Pantnagar, from Pantnagar it’ll take you 3hrs 37mins to cover the distance of 116kms via NH109 to reach Almora.
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Train- catch a train to Kathgodham from Delhi, it’ll take you 2hrs 45mins via NH109 to cover the distance of 82kms to reach Almora from Kathgodam.
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Bus- you can hop into a bus to Rampur from Delhi, it’ll take you more than 10 hours to reach Rampur and then you can head north via NH87 to Almora.
Why to visit this place: you’ll be surprised at all the places to visit and things to do under the gentle caress of nature.
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Binsar
This is clearly the untouched bounty of nature settled amidst the intact wildlife sanctuary at an elevation of more than 2400mts, a slightly offbeat travel destination offering intimidatingly enchanting views of the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Kedarnath and the Chaukhamba. Like the other hillstations, Binsar too has a mythological connection that the local Gods Golu Devta had a fight with the King of Binsar.
Major attractions: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sattal, Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Chaukhamba, Jim Corbett National Park etc
How to reach:
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Flight- catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Pantnagar, from Pantnagar it’ll take you 4hrs 33mins via NH109 to cover the distance of 138kms to reach Binsar from Pantnagar.
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Train- catch a train to Kathgodham from Delhi, once in Kathgodam it’ll take you 3hrs 41mins to reach Binsar via NH109-104.2kms
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Bus- take a bus to Haldwani from Delhi- it’ll take you 5hrs 36mins via NH9-288.4kms, once in Haldwani you can take a bus to Binsar which is 3hrs 59mins via NH109-111.7kms
Why to visit this place: from the hustle and bustle of life, your pace will be slowed to listening the rustle of leaves and the clouds cascading slowly.
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Jim Corbett
Here is where the wildlife won’t cease to amaze you with each passing second, formerly known as the Haley’s national Park, it was established in 1938 and has been attracting visitors for the Royal Bengal Tigers. Housing 600 species of birds, 600-700 species of animal and 488 species of fauna, Jim Corbett is truly a paradise for any botanist and zoologist. The safaris and the hiking trails through the dense forest’s buffer zones is one of the most exciting part.
Major attractions: elephant rides, safaris, trekking, hiking, Jeep Safaris, photography etc.
How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s 110kms away from Jim Corbett.
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Bus- hop into a bus to Dhumakot from Dehradun, Jim Corbett then is 34kms away.
Why to visit this place: it’s not only the nature that God has carved with his own hands, it’s also the birds of the air and the animals who have his intricately incredible fingerprints.
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Kasauni
This hillstation located at the altitude of 1890 meters above the sea level is the generosity of the Mother Nature. Offers a panoramic vista of more approx 350 kms of the towering snow clad majestic Himalayas. The nature trails perfect for trekking and hiking are the best here. The sunset views and the serenity attract hundreds of people.
Major attractions: Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Lakshmi Ashram, Anasakti Ashram, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Baijnath Temple, Kausani Tea Estate.
How to reach:
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Flight – Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. Kasauni is 157kms away from Dehradun.
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Train- catch a train to Kathgodham from Delhi, it’ll take you 64kms to reach Kausani from Kathgodam.
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Bus- you can take a bus to Haldwani from Delhi which is a journey of 5hrs and 36mins, from Haldwani you can take a bus to Kausani which is a distance of 4hrs and 41mins via NH109-141.1kms
Why to visit this place: this isolated place is where you can safely unlock all your troubles and worries and not fear of what the future holds.
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Pithoragarh
Each inch of this land is bathed in lush green stunning beauty which defies all imaginations. Located in the eastern Uttarakhand, it is one of the best places for trekking and hiking, and gazing at the Ralam Glacier. People heading to Kailash Mansarovar Yarta take a halt here, the old Pithoragarh Fort’s story set amongst the hills is sure instill your interest in history.
Major attractions: Chandak, Askot Sancturay, Ralam Glacier, Jhulaghat, Pithoragarh Fort , Thal Kedar, Gnagoliahat, Dhwaj Temple.
How to reach:
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Flights- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. From Dehradun, Pithoragarh is 223kms away.
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Train- since Pithoragarh doesn’t have a station, Tanakpur is the best option just 115kms away.
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Bus- hop into a bus for Dehradun, once in Dehradun take a bus for Pithoragarh a journey of about 223kms.
Why to visit this place: this place is all lush with green laced with the rugged brown and pristine snow, you’ll never want to miss it.
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Ranikhet
Also referred as ‘Queen’s Land’, Ranikhet is set at the altitude of 1829mts a perfect place to view the gigantic Himalayas. Once a visit paid, you’ll own memories of a lifetime, it ssure to elevate your spirits and life you to a different place. The richness of the greenery and the amazing landscapes will make you shudder in wonder and awe.
Major attractions: Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Orchard, Upat and Kalika, Mankameshwar Temple, Dwarhat temple, Shitlakhet, Haidakhan Babaji Temple etc.
How to reach:
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Flight- Catch a plane from IGI Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, it’s just 20kms away from the city centre and has a daily traffic of 4 flights from Delhi. Ranikhet is 151kms away from Dehradun; you can hire a cab or take a bus.
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Train- catch a train to Kathgodham from Delhi, it’ll take you to cover 43kms by road to reach Ranikhet from Kathgodam. Ramnagar is also a nearby station 41kms away.
Why to visit this place: this green retreat will always be your safe haven to retreat for a best weekend getaway.
