Visiting Hill Stations is one nice little experience where you follow up in the embrace of nature. You are free to relish nature’s tranquility while leaving behind all the worries, wonderful isn’t it? Given that, today we are here with 5 Uttarakhand-based hill station suggestions that you are sure to put on your bucket list. From beautiful pilgrimage sites to quaint rivers, this Himalayan state has a lot to offer especially to those who are in search of peace of mind.
1. Nainital
Nainital is certainly one of the most popular hill stations. Every year thousands of tourists make a tour of lake Naini and its famous Naina Devi temple. Upon arrival, you can enjoy boat rides, view spectacular bird’s eye views, and snack on local sweets such as Singori and Bal Mithai. You can also shop for souvenirs from the nearby Tibetan market. Go to Cave Garden, trekking, and safari for some hidden explorer experience. Definitely a weekend-worthy time.
2. Mussoorie
The Queen of Hills aka Mussoorie is another hillside that you might not want to miss out on. At Mussoorie, you can take a stroll around Mall Road. Shop at the vibrant local market area. Relish local Pahadi food. Stop by some of the best photogenic spots, visit nearby Kempty waterfall, Gun Hill, and Laal Tibba which is the highest point in Mussoorie. Mussoorie frequently sees snowfall every now and then although if you want to catch real snowy time then between the end of December to mid-February will be your best bet.
3. Dehradun
Just 30 kilometers away from Mussoorie, there lies another gem, Dehradun, the winter capital of Uttarakhand. On the way to Dehradun, you will find many waterfalls. Bhatta Falls, Tiger Falls, Neer Gaddu Waterfalls, and so on. Here you will have a lot to do so it’s better to go planned. You can stop by the Clock Tower, one of the main highlights of the city, go trekking near the ancient Robber’s cave, or embark on a spiritual journey at Mindrolling Monastery. You can seek blessings at Tapkeshwar Mandir which is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
4. Auli
Auli is predominantly known for its snowfall and skiing-worthy spots. This hill station is located in the Chamoli district, the highest-altitude region of the Himalayan state. At Auli, you will witness beautiful mountain peaks and try out intriguing activities like camping, trekking. Tourists are open to seeing the local village life at Joshimath and nearby areas. There is also a viewpoint to catch sights of exquisite Himalayan birds. This place is indeed loaded with its charm!
5. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is quite underrated compared to other hill stations. Once looked closely, it’s a mind-blowing zone with so many religious sites. Be it Santoshi Maa Temple, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, or churches that date back to the colonial era. Lansdowne is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, camping, or just refreshing your senses. You can check out Kalagarh Tiger Reserve for a little wildlife sport. Enjoy a boat ride at Bhulla lake, see the army cantonment, and much more.