Famous Cities in Uttarakhand You Must Visit

The picturesque state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a mosaic of vibrant cultures, ancient temples, and breathtaking landscapes. Yet, when it comes to planning a trip, many travelers find themselves overwhelmed, sifting through heaps of information and countless blogs, only to end up more confused than when they began. Which cities best capture the essence of this mountainous haven? Which ones offer a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture? And, perhaps more importantly, how does one prioritize destinations in a state that seems to offer an embarrassment of riches at every turn?  

If you've ever found yourself tangled in the intricate web of online travel guides, reviews, and lists while searching for the top cities in Uttarakhand to visit, you're not alone. The challenge of zeroing in on the best spots, amidst a plethora of recommendations, can be daunting. That's precisely the problem this blog aims to address. By the end of this read, you'll have a concise and curated list of the top 9 unmissable cities in Uttarakhand for 2024, tailored for travelers like you, seeking authenticity, beauty, and memorable experiences. Dive in and let the journey begin!  

The capital city of Dehradun is a beautiful and magical hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Himalayan foothills, the heart of the city is glorified with the hexagonal - shaped clock tower, popularly known as ghanta ghar in the local language. To the city’s east, lies the holy Gurudwara Nanaksar, and to the southwest, lies the bustling and vibrant Paltan Bazaar which sees a footfall of hundreds of people daily. Whereas the clement town in Dehradun is home to the world-famous Mindrolling monastery. Furthermore, the city of Dehradun provides the most awe-inspiring views of the Doon valley and hence, making it a top destination amongst all the cities in Uttarakhand.  

Haridwar is one of those cities in Uttarakhand which is said to be amongst the holiest cities of our country, India. This is the place where the sacred river Ganga exits the Himalayas. During the evening, the glory of Har ki Pauri Ghat is magnified because of the grandios ity of Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping tradition). Also known by its other name, “Gateway to Gods”, Haridwar is a famous destination for hosting Ardh Kumbh Mela every 6 years. Furthermore, Piran Kaliyar, a well-known 13th-century dargah, is also located in Haridwar. Also, the oldest Indian military establishment is at Roorkee, which is located at a distance of 41 km from Haridwar. Or, enter Lansdowne – the summer capital of British India.  

Rishikesh is regarded as one of the most beautiful Uttarakhand cities and amongst the all major cities in the State. It is amongst those cities in Uttarakhand which offers an ideal combination of adventure and serenity. The holy town is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and lies on the banks of the holy river Ganges. This town, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is known for its ashrams, which teach spirituality, meditation, and Ayurveda. Apart from being a spiritual and religious hub of North India, the other part is dedicated to rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and many more. From here, you can also visit the queen of hills, Mussoorie.  

Nainital is a popular holiday destination for couples and families, with breathtaking peaks and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Among all the cities in Uttarakhand, Nainital is the most romantic town in the state. The quaint little town is bordered by the Udham Singh Nagar and Almora districts on the south and the north respectively. This lake city, which is bordered by the renowned Naini Lake, has a plethora of scenic destinations. And if you have some time in hand, visit the ancient Jhula Devi temple and savor your taste buds by trying out some mouth-watering street food on Mall Road.  

Chamoli, also known as the “Abode of Gods,” is one of the most beautiful cities in Uttarakhand and a Nagar panchayat. With less population, the magnificent district is home to a multitude of beautiful shrines and temples, and it has something for everyone. Most of the times, Chamoli Gopeshwar are visited together and both of these places offer panoramic vistas that will take your breath away with their perfect mix of adventure and serenity. Many people are unaware that Chamoli is the birthplace of the well-known Chipko Movement.  

Situated in the Nainital district, Haldwani is also known as the gateway to the Kumaon. It is amongst the top cities in Uttarakhand which is lively like its capital city, Dehradun. The town was named after a tree/plant called as Haldu or Haldina Cordifolia, which apparently is quite a famous Indian plant and once grown in abundance here in the state of Uttarakhand. The Haldwani-Kathgodam Municipal Board is formed by the city of Haldwani and its twin township of Kathgodam in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. While you’re here, visit one of the sacred cities in Uttarakhand and the land of Gods, Kashipur. It comes under the administration of Udham Singh Nagar district. And the history buffs out there, Pithoragarh is one of the best places to spend your time.  

With an elevation of 1829 meters, in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, lies one of the quaintest Uttarakhand cities – Ranikhet. Ranikhet offers some charismatic and awe-inspiring tourist places and of course the beautiful Himalayan ranges including Nanda Devi P eak. Also, Pithoragarh, which is amongst the ancient cities of Uttarakhand is quite close to here. Therefore, it should be on the list of top cities in Uttarakhand.  

Uttarkashi is among those cities in Uttarakhand that offer the most surreal experience of trekking (trekking packages of different categories are available). For example, the trek to Dayara Bugyal and Har ki Dun starts from here. Being a top tourist destination of India, there are several luxury, budget, and backpacker hotels available.  

It is also known as Somya Kashi or Shivnagri. Considering all the Uttarakhand cities, Uttarkashi is known to be the most sort after destination among the pilgrims after Haridwar and Nanda Devi. East of Uttarkashi district, the Maneri Dam has been built on the Bhagirathi river to divert the water into the tunnel to the Tiloth power plant.  

An industrial town of the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, Pantnagar is famous because it was the first Indian city to establish an Agricultural Institution. There are two airports in the state and Pantnagar is one of them. Midst all the major cities in Uttarakhand, Pantnagar comes under the list of offbeat places to visit which offers tranquillity at its best.  

I hope you understand the magnetic allure that Uttarakhand's cities have on travelers after diving deep into this curated list. Each city, with its unique charm and vibrant history, offers a distinct experience that resonates with the soul. From the spiritual sanctuaries of Haridwar and Rishikesh to the mesmerizing landscapes of Nainital and Dehradun, Uttarakhand truly epitomizes the diversity and richness of India. If you have any doubts or want to learn more about it, feel free to get in touch, we would be happy to help you plan your perfect getaway.