Source- WallpaperAccess
If you are an adventurer at heart and love seeing the snow-capped mountains, Uttarakhand might be the perfect state to visit in October when the slightly chilly autumn breeze hits the foot of the hills and reminds you of paradise.
Mountains and hills are fondly remembered by travelers all around the globe and a hiking trip is their next best option to opt for when they need a break from their mundane and monotonous lives. Magnificent views, and lying down in the arms of nature are pretty close to nature enthusiasts’ idea of adventure. Here are some of the most beautiful hill stations of Uttarakhand one can visit for a short holiday-
1. Rishikesh - A relatively a low- lying hill station located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga Rivers, Rishikesh is a small town found in the Dehradun district, located close to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh (also called Hrishikesh) is known for its adventure activities, ancient temples, and popular cafes. It is interestingly known as the “Yoga capital of the world” and ‘Beatles Ashram’ is a famous tourist spot named after the British boy band who visited the hilly town in 1968.
2. Auli - Dotted with apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees there is absolutely no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing, one can also go for numerous treks in the hills of the Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to the 8th Century AD and is famous for being known as a skiing destination. It is dotted with numerous ski resorts and welcomes skiers every year in abundance.
3. Nainital - It is an enchanting hill station located at the foothills of the Kumaon ranges in Uttarakhand. Located close to Dehradun and Delhi, it is the most visited hill station in North India. Nainital is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi and the nearby places and is ideal for a 2- 3 day visit. The Naini Lake is the center of Nainital with Mall Road on one side, Thandi Sadak on the other side, and the bus stand opposite it. Boating is a common activity that attracts tourists from all around the country and is also known for its pleasant climate throughout the year.
4. Dehradun- It is the capital city and the largest city of the state of Uttarakhand and is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level. Like other hill stations, it also has an enjoyable climate. Located just 30kms from Mussoorie, Dehradun is known as the gateway to Mussoorie and Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Dehradun is famous for h ousing some of the country's prestigious universities and boarding schools and hence is also known as the "Educational Hub of Uttarakhand".
5. Mussoorie - It is one of the most popular hill stations located at a distance of 290 km from Delhi in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. With a backdrop of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas and doon valley, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level. With a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, Mussoorie was once the British summer capital. The famous Anglo- Indian writer Ruskin Bond also lives in Landour, which is a small cantonment town in Mussoorie. Kempty falls and the Gun hill is some of the tourist attractions of the town.
6. Haridwar - is one of the seven holiest cities in India, situated in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located where the sacred river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plains for the first time. Dotted with temples, ashrams, and narrow lanes across the city, Haridwar is a famous Hindu temple town where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy Ganges. It is believed that taking aplungep in the sacred Har Ki Pauri relieves one of all the sins. The famous Ganga Aarti is held at the Har ki Pauri Ghat every evening. Thousands of devotees come together to pray to the river Ganga and float ideas. It hosts the Kumbh Mela every twelve years.
7. Lansdowne - It is a quaint little hill town located at a distance of 258 km from Delhi in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Laden with oak and pine forest and dotted with buildings of the colonial era, this hill station is a haven for bird watchers, casual hikers, and weekenders from NCR. It is a quiet and serene hill station and one can view the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas from the tip and top point of Lansdowne.
Conclusion
The hills of Uttarakhand are beautiful and bountiful at the same time, always seeking the comfort and solace of its travelers. There are various tourist spots to visit in this hilly state and one can partake in various adventure sports to make their trip to the hills a worthy adventure of sorts.
Written by Chitra Gangwani
0 Comments