Best places to travel in Uttarakhand: explore 11 days tour

Carved from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi or the “Land of Gods,” is a stunning hill state nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Famous for its sacred pilgrimage sites ( places to travel in Uttarakhand ), Uttarakhand is divided into two major regions—Garhwal and Kumaon.

This beautiful state is a paradise for the places to travel in Uttarakhand, offering a mix of mountains, forests, and rivers. Popular tourist attractions include hill stations, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of adventure activities such as white water rafting, paragliding, skiing, and bungee jumping, making Uttarakhand a top destination for adventure tourism in India.

How to Reach Dehradun from Delhi

( places to travel in Uttarakhand )

The fastest way to reach Dehradun from Delhi is by air, with flights taking about 1 hour. The cheapest flights start at Rs. 2,539 in October. Another option is to travel by train, which takes between 5 to 10 hours depending on the service. Some key train options include:

• Jan Shatabdi Express: Rs. 535 (5 hr 50 min)
• Shatabdi Express: Rs. 710 (6 hr 10 min)
• Vande Bharat Express: Rs. 1,065 (4 hr 45 min)
• For other trains, 2A class fares start at Rs. 815.

If you prefer road travel, you can opt for a cab or bus. AC buses are available with fares starting at Rs. 521 on platforms like RedBus.

Cost Summary:

• By Air: Rs. 2,539 (Delhi-Dehradun, 1 hr)
• By Train: Rs. 535 onwards (Chair car, 5-6 hrs)

Where to Stay in Dehradun

( places to travel in Uttarakhand )

Accommodation options in Dehradun range from budget to luxury:

• Budget stays: Under Rs. 1,500 per night
• Midrange options: Rs. 2,000 – Rs. 5,000 per night
• Luxury hotels: Rs. 8,000 and upwards per night in larger cities

What to Eat in Uttarakhand

( places to travel in Uttarakhand )

Uttarakhandi cuisine is known for its simple yet flavorful dishes, made from locally sourced ingredients and spices. Some popular delicacies you must try include:

• Chainsoo: A hearty dish made from urad dal (black lentils) or kali dal, rich in flavor and nutrition.
• Kafuli: A delicious and healthy dish made with spinach and fenugreek leaves.
• Kandali ka Saag: A local specialty made from leafy greens and seasoned with regional spices.
• Dubuk: A comforting lentil dish, perfect for cold days.
• Garhwal ka Fannah: A signature lentil dish from the Garhwal region.
• Baadi: Made with buckwheat flour, it’s a staple in many households.
• Phaanu: A flavorful lentil stew made with mixed dals, served with rice or roti.

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss:

• Bal Mithai: A brown fudge made from thickened milk, coated with sugar balls, and a popular dessert in Uttarakhand.

11-Day Uttarakhand Itinerary ( ( places to travel in Uttarakhand ) )

Day 1-2: Dehradun ( places to travel in Uttarakhand ) 

• Explore Robber’s Cave, and the therapeutic waters of Sahastradhara.
• Visit Tapkeshwar and Tapovan Temples, and the peaceful Mindrolling Monastery.
• Visit Rajaji National Park for a wildlife safari.
• Enjoy paragliding and rafting in the Ton River, and explore Bali Pass and Kedarkantha trekking trails.

Day 3: Mussoorien ( places to travel in Uttarakhand )  

• Just an hour from Dehradun, visit Kempty and Mossy Falls, the Buddhist Temple, Christ Church, and Shedup Choepelling Temple.
• Take in the views from George Everest’s House, and enjoy a leisurely walk along Mall Road.

Day 4: Haridwar ( places to travel in Uttarakhand )  

• In two hours, reach the sacred city of Haridwar.
• Visit the holy Har Ki Pauri for the Ganga Aarti.
• Explore Mansa Devi Temple and go temple hopping or enjoy adventure activities like trekking and ropeway rides.

Day 5: Rishikesh ( places to travel in Uttarakhand ) 

• A 45-minute drive from Haridwar, visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beatles Ashram, Ram Jhula, and Laxman Jhula.
• Try bungee jumping, river rafting, camping, and trekking.

Day 6: Jim Corbett National Park

• After a 3.5-hour drive, experience a jeep or elephant safari, bird watching, fishing, and rock climbing in Jim Corbett National Park.
• Visit Durga Mandir, Sitabani, and Garjia Temples, and take a peaceful walk along the Kosi River.

Day 7-8: Nainital-Ramgarh-Mukteshwar

• A 1.5-hour drive brings you to Nainital. Visit Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Nainital Ropeway, Eco Cave Gardens, and Bhimtal Lake.
• Head to Ramgarh, the “fruit bowl” of Uttarakhand, to explore the orchards.
• A one-hour drive to Mukteshwar allows you to visit the Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli ki Jali, and Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls.

Day 9-10: Almora-Binsar

• A 1.5-hour drive to Almora where you can visit Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, and Chitai Golu Devta Temple.
• Travel to Binsar, about an hour away, to enjoy stunning valley views. If time allows, visit Kausani for breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.

Day 11: Return to Delhi

• Fly or drive back to Delhi to conclude your Uttarakhand adventure.