Explore Cities
Rishikesh
Nainital
Mussoorie
Haridwar
Auli
Jim Corbett
Rishikesh - Yoga Capital of the World
About
Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World'. The sacred Ganges river flows through this spiritual town, which attracts yoga enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and spiritual seekers from around the globe.
Top Attractions
- Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula - Iconic suspension bridges
- Triveni Ghat - Famous for evening Ganga Aarti
- The Beatles Ashram - Where the famous band stayed in 1968
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple - Ancient Shiva temple
- Parmarth Niketan - Largest ashram in Rishikesh
Activities
- White Water Rafting on the Ganges
- Bungee Jumping at Jumpin Heights
- Yoga and Meditation at various ashrams
- Camping by the riverside
- Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing
Best Time to Visit
September to November and February to May offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Nainital - The Lake District of India
About
Nainital is a charming hill station nestled in the Kumaon region, famous for its pear-shaped Naini Lake. It was a popular summer retreat during the British era and continues to attract tourists with its scenic beauty and pleasant climate.
Top Attractions
- Naini Lake - The centerpiece of the town
- Mall Road - Shopping and dining promenade
- Naina Devi Temple - Ancient Hindu temple
- Snow View Point - Panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Tiffin Top - Popular viewpoint
Activities
- Boating on Naini Lake
- Cable car ride to Snow View Point
- Horse riding at Camel's Back Road
- Trekking to nearby points
- Shopping for local handicrafts
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November are ideal. Winter (December-February) brings snowfall, creating a magical atmosphere.
Mussoorie - Queen of Hills
About
Mussoorie, known as the 'Queen of Hills', sits at an altitude of 2,000 meters in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. Founded by British officers seeking refuge from the summer heat, it offers stunning views of the Doon Valley and Himalayan ranges.
Top Attractions
- The Mall Road - Heart of Mussoorie
- Kempty Falls - Popular waterfall
- Gun Hill - Second highest point with ropeway access
- Lal Tibba - Highest point with telescope facility
- Camel's Back Road - Rock formation resembling a camel's hump
Activities
- Ropeway ride to Gun Hill
- Nature walks along Camel's Back Road
- Picnics at Kempty Falls
- Shopping at Mall Road
- Paragliding and zip-lining
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to November. Winter (December-February) brings snow and a different charm.
Haridwar - Gateway to God
About
Haridwar, meaning 'Gateway to God', is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, it's where the Ganges river emerges from the mountains into the plains. It's a major pilgrimage site and hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
Top Attractions
- Har Ki Pauri - Famous ghat for Ganga Aarti
- Mansa Devi Temple - Accessible by cable car
- Chandi Devi Temple - Located on Neel Parvat
- Daksha Mahadev Temple - Ancient Shiva temple
- Bharat Mata Mandir - Temple dedicated to Mother India
Activities
- Witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
- Take a holy dip in the Ganges
- Ropeway ride to Mansa Devi Temple
- Shop for religious artifacts and handicrafts
- Yoga and meditation by the riverbank
Best Time to Visit
October to February offers pleasant weather. Visit during major festivals like Kumbh Mela, Ganga Dussehra, or Kanwar Mela for a unique experience.
Auli - Skiing Paradise of India
About
Auli, located at an elevation of 2,500-3,050 meters, is a premier ski destination in India. It offers panoramic views of towering snow-capped peaks including Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamet. Originally developed as a paramilitary base, it's now a sought-after winter sports destination.
Top Attractions
- Auli Artificial Lake - Highest man-made lake
- Gurso Bugyal - Beautiful meadow
- Kwani Bugyal - High-altitude meadow
- Joshimath - Nearby religious town
- Chenab Lake - Pristine mountain lake
Activities
- Skiing from November to March
- Asia's longest cable car ride (Auli Ropeway)
- Trekking to Gorson Bugyal
- Camping amidst mountain views
- Photography of snow-clad Himalayan peaks
Best Time to Visit
May to November for general tourism. December to March for skiing and winter sports.
Jim Corbett National Park - Wildlife Sanctuary
About
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, is India's oldest national park. Named after the famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, it's renowned for its Bengal tiger population. The park spans over 520 sq km and features diverse landscapes including hills, marshes, riverine belts, and grasslands.
Wildlife
- Bengal Tigers - The main attraction
- Asian Elephants - Large herds
- Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Jackals
- Over 600 bird species
- Gharials and Mugger Crocodiles
Activities
- Jeep Safari - Most popular way to explore
- Elephant Safari - Traditional way to spot tigers
- Canter Safari - Open-air bus ride
- Nature walks and bird watching
- Visit to Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi
Best Time to Visit
November to June. The park remains closed during monsoon (July to October).
Thrilling Adventures
Bungee Jumping
Rishikesh
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at India's highest bungee jumping platform in Rishikesh. The 83-meter drop offers breathtaking views of the lush forests and river valleys below.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and secure footwear. Morning jumps typically have shorter waiting times.
River Rafting
Rishikesh, Devprayag
Navigate the thrilling rapids of the holy Ganges River with stretches ranging from 9km to 36km. Experience nature's power as you paddle through different grades of rapids with names like "Roller Coaster," "Golf Course," and "Club House."
Pro Tip: Opt for morning rafting sessions for clearer views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to spot local wildlife.
Paragliding
Mussoorie, Ranikhet
Soar through the skies and witness breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan ranges and valleys. Feel the sensation of free flight as you glide through the air with an experienced pilot guiding your journey through the clouds.
Pro Tip: Early mornings offer the most stable air conditions. Don't forget your camera, but make sure it's secured with a strap!
Trekking
Valley of Flowers, Roopkund, Kedarkantha
Explore numerous trails through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains. From the mystical Valley of Flowers to the challenging Roopkund trek, Uttarakhand offers routes for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Pro Tip: The Valley of Flowers blooms spectacularly during monsoon (July-September), while winter treks like Kedarkantha offer stunning snow landscapes.
Camping
Chopta, Kanatal, Auli
Spend nights under the star-studded Himalayan sky surrounded by pristine nature. Experience the serenity of mountain wilderness while enjoying bonfires, local cuisine, and the sounds of nature in various stunning locations.
Pro Tip: Chopta offers incredible sunrise views of the Himalayan peaks. Pack warm clothes even in summer as nights can get chilly.
Skiing
Auli, Dayara Bugyal
Glide through pristine snow-covered slopes with panoramic views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks. Auli's gentle slopes are perfect for beginners, while experienced skiers can challenge themselves on steeper gradients.
Pro Tip: January offers the best snow conditions. First-timers should consider taking lessons from the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) ski school.