Must See Hill Stations in Uttarakhand, India

Updated on Mar 28, 2023 | Online Indian Visa

Discover some of the best kept scenic hill stations in Uttarakhand, which given their outstanding natural charm, are all set to become world class tourism destinations.

Stretching across several north Indian states, the Indian Himalayas offer a perfect blend of picturesque scenery, some of India’s most ancient temples, variety of cultures and loads of other sweet mysteries from the mountains.

Getting a glimpse of the Himalayas is one of the must-see travel plans for many people from India and abroad. While no guidebook to explore the Himalayan wonders could introduce you to the complete richness of the region, there are some offbeat hill stations and towns you can find in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which even though located in the near vicinity of some of the very famous places, continue to largely remain less known.

You require India e-Tourist Visa (eVisa India or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on a India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sight-seeing in northern India and foothills of Himalayas. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online (India e-Visa) rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.

Almora

Set against the Kumaon Himalayas, Almora is the culmination of the state’s culture, cuisine, and spectacular Himalayan views. Here you can find numerous temples and wildlife sanctuaries right in the middle of a very gorgeous mountain range.

What to see

Jageshwar Temples
Pine Oak Forests
Katarmal Sun Temple

New Tehri

The tranquil beauty of this town in Uttarakhand would simply amaze you, where the sight of the sun over a deep blue lake would become the ultimate Himalayan view to behold.

The highlight of New Tehri, the Tehri lake, is formed by the second largest dam in Asia built over the Bhagirathi river, which is one of the main streams of Ganges.

What to see

New Tehri Lake resorts
Water Sports in Tehri Lake
Dobra Chanti Suspension Bridge

Auli

Known as the only developed ski destination of India, Auli is simply a wonderland in white.

This place in the greater Himalayas of Uttarakhand becomes a popular getaway during winters, but the charming views from here make it an all-season destination.

What to see

Cable car ride with views of mountain slopes
Auli Winter Carnival
Views of Greater Himalayan Peaks

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Chopta

This little town is a new addition to the list of gorgeous hill stations in India.

From being a secluded destination to now being known world over for its lovely mountain scenery, Chopta is indeed magic in disguise.

The quaint setting and simple lifestyle of this town will truly amaze you.

What to see

Tungnath Temple
Bird Watching
Beautiful Deodar forests and wildlife

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Foreign tourists coming to India on e-Visa must arrive at one of the designated airports. Both Delhi and Chandigarh are designated airports for Indian e-Visa with proximity to Himalayas.

Ranikhet

With the sight of western Himalayan peaks, Ranikhet is one sweet little hamlet in Almora district of Uttarakhand.

The place is known for its terraced orchard gardens and views of many renowned Himalayan peaks, including the mighty Nanda Devi Mountain.

What to see

Golf Ground Ranikhet
Local markets and handicrafts
Chaubatia Gardens and Orchards

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Binsar

For one gorgeous view of the Indian Himalayas, this is the place you must visit at least once. A haven for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and home of variety flora and fauna, Binsar in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand would offer you the best of the natural scenery in the country.

What to See

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bird Watching
Panoramic views of Greater Himalayas

Munsyari

An emerging hub for mountaineering adventurers, Munsyari in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand is most preferred for its high-altitude treks, camping and witnessing the relaxed life in the Himalayan villages up close.

What to see

Panchachuli Peaks
Expeditions to Nanda Devi Peak
Treks to high altitude lakes and glaciers

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Landour

A well-developed town in the lesser Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, Landour is renowned for its soothing charm since the British Raj in India. Located just seven kilometres from Mussoorie, a heavily popular hill station in the country, Landour is very much considered a part of Mussoorie, a hill station renowned by the name of ‘Queen of Hills’.

What to See

British Era Architecture
Breathtaking Scenery
Quaint Resorts and Homestays

Pithoragarh

One of the largest cities in Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, this district in the Indian Himalayas borders Tibet and Nepal and is home to several temples, forts, tiny valleys and rich landscapes.

What to see

Dharchula- A town distributed between India and Nepal
Treks to Milam Glacier and Darma Valley
Nature Walks in Dense Forests

Chakrata

Witness the most enchanting himalayan scenery as you walk along the tree lined paths of this town in Uttarakhand. For those wanting to easily capture the charm of Indian Himalayas all at once, Chakrata could be the best place to begin!

What to see

Ambient mountain valleys
Tiger Falls Trek
Sunset/Sunrise over Himalayan Peaks

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Kausani

Kausani is one place where you would simply fall in love at the sight of panoramic Himalayan views.

Located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, Kausani is recognised as one of the most gorgeous village hill stations of the state.

What to see

BaijnathTemple
Kausani Tea Estate
300 km of Panoramic Himalayan views

Mukteshwar

Located a few kilometres from Nainital, one of the most popular hill stations in India, Mukteshwar often remains off the charts of many tourists visiting Nainital in Uttarakhand.

Nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas, here you will discover lush green mountains, pleasant weather and peaceful cottages located deep in the meadows.

A simple walk by the pretty Himalayan scenery is sure to become your most memorable experience!

What to See

Paragliding and other adventure sports
Mukteshwar Dham Temple
Mukteshwar Kumaon Hills

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