Uttarakhand is a land of Gods or Devbhoomi. For ages, Uttarakhand has remained the center of attractions due to its countless pilgrim sites and wonderful tourist attractions including Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and more. But in recent years, these places have become more commercialized and overcrowded. People are now in search of offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand to experience peace and solitude.
If you are also among those travelers who are in search of offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand, we have some great recommendations for you. These places are still undiscovered and full of natural beauty. To get more details on this, please read this blog till the end and then plan your trip to Uttrakhand’s hidden gems.
Chakrata, Dehradun
Do you know this offbeat place is just 7 hours drive from Delhi? Chakrata is among the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is a cantonment area in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The interesting fact about this place is foreigners are not allowed to enter Chakrata. The Dehradun Chakrata road is a bit narrow which makes it a scenic route at the same time. This place also experiences snowfall during the winter season.
- Best Places to Visit in Chakrata: Tiger Falls, Deoban, Chilmiri Neck, Budher Caves, Mundali Meadows, Kanasar, Lakhamandal Temple, Moila Top, Kimona Waterfall, Ram Tal Horticultural Garden
- How to reach Chakrata: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport and Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Chakrata
- Best time to visit Chakrata: Throughout the year
Kanatal, Tehri Garhwal
Kanatal is one of the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. This place is still hidden from people’s eyes. It is 78 km from Dehradun, 38 km from Mussoorie, and 18 km from Chamba. Kanatal is one of the tourist places near Delhi within 300 kms. For a perfect weekend trip, Kanatal is an ideal location with peace, nature, and an epic sunset. You will find many guest houses, homestays, hotels, and resorts to stay in Kanatal.
- Best Places to Visit in Kanatal: Tehri Lake, Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle, Kaudia Eco Park, Kanatal Adventure Camp, Dhanaulti Eco Park, Chamba
- How to reach Kanatal: To reach Kanatal from Delhi, you can drive via NH334, covering around 300 km in 7-8 hours. Alternatively, take a train or flight to Dehradun and then a taxi for the 75 km road journey to Kanatal.
- Best time to visit Kanatal: Anytime
Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal
Lansdowne is best known for its calmness and natural beauty. Being close to Delhi NCR, you can reach here in 5-6 hours. This stunning hill station is among the best offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand with your family and friends. From the tip and top viewpoint, you can see the stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges. It is also an ideal location for couples who want to spend some quality time away from their busy city life. If you’re planning to spend your weekend around nature in isolation, Lansdowne should be on your travel bucket list.
- Best Places to Visit in Lansdowne: Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple St. Mary’s Church Bhulla Tal Tip N Top Bhim Pakora
- How to reach Lansdowne: Kotdwar is the nearest railway station to Lansdowne. You can take a shared taxi or personal car to get here
- Best time to visit Lansdowne: Throughout the year
Almora, Kumaon Division
Almora is home to several Hindu temples including Kasar Devi Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, and Chitai Golu Devta Temple. These three major temples are the prime attraction of Almora. This place is the perfect combination of spirituality and nature. Kasar Devi temple of Almore is located directly on the Van Allen Belt which makes this place ideal for medication. Many notable personalities who have found their calm in Kasar Devi include Swami Vivekanand, Bob Dylan, D.H. Lawrence, etc.
- Best Places to Visit in Almora: Binsar, Kasar Devi, Jageshwar, Katarmal Sun Temple, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Bright End Corner, Dwarahat, Zero Point, Deer Park, Kalimut
- How to reach Almora: Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station and just 90 km from Almore
- Best time to visit Almora: Anytime
Nag Tibba Trek
Uttarakhand offers some amazing and thrilling treks, and Nag Tibba is one of the most beautiful short treks in Uttarakhand. Unlike other Himalayan treks, the Nag Tibba trek is quite underrated. You can do This short weekend trek in 1 night and 2 days. Resting at 9915 ft, the summit of Nag Tibba trek is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayan region.
- Best Places to visit in Nag Tibba Trek: Nag Tibba Summit, Nag Tibba Base Camp, Pantwari Village, Bhatwadi Village, Kathian Campsite, Nag Devta Temple, Devalsari Village, and Mussoorie
- How to reach Nag Tibba Trek: From Dehradun airport, take a taxi to reach Pantwari Village (the base point of the trek) and start your trek from this point.
- Best time to visit Nag Tibba Trek: Throughout the year
Kartik Swami Temple, Rudraprayag
Kartik Swami Temples is one of the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. It is the only temple in North India dedicated to Lord Kartika, the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. The temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The temple is surrounded by mighty Himalayan ranges such as Chukhamba Parwat, Kedarnath Dome, and Bandarpunch. To reach the temple, you need to do a 3 km trek from the Kanakchauri Village.
- Best Places to visit in Kartik Swami Temple: Kartik Swami Temple, Rudraprayag, Kanak Chauri Village, Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila Peak, Ukhimath, and Deoria Ta
- How to reach Kartik Swami Temple: from Haridwar, take a local bus or shared taxi to reach Rudraprayag. From here, you need to reach Kanakchauri village and trek 3 km to reach the Kartik Swami Temple.
- Best time to visit Kartik Swami Temple: Throughout the year
Conclusion
Uttarakhand offers a treasure trove of offbeat destinations that promise serenity, adventure, and an escape from the usual tourist trails. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, a thrilling trek, or the simple charm of nature’s untouched beauty, these hidden gems offer a perfect retreat. So, pack your bags, step off the beaten path, and let Uttarakhand‘s less-explored corners enchant you with their unique allure and unforgettable experiences.
FAQ
Uttarakhand is full of beautiful places. Each location in Uttarakhand offers a jaw-dropping view and peace to the human eye. Auli, Chopta, Madyamaheswar, Rudranath, Satopanth Lake, Mana Village, Harshil Valley, Bagori Village, Gartang Gali, Niti Valley, Om Parwat, Valley of Flower, and Munsiyari are some of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand.
One of the best offbeat locations in Uttarakhand close to Delhi is Lansdowne, a peaceful hill station about 250 km from the capital. Unlike the more commercialized tourist spots, Lansdowne remains serene and untouched, making it perfect for a quiet retreat. Surrounded by dense oak and pine forests, this quaint town offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas and a tranquil atmosphere.
An excellent alternative to Rishikesh is Binsar, a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand. Unlike Rishikesh, which is known for adventure and spirituality, Binsar offers tranquility and stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Trishul.
One of the lesser-known hill stations in Uttarakhand is Kanatal, a serene and unexplored gem located around 78 km from Dehradun. Nestled at an altitude of about 8,500 feet, Kanatal offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and lush green valleys.
Yes, you can get the best Uttarakhand tour packages from ASAPHolidays at affordable prices. Where you can explore Uttarakhand’s most scenic destinations such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Valley of Flowers, and more.
