Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a jewel of a place and is the perfect place to feel closer to nature and have an enlightening experience. With so many options available for everyone from adventure sports and pilgrimages to meditation/yoga and eco-tourism this place is perfect for a fun family vacation. The lap of the Himalayas offers you the perfect scenario to spend your precious holidays in a more exciting and fun-packed manner. Here are some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand where you can experience the mesmerizing blend of bountiful nature and blissful spirituality:
1. Almora
The city of Almora has always been in the limelight for being the hub for spiritualism and has been visited by scholars, philosophers, and sages from all over the world. The positivity and beauty here are unmatched anywhere else and the Kumaon Himalayan beauty is experienced from your first step here. There are several notable temples here like Kasar Devi, Nanda Devi, Katarmal Temple, Patal Devi Temple, etc. which successfully add a deep vibe of spirituality. Lush greenery, a deep sense of devotion, and a captivatingly serene ambiance are what define these places the best and should be visited at least once in a lifetime, and who knows maybe you will have an enlightenment of your own.
2. Chopta
One of the 1st names that come to mind while looking for a spiritual holiday with a promise of witnessing scenic beauty is Chopta. Here not only will you get the opportunity to experience the untouched serene beauty of the Himalayas that surrounds you on all sides but trekking your way up to Tungnath Mahadev - the highest Shiva temple in the world and offer your prayer to Lord Shiva here will be a one of a kind things to do. From Chandrashila Peak (located around 1 km away from Tungnath Mahadev) you will have a 360-degree panoramic view of the snowbound Himalayan peaks so make sure to carry a camera along to capture this unforgettable moment.
3. Jageshwar
This small, quaint, and sacred temple town in Uttarakhand is lesser known and well-preserved boasting not only exquisite temples but also the magnificent natural beauty that surrounds it. The temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu which are made in such a way that they represent the authenticity of the Pahadi architectural style. Built during the 9th century these temples are truly exceptional to look at and still radiate a wonderful aura of spirituality. The tall lush green tree cover that nestles the temple works in elevating its enchanting vibe. A must-visit if you are traveling around here and are looking for an offbeat sort of experience.
4. Badrinath
Badrinath in Chamoli district is a well-known Char Dham destination not only for Uttarakhand but also for the all-India yatra that includes Rameshwaram, Puri, and Dwarka. The entire region surrounding the temple is known as Badri Kshetra and the temple is set against the stunning backdrop of the twin peaks of the Nar Narayan mountain ranges. The surrounding incredible Himalayan beauty can be experienced by visiting places like Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls, Charanpaduka, etc. This is a great place to get an essence of the pure mingling of spirituality with nature. Badrinath Dham is visited for a limited number of times during the peak pilgrimage season but during the off-season when the surroundings have quietened down the place displays the real meaning of pristine Himalayan beauty.
5. Rudraprayag
This holy town is located on the holy confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini which is dotted with several sacred and ancient temples. The religious and spiritual significance of the place lies in the fact that it is also an important Panch Prayag location along with Karnaprayag, Devprayag, Vishnuprayag, and Nandprayag. Needless to say that the Himalayan beauty of this region is remarkable and perfectly encapsulates the spiritual and peaceful vibe. The town has an expansive lush green cover consisting of meadows, forests, and foliage which is home to a variety of colorful flora and fauna that only adds to the beauty of this hill town.
6. Harsil
Seated peacefully on the banks of the holy river of Bhagirathi and within the district of Uttarkashi, this place is one of the most underrated and least explored places in Uttarakhand. The place is generally used as a stopover holy pilgrimage town on its way to Gangotri Dham. The entire region is dotted with some of the holiest temples that hold immense relevance.
The quaint hamlet is best explored all around the year since in summer it is a thumping hub for pilgrimage and in winter it turns into an adventure wonderland for explorers and peace seekers. No matter which time of the year you go a sacred and scenic time is guaranteed.