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Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in November

Rishikesh is a tehsil located in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal region right on the banks of the holiest of Indian rivers, the Ganges. This ancient city has several mythological and religious legends associated with Lord Vishnu, Lord Bharat, and various prominent sages and is said to have been established in the 9th-century AD by Adi Shankaracharya.

The scenic beauty of Rishikesh is due to its location at the foothills of the lofty Garhwal Himalayas is accentuated by the mighty Ganges cutting right through the city. The picturesque city looks suspended between the stunning riverside promenades, acres of forests, lush mountains, and clear blue skies lending it a surreal appearance.

The city is synonymous with its grand temples, rituals, architectural marvels and yoga ashrams. Every temple here, be it the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple, has its own beautiful legend that attracts people from all over the world. The twin Ram & Lakshman Jhulas are outstanding architectural feats in themselves. These suspension bridges span for over 750 ft. over the Ganges. There are numerous ashrams here that lead people into the spiritual world of ancient forms of yoga, meditation, and vipasana to cleanse their soul and de-stress.

Rishikesh has its share of offbeat and adventure activities too. If you are not enjoying the adrenaline rush of white water rafting available up to grade 6, you can spend time enjoying amazing experiences like cliff jumping, kayaking, body surfing, etc. There are picturesque waterfalls here like Patna fall and Neer Garhi fall, etc. that are perfect to escape into the raw wilderness of nature. If you are the spiritual kind, you can’t miss attending the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Maha Aarti.

The summer months (March-June) here are extremely hot & humid with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. Winter months (October-February) are cold and sunny with temperatures dipping to a low of 6°C, making them the best months to visit. Monsoon months (June-September) see a lot of rains accompanied by humidity.

The ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand has been a major Hindu pilgrimage site for centuries. Located where the sacred River Ganga emerges from the base of the Himalayas, it’s considered one of the 7 Sapta Puri. The Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years, is also celebrated here. The sacred city of Haridwar offers a colourful and fascinating blend of culture and offers the best tourist places in Haridwar. Being one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar often bustles with devotees. It propitious location near the holy River Ganga has made it gain more popularity.

With the passage of time, it has become more than just a religious city, where people thronged to perform immersion of the ashes or took a dip in the water to wash away their sins. It has in fact evolved into Yoga, cultural and spiritual centre and has also become a prime hub for learning Sanskrit language The modern day, Haridwar is the reflection of the culture of India and thus offer much to its visitors. Here is the list of best 12 places that one must see in this holy city.

While religion plays an important role in Haridwar – many visitors are pilgrims and devotees – there’s more to this holy city. The cuisine is excellent and food lovers eager to try authentic Indian fare will find their palates satiated many times over. Travelers in search of yoga ashrams and centers hoping to improve their physical and mental health won’t be left wanting either. If you’re eager to experience the tourist places in Haridwar, read on to know the best time to visit, how to get here and where to stay.

When one speaks about a family vacation, the first few things that strike one’s mind are green trees, blue skies, chilly weather, great food and a place where you can forget all your woes and calm down. This holiday destination is among those that fall under the category of delivering this experience to its visitors.

Lying at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun which is the capital of Uttarakhand is known for its beautiful climate and the lovely landscapes it encompasses. One of the most astonishing facts about this place however, is that it is also one of the most important education hubs in the whole of India. How a place so small and petite be able to give a tough competition to other financial sectors of India is truly unimaginable.

Dehradun lies in Doon Valley which is located on a varying height of approximately 410m. The region is especially known for its climate. While one will experience a pleasant cool weather in Dehradun, the city is often times referred to as the ‘Rainy city of India’ due to the continuous rainfalls especially during monsoons.

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. In the recent years – there was a sense of construction boom that took place wherein endless residential property emerged in the city. Modern buildings have gradually been constructed making up for the good portions of Dehradun.

We do not need to describe Mussoorie because great author Ruskin Bond has already done that in his immortal novels and short stories. He used this amazing town and the tourist places in Mussorie as the backdrop of his stories and the natural beauty of this town has created many landmarks in the field of “nature’s romanticism.”
If you are in love with nature’s romanticism and follow literature for that then the enchanting beauty of Mussoorie is your wonderland waiting for you. Sir Sachin Tendulkar, the demigod of the cricketing world loves this place as his regular hideout in a great climate and pleasant city.

Located at the height of almost 1900 meters from the sea levels this landscape of nature has become a paradise for the tourists with a passage of time. This advantage point of nature has a history dating back to19th century when the officers of ruling East India Company developed it as a holiday paradise in the hills. Located at the distance of 40 Kilometers from the state capital of Indian state of Uttranchal, Dehradun, Mussoorie also won this moniker of being the “queen of the hill stations.” More than 15 attractions full of nature, religion and culture are at your disposal when you are planning a stay in Mussoorie Resorts. This hill station also serves as a gateway to the glaciers of Yamunotri and Gangotri and we can consider it as an ideal place to spend summer vacations.

The year of 1991 brought this town into the spotlight because of certain cultural events and movements of political celebrities. We can term this phase as the beginning of the modern history of "Mussoorie the tourism Destination." Now this hill station has become a modern town where nature and modern day amenities are developing a new eco-system of fun, frolic, and entertainment for all age groups and honeymoon couples in particular. Withpassage of time, Mussoorie has also become an educational hub because of the presence of some premium educational institutes and convent schools. The presence of these tourist places in Mussoorie also added a youthful spirit in the ambiance of this hill station.

Auli is a hill station located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in India. It has rightly derived its name Auli - meaning meadows, from the characteristics of its topography. The hill station is located on slopes and has far stretching meadows that look stunning to the eyes. Auli is fondly referred to as a place where nature comes alive in all its glory and splendour. It is rich in natural resources and offers a stunning landscape of the surrounding hills.

The hill station has a plethora of wildflowers and trees like deodars, oaks, coniferous and pine forests. The slopes here that are as high as 9000 feet above sea level offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks; like that of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dunagiri and Mana Parvat. There are a number of attractions here at the hill station. The most famous one amongst tourists is the ropeway.

It is the highest and the longest one not just in India but the whole of Asia and it offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. Auli’s artificial lake is another attraction which is one of the world’s highest man-made lakes. Similarly, Chattrakund and Chenab lake are also two other lakes worth visiting in Auli. Auli is also known as the skiing capital of India which explains how well the activity can truly be enjoyed here.

The winter months offer this thrilling experience and invite enthusiasts from across the globe. Other activities in Auli include trekking to nearby hills like Guarso and Kwani Bugyal. There is also a great scope for camping in and around Auli.  The cherry on top is the weather in Auli. The hill station being located on a slope is high in altitude but is also surrounded by dense vegetation of deodars and oaks. This controls the pace of the wind blowing here and thus, giving Auli a pleasant environment.

Located in the district of Nainital, Corbett National Park is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Named after the renowned British-Indian hunter and tracker-turned-conservationist, the tourist places in Corbett National Park have a mystical status when it comes to wildlife holidays in India. This oldest national park in India is home to abundant flora and fauna and promises to offer quintessential experiences through its safari. The popularity of Corbett national Park is due to the presence of Royal Bengal Tiger in abundance and the captivating landscape for the delight of nature lovers.

Not only wildlife, the park has a good population of bird species and is quite known for fishing and angling as well. Also, with so many wildlife resorts, it’s loved by luxury travellers. Situated on the foothills of Himalayas, this ‘Paradise of Tigers’ is the key to escape from the vivid city lights and constant traffic roar. A Jim Corbett tour will take you on an adventure through lush green hills, reverie belts, water holes and 521 sq km of abounding animal and plant kingdom.

For better administration and tourist flow, Jim Corbett has been divided into six tourism zones, that attract thousands of foreign and Indian visitors every year. When we speak about the tourist places in Corbett, Dhikala zone is the largest and is highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home for many animals, primarily tigers. Bijrani zone is also very popular among tourists and is easily accessible from Ramnagar, so is Jhirna. Durga Devi, another prominent zone is known for bird watching. Even though Sitabani zone doesn’t fall under the Corbett Tiger Reserve area, it’s an ideal place to be visited and is adored by nature lovers due to its serene ambience.

If you want a perfect refuge from your hectic busy life, head towards Almora. A picturesque hill station in the lap of nature with lush greenery in the divinely beautiful state of Uttarakhand, yes, it is Almora. Situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas, Almora takes pride in its natural beauty. Also known as the Town of Temples, a famous Hindu Temple is situated in the heart of the town, called Nanda Devi.

The beautiful places that you should pay a visit in Almora are temples like Nanda Devi temple, Patal Devi temple, Maa Dunaguri temple, etc., and few other astounding sites. You can hire a taxi for sight-seeing.

Almora has a lot of hotels and resorts where you can stay comfortably. A few of them are Hotel Bhagwati Palace, Khim’s Guest House, Binsar Resort, Khali Estate, etc. If you are a foodie and wondering what and where to eat, there are some really great restaurants offering finger licking foods and some suggestions for you are Lali’s Inn and Restaurant, Kasar Rainbow Restaurant, Essence of Nature, Dolma Restaurant, etc. You should definitely try singauri, ginger tea and choklate in Almora.

If you love shopping, you should definitely visit the street side markets in Almora. The Chowk Bazaar sells some premier quality angora wool garments. Copperwares are also sold there. Another market where you will get a lot of good things to take home is the Lal Bagh Market.

The nearby tourist destinations that you can visit from Almora are Kathgodam, Nainital, Chaukori, Binsar, Kausani, Ranikhet, Saltakhet, Bageshwar, etc.

Amongst the four holy “Dhams” of Hindus, Badrinath is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated along the banks of the Alakananda River in Uttarakhand, Badrinath has a very peaceful and idyllic vibe throughout the city. From great tasting vegetarian food to long trails covered with snow, Badrinath is a place you must definitely visit for an experience of a lifetime. 

Located at an elevation of almost 10,170 feet above sea level, the breathtaking city of Badrinath lies between the Nar and Narayan mountain range in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This popular pilgrim destination attracts thousands of tourists every year.

While some of these are pilgrims, others are simply tourists who wish to explore the city. It is also one of the most scenic places in the state, surrounded by several gushing rivers and snow-capped mountains on all sides.

Other than the famous Badrinath Temple, the city has many places which one should definitely visit whilst on a holiday here. One such place is the Tapt Kund. It is a natural thermal spring, wherein the water has medicinal properties.

You can also visit Neelkanth, a place which is covered with snow all year round. The Nanda Devi National Park is also located here in Badrinath, where you can catch a glimpse of several rare and exotic flora and fauna. You can also visit Mana, located at the Indo-China Border, and enjoy a cup of tea at the last shop here. 

Some of the activities which travellers can enjoy in Badrinath are skiing, trekking, and camping among others. You can also trek to the base of the Nilkantha Peak, which is said to receive the first rays of the sun every day at dawn and offers a splendid backdrop to Badrinath Temple.

Nainital, the hill resort town in the district of the same name, derives its name from the emerald, glassy, eye-shaped lake (tal) which the town is built around. The British Sugar trader, P. Baron, founded the town in the year 1841 and thank God that he did! There could not be a better getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The moment you enter Nainital district, you step into a new, parallel world. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the transition to scenic splendour of the likes of the place is a treat to the senses, a characteristic balming bliss of an experience that one can only understand through live experience.

No wonder then that the Kumaon Himalayas are regarded as “devbhoomi” ( land of the Gods), a divine manifestation of the most intricate natural laws, working for millennia, to carve out the perfect cradle in the arms of the lofty peaks, who remain standing as sentinels, offering solace and inspiring awe in humanity. Nainital’s appeal comes across as no less than a dreamscape. The British elites had used the location as a retreat during the harsh summers of the Indian mainland once upon a time, and the tradition remains alive for native Indians, as well as our foreign guests to this day.

With the changing climatic patterns ushering in harsher summers, Nainital as an easily accessible and highly affordable getaway vacation spot appears as no less than a prayer answered. With the best tourist places to visit in Nainital, the Naina Devi temple, St John in Wilderness, Hanuman Garhi for the pious ones, Mall road market,Tibetan market for the spendthrift ones, Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Jim Corbett National Park, Snow Viewpoint for the nature and adventure lovers, Nainital has a very inclusive agenda in terms of provisions - there is something for everyone.

Uttarakhand is abounding with beautiful places and one among them is Joshimath, the sacred town of Uttarakhand. Nuzzled with lots of warmth in the Chamoli district the town has its own heavenly aura.  Also known as Jyotirmath, Joshimath is those places where one of the Mutts was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badri Whose idol is traversed from Badrinath temple to Vasudev temple here.

In the sacred town of Joshimath, you will be able to visit umpteen temples like Narsimha and Gauri Shankar. You can also witness the magnanimity of the sacred Kalpvriksha which is said to be more than 1200 years old.Joshimath is also a famous destination for mountain climbing trips, treks and many other thrilling activities for those who love to explore the unexplored. If you want to explore religion, spirituality and thrill all in one place, then visiting here is a good decision.

One of the prime attractions here is a temple dedicated to the mighty Narsimha who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.The government has also introduced the winter Char Dham Yatra in order to turn Joshimath into a major winter travel destination. Apart from being a religious hub, it is also a popular hill station elevated at a height of 1890 meters above sea level. Vishnuprayag where the two powerful rivers of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga meet overlooks the beauty of the town of Joshimath.

The famous gateway to trekking also has a valley of flowers located very close to it. The place holds immense religious importance and so is the activity area of thrill-seekers. There are many places in Joshimath which you can enjoy. The most popular ones are Ghangria, the Nanda Devi National park, Tapovan and all the temples located in the vibrant town.

Garhwal holds major prominence in Uttaranchal and its amazing districts are some of the most stunning places for traveling purposes. The iconic spots in Garhwal- Pauri, Chamoli, Haridwar, and Tehri are known for their irresistible surroundings and plush beauty.

Snow-capped mountains blended with the luscious green shrubs illustrate the glorious essence of this place in the most eloquent way possible. The hospitality of the Garhwali people would harmonize your soul. The modesty and charm of the people are quite renowned in all parts of the country.

Garhwal is also a paradise for all the trekking enthusiasts who prefer the most alluring places for vacations. Nag Tibba in Tehri Garhwal is one place that offers majestic views and convenient trekking paths for an experience to cherish. Covered with the soothing essence of Deodar trees, this place certainly seems to be a gateway for paradise!

Har Ki Doon is another scenic beauty that would make you feel like you are in heaven. The stunning snow-covered mountains here make it amongst the most picturesque locations in India. It is ideal for some enthralling snow activities. Trekking at such a pristine place should be in the bucket list of every traveler.

Another location called Chaukhamba viewpoint is one such place you would not want to miss out on your trip to Garhwal. The stunning panoramic view would certainly grace your soul and fill you with unforgettable memories.

Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal are some of the most exotic places in India, which hold many rejuvenating activities like River rafting, Trekking, and fishing as well. Thrilling fun of the river rafting would certainly pump adrenaline rush throughout your body.

Challenge your physical limits by conquering the luscious peaks of Garhwal, go for a hike with your peers for the best moment of your life. For a chilled out day near the shores of Nayar River, fishing would be an ideal way to sum the most incredible trip of your life.

Gaumukh located in Uttarkashi is one of the most rewarding and popular treks for trekking enthusiasts. These treks showcase the beauty of Garhwal Himalaya and few other remarkable peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi and Bhrigupanth.

Gaumukh is the pout or terminus of the pristine Gangotri Glacier and is also the source of the Bhagirathi river. This snow-capped spot is located at a height of around 13,200 ft and is also known to be a haven for the pilgrims as it is the source of Ganga. The place where Gangotri Glacier ends resembles the cow’s mouth and therefore is popularly known as Gaumukh.

Gaumukh also holds huge religious prominence for pilgrimage purposes. Witness the nature at it’s imperious best, with the humongous Gangotri glacier flourishing it’s glorious form, this site would leave a mark on your hearts forever!

Extremely daunting treks of Chirbasa and Gila pahar would certainly send chills through your spine! Narrow paths and scary terrains, if there is one place in India that is considered paradise for trekking enthusiasts, it would be Gaumukh.

Gaumukh, is a 19 km trek that possesses some of the toughest courses throughout the journey. The phenomenal experience of trekking for 3 consecutive days would lead you to the reward of your determination and courage. Only very few people can cross the obstacle-filled gauntlet to witness the majestic “ Gaumukh snout”.

But it is also crucial to ensure that you do not risk your life and are equipped with enough courage to complete this arduous task. Otherwise, you can relish the beauty of this stunning place from far if trekking is not your cup of tea.

Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli, and the Himalayan peaks to the foothills near Rishikesh. It is the place where Ganga arrives in its original form at Devprayag, and River Alaknanda and River Bhagirathi also merge over here. Tehri is considered to be one of the holy districts of Uttarakhand where the pilgrims flock in huge numbers to seek solace and spiritual bliss.

It has some of the most scenic forests where you can witness a wide range of flora and fauna at its primal best. The calm and tranquil environment of this place offers the perfect digital detox to the tourists. Its hilly terrain and cascading rivers seem to be a slice of paradise on Earth.

The top tourist attractions that lure travellers over here are the Tehri Dam that is Asia’s largest and highest dam. Chamba is another popular destination over here that offers a scenic view of the Himalayas, and it also provides a breathtaking view of the Bhagirathi river. Devprayag is a sacred spot over here that is meant to be the holy confluence of two sacred rivers, namely Bhagirathi and Alaknanda.

You can try tons of enthralling activities over here like trekking and rock climbing to raise your adrenaline level. River rafting is another popular activity here that the tourists can genuinely enjoy at Tehri lake. You can also try boating over here to immerse into the scenic vistas of this beautiful city.

Tehri experiences tropical weather all year round, and the average annual temperature over here is around 15.3 degrees Celcius. Summer(March to May) is the peak season to visit Tehri as the weather remains quite pleasant during this time of the year. During winter, the temperature ranges from -10 to 10 degrees Celsius.

Thick oak forests, mesmerizing hills, and spellbinding views, there are numerous places to visit in Lansdowne which will take you a step closer to nature. A quaint hill station which is perched at an elevation of 1700 meters, Lansdowne brings to you a potpourri of attractions and memorable experiences. From trekking the treacherous trails of Lover’s Lane and exploring the vibrant streets of Lansdowne Main Market to visiting the holy shrines of Jwalpa Devi and Durga Devi Temple, there are multitude of ways by which you can quench your wanderlust in this snow-clogged beauty.

A town situated in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is well-known for its pine timberlands and rich history of Garhwal rifles. Apart from this, it has also enjoyed an undisputed attention of nature buffs for its exotic wildlife. Its close proximity to the Jim Corbett National Park makes it an ideal site for bird watching and nature walks. Here you can also get to see some of the beautiful wild creatures including tiger,sambhar, barking deer,hog deer, and porcupines. Hence, if you are planning a trip to Uttarakhand, don’t forget to pay a visit to these key tourist places in Lansdowne.

Kedarnath etymologically translates to ‘Lord of the Field.’ It is a dainty town in Uttarakhand and is an ancient pilgrimage site. It is popular for the Kedarnath Temple, and according to mythology, it was built by the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata.

The temperature in Kedarnath varies from -2 to 28 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit this hill station is either from May – June or September – October. If you are a pilgrim going to the site of Kedarnath Temple, then avoid visiting the temple during winters (November – March). Due to the decrease in temperature and heavy snowfall, the temple stays shut during this period. Since monsoons (July – August) come with the hindrance of landslides, visits to Kedarnath are avoided during this time as well.

If you are visiting the Kedarnath temple, then you must visit the Bhairavnath Temple, located at a distance of 500 meters from there. The temple enshrines an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Lord Bhairav. Perched atop a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges with mesmerizing beauty. Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, there are several other tourist attractions in Kedarnath. One such attraction is Vasuki Tal, a lake built at an altitude of 4135 meters. It requires a moderate to difficult trekking experience and is a haven for trekkers.

You must have heard of the Adwaita philosophy propounded by Sri Shankaracharya. Kedarnath has another historical shrine known as the Shankaracharya Samadhi. It is said that Sri Shankaracharya attained Nirvana at the age of 32 at this place. Sonprayag here is known to be the place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. It is also the confluence of the rivers Mandakini and Basuki. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and frosty trees, Sonprayag is a cultural-historical site of attraction. Do keep in mind that Kedarnath is mostly cold throughout the year, so pack warm clothes.