5 Summer Holiday Destinations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand enriched and empowered with the beauties of nature fills your heart and soul with a sense of awe that lingers within your mindscape and stays life-long. Yes, that’s the magic of this beautiful state cradled amid the majestic snow-wrapped Himalayas. The state is gifted with some of the most famed and stunningly gorgeous hill stations that the country has. With the summers kicking in, mercury meters have already begun showing a hike in temperatures to pretty unbearable levels. Thus one could decide upon a Uttarakhand trip plan in order to evade the scorching and sweltering summers.

Here are the top 5 summer holiday destinations in Uttarakhand which could be visited-

Nainital

The lake city of Nainital is one of the most famed hill resorts of Kumuaon Himalayas. The town of Nainital is laid out around the namesake Volcanic Lake known by the name of ‘Naini Lake’. The densely forested hill slopes, viewpoints facing the distant shimmering Himalayan peaks, spider web-like network of pathways, busy buzzing bazaars all paint Nainital with an indolent Colonial charm. During the summer months Nainital bustles with a huge crowd of tourists from all parts of the country. Even honeymooners find Nainital an ideal destination for a perfect romantic vacation. Jim Corbett Wildlife sanctuary, P.T GB Pant Zoo, Naina peak and Naini lake, St John’s Church, Kilbury Bird’s Sanctuary, Eco Cave Gardens, Gurney house are the major must-visit places of Nainital. While at Nainital, don’t forget to boat in the famous Naini Lake and sample some of the traditional Tibetan cuisines. Walk down through the meandering streets in your leisure hours and explore the quaint charm of lanes lined with wooden bungalows and huts.

Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is a tiny slice of paradise falling within Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. Sublime views of Himalayan mountain ranges, undulating vales and emerald Alpine meadows characterize the untainted beauty of Pithoragarh. From Pitthoragarh, you could catch some really unforgettable glimpses of shimmering white snowcapped peaks of Nanda Devi (West & East), Rajrambha, Hardeol, Nandakhat, Bambadhura, Trishul, Panchchulli. Also, the prismatic views of sunbeams dancing playfully across solar valley would captivate your attention with an intoxicating spell. The fort of Pitthoragarh and Kapileshwar Mahadev temple should be on the top of your must-visit list. Woolen shawls, blankets and wooden artifacts are some of the items you could shop at Pithoragarh.

Chopta Valley

If you wish to catch Nature in her most glorious and pristine form, you must visit the hill station of Chopta. Chopta is located 181kms away from the pilgrimage city of Haridwar. Verdant green meadows, rolling ranges of snow clad Himalayas, steep forested slopes mark the un-spoilt beauty of Chopta. The much revered Tunganath Shivatemple, mesmerizing Devariya Tal, Kartikswamy add to the fame of this idyllic hill station. Chopta is also famous because from Chopta commences one of the most popular adventure treks of Uttarakhand, the Chandrashila trek. Pine and Deodar trees, Colorful Rhododendrons embellish the hill slopes and pathways of Chopta. Chopta truly makes a perfect destination for vacationers who wish to commune with nature amid a calm and quiet ambience.

Auli

The hill station of Auli is famous nationwide as well as globally for its premium skiing slopes. Thus for all snow junkies and passionate skiers Auli is a real treat. Lofty snow clad peaks towering across the horizon present an image of the Indian version of Swiss Alps. Coniferous woods stud the steep slopes and unending stretches of meadow land impart Auli with a lush green extravaganza. However in the winters this ‘green’ turns all white as Auli is carpeted with sheets of snow. Auli has the longest cable car in the whole of Asia, about 4kms long. Taking a ride on this cable car is one of the most exciting things to do while at Auli.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a hill station of mesmerizing beauty falling within Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Ranikhet has an army base and thus is a cantonment town too. The picture-postcard beauty of lush green landscapes, distant snowy mountain ranges, the tranquil ambience all make Ranikhet a truly blessed land. Binsar Mahadev Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Garden, Bhalu dam, Sunset set are some of the must-see places of Ranikhet.