Hill Stations in Uttarakhand Perfect to Beat the Summer Heat

Known For : Naini Lake Eco Cave Gardens Mall Road Nainital

One of the most beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.

Best Time: Throughout the year

26 Nainital Attractions

Known For : Lal Tibba Kempty Falls Gun Hill

If your idea of the perfect holiday involves a tranquil hill station, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year. The pristine, natural beauty of Mussoorie makes it a very popular choice of holiday for honeymooners and getaway to a hill station in Uttarakhand. If you want to enjoy the beautiful sight of the rolling green slopes juxtaposed with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is the place for you to be.

Best Time: September to June

30 Mussoorie Attractions

Known For : Zero Point Jageshwar Chitai Temple

Cradled in the wilderness of Himalayan ranges, the sprawling town of Almora shaped like a horseshoe is a hill station in Uttarakhand that boasts of a pre-British heritage and an adyllic vibe.

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Almora Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Auli Auli Ropeway Trishul Peak

Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli and it is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, located in the Himalayan range dating back to 8th Century AD.

Best Time: Throughout the year

12 Auli Attractions

Known For : Birthi falls Maheshwari Kund Panchachuli Peak

A small village with an awe-inspiring panorama of snow capped Himalayan Range; Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh District. Offering splendors of nature's beauty in their most captivating form, this hill station in Uttarakhand is famous for its some highly adventurous and nerve-wracking trekking trails.

Best Time: April to June, October to November

16 Munsiyari Attractions

Known For : Pancheshwar Lohaghat Mayawati Ashram

A quaint old town, where one can feel and witness the charm of a bygone era through a marvellous church and 13 isolated cottages dotted across the hill station in Uttarakhand.

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Abbott Mt Attractions

Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Jhula Devi Temple Majhkhali

Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm is a hill station in Uttarakhand developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Ranikhet Attractions

Known For : Bhulla Lake Tip N Top St. John's Church

Perched amidst the Garhwal Hills, Lansdowne is a quaint little hill station in Uttarakhand that not many tourists know of. Off the beaten tourist trail, Lansdowne is an untouched, pristine town, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is more famously known for being home to the Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army. This hill station is neither commercialised nor heavily urbanised, making it the perfect getaway for anyone looking to take a break amidst peace and solitude.

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Lansdowne Attractions

Known For : Badrinath Temple Charanpaduka Vasudhara Falls

Badrinath is a pilgrim centre (among one of the Char Dham) set in the backdrop of Neelkanth Mountain Peak dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Best Time: May to June, September to October

19 Badrinath Attractions

Known For : Rudradhari Falls and Caves Gwaldam Trek to Pinnath

Embellished with all the right ingredients including lush green valley, verdant pine tree forests, meandering creeks, tranquility and majestic Himalayan peaks, Kausani is one of the most spellbinding hill station in Uttarakhand.

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Kausani Attractions

Known For : Surkhanda Devi Temple Eco Park, Dhanaulti Apple Orchard Resort

With minimal human intrusion, without overloading or overwhelming your senses or expectations, Dhanaulti is a hill station in Uttarakhand that slowly seeps into your conscience like a long lost pleasant dream, bringing with it comfort and quiet, and giving you the much-needed break from your humdrum routine life.

Best Time: September to June

10 Dhanaulti Attractions

Known For : Valley of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park Fauna & Flora

Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh. This hill station in Uttarakhand is a picturesque national park, gracing the beauty of Western Himalayas. Valley of flowers was discovered in 1931 and is a World Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks.

Best Time: May to October

3 Valley Of Flowers Attractions

Known For : Banasur ka Kila Baleshwar Temple Lohaghat

A gripping journey of self exploration and challenging terrain, Champawat is not your usual retreat. You'll be pushed to your physical and mental limits, because hill station in Uttarakhand place gives you a lot to explore, without having to deal with any over intrusive and money gobbling guides around.

Best Time: October to June

8 Champawat Attractions

Known For : Patal Bhubaneshwari Nakuleshwar Temple Arjuneshwar Shiva Temple

The bowl-shaped town of Chaukori, located in the state of Uttaranchal, is nestled within the Himalayas at the height of over 2010 meters above sea level. As a tourist destination, this hill station in Uttarakhand offers many beautifully breathtaking views– be it the lusciously green tea gardens, or the majestic snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli, the peaceful sunrise and sunsets, and the bejewelled night skies with the light of a million stars.

Best Time: October to March

6 Chaukori Attractions

Known For : Madhyamaheshwar Temple Kanchani Tal Budha Madhyamaheshwar

A small sacred town of Madhyamaheshwar is a place full of mysteries and blessed with bounty of nature. Renowned for its Madhyamaheshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this  hill station in Uttarakhand gathers the whole hamlet to pray in the evening along with many tourists.

Best Time: May to October

4 Madhyamaheshwar Attractions

Known For : Jauljibi Om Parvat Kali River

A remote town of Uttaranchal, Darchula is a place with lots of scenic beauty. Bounded by the Kumaon Region's mountains and high peaks and glaciers of Panchchuli range on the west, this hill station in Uttarakhand lies on the way to a very famous pilgrimage of India namely Kailash Mansarover.

Best Time: May to June, September to December

8 Dharchula Attractions

Known For : Auli Vasundhara Waterfalls Gopeshwar

Sitting deftly in the lap of nature, Chamoli often referred to as the 'Abode of God' has a strong bond with the spirituality and astounding legends.

Best Time: November to March, July to August

13 Chamoli Attractions

Known For : Seven Lakes Bhimtal Subhash Dhara

A group of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make Sattal a wonderful hill station in Uttarakhand.

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Sattal Attractions

Known For : Kainchi Dham Shyamkhet Tea Gardens Ramgarh

Bhowali is a little hill station in Uttarakhand that lies in the vicinity of several popular hill stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ramgarh, Sattal and Mukteshwar.

Best Time: February to Apr, September to October

9 Bhowali Attractions

Known For : Tiger Falls Deoban Budher Caves

Chakrata is a small hill station in Uttarakhand near Dehradun located on top of the Yamuna valley, amidst lush green forests, caves and ancient temples.

Best Time: Throughout the year

6 Chakrata Attractions

Known For : Kedarnath Temple Vasuki Tal Shankaracharya Samadhi

Atop 3584 mts, this hill station in Uttarakhand is one of the Char Dhams and one of the busiest pilgrim centres in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is believed that in order to evade the Pandavas, Lord Shiva hid himself in the form of a bull at Kedarnath, and when found by the Pandavas, he went further into the earth leaving the hump on the surface.

Best Time: May to June, September to October

11 Kedarnath Attractions

Known For : Janki Chatti Yamunotri Temple Hanuman Chatti

Revered as the origin of Yamuna river, the pilgrim centre (among one of the 'Chhota Char Dham') nestled in the laps of Garhwal Himalayas at 3293 mts high uses its natural elements to fascinate you with its visuals and create a spiritual charm.

Best Time: May to June, September to November

9 Yamunotri Attractions

Known For : Ganges Glacier Gangotri Temple Kedar Tal

Gangotri is a pilgrimage destination and a hill station in Uttarakhand situated in Uttarkashi, which is mostly famous for the four religious centres, or as they say, the Char Dham spots.

Best Time: April to June, September to November

17 Gangotri Attractions

Known For : Sitla Mukteshwar Temple Mukteshwar Inspection Bunglow

Mukteshwar is a small hill station in Uttarakhand mostly known for adventure sports such as rock climbing, rappelling etc. and the amazing view of Himalayan ranges you get from there.

Best Time: October to June

10 Mukteshwar Attractions

Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium on the Bhimtal Island Hanuman Garhi

Rested at a height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. The ancient town of Bhimtal is a place to lie down under the shade of nature, close your eyes and experience serenity.

Best Time: March to June, September to December

11 Bhimtal Attractions

Known For : Tehri Dam Surkanda Devi Temple

Far from the rush of city life, Chamba is a small hill station in Uttarakhand popular for its picturesque views lined with deodar and pine trees, its apple orchards and various temples.

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Chamba Attractions

Known For : Mussoorie Tehri Dam Trekking in Tehri Garhwal

The Hindu Mythology and legends seemed to have showered Tehri Garhwal with several spiritual significances. It is this hill station in Uttarakhand where River Ganga arrives in its real form at Devprayag where River Bhagirathi and River Alaknanda merge. One can also see many temples dotted across the place.

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Tehri Garhwal Attractions

Known For : Chaukhamba Viewpoint Kandoliya Khirsu

Pauri Garhwal is a paradise that showcases the varied colours of nature all packed into this one place. From snow-covered Himalayan peaks and thick cover of lush green forests to deep-rooted culture of the place and warm-hearted people, this hill station in Uttarakhand oozes beauty and charm in every aspect.

Best Time: April to June, September to October

13 Pauri Garhwal Attractions

Known For : Orchards Nathuakhan Mukteshwar

Tucked away in the lap of Himalayas in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Ramgarh boasts of unexplored natural beauty and old-world charm. It is perched at an elevation of 1789 metres above the sea level and is an idyllic spot of all you nature beaus. Blessed with impeccable views of snow-covered mountain peaks, Ramgarh is also called the "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon" because of the verdant orchards of apples, plums, peaches and apricots. It was also a personal favourite of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore and social worker Narain Swamy. Once the cantonment of the British, this hill station in Uttarakhand stands apart in its exquisiteness, solitude and enticing beauty. The captivating sunrise and sunset is an experience of a lifetime. It is an ideal getaway if you are looking for offbeat destinations to satiate your wanderlust.

Best Time: October to May

9 Ramgarh Attractions

Known For : New Tehri Dhanaulti Kodia Jungle

Once a deserted land, today Kanatal is a usual haunt for those travellers who seek peace and solitude at a hill station in Uttarakhand. Kanatal is said to be named after a lake that once existed there. Apart from peace, the place exhibits a charm in the form of majestic hills, fruit trees, apple orchards and lush green forests.

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Kanatal Attractions

Known For : Baijnath Bagnath Temple Kanda

Bageshwar, tucked inconspicously in the Himalayan range, becomes one of the most underrated, and hence by default, one of the most untouched destination by humans.

Best Time: October to June

10 Bageshwar Attractions

Known For : Vishwanath Temple, Guptakashi Manikarnik Kund Ardhanarishwar Temple

The temple town of Guptakashi located at a distance of 47 kms from the holy town of Kedarnath is another hill station in Uttarakhand. Perched at an elevation of 1319 m above the sea level, Guptakashi enjoys the mesmerising backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba mountains.

It houses two ancient temples namely Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Manikarnika Kund is another popular destination in the town. In fact, Guptkashi serves as a perfect stopover for those travelling to Kedarnath. The fantastic weather, lush green forests and captivating views of Chaukhmaba Range along with its rich past and heritage, the town is a wholesome package for vacation makers.

Best Time: March to June, September to November

7 Guptakashi Attractions

Known For : Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Bineshwar Temple Zero Point

A small hill station in Uttarakhand set in the midst of lush green forests covered with oak, pine, deodar trees, Binsar has plenty of tourist attractions including green meadows, temples and the Binsar wildlife sanctuary.

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Binsar Attractions

Known For : Tungnath Temple Deori Tal Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek

Chopta, very simply put, is a trekker cum explorer's heaven. If you aren't an adrenaline junkie but inclined towards pushing your limits, visit the valley of Chopta for a life altering experience and expand the boundaries of your physical horizon.

Best Time: March to June

5 Chopta Attractions

Known For : Dodital Lake Nachiketa Lake Dodital Dayara Pass Trek

Endearingly called as Devbhoomi, Uttarkashi, literally meaning 'Kashi of the North', is a quaint little town tucked away as a hill station in Uttarakhand. Revered by the Hindus as one of their propitious religious sites, the townhouses two of the total four holy shrines of Hindu mythology. It is one of the most visited cities of religious relevance in the area and gives you a sense of heightened divinity and an out of the world experience. The region was more in the favour of religious tourism initially but lately the spurring of trekking and adventure activities invites a lot of non religion tourists as well. Replete with ashrams and mandir, the town has got a spiritual vibe to it. All in all, the entire place boasts of divine heritage, mesmerising natural beauty, scenic panoramas and a wonderful irenic atmosphere.

Best Time: March to June, September to November

9 Uttarkashi Attractions

Known For : Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Raghunathji Temple Chandrabadani Temple

Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature.

Best Time: Throughout the year

3 Devprayag Attractions

Known For : Ropeway Ghangaria Nanda Devi National Park

Joshimath is a quaint hill station in Uttarakhand nestled amid the lap of snow-capped Himalayas. This valley is mesmerizingly beautiful surrounded on all sides by picturesque views. If a good trekking trail is your calling, the Valley of Flowers Trek is close to Joshimath.

Best Time: April to November

11 Joshimath Attractions

Known For : Berinag Patal Bhubaneswar Temple Haat Kalika Temple

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a magical place with several hidden and unexplored aspects to it. Located at an elevation of 1350m above the sea level, this place is tagged as a spiritual place renowned for its Shiva Temple cave.

Best Time: October to June

4 Patal Attractions

A small Himalayan hill town, Gangolihat is particularly famous for hosting the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Kali. It is a very small town which is located near important tourist spots such as Patal Bhuveneshwar, Binsar and Abott Mount. This hill station in Uttarakhand is also famous for many other temples that are scattered all over this small town. Perched at an altitude of 1800 meters above ground in the scenic Himalayan vista, it is a place of true worship and natural wonders.

A beautiful, quaint and sleepy village sandwiched between Garhwal and Kumaon, Gwaldam is a place straight out of a fairytale. The place is full of forests and small lakes providing a setting for a peaceful retreat. Nestled amongst the pine forests and apple orchards at an altitude of 1700 meters, the village is tucked in the middle of Kumaon and Garhwal and offers some wide and enchanting views of peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghuti. Trekking in the apple orchids which stretch to infinity is a must and one of the most refreshing experiences of Gwaldam. This is one of the most rejuvenating hill stations in Uttarakhand.

Known For : Mahamrityunjaya Temple Jageshwar Mahadev Temple Archaeological Museum, Jageshwar

Jageshwar, is a small town in Uttarakhand is like a town carved exquisitely for temples. The biggest temple out of the lot of the 124 temples here, is the one that is the most visited, the Jageshwar Mahadev Temple is situated on the Jataganga Valley.

Best Time: April to June, September to November

4 Jageshwar Attractions

Khirsu is a sleepy and peaceful hill village, located at a distance of 15 km from Pauri Garhwal, wrapped with lush greenery and orchards. Although this hill station in Uttarakhand is off the popular tourist trails, yet to gather tourist rush to its refreshingly beautiful surroundings, ideal for a leisurely and relaxing holiday. Amidst wide spreads of beautiful deodar and oak trees, perched at an altitude of 1800 meters, this calm hill station is a paradise for people looking to escape the hustle-bustle of the favourite tourist spots.

Located just 15 kilometres away from Nainital, Pangot, located in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand is a small and picturesque hamlet. The village is at the height of 6,300 feet above the sea level and is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic birdlife. Pangot also becomes a hub for photography enthusiasts when hundreds of different species of birds flock here during the harsh winters in the upper Himalayas and settle down here temporarily. A step into the wilderness of Pangot, and you will find yourself in the midst of a remote Himalayan village.

Known For : Dharali Mukhwas Village Sattal

Harsil, still lesser known to tourists, is a perfect getaway for those in quest of peace and solitude. Nestled amidst the Himalayas under the dense cover of pine and deodar forests with the Bhagirathi river gurgling across the area, this hill station in Uttarakhand is a complete package for vacation makers.

Best Time: April to October

5 Harsil Attractions

Known For : Gaumukh Trek

One of the holiest lands in Uttarakhand, Gaumukh is thronged by devotees mainly for its serenity and pious mythological history. This hill station in Uttarakhand is not exactly a tourist town or city, but a glacial trekking destination located within Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Best Time: February to September

1 Gaumukh Attractions