Tourist Places to visit in Uttarakhand : –

GARHWAL AND KUMAON
Two Valleys Garhwal And Kumaon Are Spread All Over In The State Of Uttarakhand .

1.   DEHRADUN

At the foothills of the Shivalik ranges the Doon Valley is bounded on the west by the Yamuna and on the east by the river Ganges. This picturesque town has a salubrious climate throughout the year and is a take off point for the higher ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas. Dehradun is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

2.   HARIDWAR

Haridwar the holy city lies at the base of Shiva’s hills-the Shivalik range. Legends goes that when Lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, the river Ganga extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plain Haridwar.From here, the Ganga proceeds eastwards and southwards through Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Calcutta towards Ganga Sagar, where it meets sea. Haridwar is famous for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held marking the 12 year solar cycle,etc. Million of devotees, Hindus and Visitors take a dip in the holiest of Hindu rivers at this time,to attain salvation.Mythology has it that a few drops of the nectar churned from the ocean fell at four places and it is here that the Kumbh is held(Haridwar,  Allahabad, Ujjain& Nasik). It is said that you can attain salvation by praying to Lord Vishnu(Hari)or Lord Shiva and hence this scared spot is known as Haridwar and Hardwar. Haridwar is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

3.   MUSSOORIE

Located at a height of 2000 m ,this picturesque hill resort was set up during the days of the “Raj”.Its trek and walks down the famous Camel Back Road welcome visitors in the summer and in the winter. You can trek through the hills and jump over little hills, streams and flowers in the valley and proceed for rock climbing or mountaineering if you wish, For the angler, fishing is available for trout or Mahseer. Mussoorie is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

4.   RISHIKESH

Rishikesh is an ideal base for pilgrimages to the Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri,Gangotri,Kedarnath and Badrinath. This temple town is situated amidst lush green forests. Close by are many white water rafting camps for the adventure seeker as also Yoga Ashram for those looking for something more from life. Rishikesh is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

5.  ALMORA

Traditionally Known as a health resort, Almora has much more to offer than its excellent climate. Perched on a 5 km ridge, the hill station commands a majestic view of towering snow-clad Himalayan peaks. According to legend, the town of Almora has come up on the Kashaya Hill believed to have been the scenic abode of Lord Vishnu. Almora has long been a centre for woolen products and its shawl in particular, are famous in the region. Almora is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

6.   Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park is one of India’s best known wildlife sanctuaries. Covering a large forested area of 520.8 sq. km. the park encloses a large section of the foothills of the Shivalik mountains, the Patlidum valley and the swiftly, flowing Ramganga river. The topography of the Park thus possesses a diverse range which is an asset for wildlife viewing. Named after the famous hunter, author and conservator Jim Corbett, the park was established as early as 1936.The dense jungles of the park teem with wildlife-the famous tigers of Kumaon in particular. The park provides a home for the panther wild boar, sloth bear, elephant, deer, python, cobra, crocodile and gharial among others. The river Ramganga is rich in mahseer, trout and goonch. More than 585 species of birds have been recorded at Corbett which make it an ornithologist’s dream. In its vastness and rich wildlife, Corbett National Park has succeeded in capturing the raw magnificence of nature. Quite simply, the spectacle at Corbett National Park, is awesome the experience unforgettable. It is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

7.   NAINITAL

Nainital is a lake resort set at a height of 1938 m in a beautiful world valley. Surrounded by seven hills, the sparkling waters of a natural lake make it a gem among hill resorts. Legend has it that the lake was formed when the goddess Sati lost her eyes at this spot. She was being carried by Lord Shiva at the time and a lake was formed as a result. Naina (Eyes) ‘Tal’ (Lake) was thus given its name. Nainital is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

8.   RANIKHET

Ranikhet as hill station is idyllic in its charm, and draws holiday-makers almost all the year round with its salubrious climate the balmy breeze. Against the backdrop of snow capped Himalayan peaks, Ranikhet means “Queen’s field”. An unusual name, a quaint legend and the sheer beauty of its enviers make this Kumaon hill station a wonderful holiday resort. Ranikhet is among top tourist places to visit in Uttarakhand.

9. WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND NATIONAL PARKS