Tenzin Chodon
Uttarakhand’s hill towns and high-altitude valleys offer some of the best getaways. Here are 10 coolest places you can visit this summer.
Established by the British in 1823, the "Queen of Hills" is known for the famous Mall Road. Tourists can also visit Kempty Falls, a popular tourist landmark for over 150 years.
This town is set around the pear-shaped Naini Lake, which according to mythology, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Here, visitors can enjoy boating or take the ropeway to Snow View Point for Himalayan vistas.
Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Chopta is the base for the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is also a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, a hotspot for rare birds like the Monal.
Recognised as the "Yoga Capital of the World," this town gained global fame after The Beatles visited in 1968. It is the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra and is famous for Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula.
Tucked away in the Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari offers the closest view of the Panchachuli peaks. It was once an ancient trade route to Tibet and serves as the gateway to the Johar Valley.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this valley hosts over 500 species of wildflowers, including the rare Blue Poppy. It is only accessible from June to October.
Mahatma Gandhi famously called Kausani the "Switzerland of India" during his stay at the Anasakti Ashram in 1929. It offers a distinct view of Himalayan peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi.
Once the summer capital of the Chand Kings, Binsar is now a wildlife sanctuary. Its "Zero Point" offers a 360-degree view of the mountains, including the peaks of Kedarnath and Shivling.
Founded in 1887 as a military garrison for the Garhwal Rifles, this town is named after Lord Lansdowne, the then Viceroy of India. It remains one of the cleanest and quietest hill stations, managed by the Cantonment Board.