Free Uttarakhand Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Uttarakhand
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Explore Uttarakhand's Himalayan pilgrimages, hill towns, wildlife reserves, alpine valleys, river adventures and Garhwali and Kumaoni food traditions.

Uttarakhand occupies the western Himalaya of northern India, extending from the forested foothills and broad plains around Haridwar and Rishikesh to high valleys, glaciers and snow-covered peaks along the Tibetan frontier. The state is traditionally divided into Garhwal in the west and Kumaon in the east, with markedly different local histories and landscapes. Dehradun, the state capital, lies in a fertile valley, while hill stations such as Mussoorie and Nainital provide cooler highland settings above the plains.
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Religion is central to Uttarakhand's identity and geography. Haridwar is one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimage cities, where the Ganges reaches the plains, while Rishikesh is associated with ashrams, yoga and river-based adventure. Farther into the mountains, the pilgrimage routes to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri pass through dramatic valleys and settlements shaped by seasonal travel. These journeys are both spiritual and physically demanding, with many sites accessible only during the warmer months because of snow and difficult mountain conditions.
The state also contains some of India's most important protected Himalayan and foothill environments. The Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers national parks protect alpine meadows, glacial terrain and rare flora, while Jim Corbett and Rajaji national parks preserve sal forests, grasslands and habitats for elephants, tigers and other wildlife. Birdwatching, trekking, rafting, skiing around Auli, and quieter walks through Kumaon's oak and rhododendron forests offer alternatives to the major pilgrimage circuits.
Uttarakhand's towns reveal layers of commerce, colonial influence and regional culture. Almora retains a historic hill-town character and Kumaoni traditions; Pithoragarh and Bageshwar serve as gateways to eastern mountain districts; and Ranikhet combines military history with forested ridges. Local food is adapted to mountain agriculture, featuring grains such as mandua, pulses, leafy greens and distinctive chutneys, while Garhwali and Kumaoni music, dance and festivals remain important expressions of regional identity.
Travel requires patience and careful planning. Distances that appear short on a map can take many hours on winding roads, and monsoon rain, landslides, snowfall or pilgrimage traffic can disrupt journeys. The plains and major towns are comparatively straightforward to reach, but high-altitude areas demand acclimatisation, suitable clothing and attention to official advice. Uttarakhand is best understood not as a single mountain resort but as a large and varied Himalayan state, where sacred landscapes, working hill communities and protected wilderness exist side by side.

When is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?

Best: March–April, October · 23–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1450
February1755
March (best)2360
April (best)2865
May3270
June3575
July3280
August3185
September2990
October (best)2695
November20100
December15105

Getting to and around Uttarakhand

How to get there

Uttarakhand is commonly reached by road and rail from Delhi and other northern Indian cities. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is the principal commercial airport within the state, while Pantnagar Airport serves the Kumaon foothills with a more limited range of connections. Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kathgodam and Tanakpur are important rail gateways, although rail travel does not extend into most high mountain districts. Regular road services and private vehicles continue beyond these gateways towards hill towns and pilgrimage routes. Delhi is a major international gateway outside the state and is often used for onward rail, coach or road travel.

Transportation

Road travel is the principal way to move around Uttarakhand, with state and private buses, shared jeeps, taxis and hired cars linking the plains to hill districts. Trains are useful between the foothills and major towns, but services are limited in the mountains. Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital and other larger centres have more transport choices; remote valleys have fewer departures and may require advance planning. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, and monsoon rain, snowfall, landslides or pilgrimage traffic can cause delays. Walking is essential for many temples and trekking routes, while local regulations and permits apply in protected areas.

Top city travel guides in Uttarakhand

The cities of Uttarakhand, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Uttarakhand

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand's attractions range from major pilgrimage cities to protected wilderness and high Himalayan trekking country. Haridwar centres on the Ganges ghats and evening ritual ceremonies, while Rishikesh combines ashrams and yoga traditions with rafting and other river activities on suitable stretches of the Ganges. Dehradun and Mussoorie provide accessible urban and hill settings, whereas Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet and Binsar introduce the forested ridges and historic culture of Kumaon. The Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath draw visitors to remote mountain valleys during the open season. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers national parks are known for alpine landscapes and trekking, while Auli offers high-altitude views and winter sports when conditions permit. Jim Corbett and Rajaji national parks provide opportunities for guided wildlife excursions through foothill forests, with elephants, deer and the possibility of seeing tigers. Across the state, temples, village trails, botanical landscapes, birdwatching locations and river valleys create a travel experience shaped as much by terrain and season as by individual attractions.

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Best landmarks in Uttarakhand

The Ganges ghats at Haridwar are among Uttarakhand's most recognisable landmarks, with Har Ki Pauri forming the focal point for ritual bathing and prayers beside the river. Rishikesh is identified by its suspension bridges, including Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, although access arrangements can change and visitors should follow current local guidance. In the highlands, Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple are powerful religious and architectural symbols set within demanding mountain landscapes, while Gangotri and Yamunotri mark important pilgrimage destinations associated with the sources of sacred rivers. Nainital's lake, surrounded by steep wooded hills and the town's historic urban bowl, is a defining Kumaoni landmark. The hill ridges of Mussoorie and the forested heights around Ranikhet and Almora express the region's colonial and Himalayan townscape. Natural landmarks are equally important: the Valley of Flowers, the high approaches to Nanda Devi and the broad forest corridors of Corbett and Rajaji show how geology, rivers, wildlife and human movement have shaped Uttarakhand's visual identity.

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Explore Uttarakhand on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand's food reflects mountain agriculture, frugal cooking and the distinct traditions of Garhwal and Kumaon. In hill homes and local eateries, look for mandua, a finger-millet flour used in breads and other dishes, along with red rice, pulses, leafy greens, potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Kumaoni specialities include bhatt-based preparations, aloo ke gutke and tangy bhang ki chutney, while Garhwali cooking is associated with dishes such as kafuli and chainsoo; recipes vary between households and districts. Haridwar and Rishikesh have extensive vegetarian dining, including north Indian, Gujarati and sattvic food in areas connected with pilgrimage and yoga. Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital and Almora offer cafés, bakeries, regional restaurants and broader Indian menus. Markets and village shops are useful for local honey, pickles, spices, fruit and traditional sweets, while roadside dhabas and small hill restaurants provide straightforward meals rather than elaborate dining. Alcohol availability and restaurant styles differ between towns, so check local arrangements rather than assuming metropolitan opening patterns.

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Best bars in Uttarakhand

Nightlife in Uttarakhand is concentrated in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital and a few other larger tourist centres rather than spread evenly across the state. Dehradun has the broadest urban choice, including casual bars, cafés, restaurants and occasional live-music settings. Rishikesh's evening culture is shaped more by riverside cafés, ashram routines and early-closing establishments than by conventional clubbing, and alcohol restrictions or dry areas apply in some religious settings. Mussoorie and Nainital offer hotel bars, restaurants and seasonal evening activity, while hill towns elsewhere generally rely on local pubs, cafés and guesthouse dining. In remote pilgrimage and trekking areas, evenings are quiet and often begin and end early because of altitude, weather and early departures. Check local rules and hotel policies, particularly in sacred towns, and do not treat drinking as a necessary part of the regional experience.

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Best nightclubs in Uttarakhand

Nightlife in Uttarakhand is concentrated in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital and a few other larger tourist centres rather than spread evenly across the state. Dehradun has the broadest urban choice, including casual bars, cafés, restaurants and occasional live-music settings. Rishikesh's evening culture is shaped more by riverside cafés, ashram routines and early-closing establishments than by conventional clubbing, and alcohol restrictions or dry areas apply in some religious settings. Mussoorie and Nainital offer hotel bars, restaurants and seasonal evening activity, while hill towns elsewhere generally rely on local pubs, cafés and guesthouse dining. In remote pilgrimage and trekking areas, evenings are quiet and often begin and end early because of altitude, weather and early departures. Check local rules and hotel policies, particularly in sacred towns, and do not treat drinking as a necessary part of the regional experience.

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Best shops in Uttarakhand

Shopping in Uttarakhand is centred on market streets, small bazaars and town high streets rather than large luxury districts. Dehradun offers the widest urban selection, including books, clothing, food shops and contemporary retail, while Haridwar and Rishikesh are known for religious items, prayer beads, incense, yoga goods and locally produced foods. Mussoorie's Mall Road and Landour area have long attracted visitors for woollens, handicrafts, books and cafés, though individual shop offerings change. Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet and other Kumaoni towns provide shawls, handwoven textiles, carved wooden objects, candles, copperware and locally packaged produce. Look for regional honey, jams, spices, pickles, herbal products and millet-based foods, checking labelling and provenance where possible. Rural and seasonal markets can be more useful for everyday goods than souvenirs, and bargaining is not appropriate in every shop. Choose crafts from traceable local producers and avoid products made from protected wildlife or plants.

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Uttarakhand essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR), used throughout Uttarakhand and India. Cards and contactless or mobile payments are increasingly accepted in Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital, Mussoorie and other established tourist centres. Cash remains important in small hill towns, villages, roadside eateries, local transport and remote trekking areas, where internet connectivity or payment terminals can be unreliable. Carry smaller notes and withdraw money before leaving major towns, while keeping payment security in mind in crowded pilgrimage and transport areas.
Safety
Take normal precautions against theft and keep belongings secure in crowded stations, markets and pilgrimage centres. Mountain travel presents more significant practical risks: roads can be hazardous, weather changes quickly, and heavy rain or snowfall may disrupt routes. Follow official advice during monsoon and avoid walking close to unstable slopes or fast-flowing rivers. Trekkers should use reputable guides where appropriate, check forecast and route conditions, carry suitable clothing and avoid travelling alone in remote terrain. In wildlife areas, follow park instructions, remain in vehicles where required and never approach animals.
Emergency Situations
India's integrated emergency number is 112 for police, fire and medical assistance. Ambulance number 108 operates in many parts of India, including Uttarakhand, but availability and response times can vary in remote mountain districts. Ask accommodation staff, guides or local authorities about the nearest functioning medical facility before heading into isolated areas. For treks, pilgrimages and wildlife visits, register where required, share your route and keep a charged phone, power bank and offline directions. In severe weather or road disruption, follow instructions from district authorities rather than attempting an unsafe journey.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting temples, ashrams and sacred bathing areas, remove shoes where requested and observe photography restrictions. Ask before photographing worshippers, ceremonies, military installations or local residents. Do not enter rivers or approach cliff edges without regard for current, weather and local warnings. Queue patiently at shrines and transport points, avoid blocking narrow roads, and follow guidance about food and conduct in religious spaces. Tipping is discretionary rather than a fixed regional rule, but small gratuities may be appropriate for helpful service. Respect village privacy and leave no waste in forests, valleys or pilgrimage routes.
Local Tips
Plan a route by geographic zone rather than trying to combine distant Garhwal and Kumaon destinations in a short trip. Haridwar and Rishikesh work well as accessible gateways, while Dehradun, Mussoorie and Nainital offer different hill experiences from the high pilgrimage valleys. The clearest mountain views often follow the monsoon, but conditions vary and winter can close high routes. Use official portals or local authorities for current pilgrimage registration, park permits and trekking information. In hill districts, an early start is valuable because daylight, road conditions and public transport options become more limited later in the day.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloनमस्ते[Namaste]
Goodbyeअलविदा[Alvida]
Yesहाँ[Haan]
Noनहीं[Nahi]
Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है[Kripya/Svaagat hai]
Thank youधन्यवाद[Dhanyavaad]
Excuse me/Sorryमाफ कीजिए/सॉरी[Maaf kijiye/Sori]
How are you?आप कैसे हैं?[Aap kaise hain?]
Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?[Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं?[Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आता[Mujhe samajh nahi aata]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया, मेनू दिखाइए[Kripya, menu dikhaiye]
I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती[Main maans nahi khata/khati]
Cheers!चियर्स![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया, मैं बिल चुकाना चाहता/चाहती हूँ[Kripya, main bill chukana chahta/chahati hoon]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!मदद करो![Madad karo!]
Go away!जाओ यहाँ से![Jao yahaan se!]
Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ![Police ko bulao!]
Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ![Doctor ko bulao!]
I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ[Main kho gaya hoon]
I'm illमैं बीमार हूँ[Main beemar hoon]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहता/चाहती हूँ...[Main kharidna chahta/chahati hoon...]
I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ[Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
How much is it?यह कितना है?[Yah kitna hai?]
That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है[Yah bahut mehnga hai]
Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?[Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?कितने बजे हैं?[Kitne baje hain?]
It's one o'clockयह एक बजे हैं[Yah ek baje hain]
Half past (10)साढ़े दस[Saade das]
Morningसुबह[Subah]
Afternoonदोपहर[Dopahar]
Eveningशाम[Shaam]
Yesterdayकल[Kal]
Todayआज[Aaj]
Tomorrowकल[Kal]
1एक[Ek]
2दो[Do]
3तीन[Teen]
4चार[Chaar]
5पाँच[Paanch]
6छह[Chhah]
7सात[Saat]
8आठ[Aath]
9नौ[Nau]
10दस[Das]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?[Kahan hai...?]
What's the address?पता क्या है?[Pata kya hai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे (मानचित्र पर) दिखा सकते हैं?[Kya aap mujhe (maanchitra par) dikha sakte hain?]
When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?[Agli (bus) kab hai?]
A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (के लिए ...)[Ek ticket (ke liye...)]

History of Uttarakhand

Early Himalayan Kingdoms and Sacred Landscapes

Archaeological remains, temple traditions and early textual references show that the central Himalaya was connected to wider networks of pilgrimage, pastoral movement and trade long before the modern state existed. The upper valleys of Garhwal and Kumaon developed around rivers, seasonal routes and sacred sites associated with Hindu traditions. Communities adapted farming and herding to steep terrain, while small political centres controlled valleys and passes. The landscape's religious importance grew alongside the movement of pilgrims towards sources of the Ganges and other rivers, creating patterns of settlement and pilgrimage that remain visible across Uttarakhand.

The Katyuri and Chand Traditions

The Katyuris were an influential early dynasty in the Kumaon region, with their power traditionally associated with the area around Baijnath and the former centre of Kartikeyapura. From the later medieval period, the Chand rulers became prominent in Kumaon and established Almora as an important political centre in the sixteenth century. Temples, sculpture and historic settlements linked to these traditions demonstrate the region's connections with wider North Indian artistic and religious currents. Their legacies are particularly apparent in Kumaoni architecture and in the distribution of older shrines across the eastern part of the state.

Garhwal Kingdoms and Mountain Forts

Garhwal developed as a collection of hill territories before the Panwar rulers consolidated much of the region and established a kingdom whose capital was later moved to Srinagar Garhwal. Political authority depended on controlling valleys, routes and fortified settlements rather than on large urban centres. Temple patronage and pilgrimage helped link remote communities, while agriculture and pastoralism supported the mountain economy. The historic Garhwal kingdom was disrupted by the Gorkha invasion in the early nineteenth century, an upheaval that brought the Himalayan region into the strategic calculations of expanding powers in northern India.

Gorkha Rule and British Expansion

Gorkha forces from Nepal occupied large parts of Kumaon and Garhwal in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Their defeat by the British in the Anglo-Nepalese War led to major political changes under the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816. The British administered Kumaon and the eastern part of Garhwal directly, while the Tehri Garhwal kingdom survived as a princely state until after Indian independence. British influence encouraged new roads, administrative towns, military cantonments and hill stations, including Mussoorie and Ranikhet, while also reshaping forests and land management.

Pilgrimage, Forests and Colonial Infrastructure

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, improved roads and administrative routes made parts of the Himalaya more accessible to pilgrims, officials and traders. Haridwar and Rishikesh grew in importance as gateways to the mountains, while railways reached the foothills and supported the movement of people and goods. Colonial forest policies transformed the management of sal, oak and pine landscapes, often restricting customary access for local communities. These changes helped create the modern tourism economy but also generated long-running debates about conservation, livelihoods and control of mountain resources.

Environmental Movements and the Chipko Legacy

Uttarakhand became internationally associated with the Chipko movement, which gained prominence in the 1970s when village residents, including many women, opposed commercial tree felling by embracing or standing around trees. The movement connected forest protection with fuel, fodder, water and local livelihoods rather than treating conservation as separate from community welfare. Although its campaigns varied by place and period, Chipko influenced environmental thinking across India and beyond. Its legacy remains visible in discussions about forests, dams, roads, tourism and the vulnerability of Himalayan settlements.

Statehood and Contemporary Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand became a separate Indian state on 9 November 2000, initially named Uttaranchal before the official name was changed to Uttarakhand in 2007. The statehood movement drew support from demands for administration more responsive to difficult mountain geography, regional employment and local development. Dehradun became the capital, while the plains and hill districts continued to have distinct economic and political priorities. Since statehood, pilgrimage, tourism, education, defence services, hydropower and migration have shaped the economy, alongside continuing concern over earthquakes, floods, landslides and sustainable development.

Uttarakhand in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Uttarakhand

Discover Uttarakhand with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease. No hidden costs, just pure adventure!

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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More about the Evendo app

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Uttarakhand with Evendo, your all-in-one, free travel guide app. Discover top attractions, book hotels, and explore like a local.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Uttarakhand.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide.

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel guide to the enchanting state of Uttarakhand! Whether you are a seasoned traveler or visiting for the first time, Evendo is designed to make your trip seamless and unforgettable. Dive into the natural beauty and cultural richness of Uttarakhand with detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. From the serene landscapes of Nainital to the spiritual vibes of Rishikesh, and the majestic allure of the Jim Corbett National Park, Evendo covers it all.

Explore the famed Char Dham Yatra or lose yourself in the bustling streets of Dehradun. Discover local favorites like Kalsang AMA Cafe in Mussoorie or the iconic Chotiwala Restaurant in Rishikesh. With Evendo, you have access to rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, helping you plan and organize your trip effortlessly.

Booking your stay, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier. No more endless searches for what to see, do, and experience. Evendo consolidates everything into one user-friendly platform. Featuring historical insights, travel essentials, and tons of local advice, Evendo ensures you experience Uttarakhand like a true insider. The 'Near me' feature lets you discover nearby attractions, no matter where you are in Uttarakhand.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free. No in-app purchases, no hidden fees—just pure exploration and adventure. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo is your travel companion for life. Download Evendo now and embark on a journey like no other.

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