The unadulterated beauty of the lush green hills of Uttarakhand offers a soul rejuvenating experience to the bag packers, who want to quench their wonder lust in the lap of Himalayas. The beauteous Garhwal and Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, possess some of the most tempting destinations to head in winters. Have a quick look at these 10 surreal escapades in Uttarakhand and you will fall in a place where everything is magical.
The tinsel town of Mussoorie is blessed with scenic splendors. It is perched at an average altitude of 1,880 meters, about 275 km from Delhi. The alluring hills of Mussoorie used to serve as a British hill station during the post-Independence period.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: To make your New Year’s Eve special you can be a part of the lively ‘Winter Carnival’ held at George Everest, a scenic place. Camp under the cluster of stars and have a memorable bonfire night with your loved ones.
Places to Visit: Stroll at popular tourist places such as Lake Mist or Mussoorie Lake, Mall Road, Clouds End, Laal Tibba and Landour which is a home to the famous Indian author of British descent Ruskin Bond. Mussoorie is a muse for Ruskin Bond, who has penned various short stories, based on the bewitching alpine beauty of Mussoorie.
Breathtaking views to savour: One cannot resist the munificence of nature in the form of cascading waterfalls like Bhatta Falls, Jharipani Falls, and Kempty Falls. Lal Tibba (2, 9990 m), the highest vantage point of Mussoorie offers a panoramic view of the glittering hill station.
Photo Credit Mauli Ajitesh
The awe-inspiring beauty of Dhanaulti is a treat to the weary eyes. This charming hill station is located in Tehri Garhwal region, about 307.2 km away from Delhi. The sublime beauty of the misty hills, the serene trails and the tranquil winds that blow in Dhanaulti comforts the soul.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: Celebrate New Year with your loved ones, go for camping, hiking and explore the quintessence of nature in the lap of Himalayas. If you want to stay back and relax, then you can choose to stay at a stately hotel and have a feast.
Places to visit: The travelers can visit the two well- manicured eco-parks of Dhanaulti i.e. ‘Amber’ and ‘Dhara’ which are 200 metres apart. Also, the sunrise view from Aaloo Khet, Government Potato Farm is amazing.
Dhanaulti after Snowfall. Photo Credit: Nishant Sharma
Nainital famously known as ‘The Lake District of India’ is located in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at a distance of 39.0 km from Delhi and is known for its emerald green lakes. Nainital is true ‘An Abode of Aphrodite’, the ‘Goddess of Love’ and is one of the favourite romantic destinations of honeymooners. When the first sunbeam falls on Naini Lake, it appears as if several lanterns are being lit up.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: There are innumerable things that one can do on New Year’s Eve in Nainital like boating on Naini Lake, have a long romantic walk by the lakeside, go for a romantic candle light dinner at a lavish hotel and enjoy a cable car ride at Snow View Point.
Places to visit: Visit some of the popular tourist destinations such as Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, Eco Cave Garden and Binayak.
Surreal views to savour: The visitors can also admire an enchanting view of the beautiful town from Naina Peak, the highest vantage point of Nainital.
A snowy morning in Nainital. Photo credit: Amit Sah
Lansdowne is a cantonment town located in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, about 257.8 km away from Delhi. This picturesque town tempts the nature worshipers, writers, and solitude seekers for a rendezvous in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: The visitors can admire a glorious view of the Himalayas from the wooden huts at Tip N Top. Watch the Indian army welcoming New Year with the display of fireworks. Enjoy boating at Bhulla Tal and dine at the famous Garhwali restaurant, which serves mouth-watering ‘Pahari’ delicacies.
Places to visit: Some of the must visit places in Lansdowne are The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, Darban Singh Regimental Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Bhulla Tal, Tip N Top, Bhim Pakora and Hawa Ghar.
The penchant for the lustrous beauty of the hills brings the nature lovers to enrapture in the beauty of Mukteshwar. The serene hill station is studded like a precious jewel in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, about 343 km away from Delhi.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: You can have an adrenaline pumping rock climbing experience at Chauli Ki Jali in Muketshwar. Pay obeisance at Mukteshwar Temple and have a panoramic view of the enormous terrains from The View of Himalayas. If god’s graciousness falls, then you can enjoy snowfall on New Year’s Eve.
Places to visit: Mukteshwar is an epitome of beauty; the tourists can plan a visit to Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, Mukteshwar Temple, Renewable Park and Methodist Church.
Mukteshwar in winters. Photo Credit: Nitesh Deolia
Munsiyari is a fairy tale village cocooned in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, about 604.4 km from Delhi. Time seems to stop at Munsiyari as one can listen to the careless whisper of the winds, which blows in eternity looking for her lover.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: Admire the scarlet coloured rhododendrons blooming at Betulidhar and the cluster of five majestic peaks of Panchachuli, from Munsiyari in the Johar Valley. Hike to Khaliya Top and relish a 360-degree view of the Himalayan ranges.
Places to Visit: Some of the best places to visit in Munsiyari are Bhirthi Falls and Thamari Kund, a natural lake.
Splendid view of Panchachuli peaks from Kalamui Top, Munsiyari. Photo credit: Alpha
Almora is a toy-town nestled in the beauteous Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, approximately 360.9 km from Delhi. The lush green environs and the melody of the chirping birds will make you fall in love with Almora. It is an ideal place to visit in winters, as one can have a spellbinding view of the snowy peaks. The pleasant climate, verdant forests and beguiling landscape of Almora makes the aura divine.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: Have a mystical sunrise and sunset view from Bright End Corner and visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a home to more than 200 species of colourful birds. Spend some time at Deer Park or go on a picnic to Martola.
Places to visit in Almora: The aesthetic beauty of Almora has cast a spell on the famous Indian personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, who have mentioned its name in their writings. There are many places to visit in Almora such as Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum, Simtola, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum and Kasar Devi Temple.
Evening view of Almora town. Photo Credit: Niyatirawat
Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is approximately 358.8 km away from the capital, Delhi. The toy town of Ranikhet is bestowed with nature’s grandeur, luring the nature worshippers from all parts of the country. The romantic weather of Ranikhet persuades the love birds for a romantic betrothal in the lap of nature.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: Ranikhet is famous for its flora and fauna, either you can trek from Chaubatia Orchards to Holm Farm or have a leisure walk. Explore the orchards which are famous for its ripe apples, peaches, pears, apricots, plums, cherries and many other juicy fruits. You can also go for fishing at Bhalu Dam on Kosi River or enjoy a game of golf at Upat, a few km from Ranikhet.
Places to Visit: There are many famous tourist spots for the visitors to explore such as Chaubatia Gardens, Golf Course, Ashiyana Park, Tarikhet, Bhalu Dam and Katarmal Surya Temple.
Famous Golf ground of Ranikhet. Photo credit: Kailash Rautela
If you are an adventurous type, then you should plan a trip to Auli, which is snow-clad during winters. Auli also known as ‘Auli Bugyal’ in Garhwali is perched at an astounding elevation of 2500 to 3050 metres in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Auli is a perfect weekend getaway for backpackers as it is located at a distance of 505 km from Delhi.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: Auli is a paradise for the adventure lovers, as one can enjoy skiing on the snow bedded ground or go for a short winter trek. Have an eye captivating view of the tranquil place from a cable car and relish an enchanting view of Nanda Devi Range.
Places to Visit: Do not miss some of the famous tourist attractions of Auli such as Auli Artificial Lake, which is the highest man-made lake. Bhavishya Badri, Chattarkund, Trishul peak and Gurso Bugyal are some of the interesting places in the vicinity.
Photo Credit: Anoopshah09
The sleepy town of Harsil is located in the Garhwal region, about 73 km away from Uttarkashi district and 25 km from Gangotri shrine. It is adorned at an impressive altitude of 7,860 feet above sea level. Harsil is a relatively unexplored village, which offers a sweet escape to those who want to absorb in the verdure of nature. One can feel absolute peace and contentment at Harsil.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve: Harsil is known as the camper’s bay of Uttarakhand. You can plan a Pahari theme party with your loved ones, dance on the tunes of folk songs and treat your palates with scrumptious Pahari cuisines. If possible, you can include the folklore that has many stories to share about their culture, heritage and life in the hills. Connect with nature and make this New Year special by bringing smiles on few known and unknown faces.
Places to Visit: Nature reveals itself in full bloom at Harsil. Bow your heads in faith in front of Gangotri temple. Visit some of the famous tourist attractions such as Dharali, a tiny vibrant hamlet, Mukhwas Village and Gangnani which is famous for its hot water springs.
Connect with Nature: Admire the crimson hues formed on the contour of the Himalayas and the camouflaging glimpse of the birds peeping from the over-reaching branches of the trees. Feel deeply connected with the magnificent beauty of the mountainous terrains of Harsil and breathe in the scent of old cedar trees, which blends perfectly with the natural charm of this place.
Bhagirathi river flowing through Harsil valley. Photo credi: Mohan Singh