Beyond Rishikesh: Uttarakhand's Lesser-Known Gems

Most travellers who visit Uttarakhand start and end at Rishikesh. But there's a lot more to be done in the state. Once past the yoga cafés and bungee jumping platforms lay Uttarakhand that is raw, quiet, and deeply spiritual. Apart from this, the scenic locations of Uttarakhand have tales to tell, which have not been narrated in its travel brochures. Furthermore, the places are easily reached, inexpensive, and pretty place straight out of the page of the novel. If you're feeling the crowd, this is for you.

Uttarakhand can be said to be the land of the gods, or Devbhoomi, which consists of two regions – Garhwal and Kumaon. Although millions of visitors visit Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie and other places annually, there are numerous valleys, villages and hill tops that are untouched. So, this blog intends to take you on a trip to some of the most unusual places the state has to offer.

1. Chopta: Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand

Chopta is, perhaps, the most underrated, at least in the entire Garhwal area, tucked inside the Kedarnath Wildlife reserve. Furthermore, it is the starting point for the trek to the highest Shiva temple of the world, Tungnath temple. It, therefore, is an attraction to trekkers and pilgrims.

Rhododendrons flower in the spring, turning these meadows, known locally as bugyals, to snow cover in winter. Moreover, you can enjoy panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Kedar Dome from the trail to Chandrashila Peak. That being said, there are still 50% less people at Kedarnath or Badrinath.

Best time to visit: April–June and October–November. December-January are great times, however, if you do love the snow.

2. Munsiyari: gateway to Johar valley

Munsiyari is one of the hidden places in Uttarakhand nestled in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon. In addition, the town is located at 2,200 metres elevation with first-hand visibility to the Panchachuli peaks. The consequence of this is that it receives a lot of visitors, both in the form of photographers and mountaineers, but remains personal and quiet.

It is the starting point of the Milam Glacier trek and Khaliya Top hike is an ideal trek for beginners. Apart from the natural beauty there is abundant human aspect to Munsiyari through its indigenous tribal culture known as Shauka culture. The place thus caters to the inquisitive travelers with interest in nature and history.

If you are here, try the local Bhaang ki chutney as well as Kumaoni dishes from any Dhaba they sell food from in the market. It's only here that you can find it!

3. Kanatal: The Silent Alternative to Mussoorie

Kanatal is located at an altitude of 8,500 ft from the sea level just 38 kms away from Mussoorie. Nevertheless, it receives a fraction of the tourists. Amidst a thicket of oak and deodar forest, it is perfect for anyone who wants to out-of-the-loop. In addition, apple trees give the tiled landscape a warm golden hue in autumn.

In addition, Kanatal is renowned for its religious shrine, Surkanda Devi Temple, which sits at an altitude of 10,000 ft. The way to the temple comes with the added treat of a glimpse of the Himalayan range. It's therefore an ideal way for a day trip from the camp site.

4. Lansdowne of Pauri Garhwal Hills

No other place in the world evokes such picturesque atmosphere of the colonial era as does the city of Lansdowne of Pauri Garhwal Hills.

Lansdowne is a quiet cantonment town founded by the British in 1887, and whose colonial character has been well maintained. Also, it has not been over-developed like most hill stations. The town is like a step back in time with cobbled streets, old churches and close pine forests.

Bhim Pakora rock and Tip-n-Top viewing point, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple are all worth to visit. In addition, the town is the home of the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum which chronicles the history of Indian Armed Forces. Therefore, Lansdowne is an attraction to history buffs and nature lovers.

5. Binsar: Wildlife and Himalayan Views 

Located in the village of 5th Binsar, 5th Binsar is home to wildlife and Himalayan views.

Binsar is inside an animal reserve named Binsar, which is located in the Kumaon Himalayas. Besides, it provides one of the most unobstructed panorama of the middle axis of the Himalayan splinter from the Zero Point viewpoint. During a clear day, one can view Nanda devi peak which is over 300 kms, Trishul and Kedarnath peaks.

Over 200 birds, barking deer and leopard are present at the sanctuary. What's more, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam's forest bungalows provide for a true jungle stay experience. Binsar must, therefore, feature among the best secret destinations for wildlife and landscape photography in Uttarakhand.

6. Chakrata: The Unknown treasure of Uttarkashi district.

Chakrata is a small Cantonment town in Uttarkashi District, it was one of the most scenic but least visited in Uttarakhand. Besides, it has limited space conditions and easily can be obtained with an area permit so that it does not get too many tourists. Hence, you can witness the Cedar forests, Tiger Falls (which is one of the highest falls in India) and Deoban forest range without any disturbance.

In addition to the waterfalls, Chakrata is also a place of archaeological importance where the links of the Jaunsar-Bawar tribe are seen. Moreover, they are also very unique in their customs and festivals, providing the visitors with a cultural glimpse that is rare. To sum up, adventure, culture, and solitude are mirrored in one small area: Chakrata.

7. Khirsu: Orchard Village in Pauri Garhwal 

If you seek an off-the-beaten track experience, Khirsu is for you. It is situated in apple and pear orchards and has a panoramic view of the Himalayas, 19 kilometres from Pauri. What's more, the village is quite so everyone can be heard singing in the morning from you guest house window.

The sloping tracks, the ancient deodar forests and the walnut trees are ideal for a slow pace of travel. Besides, it's among those hidden hotspots in Uttarakhand, where you go to do zip — and really feel fulfilled. Also see nearby Kandoliya Temple and Ransi Ground.

Plan a trip to these Uttarakhand places which are not in tourism guidebooks!

Getting There

The majority of these places can be reached by road from Dehradun, Haridwar or Kathgodam. In addition, private taxi services are available or state buses can be used on a budget. Furthermore, self drive car hire or bike hire provides a lot of liberty to the trip.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-June): Rhododendrons bloom, clear skies, and nice weather.

• Winter (December-January): Fair visibility, freshness (post-monsoon) with viewing of the Himalayas.

• By winter (Dec-Jan-Feb), landscapes are covered in snow — great for the adventurous travellers!

• Monsoon (July-August): Some routes at high land risk. The scene, however, is light green landscape.

Permits and Regulations

Chakrata must have a restricted area permit and this can be obtained at the Chakrata check post. Likewise, Binsar Wildlife sanctuary charges entrance fee. As such, have cash reserves readily available. Always check in with the police when traveling to remote areas as well.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand, like no many is aware, is huge and hugely different than many fall for it to be. Furthermore, the paths that are hidden in Uttarakhand from Chopta Meadows to Munsiyari Peaks and from Khirsu Orchards would provide experiences which are truly transformative. So, you should not only adopt to go outside Rishikesh anytime quickly; you should also visualize changing perspectives.

From the team at Paradise Yatra, you can enjoy a custom-made tour itinerary to take you deep into Uttarakhand's most breathtaking locations. They also specialize in personalized travel packages that combine adventure with spiritual and comfortable experiences. So, be it alone, two or more, Paradise Yatra promises to make your trek to Uttarakhand, beyond just a travel experience.