Picture this – tall mountains, green valleys, clean lakes, and fast-flowing rivers. That’s Uttarakhand, a state nestled in the Himalayas! This beautiful place is famous for its snow in the winter, but it’s also a great summer getaway (March to June) because it’s cooler than other areas.
So ditch the heat and head to the hills for some summertime fun!
Beat The Heat With These Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in Summers
Summers in Uttarakhand are a welcome respite from the scorching heat that plagues the plains. Temperatures typically range from a pleasant 15°C to a maximum of 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The monsoon arrives later in July, further extending the window for comfortable exploration. Lush greenery explodes across the landscape, waterfalls cascade down mountainsides, and the air is crisp and clean, offering a refreshing break from the city’s stifling heat.
Top 15 Places to Beat the Heat in Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand caters to diverse interests, be it seeking adventure amidst the mountains, enjoying a serene retreat by a lake, or embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage. This summer, ditch the AC and head to the hills for an unforgettable experience!
Nainital
Location: Nainital is located in Kumaon Hills in the district of Nainital.
How to Reach: Well-connected by road from Delhi and other major cities. Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (34 km) with taxis readily available.
Famous for: Nainital is a captivating hill station centered around the mesmerizing Naini Lake. Boat rides on the tranquil lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, are a must-do. Enjoy horse rides, explore the bustling Tibetan Market, or take a scenic cable car ride for breathtaking vistas. Nainital caters to all budgets, with charming colonial-era cottages, luxurious hotels, and budget-friendly guesthouses. Nainital is also a popular honeymoon destination.
Mussoorie
Location: Mussoorie is located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas in Dehradun district.
How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Delhi and other major cities. The nearest railway station is Dehradun (35 km), with taxis readily available.
Famous for: Mussoorie, often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” boasts majestic views of the Himalayan range. Take a stroll along the Mall Road, a lively hub with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy a scenic ride on the longest cable car in Asia for unparalleled views. For adventure enthusiasts, there are opportunities for horseback riding, rappelling, and mountain biking. Mussoorie offers a variety of accommodation options, from colonial-style heritage hotels to modern resorts.
Auli
Location: Auli is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Joshimath (16 km), which can be reached by road from Haridwar and Rishikesh. Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Auli, also known as the “Switzerland of India,” is a skier’s paradise in the winter. However, summers offer breathtaking scenery, verdant meadows carpeted with wildflowers, and pleasant temperatures. Embark on nature walks, explore the Valley of Flowers National Park, or go for a scenic gondola ride. Auli offers a range of accommodation options, including cozy cottages, budget guesthouses, and luxurious resorts.
Ranikhet
Location: Ranikhet is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills in the Almora district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Kathgodam (86 km), the nearest railway station. Taxis are easily available.
Famous for: Ranikhet, meaning “Queen’s Meadow,” offers a tranquil escape amidst nature. Explore the serene Golf Course, trek through lush forests, or visit the famous Jhula Devi Temple. For adventure enthusiasts, there are options for mountain biking, rappelling, and paragliding. Ranikhet provides a range of accommodation options, from colonial-era bungalows to modern hotels and budget guesthouses.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated amidst the Kumaon Hills in the Almora district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Almora (31 km), the nearest major town. Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna. Explore the sanctuary on foot, spotting Himalayan birds, barking deer, and even leopards (with luck!). The Zero Point offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
Lansdowne
Location: Lansdowne is amidst the Garhwal Hills in the Pauri Garhwal district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Kotdwar (150 km), the nearest major town. Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Lansdowne offers a charming escape with a distinct military influence. Explore the tranquil Tipkeshwar Mahadev Temple or enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Bhulla Tal lake. For history buffs, the War Memorial and museums offer a glimpse into the region’s past. Lansdowne provides a peaceful ambiance with limited accommodation options, ranging from government guest houses to boutique hotels and homestays.
Chopta
Location: Chopta is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Rudraprayag district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Gopeshwar (29 km), the nearest major town. Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Chopta, also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is a haven for nature lovers. Trek through meadows bursting with wildflowers like rhododendrons, or visit the sacred Tungnath Temple, perched atop a hill. Camping under the starlit sky or enjoying a bonfire amidst nature are popular activities. Chopta offers a limited range of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses and camps.
Mukteshwar
Location: Mukteshwar is in the Kumaon Hills in the Nainital district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Nainital (51 km). Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Mukteshwar offers a tranquil escape with stunning Himalayan views. Visit the Mukteshwar Temple, embark on nature walks amidst orchards and tea plantations, or go for a bird watching expedition. For adventure enthusiasts, there are options for paragliding, mountain biking, and rappelling. Mukteshwar provides a range of accommodation options, including resorts, guesthouses, and homestays.
Almora
Location: Almora is located amidst the Kumaon Hills in the Almora district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Haldwani (65 km), the nearest major town. Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Almora is a charming town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy. Explore the vibrant markets for handcrafted souvenirs, visit the Swami Vivekananda Ashram, or stroll along the scenic Sunset Point. Almora offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to heritage hotels and resorts.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Location: Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Govindghat (19 km), the nearest major town. Taxis are readily available. However, a permit is required to enter the park.
Famous for: Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its breathtaking meadows carpeted with a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers during the summer months. Embark on a trek through the park, spotting rare Himalayan flora and fauna. The park offers limited accommodation options near Govindghat, including guesthouses and lodges.
Dhanaulti
Location: Dhanaulti is located in the Garhwal Hills in the Tehri Garhwal district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Mussoorie (31 km). Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Dhanaulti offers a scenic escape with stunning views of the Himalayan range. Embark on nature walks through alpine forests, or go for an exciting zipline ride. For adventure enthusiasts, there are options for rappelling, rock climbing, and paragliding. Dhanaulti provides a range of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses, resorts, and camps.
Harsil
Location: Harsil is situated in the Uttarkashi district amidst the Garhwal Himalayas.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Uttarkashi (78 km). Taxis are readily available.
Famous for: Harsil offers a tranquil escape on the banks of the Ganges River. Enjoy scenic boat rides, explore nearby apple orchards, or visit the famous Gangotri Temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Harsil caters to nature lovers with opportunities for birdwatching, trekking, and camping. The town offers a limited range of accommodation options, including guesthouses, homestays, and camps.
Rishikesh
Location: Rishikesh is situated in the Dehradun district.
How to Reach: Well-connected by road from major cities. Nearest railway station is Haridwar (25 km). Taxis readily available.
Famous for: Rishikesh, known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” attracts visitors seeking spiritual rejuvenation and adventure. Immerse yourself in yoga and meditation classes offered by numerous ashrams, or experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ganges River.
Explore vibrant temples, enjoy scenic walks along the river, or simply relax amidst the serene atmosphere. Rishikesh caters to all budgets with a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxurious resorts.
Jim Corbett National Park
Location: Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Ramnagar (15 km), the nearest major town. Taxis readily available.
Famous for: Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park, offering a thrilling wildlife adventure. Embark on jeep safaris or elephant rides to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and a diverse range of birds. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks. Accommodation options near the park range from budget guesthouses to luxurious jungle lodges.
Kausani
Location: Nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills in the Bageshwar district.
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Almora (54 km). Taxis readily available.
Famous for: Kausani, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Kumaon,” offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain in India. Enjoy scenic walks amidst tea plantations, visit the famous Tea Estate, or capture stunning sunrises and sunsets over the snow-clad mountains. Kausani provides a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to heritage hotels and resorts.
