In this travel blog, we have discussed the 12 best hill stations in Uttarakhand that are perfect destinations for weekend trips.
Basic Information
| Highest Hill Station | Binsar (at an elevation of 7600 feet above sea level) |
| Coldest Hill Station | Binsar |
| Total Number of Hill Station | 46 ( Well Known) |
In India, it is widely observed when people want to take a little break from the hustle and bustle of professional and personal life, they plan a trip to Uttarakhand. They go there and heal their mental peace amidst great mountains and forests.
Not only mountains or forests but there are so many places in Uttarakhand that are preferred to visit by people. This is because anyone can spend hours looking at the amazing Himalayan region and enjoying the different places of the beautiful state.
If you’ve been looking at the hill stations in Uttarakhand but can’t decide which one to visit, this blog will help you to decide. There are many hill stations in Uttarakhand, both well-known and less well-known ones, that each show off the natural beauty of the area in their own way.
Are you in a hurry? Check out the given story.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the most famous hill stations in Uttarakhand as well as popular attractions near those hill stations.
| Top Hill Stations in Uttarakhand | Attractions of the hill station |
| Nainital | Raj Bhavan, Naini Lake, Tiffin Top |
| Mussoorie | Kempty Falls, Landour Clock Tower, Lal Tibba |
| Dehradun | Mindrolling Monastery, Lachhiwala, Robber’s Cave |
| Auli | Auli artificial lake, ski resort, Auli ropeway |
| Bhimtal | Bhimtal Lake, Victoria Dam, Hanuman Garhi |
| Naukuchia Tal | Lakes, Temples, Cozy Resorts |
| Mukteshwar | Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Bhalu Gaad falls |
| Ranikhet | Golf Ground, Chaubatia Garden, Ashiyana Park |
| Kausani | Anashakti Ashram, Lakshmi Ashram, Sumitranandan Pant Museum |
| Lansdowne | Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, Bhullatal lake |
| Almora | Nanda Devi temple, Chitai Golu Devta temple, Kasar Devi temple |
| Chamba | Apple orchards, Bhagirathi River, Tehri Dam |
Suggested Read: Are you a camp person? You should definitely experience camping at these places in Uttarakhand.
Best Hill Stations in Uttarakhand for a Perfect Vocation
Do you want to go to the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand? Uttarakhand is home to several beautiful and interesting hill stations, some of them are mentioned here.
1. Nainital
One of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is widely regarded as one of the state’s finest hill stations. In addition to the many hotels that are located in the area around the lake, there is also a lively bazaar and walking paths for you to explore Nainital.
Nainital offers the most beautiful scenes of nature to tourists. This is not only a favorite destination for adventure lovers but also for honeymooners as well as families. If you travel to Uttarakhand, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore Nainital.
- Attractions of the hill station: Raj Bhavan, Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Nainital Zoo.
- Places To Stay: The kumaoni Karavan, Conifers Villa, J Resort Dolmar Nainital, Fern Villas, Pragati Resort.
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
2. Mussoorie
Mussoorie is the next one of the best hill stations in Uttarakhand after Nainital on this list. The hill station is located on a peak at a height of 2 kilometers. It is also known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.”
The view of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the Doon Valley is beautiful, which means that your plans for the weekend are going well. Even when it’s hot in the summer, the cooler weather and mountain breeze offer a break from city life and are perfect for a fun-filled weekend.
- Attractions of the hill station: Kempty Falls, Landour Clock Tower, Lal Tibba, Gun Hills, Library Point, Sir George Everest House, Cloud’s End, Lake Mist, and paragliding around Mussoorie Lake.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Paragliding, Rafting.
- Best Time To Visit: September to June.
Suggested Read: Are you planning to visit Haridwar? If you do, you should definitely visit these places in Haridwar to make your trip memorable.
3. Dehradun
The city of Dehradun, which serves as the state capital of Uttarakhand, is located in the Doon Valley and is growing rapidly. It is situated between the Siwalik Range and the foothills of the Himalayas.
Most visitors simply pass through Dehradun on their way to more popular destinations like Mussoorie, Haridwar, or Rishikesh, but a visit here is well worth it.
The Clock tower, the Tapkeshwar temple, Robber’s Cave, and the Forest Research Institute Museum are some of the highlights of this well-known hill station.
- Attractions of the hill station: Mindrolling Monastery, Zonal Anthropological Museum, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Malsi Deer Park, Lachhiwala.
- Things To Do: Paragliding, Go trekking.
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
Suggested Read: Does Waterfall excite You? If it does, you must visit these waterfalls in Uttarakhand and experience jumping off the cliff with your friends.
4. Auli
Auli is without a doubt one of the best hill stations of Uttarakhand, and it is also widely considered to be the best place to go skiing. Great for a nonstop two-day trip where you won’t get tired of just looking at the snow-covered mountains.
When you get to the highest point of the cable car station in Auli, Uttarakhand, you will have a stunning view of Nanda Devi, which is India’s second-highest peak.
Auli is a well-known hill resort in the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand, and it is an excellent location for photographing breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding natural scenery.
- Attractions of the hill station: Auli artificial lake, ski resort, Auli ropeway, and Gurso Bugyal.
- Things To Do: Camping, Skiing, Cable Car Ride.
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
Suggested Read: Are you a foodie? You should definitely taste these cuisines of Uttarakhand while visiting there.
5. Bhimtal
Bhimtal is one of the most peaceful hill stations in Uttarakhand, and it is located 22 kilometers away from Nainital. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful environment with the natural world around you.
Bhimtal is a less-visited place that might be interesting to people who want to see something different and are willing to try something new.
It is famous for its beautiful views. The town of Bhimtal, which is near Bhimtal Lake, is a great place to go shopping and buy souvenirs.
- Attractions of the hill station: Bhimtal Lake, Aquarium on Bhimtal Island, Hanuman Garhi, Victoria Dam.
- Things To Do: Boating, Fishing, Camping, and Stargazing.
- Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to December.
Suggested Read: Want to visit Chakrata as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the best things to do in Chakrata to explore it in a better way.
6. Naukuchia Tal
Naukuchia Tal, which is in Uttarakhand and is one of the less famous hill stations in the state, deserves your full attention. This place is perfect for you, whether you’re going out with your buddies or by yourself.
Keep in mind that the name of the hill station means “the lake with nine corners,” which is an interesting fact. You won’t be able to get enough of the place’s wonderful surroundings and water, which will make you keep coming back for more.
- Attractions of the hill station: lakes, temples, cozy resorts, hilly cuisine.
- Things To Do: Boating, Fishing, Camping, and Stargazing.
- Best Time To Visit: All throughout the year.
Suggested Read: Want to explore the temples of Uttarakhand as a tourist? Read our travel guide on the most popular temples of Uttarakhand.
7. Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is known as one of the most beautiful hill stations in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located 51 kilometers away from Nainital and provides breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. A lot of faith has come to the area because of the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple.
If you love adventure, you’re in luck when you go to the hill station because you can do rock climbing, rappelling, and a lot of other fun things there.
- Attractions of the hill station: Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Bhalu Gaad falls, Mukteshwar Kumaon Hills.
- Things to do: Camping, Trekking, and Hiking.
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
8. Ranikhet
Ranikhet is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the state because of its lush vegetation, beautiful landscapes, and tall pine trees. If you go to Uttarakhand for the weekend trip, it will be a good place to spend time because of its fresh air and peaceful environment, and beautiful scenes of nature.
From here, you can see a beautiful view of the Himalayas that will hold your attention for hours. Not only does it provide visitors with a chance to relax in the hills, but it is also home to the famous Jhula Devi Temple.
- Attractions of the hill station: Golf Ground, Chaubatia Garden, Ashiyana Park.
- Places To Stay: Him Darshan Vatika, Elation Guest House & Musafir cafe.
- Things To Do: Visit Temple, Trekking.
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
Suggested Read: Are you a trekking person? If yes, you should definitely read our travel on the most dangerous treks in India.
9. Kausani
Kausani situated 1890 meters above sea level, is a hill station that you should make sure to visit if you go to the state. People who are looking for some quiet on a weekend gateway will find this hill station to be an excellent choice.
The hill station is known for its winding rivers and streams, dense pine tree forests, and green valleys, all of which contribute to its constant feeling of peace. Walking in nature or visiting a tea farm, both of which provide stunning views of the Himalayas, are popular ways for people to relax and take in some fresh air.
- Attractions of the hill station: Anashakti Ashram, Lakshmi Ashram, Kausani Tea Estate.
- Things to do: Trekking, Visiting Ashram.
- Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to December.
10. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is also a beautiful hill station located in the lower Himalayas. It is a paradise for bird lovers. Due to its charming atmosphere and green surroundings, you can’t stop yourself to fall in love with this place.
The hill station is adorned with beautiful landscapes, but it also has a lot of interesting places to visit, like the Bhulla Tal and the Military Museum.
It is one of the well-known hill stations in Uttarakhand that does not have a lot of people living there. Because of this, it is a great place to go for a weekend gateway.
- Attractions of the hill station: Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, Bhullatal lake.
- Things To Do: Camping, Nature Walk, Hiking.
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
11. Almora
Almora is a well-known hill station in Uttarakhand. When you come here, you can see stunning views of the Himalayas and learn about the area’s history before the British took over. As soon as you walk in, the place takes on an agricultural feel that stays with you for the whole time you are there.
You may visit sacred sites like the Golu Devta and Nanda Devi temples in this hill station, which is actually a cantonment town. It may be a good place to stay if you want to get away from your normal routine for the weekend.
- Attractions of the hill station: Nanda Devi temple, Chitai Golu Devta temple, Kasar Devi temple.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Shopping.
- Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
12. Chamba
Chamba is a little piece of paradise and is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in all of Uttarakhand. You can’t express the beauty of this place in words because the view is so beautiful that can’t be expressed in words. In the distance, you can see the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.
In Chamba, you can spend a weekend visiting places like the Gabbar Singh Memorial and a number of Hindu temples. You’ll feel the stillness of the place as you look at apple orchards, pine, and deodar trees, and listen to the sounds of nature all around you.
- Attractions of the hill station: Apple orchards, Bhagirathi River, Tehri Dam.
- Places To Stay H2O House, Himalayan Canvas, Krish Homestay, Rafi’s House.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Boat Ride
- Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Conclusion – Best Hill Stations In Uttarakhand
That’s all about our discussion on the famous hill stations of Uttarakhand. It’s worth noting that a few of these hill stations also appear on the list of India’s 10 most well-known hill stations. This fact alone should be enough to convince you to make travel plans and go on an exciting weekend excursion.
When you visit one of these picture-perfect hill stations in Uttarakhand, you may feel at one with nature, revel in the beauty of the Himalayas, and enjoy the mild mountain weather.
Suggested Read: If you are planning to visit Delhi as a tourist, our travel guide on the most beautiful tourist attractions in Delhi might be useful for you.
FAQs – Top Hill Stations in Uttarakhand
1. Which is the highest hill station in Uttarakhand?
Although there are so many hill stations in Uttarakhand with almost the same altitude, if we talk about the highest hill station, Binsar is that one. It is situated at an elevation of 7600 feet above sea level in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
2. How far is Auli from Dehradun?
The distance by road from Auli to Dehradun is 305 KMs that can be covered in almost 7 to 8 hours. Additionally, the distance between them by flight is only 149 Kms.
3. Which month is best to visit Auli?
Auli is a place that can be visited in any month of the year. In every season, there are some things interesting that Auli offers to its visitors. But, if you want to experience snow skiing which is Auli known for, then I must say that you should visit between November to March.
4. Is Lansdowne worth visiting?
Like other hill stations, Lansdowne is also worth visiting and worth exploring. You will be able to see the majestic view of the Himalayas from there. Apart from viewing the Himalayas, you can spend a good time within nature as well as feel the energy of nature.
5. Can we go to Auli by own car?
The answer is yes because you can definitely reach Auli through your own car. But, I will warn you that if you perfectly drive a car, you can think about it otherwise use a cab or public transport. This is because the road to Auli is narrow and there are high chances of your car slipping in the monsoon.
6. What is Auli famous for?
Auli is primarily famous for its ski resorts, ski slopes, and ski events that are organized every winter by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam which is a tourist body of Uttarakhand. Apart from this, the Auli ropeway is among the most exciting ropeways in India. It offers magnificent and majestic Himalayan views that will definitely blow your mind.
Some Interesting Stories
