Uttarakhand, known as Dev Bhumi in India literally translates to The Land of Lords, which is a mystic place of mountains and legends. It is a sacred place for those who follow Hinduism as their faith. Its terrain is covered with Uttarakhand hill station, rivers and lakes. If you want to see Uttarakhand places through Helicopter, you can book a Chardham yatra by helicopter with Leisure India Holidays which is the best travel agent for Chardham yatra. Further, you can check the best time to visit Chardham Yatra for better climate and weather conditions.
Uttarakhand has Jim Corbette and River Rafting too. It is the origin of Yoga and is quite a spectacular experience overall!. The place is underrated and is pure gold for travelers and those who seek adventure and adrenaline rush with the exploration of their spirituality! After the visit of the Beatles, this place has become a famous place amongst the seekers of spirituality and those who prefer Yoga pan globe. It has the second-highest population of tigers to its credit and the second highest peak to add to its crown! In this article, we will describe the best things to do in Uttarakhand to make your visit memorable.
Things to do in Day
River Rafting
This is a high adrenaline sport done using the inflatable rafts and the oars. Typically a team of 10 members discovers the Ganges in a single raft. They sail through the smooth as well as rough waters.
This can be done anytime except for the monsoons. Here, the rafters explore Ganga in all its glory as well as the rapids that come their way. Rapids can be divided into level I through level IV. Level I being the beginner level and level Iv being the master level.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping aka Bungi Jumping is the sport in which the person is bound by the elastic cord which in turn is bound by a large, firm and stationary object such as a crane, etc. Though in some cases, it can be done using floatable objects that have the ability to float/ hover over for some time.
Full-day Rishikesh Sightseeing Tour
Rishikesh is a beautiful city that is famous for its spirituality as well as the Ganga Ghats. A great way to experience the culture of the city is sightseeing! It allows one to understand the city’s charm for which it is world-famous!
Flying Fox In Rishikesh
Experts from New Zealand have designed the jump platform. Here, a harness is put to use wherein you will be released and can even go down up to 7 meters above sea level. Here, you get to experience the thrill and excitement of the wind gushing past, the adrenaline rush makes you feel alive! You are retrieved later on through the pullback mechanism. This is usually done in tandem with two others but you can go solo by paying extra.
Giant Swing in Rishikesh
Experts from New Zealand have designed the platform and operate the activity too. The platform for the jump is used for giant swing and bungee jumping both. The jumpers get to experience the thrill and excitement as they may even be lowered down to 2 ft in the water. The Jumpers will even get a dare to jump certificate. Jumpers initially make a jump and later on they are propelled in a pendulum like motion.
E-Bike Tour in Rishikesh
The visit, when made eco-friendly, adds feathers to the cap! Visit the Himalayas, Waterfalls, Caves, and Beaches on e-bikes. Experiencing the holy vibes of Ganga and participating in cultural experiences on an electronic bike is a beautiful way to make a visit memorable. Best if you go ahead with a group- family/ friends.
Trekking
Trekking is a soft adventure sport meaning thereby it has adventure but it doesn’t force the adrenaline rush through your body. Anybody can go on treks. Treks are a beautiful way to scale the aptitudes of the geographical area. You can join an adventure club or join a mountain trek with experienced professionals. The knowledge of the area to trek is important before you embark on it.
Some of the best treks in Uttarakhand are:
- Rupin Pass Trek
- Kedartal Trek
- Auden’s Col Trek
- Bali Pass Trek
- Kedarkantha Trek
- Satopanth Lake Trek
Skiing at Auli
Skiing is a great adventure sport guaranteed to get your adrenaline rush going from 0-100 within minutes! Auli provides you with the opportunity to Ski with the experts and satisfy your adventure buds. The peaks of Auli will give you a thrill like no other as Auli is one of the three most well-known ski resorts in India. The huge snow-covered spaces provide excitement like none else
Corbett National Park is also known as Uttarakhand National Park
The visit to Rishikesh is incomplete without a visit to Jim Corbett National Park. It was established in 1936 and was named as Hailey National Park. It was set up with the purpose of protecting endangered Bengal Tiger. This is also known as Uttarakhand National Park. This is an aesthetic experience that will give you a forgotten childlike excitement.
A Visit to The Valley of Flowers National Park
This Valley of Flowers is home to a variety of endangered and rare animals and birds like Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Blue Sheep, Brown Bear, etc. This is one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand as it will refresh your senses and give you a visual treat and experience like no other.
Boat Ride in Naini Lake
This boat ride is the most sought after and the visit to Nainital is incomplete without this! Naini Lake is a very beautiful lake and is a sight to behold as it appears to have come straight out of your PC’s wallpaper. This boat ride can be done alone or in a group. It is a visual treat as well as a treat for the senses- that breeze, wonderful scenery, combined with the cold water and serene, calm place!
Robber’s Cave Dehradun
Robber’s Cave is a river cave naturally formed approximately 8 km from the Dehradun state of Uttarakhand. This river cave is also known as Guchhupani by the locals and the tourists visit this place to witness the natural waterfall from the middle of a cave. This is near Sahastradhara waterfalls which are considered to cure every physical ailment if you bathe in it.
Things to do at night
Tethered Hot Air Balloon
Here, the balloon is tied to the ground and it is allowed to float for a span of time, a few meters in the air with you in it! It is a beautiful experience as you can see the whole city from up there which is a beautiful sight to hold!
It requires :
Spacing: they might seem small from afar but they are huge when you see them up close. The minimum requirement of Hot Air Balloons is a free space of 250ft x 250ft with no obstructions such as trees, light poles etc.
Weather: These rides are dependent on clear weather conditions. Stable and calm weather is very important for these rides. High rain, lightning, thunder, and wind must not be there.
Delicious Rishikesh Food Walk Experience
This is one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand as you can always go ahead with the food walks in Rishikesh to satiate the foodie in you and taste the local dishes. You can always explore the local cuisines and the various streets of Rishikesh and you may sit across the road and join the locals.
Camping
Here, you can accommodate yourself in the alpine tents along with washrooms as well as outdoor activities like Bonfire, Volleyball, Hiking etc. Here, you can enjoy food prepared on a bonfire in buffet-style
Evening Aarti in Haridwar
Ganga Aarti is organized twice a day: at the sunrise and at the sunset. The timings of the Ganga Aarti depend on the timings of the sunrise and sunset. This is a very beautiful sight- both aesthetic and spiritual. This is a must-visit if you want to visit Uttarakhand. Without this, the visit is incomplete. This is a king-size luxurious event in which hundreds of people take part.
Most Spiritual Destinations in Uttarakhand
1. Jageshwar Dham
It’s a small temple town near Almora, tucked inside tall deodar trees. Over a hundred old Shiva temples stand peacefully, and most days feel quiet. Birds, bells, trees, that’s the only sound. Locals go early in the morning to sit in calm shade. Many say the air feels fresh and light. This spot is great for someone who wants real silence and spiritual space in 2025.
2. Kartik Swami Temple
This hilltop temple near Rudraprayag needs a short 3 km walk. At the top, people see snow peaks and breathe cold fresh air. Few visitors go there, so it stays peaceful. The temple is for Lord Kartikeya, and the trek itself feels like a calm prayer. It’s simple but deep.
3. Mahavatar Babaji Cave
Near Dunagiri, this cave is small and hidden. Phones lose signal, making it very quiet. People believe Mahavatar Babaji lived here. Visitors often sit inside for meditation. The silence here is strong. Reaching here isn’t easy, which is exactly why it feels more special. The cave has always been a place for those who want to escape everything and find real peace.
4. Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Close to Almora, this temple is covered with thousands of little bells. People tie bells after prayers or wishes. The forest around keeps it cool. Even with visitors, it feels gentle and calm. The bells lightly ring with the wind. Many families stop here for a peaceful short visit.
5. Bageshwar
The meeting point of the Saryu and Gomti rivers is where this town has been settled. The old Bagnath Temple is quiet and small. People walk along the riverbank and hear water flow. Far fewer tourists visit here, so it feels clean and calm. The temple steps are often used by visitors, either for quiet chats or silent moments. The place is known to be easy, peaceful, and suitable for all age groups.
| Place | Why Visit | Best Time |
| Jageshwar Dham | Quiet forest temple town | April–June |
| Kartik Swami Temple | Hilltop temple + snowy views | Oct–April |
| Babaji Cave | Total silence | April–June |
| Chitai Temple | Bells + forest peace | Any time |
| Bageshwar | River meeting + calm town | March–May |
Most Instagrammable Places in Uttarakhand You Didn’t Know Existed
Most people know about Nainital or Mussoorie. But there are many less known places in Uttarakhand that are quiet and look beautiful in photos. These places are not full of crowds, so pictures come out better. Perfect for people who love peace and simple nature photos.
1. Chopta – Green Hills and Snowy Peaks
Chopta is a small village surrounded by green meadows and snow covered mountains. People call it the “Mini Switzerland” of India. The light here in the morning is soft, and the sky looks clear. It’s not crowded, so anyone can click nice photos without people in the background. Many people come here to enjoy the view, but it’s also perfect for peaceful photo shoots.
2. Kalap Village – Real Village Look, Very Raw
Kalap is a quiet village far from the city. Old wooden homes, narrow paths, and beautiful mountain views can be seen here. This place is not known by many.The local life is simple. Everything here looks real and untouched. It’s great for pictures that show village life, peaceful streets, and traditional homes. People who want something very different for their photos should visit Kalap.
3. Binsar – Clouds, Forest, and Hills
Binsar is a green place full of forests near Almora. The best spot here is “Zero Point,” where clouds float under the hill. The place is cool, clean, and full of trees. When it’s foggy, the whole forest looks magical. People who want forest and mountain pictures will love it here. It’s not too busy, so photos come out calm and fresh.
4. Kanatal – Hill Camps and Sunrise Light
Kanatal is a small place located near Mussoorie. Tents and small wooden cottages are usually stayed in by visitors. The area is not disturbed by noise, and the air is known to be very clear. In the evening, the light turns golden. Many people take pictures near the camp or with the sky during sunset. Peaceful spots with nice views are often preferred by couples, families, or anyone seeking quiet surroundings.
5. Tehri Lake – Big Blue Water and Wide Views
Tehri Lake is not very famous yet, but it’s beautiful. It’s full of clean blue water and green hills around it. From the top, the lake looks perfect in drone or wide photos. Even simple boat pictures come out very nice. In the evening, the sunset reflects on the water, and that moment is very good for photography.
Table for Quick Idea
| Place | What You’ll See | Good Time for Photos |
| Chopta | Snow, grass, soft light | Morning |
| Kalap | Village homes, quiet roads | Early morning |
| Binsar | Forest, clouds, hills | Foggy morning |
| Kanatal | Camps, sky, golden sunset | Evening |
| Tehri Lake | Blue water, sunset sky | Late afternoon |
These are the best things one can do in Uttarakhand. These experiences will help you get a wholesome tour of Uttarakhand. LIH.travel is the best company to plan your travel to Uttarakhand. It even provides you a Do Dham yatra by helicopter package to take your journey to the next level of spirituality. You can also look at the best Chardham Yatra Places in Uttarakhand.
