10 Offbeat Destinations in Uttarakhand away from the Hustle-Bustle

Uttarakhand is renowned for its natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai grasslands. Thanks to the numerous Hindu temples and centres of pilgrimage, the Literally Heaven on earth, Uttarakhand is also referred to as the Devbhumi or Land of the Gods. 

There are several ancient temples, forest reserves, national parks, hill stations and mountain peaks attracting a significant number of tourists. The hilly Uttarakhand regions sell visitors pristine landscapes. 

When a vacation means moving to a location where there's just you and nature, then Uttarakhand has many nice choices for you. If you want to go offbeat, here's where you should be.

Dodital is a freshwater lake in Uttarakhand district of Uttarkashi, located 3,024 meters above sea level. Dodital is called in the local language according to the uncommon Himalayan trouts known as Dodi. Dodital is also called Ganesh-ka-Tal and is considered one of the holiest lakes in the Garhwal Himalayan region, believed to be Lord Ganesha's birthplace. The enchanting natural scenery surrounding the serene lake is suitable for overnight camping. The area is situated at a fantastic altitude and provides a great trekking opportunity for all, including other leisure activities such as boating, fishing, bird watching, etc.

 

Binsar is a small town in Uttarakhand situated at a distance of 33 km from Almora, famed for the breathtaking beauty of the snow-laden Himalayan peaks. Set amidst forests covered with oak trees, pine trees, rhododendrons and deodar trees, Binsar is home to beautiful green meadows, temples and the famous sanctuary of wildlife. 

Pitched at an incredible 2,420 m altitude, Binsar is one of the most scenic locations in the Himalayas of Kumaon. Binsar is a paradise for trekkers too. In the clear air, one can go on long treks among the nebulous mountain trails. 

Delightful and full of beautiful spots, Binsar is a place to relax and give your wearied soul the much-needed rest.

 

Located at an altitude of 7000 feet, the Abbott Mount dwarf hill station is snuggled in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand state's Kali Kumaon area. Throughout the year, the place experiences excellent weather making it ideal for activities such as trekking, angling, bird watching and photography. Abbott Mount is the spot for people who prefer a slower and easier paced location during summer when the surrounding area is packed with a variety of butterflies along with fishing and other adventures.

 

Kausani is a hill station and village located in Uttarakhand state of Bageshwar district. Breathtaking beautiful Kausani was called by Mahatma Gandhi 'Switzerland in India.' 

It is renowned for its scenic splendour and its stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks including Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli, 300 km long. 

This offbeat destination in Uttarakhand will certainly be a delight for its visitors and honeymooners who have had enough of Nainital.

 

Landour, a small cantonal town adjacent to Mussoorie, is about 35 km from Dehradun City in Uttarakhand's northern state. Together the twin towns of Mussoorie and Landour are a well-known British hill station of the Raj-era in north India. Landour is more known as the birthplace of Ruskin Bond. 

You can sense a colonial charm all over the town from the churches to the cottages. Here you can explore the picturesque trekking trails that take you to the beautiful pathways and from one of the lookouts you can watch the magnificent sunset.

 

Naukuchiatal is a small hill station in the Uttarakhand district of Nainital. Naukuchiatal means "lake of nine corners". The lake is 175 feet long, at an altitude of 1.220 metres. It is wrapped in trees and shrubs. It also had a secret route to China from under the water. Opportunities for angling and bird watching are available throughout the valley. Parasailing, paragliding, swimming, rowing, paddling or yachting are among other sports. The lake is nourished by a seasonal underground stream. Naukuchiatal is also known for its 'escape festival' that occurs once a year (in May). Rare butterflies and birds can be seen at this quaint hill station as well.

 

Located in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district at 2298 m above sea level, known as the 'Little Kasmir,' the area is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurous souls. From here, you'll have a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Punchchuli. Munsyari is the base for the Milam, Namik, Ralam Glaciers, and Nanda Devi Peak trekkers. The unexplored beauty welcomes tourists to the glaciers for spectacular treks, scenic walks, and activities such as skiing, trekking, climbing, mountaineering, etc.

 

Chopta is a picturesque hamlet currently unexplored by travellers and is also known as "Uttarakhand 's Mini Switzerland." The whole region is a haven of beauty, especially for those who are looking for a good place to relax, without a typical tourist hotspot's hustle and bustle. Also, Chopta is a base for trekking to Tungnath, Panch Kedar's third temple, which lies 3.5 km uphill. Located at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level, this unspoiled natural destination in the Himalayan lap offers views of the formidable Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

 

Another offbeat Uttarakhand destination, Peora is located in Uttarakhand's Nainital district. Perched at an altitude of 6,600 feet, this mesmerizing location offers the ideal views of Kumaon's outer Himalayan Shivalik ranges. 

Peora is the perfect location for eco-tourism because it is untouched by modernist hands. Renowned for its apple and plum orchards, it is also known as the Uttarakhand's Fruit Bowl. 

This place provides tourists with a rare experience for hungry eyes with an uninterrupted view of over 350 km range of high snow-capped Himalayan terrains.

 

Chaukori is a hill station in the district of Pithoragarh, set among the lofty peaks of the western Himalayan Range in Uttarakhand's Kumaon division. As the name suggests, Chaukori is a tiny hamlet in the form of a bowl that is enveloped within the Himalayan heart. Located at a 2010 meter high and 173 km from Nainital, Chaukori is a dreamy town from which you can enjoy views of the peaks of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. One of Chaukori's most beautiful aspects of vacationing is the wonderful sunrise and sunset you are being treated to.