The Dev Bhoomi of India, Uttarakhand is one of the most fascinating places in the entire nation. The reason is quite clear which is its undefined allure and serene appeal. You read about many of Uttarakhand’s touristy spots and religious destinations such as Almora, Mussoorie, Chota Char Dham or Rishikesh. But there are many offbeat destinations which you can visit in Uttarakhand for small weekend getaways in monsoon.
You may not only observe stunning views and serenity but also get an amazing ambience to refresh your soul and mind. Listing most offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand which you can consider for small weekend trips as well for complete holiday vacations.
Indulge in Serenity of Kausani
Kausani is an offbeat hill station, located in the district of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand. The panoramic snowcapped view of the Himalayas in Kausani is influenced by the peaks of Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli. As Kausani situated at an altitude of 1890 m, it is ideal for honeymooners, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. During the winter months, Kausani gets snowfall and pine trees to gives it an amazingly beautiful look.
This location is so captivating due to sunset views that with it will certainly leave visitors absolutely stunned. Adi Kailash Trek, Kausani Base Trek and Bageshwar- Sunderdhunga Trek are popular trekking routes from Kausani. Visit Baijnath Temple, Rudradhari Falls, Kausani Tea Estate and Anasakti Ashram which are the are the famous highlights of Kausani.
Witness the Beauty of Bhimtal
Bhimtal is the most pictorial city location in Uttarakhand located along the Bhimtal lake. it is named after the Bheem from ‘Mahabharata’. Gleaming Bhimtal lake at the centre of this location makes this location more alluring. This region is located between Kathgodam and Nainital and is frequently visited by young people who are looking for privacy, social exclusion and relief. Therefore if you are solo travellers or newbie couple looking for tranquillity and peace than Bhimtal is recommended by us.
Apart serene view and trekking, you can visit Victoria Dam, Hidimba Parvat, Butterfly Research Centre and Folk Culture Museum which are prominent attractions of Bhimtal. One can also enjoy mud biking, camping, kayaking, paragliding, boating at Bhimtal lake and finally pay a visit to Bhimeshwara Mahadev temple. This town gives the tourist spectacular views and a visual surprise. The city is well connected by highways and is one of Uttarakhand’s hidden sites.
Trek Through Nature’s Track to Reach Pangot
Pangot is easily accessible from Nainital and Kathgodam, this scenic city is tucked in the Naina Devi range. Its beautiful landscape and serene climate are great for nature lovers and bird-watchers. The unique species of birds found in this area include Himalayan Griffon, Blue-winged Manila, Lammergeyer, Wild Boar, Slaty-black Forktail, Red Fox and many more.
There are various camping options available for camp lovers and camp from affordable range to sustainable luxury in the lap of mother nature. Pangoot surely qualifies as one of the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. If you love snow viewpoints, clear lakes, beautiful sceneries, hillside trails then you must consider this offbeat destination in your bucket list for vacations nearby Delhi.
Lost Yourself in Divinity of Jageshwar
Jageshwar is a small holy town nestled in the lap of Kumaon Hills in Uttarakhand and known for sculptured temples. The Jageshwar Mahadev Temple is located on the Jataganga Valley surrounded by deodar forests. There are around 124 temples and more than 100 statues in Jageshwar, but among all, it is most visited and the largest one. Jageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India that are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
According to mythological history, these temples are constructed in the 9th century and now well preserved by the Uttarakhand government. Jageshwar provides you with an extremely peaceful atmosphere to indulge yourself in divinity. So connect with your inner self in this peaceful town and get devoted to the most religious offbeat destination of Uttarakhand.
Admire Breathtaking Views of Himalayas at Munsiyari
Munsiyari is frequently known as Little Kashmir and it is one of the most scenic offbeat locations in Uttarakhand. It is the base of the Milam, Ramalam, Chiplakot Bugyal, Namik Himalayan Mountains, Kalika Pass and Glaciers. Thus it is mostly loved by trekkers and adventure freaks as they love trekking this destination which is embraced by gorgeous mountains, dense forests, the pristine and serene nature.
Munsiyari is for those who want to feel in the mountains and want to walk while enjoying an attractive nature. The snowy mountains here will fascinate you. This place outshines all other places in Uttarakhand. You can also visit Maheshwari Kund, Birthi Falls, Kalamuni Top, Thamari Kund, Panchachuli Peak and Tribal Heritage Museum at Munsiyari. You can also indulge yourself in bird watching, enjoy nature walks and go trekking.
Also Read: Mussoorie “The Queen Of Hill Station” Uttarakhand
Visit Holiest Spot of Sikhs Hemkund & Valley of Flowers
Hemkund Sahib is a worship place of Sikhs in Chamoli district and one of the unexplored offbeat places in Uttarakhand along with the Valley of Flowers. It is the most crucial and largest Gurudwara in the entire country. With awe-inspiring views and unmatched pristineness, a visit to this gurudwara is a must. The Valley of Flowers is known for its uniqueness as it totally loaded with mountain flowers that blossom only in monsoon season.
Thus it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the reason is its 400 species of every coloured flower. the best to explore these two locations is via trekking. In winter, the glacial lake formed here offers visitors peace of mind and relaxation from the hustle of city life. The panorama of the forest, the divine offerings, the heavenly journey is the experience of a lifetime.
Immersed in Mythology at Lohaghat
Lohaghat is one of the unexplored Himalayan retreats for travellers, located at an altitude of 1800m on the banks of Lohawati River in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Due to its temples, for its history and mythological importance, this ancient town is highly visited by tourists. As per the beliefs, Lord Shiva presence can be feel through the sleepy trekking routes of Lohaghat.
The serene climate, pine and oak trees, lush greenery and devotion towards Lord Shiva inspire people to visit this sumptuous location. Lohaghat is divine with lovely weather throughout the year. The centre of attractions of this place includes Banasur ka Qila, Mayawati Ashram, Pancheswar Temple and Devidhura Temple. Lohaghat is an excellent spot for trekking, bird watching, nature walks and camping and snapping photos.
Enjoy the Eco-Tourism of Peora Village
Peora is a hidden treasure of natural beauty nestled at an elevation of 6600 feet between Almora and Nanital in Kumaon Hill. This village is enclosed with dense forests, beautiful farms of apples and known especially for eco-tourism. This ancient offbeat village in Uttarakhand offers complete leisure and rejuvenation away from the stressful city life to its visitors.
You can admire the panoramic view of snow-capped Himalayan mountains, enjoy forest trails, bird watching, green meadows and a variety of fauna which is incredible. The traditions and culture of people living there in the tiled roof will make you feel like you have reached a new untouched zone of Uttarakhand. Enjoy the scenic beauty, trees loaded with fresh fruits and spend some quality time with your loved ones in solitude.
Also Read: Nainital Hill station – The Lake District of India
Explore the Offbeat Hill Station – Chakrata
Chakrata is the most extraordinary hill station in Uttarakhand, with the abundance of alpine trees falling aside from Vikasnagar on the way to Dehradun via Mussoorie. This usual hill station is visited by those travellers who are seeking peace and tranquillity from social life.
Your trip to Chakrata is worthless without visiting Deoband which gives an amazing view of the Himalayan range leaving every vacationer in awestruck. You can also pay a visit to Chilmiri Neck and stay at Kanasar and camp there. Don’t forget to visit Chinta-Haran Mahadev Mandir whose history belongs to the Mahabharata era.
Experience Wilderness & Divinity at Binsar
Binsar which is located in the Jhandi Dhar Hills is one of the best offbeat destinations to visit in Uttarakhand. This destination will make you feel closer to nature and god. You can observe abundant of species of birds and animals, can trek amidst the dense forest is a must-try the adventure. It truly a paradise for nature-buffs, wildlife and bird lovers and peace seekers.
Fro Binsar you can observe the gorgeous views Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Shivling and Trishul. Visiting Binsar is totally blissful experience. There you can enjoy jeep safaris and jungle treks and spot endangered wildlife and birds. Visiting the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Bnisaris must for everyone as it provides you with a great collection of flora and fauna.
Chopta Covered With Enchanting Meadows & Forests.
Chopta is definitely a stunning location to visit in Uttarakhand due to its densely covered lush green forests, sprawling meadows, charming valleys and snow-laden mountains. It is a popular halt for those who are on the way to their trekking destinations like Chandrashila and Tungnath and offers breathtaking allure with the solace of mind and soul.
It also offers stunning views of some Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi. The most notable highlight for tourists at Chopta includes Deoria Tal which is an important trekking destination nearby Chopta, Ukhimath, Tungnath, Chandrashila and Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary. This offbeat destination can be a blessing for those who are love adventure with natural panorama.
Visit the Last Indian Village – Mana
Mana is the last village in India-China border perched on the banks of Saraswati River. The famous Bheem Pool created by Bheem (Pandavas) is in Mana. It is another utterly scenic offbeat destination of Uttarakhand. Its lush forests, mountain, gushing river and great Himalayan ranges make the place look prominently attractive. Mana Village is near the temple of Badrinath and pilgrims are thus visiting this incredible village on their way to this holy abode.
The prominent attraction Vasudhara falls in Mana is famous for its therapeutic qualities. The hiking paths are stunning and exciting thus its popular among trekkers. The village of Mana is also endowed with history and legacy in mythology. Some historians believe that Vyasadeva wrote the great epic Mahabharata here. Besides Serene views, Mana is made of woollen fabrics, mugs and caps, which make it a perfect place to shopping also.
Tip: Throughout monsoon season, there is a high risk of floods and landslides in Uttarakhand though it is better to avoid trekking and touring the critical spots.
There are so many offbeat destinations thus mentioning them here is quite difficult for us. Apart from them, you can also visit Dodital, Ranikhet, the paradise village of Harsil, Khurpatal, Landour, Chaukori, Mandal, Khirsu, Auli, Khati Village, Khati Village etc. We will come with Part 2 of these offbeat destinations soon. Till then keep reading our blogs! 🙏
Also Read: Auli: The Ultimate Skiing Hill Station Destination
