Top Places near rivers & lakes in Uttarakhand
Here is the list of 18 Top Places near rivers & lakes in Uttarakhand
1. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi
Rested at a height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. The ancient town of Bhimtal is a place to lie down under the shade of nature, close your eyes and experience serenity.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
2. karnaprayag, Uttarakhand
Known For : Nandprayag Karnaprayag
Being one of the highly blessed five confluences of the Alakananda River, Karnaprayag is a splendid town by default. Surrounded by verdant locales and snow capped mountains, host to chilly conditions and perennial rivers, this place was destined to be a spectacular tourist destination.
Best Time: October to June
3. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand - The Queen's Farm
Known For : Chaubatia Orchards Majhkhali Golf Course
Ranikhet meaning Queen's farm, is a hill station developed by the Britishers around ancient temples, undulating Himalayan hills and forests.
Best Time: Throughout the year
4. Haridwar, Uttarakhand - Ganges' wave of religion and spirituality
Known For : Har Ki Pauri Maa Mansa Devi Temple Ganga Aarti Sthal
No spiritual journey can ever be considered complete without a visit to Haridwar, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Literally meaning 'the abode of Lord Vishnu', Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a land of legends and myths. Considered as one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar sees millions of people flock to it every year to pay their respects to the Lord, or to wash away their sins. However, with the passage of time, Haridwar has evolved from being a mere religious city to a multifaceted cultural and spiritual centre, and only after exploring Haridwar will you realize that there is a lot more to the city than just visiting temples and taking a dip in the holy Har ki Pauri. Haridwar has a perennial mystical air around i, and is the perfect holiday option for anyone seeking spiritual connection as well as a chance to indulge in and get closer to nature.
Best Time: Throughout the year
5. Nainital, Uttarakhand - Misty lakes and mountains
Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, Nainital, which is nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, is a quaint hill station built around a uniquely shaped lake known as the 'Naini Lake' (thus contributing to its name Nainital). Also famously known as 'City of Lakes,' Nainital abounds in natural beauty, with its snow-capped hills and tranquil lakes lending it a nostalgic charm of its own. Situated at an altitude of 1938 km above sea level, Nainital has a pleasant climate all year round, and can rightfully be called a picturesque paradise for all travel lovers.
Best Time: Throughout the year
6. Devprayag, Uttarakhand
Known For : Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Raghunathji Temple Chandrabadani Temple
Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature.
Best Time: Throughout the year
7. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Yoga Capital of the World
Known For : Triveni Ghat Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula
Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports.
Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs.
Best Time: Throughout the year
8. Sattal, Uttarakhand
Known For : Seven Lakes Bhimtal Subhash Dhara
A group of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. A paradise for nature buffs and bird watchers, Sattal has mystery to it that makes it all the more charming and photographer's paradise.
Best Time: April to June, September to December
9. Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Known For : Dodital Lake Nachiketa Lake Dodital Dayara Pass Trek
Endearingly called as Devbhoomi, Uttarkashi, literally meaning 'Kashi of the North', is a quaint little town tucked away in the hill state of Uttarakhand. Revered by the Hindus as one of their propitious religious sites, the townhouses two of the total four holy shrines of Hindu mythology. It is one of the most visited cities of religious relevance in the area and gives you a sense of heightened divinity and an out of the world experience. The region was more in the favour of religious tourism initially but lately the spurring of trekking and adventure activities invites a lot of non religion tourists as well. Replete with ashrams and mandir, the town has got a spiritual vibe to it. All in all, the entire place boasts of divine heritage, mesmerising natural beauty, scenic panoramas and a wonderful irenic atmosphere.
Best Time: March to June, September to November
10. Yamunotri, Uttarakhand - The birth place of the Yamuna
Known For : Janki Chatti Yamunotri Temple Hanuman Chatti
Revered as the origin of Yamuna river, the pilgrim centre (among one of the 'Chhota Char Dham') nestled in the laps of Garhwal Himalayas at 3293 mts high uses its natural elements to fascinate you with its visuals and create a spiritual charm.
Best Time: May to June, September to November
11. Gangotri, Uttarakhand - Char Dham: Source of River Ganges
Known For : Gangotri Temple Gangotri Glacier Surya Kund
This pilgrimage destination situated in Uttarkashi is mostly famous for the four religious centers, or as they say, the Char Dham spots.
Best Time: April to June, September to November
12. Madhyamaheshwar, Uttarakhand
Known For : Madhyamaheshwar Temple Kanchani Tal Budha Madhyamaheshwar
A small sacred town of Madhyamaheshwar is a place full of mysteries and blessed with bounty of nature. Renowned for its Madhyamaheshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it gathers the whole hamlet to pray in the evening along with many tourists.
Best Time: May to October
13. Harsil, Uttarakhand
Known For : Dharali Mukhwas Village Sattal
Harsil, still lesser known to tourists, is a perfect getaway for those in quest of peace and solitude. Nestled amid Himalayas and dense cover of pine and deodar with River Bhagirathi gurgling across the area, Harsil is a complete package for vacation makers.
Best Time: April to October
14. Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Known For : Ropeway Ghangaria Nanda Devi National Park
Joshimath is a quaint hill town nestled amid the lap of snow-capped Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This valley is mesmerizingly beautiful surrounded on all sides by picturesque views. If a good trekking trail is your calling, the Valley of Flowers Trek is close to Joshimath.
Best Time: April to November
15. Gaumukh, Uttarakhand
One of the holiest lands in Uttarakhand, Gaumukh is thronged by devotees mainly for its serenity and pious mythological history. Gaumukh is not exactly a tourist town or city, but a glacial trekking destination located within Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
Best Time: February to September
16. Tungnath, Uttarakhand
Known For : Tungnath Temple Chandrashila Deoria Tal
If spirituality is on your mind and on your itinerary as well, Tungnath is just your kind of place. It is an ancient holy town more than 1000 years old and is popular among pilgrims and devotees. It comprises of Alaknanda and Mandakini river valleys or 'Lord of Peaks' as they are referred to.
Best Time: April to November
17. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Known For : Birthi falls Maheshwari Kund Panchachuli Peak
A small village with an awe-inspiring panorama of snow capped Himalayan Range; Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh District. Offering splendors of natureaÛªs beauty in their most captivating form, this place is famous for its some highly adventurous and nerve wrecking trekking trails.
Best Time: April to June, October to November
18. Ramgarh, Uttarakhand
Known For : Orchards Nathuakhan Mukteshwar
Tucked away in the lap of Himalayas in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Ramgarh boasts of unexplored natural beauty and old world charm. It is perched at an elevation of 1789 metres above the sea level and is an idyllic spot of all you nature beaus. Blessed with impeccable views of snow covered mountain peaks, Ramgarh is also called the "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon" because of the verdant orchards of apples, plums, peaches and apricots. It was also a personal favourite of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore and social worker Narain Swamy. Once the cantonment of the British, Ramgarh stands apart in its exquisiteness, solitude and enticing beauty. The captivating sunrise and sunset is an experience of a lifetime. It is an ideal getaway if you are looking for off -beat destinations to satiate your wanderlust.
Best Time: October to May