Known For : Augustmuni Koteshwar Mahadev temple Ukhimath
Lying at the confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini, Rudraprayag is a sacred place regarded as one of the Panch Prayags and place of great religious significance. Settled in Uttarakhand, this beautiful town is full of mysterious charm and the spiritual vibes that will calm your senses. Offering spectacular views and mesmerizing panoramic vistas, the town boasts of being blessed by Mother Nature in its full glory. The town derives its name from the Hindu deity Lord Shiva who is said to have appeared at the place in the form of Lord Rudra.
Distance from Auli: 125 km
Best Time: April to December
The three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun as a whole forms the Trishul peak. It is having a height of 7120m. The Trishul group forms the southwest corner of the ring of peaks which encloses the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. In 1907, the main peak, Trisul I, became the first peak over 7,000 m to have ever been climbed by someone. The peak can be best viewed from Kausani or during the Roopkund Trek.
Known For : Badrinath Temple Mana Village Bheem Pul
Perched on the Garhwal hill tracks, near Alaknanda River, the most sacred Badrinath Temple or the Badrinarayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is also one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage yatras. Situated at the height of 10,279 feet, the temple is surrounded by lofty snow-clad Himalayas. Believed to be originally established by the saint, Adi Shankaracharya, the black stone idol of Lord Vishnu is 1m tall and is considered to be one of the 8 swayam vyakta kshetras or self-manifested statues of Vishnu.
Distance from Auli: 56 km
Best Time: May to June, September to October
Known For : Tiger Falls Deoban Budher Caves
Chakrata is a small hill town near Dehradun in Uttarakhand, located at a height of 6948 feet known for its coniferous forest, treks, caves and ancient temples. With mountain climbing as one of the popular activities in Chakrata, it is also becoming a popular destination for camping. With some of the beautiful waterfalls, especially Tiger Falls, Chakrata is a backpacker's paradise and an ideal location for people seeking offbeat tranquil destinations.
Distance from Auli: 393 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
One of the Panchprayags, Nandaprayag is the place of confluence of River Alaknanda and Nandakini. It is a place of spirituality and devotion as well as beautiful landscapes. A special place of religious, natural and spiritual significance, Nandaprayag is one of the five meeting points of Alaknanda River with other rivers flowing into it.
Distance from Auli: 72 km
Paonta Sahib is a vibrant, industrial town located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from hosting significant industries, it is also a prominent place of worship for the Sikh community. The noted Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, built in the memory of Shri Guru Gobind Singh, is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna in this town and attracts many pilgrims round the year.
Distance from Auli: 352 km
Best Time: February to March
Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)
Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years. British loved this city so much that they made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and used to rule the sub-continent from here whenever the temperature rose in the nearby plains. Shimla still retains its old world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and beautiful churches.
Distance from Auli: 530 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Tapkeshwar Temple
Nestled amidst the Doon Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a very popular hill station that beckons solo travellers, families and couples alike. Proudly boasting of a scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Regardless of whether you want to explore family-friendly tourist spots, try thrilling adventure activities with your friends, or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your partner amidst the mountains, Dehradun is the answer.
Distance from Auli: 305 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
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. This sacred home of sage Asti is surrounded by undulating peaks, Himalayan glaciers and thermal springs. Hindu mythologies hail Yamuna as the sister of Yama- the God of Death, and it is believed that a bath in Yamuna can make death painless.
Best Time: May to June, September to November
Known For : Skiing in Narkanda Hatu Peak Hatu Mata Temple
Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. Surrounded by tropical forests and majestic hills, this is one place that tourists to Himachal Pradesh should not miss. Narkanda also has a lake called the Tannu Jabar Lake which is one of the most important tourist attraction here.
Distance from Auli: 591 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Mussoorie Mall Road Lal Tibba Kempty Falls
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves tranquil hills, untouched nature and a holiday experience that is unadulterated in the truest sense of the term, Mussoorie is the place you should be heading to. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie, also known as Queen of The Hills, stands at an altitude of 7000 feet above sea level, and has a cool, pleasant climate throughout the year.
Distance from Auli: 334 km
Best Time: September to June
Known For : Kedarnath Temple Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi Sonprayag
Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples as it is a part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This abode of Lord Shiva can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek and remains closed for the six months of winters due to heavy snowfall. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer, and its believed that a journey to this sacred land opens up doorways to "Moksha" or salvation.
Best Time: May to June, September to October
Known For : Kasauli Nalagarh Fort Kuthar Fort
Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan lies on the lower ranges of the Himalayas and is more of an industrial town with various industries. Solan is a more low-key hill station ideal for travellers looking just some time away from city rush. A beautiful city in Himachal Pradesh, Solan has ancient temples and monasteries that attract hundreds of tourists and devotees every year.
Distance from Auli: 484 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries are safe havens for the diverse flora and fauna, and the north-Indian state of Uttarakhand is home to an important one - the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the Uttarkashi district of the state, Govind Pashu Vihar was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary and later it attained the status of a national park.
Distance from Auli: 298 km
Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush. Kasauli is a small town in the south-west part of Himachal and is on the relatively lower edges of Himalayas. Nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, Kasauli owes its mystical and serene ambience to the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back.
Distance from Auli: 487 km
Best Time: March - June; September - November
Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan
Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination. Nahan has its past spun around many tales and legends. Founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621 as a capital, it is believed that this town derives its name from a sage named Nahar who lived at the same site where this town stands today.
Distance from Auli: 397 km
Best Time: April to September