📍 Uttarakhand, India
Uttarakhand · 8 destinations & hidden spots
Hidden Gem
Binsar, Almora district
A high-altitude wildlife haven cloaked in ancient oak, pine, and scarlet rhododendron forests. Zero Point offers one of the grandest 300-km continuous Himalayan panoramas in India, taking in Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.
Hidden Gem
Chaubatia, ~10 km South of Ranikhet, Almora District, Uttarakhand
Sprawling across 265 acres at 1,800m altitude, Chaubatia is famous for state-run apple, apricot, peach, and plum orchards alongside a research center and panoramic views of snow-clad peaks.
Jageshwar, Almora district
A sacred cluster of over 124 stone temples dating from the 7th to the 12th century CE, nestled in a tranquil valley of towering, centuries-old deodar trees. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is venerated as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (Nagesh).
Hidden Gem
Kasar Devi, Almora district
An ancient 2nd-century CE hilltop cave temple situated on a geomagnetic anomaly region within the Van Allen radiation belt (similar to Stonehenge and Machu Picchu). Renowned as a peaceful spiritual retreat frequented by Swami Vivekananda, Bob Dylan, and Timothy Leary.
Mallital, northern edge of Naini Lake, Nainital
One of the 51 celebrated Shakti Peethas, situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake. Legend says Goddess Sati's eyes (naina) fell here. The current sacred shrine, reconstructed after the 1880 landslip, offers serene lake views shaded by ancient pipal trees.
Mukteshwar, Nainital district
Perched at 7,500 feet, Mukteshwar offers 180-degree panoramas of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. Chauli Ki Jali is a thrilling cliff edge of natural criss-cross rock lattices overhanging a 1,000-foot sheer abyss, popular for rock climbing and sunset viewing.
Mallital & Tallital, Nainital district
A sparkling, crescent-shaped natural freshwater lake nestled at 6,358 feet, surrounded by seven verdant peaks (Sapta Shring). Famous for colorful rowing and paddle boating, evening strolls along the Mall Road, and reflecting mountain lights.
Ranikhet, Almora District, Uttarakhand
A tranquil British-era cantonment town surrounded by dense pine, oak, and deodar forests with panoramic Himalayan views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
