Uttarakhand offers a magical escape from the chaos of city life. It’s bestowed with misty mountains, tranquil rivers, and ancient temples. The enchanting silence and serene sights make it one of the most appealing destinations in India. If you want your holiday to be just you and nature, the many getaways in this state will definitely amaze you. We’ve compiled a list of 7 offbeat places in Uttarakhand to visit for peace.
Top Offbeat Places In Uttarakhand
- Chaukori
- Lohaghat
- Kanatal
- Peora
- Naukuchiatal
- Khirsu
- Munsiyari
1. Chaukori
Are you a mountain person? Or someone who loves to explore the wilderness and connect with nature? Well, you need to bookmark Chaukori on your list of places to explore in Uttarakhand. This quaint little village is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountains and dense forests. When you reach here, the spellbinding views of tea plantations, orchards, and rich flora and fauna will take your breath away.
It’s located almost 2,010 m above sea level and has a gorgeous backdrop of Nanda Devi and Panchkula peaks. There are several places to visit in this village like the Nakuleshwar Temple, Chineshwar Waterfall, Kali Devi Waterfalls, and much more. The pristine beauty of this village is so captivating that you won’t feel like making your way back home!
2. Lohaghat
Lohaghat is a beautiful hill station that resides along the banks of the Lohawati River in Uttarakhand. This town is enveloped by pine and oak trees and deodar forests. If you visit here in summer, the town is full of lovely rhododendrons, making it an ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers. Lohaghat is located almost 1,745 m above sea level. You can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking and hiking while admiring the abundance of natural beauty around you.
Some of the best places to explore in Lohaghat are Bansur Ka Kila, Mayawati Ashram, and Pancheshwar Mahadev temple. The best time to visit here would be in the winter months when the weather is cool and pleasant, and you get to see the misty Himalayan peaks. Keep in mind that Lohaghat is a hill station and it can get very cold here. So, carrying all your winter gear such as body warmer & leg warmer is a must!
3. Kanatal
Does your idea of a vacation mean indulging in some adventure? If yes, then you should definitely visit Kanatal in Uttarakhand. It’s a wonderful hill station surrounded by gorgeous mountains, apple orchards, and lush green forests. This hill station is located at an altitude of around 2,590 m above sea level. From here, you get a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
The starry skies at night and pleasant weather of this place make it an ideal spot for camping activities. If you’re an outdoor person, you can also go for a trek or a jungle safari at Kodai Forest in Kanatal. There are several other adventurous things you can try out like rock climbing, valley crossing, and rappelling. The ethereal beauty of this hill station is what makes it one of the best offbeat places in Uttarakhand.
4. Peora
Tucked between two beautiful towns of Almora and Nainital, Peora is a hidden gem that’s located almost 2,000 m above sea level. This picturesque village has pine forests, fruit orchards, and green meadows that make it look like a fairy tale land. To get rid of your daily monotonous life, head here for some calm and peaceful time amidst nature. One of the best things about visiting Peora is that there are numerous hiking and trekking trails here. It’s a less crowded place and an ideal destination for adventurers and solo travelers.
You’ll find plenty of British-era bungalows here that give this village a rustic vibe. You can interact with the locals here and try their traditional foods like aloo ke gutke (potato dish) and phaano (daal made with lentils). Don’t miss out on the night safari in the forests of Peora where you’ll get to see tigers, deer, wild bears, and porcupines. If you’re a roadie who wishes to go on a thrilling adventure, you can go for a forest trek from Peora to Mukteshwar. The exhilarating landscapes make it a great place for those seeing tranquility in nature.
5. Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is a picturesque little hill station in Uttarakhand that’s famous for its tranquil lakes, busy markets, and lush green hills. This place has gained a lot of popularity because of the Naukuchiatal Lake which is almost 172 feet deep. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful mountain ranges. You can enjoy a boat ride in the crystal clear waters of this lake.
The location of this hill station is amidst a beautiful valley. So, all daredevils can enjoy enthralling activities like paragliding, mountain biking, paddling, and much more. Whether you’re on a family vacation, sightseeing with your friends, or on a honeymoon trip, Naukuchiatal will not disappoint you. If you’re going to visit here in winter, you can enjoy the cool and pleasant atmosphere of this hill station. We recommend you carry woolen clothes as the temperature gets extremely cold from December to February.
6. Khirsu
Khirsu is a peaceful village that looks like it’s straight off a postcard. It’s situated 1,700 m above sea level, letting you witness the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. This village is a treasure house of natural beauty that’s surrounded by oak, deodar, and pine forests. It’s the go-to place for all those seeing solitude and a relaxing getaway in nature. This quaint hamlet has the most incredible views of the Himalayan, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot peaks.
To make your vacation at Khirsu a memorable one, you can enjoy a camping activity at this village. For those who love to explore new places, there are several trekking trails through the pine and deodar forests here. You can take the Chowbatta trek which is a beautiful walk through the dense forests of deodar, oak, and walnut trees. Khirsu is a splendid retreat with green forests and apple orchards that make every vacationer who visits here want to return again.
7. Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a hill station that’s not known to many people, but its sheer beauty will definitely capture your heart once you visit here. This place is an amalgamation of snowy peaks, rich wildlife, and dense forests, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The location of this hill station is almost 2,300 m above sea level. Its panorama and elevation it lies on make it an ideal sport for trekkers and hikers. It’s also the base campsite for Namik Glacier and Panchachuli treks.
Munsiyari is also the base for glaciers like Milam, Ramam, and Namik. You can satiate your thirst for adventure by enjoying activities like river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering over here. To enjoy your adventures to the fullest, you’ll need to gear yourself with all the winter essentials you need. Once you have all your travel essentials in place, you can rest assured that your trip is going to be an amazing one!
Summing Up
That was our pick of the 7 offbeat places in Uttarakhand to visit for peace. Go ahead and plan a trip to any of these places and give yourself a break from the cycle of your monotonous routine. We wish you a safe and happy holiday!
FAQs
Which Is The Most Beautiful Place Of Uttarakhand?
Almora is growing to take the place of becoming the most beautiful place in Uttarakhand. It stands in close competition with Nainital and Mussoorie.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Village In Uttarakhand?
Chaulori, Peora, and Khirsu are a few of the most beautiful villages in Uttarakhand.
What Is Special In Uttrakhand?
Uttarakhand is considered special for its many religious temples and pilgrimage sites. This state also has numerous lakes, waterfalls, and hill stations that have made it a popular tourist destination among travelers.
Which Time Is Best For The Uttarakhand Tour?
If you’re planning a trip to Uttarakhand for activities like trekking and paragliding, summer would be an ideal time to visit here. But if you want to experience the cool and pleasant weather of the place, then the months of September and October are the best. That’s when you don’t have to bear the summer heat and you'll have a blissful time amidst nature.