Religious Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

The abode of Gods and Goddesses, or Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand is an extremely sacred state, home to numerous highly revered temples and pilgrimage sites. From the annual Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which can also be completed by availing helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra, to innumerable sub-pilgrimages like the Panch Kedar and Panch Badri Yatra, among many others. There are also a number of confluences or Prayags due to the presence of some of the holiest rivers in this region. This holy state is dotted with numerous temples and an enigmatic history of mythological importance. All these holy and pious destinations are set against the ravishing backdrop of the mighty snow-capped Himalayan ranges, which also work perfectly in attracting religious tourists from all across the globe.

Here are some of the most highly revered places in Uttarakhand, which remain flocked by pilgrims throughout the year:

1. Haridwar

The ancient and sacred city of Haridwar is located in the foothills of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas. This holy town sits majestically on the banks of the holy River Ganga, which marks the entry of the river to the plains from the hilly terrain. Haridwar hosts a number of fairs and festivals of religious significance, along with being a crucial part of the Sapta Puri circuit (seven holy cities of India), including Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka. Haridwar is not only extremely popular for its evening Ganga Aarti, which takes place every day on the banks of the River Ganga, but it is also well-known for being the ‘Yoga Centre of the World.’

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (38 km)
  • By Train: Haridwar Junction
  • By Road: Well-connected by road from Delhi, Dehradun, and other major cities
• Must Visit Temples: Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Bharat Mata Temple.

2. Badrinath

Badrinath Dham

The holy centre of Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. Sitting on the banks of River Alaknanda at a height of 10,170 feet above sea level, Badrinath is of immense spiritual importance to all the religiously inclined population. Home to the pious pilgrimage destination of Badrinath Dham, this place is replete with numerous historical and religious temples and sites. This region gets its name from the holy temple here, which is visited annually by devout Hindus during their All India Char Dham Yatra, Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, and Panch Badri Yatra.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October (Avoid monsoon season)
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (314 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh (295 km)
  • By Road: Accessible via NH7; regular buses and taxis available
• Must Visit Temples: Badrinath Dham, Mata Murti Temple, Charan Paduka and Sheshnetra.

3. Guptkashi

Guptkashi

Also popular for being the temple town of Uttarakhand, the sacred centre of Guptkashi is perched at an elevation of 4,327 feet above sea level and offers its visitors some of the most stunningly panoramic views of the lush green surroundings, all set against the background of the majestically stark Chaukhamba Mountain. Located at a distance of 47 km prior to Kedarnath Dham, this place serves primarily as the stopover location for the holy journey to the main Dham shrine. This place has found its mention in a number of Hindu literary sources and scriptures, making this sacred centre one of the most religiously active destinations in the entire subcontinent.

• Best Time to Visit: April to November
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (190 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh (168 km)
  • By Road: Well-connected by road from Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Haridwar
• Must Visit Temples: Vishwanath temple, Ukhimath, Gaurikund, Ardhanarishwar Temple and Chopta.

4. Jageshwar

Jageshwar Dham

Popularly known as the city of temples, this place is home to a holy group of 100 Hindu temples. All these temples, which are situated in Almora district, date back to the 7th and 12th centuries and attract numerous pilgrims from all across the globe. These temples vary in size, from small to large complexes, and represent a typical North Indian Nagara style of architecture. Many of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva, along with others being dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Shakti, and Surya. This Hindu pilgrimage site also witnesses a number of fairs and festivals of national and local significance, celebrated with immense vigour and enthusiasm.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (150 km)
  • By Train: Kathgodam (125 km)
  • By Road: Well-connected by road from Almora, Nainital, and Kathgodam
• Must Visit Temples: Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi Ka Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mrityunjaya Temple and Surya Temple.

5. Rishikesh

Rishikesh

Located in the foothills of the mighty Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Rishikesh is also popularly known as the ‘gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.’ This pilgrimage destination is also regarded as one of the holiest places for all Hindus. Ever since ancient times, numerous sages, saints, and philosophers have graced this place with their presence with an aim of meditating and seeking higher knowledge. Sitting comfortably on the banks of River Ganga and being one of the holiest sites in India, all alcohol and non-vegetarian food items have been prohibited here.

• Best Time to Visit: September to November, March to April
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (20 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station
  • By Road: Well-connected by road from Haridwar, Dehradun, and Delhi
• Must Visit Temples: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Parmarth Niketan Temple, Geeta Bhawan and Tera Manzil Temple.

6. Pithoragarh

Chandika Mandir, Pithoragarh

Situated in the Western Himalayan region of the state of Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh is the largest city in this state. This city is not only a holy destination, but it also sits strategically on the shared international boundaries of China and Nepal. The thriving biodiversity of Pithoragarh is well known among holidaymakers and vacationers seeking peace of mind, along with some spirituality. The region is dotted with not just ancient important temples, but it is also home to a number of ashrams. Fondly referred to as ‘Little Kashmir,’ this urban town is an enchanting representation of natural beauty, spirituality, and adventure.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (240 km)
  • By Train: Tanakpur (150 km)
  • By Road: Accessible via road from Almora, Haldwani, and Tanakpur
• Must Visit Temples: Chandika Mandir, Kamakhya Mandir, Chatkeshwar Mahadev Temple and Naina Devi Temple.

7. Devprayag

Devprayag-Sangam

Sitting in the Tehri Garhwal district of Devbhoomi, this place is extremely pious for being one of the holy Panch Prayags or confluences. This is the site where River Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge, forming the holiest river of India, River Ganga. This is an extremely significant place of pilgrimage for devout Hindus since this is the place of convergence of five holy confluences in the hilly region. The Sanskrit name Devprayag literally translates into ‘godly confluence’ and has been mentioned in numerous Hindu scriptures, making it an extremely holy centre of pilgrimage.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (91 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh (71 km)
  • By Road: Well-connected by road from Rishikesh and Haridwar
• Must Visit Temples: Devprayag Temple, Raghunath Temple, Lord Shiva Mandir and Shri Neelamega Perumal Temple.

8. Joshimath

Joshimath

Located at a height of 6,150 feet above sea level in Chamoli district, Joshimath is the gateway to innumerable mountaineering experiences like the Valley of Flowers and Guru Govindghat. Apart from being one of the prime outdoor adventure destinations, this place is also a holy pilgrimage centre for devout Hindus, as it is home to one of the four ‘Shakti Peeths,’ established by Adi Shankaracharya. Joshimath is also home to one of the 108 ‘Divya Desams’ (important Lord Vishnu temples) and is situated extremely close to the popular pilgrimage site of Badrinath Dham. This quaint hillside hamlet offers its visitors a mesmerizing opportunity to have the time of their lives.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (270 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh (250 km)
  • By Road: Accessible via road from Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Haridwar
• Must Visit Temples: Narasimha Temple, Joshimath Temple, Vasudev Mandir, Vridh Badri Temple and Vishnuprayag.

9. Tungnath

Tungnath-Temple

The creation of this ancient and holy town of Tungnath dates back to almost 1,000 years ago, and to this day, it remains one of the most visited and auspicious centres of pilgrimage for devout Hindus throughout the subcontinent. The region is popular primarily due to the presence of the famous Tungnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also credited for being the highest Lord Shiva temple in the world. It is also the highest of the Panch Kedar Temple circuit of India. This charming holy town is replete with the obvious presence of immense spirituality and unparalleled natural beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: May to November
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (225 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh (209 km)
  • By Road: Accessible by road up to Chopta, then 3.5 km trek to Tungnath
• Must Visit Temples: Tungnath Temple, Chota Chandrashila Temple, and Himalayan Bird Resort.

10. Madhyamaheshwar

Madhyamaheshwar-Temple

Located in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal Himalayan region at an elevation of 11,473 feet above sea level, Madhyamaheshwar is an integral part of the holy Panch Kedar Yatra pilgrimage circuit. This temple has been linked with the Pandavas of Mahabharata, who are believed to have built this temple. The water from this temple is said to be adequate for the ablution of sins in this lifetime. The temple premises are surrounded by extremely lush greenery and a picturesque 360-degree view of the surrounding snow-capped mountain range, which allows visitors to savor some of the most enchanting vistas of the valley.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• How to Reach:
  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (198 km)
  • By Train: Rishikesh (182 km)
  • By Road: Drive to Uniana via Guptkashi, then 16 km trek to Madhyamaheshwar
• Must Visit Temples: Budha Madhyamaheshwar and Kanchani Tal.

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