Kmsarakhand, is the land of Gods, they say. Now that is not too difficult to believe because it is a magical place, a place where the most powerful angels are even hypnotized to fall from heaven.

Our list of 10 Offbeat Places to in Uttarakhand has locations that aren’t exactly commercialized conventional ‘tourist destination’, these are ‘travellers’ destinations’. A tourist visits places but a traveler explores and drinks in new sites with all the exotic experiences that will come along.

In this article, we cover some of the most less known places of Uttarakhand – that is our Shangri-la. Let us take a look at the 10 offbeat places in Uttarakhand it has in store for us, travelers:

1) Binsar

If I had to describe Binsar in one word, it would be ‘timeless’. Binsar is timeless because a place as rich in natural beauty as this has no comparison with the stereotypical, automated life that we live in. Located on the Jhandi Dhar hills, Binsar is where travellers come to lose themselves to the nature.

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/lifesgood/5736211259

Binsar is situated in the lap of an exotic wildlife sanctuary that scores for its rich fauna. It is strange how a sense of profound peace seems to enter the very human soul here. All you need to do is walk by the forests and close your eyes then see how your senses are taken over. The variety of sounds coming from the birds will make you wonder how many hundreds of varieties must be there in the vicinity. There are supposedly around 200, including Eurasian Jays, Monals, Koklas, Magpies, laughing Thrushes, Nuthatches and Forktails among innumerable others.

Binsar forest here, declared a sanctuary and named Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988. It is also home to a vast variety of animals like flying squirrels, pine martens, Sus Scrofa etc. If you are an animal lover, I hope you can handle the delirium of joy. You need to buy a ticket if you want to explore the sanctuary but it is worth it, trust me.

While in Binsar, you must visit the zero point but you may lose your bearings for a while when you reach the spot. The sight is unimaginably breathtaking. The beauty of the ranges here is the kind that invokes obsession in travellers. There are peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Not, Kedarnath and Trishul among an endless list of other enchantresses.

Binsar has a number of interesting temples in the vicinity. The ‘past’ features quite eminently in Binsar. We see the past at different levels here. The estate of Mary Budden and Sir Henry Ramsay’s Khali Estate are grounds for a tete-a-tete with India’s British past while Bineshwar temple of lord Shiva is a testimony to Binsar’s medieval past under the Chand Dynasty. Kasar devi on the other hand bears witness to the area’s hippie past. It is situated 9 km away from Binsar. On the whole, Binsar is a very beautiful place to be; from trekkers to animal lovers….for everybody!

• Binsar is 105 Kms from Kathgodam and 25 Kms from Almora
• Binsar is 375 Kms from New Delhi

2) Munsiyari

Munsiyari, unlike it’s name suggests, isn’t just a place with lots of snow in winters, its a veritable Himalayan paradise. Located by Goriganga, this place is a common favourite to many. You could be a hiker, a mountaineer or simply an explorer. You’ll love this place anyway.

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/designadda/8128446919

Munsiyari is a destination of all destinations, being at the base of multiple routes Adventurers would be spoiled for choice here. You could trek to  Milam, Ralam & Namik Glaciers, the Nanda Devi Temple, Khalia Top, Kalika Pass, Chiplakot Bugyal etc. The list goes on. Munsiyari bears witness to the journey across the ancient salt route from Tibet. When in Munsiyari, you must visit the  Birthi falls, 126 mts high. It is situated 35 km away from Munsiyari.

The legendary Mehsar Kund is a must-visit for the fanciful souls given that it is a testimony to a yaksha’s love for a simple village girl and his revenge on the villagers for showing disrespect to his feelings. It offers a magnificent view of surrounding landscapes in general and the region’s favorite Panchauli in particular. Panchauli is a cluster of 5 snow-capped beauties nestled in the lap of the magnificent Himalayan vista and Munsiyari offers the best vantage point for viewing this.

At Betulidhar, you will get to enjoy lavish colour splashes created by the Rhododendrons. This is an ideal spot for testing your skiing skills. Also pay a visit to the Tribal Heritage Museum at the Nanasen Village to delve into the region’s history and heritage and to peacefully spend some ‘alone’ time with nature, suggest places are Balanti Potato Farm, Thamari Kund, Dharchula en route to Mansarovar and Kalimuni top.

From camping in the surrounding meadows to rafting in Gori Ganga, your stay options in Munsiyari are un-countable. Do come and explore Munsiyari.

• Munsiyari is 260 Kms from Nainital
• Munsiyari is 550 Kms from New Delhi

3) Chakrata

Source: wiki

The most extraordinary hill station that fills with peace and comfort in the most beautiful way plus it is Dreamy! Thy name is Chakrata. It is a place where we easily get hooked on to and therefore very difficult to leave. This lovely hill-station falls en route to Dehradun via Mussoorie besides Vikasnagar.

Chakrata provides ample amount of opportunities for exploration in the midst of abundant alpine plants that colour up the whole place in the most amazing hues. Rhododendrons to oaks, the shades are endless. Hikers! Chakrata has a gift for you called the Tiger Falls or Keraao Pachad. This 312 feet high glory, 16 km from Chakrata, can be reached after a 5 km trek. There’s more. If your trekking passion isn’t quenched, then feel free to pay a hiker’s visit to Moila Danda.

When in Chakrata, you must go to Deoban. 16 Kms away from Chakrata, the awesome view of the wide Himalayan ranges will render anyone totally speechless. Then there is the Chilmiri Neck at the military quarters waiting to take your breath away with the exotic view it offers. The Chinta-Haran Mahadev Mandir has a most amazing shiv-lingam and the Mahasu temple at Hanol bears witness to Mahabharat. The Ashoka rock pillar edict at Kalsi dates back to the 5th century BC and really takes you back in time.

You might also like to arrange for a little picnic at the Ram Tall Horticulture Garden in the midst of the gorgeous apple orchards or organize an exploration camp at Kanasar, a forest that has Deodars with the most massive trunks in Asia. Do put Chakrata on your next tour itinerary. It is that one of the places can never be forgotten, a wild experience.

• Distance from Delhi: 327 Kms
• Distance from Chandigarh: 191 Kms
• Distance from Dehradun: 86 Kms

4) Peora

Source: wiki

This is the kind of place that would immensely please Ruskin Bond. Sleepy, untouched, but extremely beautiful. That’s Peora. We aren’t just tourists; we are travellers, aren’t we? We want to visit places that are still entirely nature’s own. You may reach the place by a simple taxi ride from Kathgodam. Nestled in the lap of the Siwaliks, Peora, situated at a height of 6600 feet is an artist’s dream and a nature lover’s true retreat. It is only 10 km away from Mukteshwar but while the latter is really lovely, Peora is in a class of its own. It is a place where you come to rest and take long solitairy walks. Poets, this is the place you were looking for since forever. You might consider paying the local NGO Aarohi a visit, because as travellers, every sort of experience is worth keeping from here.

You might also indulge in a bit of cosmetic shopping from the local herbal factory. Peora looks like a black-forest cake in winters but so does all of Nainital District.Snowfall in a sleepy hamlet is just like a dream. The impressive Hotel Sequester and the deliciously decadent Dak Bunglow are the only options for a stay. Better don’t waste but make haste, travellers…. before others discover this piece of paradise.

• Distance from Delhi : 344 Kms
• Distance from Bareilly : 185 Kms
• Distance from Nainital : 58 Kms

5) Khirsu

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/lifesgood/5911490663

Khirsu is a lovely hamlet in the heart of Uttarakhand that can be reached within 12 hours via car from Delhi. Located at a distance of 19 km from the much publicized Pauri, this hill-station stands at an altitude of 1700 meters. This tiny Garhwal town affords a majestic view of spectacular ranges.Khirsu is a photographer’s paradise and in any case, its beauty will stick to your mind’s album. The forests in the vicinity have a definite element of mystery. It seems to take an individual to the interiors of a suspense thriller or a horror flick but that’s only for the fanciful souls. The nature lovers would only be transported to their own personal shangril-las.

While in Pauri, you must pay a visit to the temple of the Ghandiyal Devta. It is beautiful and has done justice to faith of innumerable devotees. Khirsu can be visited throughout the year because it is always beautiful. With its fabulous treasure trove of apple orchards, it is the kind of place that will leave a traveller content. Places like Dhanaulti, Jageshwar and Munsiyari are within easy reach so do put in this place in your next itenary.

• Khirsu is 135 Kms from Rishikesh
• Khirsu is 330 Kms from New Delhi

6) Lansdowne

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/priyamn/8446297897

This is the perfect place for a person to reconnect with himself. Urban lives have a way of making us forget our ownselves and places like Lansdowne exist so that we are not completely lost forever. Lansdowne affords a perfect ground for establishing a union with nature in its earthiest form. It literally cleanses the soul and the mind. You come here, explore the place, and see what joy means but while you’re at it, find yourself a perfect spot, sit down and read a book. You’ll find out the true meaning of ‘indolence’ when you do this.

Originally called Kaludanda, ‘Lansdowne’ came into being as we know it, in 1887. It was named after the viceroy of the time. While in Lansdowne, do make it a point to see the glittering waters of Bhulla taal which stands as a testimony to the toils of all those who built it. Don’t forget to click pictures when you’re boating or hanging out at the children’s park or the bamboo machan.

On the ridge near the lovely St Mary’s Church, stands the exquisite view point, Tip-In-Top. Painters, should not forget to get their water colours when they come here. At St Mary’s Church, the past comes alive. With awe-inspiring photos of the Raj and displays of regimental history, this church has a wonderful aura of timelessness. This cantonment town houses the Regimental Museum built in 1983 to present a most astonishing collection of Garhwal rifles. You are in luck if your visit coincides with the town’s annual ‘Sharadotsav’ celebration.

In short Lansdowne is laidback yet fun, colourful and very pleasing. Simple joys never felt so good and you will not want to leave this place if you tasted the actual essence. That is my guarantee for you, my fellow travellers.

• Lansdowne is 126 Kms from Rishikesh
• Lansdowne is 256 Kms from New Delhi

7) Bhimtal

This is the abode of the gods by all means…..this is the kind of place visited by monks in their astral journeys. This is the kind of beauty, a photographer can never do justice to. Located in the Nainital district and situated at an elevation of 1370 meters, this lake defines serenity.

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/nagesh_kamath/8108942467

Bhimtal has a fantastic aquarium on the island at the centre. Named after the great Indian warrior, Bheem, the lake undermines the very definition of ancient. Legend has it that the Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple was erected by Bheem himself when the Pandavas were in exile. It was renovated by Baz Bahadur in the 1600s. Nestled in the midst of the green Himalayas, Bhimtal’s waters resemble a thousand glittering alexandrite stones. You get to see innumerable migratory birds here and can boat to your heart’s content. While at Bhimtal, do pay a visit to Sattal and Subhash Dhara. The former is a magnificent collection of 7 interconnected lakes and the latter is a gorgeous fresh water spring.

The Satvik Sadan and the Sat Tal Mission estate besides the Vankhadi ashram on Hidimba Hill are beautiful ashrams that stand simply as an extension of the spirit of the lake. Bhimtal offers endless opportunities to an explorer. You could visit the Naukuchiatal and the Nal-Damayanti tal as well but please do not forget to pay a visit to the Butterfly Museum at Jones estate. Here, the world just looks more colourful.

Bhimtal is beautiful throughout the year. The lake here, is larger than the one at Nainital and some would say a bit more charming as well but that is only if travel be considered a union between the traveller and the destination, because Bhimtal isn’t a commercial tourist destination first. It is a gorgeous piece of heaven with no time boundaries to speak of.

• Distance from Delhi : 297 Kms
• Distance from Kathgodam : 20 Kms
• Distance from Nainital : 20 Kms

8) Dhanaulti

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/yasirpicz/2223120639

Dhanaulti is the kind of place people must come to with a group of friends who share a love for travelling. Located at a distance of 24 kms from Mussoorie and 29 Kms from Chamba and perched on the mountains at a height of 2286 meters, Dhanaulti is a dreamland with endless treasures for photographers. The lush meadows, the Alpine forests and the exotic variety of flora and fauna is bound to make a lasting impression on your mind. The Eco-Park at Dhanaulti is a grand creation indeed. The 2 parks, ‘Amber’ and ‘Dhara’ have been recently constructed by the forest department of Uttarakhand. About 60 local youngsters are responsible for looking after this place.

There are several opportunities for interesting adventure sports activities here. You may walk over a flying fox and even ride horses. To leave a part of yourself here, you must plant a sapling in the memory of somebody you love. Its a lovely tradition, isn’t it? You might consider putting up at an eco-hut. Do let us know how cool green-living is.

Shoppers are in for great fun because the Dehra-based Himalayan Weavers are in town amigos. Pashmina to eri silk, you can buy away to glory. The Surkanda Devi temple is located at a distance of 8 Kms from Dhanaulti. It forms a part of the triangle along with the temples Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri. Lastly, the government potato farm here serves as a sunrise point. Isn’t that unique? But this is Dhanaulti. Here, everything is unique and unparalleled.

• Dhanaulti is 60 Kms from Dehradun
• Dhanaulti is 307 Kms from New Delhi

9) Mukteshwar

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/sanjoy/276219441

Perched in the lap of the Kumaon hills, situated at an elevation of 7500 feet, Mukteshwar is located at a distance of 51 Kms from Nainital and 72 Kms from Haldwani. The Shiva temple, known as the Mukteshwar dham stands on the highest point in the vicinity which is the veterinary institute’s campus. Chauli Ki Jaali, the overhanging cliff nearby, is the most perfect place to get some practice in rock-climbing. The PWD guest houses has a fabulous view-point. You can see the sun wake up and also go to sleep from this place. Animal lovers are most welcome to visit the Indian Veterinary Research Institute.

The Central Institutes of Temperate Horticulture-Regional Station has magnificent orchards. Besides, the sprawling alpine forests afford ample scope for exploration. Jim Corbett, a man who belonged to the forests of Kumaon, is said to have fallen in love with this place and that shows how nobody stands a chance so far as resisting its charm is concerned.

Mukteshwar has the word ‘mukt’ in it and quite rightfully so, because its sets the heart ‘free’. It wanders every corner of this breath-taking place with its unimaginably beautiful treasure trove of nature’s bounty. Come to Mukteshwar if you want to fill up the album of your mind with spectacular images of the amazing view of the Himalayas from here.

• Mukteshwar is 46 Kms from Nainital
• Mukteshwar is 337 Kms from New Delhi

10) Chaukori

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/kgabhi/14340560298

Lovely, so lovely! Situated between Tibet and the terai, the tiny offbeat hill station of Chaukori is in the heart of the Pithoragarh district is like nothing you have ever seen. This place is straight out of story book written by an author with an amazing flare for nature descriptions. It is really a wonder how God manages to pack such excessive amounts of beauty within such limited boundaries. The tea gardens are simply amazing but surprisingly, so unlike the ones in North Bengal which are extremely pretty in their own right. You get a most spectacular view of the ranges from Chaukori. Nanda Devi, Nanda Not, Chaukhamba, Trishul and Panchauli cannot look any better than from this Himalayan hamlet.

If Ann Radcliff, the renowned writer of gothic romances, were an Indian, she would have certainly come to Chaukori to do her writing. This is the kind of beauty that made Wordsworth write poetry. You may visit Dharamgarh, located 9 Kms away, and take lots of pictures from Sarla Behn’s cottage here.

You may also take a trip to Berinag which is situated 10 Kms away from Chaukori and make sketches at the tea gardens there. There are several temples close by like the temples of Ghunsera Devi, Kapileshwar, Kamaksha, Arjuneshwar Shiva and the Jayanti Temple Dhwaj. It is really no surprise that the Gods want to live in close proximity to Chaukori. Visit this place but at your own risk because you may not want to leave!

• Chaukori is 208 Kms from Nainital
• Chaukori is 460 Kms from New Delhi

Also Read: 30 Offbeat Places to Visit in India

 –

This post was originally published on Trodly travel blog. 

Featured image by Sharada Prasad CS

is a destination of all destinations, being at the base of multiple routes Adventurers would be spoiled for choice here. You could trek to Milam, Ralam & Namik Glaciers, the Nanda Devi Temple, Khalia Top, Kalika Pass, Chiplakot Bugyal and the list goes on.

Last Updated on September 20, 2018 by Rohan