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8 Best Religious Destinations in Uttarakhand 

8 Best Religious Destinations in Uttarakhand 

1. Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand         8 Most Famous Religious Destinations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakashi also known as the Devbhoomi means the land of Hindu’s almighty gods. Uttarakhand is a known place for its spirituality due to the reason that it is the firm belief of Hindu devotees that it is the place of Gods where all the Hindu gods live. 

 

So because of that reason, a large number of Hindu temples can are located here including in remote areas. 
The Kumbh Mela is the prime Hindu festival and is celebrated once in twelve years and the place of its celebration is Haridwar. 
 
The other main religious activity here is the Char Dham yatra which is the most desired dream of every Hindu. The Har ki Pauri which is also one of the major attractions for the tourists visit this place from all over the world.

Places to visit at Devbhoomi:

  • Mussoorie
  • Auli
  • Nainital
  • Badrinath
  • Haridwar
  • Rishikesh
  • Jim Corbett National Park
Airport near Uttarakashi: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to reach this holy destination.
 
Railway Station near Uttarakashi: Virbhadra is nearly 2.0 km., and Rishikesh railway station is nearly 3.0 km. Haridwar Junction is 20 km far from Uttarkashi.
 
Best Season to visit Uttarkashi: March to May in the summer and October to February in the winter are the ideal time to visit Uttarkashi.

2. Sarnath in Uttarakhand

Religious-Tourism-in-Uttarakhand

At a distance of about 11 km Varanasi Sarnath is situated near to Varuna River in the northeast side of Uttar Pradesh, India. 

This place can be visited after covering a distance of about 10 km. from Varanasi’s northeast side closest to the Varuna River in U.P. (Uttar Pradesh), India. 

At a distance of about half a km from Singhpur, there is situated the place of birth of Shreyansanath, which is famous as the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism where Hugh temple was built in his memory and thereafter known as the most famous religious and pilgrimage site. 

The other well-known names of Sarnath and other famous names today are  Mrigadava, Rishipattana, Isipatana and Migadaya. The great god and inspiration of Hindus Gautama Budd left his family and others seven weeks after attaining enlightenment under the famous tree famous as Bodhi tree situated in Bodh Gaya. 

Among others, the Sacavibhanga Sutta is the most famous and full of values suttas preached by the lord Buddha which is undoubtedly very useful for the entire mankind. 

The main points of attraction are:

  • Thai Temple
  • Dhamma Stupa
  • Sarnath Museum
  • Tibetan Temple
  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
  • Chauk Kandi 

The most suitable time to visit Sarnath

The best time to visit Sarnath is from April to July. At this time Sarnath is full of religious devotees and a large number of holy activities are performed. 

3. Rishikesh in Uttarakhan

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This city is one of the most important destinations of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. The other famous tourist point is Mossoori near this place which is located at a distance of about 92 km. 
 
A large number of activities like Yoga, Adventure,  Sports and Pilgrimage are performed at this point. 
 
It is a religious place situated in the ground hills of the famous Shivalik range which lies in the Northern part of India and is known as a unique place for rafting and kayaking. 
 
The area of this town is very small in comparison to its This area got the huge popularity in comparison to its low population beauty and loneliness.  Therefore a large number of tourists visit this place for meditation and yoga. 
 
There are also other points attractions like kayaking camping, hiking, rock climbing,  backpacking, and bungee jumping. 
 
The known temples at this place are  Gangotri,  Yamunotri Kedarnath, and Badrinath are the most holy places for Hindu devotees and are near the heart of every religious Hindu. 
 
The Triveni Ghat is the biggest in Rishikesh which is one of the prime attractions of Rishikesh. This Ghat including others lures religious devotees and tourists to visit Rishikesh all around the year and from different parts of the world. Lakshman Jhula made of a big iron suspension bridge is nearly 5.5 km. far from Rishikesh. 
 
Located in the famous Swargashram area and famous for the global Yoga Festival is the Parmarth Nike Tan. Sivananda Ashram is also one of the very famous Devine Life Society located near the Ram Jhula. The Swami Sivananda developed this ashram and spent the most time of his life here which is nearly 31 years. 
 
Gita Bhawan is mainly built in memory of the Hindu God Lord Krishna and is filled with pictures of Bhawan Krishna telling the story of his life, work, and the most important guan narrated by him to Arjun at the time of the battle of Mahabharata. 

Places to visit in Rishikesh are: 

  • Swarg Ashram
  • Beatles Ashram
  • Rishikund
  • Iscon Temple
  • Astha Path 
  • Rishikesh Main Market
  • Tara Manzil Temple
  • Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple
  • Bhootnath Temple

How to reach Rishikesh 

Airport near Rishikesh: The nearest Airports to reach this holy destination are the Dehradun and the Jolly Grant Airport, which is the nearest airport to reach Rishikesh and enjoy a large number of activities with devotion.

4. Haridwar in Uttarakhand

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Haridwar is located in the northwestern part of Uttarakhand state in northern India is also famous as Hardwar and is supposed to be the gateway to the god. 
 
It is situated on the north side of the Himalayan foothills and also lies along the Ganga River. Haridwar is home to deep spirituality and worship and therefore has several Ghats and Mandir (Temples). 
 
This is supposed to be one of the seven holy and sacred places for the Hindus not only in India but spread all over the world. 
 
Its name is derived from Kapila the saga who once used to live at this place and also the name Hari is the name of Vishnu who is one of the prime deities of Hinduism. A large number of devotees visit Har-ki-Pauri to take a holy dip/bath. 
 
It may be said that the pride of Haridwar is Kumbh Mela. The Ardh Kumbh festival is organized hereafter every six years.  This festival is also one of the major activities in Haridwar and therefore attracts tourists to be part of this festival the Ardh Kumbh Mela.
 
The Panch Tirth (five Pilgrimages) situated in Haridwar are Kankhal, Kushwart (Ghat), Gangadwars (Har Ki Pauri),  Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple), and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi).
 
This city is supposed to be as old as the ancient Vedic times and includes a large number of institutes imparting traditional knowledge of religion and wellness. 
 
One can also have physical and mental benefits by learning yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda in different ashrams and training centres. 
 
Situated in the Haridwar district, Haridwar is the oldest city and the Municipality of Uttarakhand.  
 
Because of the religious values, it has several sightseeing locations like Ghats, temples and ashrams which are the prime attractions of Haridwar and are spread all around the Haridwar. 
 
The main destinations for religious devotees are Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. Kankhal is also one of the most famous towns near Haridwar that are known for its religious values and significance. 

The main attractions in Haridwar are:

  • Bharat Mata Mandir
  • Shantikunj
  • Har Ki Pauri
  • Mansa Devi Temple
  • Bhola Giri Ashram
  • Chandni Devi Temple
  • Gau Ghat
  • Bhimgoda Tank
  • Ma Anana Mayi Ashram
  • Vishnu Ghat
  • Chilla Range
  • Pawan Dham
  • Maya Devi Temple
  • Bikeshwar Mahadev Temple
  • Sri Santosh Puri Ashram
  • Sati Kund

How to reach Haridwar

Railway Station nearest to Haridwar: Haridwar Junction is the prime railway station in Haridwar connected with Dehradun and Rishikesh.

The Most Suitable time to Visit: is between March to June and for enjoying snowfall between December to February. 

5. Yamunotri in Uttarakhand  

Religious-Tourism-in-Uttarakhand

Known as the seat of the holy Yamuna its main source of origin is the Goddess River the Yamuna. 
 
This is part of the holy Chhota Char Dham pilgrimages for the Hindu devotees who visit here with a whole holy heart for worship and take blessings of the f holy river Yamuna. 
 
Champasar Glacier and Frozen Lake are their main sources of attraction for tourists which are located on Kalin Mountain at a height of about 4,425 meters from sea level. 
 
This temple famous as the Yamuna temple came into existence and developed under the supervision and control of Maharaja Pratap Shah who ruled the Tehri Garhwal for a long time. 
 
The very famous hot water springs close to Yamunotri temple are effusive from the chamber of the mountain. The holy Divya Shila located near Surya Kund is the place where the devotees worship before offering their devotion to the god. 
 
The most famous Yamunotri Temple constructed by the Jaipur Maharani Guleria is found in the Western part of the Himalayas range of Garhwal and is located at an altitude of about 3,235 meters from the river source. 

Places of Attraction near Yamunotri: 

  • Hanuman Chatti
  • Yamunotri Temple
  • Surya Kund
  • Saptarishi Kund
  • Barkot
  • Divya Shila
  • Janki Chatti
  • Shani Dev Temple
  • Trekking in Yamunotri

How to reach Yamunotri

The airport nearest to Yamunotri: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to this place at about 216 km. 

6. Gangotri in Uttarakhand

Religious-Tourism-in-Uttarakhand
This is a famous holy place for devotees because of the reason that the Hindu God Lord Shiva locked the River Ganga in his hair to save the earth and the human from the big fall of the holy River Ganga which the earth could not sustain. 

This place remains very cold with heavy snowfall in the winter season and has an elevation of about 3425 meters in the Greater Himalayan peaks. Gangotri is one part of the holy Char Dham of Hindus.

The most important three basins of the holy bath are situated close to the river’s water is believed to be most sacred and is taken by the devotees.

These Basins were dedicated to the main Gods of Hindus Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Gangotri overflows with Hindu devotees during the yatra who visit to worship in the temple and visit other holy places in Gangotri and near it.

Places of Attraction near Gangotri:

  • Gangotri Temple
  • Bhojbara
  • Surya Kund 
  • Bhaironghati
  • Dharali
  • Bhaironghati
  • Kedar Tal
  • Gangnani
  • Harsil
  • Jalmagna Shivline
  • Gangotri Glacier
  • Gangotri National Park
  • Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
  • Vishwanath Temple 

How to reach Gangotri

The Airport Nearest to Gangotri: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to this place and is located about 255 km. from this place.
 
Railway Station nearest to Gangotri: The Rishikesh Railway Station has located about 245 km. away from this village.
 
The Most Ideal Time to Visit Gangotri: May to October for the Char Dham yatra when a large number of devotees visit Gangotri.

7. Badrinath Dham – Uttarakhand

Religious-Tourism-in-Uttarakhand
 
Badrinath is known as the most famous holy place for Hindus found in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in the northern part of India. 
 
It is known for its temple, particularly for the famous Badrinath temple which is one of the most famous Char Dham pilgrimages of Hindu devotees. 
 
Its elevation is approx. 3305 meters from sea level and found on the bank of the holy river Alaknanda. The total population of this place is about 2,500 to 3000 people and the official language is Hindi. In summer also the weather of this place is not as hot as in most of the other parts of northern India. 
 
This is one of the favourite destinations for tourists and therefore a large number of tourists and Hindu devotees visit here from all around the world throughout the year, particularly during the snowfall season. 
 
Places to visit in Badrinath:
  • Badrinath Temple
  • Chairman Paduka
  • Yog Dhyan Badri Temple
  • Tara Kund
  • Neelkhantha Peak
  •  Pandukeshwar
  • Mana Village
  • Ask a Puri
  • Ganesha Cave
  • Saraswati River
  • Bheem Pul
  • Mata Murti Temple 

How to reach Badrinath

The Airport nearest to Badrinath: Jolly Grant Airport is located in Dehradun about 320 kilometres from Badrinath.
 
Railway Station nearest to Badrinath: Rishikesh Railway Station is about 290 kilometres from Badrinath.
The Ideal Time to visit Badrinath: April to June (summer) and October to March (winter)

8. Varanasi in Uttarakhand 

Religious-Tourism-in-Uttarakhand
Varanasi also famous by the name of Banaras is an ancient and holy city located at the bank of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh State in the northern part of India. 
 
As per historians, the Aryans were the first to settle in the middle part of the river Ganga Valley and hence the Aryan philosophy is spread in this region.

This is the home of great spiritual learning and includes globally famous Universities and other educational institutes.

This was the capital city of Kasi at the time of the Great Buddha and was a commercial and industrial home that was known for its ivory articles, silk fabric,  perfumes and muslin.  

This city is also known as the religious city of not only India but also the entire world. Every Hindu wants to visit this holy place at least once in their lifetime for religious purposes and worship apart from their tourist visit. 

This is an ordinary city and far away from the modern culture of bars and dance, nightclubs etc.

The speciality of Varanasi

  • Wooden Handicrafts
  • Langda or Malda Mangoes
  • Carpets and Brass Ware
  • Silk Cloths
  • Thater Bazar
  • Gold Jewellery
  • Gyan Vapi
  • Temple Bazar
  • Vishwanath Gali

The main points of attraction are:

  • Banaras Ghats
  • Chunar Fort
  • River Ganges
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • Ramnagar Fort
  • Chaumsathi Ghat
  • Sarnat
  • Man Mandir Ghat
  • Manikarnika Ghat
  • Archaeological Museum

Famous Markets & Malls: Godowlia Market, Thatheri Bazar, Rajan Silk Market, Vishwanath Lane,  Golghar, Gyanvapi, Dal Mandi Market, Lahurabir, Chowk and Urban Hatt, Vinayak Plaza, IP Sigra Mall, JHV Mall, IP Vijaya Mall,  PDR Mall.

Famous Street Food: Kachori Sabji, Chena Dahi Vada, Chooda Matar, Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha, Banarasi Thandai and Lassi, Dahi Chutney Golgappe,  Banarsi Paan.

The ideal time to visit: is from April to June in the Summer season and October to March in Winter.

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