Uttarakhand, known for its majestic mountains, pristine forests, and spiritual sanctuaries, is a popular destination among tourists. However, several offbeat places in Uttarakhand are yet to be explored by travelers. Here are some of the best offbeat places in Uttarakhand that one must visit:
Peora
Peora is a small picturesque village located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas and is surrounded by lofty pine forests. The village is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some time in the lap of nature. One can indulge in hiking, bird watching, village tourism, and wildlife photography in Peoria.
Khurpatal
Khurpatal is a small hamlet located just 12km from Nainital. The emerald blue-green lake in Khurpatal is the main attraction of this place. The crystal clear lake offers a wide variety of fish species, making it perfect for people who love fishing. Surrounded by lofty pine and lovely cheddar trees, Khurpatal is an escape from the rush of city life and provides a beautiful gateway for rejuvenating your body and mind.
Kasar Devi
Kasar Devi is a hushed hamlet surrounded by the Kumaon hills. The ancient Kasar Devi Temple dating back to the 2nd Century CE is visited by pilgrims. The famous Hippie Trail or the Crank’s Ridge has its own interesting story that piques your fascination for the place even more. One can indulge in strolling across Crank’s Ridge, visiting Kasar Devi Temple, meditating at Buddhist Meditation Centre, hiking to Kalimath, and photography.
Didihat
Didihat is a small town located en route to Kailash Mansarovar at an altitude of 1,725mts in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand? The town is rich in history and culture and offers a unique experience to its visitors. One can indulge in visiting Shirakot temple, wildlife tour at Askot Sanctuary, village tourism, hiking, camping, and experiencing the vibrant festivals of the town.
Khirsu
Khirsu is a hidden gem located 1700mts above sea level and at a distance of 15 km from Pauri. Surrounded by thick forests of pine, oak, and Deodar, Khirsu is an ideal place for people seeking solitude and some quiet time. The views from Khirsu are worth savoring and investing your time in. One can visit the ancient temple dedicated to Ghandiyal Devi and stroll around the apple orchards. Nature walks and hikes, and village tourism are some of the things to do in Khirsu.
Bhowali
Bhowali is famous for its juicy fruits like apples, strawberries, plums, peaches, apricots, etc. Perched at an elevation of 1,706mts above sea level, Bhowali is located 11kms from Nainital and offers spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains along with delicious regional delicacies. The place is perfect for people seeking solitude and a retreat from the busyness of life. Visit Golu Devta temple & Folk Cultural Museum, explore Shyamkhet tea garden, and taste the regional delicacies and lip-smacking pickles from ‘Food Bazaar’ are some of the things to do in Bhowali.
In conclusion, Uttarakhand has a plethora of offbeat places that are yet to be explored by travelers. These offbeat places in Uttarakhand are perfect for those who are seeking solitude and some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From picturesque villages to hushed hamlets, Uttarakhand has it all. So, pack your bags