Balanced in spirituality and scenic beauty, Uttarakhand is one of the most unique states in India. There are so many travel destinations in this Himalayan state. However, you will love to know about the offbeat places in Uttarakhand. Yes, Devbhoomi has something that attracts every traveler.
If you have explored religious places like Haridwar, Kedarnath, and Badrinath or hill stations such as Nainital and Mussoorie, it’s time to explore some hidden gems of Devbhoomi. In this article, we will cover the top offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand.
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About Uttarakhand
Uttaranchal or Uttarakhand is an important state in the northern part of India. Due to its religious significance, this state is called the ‘Debbhoomi’ (the land of God). Besides famous temples, Uttarakhand has some amazing hill stations in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
Moreover, this place is quite popular among trekkers. Thousands of trekkers visit Uttaranchal for several treks including Kedartal Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, and Valley of Flowers Trek.
However, you can explore some less-known gems in this state. In the next section, we will share the best offbeat locations in Uttarakhand. You will have an exceptional experience.
Top Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand
With the increasing pressure on work-life balance, many people want to escape reality for a few days. However, visiting a popular tourist destination can’t take away your stress. In this case, you can visit some offbeat places in Uttarakhand. Let’s unleash some hidden gems of this Himalayan state:
1. Munsiyari
Looking for a perfect escape from reality? Munsiyari can be your dream destination. This less-known hamlet can steal your heart with the boon of nature. Located at the height of 2300 mt above sea level, Munsiyari maintains a balance between snowy peaks and dense forests.
Munsiyari is quite popular among trekkers as this hamlet leads to several base camps and glaciers. The best time to visit Munsiyari is from March to June and September to November.
You can reach Munsiyari from Almora, Pithoragarh, or Nainital. Most tourists include this offbeat hamlet in their Nainital trip. Bus services are available from Pithoragarh and Almora.
2. Kakrighat
Located at a distance of 24 km from Almora, Kakrighat is another amazing offbeat destination in Uttarakhand. The most significant attraction of Kakrighat is Neeb Karoli Baba Ashram which is located on the bank of the Koshi river.
Hence, Swami Vivekananda also visited this ashram for meditation. You can include Kakrighat while visiting Ranikhet. The lush green surroundings and the beauty of nature will steal your heart.
As we noted, Almora is the nearest city to Kakrighat. However, you can also visit this place from Ranikhet or Nainital.
3. Khirsu
If you are looking for a fairy tale destination, you have to visit Khirsu. You see, this hamlet is one of the best offbeat places in Uttarakhand. The key attraction of this little village is the 300 km wide view of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, and Trishul peaks.
Hence, Khirsu is well-known among trekkers. The best time to visit this hamlet is throughout the year. If you want to do trekking or camping, choose the winter months. Bird watching is another popular activity in Khirsu.
4. Peora
Located at the height of 6,600 ft, Peora is one of the top offbeat locations in Uttarakhand. Many bird watchers visit this little hamlet every year. No matter if you are a solo traveler or going on your honeymoon, Peora is the ideal destination.
Besides picturesque beauty, Peora is also affordable for tourists. If you want to know more about local people, you can stay at a homestay. You can reach Peora from Kathgodam or Almora. If you want to witness snow-clad mountains, you have to visit this village during winter.
5. Kausani
Kausani is undoubtedly one of the best offbeat places in Uttarakhand. No matter if you are a backpacker or a nature lover, Kausani is the perfect destination for you. On the other hand, this place is perfect during winter snowfall.
There are so many sightseeing attractions from Kausani such as Rudradhari Falls, Anasakti Ashram, and Baijnath Temple. You can reach Kausani from Kathgodam which is around 136 km away.
6. Chaukori
Chaukori is one of the offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand. From picture-perfect peaks to aromatic tea estates, there are so many things to explore in this hamlet. On the other hand, if you want to do trekking, this place is ideal for you.
You can trek to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Dharampur, and Musk Deer Park. You can visit Chaukori throughout the year. Kathgodam is 180 km away from Chaukori. You can also reach this village from Pantnagar Airport.
7. Binsar
The meaning of Binsar is ‘new morning’ in the Garhwali language.Â
Surrounded by pine forests, Binsar is a fairy tale destination for travelers. If you are visiting Almora, you have to visit this village as well. The best thing about this village is you can witness several Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Chakhamba, and Trisul.
The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place. The best time to visit this offbeat destination is from October to November. If you want to explore the forest, you have to come in March-April. Binsar is easily reachable from Almora or Kathgodam.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an escape, no other place would be as wondrous as Uttarakhand. We have shared the top offbeat places in Uttarakhand. Make sure you include these unexplored destinations in your next trip. For more details, you can also start your research on the internet.
Ruchira is the founder of India Travelpedia, a writer by passion and profession. Besides writing, she’s a travel buff, foodie, and culture enthusiast.
Beautiful place to visit. I must add this place to my bucket list. Thank you for sharing.
Ooh I love this! Peora and Binsar are both so pretty, exactly my sort of thing – I’d definitely love to visit someday! Thank you so much for sharing x