While looking for things to do in Uttarakhand, you may mostly come across hiking, camping, skiing, adventure sports and the like. And you might wonder, it Uttarakhand really the right place to go for a family trip? Fret not, the state offers many other exciting things to explore which make it a perfect family trip destination. Here are some of the best things to do with family in Uttarakhand
Visit the Picture Perfect Hill Stations
Uttarakhand is home to some of the most beautiful hill stations in India. All these places offer views of the mighty mountain ranges, a welcoming weather, a spot away from your everyday lives, and make for perfect getaways from families looking to simply relax and enjoy their time in the mountains.
Mussoorie
Affectionately known as the “Queen of the Hills”, this is the most popular hill station in Uttarakhand, and rightly so. At about 2000m height, the picturesque little town is just 35 km from the state capital, Dehradun.
While you’re here, the best places to visit are the Kempty waterfalls, Lake Mist and Gun Hill. You can also visit Lal Tibba, which offers views of mountain ranges all along with a telescope. All these are beautiful spots in nature, while the town itself is best explored on foot. Here you will find various markets, wax museums, aquariums and restaurants which are especially renowned for their Maggi.
Such is the simplicity of life here that the Indian-English writer Ruskin Bond has made it his home. Fans can visit him too, if they wish.
Nainital
This town is based around the mythical Naini Lake, and is one the best spots to enjoy with family. It is believed that the eye (nain) of Parvati fell here while her body was carried by Shiva. This formed the lake, gives the place its name, and makes it a holy pilgrimage site. The Naina Devi Temple is one of the major temples in this area.
While the town is built on the banks of the lake, the other side of the lake is surrounded by mighty, majestic peaks of the Himalayan range, making boating in the Naini lake one of the must do things in Nainital.
For more great views, you can take a aerial cable car ride from one end of the Lake to snow view point. Also, visit the Nainital Zoo to get a glimpse of some rare animals, including the snow leopard.
Lansdowne
Lansdowne is one the remote and isolated hill stations – and is best for families who are looking to simply be away from the city crowds (which one often finds in popular hill stations). It was founded by the British Viceroy Lord Lansdowne, during the British rule in India as a cantonment town. This gives the place an ‘old time’ colonial feel to it.
Today is serves as a quiet lonely town surrounded by thick forests, which make for a great excursion to enjoy some forest vibes and spot Himalayan animals and birds, depending on the season. You can also visit the Bhulla Lake, and Tarkeshwar Mahadev, which is another revered temple for Hindu pilgrims.
A must visit in Lansdowne is the Tiffin Top point, which offers magnificent views of the mountain range all around – and is guaranteed to please the entire family.
Auli
While primarily being famous for its wintersports, Auli is a paradise if you are looking to see and play in the snow with your family. The same reason that it is considered a skiing paradise, Auli has some of the best snowfalls, and it also makes it a perfect spot to visit with family.
Also what makes Auli fun is getting there. Once you reach Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi till Joshimath. From there, get aboard one of the longest cable car rides in the world – about 4kms from Joshimath to Auli. This is a ride with views that you’ll remember for a long time.
For the snow, the perfect atmosphere and the surreal views of mountain vistas, Auli is also a must visit place with family.